ALESIS USB-MIDI CABLE CONNECTS MIDI TO COMPUTERS

"Problem-Solver Is An Ideal Addition To Any Electronic Musician’s Gig Bag

Cumberland, R.I. (Jul. 17, 2009) – Alesis, the world’s leading manufacturer of professional audio equipment and studio electronics, announces the USB-MIDI Cable a cable that links MIDI instruments with computers via USB. The USB-MIDI Cable will make its debut at Alesis' booth, number 400, at the Summer NAMM Show held at the Nashville Convention Center, July 17 – 19.

The USB-MIDI Cable is the latest addition to Alesis’ AudioLink Series of problem-solving cables for musicians. The MIDI-to-USB cable has traditional male and female MIDI (DIN) connectors on one end and a USB connector on the other. Musicians can use the USB-MIDI Cable to control virtually any MIDI-compliant software using any hardware device with a MIDI output jack, such as a keyboard, drum pad or MPC.

The USB-MIDI Cable is class compliant for plug-and-play USB connectivity on Mac and PC, requiring no software-driver installation or external powering. Musicians can use the USB-MIDI Cable with virtually all music production, sequencing and recording software.

“This new cable is perfect for bringing older MIDI controllers into today’s computer-music age,” said Jim Norman, Product Manager, Alesis. “The USB-MIDI Cable is one of those problem solvers that should be in every studio as an insurance policy, if nothing else.”

The USB-MIDI Cable will be available from musical instrument and professional audio retailers Q3 2009.

# # #

About Alesis

Alesis manufactures a full line of professional audio and musical instrument products capitalizing on its strengths in digital, analog, semiconductor, and transducer technologies. Alesis delivers revolutionary product solutions to the music and audio production industries. For more information, visit www.alesis.com; images are available at http://www.alesis.com/media."

ALESIS INTRODUCES NEW DM10 ELECTRONIC DRUM SET

"DM10 Pro Kit Features New Sound Module, New Pads, New Rack and New Pedal

Cumberland, R.I. (Jul. 17, 2009) – Alesis, the world’s leading manufacturer of professional audio equipment and studio electronics, announces its new flagship drum set, the DM10 Pro Kit. The drum set will make its debut at Alesis's booth, number 400, at the Summer NAMM Show held at the Nashville Convention Center, July 17 – 19.

The DM10 Pro Kit is the product of extensive research and development efforts. Based around the completely new DM10 sound module, the DM10 Pro Kit features Alesis’ RealHead drum pads, SURGE Cymbals made of real cymbal alloy and an ErgoRack mounting system.

Drummers will immediately notice the DM10 module’s outstanding sound quality. This new drum sound module contains true drum, cymbal and percussion sounds built from real samples of classic studio drums and prized cymbals. Drummers will find some of the most in-demand acoustic drum sounds from legendary drum brands, a huge arsenal of top producers' go-to snare drums, real American, Canadian, Chinese, and Turkish cymbals, and electronic beat-machine sounds that have fueled the biggest hit records.

Discerning drummers will notice that each sound is actually a series of different samples: multiple dynamic-level samples and articulations are all built in so as the drummer plays harder and softer, the drum or cymbal changes its timbre, not just its dynamics. This engineered realism is known as Dynamic Articulation™, an Alesis exclusive. Drummers can play with or without reverb for different room sounds and enjoy a wide variety of rimshots, rim clicks and different stick-placement sounds on the cymbals. For example, a hi-hat’s sound depends on a number of factors: how open or closed the pedal is, how hard it is struck, and other variables resulting in 40 different sounds – plus foot chick and heel splash.

The DM10 module not only has a breathtaking collection of sounds on board, it is also the world's first drum-sound module that enables players to load new sound sets via USB connection to their computer. This means that owners’ sounds will always stay fresh, current and cutting edge. Drummers can also use the DM10 as a trigger-to-MIDI interface for performing and tracking with software drum modules such as BFD, Toontrack and Reason. Drummers can play along with the tracks in the DM10’s internal sequencer, mix in an iPod or other MP3 player and play along.

The DM10 module has 12 TRS inputs, enabling drummers to create custom configurations with up to 24 different pads. Its top-panel mixer gives drummers easy access to creating custom mixes.

The DM10 Pro Kit has acoustic-feeling RealHead pads in eight-inch and 10-inch sizes. The dual-zone pads feature real mylar drumheads and real triple-flanged counterhoops for the feel professional drummers demand. The snare and tom pads are dual zone, enabling players to perform rimshots, rim clicks or assign other sounds such as wind chimes, cymbals, gongs and cowbells on the tom rims.

The DM10 Pro Kit comes with premium SURGE Cymbals, the only serious choice in electronic cymbals. The kit comes with a 12” SURGE Hi-Hat Cymbal, a 13” SURGE Crash Cymbal with choke and a 16” SURGE triple-zone Ride Cymbal with choke. Based around a genuine alloy cymbal and coated with a clear sound-dampening layer, SURGE Cymbals feel like acoustic cymbals because they begin life as just that. The Crash and Ride cymbals feature large choke strips on the undersides for even more attention to accurate cymbal control. The SURGE Ride also features multiple-zone triggering on the bell, face and edge. The SURGE Hi-Hat Cymbal is continuously controllable using the included pedal.

Drummers will appreciate the DM10 Pro Kit’s ergonomically curved, chrome-plated ErgoRack. It is heavy gauge, heavy duty, and supremely adjustable. The ErgoRack is large enough to enable drummers to add on additional drum pads and SURGE Cymbals. They can even mount acoustic drums, cymbals, and percussion instruments on this roadworthy system. It employs standard one and one-half-inch tubing for compatibility with virtually all drum manufacturers’ rack hardware. The rack features quick-release, metal clamps for fast setup and tear down. The Crash and Ride cymbals mount on large, knurled boom cymbal arms that are height adjustable right in the rack down tubes. The DM10 Pro Kit comes with tom mounts that enable freely adjustable mounting. Drummer-friendly wing-screws are present on all important rack clamps and pads for ease of adjustment without reaching for a drum key. The drum pads mount on standard 10.5mm L-rods with low-slip, knurled mounting surfaces.

“The DM10 Pro Kit is a giant leap forward for us,” said Jim Norman, Product Manager, Alesis. “We’ve taken everything we’ve learned about electronic percussion, and built the DM10 Pro Kit from the ground up to deliver an incredible playing experience at a breakthrough price point.”

The DM10 Pro Kit will be available from musical instrument and professional audio retailers in Q3 2009.

BFD is a trademark of FXpansion Audio UK Ltd.

Toontrack is a registered trademark of Toontrack.

Reason is a trademark of Propellerhead Software AB.

iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

# # #

About Alesis

Alesis manufactures a full line of professional audio and musical instrument products capitalizing on its strengths in digital, analog, semiconductor, and transducer technologies. Alesis delivers revolutionary product solutions to the music and audio production industries. For more information, visit www.alesis.com; images are available at http://www.alesis.com/media."


Update:
"ALESIS ANNOUNCES DM10 SOUND SET FROM FXPANSION

Partnership Established With BFD Developer

Cumberland, R.I. (July 17, 2009) – Alesis, the world’s leading manufacturer of professional audio equipment and studio electronics, announces a partnership to develop custom sound sets for the new DM10 Pro Kit. The drum set will make its debut at Alesis's booth, number 400, at the Summer NAMM Show held at the Nashville Convention Center, July 17 – 19.

The kit’s DM10 module contains a breathtaking collection of sounds on board, and is also the world's first drum-sound module that enables players to load new sound sets via USB connection from their computer. This means that owners’ sounds will always stay fresh, current and cutting edge. To that end, Alesis has established a partnership with FXpansion. FXpansion pushes the boundaries of audio software technology, with software such as the award-winning BFD series of software drum modules.

“We are proud and honored to partner with a first-class name in drum sampling,” said Adam Cohen, Director of Business Development, Alesis. “Drummers and producers alike will truly be impressed by these sounds.”

Alesis plans to announce additional development partnerships in the near future; visit www.alesis.com for the latest news.

The DM10 Pro Kit will be available from musical instrument and professional audio retailers in Q3, 2009. Sound sets from FXpansion will also be available in Q3, 2009."

Remember you can click on the NAMM label directly below to filter just NAMM announcements. Be sure to check the dates so you don't mix the old with the new.

Nice Roland Jupiter-8 Find

via John
"I really enjoy the Matrixsynth website and all the time you take maintaining it. I do have a story that might be of interest to those that visit it. I always wanted a Jupiter 8, and every one that I went to buy was never in good condition—until last week when after 20 years of waiting, I landed what might be one of the best Jupiter 8’s left on the planet. This unit was owned by a music teacher and never left his home. It was covered for nearly 25 years, only powered up intermittently and when the curator of his estate sent me photos of it, I knew it was mint. It arrived yesterday.

I can honestly say it looked as it was just out of the box, brand spanking new with every bit of documentation right down to the packing slip. I have found not even the slightest mark on the screening, not even a nick on any aspect of the keyboard. The only cosmetic flaw is when they packed the unit to ship to me, they put the keyboard on end vertically and cause a very slight warp on a small corner on one of the metal side panels, (I think I can remove the bend). I’m beyond stunned. I can send high resolution photos but this board was hardly played. The keys feel perfect; the only hint of use was some light dusting near the bender controls; that is it! This 30 year old analog beast is in better condition then my 7 month old Korg Oasys. Dreams do come true and I wonder what a Museum quality JP-8 would sell for, any ideas?"

How much would you pay?

Moog Moogerfooger MF-107 FreqBox Guitar Demo

YouTube via penguinrock.
"I got tired of watching demos for the Moog FreqBox where studio cats were simply running a drum machine through it and tweaking the knobs without EXPLAINING anything, so I wanted to really describe what it can do. This is my first guitar gear demo, so any questions, comments, and constructive criticism are appreciated."

AKAI PRO FURTHER EXPANDS CONTROLLER LINE WITH MPK61

"New MPK61 Is Fourth Model Of Unique Keyboard and MPC Performance Controller

Cumberland, R.I. (Jul. 17, 2009) – Akai Professional, the name synonymous with music production, announces the MPK61, the fourth model in the company’s unique line of keyboard/MPC performance controllers. The MPK61 will make its debut at Akai Professional's booth, number 400, at the Summer NAMM Show held at the Nashville Convention Center, July 17 – 19.

The MPK61 is a keyboard performance MIDI controller that expands the popular MPK line. Each MPK controller combines a piano-style keybed with a bank of genuine Akai Professional MPC pads, assignable Q-Link controllers and some of the technologies from the icon MPC. Producers, performers and DJs will appreciate the MPK61’s mix of 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 16 MPC pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity, 72 assignable Q-Link, MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing and an arpeggiator. The MPK61’s size is ideal for performers who need a larger range than the original 49-key MPK49 offers, but also prefer the lighter weight and associated portability of a semi-weighted keyboard. The MPK61 retains the key split features from the MPK88, enabling the performer to divide the keyboard into two zones for performing with two different programs at once.

Like its 25, 49 and fully weighted 88-key siblings – the MPK25, MPK49 and MPK88, respectively – the MPK61 empowers musicians to create and manipulate melodic, harmonic and rhythmic content and manipulate quickly with its arpeggiator, MPC Swing and MPC Note Repeat technologies. The MPK61 comes with Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition software, one of the most popular and powerful performance and production programs worldwide. Ableton Live Lite enables musicians to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise, and edit musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. The MPK61 is a MIDI controller that sends MIDI values over USB for plug-and-play performance with Mac and PC. Because they are MIDI compliant, the MPK series works with virtually all MIDI recording, sequencing, and performance software for musical performers from keyboard players to producers to DJs and VJs.

“The MPK61 was designed to meet the requests of many keyboard performers,” said Adam Cohen, Director of Business Development, Akai Professional. “They loved the MPK49’s portability and ease of integration into their setup; they liked the large scale of the MPK88, and requested something in between: the MPK61.”

The MPK61 performance keyboard controller will be available from professional audio and musical instrument retailers Q3, 2009.

# # #

About Akai Professional

Since 1984, Akai Professional products have been a staple of modern music both in the studio and on stage. With intuitive design and cutting edge features, Akai Professional is one of the world’s most influential manufacturers of musical electronics. For more information, visit www.akaipro.com; images are available at http://akaipro.com/media.php."

AKAI PRO UNVEILS TWO NEW TINY CONTROLLERS

"LPK25 and LPD8 Bring Akai Pro Quality To A New Degree Of Portability

Cumberland, R.I. (Jul. 17, 2009) – Akai Professional, the name synonymous with music production, announces the LPD8 laptop pad controller and LPK25 laptop performance keyboard controller. The LPD8 and LPK25 will make their debut at Akai Professional's booth, number 400, at the Summer NAMM Show held at the Nashville Convention Center, July 17 – 19.

The LPD8 and LPK25 are USB-MIDI controllers for musicians, producers, DJs and other music creators. Each model is less than 13 inches across and weighs less than a pound to easily fit into a laptop case, backpack or messenger bag for extreme portability.

The LPD8 is based on Akai Professional’s MPC line of iconic music product stations. While the smallest model, the MPC500 is quite portable, many producers prefer to work with software on their computer and the LPD8 gives their laptop the controls they prefer over a mouse and keyboard. The LPD8 has eight blue light-up pads that are velocity sensitive for programming rhythmic or melodic parts. The pads can also send program-change information to software. The LPD8 also has eight assignable Q-Link knobs to which users can assign virtually any parameters in their software for hands-on control.

The LPK25 is a scaled-down relative to the MPK series of keyboard performance controllers. The diminutive keyboard is made up of 25 miniature, velocity-sensitive keyboard keys with synth action. The LPK25 contains an arpeggiator, which steps through chords automatically, assisting musicians with creating quick melodic ideas. Sustain, octave up and down and tap tempo controls round out the LPK25’s easy-to-learn layout.

Each controller works plug and play with Mac and PC and requires no software driver installation or wall power for operation. Both the LPD8 and LPK25 have four memory banks for programming and recalling settings appropriate to different software programs they use.

“Today’s music is in constant evolution, and that requires the tools for music creation to evolve similarly,” said Adam Cohen, Director of Business Development, Akai Professional. “The computer has entrenched itself as the new core of the music studio, and we are now seeing more live performance with computers than ever before. The LPD8 and LPK25 are the perfect extensions of the computer for making music in any setting.”

The LPD8 and LPK25 will be available from musical instrument and professional audio retailers Q3 2009.

# # #

About Akai Professional

Since 1984, Akai Professional products have been a staple of modern music both in the studio and on stage. With intuitive design and cutting edge features, Akai Professional is one of the world’s most influential manufacturers of musical electronics. For more information, visit http://www.akaipro.com/; images are available at http://akaipro.com/media.php."

The Difference Between the Crumar DS1 and DS2

via Retro Synth Ads

click the image

"The DS-II has a control section for total polyphonic capability"

The Strider DCS II, Contemporary Keyboard 1979

via Retro Synth Ads

click on the image to read.

Retro Synth Ads

Get ready to get lost for a while. RetroSynthAds just wrote in to let me know they started a blog that will showcase scan synthesizer ads. They plan to post an ad every Monday and Thursday. There are a number of ads already posted including quite a few I haven't seen before. I'm subbed.

http://retrosynthads.blogspot.com/

Pictured:
Clear Sequential Circuits Pro-One similar in appearance to the clear Gleeman Pentaphonic
Roland Modular systems and more
The Octave Plateau CatStick
The Roland Jupiter-8 Features
The Sequential Circuits Trak line of synths

Be sure to click on the images - these are nice and large.

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Music Technology Company Drops The Beat Thang

"Beat Kangz Electronics launches portable music production system

Nashville, TN - (July 13, 2009) - In the spirit of hip-hop, Beat Kangz Electronics has developed a new music production system and a virtual software package for music lovers and beat makers.

The Nashville-based independently owned company has created The Beat Thang mobile music production unit and The Beat Thang Virtual software application with a unique set of features designed to fit the needs of the urban music community.

Packed with over 3000 brand new sounds, these products integrate fully functioning Digital FX, a 16-track MIDI sequencer, sampling and waveform editing. Designed with the musician’s ear in mind, the products are loaded with live bass, strings, synthesizers, Latin and African percussion, electric guitar as well as popular chopped and screwed effects.

The Beat ThangFlexible and user-friendly, The Beat Thang touts a sleek, light-weight portable design and a rechargeable lithium ion battery with up to six hours of playing time allowing users to effortlessly move from the studio to the stage. The Beat Thang Virtual software application can be loaded onto a PC or Intel-based Mac.

Crowned as the founders of Beat Kangz Electronics, Luke “Boom BAP” Jackson, Reavis “Rev” Mitchell and Aja “A-J-A” Emmanuel inevitably met as they crossed paths on the music scene. From recording with independent and major artists of every genre to producing promos and jingles for international brands and large networks, the owners of Beat Kangz Electronics wanted to create a line of products that the music community could relate to.

“We asked ourselves what were the things we wished a beat machine could do. As independent artists and producers, we know what it’s like to create on a grassroots level. We wanted to actually make the products we used,” said Emmanuel.

Jackson believes the products can serve producers in all genres of music. "Although our products are mainly influenced by hip-hop, the three of us come from very eclectic musical backgrounds. As musicians, we recognize that hip-hop encompasses many different genres, therefore our products will serve many users,” he said.

During a preview of The Beat Thang at the Winter 2009 National Association of Music Merchants Show (NAMM), the team noticed the demand seemed to be much higher than they had anticipated.

“We’ve gotten such great feedback at NAMM shows. We already knew that the market was being underserved, but our interaction with all the users just confirmed how much of a void there was to be filled,” said Mitchell.

The Beat Thang mobile music production unit and The Beat Thang Virtual software application will be featured at the Summer NAMM convention July 17-19 in Nashville.

The Beat KangzCollectively, the triple threat admits to being techies by nature. Their first design concept, the critically acclaimed Zoom SB-246 Streetboxx released in 2006, has been a trusted favorite of underground and major label artists, producers, and deejays worldwide.

Equally impressed with the Streetboxx was legendary production guru and former Live Nation Recordings head Bob Ezrin. After a meeting with the owners, Ezrin found the revolutionary idea of a mobile music production unit and virtual software application, created by an African American company, and owned by talented musicians to be a movement he could support.

“As musicians, they know what they need to make their music. What they have done with this new product is far more profound than what any technologist can do. And when musicians design an instrument to be responsive to their own artistic and technical needs, you can expect it to be practical as well as innovative,” said Ezrin, co-founder of Nashville-based artist development company Bigger Picture Group and producer of both Jay-Z's 2004 film documentary "Fade To Black” and Pink Floyd’s legendary album The Wall.

“Putting so much horsepower into the hands of young music makers is bound to produce groundbreaking results,” declared Ezrin, who is now a partner in the company.

Additionally, the company enlisted Commissioner Gordon, a music engineer who has mixed for artists like Kanye West, The Roots, 50-Cent and KRS-ONE, to mix the final sounds for the The Playa Thang, a playback application for the iPhone and iPod Touch platforms featuring 20 production ready Beat Kangz beats.

Finishing touches are now in progress for The Playa Thang. Plans to make the application available for download from the Apple iStore are underway.

By July 17, The Beat Thang Virtual software system ($149.00) will be available for purchase on the company’s website and The Beat Thang mobile music production unit ($999.00) will be available for pre-order to ship in October.

For more information, visit www.beatkangz.com.

To view product demonstrations, visit www.youtube.com/beatkangz."