Korg unveils its new microKEY USB Powered Keyboard and MIDI Controller. For computer-based musicians on a budget seeking portability and power without sacrificing keyboard feel and function, the microKEY is an ideal way to create a compact and customized MIDI command center.
With part two of our iPad series we’ll continue were we ended with part one, the instrument apps. But this time not your regular drum, synth and piano apps. No. This time it’s ‘the peculiar and the strange‘ music apps. And I mean this in a good way! Because some of these apps are meant for the real freaks and sound designers among us. Experimental music apps with great sound and design!
Since the launch of the iPad, the App Store has been flooded with music applications. This was the main reason to start our ongoing extensive article series on all the different genres of these music apps for the iPad (part one and two already published). Right from the start we got our own iPad and the music apps, there was already one issue we encountered. And that was the MIDI compatibility/connectivity of these music apps. Better said, … there wasn’t any! No matter if the app was cool or fun or plain awesome. The use of these apps in a studio environment was close to nothing.
![Cakewalk Sonar 8.5. – Gearjunkies Review [Update]](https://i0.wp.com/www.gearjunkies.com/wp-content/uploads/gj2/inximg/12959_sonar_8.5_3.PNG?resize=436%2C291&ssl=1 "Cakewalk Sonar 8.5. – Gearjunkies Review [Update]")
Cakewalk have a long history producing DAW software. So with this Sonar 8.5 version you’ll know for sure that you’ll get a well thought quality product that proved itself in the past. Myself I have used Cakewalk in the past several times and I have to admit it worked well for me. In Europe their market share is limited but in the US it’s quite larger mainly due to the fact that guitarists seem to have a sweet spot for Cakewalk for ages. Competition is rather extensive so I’ll be very blunt at times.
Denon DJ, a leading manufacturer of premium-grade DJ equipment, is now shipping its DN-SC2000 Controller. The unit is an affordable, compact, professional-grade, solid steel MIDI controller designed for the home DJ or party laptop DJ on the go. Used together with the DJ’s favorite mixer and PC software of choice, the DN-SC2000 offers party and bedroom DJs a compact, portable, user-friendly control solution. A two-layer system, the unit can control two decks at once (with visible deck color change), or be paired with another DN-SC2000 unit to control four decks.
Alesis, a leading manufacturer of professional audio equipment and studio electronics, announces immediate availability of the Q49 USB/MIDI keyboard controller.
It all makes sense to me! Allthough we know who Daft Punk is, their ‘act’ with the disguise with the futuristic helmets does suit the perception of the project as science fiction. So the thought of Daft Punk doing the original soundtrack for the Tron sequel … makes total sense. And not just the visual side of it all. No, Daft Punk’s music does fit the ‘feel/perception’ of the movie as well. At least … I think so.
FXpansion joined the ranks of manufacturers to create a buzz around a new instrument, and started to tease us with ‘obscure’ videos on Youtube. In the first video there wasn’t much to see, but in the second video you can catch some visuals of the new virtual instrument. To me it looks like some kind of groovemachine or a simplified ‘Reason-like’ DAW. However the emphasize would be on sampling, re-sampling, slicing and sequencing! Oh and by the way, … they call it GEIST.
Denon DJ is now shipping the DN-X600 2-Channel Digital Mixer, featuring MIDI interface and an internal soundcard. This versatile mixing solution is designed for all types of DJs, as it features software compatibility as well as full functionality for non-software DJs. The unit also acts as an interface, making it an ideal mixer for mobile DJs, party DJs, non-performing “bedroom” DJ hobbyists and more.
Keith McMillen Instruments today announced the release of SoftStep, the first universal multi-touch USB/MIDI foot controller. Whether used with an effects racks or popular software programs, SoftStep is the most affordable, versatile and expressive foot controller available.
With ‘The Bridge World Tour‘ Serato and Ableton product specialists and industry-leading DJs and producers will be demonstrating The Bridge in select cities worldwide. Special guests include Rob Swift, DJ Spider, Jeff Milligan, DJ Revolution, Poirier and J-Boogie.These free demos will offer an introduction to Ableton Live and Serato Scratch Live, as well as an in-depth look at The Bridge.
Solid State Logic, the world’s leading manufacturer of professional analogue and digital consoles, is proud to present Nucleus; a unique, high quality DAW Controller and SuperAnalogue™ audio hub for professional project studios. Nucleus is the perfect blend of workstation control and superb audio performance.
Mixed In Key, makers of award-winning Harmonic Mixing software used by world-renowned DJs, has launched their second annual DJ contest. DJs around the world are invited to showcase their favorite music genre in a 10-15 minute mix that will be judged by some of the top talents in the industry. The winner and the runner-up will receive DJ packages worth more than $6,000 in combined retail value.
How ironic, … wasn’t past saturday the day the iPod celebrated its ninth birthday. The day after Sony had its last day of the Walkman‘s production. Yep, another icon is being terminated due to economic and technological advancement.