MATRIXSYNTH

Thursday, January 23, 2014

New Full Size KORG MS20 Press Release and Pic

See Update2 in the main post here.

Korg RK-100S : Reborn to achieve 100% perfection

Published on Jan 23, 2014 Korg·423 videos

"Appearing in 1984, the RK-100 remote keyboard broke the chains of keyboardists, setting them free to perform as they liked. It allowed the keyboard player to challenge the vocalist or guitarist for the main role on stage. Now, thirty years later, the RK has been resurrected. Although beautiful curved surfaces have been added, the essence of the original and very popular design is unchanged. What had been a somewhat large and heavy body has been made more compact and lightweight thanks to modern components such as a slim keyboard. While the original required an external sound module, the new RK-100S contains a built-in analog modeling sound generator. New features and functions include two ribbon controllers, an arpeggiator, and a vocoder, and there are also "favorite" buttons that allow you to register frequently-used sounds for one-touch selection. The RK-100S is your choice for smarter, more active, and more enjoyable performance. Enjoy play anywhere performance utilizing AA batteries. The RK-100S Remote Keyboard is available in White, Black & Red.

For more information on the KORG RK-100S, head over to http://www.Korg.com

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"WINTER NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 23rd, 2014 - Korg (Booth 6440 / Hall A) is debuting the RK-100S synth/controller for the 30th anniversary of the original RK-100. Korg's latest keytar offering provides an alternative to traditional keyboards by allowing players to step out from behind a keyboard and into the spotlight. Housed in a stylish, solid wood body, the battery-powered RK100S offers a number of additional updates from the original model. Equipped with a full palate of keyboard sounds from the built-in microKORG XL+ engine, it enables users to perform in a wide variety of music genres wherever inspiration may strike. It also functions as a USB/MIDI controller, as well as a vocoder.

There are 200 programs available in the onboard MMT sound generation system, including a broad range of oscillator algorithms such as the characteristic sawtooth and square waves found in analog synthesizers, plus formant waveforms, noise, and classic PCM/DWGS waveforms.

In addition to the 37-note slim keyboard (as featured on the Korg MS-20 Mini), a short ribbon controller on the neck and a long ribbon controller in front of the key bed are included for controlling parameters such as pitch and filter. The long ribbon runs the entire length of the key bed and can also be used to play scales over three octaves. Also included is a built-in arpeggiator, with six arpeggios available. Notes in the arpeggiator can be individually switched on/off, for even more rhythmic variation.

The RK-100S comes equipped with a vocoder function that lets players use their voice, via the optional headset mic, to process the sound of the oscillator.

The Korg RK-100S synth/controller runs on six AA batteries or the optional AD adaptor and is available in a choice of three colors: red, white and black. It will be available June 2014, with U.S. pricing to be announced shortly. For more information, please visit www.korg.com."

Update: NAMM floor video:

Kraft Music - Korg RK100S NAMM 2014

Published on Jan 23, 2014 Kraft Music·389 videos

New KORG Gadget Mobile Synthesizer Studio for iPad

iTunes: KORG Gadget - KORG INC. - (Currently 25% off at $28.99)

Published on Jan 23, 2014 Korg·423 videos

"WINTER NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 23rd, 2014 - Korg releases Gadget for iPad, a mobile synthesizer studio that offers the ultimate mobile synth collection for iPad. It was designed for anyone looking to explore software synthesis, musicians looking for a diverse palate of synths in one integrated app, or those looking to take their iPad music production to the next level.

Korg Gadget offers a collection of 15 different synthesizers and drum machines called "Gadgets", which can be freely combined to create powerful electronic music (on the latest iPad-as of Januray 2014-more than 20 Gadgets can be run simultaneously).

The parameters of each Gadget in the app are carefully constructed to provide immediate access to the most useful sounds, and are ideal for producing all forms of electronic music. No musical instrument experience is required- each synth offers a keyboard featuring a Scale function that makes it impossible to play wrong notes, combined with a sequencer that supports the function.

Examples of included synths (full list is available on www.korg.com):

Brussels - Monophonic Anthem Synthesizer
This synthesizer gadget has a simple parameter structure with an intuitive user interface. Its thick unison tones provide the lead sounds needed for any type of electronic music.

Dublin - Monophonic Semi-Modular Synthesizer
This semi-modular synthesizer gadget with classic, vintage looks is especially good for deep bass sounds. In addition to being capable of straightforward yet deep subtractive synthesis with a plain waveform and filter, it also offers a wide range of varying tones via patching.

Miami - Monophonic Wobble Synthesizer
In addition to the bass sounds that are indispensable for today's electronic music, it features an "X-MOD" oscillator that generates complex overtones and modulation, and a "CRUSH" filter that adds distinctive noise. "WOBBLE" modulation can shift the character to produce a wobble sound evocative of an evil monster, often heard in Brostep and Dubstep.

Korg Gadget lets song ideas be captured anywhere, anytime. By connecting an external MIDI keyboard via the Camera Connection Kit, the 15 synths can be played from a real keyboard. A range of iOS music technology is also supported, including AudioCopy, and WIST.

Song data can be exported as audio data or MIDI data for a variety of uses. Songs can also be shared to the GadgetCloud* for connecting to users around the world.

Korg Gadget is compatible with iOS 7 or later, running on iPad Air, iPad mini Retina, Fourth-generation iPad, Third-generation iPad, iPad 2, or iPad mini.

The Korg Gadget for iPad will be available January 2014 with pricing to be announced shortly.

Additional product information is available at Korg.com"

Update: new video by Mee Zanook & details from iTunes:

KORG Gadget Mobile Synthesizer Studio for iPad

Published on Jan 23, 2014

Introducing the "KORG Gadget" Synthesizer Based Mobile Studio
A collection of 15 compact synthesizers/drum modules
Unlimited tracks which can be frozen when CPU spikes
Fully Automatable
Video produced & performed by Mee Zanook.

iTunes: KORG Gadget - KORG INC. - (Currently 25% off at $28.99)

"*** SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE - 25% OFF FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!! ***

The ultimate mobile synth collection on your iPad
KORG Gadget - the all-in-one music production studio

KORG Gadget offers a collection of 15 different synthesizers and drum machines called "Gadgets”, which you can freely combine to produce powerful electronic music.

*** A collection of fifteen Gadgets ***
Right from the beginning, KORG Gadget gives you 15 compact synthesizers and drum machines. Each Gadget possesses an irresistible presence and can function as the core of your electronic music productions. The parameters are carefully constructed to take you right to the sound that you want, and they’re ideal for producing all forms of electronic music. Even if you don't play a musical instrument, no worries! Each synth offers a keyboard featuring a Scale function that makes it impossible to play wrong notes, combined with a sequencer that supports the function, Just download KORG Gadget to your iPad, and start exploring 15 Gadgets. Which will be your favorite?

*** Ideal track-making experience while on the go. Control two things at once. ***
For the most part, KORG Gadget uses the vertical orientation that makes the iPad easy to hold in one hand and is the most common style of interface on iOS devices. The screen of the iPad is divided vertically in two halves, allowing you to simultaneously control two types of content-"song creation" and "sound creation". by placing the current Gadget on the bottom of the screen while always showing the sequencing environment up top.-This ensures that your creative production flow is not interrupted. That's all you have to know. You'll enjoy the simple and intuitive sequencer, and experience track-making in an environment that's been perfectly optimized for mobile use, while retaining professional quality in everything from the effects to the mixer.

*** Capture ideas for your songs wherever you like. An ideal choice as a second DAW ***
If you run out of ideas while producing a song, try taking KORG Gadget somewhere that you find inspirational, like a cafe or your living room. Then create sounds or phrases with your favorite gadget and stock up on ideas. The data you create can be exported as audio data for a variety of uses. Even if you typically use a computer or sophisticated music production equipment, KORG Gadget is an ideal partner that will inspire you from a different perspective. KORG Gadget is also an ideal choice as a second DAW that's easy to take with you along anywhere.

*** Share songs to the GadgetCloud and connect to users around the world. ***
Songs that you create using KORG Gadget can be shared on "GadgetCloud," a music sharing site for KORG Gadget users worldwide. By exchanging songs between mobile musicians around the world, you can communicate in ways that bypass language barriers, and also improve your skill as a creative artist. This is a music production space that's fun to use; you can submit your songs for selection as tracks recommended by KORG, enter various contents, and use the ranking system. You can also upload from KORG Gadget directly to any social networking service such as SoundCloud, Facebook, or Twitter, sending your tracks wherever you like.

GadgetCloud is based on SoundCloud, the cloud service that's supported by creative artists world-wide. You will need a SoundCloud account.

***A fusion of cutting-edge iOS technology; a mobile studio that continues to evolve ***
By connecting an external MIDI keyboard via the Camera Connection Kit, you can play the 15 synthesizers in Gadget from a real keyboard. A wide range of iOS music technology is also supported, including AudioCopy, and WIST. There's a roadmap for future updates that will add new gadgets and support audio tracks, further perfecting the system as a mobile music production studio. KORG Gadget will continue to evolve in support of serious mobile music-making."

Video of the New Full Size KORG MS20 Kit

See the update in this post.

New KORG taktile / TRITON taktile USB/MIDI Controllers

New KORG taktile -- A controller designed to inspire

Published on Jan 23, 2014 Korg·423 videos

"The KORG taktile / TRITON taktile are USB/MIDI controllers equipped with the same great-feeling, semi-weighted keyboard found on Korg's KingKorg and Krome. Taktiles are loaded with functions that make them fun to use. Of course, the taktile also delivers the functionality expected from a MIDI controller. It provides all of the basic controls such as sliders, switches, and transport controls, all to make Interfacing with your favorite DAWs and plug-ins a seamless experience.

In addition, TRITON taktile adds 512 sounds from the legendary KORG TRITON - KORG's best-selling Music Workstation. From your desktop to live stage performances, TRITON taktile is a USB MIDI controller that can be trusted in any performance situation.

This video features Adriano Clemente performing on the KORG taktile49.

For more information on the KORG taktile, head over to http://www.korg.com

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Update: and the press release with price:

"Korg Unveils Taktile and TRITON Taktile USB Controller Keyboards/Synths

WINTER NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 23rd, 2014 - Korg (Booth 6440 / Hall A) announces the Taktile and TRITON Taktile USB Controller Keyboards. These small, lightweight USB/MIDI controller keyboards provide a wide variety of functions for song production, and are available in either 25 or 49-key variations (semi-weighted). TRITON Taktile takes the full functionality of the Taktile series and adds 512 sought-after Programs from Korg's classic TRITON Music Workstation. This enables musicians to use their controller as a standalone hardware synth or as a sound source in combination with existing plug-ins. Users have the ability to immediately play back MIDI data from their DAW without the need for additional software. TRITON Taktile also offers today's musicians rare access to coveted TRITON sounds.

Various knobs and sliders are available for controlling the numerous parameters of software synthesizers. The onboard controllers include:
Touch-sensitive, illuminated Drum Trigger Pads (8 for the 25-key models 16 for 49-key models)
Pitch Bend & Mod Wheel controls
A KAOSS-style X-Y Touch Pad that provides CC, note and track pad input
A ribbon for fast parameter selection or right/left click when in track pad mode
Assignable controllers (8 sliders, 8 knobs, 8 switches)
Dedicated DAW transport switches

A bright, clear OEL screen displays parameters and program names.

Touch Scale functionality lets users automatically generate phrases in the specified key and scale by simply moving a finger on the X-Y touchpad. This practical alternative enables anyone to easily play their software synth by using the same simple gestures as on a Korg Kaoss instrument. The Chord Trigger function allows chords to be assigned to the pads and played back. When utilized in conjunction with the Touch Scale function, users can quickly develop musical patterns/ideas into songs without the need for deep editing.

A generous array of licenses/discount coupons are bundled with the Taktile/TRITON Taktile, enabling users to start performing with popular music software immediately. Included are: Korg M1 Le software; EZDrummer Lite; Ultra Analog Session; Strum Acoustic Session; Lounge Lizard Session; Ableton Live discount coupon; and Reason Limited DAW software.

The Korg Taktile/TRITON Taktile will be available in June 2014 with US Street prices as follows: Taktile 25 - $249.99; Taktile 49 - $349.99; TRITON Taktile 25 - $349.99; TRITON Taktile 49 - $499.99 For more information, please visit www.korg.com."

Update: NAMM Floor Videos:

[NAMM] Korg Triton Taktile

Published on Jan 23, 2014 Audiofanzine·966 videos

"Here's a presentation of the new Korg Triton Taktile at the NAMM Show 2014."

NAMM 2014: Korg Taktile MIDI controllers and Triton Taktile synths

Published on Jan 23, 2014 Future Music Magazine·346 videos

"Korg release a new range of MIDI controllers in various formats, including the Taktile Triton's with built in synth sounds. Future Music get a demo at NAMM 2014"

Kraft Music - Korg Taktile Triton NAMM 2014

Published on Jan 23, 2014

New Arturia BeatStep Controller & Sequencer

Published on Jan 23, 2014 Arturia Web·119 videos

"Arturia's Beatstep offers a new degree of functionality and performance for a portable pad controller. BeatStep is highly versatile, capable of triggering clips in such applications as Ableton Live, playing drums in conjunction with such applications as BFD or EZDrummer.

But BeatStep is also a 16-step analog sequencer for creating all kinds of musical phrases to be sent to analog synthesizers, MIDI drum machines, MIDI keyboard devices, or computer programs.
Its vast connectivity allows you to connect the BeatStep to a computer or iPAD using USB, a drum module using MIDI or an analog synthesizer equipped with CV/GATE."

Sonic Sense Pro Audio demo video with the Arturi MiniBRUTE:

New at NAMM 214 Arturia Beatstep Sequencer and Pad Controller First Look

Published on Jan 23, 2014 SonicSenseProAudio·112 videos

"Quick demo performance of the brand new Arturia Beatstep pad controller and sequencer. Each part was sequenced with the Beatstep.

For more demos, tutorials, and comparisons, check out our blog at www.sonicsense.com/blog"

Update: and the press release with price:

"Arturia steps up to the beat with breakthrough BeatStep sequencer/controller

“BeatStep is another great Arturia product that now sits firmly in our studio. We have started to integrate it into our live show for on-the-fly programming and sequencing, giving us great control over drum programming — much fun!”

- Tony Mitolo, 2014 (Empire Of The Sun drummer)

GRENOBLE, FRANCE: music software and hardware company Arturia is proud to launch BeatStep — an amazingly compact and bijou, space-saving tabletop pad controller-cum-step sequencer that is as powerful as it is portable — at the 2014 NAMM Show, January 23-26 in Anaheim, California.

Arturia’s breakthrough BeatStep offers a new level of functionality and performance features in a powerful, portable pad- and encoder- laden USB Class-compliant controller at a hitherto unheard of price-to-performance ratio. Taken at face value, triggering audio clips within powerful, flexible software environments such as Ableton Live or playing drum parts in conjunction with the likes of FXpansion BFD or Toontrack EZdrummer is as easy as exercising your trigger fingers!

Users can comfortably use BeatStep’s 16 sensitively-spaced, velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads to create dynamic percussion performances. Performing onstage? Well, when working in CNTRL (controller) mode those pads backlit LEDs are brightly lit in red — perfect for overcoming far from ideal lighting conditions that are typically associated with onstage operation. Actually, this also assists with making studio-based beats easier on the eye, too.

But beyond that trigger-happy, percussion-friendly facade lies a wealth of flexible features for creating mind-blowing music. Switch to SEQ (sequencer) mode and those backlit LEDs become blue for instant visual confirmation of the mode change. The pads now perform a different function, too. Each one represents a step in a 16-step sequence while pitch adjustments for each step is available via BeatStep’s 16 encoders. Up to 16 sequence pattens can be conveniently stored for instant recall. Elsewhere, encoder-enabled scale modes, sequencer playback modes, and time division functions allow for realtime performance changes.

Whatever your connectivity preferences may be, Arturia has helped keep BeatStep one step ahead of the competition by thoughtfully providing MIDI, USB, and CV/GATE options. Users can comfortably drive anything from software instruments to suitably-equipped hardware, including instruments like Arturia’s own super-selling MiniBrute Analog Synthesizer and MicroBrute Analog Synthesizer. Supporting BeatStep’s super-slender form factor, a custom breakout cable can be used to drive standard MIDI gear. Freedom of choice is always a wonderful thing — even more so when it comes to step sequencing!

Speaking of connectivity, when used with an Apple iPad and Camera Connection Kit combo, BeatStep becomes one of the most flexible iPad app controllers around as well. Indeed, its relatively diminutive dimensions make these desirable devices the perfect production partnership. After all, freedom to travel is also a wonderful thing — especially when carrying around a production-ready BeatStep-carrying backpack that is far from backbreaking and also unlikely to break the bank!

Those wishing to use BeatStep as a general purpose control surface are also well and truly catered for since its pads can be configured to be MIDI CC buttons or assigned to send Program and Bank Change messages as well as note messages. The transport buttons can be MMC controls or MIDI CC to start and stop any connected DAW. With 16 encoders, 16 pads/buttons, and 16 preset memories at your command, you can come up with multiple ways to use BeatStep in any live or studio environment.

Put simply, your wish is BeatStep’s command. Controlling and step sequencing is fun and flexible — and all available at an amazing asking price with Arturia’s breakthrough BeatStep. To see one is to want one — which is exactly why Arturia has seen fit to include a Kensington Lock to keep your BeatStep secure from prying eyes (and hands)! However, you can walk away with one from your local authorised Arturia dealer for only €129.00 USD/$99.00 EUR (MSRP)... soon.

BeatStep will be available to purchase at the end of March from the Arturia online store (http://www.arturia.com/evolution/en/buy/online-shop.html)
or any authorised dealer for $129.00 USD/€99.00 EUR."

Update2: NAMM video:

NAMM 2014: Arturia BeatStep hardware sequencer and Spark 2 software

Published on Jan 23, 2014 Future Music Magazine·343 videos

"FM get a video demo of a new USB hardware step sequencer with CV and MIDI. Plus, see an update to the Spark software"

NAMM 2014: Arturia Beat Step - First Look (Video)

Published on Jan 23, 2014 sonicstate·613 videos

"NAMM 2014: Arturia Beat Step - First Look (Video) Compact Control Powerhouse"