Korg 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).
Korg 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.
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.
The Reloop TM8 is based on the same premium features and build that have made TM2 & TM4 controllers instantly recognisable around the world. With a sophisticated performance section that uses touch-sensitive multi-color drum pads, the Terminal Mix 8 is the perfect companion for Serato DJ Intro and Serato DJ.
Akai Professional announces four additions to its popular MPK USB keyboard/pad controller series— the 25-key MPK225, 49-key MPK249, 61-key MPK261 and an update to the ultra-portable MPK Mini. Housed in a slimmer, all-new design, each full-size model features RGB backlit trigger pads lifted straight from the MPC Renaissance and a 20-character LCD screen with comprehensive parameter feedback.
Alesis announces the new V Series and VI Series of full-size keyboard/pad controllers. The performance-oriented V Series offers expressive hands-on control for the software musician. The step-up VI Series provides increased control for the keyboard performer. Both series include a Software Preset/Parameter utility that makes setup a snap.
M-Audio announces the debut of Trigger Finger Pro, an advanced performance pad controller with onboard sequencing and software integration. Trigger Finger Pro is a fully encompassed performance instrument and software control station in the form of a portable, 16-pad (4×4 configured) instrument with onboard sequencing. Nearly a decade ago, M-Audio revolutionized the industry by introducing the first performance pad controller and effectively set the stage for the MIDI controller market with the Trigger Finger.
Pioneer DJ is giving DJs and producers the most easy-to-use multi-effects unit yet: the engaging REMIX STATION 500 (RMX-500). The lightweight effector takes some of the best features from the top-flight RMX-1000, but gains a more simplified layout, on-board customisation, and ingenious one-handed control of multiple parameters.
The DDJ-SZ is the first Pioneer controller to closely match the CDJ-2000NXS set-up for the most intuitive, physical scratch performances yet. Features include the jog wheels inherited from the CDJ-2000NXS, illuminated digital stickers, large Performance Pads with customizable multi-colored Hot Cue LEDs, and two USB soundcards for ultra-smooth DJ handovers.
Steinberg announced the immediate availability of the Android version of Cubase iC Pro for remote controlling the award-wining Cubase music production system via Wi-Fi.
Last week it seemed that the whole (gear) world got excited by the news that Roland would re-issue the classis TR-808 drum machine. For many of is this could be the sign that Roland would follow on the steps of KORG in reviving the true ‘analogue’ sound. Yesterday Roland continued their AIRA capagne with the release of a video on their classic TR-909. Will this mean ………?
Pro Tools users will surely know the name McDSP. They’ve been producing plugins for Native and HD systems that are some of the most respected and desired out there. And when you hear them it’s easy to see why. McDSP’s attention to fidelity and sonic character is second to none. Now the legendary McDSP sound joins the Reason rack with three new Rack Extensions. We spoke with Colin McDowell, the McD in McDSP, to learn about what brought him over to Reason and what he’s got in the works.
For Minilogue, emotional and mental organization plays an essential role in the compositional process. At their studio, surrounded by serene nature outside of Malmö, Sweden, the duo of Sebastian Mullaert and Markus Henriksson compose their lush, evolving techno suites with a variety of hardware and software – with Ableton Live at the center of each musician’s setup. In the video below, Sebastian gives us an overview of Minilogue’s technology.
Analog Lab is an extremely powerful software synthesizer solution with over 5000 classic synthesizer sounds from Arturia’s premier vintage analog recreations at your fingertips. The company have now announced that version 1.1, which is a new and improved version, is now available.
Below are some of the new releases we have encountered this week on the Loops and Samples front. Just like the quality of the audio software we use these days the quality of the content we use (loops and samples) equally matches the high standards of this software. Below is this weeks selection.