NAMM 2013: Akai MPX8 eight-pad sample launcher
At NAMM 2013 Akai show Future Music their new MPX8 eight-pad sample launcher complete with SD card slot, built in effects and MIDI I/O.
Korg KingKORG Modeling Synthesizer Product Overview
Korg’s new KingKORG modeling synthesizer delivers the sound and excitement of vintage analog synthesis, with next-generation power and flexibility that could only come from Korg. It’s optimized for live performance, and its easy, knob-driven interface also makes deep sound creation a breeze.
Learn more about KingKORG at http://www.korg.com/kingkorg.
Ready for live performance.
KingKORG is the full-fledged analog modeling synthesizer you’ve been waiting for. It carries on the design philosophy of classic Korg analog synthesizers such as the MS-20 and the Mono/Poly, which gave rise to the Prophecy, the Z1, the MS2000, and the RADIAS. This exciting new instrument delivers the unique characteristics of a dedicated synthesizer, especially the fun of transforming the sound by tweaking an impressive array of knobs. While technologically impressive, KingKORG is approachable even to players who are new to synthesizers. And it particularly shines on stage, not only with its great sound, but also literally with a gorgeous champagne gold finish, befitting its royal name – KingKORG.
Product Highlights:
- A full-fledged, 61-key analog modeling synthesizer designed for live performance
- Powerful oscillators that are understandable to the beginner, yet satisfying for the expert
- Modeling filters that reproduce the sound of classic instruments
- Three master effect sections (each with six effect types) add the finishing touch to your sound
- Vacuum tube driver circuit adds rich overtones and powerful distortion
- New panel layout designed for intuitive operation
- CV/GATE OUT jack lets you control a Korg monotribe or MS-20
- Support for librarian software that lets you manage programs
Press release:
Korg USA announces the King Korg analog modeling synth. Focused on live performance, it features Korg’s new XMT (Xpanded Modeling Technology) engine, with many types of oscillators and filters that can accurately model sought-after vintage analog synths. With its controls laid out in easily identifiable sections, King Korg delivers the unique characteristics of a dedicated synthesizer, while remaining approachable to players who are new to synthesizers. It not only shines on stage with high quality sound, but also with a champagne gold finish befitting its royal name.
A 3-oscillator, 2-timbre design allows players to generate thick and rich sounds. In addition to essential waveform choices such as sawtooth, square, sine, triangle, and noise, King Korg provides pre-set algorithms that contain various combinations of oscillator numbers and types, for easily and quickly sculpting stage-ready sounds. The oscillator algorithms also include numerous PCM/DWGS algorithms for creating highly personal sounds.
The filter section is crucial to a synthesizer’s character, and King Korg’s filters add unparalleled flexibility. In addition to a variety of essential analog modeling filter types, there are faithful filter models from analog monophonic synths that were used for lead and bass sounds in the ’70s, as well as the polyphonic synths used in new wave music of the ’80s, plus the filters of Korg’s classic MS-20 analog synth. These filters can also be made to self-oscillate by raising the resonance setting- a unique capability of analog synthesizers.
A selection of 200 stage-ready preset programs includes many familiar and authentic sounds for playing classic and modern songs, plus fresh, inspiring sounds for new musical creations. An assortment of live performance staple sounds includes PCM-based piano, electric piano, organ, and clavinet. Users can store their own creations in 100 onboard user sound locations.
Each of three master effect sections offers a choice of six effect types: PRE FX such as distortion and amp simulator; MOD FX, including phaser, chorus, and tremolo; and REV/DELAY such as hall reverb and modulation delay. A full-analog vacuum tube driver circuit is also included as a mastering effect. It can be used to add warm fullness, a powerful overdrive, or anything in between. In addition, a built-in, full-featured vocoder uses audio from the onboard mic input to create a talking effect.
Many classic synthesizers used patch cables to physically reconfigure the signal flow. King Korg’s intuitive Virtual Patch system reproduces this function. With six Virtual Patch assignments per timbre, control signals such as EG, LFO, or joystick movement can be virtually connected to sound parameters such as pitch or cutoff, allowing users to modulate a parameter for even greater sound-shaping possibilities.
King Korg’s design makes it easy to create and modify sounds. The oscillator section has its own dedicated display, and the control knobs are assigned to the most important parameters for each oscillator. There are also dedicated dials for each of the three master effects, making it easy to audition different effects to hear how they modify the sound. Self-luminous organic EL displays are used for excellent visibility, even on a dimly lit stage.
King Korg features five octaves of velocity-sensitive keys, with adjustable response (Normal, Shallow, or Deep) to mimic that of classic instruments. Below the dedicated octave shift buttons, a backlit X/Y joystick is ready to control important live performance tweaks.
A CV/GATE OUT jack enables players to use an analog signal to control a KORG monotribe or MS-20. A dedicated cable is included to use the keyboard of King Korg to play the monotribe.
The King Korg will be available February 2013 for a U.S. Street price of $1299. Additional product information and sound demos are available at korg.com
Introducing the Prophet 12 Synthesizer – Dave Smith Instruments
Introducing the Prophet 12! At twelve voices, the Prophet 12 boasts the greatest polyphony of any instrument designed by Dave Smith. Each voice features four oscillators capable of generating classic and complex waveforms, a sub-oscillator, resonant analog low-pass and high-pass filters, and analog VCAs. The new Character section adds a variety of wave shaping and sound sculpting options, like Drive, Hack, Decimation, Girth, and Air. Additional features include a tuned feedback path, a four-tap stereo delay per voice, expanded arpeggiator functionality, deep modulation capabilities, and bi-timbral operation. The LFOs, delay, and arpeggiator can all be synced, either to the internal clock or an external MIDI clock. Two programmable position- and pressure-sensitive touch sliders take the performance controls beyond the standard pitch and mod wheels.
The Prophet 12 is expected to be available Q2 of 2013 with a projected MAP of $2,999.
Dave Smith will release something new at NAMM – lots of knobs
Well we only have this teaser pic, with a big fat iMac hiding most of it, but you can spot something lurking behind it, with lots of knobs, stay tuned for more info as we get it
According to Smith, the photo documents “Critical listening tests, 3 months ago. Tune in Thursday for the results!”
Two hot new instruments: Vacuum Pro Polyphonic Analog Tube Synthesizer and Loom Modular Additive Synthesizer
AIR Music Technology has expanded their virtual instrument offerings with the Vacuum Pro Polyphonic Analog Tube Synthesizer and Loom Modular Additive Synthesizer. They tell us that both programs are compatible with 32- or 64-bit Mac or Windows systems, and both support the new AAX plug-in format, as well as traditional VST, AU, and RTAS formats. Here’s their press release with all the details…
Vacuum Pro is a polyphonic analog tube synthesizer that travels light-years beyond the original monophonic Vacuum, first developed by the AIR team as part of the Pro Tools® Creative Collection from Avid®. The new Vacuum Pro is polyphonic, offering up to 160 oscillators plus substantial improvements in both horsepower and features. Loom is an entirely new modular additive synthesizer. While both of these new synthesizers offer an amazing amount of detailed control, each also provides programming aids and shortcuts to create custom user-created sounds quickly. Each contains 250 presets created by the AIR team. The Eco (economy) mode reduces the draw on the host processor, with minimal effect on the final sound.
“We offer the customer the best of both worlds,” said Samara Winterfeld, Principal Product Manager, AIR Music Technology, “The organic sound of a vintage/analog synths, combined with the flexibility/capability of a virtual instrument.”
Vacuum Pro
Polyphonic Analog Tube Synthesizer
The Vacuum part of the name Vacuum Pro relates to the six tube circuits that lend a particularly analog flavor to each of the main synthesis modules–oscillators, filters, mixer, etc. Vacuum Pro combines this vintage, organic sound with the versatility of up-to-date virtual instrument control. The interface is populated by single-function knobs, delivering a vintage feel that reflects the rich analog flavor of the instrument. Modulation effects, delay, and a classic arpeggiator add motion and depth to the sound.
Vacuum Pro sounds are created using one or two parts. When creating parts, the Smart Sound Randomizer allows new values to be created instantly for any or all selected modules. This makes it easy to keep an interesting oscillator sound, for example, while quickly trying out new filter settings. In addition, the Parts Lock feature allows the current settings of any modules (both parts) to be retained when changing sounds, providing a fast way to combine elements from different patches. Best of all, the Easy Sound Design Page reduces the dozens of front panel knobs down to eight, grouping related controls together for rapid results.
Loom
Modular Additive Synthesizer
Loom weaves together a unique sonic spectrum, offering between 128 and 512 individual additive harmonics. Using an innovative modular approach, Loom has made additive synthesis both powerful and easy to control. Loom provides 30 sound modules, each with a distinct function–moving filter, octaver, repeater, second tone, etc. Up to 10 of these modules can be connected in a string. Spectral modulation, extensive envelope control, and multiple LFOs deliver deep control. Onboard effects provide the finishing elements for each sound.
The Smart Morph Page is where Loom really comes to life. In addition to real-time knobs offering sound, dynamic, modulation, and effect control, this simplified editing page also opens up the extensive morphing capabilities of the Loom additive sound engine and effects. Four assignable quadrants on an X-Y display provide incredible morphing control. Custom morphing paths can be plotted using points and segments. These morphing paths can then be automated, placed under MIDI control, and even synced to the tempo of the host program, creating a morphing pattern that takes 8 or 16 bars to complete, as one example. Intuitive color-coding makes the Loom graphical user interface easy to understand
More information:
NAMM 2013: Akai Max 25 and the M-Audio Axiom Air 25
Nate from Akai Professional shows of the new Max 25 MIDI keyboard controller at Winter NAMM 2013.
Nate from M-Audio shows us their latest keyboard controller the M-Audio Axiom Air 25.
New M-Audio Keyboards Controller range extended with three new Axiom AIR models
The place to be: Bob Moog Foundation booth at NAMM + the Sub Phatty
Check out the amazing visitors we had at our NAMM booth in 2012. Our booth was a hub of excitement as throngs of people stopped by to check on our progress. Going to NAMM this year? Come see us in booth 5307!
WNAMM13: World Exclusive Moog Sub Phatty We get an in-depth look at the new synth
NAMM 2013: Numark Orbit – DJ Controller
Eric from Numark walks us through their brand new DJ controller The Orbit
Numark, the world’s leading manufacturer of DJ technology, introduces Orbit, a first-of-its-kind wireless handheld DJ performance controller. Numark will unveil Orbit at and around Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.
Numark’s Orbit is the next step in the evolution of the performing DJ. Made to be held in the hands, strapped to your body using its built-in clip, or placed on the table, Orbit packs an unheard-of amount of control into an ergonomic game-controller-on-steroids design, which has every inch, inside and out, tailor-made for live performance. Orbit can be used wired via the included USB cable, which also charges it, or wireless using 2.4 GHz ultra-low-latency connectivity. Orbit features 4 selectable banks of 16 backlit pads, 8 on each side, for adding and blending effects, launching hot cues and samples, and more. Located in the center of Orbit are 4 bank selection buttons, 4 virtual knobs, and a large aluminum-faced touch- sensitive control wheel, which controls the selected virtual knob for instantly tweaking effects and filters.
“If you want to be a serious DJ these days, you need the guts and the gear to get out on the stage and perform,” said Chris Roman, Numark Product Manager. “Orbit embraces that reality to its core, empowering DJs with performance capabilities that will need to be seen and experienced to be believed. It’s intuitive, operating like an extension of the DJ—not to mention it’s the most fun you’ll ever have on stage.”
Orbit’s live-performance design extends even to the inside of the device, where it has an embedded 2-axis accelerometer, which can be assigned to 2 different parameters per bank and activated instantly via 2 shoulder buttons. All of Orbit’s controls are fully mappable, so DJs will be able to customize their settings for effects control, transport control, volume control, or any other MIDI parameter. Numark will demonstrate Orbit for the first time at Booth 6700 at the 2013 NAMM show.
Sub Phatty Demo With Huston Singletary
Sound and preset designer Huston Singletary describes the sound and architecture of the new sub Phatty as viscously rich and super intuitive. “This is on another level”.
Rumors were true – KORG will announce the KingKORG at NAMM 2013
There were rumors and they are true: Korg will announce a new synth at NAMM 2013: The KingKORG.
Korg.de has all the info, here is a translation by Google:
KingKORG is the standalone analog modeling synthesizer with a huge potential! KingKORG embodies the seamless continuation of the design philosophy of classic KORG analogsynths like the MS-20 and Mono / Poly, from which the Prophecy have originated Z1, MS2000, and RADIAS.
This fascinating new instrument has the unique characteristics typical synthesizer and an arsenal of practical controls for a perfect sound design. Despite its impressive technology and synth beginners become familiar with KingKORG quickly. On stage, he offers not only his great sound, but also literally, with its magnificent champagne-gold finish that emphasizes its royal name – KingKORG.
- Full featured analog modeling synth with 61 keys – optimized for live performance
- Powerful oscillators – understandable for beginners, fascinating for experts
- Modeling Filters for the reproduction of classical instruments
- 3 effect sections (each with 6 types of effects) to the perfect design of the sound
- Vacuum Tube Driver for brilliant overtones fat Distortion
- New panel layout for intuitive operation
- CV / GATE OUT jack mono tribe or to control a Korg MS-20 (mini)
- Free Librarian software for program management to download
Additional details:
KingKORG | synthesizer
The king of the analog modeling synth – a terrific live performance
KingKORG is de r independent analog modeling synthesizer with a huge potential! KingKORG embodies the seamless continuation of the design philosophy of classic KORG analogsynths like the MS-20 and Mono / Poly, from which the Prophecy have originated Z1, MS2000, and RADIAS. This fascinating new instrument has the unique characteristics typical synthesizer and an arsenal of practical controls for a perfect sound design. Despite its impressive technology and synth beginners become familiar with KingKORG quickly. On stage, he offers not only his great sound, but also literally, with its magnificent champagne-gold finish that emphasizes its royal name – KingKORG.
Highlights
Full featured analog modeling synth with 61 keys – optimized for live performance
Powerful oscillators – understandable for beginners, fascinating for experts
Modeling Filters for the reproduction of classical instruments
3 effect sections (each with 6 types of effects) to the perfect design of the sound
Vacuum Tube Driver for brilliant overtones fat Distortion
New panel layout for intuitive operation
CV / GATE OUT jack mono tribe or to control a Korg MS-20 (mini)
Free Librarian software for program management to download
“Powerful oscillators – understandable for beginners, fascinating for experts
In addition to a complex “3-oscillator x 2-timbre” technique to generate richer and more detailed sounds KingKORG features a newly developed XMT modeling sound engine. XMT (Xpanded Modeling Technology) is a proprietary Korg technology that allows easy operation in producing diverse sounds.
In conventional synthesizers, the individual oscillators while the sound creation only sequentially adjustable, the overall picture is hard to overlook. In contrast, offers KingKORG preset algorithms with various combinations of oscillators, which differ in type and number, and allow easy, fast creation of cool sounds.
The wide range of oscillator algorithms including not only the usual analogsynths sawtooth and square waves or noise generators, but also numerous PCM / DWGS algorithms that open up an entirely new field for a very custom sounds.
“Modeling Filters reproduce the sound of vintage instruments
Since the filter section on the characteristics of a synthesizer decides significantly, they found during the development of KingKORG special attention. The already large variety of analog modeling filter is significantly extended by the extremely flexible filtering of KingKORG.
In addition to the wide range of indispensable analog modeling filter types get realistic filter models to reproduce the analog monophonic lead and bass synths of the 70s, the New Wave typical polyphonic synths of the 80 and the filter of the classic Korg MS-20 analog synth.
Furthermore, can the setting of the filter resonance up to self increase – an existing analogsynths only real feature!”
“3 effect sections with 6 types of effect for a perfect make-up sound
KingKORG offers three effect sections with six types of effects: PRE FX with effects such as distortion and amp simulator FX MOD with classic effects such as phaser, chorus and tremolo, and REV / DELAY with spatial effects such as reverb and delay effects and different Plate. Each effect processor has it own dial to select the desired effect type. With the arranged underneath FX controls can precisely fine-tune the effect.”
“Vacuum Tube Driver for brilliant overtones fat Distortion
Based on decades of experience in analog technology, a fully developed KORG analog vacuum tube driver circuit as a mastering effect for KingKORG. It produces the entire range between warm sonority and intense overdrive.”
“Vocoding
The built-in vocoder uses the input of the Board held on microphone input for sound processing and brings the synth seems to speak.
His Formant Shift function causes dramatic sound modifications, while the Formant Hold function a vowel is “frozen”, which can then play with the keyboard.
Thanks KingKORGs Doppeltimbre architecture can combine the vocoder even with a different timbre and use it as additional sound or modulation source.
Virtual Patch function
With many classic synthesizers (such as the MS-20) could configure the signal flow with patch cables to physically connect one element to another. KingKORG forms this function by using an intuitive virtual patch system. Over six Virtual Patch assignments per timbre can be joint control signals such as EG, LFO, or virtual joystick movement with sound parameters like pitch or cutoff and modulate these creative.”
“Step Arpeggiator function
The Step Arpeggiator automatically generated from a sustained chord a tone sequence (arpeggio). You can choose among six Arpeggio and set duration, interval and on / off status of each Steps to arpeggios exactly to your own performance.
New panel layout for intuitive operation
The newly designed control panel is divided into logical blocks that direct the attention to the things that are for the processing of sounds important. Although KingKORG reflects the signal flow of a analogsynths in its construction, to its control panel is the most modern technology. For example, the oscillator section shows on its own display the name of the currently selected algorithm.
By turning the selector dial to appear adjacent to it are descriptive names, and by pressing the wheel to jump to the beginning of categories such as ANALOG or DWGS. The knobs are the most effective and most important parameters assigned to each oscillator and provide access to the unique features of an analog synthesizer sound design — by turning knob. Also for each of the three effects, a separate controller is available to easily experiment with different effect settings and test their effect on the sound. A self-luminous organic EL display (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) provides on dimly lit stages for excellent readability.”
“On the CV / GATE OUT jack allows an analog signal for controlling a mono tribe or KORG MS-20 output. With the included cable you can then eg play the mono tribe on KingKORG keyboard!
DATAMASKIN
