Below: "ZS-XPApros with Ableton Live color coded fingerboard and sysex layouts with .als optimization."
"Finally! Some new software available for download here! You'll find a Master Sysex file that allows you to reset your up-to-date Ztar to factory installed 'song' settings. We've also included a zip-file full of individual sysex files for you to pick and choose from. But what we're really excited about is our Ztar Ableton Live Demo Session pckg download. In it we give you our in-house demo .wavs and samples, sysex files for Ableton Live fingerboard layouts, and the actual .als file. Think of it as a template to use as a starting point from which you can modify and customize to your needs!"
"Nord Keyboards are proud to announce the Nord Stage 2 Series featuring our latest sound generation technology in the Piano, Organ and Synthesizer sections. [click the image for a larger shot]
0111 Nord Stage 2 panel
The Piano section includes String Resonance, Dynamic Pedal Noise, and a completely user-replaceable piano memory, twice the size of Nord Stage EX, compatible with the free of charge Nord v5 Piano library.
The Organ section features the tonewheel and transistor organ modeling of the C2 Organ together with a newly developed rotary speaker model.
The Synthesizer section includes an arpeggiator and the Nord sample playback functionality with a memory size storing 120 sounds from the Nord Sample Library including Mellotron and Chamberlin samples. In addition, Nord Stage 2 users can also create their own samples by mapping sound files in .wav format with the Nord sample editor. The genes of the Nord Wave brings analog-style and digital waveforms as well as FM synthesis.
Additional new features include MIDI over USB, monitor input, midi sync for the global master clock, and master clock sync for LFO, arpeggiator, and delay.
With the performing musician in mind the control panel gives immediate access to all key functions and instant visibility of all settings. Single function controls and dedicated selectors make for exceptional ease-of-use.
The Nord Stage 2 is handmade in Stockholm, Sweden by Clavia DMI and is scheduled to ship in February 2011."
Update: NAMM: Nord Stage 2 - New Pics and Info
"There is a new Nord Flagship instrument on the horizon."
"The Stage 2 is compatible with the huge and free Nord Sample Library. The powerful new synthesizer engine is built from the DNA of the famous Nord Wave. Capable of classic analogue synthesis, three operator FM synthesis and Wavetable synthesis.
The Nord Sample Library not only give Stage 2 owners access to the huge free library of world-class sounds, including the famous vintage Mellotron and Chamberlin samples, but thanks to the included Nord Sample Editor for Mac and PC, allows user-created samples to be loaded into the instrument and thus opening up a whole new creative world of sound.
It is over ten years since we made our first digital model of a tonewheel organ. The Stage 2's dedicated organ section now features our third generation B3 Organ model as found in the acclaimed Nord C2 and an improved Rotary model.
The rear panel with the USB connector that also carries MIDI information and the Monitor Input for playing along to your favorite music.
Here is the Piano section with the Acoustics controls, for the String Resonance, the Pedal Noise and the new Selectable Release feature. When Release is activated pianos use a slightly longer release, which is more suitable for legato playing. This important feature reflects adjusting the damper tension in an acoustic or an electromechanical instrument.
The Pedal Noise feature from the Nord Piano is available in the Nord Stage 2 if the optional Nord Triple Pedal is used.
The Piano section has a memory of 500 Megabytes. Each and every Piano sound in the instrument is replaceable with any piano sound from the Nord Piano Library.
The Synth section also features a new Arpeggiator that can be synchronized to the Stage 2 Master Clock for perfect timing with elements of the Stage 2 including the rate of effects and the delay time. The Master Clock tempo can be set numerically, ''tapped'' on the tap button or set by incoming MIDI Clock.
There are 400 Programs (recent change) in the Nord Stage 2 - These are organized in 4 Banks with 20 Pages, with 5 programs in each Page. There are 5 Live Memories that automatically saves all the settings. And a programmable Transpose.
The Effect section sports a new member: the Vibe. This is modelled from a desirable foot pedal and is a great addition to the Stage 2's sonic arsenal.
The production of the Nord Stage 2 will begin in February, 2011.
Every Stage 2 will be delivered with both the Nord Piano and the Nord Sample DVDs. These two expanding Libraries represents more than 6.5 Gigabytes of sounds at the moment. "
"Chris from Nord demos the Nord Stage 2. Which uses modeling and synthesis. Grand Piano, Organ sounds and strings, and Nord Wave. Avail End of March. MAP 88 Note $4199"
"Play synths by singing into your iPhone/iPod Touch!
Voice Control is a wireless MIDI controller that converts the pitch of your voice into signals for controlling MIDI devices networked to your computer.
HOW TO USE: • Download a wireless MIDI interface such as DSMidiWifi (http://dsmi.tobw.net) and install on your computer. • Launch Voice Control on your iPhone or iPod Touch. • Connect your device’s MIDI stream to the synthesizers you want to control. For example, on a Mac use Audio MIDI Setup to connect your iPhone/iPod Touch to Garage Band or other MIDI units networked to your computer. • Start singing. You can even harmonize with others on the same wireless network using two or more Voice Control apps.
FEATURES: • Select your vocal range – from bass to soprano (center picker wheel) • Shift the pitch of converted MIDI signals up or down (right picker wheel) • Display the note you are currently singing (left picker wheel) • Sliders let you change the input audio level and the amount of pitch “smoothing” • Tap “Set Up” to switch to the “Control” screen • Control the volume and expression in real time using the x-y control pad while you sing • Rotate the device to pan the sound left to right"
First up, details on the KORG KRONOS are in for those just coming to the site. Next, NAMM officially starts tomorrow but things are already trickling in. Be sure to see The NAMM List for updates. Now that we are past pre-NAMM speculation, all updates will be added to the bottom of the list, so you can go straight to them. Note that not all NAMM posts will get added to the list though, so be sure to check out the NAMM label often as well. Normal posts will be going up alongside NAMM posts, so use the label to filter everything else out when you just want NAMM coverage.
I'll be glued to the site posting everything that comes in all day long tomorrow, so check back often. If you have anything NAMM-related to send in you can find my contact info on the bottom of the site.
"Beat Thangz are on the Boat from China! Pre order now because this first 1,000 units is gonna go FAST!! Half are sold already! Dont miss your chance to be the first to get your hands on the baddest portable beat machine ever made!!!"
STARR Labs on eBay
