Another product we have been waiting patiently for has arrived today! Korg’s MS-20 monophonic synthesizer, first introduced in 1978, is still a coveted instrument to this day, thanks to its thick, robust sound, its powerful, iconic analog filter, and its versatile patching options. Over 300,000 people have enjoyed the distinct MS-20 sounds from the original, from Korg’s MS-20 plug-in synth, or the iMS-20 iPad app.
We have seen some pictures on their instagram this week but as of yesterday Livid Instruments have introduced Base, their latest Midi controller. Base: a new foundation for all your creative productions. Combining the technology of drum machines and touch screens, Base delivers a sleek new pressure-sensitive surface that doubles up the MPC’s fabled 16 pads and opens up your hands to freely mix. With 32 pressure-sensitive pads, nine touch sliders, eight touch-sensitive buttons, and eight momentary buttons there’s plenty of controls to play and control your set.
M-Audio has added three new Axiom AIR models to the upper echelons of their popular Axiom USB/MIDI keyboard and pad controller lineup: the Axiom AIR 61, Axiom AIR 49, and Axiom AIR 25. Created in conjunction with AIR Music Technology, these keyboards were designed to deliver a high level of integration with a broad array of music software titles. These new models join the previously released and compact Axiom AIR Mini 32.
Akai Professional will also exhibit MAX25 on the NAMM 2013. Its a compact version of the innovative MAX49 USB/MIDI/CV keyboard controller that was released in 2012.
Numark, the world’s leading manufacturer of DJ technology, announces NS7 II, a dramatically enhanced and updated version of the industry’s most advanced and best-selling motorized DJ controller, NS7. NS7 II features four channels, 16 backlit RGB velocity-sensitive MPC® pads from Akai Professional, expanded effects controls—including a full array of capacitive touch-activated knobs and filters—and the most comprehensive integration for Serato DJ available. Numark will exhibit and demo NS7 II for the first time at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.
Nektar have announced a new USB controller surface with deep integration for Cubase and Reason – The new Panorama P1. Like Nektar’s Panorama P4 and P6 USB controller keyboards, the Panorama P1 features extensive generic MIDI controller capabilities that allow operating any DAW in a unique and direct way. In addition the deep instrument and device control integration technology created by Nektar for Cubase and Reason enables transparent control, as if you were operating hardware.
IK Multimedia is proud to announce iRig BlueBoard, a groundbreaking new Bluetooth MIDI pedalboard for iPhone, iPad and Mac, which gives guitarists, bassists and keyboard players hands-free control of mobile and Mac music apps.
Music Computing, the makers of advanced computer-based music production stations and leading edge touchscreen products releases CoreMC (Gen3), the world’s most powerful personal computer designed for audio and video production.
iConnectivity, developer of innovative interfaces for musicians, unveiled iConnectMIDI4+, their flagship next generation MIDI interface for MAC, PC, and iOS.
Next to the Platinum Nexus Collection announcement, Pioneer also introduced a new colorsetting for their XDJ-Aero all-in-one DJ controller. Pioneer’s first Wi-Fi enabled all-in-one DJ system and native rekordbox™ player, now comes in two stylish colours: new cool pearl white (XDJ-AERO-W) or classic black (XDJ-AERO).
Here it is, the introduction of the Pioneer Nexus DJ system they started teasing at the end of last week. With a limited edition DJ Pro set Pioneer is redefining quality with the CDJ-2000NXS-M, DJM-900NXS-M and RMX-1000-M.
Gemini, an esteemed manufacturer of DJ and Pro Audio equipment, is pleased to exhibit the GMX Pro, a full featured media controller within a compact form factor. Gemini will give NAMM attendees a chance to see their new product and take it for a test spin at Booth 5700 Hall B.
As we mentioned before we have partnered up with Dancefair 2013. On the 16th and 17th february 2013, the Jaarbeurs convention center in Utrecht (The Netherlands) will be the place to be for anyone who has an ambition in having a career in dance music. A big part of Dancefair are workshops and seminars on many tech topics. Ableton will be present for a large number of workshops and seminars. Below is the list of subjects with the time table.
The 4TrackTrigger, in the user manual introduced as “Hardware for Sophisticated DJs“. Only by looking at the controller you know that’s a true statement. During the unpacking and unboxing you immediately feel the solid german quality of Faderfox and you see the complete control we are used to know from the Swiss Glanzmann Digital DJ Solutions (4MidiLoop). Just hear me out: 150 push buttons (of which 78 super-responsive), 17 endless rotaries, 17 potentiometers, 6 dispalys and 188 LEDs. In addition, there are two options to use a footpedal, so you can ‘trigger by foot’ too. All of this hand built and far from mass production. So there is this ‘reasonable’ “big” price tag of 1500 Euros (excl. VAT). However, for ‘gearjunkies’ like us a great device to play with and a pleasure to do a review with. And that’s what I did!
Below are the 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.