WORLD OF MUSIC ; PORTABLE KEYBOARD - Information and updates on the latest and popular Portable Keyboards

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Korg Kross 2 88-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Korg has expanded the Kross 2 workstation keyboard calling it a “supercharged” version, the Kross2-88 MB.

The Kross2-88 MB features KORG’s Natural Weighted (NH4) Hammer Action keybed, offering a realistic and comfortable approach to playing. The 88-note model comes with new sounds and has a rubberised matte black finish. An enhanced acoustic piano heads up the new sound expansion, which also includes drum kits and synths, new EP’s and increases the total number of included presets to more than 1,000. 27 drum track pat-terns have also been added to this model.

The NH4 also helps to keep the instrument’s overall weight down, aiding portability.

The Korg Kross2-88 MB is available from October.

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Novation Launchkey Mini (MK3) 25-Key MIDI Keyboard

Novation has come up with a new and improved version of the LaunchKey Mini. The Launchkey Mini Mk3 is designed to be a portable controller for Ableton Live and the Mk3 reworking brings it line with the style of their SL Mk3 super-controller.

The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 has a sleek design that is similar to its predecessor, the Mini MK2. As well as its 25 mini keys – which Novation says are its best, most responsive yet – this sports new pitch and modulation touchstrips, a sustain pedal input, and new RGB backlighting for the 16 pads. The LaunchKey Mini Mk3 has an arpeggiator. It can run up to 4 octaves in multiple directions and rhythms with swing and adjustable gate time. It has a Mutate mode which brings in interesting variations and a Deviate rhythm to explore a bit of unexpected movement. There is more, though, with the Fixed Chord mode and arpeggiator enabling you to trigger chords with a single note and turn held chords into riffs, melodies and sequences. The Fixed Chord enables you to store any chord you play and then play that same chord on any key you press and the chord stays in memory until you hit the button again.

LaunchKey Mini is designed for controlling Ableton Live 10 and there is a free “Lite” copy in the box to get you started. You can trigger Live 10’s Capture MIDI feature with a dedicated button, operate the transport and mixer, and tweak Device Macros with the eight included rotary controllers. This feature would enable you to cut down on your mouse and keyboard time.

The Novation LaunchKey Mini Mk3 comes with mapping templates for other DAWs, too, while a MIDI Out means that it can be used with hardware synths as well. The supplied software bundle includes virtual instruments and plugin effects from AAS, Softube, Spitfire Audio, XLN Audio and Klevgrand.

The Novation LaunchKey Mini Mk3 is available now.

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Arturia’s latest MIDI keyboard controller, the MicroLab. A super portable, 25-key velocity-sensitive MIDI keyboard, this promises several features that set it apart from the rest of the mini ketboard.

What is so unique about the Arturia MicroLab?

Let us look at the keys, the velocity-sensitive keys are of the same slim design as those on Arturia’s KeyStep controller, and given their size, is reasonably playable. A Hold button can be used to add sus-tain, while a push of the Shift key takes you into Chord mode. This enables you to program a chord and then play it back with a single finger.The Modulation and pitchbend are covered by dedicated touch strips which can also be used to browse and select presets, and you can switch MIDI channels using the dedicated knob and numbered keys.

The features – There is a rubberised shell to protect the MicroLab from bumps and scrapes, to ensure that the keyboard does not slip about when you are using it on a plane or train tray table and the keys are slightly recessed into the body so that nothing sticks out beyond the case. This would enable it easier to pack the Arturia MicroLab away in a backpack.

In addition, there is a recess that can store the supplied USB cable, and since this does not stick out when it is plugged in, you can push the MicroLab right up against other gear. The Arturia MicroLab includes  3 software titles for free, too: Analog Lab Lite, which contains 600 classic synth, organ and pi-ano presets; the UVI Grand Piano Model D, a sampled Steinway instrument; and an 8-track version of Bitwig.

The MicroLab comes is three colour options – Black, Blue and Orange, and is now available at $79/€79. It could end up being a big seller.

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Casio, 61-Key Portable Keyboard (LK-S250)

In the early ‘80s, Casio released the Casiotone range of portable keyboards. Now after almost 40 years later, Casio is introducing a revamped line-up of Casiotone models for the new generation of music players.

The Casiotone CT-S200, CT-S300 and LK-S250 are similar to their predecessors, with each offering a wide range- 400 of built-in sounds and 122 rhythms. plus 50 patterns of Dance Music Mode. In addition, you will also get USB MIDI and a rechargeable battery, and portability is aided by the inclusion of a carry handle. Weighing in at just six pounds, thanks to the slim chassis which has kept the weight down and make it more portable then ever, and there are 61 full-size keys.

Expect to see the new Casiotone  CT-S200, CT-S300, LK-S250 in stores later this year. Prices are $109 for the CT-S200, $139 for the CT-S300, and $159 for the LK-S250.

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The Yamaha PSR-SX series is the new generation digital arranger workstation keyboards replacing the popular Yamaha PSR-S range. The two new models in the PSR-SX range are the SX700 and SX900, both equipped with more Voices, more Styles and a new Design.

Besides getting a completely redesigned user interface with an integrated 7” touch screen, new assignable buttons, joystick expression and live controllers, all taking their cues from the flagship Genos range.

In addition, the new SXs are packed with a vast range of expressive sounds and voices than ever before, makes the PSR-SXs your ultimate musical partner.

The PSR-SX900 features:

• • 1337 Voices, including 252 Super Articulation Voices, 24 Organ Flutes! Voices. 56 Drum/SFX kits
  • 525 Styles, including 463 Pro Styles, 46 Session Styles, 10 DJ Styles and 6 Freeplay Styles
  • Pre-installed Expansion content
  • Real Distortion and Real Reverb, with an intuitive effects interface
  • 1GB on-board memory for expansion data
  • 4GB internal memory
  • MIDI song file capacity: 3MB per file
  • Joystick, FSB keyboard, Sub output, and Expansive Soundfield Speakers for powerful live performance
  • Intuitive and fast control with 7″ colour touch screen and Assignable function
  • Chord Looper function
  • Mic/Guitar input for use when singing or collaborating with other performers
  • Playlist and Registration for quick and easy setup
  • Vocal Harmony and Synth Vocoder functions
  • Audio Recording (WAV/MP3)
  • Voice and Style expandability with the Yamaha Expansion Manager
  • 2 USB TO DEVICE terminals
  • External display capability
  • Bluetooth Audio *may not have this functionality depending on the country.