NAMM Synth P*rn from the Inside

Now for what we've all been waiting for. Title link takes you to images coming in from Brandon Daniel. Enjoy. : )

Buchla


MEK

Sonia Xi MIDI Knob Box

You can link up to five of these for a massive sixty programmable knob box with twenty five assignable buttons. MSRP at $135 a unit. Title link takes you there. Via James of Retro Thing, literally; he is the man behind Sonia. Very cool, I must say.



Features:
12 assignable soft-touch knobs and 5 assignable buttons.
120 programmable memory banks.
Includes 25 preset memory banks that work instantly with popular soft synths and recording applications.
ControlChain function seamlessly links up to five units as a single system.
Connects to computers, keyboards, sound modules, and effects using standard MIDI In/Out connectors.
Independent MIDI channel assign for each knob/button.
High visibility UltraBright LED display for quick programming and memory bank selection.
Full support of SysEx memory bank dumps to computer.
MIDI Input with merge function to cascade multiple control units.
Extremely compact: 8" x 6" x 3" (20cm x 15 cm x 8cm)
Shipping January 2006 for $135.

The Arturia Prophet V

Title link takes you there.

Peter Kirn of CDM Speaking at NAMM

Interesting! Peter Kirn of Create Digital Music will be talking at Ableton's booth about Live's warp features and how to control Live with a Max/MSP/Jitter video input from a webcam. Title link takes you to the post on CDM. BTW, I finally started on his Real World Digital Audio (link on right pane). The first chapter on how sound works is excellent.

The New Korgs

Update2: The links on the Korg site are working now. The MicroX? A two octave Korg Triton. ; )

Update: The list is up on Korg.com but the links crap out. Oops. : ) Some pics on the new gear below.

The Radias


The List:
K-series USB MIDI Studio Controllers
Korg Radias and RadiasR (rack) VA? keyboard (lots of controls)
Korg D888 DRS Recorder
Korg microX/X25 and X50
Korg padKontrol
Korg AX3A Modeling Signal Processor
Korg TR88
Korg C320 & C350





Another of the Radias

Korg Legacy T-Series - Free Update

The countdown on Korg.com is still ticking as I post this, but it looks like the Sonic State guys have some news on the Legacy update. Title link takes you there.

Clavia's Patch Mutator

Clavia usually announces major releases during the Frankfurt Musikmesse, so we don't expect much to be revealed during NAMM. With that, they do have some updates on their site including the Patch Mutator, a free update for the Modular G2.



"From this version the Nord Modular G2 Editor provides two new tools for patch modification, the Patch Adjuster for quick patch changes on a global level, and the Patch Mutator for extensive sonic exploration based on interactive evolution."

The New CMEs

MIDI controllers with some interesting features. Get your "Game" on. ; ) Title link takes you there.



"CME has just release their brand new intelligent keyboard controller - VX series. It's the first keyboard with motor fader controller as well as multi-function expansion slot in the world. As the first keyboard with 'PadStyle' intelligent MIDI songs and styles in the world, it is available to update via USB. It’s also the first keyboard with unique Game mode, Multi-scale and U-CTRL function in the world.

Not only a MIDI keyboard controller, VX also supplies many unique functions to meet the need of 21 century's new musicians. Firstly, VX supplies both USB MIDI and USB audio functions. Users do not need extra audio interface when they using VX with music software. VX also builds in many MIDI songs and accompaniment in different styles, including loop variation and chord change, which are elaborate made by professional musicians and can be sprung by VX's unique 'PadStyle'. All MIDI songs and styles can be downloaded from Internet and transferred into VX via USB. VX supplies a brand new Game mode, users could use this function and music books with VX to test their skill of performance, and students could learn many tips in this mode. VX is the first keyboard that has build in muiti-ethical scales in the world, and it will surprise you, no matter you want to play Arabian music of Asian music. U-CTRL is a brand new concept by CME, it provides the easiest way to communicate between controller and music software. You do not need to load template or presets, just press U-CTRL button and all the controllers for software you may use will be ready. VX's multi-function expansion slot gives you many option for expanding your VX, including sound module with sample function, analog synthesizer module, firewire audio interface module, digital mixing console module and etc, with these expansion cards, VX will bring you a all-in-one music production platform. "

electro-music 2006 - Philadelphia, PA

Title link takes you to more info.



"We proudly announce electro-music 2006(TM), a three day international conference/music festival to be held at the Cheltenham Art Center in Philadelphia, June 2 - 4, 2006. The program will include lectures, demos, jam sessions, and concerts.

The scope of this festival is very broad, covering all aspects of electro-music, experimental electronic music, including circuit bending, computer music, electro-jazz, modular synthesis, musique concrete, improvisation, noodles (generative music, automatic and algorithmic composition), multi-media, visual art and much more. The focus will be on participant involvement, sharing, community development, audience education, and great music."

Alesis Fusion - New Flickr Shot

Recently played with one of these. The knobs, buttons and mod wheels really have a different feel to them. It's an interesting design that strays from the conventional design of other synths.