New Make Noise CTRLSEL-V & CTRLSEL Eurorack Modules

via Make Noise on Facebook

"One more sneak peek before the plane to LA lifts off. Here is the 1st two modules from the CTRLSEL series. Abbreviation for Control Select. Pronounced "control cell." #namm2014 Hall E booth 1076"

AKAI PRO MPC Element & MPC Essentials

MPC Element Music production controller

Legendary MPC beat and song creation capability on your computer
16 multi-color backlit pads with pressure and velocity sensitivity
Includes MPC Essentials software and 1GB sound library
Features MPC swing, note repeat and transport controls
Thin 14mm brushed aluminum chassis—easily fits in any laptop bag
USB powered, MIDI in and out; all cables are included

http://www.akaipro.com/product/mpcelement

MPC Essentials Music production software

32/64-bit compatibility
Included with the MPC Element and Advance Music Suite
Use standalone or as a plug-in
Includes 1+ GB of modern sounds
Import your WAV and AIFF samples
Classic MPC worflow powered by your computer

AKAI PRO Introduces The EWI 5000 Wireless Electronic Wind Instrument

EWI 5000 Wireless Electronic Wind Instrument

Authentic wind-instrument performance and response for the digital era
3GB of stunning acoustic and progressive sounds created by SONiVOX
Automatically calibrates and adapts to the player’s style
Wireless audio for on-stage freedom, receiver included USB port; MIDI output; 1/4" audio output, 1/8" headphone out
Includes neck strap, charger, USB Cable, wireless receiver

The press release:

"HARNESSING THE POWER OF WIND: AKAI PROFESSIONAL INTRODUCES THE WIRELESS EWI 5000

With an entire orchestra of sounds built in, EWI 5000 gives wind instrumentalists a new level of expression and includes the latest in wireless connectivity plus a 12-hour rechargeable battery.

Cumberland, R.I. (January 23, 2014) – Akai Professional, creators of the original EWI, announce the EWI 5000, the most expressive and versatile wind instrument in the world. EWI 5000 includes an array of advanced features, including digital 2.4GHz ultra-low-latency wireless connectivity, a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts up to 12 hours, and more than 3GB of built-in traditional and progressive sounds from SONiVOX, a leading creator of premium virtual instruments and software synthesis technologies.

“We’ve created EWI 5000 to address the needs of today’s modern wind players, and we’re especially excited to see what modern musicians can do with it to push the boundaries of wind instrument performance,” said Dan Gill, Akai Professional Product Manager. “Calibration is automatic and setup is easy. EWI 5000 is a smart instrument. It automatically adjusts to your playing style and offers authentic sounds, wireless convenience, rechargeability, and the expressive freedom EWI is known for.”

EWI 5000 comes loaded with more than 3GB of top-quality sounds, including traditional horn, brass, woodwind, and string sounds, plus progressive synths, leads, and other non-traditional sounds. EWI 5000 includes 12 touch-sensitive metal keys on its top and an eight-wheel thumb- controlled octave roller on the bottom. An EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument) Mode is included for brass players, and EWI 5000 also includes eight control knobs for tweaking Filter, Reverb, Chorus, LFO, Breath Amount, Bite Amount, Semitone Tuning, and Fine Tuning. Both USB MIDI and 5-pin MIDI are onboard for controlling software synths or traditional MIDI modules. A 1/4- inch output to connect to an amplifier or PA and an 1/8-inch headphone output for silent practice are included. EWI 5000 charges via USB or wall power and also includes a USB cable, wall adapter, wireless receiver, and a neck strap.
Akai Professional will unveil EWI 5000 in Hall A, Booth 6700 at the 2014 NAMM Show, January 23-26 in Anaheim, California. For more information, visit akaipro.com/WNAMM2014."

AKAI PRO Introduces New MPK Line of Professional Keyboard Controllers

MPK261 Performance USB/MIDI Pad & Keyboard Controller

61 semi-weighted, full-size keys
16 MPC pads with RGB illuminated feedback
8 assignable control knobs
8 assignable faders Updated control layout with backlit LCD screen
USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input & output
Comprehensive transport & parameter controls for hands-on DAW integration
Pitch bend, modulation and octave controls for dynamic performances
Expression & sustain pedal jack inputs
Comprehensive production software package included: Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0, SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble and Akai Pro MPC Essentials

MPK249 Performance USB/MIDI Pad & Keyboard Controller

49 semi-weighted, full-size keys
16 MPC pads with RGB illuminated feedback
8 assignable control knobs
8 assignable faders Updated control layout with backlit LCD screen
USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input & output
Comprehensive transport & parameter controls for hands-on DAW integration
Pitch bend, modulation and octave controls for dynamic performances
Expression & sustain pedal jack inputs
Comprehensive production software package included: Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 & Akai Pro MPC Essentials

MPK225 Performance USB/MIDI Pad & Keyboard Controller

25 semi-weighted, full-size keys
8 MPC pads with RGB illuminated feedback
8 assignable control knobs
Updated control layout with backlit LCD screen
Comprehensive transport & parameter controls for hands-on DAW integration
Pitch bend, modulation and octave controls for dynamic performances
Expression & sustain pedal jack inputs
Comprehensive production software package included: Ableton Live Lite, AIR Hybrid 3, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials

MPK mini Performance USB/MIDI Pad & Keyboard Controller

25 synth-action mini keys
New 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch/modulation control
8 MPC pads with Note Repeat
8 assignable control knobs for mixing, tweaking plug-ins and more
Ultra-compact design lets you create anywhere
USB-powered; no power adapter required
Comprehensive production software package included: Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Wobble 2.0

Press release:

"AKAI PRO EXTENDS ITS INDUSTRY-LEADING MPK LINE OF PROFESSIONAL KEYBOARD CONTROLLERS WITH NEW MODELS

New keyboard controllers from Akai Professional provide hands-on music production capabilities with modern DAW control.

Cumberland, RI, USA – January 22, 2014. Akai Professional announces four additions to its popular MPK USB keyboard/pad controller series— the 25-key MPK225, 49-key MPK249, 61- key MPK261 and an update to the ultra-portable MPK Mini.

Housed in a slimmer, all-new design, each full-size model features RGB backlit trigger pads lifted straight from the MPC Renaissance and a 20-character LCD screen with comprehensive parameter feedback. Designed to erase the line between hardware control and software performance, the new MPK family also includes the ability to send QWERTY-style commands using soft-controls, a low-power mode for iOS connectivity via the Camera Connection Kit and enhanced response from the refined keybed.

The latest members of the full-size MPK series also come with advanced music production software titles including AbletonTM Live Lite and MPC Essentials – a powerful sample-based groove production application – and spectral morphing synth Twist from SONiVOX. Owners of the MPK249 and MPK261 will also receive AIR Music Tech’s high-definition Hybrid 3 virtual synth, while MPK261 owners also receive SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble.

MPK Highlights (full-size models):
• New full-size, semi-weighted keybed in 25-, 49- and 61-key models
• Backlit, velocity-sensitive RGB trigger pads derived from the MPC Renaissance
• Includes industry-leading music creation software from AbletonTM, Akai Professional,
AIR and SONiVOX
• New layout with LCD screen for faster access to essential DAW-based functions •
• Hyper-responsive pitch bend & modulation wheels; octave controls

The refreshed MPK Mini Laptop Production Keyboard remains true to its name as the ultimate portable keyboard controller. It’s comprised with an impressive array of controls in the small 25 mini-key frame including an all-new joystick control for pitch and modulation functionality, trigger pads ported from the MPC Renaissance, famed Note Repeat, a full-size USB connector, and an improved keybed.

MPK Mini Highlights:

• Ultra-compact design lets you create anywhere; 25 synth-action mini keys
• 8 backlit, velocity-sensitive trigger pads derived from the MPC Renaissance
• New 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch/modulation control
• 8 assignable control knobs for mixing, tweaking plug-ins and more
• USB-powered; no power adapter required

Akai Professional Product Manager Dan Gill notes, “The MPK series has been a huge success for us, and these new models incorporate five years of customer feedback that deliver even more capability to keyboard players and music producers. By providing users with superior control capabilities and powerful music creation software, the latest additions to the MPK family are an instant upgrade to any studio or stage setup.”
The new range of MPK controllers will be available at the following street prices: MPK225 Performance Keyboard Controller ($249.99 USD), MPK249.99 USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard ($399.99 USD), MPK261 USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard ($499.99 USD), and MPK Mini Laptop Production Keyboard ($99.99 USD).

Akai Professional will unveil the MPK keyboard controllers at the 2014 NAMM Show in Hall A, Booth 6700, January 23-26 in Anaheim, California. For more information, visit: www.akaipro.com/wnamm2014"

Update: NAMM floor video:

AKAI MPK 249 Controller at NAMM 2014 - BBoyTechReport.com -

Published on Jan 22, 2014 BBoy Tech Report·44 videos

"MPK249 is the updated MPK 49. Name changed at the last minute to distinguish between the original and the new refreshed version."

Alesis Introduces iO DOCK II Professional Recording Interface For iPad

iO DOCK II Professional Recording Interface For iPad

Equip your iPad with pro audio connections to record or perform live
Works with virtually any Core Audio and Core MIDI app in the App Store
Includes interchangeable 30-pin and Apple Lightning iPad connectors
Improved high-impedance guitar/bass input for accurate recording
2 XLR+1/4" combo inputs accept any audio source
Phantom power for use with condenser microphones
Left & right 1/4" outputs; headphone jack with separate level
MIDI In and Out jacks; USB MIDI Out port
Assignable footswitch input

"Connect all your audio gear to the world of iPad music apps.

The iO Dock is back and more capable than ever. The updated iO Dock II picks up where the original left off by unlocking the power of the iPad to provide professional recording capabilities in a simple-to-use design. Just slide your Lightning or 30-pin iPad into the dock and open your favorite iOS recording app to start creating.

Its no secret that the iPad's user-friendly design and processing power have been a hit with musicians and producers who use apps to create music. iO Dock II takes this concept a step further by letting you connect your guitar, bass, microphones, keyboards and MIDI gear in one convenient device. And because it works with virtually any Core Audio or Core MIDI app, you will never run out of ways to create with the iO Dock II.

The iO Dock II is so much more than an ergonomic place to put your iPad in the studio. Dual combination inputs (XLR + 1/4-inch) let you record vocals, acoustic instruments, electronic instruments or ensembles with ease. Use dynamic or condenser mics to capture audio via the onboard mic preamps with phantom power.

Integrating the iO Dock II into your live or home studio setup is just as easy, thanks to 5-pin MIDI In/Out jacks and a USB MIDI Out port. The improved high-impedance input gives you a dedicated jack for your guitar/bass that ensures you have a clean, pure signal for tracking or 3rd party FX apps. Dedicated headphone and 1/4-inch outputs let you listen to your tracks on studio monitors or 'phones. The assignable footswitch jack opens up creative possibilities for gigging or virtual instrument performance."

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Alesis Introduces SAMPLE RACK Percussion Module With Onboard Sound Storage

SAMPLEPAD PRO Percussion Pad With Onboard Sound Storage

Play onboard sounds or load your own via the SD card slot
10 ready-to-play kits with over 200 drum and cymbal sounds
8 two-shot, isolated rubber pads with active blue LED illumination
Two additional pad inputs, plus kick and hi-hat trigger/switch inputs
Save sounds on SD card (up to 20 Kits), accessible via USB
LCD display and software utility for complete control
1/4" stereo outputs (L, R); 1/4" headphone output
1/8" stereo aux input with level control; MIDI In & Out

No press release for this one.

Alesis Introduces SAMPLEPAD PRO Percussion Pad With Onboard Sound Storage

SAMPLEPAD PRO Percussion Pad With Onboard Sound Storage

Play onboard sounds or load your own via the SD card slot
10 ready-to-play kits with over 200 drum and cymbal sounds
8 two-shot, isolated rubber pads with active blue LED illumination
Two additional pad inputs, plus kick and hi-hat trigger/switch inputs
Save sounds on SD card (up to 20 Kits), accessible via USB
LCD display and software utility for complete control
1/4" stereo outputs (L, R); 1/4" headphone output
1/8" stereo aux input with level control; MIDI In & Out

No press release for this one.

Alesis Introduces VORTEX WIRELESS KEYTAR

VORTEX WIRELESS
USB/Midi Keytar Controller With Accelerometer
Combines onstage mobility with expressive control
37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch
8 velocity-sensitive trigger/drum pads
USB dongle creates a wireless connection to any Mac/PC
Volume slider, pitch wheel, ribbon controller, sustain pedal jack
USB, battery, or external power; USB/MIDI + MIDI outputs
Includes SONiVOX Vortex I DVI and Ableton™ Live Lite Alesis Edition

Press release:

"ALESIS VORTEX WIRELESS KEYTAR OFFERS TRUE ONSTAGE MOBILITY FOR ALL KEYBOARD PLAYERS
The popular Alesis Vortex has been updated with wireless USB MIDI

Cumberland, RI, USA – January 22, 2014. Alesis, a leading manufacturer of instruments and tools for today's musician, announces the new Vortex Wireless USB MIDI keyboard controller with accelerometer.

A keytar for the modern performer, Vortex Wireless delivers unprecedented control and expression by transmitting MIDI via a wireless USB connection for dynamic on-stage freedom, and includes the virtual synthesizer plug-in Vortex-I Digital Virtual Instrument from acclaimed software creator SONiVOX. In addition to 37 velocity sensitive keys with aftertouch—the keyboard features an assignable accelerometer (tilt-sensor) in the neck that can translate gestures into additional controls—adding vibrato when the neck is pulled up, for example. For additional control, Vortex Wireless provides 8 drum/trigger pads, 3 assignable knobs, a multi- mode ribbon controller, pitch bend wheel, and a volume slider.

Plugging the included USB receiver dongle into any MAC or PC establishes a live USB/MIDI link with the Vortex Wireless. There is also a standard MIDI output (5-pin) mounted in the Vortex Wireless for connecting to other MIDI-enabled equipment, such as a favorite hardware synthesizer. Vortex Wireless can run on batteries, USB bus power, or can be powered using an optional AC adaptor. Each Vortex Wireless also includes a USB cable with extension for the USB receiver dongle and 4 x AA batteries, so users can begin playing right away.

In addition, the Vyzex Vortex Patch Editor Software is also provided, making it easy to create, edit, and backup patches to your computer. AbletonTM Live Lite 8 Alesis Edition is also included.

Alesis Vortex Wireless Keytar Highlights:

'Nearly every keytar or remote keyboard has required a cable of one sort or another, be it power, MIDI, audio, or USB” said Nate Lane, Product Manager at Alesis. “With the Vortex Wireless, the player is truly free to move about at will. This onstage freedom allows the player to make the most of the onboard accelerometer and other extensive controls to create an original, expressive performance without the hassle of cables on stage.'

Combines expressive control with onstage mobility
37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch
8 velocity-sensitive trigger/drum pads
USB dongle creates a wireless connection to any Mac/PC
Volume slider, pitch wheel, ribbon controller, sustain pedal jack
USB, battery, or external power; USB MIDI + 5-pin MIDI outputs
Includes SONiVOX Vortex I DVI and AbletonTM Live Lite Alesis Edition

Vortex Wireless will be available with an estimated street price of $199.99 USD
Alesis will present the Vortex Wireless at the 2014 NAMM Show in Hall A, Booth 6700, January
23-26 in Anaheim, California. For more information, visit: www.alesis.com/WNAMM2014"

Alesis Introduces New VI and V Series Keyboard/Pad Controllers

VI49 Advanced USB Midi Pad/Keyboard Controller
49 full-sized, square-front, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch
16 multi-color RGB backlit pads respond to both velocity and pressure
Designed for hands-on control of your DAW as well as plug-ins and instruments
12 assignable knobs, 36 assignable buttons
Pitch & Mod wheels deliver expressive, creative control
Seamless visual feedback; LCD screen and illuminated buttons/knobs
Single USB cable provides both power and MIDI data
Includes Ableton™ Live Lite Alesis Edition & MIDI editor software

VI61 Advanced USB Midi Pad/Keyboard Controller
61 full-sized, square-front, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch
16 multi-color RGB backlit pads respond to both velocity and pressure
Designed for hands-on control of your DAW as well as plug-ins and instruments
16 assignable knobs, 48 assignable buttons
Pitch & Mod wheels deliver expressive, creative control
Seamless visual feedback; LCD screen and illuminated buttons/knobs
Single USB cable provides both power and MIDI data
Includes Ableton™ Live Lite Alesis Edition & MIDI editor software

V25 Expressive USB Pad/Keyboard Controller
25 full-sized, square-front keys
8 LED backlit pads respond to both velocity and pressure
Perfect for controlling plug-ins and virtual instruments
4 assignable knobs; 4 assignable buttons
Pitch & Mod wheels deliver expressive, creative control
Seamless visual feedback via illuminated buttons/knobs
Single USB cable provides both power and MIDI data
Includes Ableton™ Live Lite Alesis Edition & MIDI editor software

V49 Expressive USB Pad/Keyboard Controller
49 full-sized, square-front keys
8 LED backlit pads respond to both velocity and pressure
Perfect for controlling plug-ins and virtual instruments
4 assignable knobs; 4 assignable buttons
Pitch & Mod wheels deliver expressive, creative control
Seamless visual feedback via illuminated buttons/knobs
Single USB cable provides both power and MIDI data
Includes Ableton™ Live Lite Alesis Edition & MIDI editor software

Press release:

"Alesis Introduces New VI and V Series Keyboard/Pad Controllers
New fully integrated keyboard/pad controller series from Alesis targets the musician, music producer and live performer.

Cumberland, RI, USA – January 22, 2014. Alesis (www.alesis.com), the world’s leading manufacturer of instruments and tools for today's musician, announces the new V Series and VI Series of full-size keyboard/pad controllers. The performance-oriented V Series offers expressive hands-on control for the software musician. The step-up VI Series provides increased control for the keyboard performer. Both series include a Software Preset/Parameter utility that makes setup a snap.

The new Alesis V Series (V61, V49, V25) combine velocity-sensitive keys with eight drum/trigger pads, allowing virtual instruments to be played with dynamic expression. Cool blue LEDs illuminate the pads—as well as the four assignable knobs and buttons—for positive visibility. Assignments may be made quickly via the MIDI Learn feature. Octave shift keys provide access to the entire note range. A single USB cable provides both a power and data connection to nearly any computer.

The VI Series (VI61, VI49, VI25) add semi-weighted keys and aftertouch. The pad count has been increased to 16, with multi-color illumination. This layout provides intensive command over the clip trigger workflow of top DAW and compositional software. The internal clock offers drum roll, tempo, and sync capabilities. An optional power supply and a standard MIDI output allow for stand-alone use.

Alesis V Series Highlights:
• Full size, flat-front keys (25, 49, or 61)
• Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels
• 8 Pads with blue LED illumination
• 4 Assignable knobs and buttons
• Sustain pedal input
• USB MIDI
Alesis VI Series Highlights:
• Full size, flat-front keys (25, 49, or 61)
• Semi-weighted keys with Aftertouch
• Pitch Bend & Modulation Wheels
• 16 Pads with Multi-color LED illumination
• VI25: 8 knobs, 24 buttons
• VI49: 12 knobs, 36 buttons
• VI61: 16 knobs, 48 buttons
• Transport and Present up/down buttons
• Sustain pedal input
• USD MIDI, MIDI Out
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• Internal Clock for sync, tempo, rolls, etc.

“Our goal with the new V and VI series keyboards was to focus on live performance and studio workflow in an intuitive yet advanced way,” notes Alesis Product Manager Nate Lane. “The keys, pads, knobs, and buttons have an excellent, player-worthy, high-quality feel, and we developed an accompanying software editor to allow users to take a deep dive into defining preset and parameter configurations if they choose to do so.”
The V and VI Series will have the following respective estimated street prices, V25 ($79.99 USD), V49 ($99.99 USD), V61 ($149.99 USD), VI25 ($169.99 USD), VI49 ($199.99 USD), and VI61 ($249.99 USD).
Alesis will unveil the V and VI Series at the 2014 NAMM Show in Hall A, Booth 6700, January 23-26 in Anaheim, California. For more information, visit: www.alesis.com/WNAMM2014"

WMD Hosting Boutique Modular Manufacturers at NAMM This Year

This is just a heads up for those attending NAMM. WMD in Hall E Booth 1076, will also be hosting a slew of other eurorack and boutique manufacturers. The WMD booth is essentially the Analogue Haven booth of previous years. Hosting events can be a bit of work and WMD graciously picked it up this year.

You'll find the current list of NAMM synth booths here.