Chat with Peter Vogel the Fairlight CMI 30A inventor
Interview: Fairlight CMI 30A unveiled by inventor Peter Vogel
At NAMM 2011
Roger Linn Jams on Dave Smith Tempest
The Tempest from Dave Smith in full action at NAMM last week
PANDORA mini – pocket-sized multi-effect processor
Korg introduced PANDORA mini, a pocket-sized multi-effect processor,at NAMM last week
Features:
- Ultra-compact pocket-size multi-effect.
- Powered by “REMS” modeling technology.
- 200 preset programs (including song presets).
- 200 user programs locations for storing your own sounds.
- 158 types of amazing amps and effects.
- Use up to seven effects at once.
- 100 different rhythm patterns plus a built-in metronome; ideal for composing and practice..
- AUX input for jamming along to your favorite songs on CD, MP3, etc.; Ability to change the pitch of the Aux input by ± one octave.
- TAP button makes it easy to set the delay time or the tempo of the Rhythm.
- Four program memory buttons allow one-touch recall of your favorite programs.
- Auto-tuner with muting.
- Backlit LCD screen ensures good visibility, even in dim locations.
- Stylish body, available in either black or white.
- Sound editing software; edit sounds and manage programs from your computer (available for download from the Korg website).
- Two-way power: batteries or USB bus power.
Pricing and availability are to be announced – but we’ve seen these listed for preorder at $99.
New drum studio kit from Alesis
Alesis introduced the 2011 edition of the DM10 Studio Kit at the 2011 NAMM Show.
The new version features Alesis’ new four-post StageRack with upgraded clamps and high-quality mini-boom cymbal arms.
“For 2011, we’ve continued to raise the bar, without raising the price,” according to Alesis’ Dan Radin.Alesis DM10 Studio Kit
The StageRack is the backbone of the DM10 Studio Kit. With its sturdy four-post design and industry standard, 1 1/2-inch tubing, the StageRack provides excellent stability under the most energetic performance. The StageRack’s clamps, mounts and integrated boom cymbal arms are all fully adjustable with plenty of flexibility to securely fasten drums, cymbals and the DM10 module precisely where desired. Drummers will appreciate the StageRack’s large wing-screws on most clamps, enabling them to make quick adjustments without reaching for a drumkey or other tools. Large enough to accommodate additional drums and cymbals, the StageRack takes up a fraction of the space of an acoustic kit.
Drummers worldwide have taken notice of the DM10 Studio Kit. Its impressive combination of the DM10 high-definition sound module with Dynamic Articulation™, six RealHead drum pads and four DMPad cymbal pads delivers peerless value.
Drummers immediately notice the DM10 module’s outstanding sound quality. This drum sound module contains true drum, cymbal and percussion sounds built from real samples of classic studio drums and prized cymbals. Drummers will find some of the most in-demand acoustic drum sounds from legendary drum brands, a huge arsenal of top producers’ go-to snare drums, real American, Canadian, Chinese, and Turkish cymbals, and electronic beat-machine sounds that have fueled the biggest hit records.
More on the Misa Digital Instruments Kitara
Finally, we introduce – Kitara – available for pre-order!! 
http://www.misadigital.com
Misa Digital Instruments debuted the Kitara and Kitara Limited Edition digital guitar instruments.
The Misa Digital Instruments Kitara and Kitara Limited Edition are unique 100% digital guitars. The Kitara includes a multifunction touch-screen, MIDI controls and an on-board polyphonic synthesizer with effects. Instead of using strings, guitarists control sound through their fingertips, using the touch-screen and fret board to play, enhance and alter sounds in real-time.
Spectralis 2 virtual analog groove maker
Radikal Technologies are showing their hardware synths at NAMM 2011 with the return of the Spectrailis 2 virtual analog groove maker. Also on on show was the debut of the Accelerator synthesizer. Featuring 3 oscillators, 3 multi-mode filters, FM modulation, wave shaping, advance aftertouch and built in accelerometer that modulates the sounds when you move the keyboard.
Via SM
Emulator – Smithson Martin Inc. at NAMM 2011
A little of FUN from NAMM 2011 : )
Some nice new KORG announcements from NAMM
Korg announces the nanoSERIES2, the next generation of slim-line USB-MIDI controllers. Compact and convenient, with serious functionality and features, nanoSERIES2 incorporates many user-requested enhancements and offers them up in the same ultra-slim casing as the original nanoSERIES. The size and color of the entire series nicely matches a laptop computer. Available in both white and black, the new units – the nanoKEY2, nanoPAD2 and nanoKONTROL2 – are an ideal choice in portable control for laptop musicians, DJs, remixers and anyone who wants to make music with their MacÆ or PC. All three units are also a perfect addition to Korg’s 37-note microKEY USB MIDI keyboard.
Korg announces the new Wavedrum Oriental Dynamic Percussion Synthesizer**, a limited edition version of Korg’s popular Wavedrum designed specifically for Middle Eastern music. The Wavedrum Oriental boasts a massive infusion of popular, unique and accurate percussion sounds, all playable from the Wavedrum’s dynamic rim and real drum head surface. Featuring more programs than the original Wavedrum, it offers new, specialized algorithms and samples designed for the percussionist seeking the very highest quality Middle Eastern percussion sounds. [**in this instance, “Oriental” denotes Middle Eastern rather than Far Eastern.
Over a decade ago, Korg changed the DJ/music scene with its first-generation Kaoss Pad, a touchpad-based effect controller. Since then, the popular X-Y touchpad has appeared in many Korg products. Now, Korg is taking effects control one step further with the new Kaoss Pad Quad, which employs new effects, functions and features that let users create their own combination of Kaoss effects with simultaneous control of up to four effects in real-time using a single fingertip on its touchpad. Any audio source can be processed: an MP3 player, a mixing board, an instrument or even vocals via the unit’s mic input.
Pandora Mini, created with both guitarists and bass players in mind.Here’s what Korg has to say about it…
Powered by Korg’s REMS (Resonant structure and Electronic circuit Modeling System), the Pandora Mini delivers 158 sophisticated effects, divided into seven categories:
- Pickup and Dynamic Models
- Amp Models
- Cabinet Models
- Modulation and Filter Effects
- Delays
- Reverbs
- Noise Reduction
Up to seven effects can be used simultaneously in a single Program. Packed with tone, there are 400 Programs available in the Pandora Mini: 200 Preset Programs and 200 User Program locations for storing new or customized sounds. Of the 200 Preset Programs, 115 are Song Presets; each one instantly captures the signature tone used by a legendary guitarist to create one of their classic hits. Four Memory buttons instantly call up the user’s favorite presets.
The Pandora Mini also contains 100 rhythm and metronome patterns that are well suited to tempo training, jamming and composing. The Tap button makes it easy to set the rhythm or delay tempo. The AUX input allows jamming along with an MP3 player, CD player, etc. The AUX pitch function varies the pitch of the audio input by ±1 octave, so it is easy to match the key of the song. An auto-tuner with muting is also built in.
NAMM 2011: Korg Kaoss Quad Demonstration
“Dynamic Effects Processor
Create your own combination of Kaoss effects, and simultaneously control up to four effects using a single fingertip! Introducing the Kaoss Pad Quad; it’s Kaoss control evolved to a whole new level.
Kaoss Pad Quad Highlights
* Brilliant, colorful LED touchpad illuminations move in sync with your performance
* Control multiple effects in realtime using the intuitive Kaoss X-Y touchpad
* Create your own Kaoss combinations and use up to four effects at once
* Choose one of five effects from each of four effect groups; a total of 1,295 combinations!
* Freeze button holds the effect settings after you release your finger, for dazzling hands-free use
* Versatile and highly playable effects control, delivering unimaginable expression
* New Looper effects – Forward, Reverse and Slice – add new audio intensity
* Mix it up with new DJ emulation Vinyl Break and Ducking Compressor effects
* Auto BPM engine detection and Tap Tempo functions keep your Kaoss locked to the beat
Twelve years ago, the first-generation Kaoss Pad exploded onto the DJ/music scene with touchpad-based effect control. Since then, the overwhelming acceptance and popularity of the X-Y touchpad is evident in many Korg products – Kaoss Pad effects, the Kaossilator Series, our padKONTROL and nanoPAD controllers, even the exclusive M3 TouchView™ display – that are now standards in the scene. To this we add the Kaoss Pad Quad, with new effects, functions, and features that truly stand out from the crowd.
As suggested by the name “Quad”, this new Kaoss Pad lets you use up to four effects simultaneously. These effects can be sync’ed to the beat of your music, to freely transform your song in realtime. Any audio source can be processed; an MP3 player, a mixing board, an instrument, even vocals via the mic input! The expressive performance potential that arises from the Kaoss Pad Quad leaves other effect units in the dust, and rapidly approaches the realm of an “instrument”. The brilliant and colorful LED touchpad illumination adds a strong sense of individuality, further enhancing the Kaoss Pad Quad’s unique character.
The Kaoss Pad Quad will enthrall everyone. The intense user can engage in highly technical performances; the casual user can enjoy DJ-like fun. Either way, the audience will be equally captivated. The interest and depth emanating from this new instrument is sure to touch every listener.
Dazzling, illuminated touchpad control
The intuitive interface that has helped to make the Korg Kaoss Series so popular is alive and well on the Kaoss Pad Quad. As you tap, slide, or move your finger across the X-Y touchpad, the effect parameters will change, producing dramatic realtime changes in the sound. One big change to the touchpad is brilliant LEDs that light up in an intense variety of colors. The illumination changes depending on the state of the effects, the BPM setting, and on your movements while performing. The DJ booth or stage will be brilliantly illuminated, visually boosting the excitement level!
Use up to four effects simultaneously for unimaginable expression
Kaoss Pad Quad lets you simultaneously control up to four effects from the touchpad. Each of the four effect modules – Looper; Modulation; Filter; and Delay/Reverb – contains five options (plus a null, or off position), for a total of 1,295 combinations! Best of all, effects can be chosen directly from the front panel, a more intuitive and physical process than on previous Kaoss Pad models. Enjoy trying your own Kaoss combinations and discovering ways to radically morph the sound.
By rhythmically adding successive effects, or switching effects on and off as your song progresses, you can use the Kaoss Pad Quad to add variation and development to the structure of your song. In other words, even a simple beat can potentially be transformed into a killer tune that will whip the dance floor into a frenzy. In addition to being an enormous asset to the professional, the Kaoss Pad Quad is also great fun for the casual user. It is extremely straightforward and easy to use; just touch the pad to apply effects. Connect a portable audio player or any audio source, and begin enjoying hours of sound creation and manipulation. Once you get started, you’ll lose all track of time!
Freeze button offers hands-free effects!
For each of the four effect modules, there’s a Freeze button that memorizes the position at which you’re touching the touchpad, causing that effect to be held even after you release your finger. If you touch the touchpad again while Freeze is enabled, only the non-frozen effects will be controlled. You can achieve even higher levels of performance freedom by using the four Freeze buttons in conjunction with the effect type buttons.
Expand your performance with newly designed effects
In addition to more traditional effects, the Kaoss Pad Quad offers many new types of effects:
Multi-Mode Looper
Use the touchpad to loop part of your song; the number of beats is controlled by the location you touched. Three types of looping are provided; the standard Looper; the Rev Looper (Reverse Looper) which plays the looped phrase backward; and the Loop Slicer, which divides the phrase and lets you loop-play only a specific portion. You can switch between the different looper types by sliding your finger up and down the touchpad as the loop plays, producing radical new beats on a whim. Using these sophisticated loop tools makes it easy to ignite a frenzy on the dance floor.
Vinyl Break turntable effects
The first effect lets you slide your finger up and down on the touchpad to simulate the scratch sounds that can be produced on a turntable. Next, if you leave your finger on the touchpad without moving it, you can also create the effect of gradually slowing the playback speed to a stop, just as when you stop the rotation of a turntable. This realistic sound is highly usable as part of a DJ performance, allowing even a beginner to feel like an experienced DJ.
Ducking Comp transforms the playback
This creates the distinctive “ducking compressor” effects that have become a staple in music production. By boosting the sound level during off-beats of the kick drum, this effect can expressively transform your sound in very musical ways.
Stay in Sync!
The proprietary Auto BPM engine automatically detects the tempo/BPM (Beats Per Minute) of the song that’s playing or the audio source. Using this function allows BPM effects such as delay to remain in sync with the song. Tap Tempo is also provided; you can press the TAP button several times at the desired tempo to set the appropriate BPM value even for a song that does not have a strong rhythmic feel or whose BPM is difficult to detect. You can also use the BPM knob to make fine adjustments.”
M-Audio Venom Hands on Demo @ NAMM
The M-Audio Venom 49-key synthesizer combines the character of classic analog synths with modern digital processing to deliver an aggressive, infectious new sound. Whet your appetite with the included presets, then sink your teeth into creating original sounds—from atmospheric and subtle, to angry and downright nasty. Easily tweak parameters from the intuitive top-panel interface, or explore endless sound design and configuration possibilities with the included software editor. Perform bass lines, leads, and more with a full-size keyboard designed to satisfy serious players. You can even use Venom as an audio interface with Pro Tools M-Powered* and other music software—forming a powerful production machine to take your music in dangerous new directions.
DATAMASKIN
