Archive for March, 2017

Roland RD-2000 Digital Stage Piano


The Roland RD-2000 88-keys Digital Stage Piano features Dual Sound Engines, PHA-50 Progressive Hammer-action Keybed, Advanced Controller Functionality, and Onboard 24-bit/192kHz USB audio/MIDI Interface.

The RD-2000 is Roland’s most powerful stage piano. There are two sound engines; the first handles the acoustic piano, which is said to incorporate Roland’s latest V-Piano technologies, and while the second powers an electric piano library that includes classic EPs from the 1970s, plus all-new recreations of the Roland RD-1000 and MKS-20 from the 1980s. The versatile RD-2000 includes more than 1,100 ensemble sounds that cover multiple musical styles with just one keyboard. With the 88-note PHA-50 progressive hammer-action keyboard to play these sounds on, this features hybrid keys are constructed of both wood and molded materials. There are also “extensive” controller features on the newly-designed interface.

There is a USB audio/MIDI interface built in, so you can integrate computer-based software instruments into your performances. In addition, users can control them with zones along with the internal sounds, and route their audio through the RD-2000. The interface supports 24-bit audio at rates up to 192 kHz, allowing you to access your highest quality sounds. The main stereo outs are on XLR and 1/4-inch jacks, and there is also an assignable stereo sub output.

While the Roland RD-2000’s feature upgrades are significant, its weight 21.7 kg has not changed from the previous RD generation. It is still easy to transport from gig to gig, and the aluminium body is both handsome and extremely durable. The portable Roland RD-2000 would be available in April 2017.

goat milk
incredibles

 

M-Audio CTRL 49 MIDI Controller


The M-Audio CTRL 49 is a next generation Controller keyboard which boasts the revolutionary ability to load, play and control any VST from a stunning color screen, as if the CTRL 49 is a fully-fledged Synthesizer with the ability to emulate any synth in your arsenal!

The M-Audio CTRL 49 is part MIDI keyboard and controller, part DAW controller and part virtual instrument controller. The CTRL 49 comprises a 49-key semi-weighted synth action keyboard with pitch-bend and modulation, together with a top panel featuring four main sections.

On the left are nine faders and 11 colored backlit fader buttons that use Mackie Control/HUI protocol for DAW control. On the right are eight rotary encoders, eight backlit switches and eight pressure and velocity sensitive backlit pads (with four pad banks), and these controls can transmit either regular MIDI CC data or be used for bespoke instrument editing.

VIP not only hosts VST instruments but also the VST effect you apply. To map individual instruments and effects VIP includes its own VST plug-in manager, and this does a full scan when you first load VIP. Once complete you get access to all your instruments and effects from inside VIP, including editing of controller assignments and direct editing of your plug-ins using their interfaces.

Over on the CTRL49 when you select Control mode you will find your instrument parameters auto-mapped across four banks of eight rotary controllers and buttons. Via the CTRL49 display you can also edit the assignments as well as page through and select plug-in and instrument presets. It all works really well, and if you want to come out of VIP Control mode and use the CTRL49 as a regular MIDI controller, you simply select MIDI mode. In addition, there is an additional software package included as well.

With that incredible screen as its flagship feature, and the ability to integrate with your soft synths and DAW, the M-Audio CTRL 49 Controller keyboard is a major triumph and the perfect hub of your studio!

M-Audio CTRL49 | Premium 49-Key USB MIDI Smart Keyboard Controller

goat milk
incredibles

Korg ARP ODYSSEY FS Duophonic Synthesizer


The ARP Odyssey is back. Again, but this time, it is  all grown up.. the Limited Edition, full size ARP Odyssey FS. The full-sized Korg ARP Odyssey FS feature a standard keyboard, a completely analog signal path. There are 3 designs to choose from Rev1, Rev2 or Rev3 – each with all three classic filters included:

Just like the original, Odyssey is a two-oscillator beast featuring saw and pulse waveforms, sync, FM and PWM, plus a noise generator. Two filters are onboard – high-pass and resonant low-pass, the second switchable between models of all three Revisions – and modulation options consist of an LFO, two envelopes, and sample + hold.

Unlike the duophonic hardware, Odyssey can be switched between monophonic, duophonic and polyphonic modes, with up to eight voices of unison. Further departures from physical reality include a 16-step arpeggiator, a bank of six effects; Distortion, Phaser, Chorus/Flanger/Ensemble, EQ, Delay and Reverb, and a pair of X/Y pads for real-time manual manipulation of two parameters each from an extensive list.

Ultimately, it is the sound that counts. Odyssey superb sound, doing a stellar job of recreating those famously edgy oscillators and that razor sharp low-pass filter.
goat milk
incredibles