NAMM: Akai Pro SynthStation49: Overview

YouTube Uploaded by AkaiProVideo on Jan 17, 2012

"SynthStation49 is the most advanced, intuitive music controller designed specifically for use with the iPad or iPad 2 and the first true iPad performance tool for musicians. Working seamlessly with Akai Professional's heralded SynthStation software, SynthStation49 provides unparalleled music creation capabilities, including direct in-app MIDI recording from its velocity-sensitive keyboard, nine MPC-style drum pads and array of transport controls. In addition to its integration with the SynthStation app, SynthStation49 is also completely iOS CoreMIDI compatible, making it instantly compatible with dozens of music apps already in the App Store and hundreds more on the way."

Note the SynthStation49 was announced at NAMM last year. The SynthStation25 has been available for some time as you can find on eBay here. Note the iPad 3 is rumored to be coming as soon as February and if not, definitely sometime this year. Apple keeps the design under wraps, so we won't know if this will work out of the box with it. If not, hopefully Akai will provide an adapter like Alesis did with the IO Dock.

Key Features:
Portable, velocity-sensitive keyboard with pitch and modulation wheels
Nine velocity-sensitive MPC-style drum pads which light when triggered
Dedicated transport control buttons including Play, Pause and Record
Play MIDI keyboard and drum pad performances into an iPad via CoreMIDI or AkaiConnect apps
Built-in, adjustable dock charges your iPad while positioning the screen at the perfect angle
USB port for connecting to a Mac or PC, receiving power and controlling MIDI music software
Works with iPad or iPad 2
Professional ¼" stereo outputs with volume control to connect mixers, speakers and recording equipment
Headphone output to practice and compose in private

"SynthStation49 is the most advanced, intuitive music controller designed specifically for use with the iPad or iPad 2 and the first true iPad performance tool for musicians. Working seamlessly with Akai Professional’s heralded SynthStation software, SynthStation49 provides unparalleled music creation capabilities, including direct in-app MIDI recording from its velocity-sensitive keyboard, nine MPC-style drum pads and array of transport controls. In addition to its integration with the SynthStation app, SynthStation49 is also completely iOS CoreMIDI compatible, making it instantly compatible with dozens of music apps already in the App Store and hundreds more on the way.

Dock, power and position the iPad perfectly using the adjustable-angled cradle, or establish commanding control over your favorite computer software using SynthStation49‘s USB/MIDI port. Professional ¼” outputs and extreme portability ensure you’ll be able to take your sequences straight to the stage at a moments notice.

SynthStation49 is the only full-featured, professional keyboard controller allowing direct MIDI performance recording onto an iPad. Bridging Akai Professional’s popular MPK controllers with the previously released SynthStation25, SynthStation49 provides immense software control with forty-nine, full-size velocity-sensitive keys, nine backlit MPC-style drum pads and full transport buttons. An adjustable-angled dock for iPad allows the user to easily slide their tablet into the SynthStation49’s cradle and position the screen to their preference.

SynthStation49’s keyboard, pitch/modulation wheels and sustain pedal input provide great feel and the essential controls for musicians and producers to compose, record and perform. The nine drum pads of SynthStation49 give users immediate, intuitive beat-creation capabilities over the 50 classic and modern kits available within the SynthStation software. Program, Sequence, Song select and Transport buttons also provide quick navigation to the SynthStation App’s most used components for a seamless, efficient workflow.

SynthStation49 also contains a stereo pair of professional ¼” TRS outputs with volume knob for easy connecting to other pro audio equipment on stage or in the studio. A headphone output also lets users practice and compose in private. The SynthStation49’s USB port can be connected directly to a Mac or PC computer to receive power in addition to transmitting MIDI to and from music software – a great way to turn the SynthStation App or other CoreMIDI compatible App into a sound module. You can even use SynthStation49 as a traditional USB MIDI controller with your computer - no iPad required!

AkaiConnect SDK allows third-party developers to take advantage of all the professional controls and capabilities of Akai Pro’s SynthStation49 keyboard controller and incorporate support for those controls within their iPad applications. Software developers interested in creating programs compatible with SynthStation49 can submit an application now at SynthStationApp.com.

Pending certification from Apple.
iPhone and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries."

Foresting

YouTube Uploaded by crudface on Jan 17, 2012

NAMM: The ABBEY ROAD DRUMMER Series

YouTube Uploaded by NativeInstruments on Jan 18, 2012

"Take a look at the ABBEY ROAD DRUMMER Series! The original ABBEY ROAD instruments gave you the DRUMS, now Native Instruments is giving you the DRUMMER. With over 1,000 grooves played live by top session drummers, a detailed Mixer Section and class-A studio effects, each instrument is a unique, high-end drum studio. The ABBEY ROAD DRUMMER Series puts dynamic, natural drum tracks at your fingertips."

First Steps with ABBEY ROAD DRUMMER

Uploaded by NativeInstruments on Jan 18, 2012

"This video takes a look inside the ABBEY ROAD DRUMMER Series. It covers working with the Groove Library, showcases the new Mixer Section and studio effects, and demonstrates the power and flexibility and character sound of the four ABBEY ROAD DRUMMER instruments. Find out more: http://www.native-instruments.com/abbey-road-drummer/"

NAMM: Best Service - Galaxy X Trailer

YouTube Uploaded by bestservicegmbh on Jan 18, 2012

"After three years of development Galaxy Instruments and Best Service proudly present GALAXY X, an exciting new virtual instrument with an extraordinary new kind of sound design: Effect Convolution.
More info http://www.bestservice.de/detail1.asp/best_service/galaxy_x/en"

"FACTS & FEATURES

Convolution Synthesizer
New sound synthesis for exciting new sounds
Integrated system for FX convolution in one virtual instrument
Complete production kit: X-Keys, X-FX and X-Loops
More than 1000 ready-to-play Instrument Layers
Easy creation of user sounds
15GB of Source Sounds
More than 1000 multi-sampled Source Key Instruments
More than 5000 Source Loops
More than 2000 Source Effect Sounds
More than 1400 Convolution X-Files for completely altering the source sounds
Complex sound design with an extremely intuitive user interface
Easy dynamic use of convolution using the Mod Wheel
X-Eye for visualizing the amount of convolution
Musical and intuitive Pre-X and Post-X effects
Endless sound possibilities designed by you"

Little Phatty + Prophet 08 = Mellotuesday

YouTube Uploaded by n3bsvid on Jan 18, 2012

"A little improv with a Prophet 08 patch that reminded me of the mellotron flute sounds.

Reverb is from Ableton Live.

Hardware:
Moog Little Phatty Stage 2
Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08"

Oberheim OB-X "Eight Voices"

Oberheim OB-X "Eight Voices" by RetroSound
"(c) 2012 by RetroSound
Oberheim OB-X 8 voice (1979)
recording: multi track
fx: only a bit delay"

via The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

Buchlamess

flickr By buchlajoe

"Playing , reorganizing , selling , moving , and generally making a mess of my studio."

Love that poster!

NAMM: Three New Controllers from Alesis

"ALESIS ANNOUNCES THREE NEW USB MIDI KEYBOARD CONTROLLERS: Q61, QX61 AND QX25
New controllers bring together combinations of keys, pads, knobs and faders with something to inspire the creativity of nearly any musician.

Cumberland, R.I. (Jan. 19, 2012) – Alesis, maker of tools and instruments for today’s music makers, introduces the Q61, QX61 and QX25 USB MIDI keyboard controllers. Alesis will unveil the trio of new controllers at booth #6400 of the 2012 NAMM Show from January 19-22 in Anaheim, California.

The Q-series USB MIDI controllers are the no-nonsense way to add expressive MIDI control to any production or performance. Each controller features USB MIDI for easy connection to Mac, PC, iOS devices* and traditional MIDI hardware modules, samplers and synthesizers.

The Q61 is a 61-note keyboard controller that works with virtually any music software and MIDI hardware devices. With velocity-sensitive keys, the Q61 offers a five-octave range of expression in a sleek, portable controller, built for the studio or stage. A full array of essential controls is onboard, including pitch and modulation wheels, octave up and down buttons, an assignable data slider, and the ability to send program changes from the keys.

The QX25 and QX61 are 25-note and 61-note keyboard controllers, respectively, that deliver powerful tactile control over any parameter of any favorite music software. Both controllers enable musicians to punch out a drumbeat on great-feeling pads, open up a filter with smooth, tight knobs, or adjust volume and playback of sequencing software with long faders and snappy buttons. The QX25 and QX61 bring immense parameter control and velocity-sensitive keyboards that get the composer’s hands off of the mouse and into the action for a more efficient, visceral music-making experience.

Whether someone is looking to trigger drum samples, tweak a software synthesizer or adjust individual tracks in a mix, the QX25 and QX61's extensive layouts ensure appropriate feel and proper response thanks to their eight sliders and rotary knobs, four backlit drum pads and dedicated transport controls.

“What began with the Q49 has now grown into a family of controllers with sizes and configurations for any musician to capture their performances,” said Dan Radin, Product Manager, Alesis. “Whether you need the simplicity of the Q61, the power of the QX61 or the compact punch of the QX25, there’s a perfect Q-Series companion for every musician.”

NAMM: Akai Pro MAX49

NAMM: Akai Pro MAX49: Overview

YouTube Uploaded by AkaiProVideo on Jan 17, 2012

"MAX49 from Akai Professional places revolutionary MIDI and CV control at your fingertips. With an intuitive layout and included AkaiConnect automatic-mapping software, MAX49 offers an instant, fully immersive experience with your favorite music software and virtually all VST plugins. From its 49 semi-weighted keys and 12 real MPC pads, to its groundbreaking LED touch faders and vintage CV & Gate outputs, MAX49 combines cutting-edge Akai Pro technology with classic capability to give you an unprecedented music-making experience.

CLICK FOR MORE »

NAMM: Alesis Vortex USB/MIDI Keytar

The Features:
- Dynamic, shoulder-worn performance keyboard with attention-grabbing looks
- The first USB keytar controller—works with all of your software instruments & synths on Mac, PC, & iOS* devices
- USB and traditional MIDI jacks for use with virtually any synth, sound module, or other MIDI hardware or software
- Embedded, MIDI-assignable accelerometer for performance parameter control by tilting the neck
- Thumb-controlled volume slider, sustain button and pitch-bend wheel on neck
- Finger-controlled MIDI-assignable touchstrip, sustain, and octave-control buttons on neck
- 37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch for compact, yet complete melodic range
- Eight velocity-sensitive drum pads/sample triggers enable you to create beats or trigger clips
- Large transport & patch-select controls for instant access
- Includes strap; standard guitar strap pegs are compatible with virtually any strap
- Bus powered when USB-connected to Mac or PC; battery compartment for use with MIDI modules and iOS devices

The Description:
"STORM THE STAGE
It's time to experience outrageous, unprecedented keytar performance with the Alesis Vortex. The Vortex eliminates the barrier between you and your audience by giving you the freedom to move around the stage and take the lead. With an extensive layout of touch-sensitive keys and velocity-sensitive pads on its pearlescent white body, and radical pitch and modulation controls on its neck, the Vortex empowers you to rule the stage.

WHIP IT
The Vortex is the first keytar to include a MIDI-assignable accelerometer. Now, you can get out from behind your keyboard stand and be just as visual as guitarists and singers with an instrument that will respond to your motion. You’ll be able to create incredible volume swells, amazing pitch bends, vibratos, filter cutoffs and more by tilting the Vortex’s neck in the heat of the moment during live performances.

KEYS, CONTROL AND MORE
The Vortex includes even more features never before found on any keytar: both traditional MIDI and USB MIDI are onboard, empowering you to use the Vortex with all of your software instruments and synths on Mac, PC, and iPad*. You'll have a virtually unlimited palette of sounds, ready to command with one of the most exciting keytar controllers ever.

The Vortex comes ready for instant performance, automapped for today’s most popular software synths and DAWs. Plus, you can customize and create your own mappings for virtually any MIDI software.

FULL EXPRESSION
Breathe new life into every performance with the most expressive keytar ever produced. The Vortex’s neck controls are laid out ergonomically: your thumb controls a volume slider and pitch-bend wheel while your fingers command nine front-facing controls that include a MIDI-assignable touch strip, and buttons for octave selection and sustain. Large transport and patch-select controls are centrally located on the Vortex’s body for instant access, and synth lovers will be happy to know that the Vortex’s 37 velocity-sensitive keys feature aftertouch to enable instant creative flourishes.

EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD

But you can rule the stage. The Vortex is for controllerists, for those who want to perform without limitations to their movement or their sound set. The Vortex is bus powered when connected to a Mac or PC, and can also be powered by batteries when used with MIDI modules and iOS devices including the iPad. Standard strap pegs are located on the Vortex's neck and body, and an adjustable strap is included.

Outrageous keytar performance in a pristine, pearl-white body—the Vortex is the perfect storm of stunning design and incredible performance capability.

Your audience won't know what hit them."