Playlist:
Setting Up Your APC Mini Controller | Getting Started With APC Mini mk2
Using Clips and Scenes With APC Mini | Getting Started With APC Mini mk2
Using APC Mini Smart Scales Mode | Getting Started With APC Mini mk2
Using The APC Mini Drum Mode | Getting Started With APC Mini mk2
Recording Clips With APC Mini | Getting Started With APC Mini mk2
Ableton Device Control With APC Mini | Getting Started With APC Mini mk2
Mixing Tracks With APC Mini | Getting Started With APC Mini mk2
Navigating Ableton Live With APC Mini | Getting Started With APC Mini mk2
The Best Budget Controllers for Ableton Live? Akai APC Mini MK2 vs APC Key 25 MK2 // Tutorial/Review
TIMELINE: 0:00 Intro 1:05 What’s new? 1:40 RGB pads 2:05 Note mode 4:15 Drum mode 4:25 Mini MK2 v 1 4:45 Key25 MK2 v 1 5:35 Key 25 v Mini 7:20 Setup 8:15 Takeover mode 9:10 Soft keys 10:30 Key controls 11:15 Knobs, faders 14:00 Pros & cons 16:45 Outro
"The new APC Mini and APC Key 25 controllers are here, delivering a premium clip-launching experience for the immersive music-creation you need. Enjoy bright RGB-backlit pad performance with accurate feedback from Ableton, smooth hardware sliders and knobs, and creative note performance to help you write the most inspired music ever."
APC Mini Features
► 64 RGB-backlit Pads
► 9 Assignable Sliders
► Notes, Drum, and Smart Scale View Modes
► Ableton Live Lite and AIR Music Technology Bundled
APC Key 25 Features
► 40 RGB-backlit Pads
► 8 Assignable 360 Rotary Knobs
► 25-key Gen 2 Dynamice Keybed
► Ableton Live Lite and AIR Music Technology Bundled
"🎵🎵Hi all the Donner Music friends, hope to find you happy healthy and safe. Another Tuesday Live Performance session with our brilliant Starrykeyboard! Here comes Donner DJ Artist Nick playing melodic electronic music with Starrykey 37 only. Check out this phenomenal piece and hope you enjoy it!
🚀🚀What Makes Donner Starrykey37 - 8+8+4 to expand your imagination You can perform efficiently and creatively thanks to the 8+8+4 set of programmable keys, knobs, and faders, which are simple to use and have a variety of configurable components.
- The cool and colorful D37 is the producer's secret weapon. When the D37 is connected to a power source, the lights on the keys, knobs, and percussion pads will turn on in 7 brilliant colors, adding more dynamic hues to your music as you play the beat.
- Wood log-textured keys are both comfortable and natural. The Donner D37 MIDI keyboard features 37 velocity-sensitive , high-quality wood log-textured keys to ensure that every detail of the performance is captured. It has a natural and comfortable touch with the vibrant visual effect.
- Standard-size Keys to Play Freely Standard-size keys can give you more playing space for your hands and the ultimate sense of creative experience . The Donner D37 MIDI keyboard is ideal for practicing rhythms in the bedroom as well as on stage or in a club.
- Multi-functional pitch wheels Control the pitch wheel with the pitch/mod mode to add creativity to your rhythm and melody, giving your music a different voice!
- Sustain pedal interface In addition to the MIDI USB connection, the Donner D37 also has MIDI output and pedal interface. Additional compatibility opens up new possibilities for you to explore!
- compatible with mobile devices The USB-MIDI output interface is plug-and-play, requiring no additional driver installation, and can be easily compatible with mobile devices.
- Convenient transport controller The D37 features 3 quick switch buttons to make your music production more efficient!
"Some DIY enthusiasts make great MIDI controllers for their favorite iOS apps.
This is comprehensive, compact and very handy MIDI controller for FieldScaper app. Despite not a very large number of controls, it can almost completely replace the on-screen user interface of the app, switching between different functions. The author of this device is Mario Jurisch (Synth-Project)."
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video upload by Esoteric Music Machines
"Super fun first play with the Herzlich Labs https://www.etsy.com/shop/HerzlichLab... MAXIMA touch controller, interfacing with Ieaskul F Mobenthey modules (Fourses, Denum, Denum, Sprott).
It's a really fun controller that works particularly well with the BOUNDS inputs on many IFM modules. It's housed in a custom (3D printed?) case, it's very fun to use, and I don't understand how an unpowered controller can even do what this one does, but there you are."
"The MMI Maxima is the final word in MMI technology. Beautiful gold patterns form gradients of touch sensitive surface areas, each connected to an input/output. Drag, rub, pinch or tap your fingers across to form connections, and create evocative and unique performances. Utilize the various pattern densities and shapes in your performance, or create installations with whatever conductive material is to hand.
Operation is easy: simply plug any audio, LFO, CV, trigger, gate, offset or clock into any of the inputs on the front panel, and connect one or several outputs to destinations in your system. The symbols near the sockets correspond to the shapes on the panel, and all that remains is for you to form the connection between the desired symbols with your hand, or any other conductive object you may have. Connect multiple at the same time to achieve liquid, gradual mixing, evolving rhythmic patterns, mixed LFOs and more. Furthermore, touch the pressure plates more firmly or in more dense areas to form stronger connections - in practice, this means a signal will pass with more or less intensity, based on the pressure you apply."
"Elefe is an electronic recorder that anyone can easily enjoy playing. saxophone including recorder
Equipped with 10 different tones such as , and clarinet, you can play with the same fingering as a soprano recorder.
Since the main unit has a built-in battery and speaker, it can be used without a cable, and a headphone terminal is also available.
It is also ideal for night practice because it is also equipped. It also has a wireless MIDI function via Bluetooth.
It is also possible to control an external sound source from the Elefe by connecting it to a BLE-MIDI compatible device."
"Plusieurs appareils MIDI étaient présentés par GM LAB au SoundMiT 2022 : 1 pédale d'expression USB/MIDI (UP4), 2 contrôleurs à tirettes pour contrôler des orgues (D9U et D9X), un transformateur de signal + filtre MIDI (MJU) ainsi qu'un routeur MIDI en étoile (ST4)
GM Lab étant par ailleurs un projet parallèle à la marque Crumar que vous connaissez peut être. Plus d'infos sur leur site : https://gmlab.it/"
"The Erae Touch from Embodme has slipped under our radar somewhat, as we've not seen it in the flesh before. We had a look at the unit at Synthplex and saw that there are some pretty cool features, using the large backlit control surface for some nifty interface chops. They've also managed to get the response time right down that makes it possible to trigger the completely configurable playing surface with sticks.
It puts us in mind of the Jazz Mutant Lemur crossed with the Roli blocks. Its fully MPE compatible and has an editor enabling user configurations aplenty.
High-definition OLED Screen Display
The DMK-25Pro has a straightforward panel design and a high-definition OLED display. View arpeggio, velocity, speed, and other functions in real time to make arranging and creating timbre easier.
Innovative Wheels
4 innovative wheels for greater visual control and comfort when turning, custom mapping to allocate the information you need to control, and 6 transport controllers to improve arrangement efficiency
Personalized Touch Bar With Light Scale
Your composition is easier using Pitch/Mod touch mode.
Compatible With a Variety of DAW
25 key midi keyboards are highly compatible with various DAWs, such as Cubase, Nuendo, FL studio, GarageBand, etc.
40 Free and Entertaining Keyboard-Teaching Courses
With the purchase of our midi keyboard, you get 40 free entertaining lessons, which are enough to master all aspects of arranging your creations. Then it's time for your free creative time!
Gift Genuine CUBASE Software
Buying DMK-25 Pro MIDI keyboard supports genuine Cubase LE、Cubasis、WaveLab LE software, Which provides you with a complete music production experience to help you in your arrangement and creation.
Velocity-Sensitive Backlit Pads
These velocity-sensitive backlit pads deliver the perfect touch for precise drumming and sample playback.
Playlist:
MiniLab 3 | Universal MIDI Controller | ARTURIA
Tutorials | MiniLab 3 - Overview
Tutorials | MiniLab 3 - Using Analog Lab
MiniLab 3 | How To Get Started
MiniLab 3 | How To Control Ableton Live
MiniLab 3 | How To Control Reason
MiniLab 3 | How To Control Bitwig
MiniLab 3 | How To Control FL Studio
MiniLab 3 | How To Use Chord Mode & the Arpeggiator
Arturia Minilab MK3 // with Ableton Live & Analog Lab // vs competition // Review & tutorial
"MiniLAB 3 is a compact MIDI keyboard & pad controller that lets users make music, right out the box. With a creative plug-and-play workflow, versatile assignable controls, 500 curated sounds from Analog Lab"s massive library, and a bundle of world-class creative software, MiniLAB 3 is designed to finally help beginners and professionals to get truly immersed in their music creation flow, whatever their style."
The universal music-making controller MiniLab 3 is a next-generation
plug-and-play MIDI controller that combines a great-feeling keyboard, flexible
pads, faders, and knobs, and a premium software bundle with seamless DAW
integration that lets users get creative right out the box.
Hands-on,
easy to use From the great-feeling keyboard, to the pads & faders directly
integrated with Analog Lab & your DAW, to the real-time mini display, every
aspect of MiniLab 3 is designed to be intuitive, expressive, and a joy to use -
for beginners and pros alike.
Creative features Enjoy a workflow
that aids the creative process, with features like a built-in arpeggiator, Chord
mode, custom DAW presets, and easy transposition. Making music has never been so
accessible.
Portable, compatible design MiniLab 3 is built to
fit seamlessly into any setup, from bedroom to stage, with its compact &
lightweight design, MIDI output, and USB-C connectivity. It even has custom
scripts for DAW integration with Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic, Bitwig, and
Reason.
Creative software included On top of a world-class MIDI
controller, users get a full package of premium music-making software, from an
industry-standard DAW to well over 500 synth & keyboard presets:
Analog
Lab Intro Ableton Live Lite UVI Model D Native Instruments The
Gentleman Loopcloud sample packs & subscription Melodics
subscription
The world’s first eco designed MIDI keyboard MiniLab
3 is built with longevity and sustainability in mind. A reliable & rugged design
with better components means this controller goes the distance, complete with a
5-year warranty. And with minimum 50% recycled plastic, less waste production,
and 100% recyclable packaging, MiniLab 3 is helping reduce our carbon footprint.
Note the model to the left with all black keys. It was the only pic of it included in the press pics that follow.
Playlist:
Exquis - The smartest way to create expressive music
Loïc, accordeonist and du-touch player, is testing Exquis
Knarf, synthfluencer at LesSondiers.com testing Exquis
"Making music is all about finding the right notes and assembling them in rhythm. But whatever the instrument, device or software, it still takes time and effort to master theory and technique.
At Intuitive Instruments, we have figured out a smarter way to play and compose today’s music, that makes it intuitive and logical for anyone.
Explore, have fun, surprise yourself, find inspiration. Above all, composing music is about emotion. Exquis provides an intuitive way to lead you to the right path, still allowing you to play out of it. No need to think: just choose a scale and follow its illuminated path.
Thanks to our patented layout, making chords is easy; Exquis puts notes that sound well together right next to one another. You’ll be amazed how harmony falls under your fingers.
Your notes, your chords, your music
Beginner, amateur or professional musicians, we all want to shorten the time between an idea and its execution. Exquis gives you the fastest access to the rules of harmony, so you can improvise with or without any theoretical background.
Then, thanks to Exquis’s unique and spontaneous creative workflow, just pick a sound, play, record your own loops and create a full song in minutes!
Expressivity at your fingertips
There is no need to play lots of notes when you can bring them to life. Exquis’s expressive keys are designed to be mastered in minutes while offering a huge potential for expert gestures. Inspired by the finesse of acoustic instruments, Exquis keys are both firm enough to play percussion and short notes with precision, and soft enough to modulate long notes with sensibility.
Sculpt your music with emotion; hit, press, and bend the keys independently thanks to the MIDI Polyphonic Expression protocol (MPE).
And in addition, use the 4 clickable potentiometers and the touch slider to increase the possibilities of sound and music control: effects, note/beat repeat,...
The Exquis multi-platform app is the perfect companion for the keyboard, as well as an autonomous MIDI-compatible DAW. Compose entire songs within seconds thanks to a unique workflow we have been perfecting for 15 years, which is approved today by thousands of musicians worldwide for its spontaneity and efficiency.
The app and the controller work in symbiosis to provide an easy and chronological music production logic. From left to right, pilot the essential actions with simple gestures, directly on the keyboard and/or in the app:
Settings : prepare your song (tempo, scale, default quantization…) Sounds : pick a sound plugin and preset to create a new “track” Record : record “clips” and preset the recording behavior (start condition, length, overdub) Tracks : just like a director in an orchestra, decide which clips to launch and stop in real time Scenes : save and launch states of your song (e.g: intro, verse, chorus…) Play/Stop : play/stop your song, and select another project"
We designed the Exquis’s workflow by taking into consideration two temporalities: you can both play live safely and take your time to create in your bubble. Most usual actions only require handling the keyboard, whereas advanced actions taking more time like programming (clip/scene duration, follow actions…) are to be made via the app.
The interface of the app is designed following the same logic, turning your device into a customizable heads-up display and an alternative interface to all your actions, especially if you play with another MIDI controller.
In order to allow musicians to create new rhythms and moods, the Exquis app natively includes exclusive functionalities never seen in a DAW before. For example, as we were inspired by the workshops of Jacob Collier, the app provides an easy way to play with tuplets: uncommon beat divisions such as 1/5 or 1/7, useful to create grooves with a drunk feel."
"K-Board-C is a simple yet expressive, durable, portable USB MPE MIDI keyboard designed for music producers and performers to use anywhere. K-Board-C works with all of your music software, connecting to your computer or mobile device via USB-C. K-Board-C is MPE compatible with 25 touch sensitive keys to detect velocity, polyphonic aftertouch, and per-key tilt, giving you total control of musical expression. The new K-Board-C enclosure features a durable ABS polycarbonate finish that comes in 5 fun colors: Snow, Galaxy, Orchid, Lime and Aqua. Powerful and portable, the K-Board-C is designed for everyone making music!"
"Demo for the ND2 Edition of the Synth Controller supporting #Clavia #NordDrum 2. Also works with the Nord Drum 3 but not with the first version (with 4 channels) which does not support CC-parameter editing. 6 minutes of editing with some captions what's currently going on. From 6:28 the setup and usage of the GLOBAL MODE is shown. GLOBAL MODE allows simultaneous editing of previously teached parameters on all 6 channels, kind of performance mixer."
"🎹Light and functional with 48 total assignable pads, exclusive equipment stamped with your personality, Small and compact, a midi drum pad with great speed and compatibility you can count on. It's your exclusive lighting engineer. It's the secret weapon for the beatmaker. Here we bring you the Donner Starrypad Midi drum controller, DPD-16!
🥁The DPD-16's sixteen soft silicone backlit pads can trigger drums, samples, and effects in your DAW. A toggle on the pad bank can allow you to quickly switch between three different pad layers for a total of forty-eight assignable pads. In addition, the DPD-16 can handle polyphony and comes with adjustable velocity sensitivity. It has an assignable custom group with two faders, two knobs, and three buttons, and with DAW and VST, you can customize the controls for a completely personalized instrument. In addition, the most commonly used semitones and octaves can be adjusted with one key and no additional settings. DPD-16 comes with a standard USB C power supply and data interface for easy plug-and-play. The additional MIDI in/out allows you to connect to an external synthesizer or other MIDI equipment. So no matter how you use it, the DPD-16 provides compatibility you can count on.
【16 Colorful Beat Pad Record 48 Custom Sound Sources】 The MIDI drum pad STARRYPAD's 16 soft silicone backlit pads can trigger drums, samples, effects and more. One convenient key allows you to quickly switch between 3 different pad banks for a total of 48 assignable pads. In addition, the beat maker STARRYPAD can handle polyphony and comes with adjustable velocity sensitivity. Regardless of your mood, the STARRYPAD will fill your rhythm with soul.
【Exclusive Equipment, Stamped with Your Personality】The drum pad machine STARRYPAD has an assignable custom group with 2 fader, 2 knobs, and 3 buttons, and you can customize the controls for a completely personalized instrument with DAW and VST. As a beat maker machine, the most commonly used semitones and octaves can be adjusted with one key SHIFT, sample and convenient.
【Powerful Compatibility】The beat machine comes with a standard USB C power supply and data interface for easy plug and play. (Tips: if you want to connect to your iPhone or iPad, you need to buy an Apple Lightning to USB Adapter) The additional MIDI in/out allows you to connect to an external synthesizer or other MIDI equipment. So no matter how you use it, the music pad STARRYPAD provides compatibility you can count on. (Comes with USB cable, type c adapter and MIDI cable)
【Your Exclusive Lighting Engineer】The midi controller pad STARRYPAD lights up the stage with 7 dazzling colors. Use playing instructions to trigger the brilliant lights making your rhythm doubly dynamic, or set the colors through editor and control the atmosphere on the dance floor.(Tips: the editor only can set the STAYYPAD, doesn't have the function of recording and arranging music) 【Boost Your Rhythm Game】Worried about a weak sense of rhythm? Tap Tempo is directly synchronized with DAW to help you quickly grasp the BPMs of any song and play along. In addition, Note Repeat's ultra-low latency perfectly connects each sample segment without getting stuck or errors!
Inspiration for production, Donner Starrykey 25 Midi Keyboard Controller丨Donner Spotlight video upload by
Donner Music
"Compact keyboard with a full-sized range, 4+4 freedom without restrictions,
multi-color backlit pads, your exclusive lighting engineer, small and compact,
and could also bring you more possibilities of music production with its extra
compatibility! We're so proud to launch Donner Starrykey 25 Midi Keyboard
Controller for the one who starts to get in the world of creating your own
sounds and music! The STARRYKEY 25's 25 velocity-sensitive and Aftertouch keys
give you nuanced control, while its semitone and octave switching functions let
you access the same range as a full-sized keyboard. It reduces 25 keys to square
inches, providing a compact keyboard that meets all your playing needs! For more
specifications please explore from the link below"
【Compact Keyboard with A Full-sized Range】The MIDI STARRYKEY 25's 25 velocity-sensitive and Aftertouch keys give you nuanced control, while its semitone and octave switching functions let you access the same range as a full-sized keyboard. The STARRYKEY 25 reduces 25 keys to square inches, providing a compact keyboard that meets all your playing needs!
【4+4 Freedom without Restrictions】The STARRYKEY 25's 4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable buttons are compatible with all mainstream DAWs, allowing you to dial in the exact instrument tones or FX functions you need. While its pitch and modulation wheels add that little extra control, giving you complete freedom over your sound.
【Multi-color Backlit Pads】The ultra responsiveness of the STARRYKEY 25's 8 velocity-sensitive backlit pads breathes life into your rhythm. In addition, each holds up to 3 different drum kits with 24 selectable custom tones, allowing you to create your unique sound.
【Your Exclusive Lighting Engineer】The STARRYKEY 25 lights up the stage with seven dazzling colors. Use playing instructions to trigger the brilliant lights or set the colors through accompanying software. Allow the lights to make your rhythm doubly dynamic or use them to control the atmosphere on the dance floor.
【Small and Compact】The STARRYKEY 25 is thin and portable, making it easy to record your inspiration anytime and anywhere. We've carefully tested and adjusted the button design and placement to ensure accuracy and comfort, freeing you to focus on the music for a smoother performance.
【Extra Compatibility Brings More Possibilities】Along with a MIDI USB connection, the STARRYKEY 25 comes equipped with both MIDI out and pedal interfaces, allowing you to use it as a 25-key piano or output directly to a mixer or synthesizer. The extra compatibility brings a wealth of possibilities just waiting for you to explore!
001:model D by ΔMIDI is a dedicated, physical MIDI controller for the world’s most popular synthesizer – Moog Minimoog Model D’s VST plugins.
001:model D allows you to take full control over any Minimoog-based VST available on the market. And thanks to being open-source, anyone can freely modify or tweak its behaviour. This makes the 001:model D a truly universal MIDI controller.
Why dedicated controller is better than knobs built into a MIDI keyboard?
Due to the fact that every knob and every switch is an accurate representation of what is happening on the screen, the exact representation of what sound synthesizer you are operating produces. After spending a while with the 001:model D, you won’t just be able to use ordinary knobs, you will discover a different level of control. It’s all because of that 1:1 layout.
Controls
21 analogue potentiometers 6 6-stage knobs 15 toggle switches 2 lever switches 3 LED indicators 44 physical controls in total.
Sync button for instant settings transfer.
Map button for changing MIDI mapping on the fly.
Class-compliant MIDI-USB protocol implementation Open-source hardware† Eurorack-compatible design‡ Black and white finish, gold lettering with matched knob and USB cable color‡ Hackable, based on Arduino® platform Mechanical
Made from three layers of fibreglass reinforced laminate with an additional layer of sheet aluminium. All CNC-machined. Dimensions: 425 mm x 110 mm x 48 mm (16.75″ x 4.3″ x 1.9″) Weight: 1100 g (2.4 lbs). †001:model D will become fully open-source after Kickstarter Campaign
‡Eurorack model and colour options availability depends on Stretch Goal completion
But hey, there’s more!
After completing the main goal - collecting funds to start the 001:model D production, we have Stretch Goals – for making a white 001:model D, also with gold plated lettering; and something really special - a Eurorack compatible model.
Tested & compatible with
Arturia Mini V Native Instruments Monark UAD Minimoog® GForce MINIMONSTA®
"Here's the latest from switchtrix Electronics.A faithful recreation of the KS sequencer.This version features an envelope generator that can be routed to input channel 2 of the Synthe AKS.Standard version in blue also available.Thanks for watching.For more information please contact
"Wind Synthesizer R1 is now a proud finalist of 2022 MIDI Innovation Awards.
Behold the musical instrument from future! For the first time in history, a performer of music could bring light, directly and literally, to every audience vividly. This extra dimension of musical expression responds to your breathe, and glows over 60,000 colors of your choice.
Because of its intuitive panel design, one can easily learn in minutes and gig in 2 weeks. Explore motion control, customizable hotkeys, Bluetooth connectivity, and even onboard sound banks. R1 opens a new gate for both freshers and professionals.
As our city of Shanghai continues its quarantine, we are still unable to film, while we decided to put together this video for the MIDI Awards finals. It should help new friends know R1 better.
For the overseas version, we are talking to a number of KOCs/KOLs. Many features will make adjustments based on your feedback. If you find yourself willing to give comprehensive feedback, and are capable of making high-quality videos, you may contact us for collaboration.
Robkoo’s revolutionary Wind Synthesizer R1 rocked as Commercial Hardware category finalist in the MIDI Association’s 2022 MIDI Innovation Awards Show
SHANGHAI, CHINA: fresh from making musical waves at The 2022 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, USA, at the invitation of the MIDI Association, a non-profit community for both the companies who develop new MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) specifications and products and the people that create music and art with MIDI, digital art-facilitating software and hardware company Robkoo is proud to announce that its revolutionary Wind Synthesizer R1 — realised as a futuristic, cyber-like MIDI wind controller instrument with responsive RGB light bars, motion control, Bluetooth connectivity, customisable hotkeys, onboard sound banks, and a dedicated app allowing amateur and professional players alike to directly (and literally) light up their performances to audiences for the first time in history, having mastered its intuitive panel design in a matter of minutes and achieved gig-readiness within weeks of first musically making its acquaintance — rocked as a Commercial Hardware category finalist in the MIDI Association’s 2022 MIDI Innovation Awards Show, itself co-founded by music technologies learning platform Music Hackspace and the non-profit NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants), where it was displayed as taking third place…
It is true to say that the most distinguishing design feature of the Wind Synthesizer R1 is how much of its slimline body actually lights up. Ultimately, an extra dimension of musical expression responds to the player’s breath, glowing to the tune of over 60,000 colours — customisable in JamKoo, Robkoo’s popular performance app for iOS and Android that automatically detects (via Bluetooth) when a Wind Synthesizer R1 is nearby and awake to provide access to all settings on a larger screen, as well as a dummy-proof guide to learning — courtesy of two lengthy, patent-protected RGB light bars with which the futuristic, cyber-like MIDI wind controller instrument is equipped. It is also the only such instrument that can be played both vertically and horizontally, whether working with the (removable/replaceable) food-grade mouthpiece manufactured from the same material as a baby pacifier for utmost health protection or the new horizontal mouthpiece, making for a cyber-flute-like performance action.
Its inbuilt gyroscope lets Wind Synthesizer R1 players spice up their performance with pitch bend and vibrato by simply moving the MIDI wind controller instrument itself. Indeed, performing with it is simply a case of playing the seven touch-sensing performance keys (positioned on its topside) — themselves exhibiting minimal noise and maximum durability — that resemble an acoustic instrument to permit playing expressively in a realistic and graceful way while switching tones in an instant, ably assisted by an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screen that even helps with navigating in the dark. Delve instantly into wider octaves beyond the limitations of acoustic instruments thanks to the triple-octave (-1, 0, +1, +2) keys (on the underside of Wind Synthesizer R1), while a reliable and intuitive mechanical pitch wheel lets performers pitch freely with their thumb — also customisable to trigger other controls like portamento.
Put it this way: with onboard tones sampled from top performers from around the world — working with sound suppliers like Dynamix Audio (Serbia), Impact Soundworks (USA), Kong Audio (China), Sound Magic (China), and Versilian Studios (USA), Wind Synthesizer R1 could conceivably shave off 10 or even 20 years of practice when it comes to achieving a professional-sounding performance!
Whether wirelessly or cable connected to an applicable device, by also allowing for portamento and program change alongside breath control — as implied by name, Wind Synthesizer R1 is also a capable MIDI controller that sends so much more than just note information. Interestingly, it also supports MIDI input over USB MIDI (Type-C) and Bluetooth (BLE MIDI) — not bad going for a lightweight (450g) device with 67 cm (length), 4 cm (width), and 5 cm (height) measurements making for comfortable handling. However, its slimline design belies its impressive specification, also accommodating a 3.5 mm TRS headphone output, 6.35 mm TRS audio output, and Type-C USB port. But better still, Wind Synthesizer R1 boasts a (2600mAh) battery-running time of six hours (with the RGB light bars operating), extending to 10 hours (with the RGB light bars turned off).
On the face of it, Wind Synthesizer R1 represents a highly-capable package, one which helpfully comes complete with a dust bag, neck strap, mouthpiece cap, Type-C USB cable, quickstart guide, and user manual... little wonder, then, that Wind Synthesizer R1 rocked as a Commercial Hardware category finalist in the MIDI Association’s 2022 MIDI Innovation Awards Show — something Robkoo Business Developer Tianbang Zhuang far from takes lightly, as evidenced in his well-chosen words when speaking there: “It would be unfair to say that R1 is just a wind synth with lights, or just a wind synth with motion control, or just a wind synth with a horizontal mouthpiece option. They are eye-catching, for sure, but R1 has much more layers. When we started this project, we were here to solve the problems in instrument learning. We did not add lights just because we thought it was cool, or stack those features because we thought they were cool. We added features because they can be helpful to our goal. That’s why those features can be put together as an organic whole. Think about the experience we designed for the customer: you receive it at Christmas; you say, ‘Wow! It’s cool!’; you follow the user guide and learn about it with our [JamKoo] app; and in 15 minutes you suddenly know how to play a new instrument. After two weeks you went from being someone who knows nothing about musical instruments to a confident performer — with lights and style. We are changing peoples lives with something that has so many fancy features, but doesn’t feel overwhelming at all since it still appears to be a simple and intuitive instrument.”
While Wind Synthesizer R1 is already available to buy as a commercial product in mainland China for CN¥2,999.00 RMB, Robkoo is currently working with a number of KOL (Key Opinion Leaders)/KOC (Key Opinion Consumers) on overseas firmware and other adjustments (including sound banks) with a view to making it available worldwide with a projected price tag of around $500.00 USD later this year when it is likely to become available to buy from Robkoo’s website (http://www.robkoo.com/en/) and also some selected retailers.
"We’re proud to announce Launchkey 88 – our first 88-key MIDI keyboard featuring our best keybed to date and primed with inspirational features to take your musical performance and songwriting to new heights.
Launchkey 88 has a premium semi-weighted keybed and tight DAW integration that makes creating songs feel great. Designed to give you a responsive feel, it’s our best feeling keybed to date thanks to meticulous testing and refinement.
Launchkey aids your creativity every step of the way, bringing you customisable control setups with Custom Modes, while strum mode lets you play through your arpeggiator using the mod wheel, and Chord and Scale modes keep you playing all the right notes. Plus, a comprehensive software bundle including virtual instruments, plug-ins and sample packs giving you everything needed to kickstart compositions and start creating straight away.
"Aunque el lanzamiento oficial se producirá en el inminente NAMM, ESI mostraba en su stand Xjam, un coqueto controlador de pads y encoders. Os contamos sus características y repasamos otros productos recientes de su catálogo, en particular sus interfaces MIDI con detección automática de entradas y salidas que además aportan un útil hub USB 3.0 y disponibles en variantes de 8 o 16 conexiones clásicas MIDI DIN 5 puntas, o alguno de los recientes modelos de interfaces ultracompactos con interfaz tanto Dante (Ethernet) como USB."
Googlish:
"Although the official launch will take place at the imminent NAMM, ESI was showing Xjam, a cute controller for pads and encoders, at its booth. We tell you about its features and review other recent products from its catalogue, in particular its MIDI interfaces with automatic detection of inputs and outputs that also provide a useful USB 3.0 hub and are available in variants of 8 or 16 classic MIDI DIN 5-pin connections, or any of recent ultra-compact interface models with both Dante (Ethernet) and USB interfaces."
"Sebastian Merchel showed us his prototype Drum Beam (working title) and we were mightily impressed.
The instrument takes the form of a length of metal pipe, which, when hit, sends midi information over USB. Basically wherever, and however hard you hit it, it triggers any number of sounds, even allowing the performance of melodic parts.
Sebastian plans to go into production in the next two years, and is now looking for collaborators, could it be you?
There is currently no company name, and no website, but this will all change soon, so keep your ear to the ground!"
