Admin: First round of Musikmesse posts are up.

Back to playing catch up on regular programming for a bit. Remember, you can click on the Musikmesse label in any Musikmesse post to filter out the rest. Messe posts will continue to come in intermixed with non-messe posts.

Musikmesse: Numark at Musikmesse

"· TOTAL CONTROL [pictured] Bundled with Native Instruments TraktorLE software: TOTAL CONTROL is a powerful software controller for performing and producing with DJ software. TraktorLE gives DJs four optional layouts, including cover art.

CDMIX 1: A dual CD player and mixer in one easy-to-carry unit for mobile DJs. In addition to standard single-track and continuous playback, CDMIX 1’s programmable playback mode enables DJs to set up a sequence of tracks for convenient playback.

· CDN22 MK5: A dual-CD player for mobile DJs and club installs. The CDN22 MK5 has standard RCA outputs for connection to nearly any audio system, and it also has a lossless S/PDIF digital output for even lower-noise playback.

· CDN88 MP3: DJs can scratch in real time using CDN88 MP3’s dual jog wheels and create two different seamless loops, including smart looping with three hot-stutter starts on each deck for extensive creative capability.

· MP302: A highly reliable, dual-deck MP3/CD player. MP302 enables DJs to play all of their CDs and MP3 CDs to save on transport weight. MP302 also has Fader Start, which can automatically start cued-up playback when the DJ moves the crossfader on a compatible mixer.

If you’ll be at Musikmesse, please visit B 21 in Hall 5.0 to check out new products from Numark first-hand."

http://www.numark.com/newmesse09

Musikmesse: TC-Helicon announce VoiceTone Synth

"TC-Helicon announce VoiceTone Synth – radical vocal processing in a pedal
April 1, 2009 | 09:00:00 AM
Incredible new vocal processing pedal from TC-Helicon.

VoiceTone Synth brings together a collection of extreme exotic and contemporary sonic effects, including jagged HardTuneTM effects, classic Vocoder effects, a voice-controlled synthesizer and vocal distortion and megaphone effects. Now vocalists or anyone looking to add a modern edge to their live performances and studio productions can dial-in these effects instantly with the press of a footswitch.

HardTune
The jagged, stair-stepped vocal sound of key-based hard tuning is everywhere in contemporary R&B, Hip Hop and Electronica. This feature has eluded the majority of performing musicians until VoiceTone Synth came along. Now musicians can produce this effect live by simply recalling a preset and hitting the ‘On’ button. Easy key input methods include auto-instrument sensing or pushbuttons with a clear display of the current key. Other features of the HardTune effect include dry voice mixing, octave shift and character modification.

Vocoder
The vocoder in VoiceTone Synth is called 'Massive-Band' for a reason. It effectively scales resolution from ultra-clearly-enunciated Robot voices to the sound of the classic, analog low-band-count vocoders we all know and love. The benefit is that, while typical vocoders require a lot of pre-processing like distortion and EQ to hear the effect properly, with the VoiceTone Synth vocoder effect you can input signals such as clean acoustic guitar and vocode perfectly for sounds that until now have been impossible to achieve.

Voice-controlled Synth
The Vocoder also features a voice-controlled synth mode – considered by many as the Holy Grail for vocoding. Prior to VoiceTone Synth, vocoding required your voice (the exciter), and an instrument input (the carrier) to make cool vocoded sounds. Of course VoiceTone Synth supports the dual input method, but for artists who don't have another instrument or don't play one, VoiceTone Synth can generate a synth part directly from your vocal and vocode that. The result? Generated vocoder parts with one input: your voice.

VoiceTone Synth - key features
* HardTune effect with user-selectable key or instrument-sensing
* Vocoder carrier can be driven by internal voice-controlled synth or instrument input (such as guitar)
* Transducer effects, such as megaphones, distortion and radio voices
* All effects can run simultaneously
* Includes Tone feature for adaptive live engineer sound processing
* Presets that can be edited and stored
* Instrument Thru allows normal instrument amplification and vocoding"

Arturia Origin Updates

[ June 2009 ] 1.1 Version
* Midi Improvments: Origin can be used as a MIDI controller. Origin can be automated via Sysex.
* Sequencer Improvments: Better GUI. New shortcuts for Live performance.
* ToneWheel Oscillator: Combined with the ToneWheel oscillator, it is possible to obtain nice vintage organ sounds. Can be also used in conjonction with other Origin modules and effects to create completely new sounds.
* A Leslie Effect: Can be used on tonewheel sounds to get Origin sounding like an hammond organ. Can be also used on a guitare signal input. Can be also used on any other sound to create completely new sounds.
* Keyboard Module improvements: GUI more friendly with a curve to describe the effect. 2 modes available for each Keyboard Follow ouputs.
* A CS80 envelope: This enveloppe is the one used on the filter of the CS80. It will be used in CS80 template which is going to be included in 1.2 version.

* New Effects: Bit Crusher, Compressor, Equalizer, Ring Mod
* Gui Improvments: Parameter values are now fully displayed. 1.5
[ Q4 2009 ] 1.5 Version
Yamaha CS-80 and Roland Jupiter-8 Templates

Musikmesse: Arturia Minimoog V 2.0 shipping on April 20

"From the starship funk lead lines of the 70’s, to the gangster whine of mid 90’s hip-hop, the ever present minimoog has been making its phat presence felt for over 3 decades. In partnership with Bob Moog, we decided to reproduce the legendary interface with the same look and feel than the original because of its particular "mood", and because many musicians wish to use the same interface they used in the past. But the reproduction of this synthesizer does not stop to the look and feel, we also recreated its inside characteristics…

This is a free upgrade for 1.6 owners. You'll be able to download your Minimoog V 2.0 and request your Syncrosoft Activation code. A short online guide will help you in upgrading your product.

MAIN FEATURES
* All the parameters of the original minimoog V
* Advanced automation mode ( Minimoog V 2.0 Only )
* Revolutionary preset navigation system called the SoundMap (Minimoog V 2.0 Only )
* New formant-analysis-based FX called the Vocal Filter (Minimoog V 2.0 Only )
* New modulation matrix with up to 6 connections (12 sources and 32 destinations)
* New arpeggiator
* New LFO
* New Chorus and Stereo Delay Effect section
* More than 500 presets created by talented artists and sound designers
* Up to 32 voices of polyphony, and a Unison mode
* 3 voltage controlled oscillators with 5 waveforms
* 1 amazingly sounding 24 dB/octave filter
* 1 VCA
* 1 Mixer
* 1 Noise Generator
* 2 ADSR envelopes
* 1 external audio input and 1 external oscillator and filter modulation input
* Soft clipping function
* No aliasing from 0.1 Hz to 20 kHz
* 64-bit floating point precision
* Sampling rate: up to 96 kHz"
http://www.arturia.com

Musikmesse: Open Labs DBeat

"The DBeat instrument was engineered for portability and power. Encased in an ultra-light aluminum chassis and weighing only 20lbs, the DBeat boasts more than 10,000 sounds with an additional 14GB of sounds that come with the included, full feature version of AbletonTM Live 7. Live DJ performance capability is taken to the next level with the inclusion of Open Labs' edition of GURUTM and the proprietary virtual instrument host RiffTM - making DBeat the ultimate tool for using VSTi's in a live setting.

DBeat comes loaded with a plethora of fully mappable real-time controllers, including Open Labs' exclusive Bump MPTM drum pads, the Mix/Edit digital audio workstation panel, and comprehensive DJ controls including a cross-fader. DBeat puts "the feel" back in making music by including an integrated trackball, iPod-compatible cradle and 12-inch capacitive touch screen, which will be multi-touch capable with Windows 7 update.

The ability to directly connect USB turntables and the compatibility with virtually any software, including DeckadanceTM, Serato Scratch LiveTM, TraktorTM, Pro ToolsTM, ReasonTM and many more, make DBeat the ultimate DJ solution for studio, stage and club use.

The DBeat will be available for $3,999 USD ($3,499 for pre-orders) in June 2009, directly through here at www.openlabs.com or through an authorized reseller listed on the Web site."

Musikmesse: Novation SL Mk II Unveiled

"Musikmesse will host one of Novation's most significant product launches to date. The SL Mk II, which until now has been a closely guarded secret, is being revealed to the industry on the first day of Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt.

# In order to maintain their position as the number one name in MIDI control, Novation have been hard at work putting the final touches to the next generation of their flagship controllers. The original ReMOTE SL built its reputation on high quality hardware and pioneering control software. The SL Mk II has some striking additions that set it apart from any other controller on the market, every feature is designed to make mapping and controlling software quick and effortless.

# Like all Novation keyboard controllers, SL Mk II is a musical instrument, not just a computer peripheral. A semi-weighted Fatar 'fast touch' keyboard is combined with a full DAW and plug-in control surface that visually feeds back all control information to the user. All knobs and faders are touch sensitive. By simply touching a control, all mapping information automatically appears on the giant 144 character LCD display. Back lit LED buttons and LED ringed encoders instantly show the status of controls. SL Mk II also includes full transport control, an XY "Xpression Pad", 8 drum pads, sprung pitch/mod joystick and a unique "Speed Dial" encoder, which enables the user to grab any parameter the cursor is positioned over. In addition to 25, 49 and 61 key versions, a keyboardless "Zero" will be available with longer-throw faders and a central crossfader.

# Ultra-quick mapping of all 56 knobs, faders and buttons is managed by Novation's groundbreaking Automap 3 PRO software, which provides instant and intelligent control of all your music software. As well as extensive DAW control, parameters on VST/AU/RTAS/TDM plug-ins can be assigned by simply touching the controller and clicking the parameter. Perhaps Automap 3 PRO's biggest asset is "Keystroke Assignment", this enables almost any QWERTY or ASCII keyboard shortcut (and combination shortcuts) to be instantly assigned to the SL Mk II controls - providing unprecedented DAW control. Automap 3.0 also introduces "Autoview", where the 'heads up GUI' (showing the current status of all controls) can be programmed to automatically appear whenever a controller is touched, then disappear upon release.

# SL Mk II, alongside Automap 3 PRO is without doubt the best control solution on the market, and is available almost immediately. The 25-key and 61-key models are shipping worldwide, April 2009. Zero SL MkII and the 49-key model will follow shortly after"
SL MkII Product Site

Musikmesse: Waldorf Stromberg

No way! Via Quad on the Waldorf list:

"Last night I was watching TV when the doorbell rang. I opened the door and saw a women standing there with a man behind her holding something large in his outstretched arms covered with black velvet. My first thought was they were going door to door, trying to sell what the man was holding.

When they introduced themselves and said they work for a German synthesizer company, I knew it had to be Waldorf ... so I invited them into my house.

The woman handed me an envelope before she sat down while the man was still standing holding onto what was underneath the black velvet.

Inside the envelope was a letter that said:

Dear Stephen,
We would like to thank you and your overwhelming support for Waldorf
synthesizers by making you an honorary beta tester for our flagship synthesizer
"The Stromberg."

Best Regards,
Wolfram Franke

The women then stood up to remove the black velvet cover and that's when I
saw my first glimpse of heaven ... a Stromberg in my own living room!

My first thought was to bring it downstairs to my studio and power it up. It
has a brushed gold looking finish and illuminated knobs and with the dimmer
lights set low it was totally breath taken.

We spent about an hour going through the presets and filters when they told
me they had to leave to catch a plane back to Germany.

Funny thing is they never said how long I can keep the Stromberg or if I
ever have to give it back someday.

Today I am a very lucky man.



Today also happens to be April Fool's Day!

GOTCHA!

PS. My apology goes to Wolfram for using his name. Without it would have
made this April Fool's joke less believable.

Steve Siers ~ AKA Quad
www.theqrazysynthman.com
www.myspace.com/aliensghostsanddemons
www.myspace.com/fluorescenteclipse"

Musikmesse: AKAI MPD18

product page is up
"MPC-pad feel, anywhere.
The MPD18 is the most portable, easy-to-fit MPD for your setup. This MIDI-over-USB pad controller for DJs, programmers, producers, and other musicians. Built around the pads and controls from Akai Professional's industry-standard MPC series, the MPD18 is an expressive and intuitive instrument for the studio and stage.

The heart of the MPD18 is its bank of 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive MPC pads, an Akai Pro exclusive. You can access three different banks of sounds from the MPC pads for a total of 48 sounds at your fingertips. The MPD18 also borrows the MPC series' assignable Q-Link controllers, enabling you to control nearly any parameters in your software in real time. You get an assignable Q-Link fader and an assignable Q-Link button so you'll have natural, hands-on control of your most-used parameters.

The MPD18 sends MIDI information over its plug-and-play USB interface so you can use it with your Mac or PC without installing any drivers. The USB connection even powers the MPD18 so the included USB cable is all you need for portable production. The MPD18 can control nearly any MIDI software, as well as MIDI hardware, such as synths, sound modules, samplers, sequencers, drum machines, and more.

The MPD18 gives you the control feel of the MPC in a super-portable instrument with a compact footprint that's easy to fit in any setup."

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Musikmesse: AKAI MPK88

product page is up
"Professional performance instrument for the modern keyboardist.

The Akai Professional MPK88 is a professional performance keyboard controller with MPC production controls. The MPK88 draws on the design of the popular MPK49, the first keyboard ever to features MPC pads. This first-of-its-kind keyboard is ideal for performance, starting with a premium, fully weighted, hammer-action keyboard, adding MPC pads, Q-Link controls, and a selection of MPC technologies. The MPK88 is born for the stage and is equally at home in the studio.

CREATIVE INPUT
MPK88 features an 88-key keyboard and 16 genuine MPC pads. The hammer-action keyboard is fully weighted and features aftertouch for expressive melodic control. The MPC pads are pressure and velocity-sensitive to capture every nuance of your creative concepts. The pads can access four banks of sounds, so you have 64 samples at your fingertips with the touch of a button.

The MPK88 places dedicated transport controls within your reach for easy control of some of the most important tracking and editing controls. The MPK88 has modulation and pitch-bend wheels for expressive musicality, and two assignable footswitch inputs enable you to connect an expression pedal or other continuous controller and a footswitch for momentary controls like patch change or start/stop.

Q-LINK COMMAND
One of the most important input devices on an MPC is its Q-Link assignable control section. Akai Pro built a massive collection of Q-Links into the MPK series. The MPK88 gives you eight virtual knobs that are assignable to control nearly any software parameter. You can control three different parameters per knob thanks to the knobs' three-bank selection, totaling 24 parameters of instant, hands-on control. Like the virtual knobs, eight virtual faders and eight virtual buttons also control three banks of parameters each, so you get 24 virtual faders and 24 virtual buttons. That's 72 Q-Link controls!

EXPRESSIVE ENGINE
Two technologies pioneered in the MPC series and built into the MPK series are MPC Note Repeat and MPC Swing. These note-modifying features can be heard in many of the most popular tracks over the last two decades. MPC Note Repeat is a capability that enables the MPK (or MPC) to automatically play a rhythm pattern, such as 16th notes on a hi-hat, for accuracy and speed of entry. MPC Swing is sometimes referred to as "the heart and soul of hip hop" because it turns perfectly aligned sequences into human feeling time alignments. You can specify exactly the degree and timing of swing you want to apply for the perfect feel.

The MPK88 has Key Split, enabling you to control two different sounds from the same keyboard. On top of MPC technologies, the MPK88 has its own arpeggiator, which enables you to create quick, creative riffs in seconds. Just pick a note or chord and a rhythm pattern in the arpeggiator's library and the MPK will play your notes in the rhythm and sequence you choose.

The MPK88 also has MPC Full Level and MPC 16-Level on its pads, as well as Tap Tempo and Time Division so you can nail the tempo, timing, and dynamics exactly as you hear them in your head."

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