Synths and workstations

Open Labs introduces Soundslate

Introducing Open Labs’ SoundSlate, the ultimate virtual instrument player and hardware DAW for your keyboard workstation or MIDI controller, contained in a sexy 1U rackmountable case. SoundSlate redefines music production and performance by incorporating Open Labs’ music operating environment including the critically acclaimed virtual instrument host Riff, 8000+ of sounds and effects, a robust audio i/o, and a powerful computer core running Windows XP into a 1U-ultra compact case that packs a punch.

Kurzweil announces PC3LE6 performance controller

Kurzweil Music Systems is proud to announce that the PC3LE6, the first of the PC3LE product line, will be shipping this month. The much anticipated LE line includes the widely acclaimed sound set from the PC3, in addition to many of the PC3’s most popular features like Setup Mode, Song Mode and Quick Access Mode. The LE’s streamlined user interface has been designed to allow for a quick learning curve and unprecedented ease of use. This new, interactive U.I. provides a constant stream of useful information to players; move a controller and the LE will display the controller’s name, value and the parameter to which it’s been assigned. (Example – Knob 5: 43 Reverb Wet/Dry).

Yamaha announce the Download.com portal

Top artists interviews and highly topical and constantly updated news and reviews form the heartbeat of www.yamahadownload.com according to Yamaha’s Felicity Gregory, “all the ingredients and elements that are important to musicians at all levels come together on Download, it will prove invaluable to songwriters, bands, teachers and there’s also much in there for beginners too, it’s a great place for musicians to get closer to their music and learn from top professionals, the site will change from week to week ensuring it is always fresh and relevant.”

Poly Evolver keyboard updated

Dave Smith Instruments has released an updated version of its flagship synthesizer keyboard, the Poly Evolver. The new version boasts 60 potentiometers among its complement of 78 rotary controls. “The response to the pot edition of the Prophet ’08 has been overwhelmingly positive,” said company founder Dave Smith, “so we decided to extend that functionality to the Poly Evolver, as well.”

Custom Moog Little Phatty CV in Solar Orange

Exclusively from Sweetwater, the custom Little Phatty Stage II combines new features and flexibility along with a new look that’s sure to stand out in the crowd! The Little Phatty Stage II is an analog synth with the last sound engine designed by the late master innovator, Bob Moog. Little Phatty Stage II is the realization of Bob Moog’s dream to combine his great analog sound with an instrument that is both accessible to most musicians in terms of price, and also designed for live performance. Sweetwater worked closely with Moog Music to find the perfect color for our exclusive edition of this popular analog synth. And to really take it over the top, we’ve had Moog pre-install the CV Output Option, giving this Sweetwater Solar CV Edition far more control and interfacing capabilities than the standard version.

Korg introduces M3 XPanded

Korg features its most far-reaching enhancement ever for a keyboard workstation, the M3 XPanded at the AES in New York this week. This free major upgrade of Korg’s flagship M3 Workstation offers 668 MB of expansive new sounds, interactive interface functionality, advanced sequencer enhancements, additions to Korg’s exclusive KARMA® technology and more.

Synthesizer from Denmark: deMOON

Affordable 4 note polyphonic filterbank synthesizer with build-in granulator and distortion effects, step-sequencer and note randomizer. Small and compact in size with a great sound. The headphone output and the step-sequencer makes it ideal to express your musical ideas everywhere, and store them in 128 memory locations.