Synths and workstations

MusikMesse 2014 Gearjunkies Roundup

It’s time again, MusikMesse is over, but we’ve been checking out everything for you, and it’s time for the traditional roundup of new stuff along our gear categories. The general impression is one of consolidation, but also one of new little gems that are more than welcome to be nurtured by us, junkies of gear…

Korg introduces more piano with the LP-180

Korg introduces more piano with the LP-180

Korg announces the LP-180 Digital Piano, featuring rich, expressive, realistic piano sounds based on the latest Korg technology. This slim, 88-note piano combines the sounds and action from Korg’s affordable SP-170 stage piano with the modern aesthetic of Korg’s flagship LP-380 lifestyle piano. The slim-line cabinet fits easily into nearly any environment, and the two available finishes complement nearly any décor––chic black or elegant white. When not in use, the LP-180 can enhance any living space or commercial location. With a smooth top/keyboard cover, and no exposed hinges, it can easily blend into a room––ideal for apartment dwellers, churches, restaurants, or anyone looking for a space-saving, visually striking digital piano.

Hot Since 82 and Dave Smith meet and talk synths – Video

San Francisco’s Dave Smith is a synthesizer pioneer par excellence, responsible for some of the biggest advancements in musical technology ever, including founding the legendary gear-maker Sequential Circuits and inventing the MIDI protocol. Hot Since 82 (aka Daley Padley) is a house producer and DJ from Yorkshire, England, who, up until now, has produced his tracks entirely in-the-box. So when Padley recently stopped through San Francisco to promote his Little Black Book album, Beatport got the two gear fanatics together at Smith’s lab to compare notes on the analog-vs.-digital world.

Roland AIRA MusikMesse Demonstration – Gearjunkies Video

When at the Messe you of course visit the Roland stand. Popular amongst the visitors were the demonstrations of the new AIRA Series. Roland had a little surprise as they introduced a new addition to the AIRA series with a little Sync Box. We noticed that the sync box wasn’t named yet as there was a sticker on top of the box blocking that model name. So we can only assume it was still in prototype stage. However it worked flawlessly as you can see and hear in our video below.

All black Korg Kross and free Triton sounds

All black Korg Kross and free Triton sounds

Korg is now offering the Kross 88-key keyboard in a sleek, all-black body that provides a distinctive and elegant appearance for any venue or décor. As an additional enhancement, Korg is offering Kross users (both 61- and 88-key models) a new, free bonus expansion of 512 programs for download from Korg.com. It includes 128 sounds from the iconic TRITON Music Workstation, as well as 384 diverse sounds with a selection of variations