Korg’s new i3 music workstation features 61 full-size keys with a velocity-sensitive keybed, EQ, sequencer, song storage and contains over 800 instrument sounds – known as Sound Set – including a complete GM2 library for General MIDI compatibility, and are powered by a PCM engine that delivers 64 voices of polyphony, and there are two stereo effect processors.
The operation of the i3 distinguishes between the Sound Set and the Style Performance Sets. The Style Performance Sets contain sounds and parts that can be used to create a backing track for your playing and it is flexible. Each backing track can contain up to eight parts and you can mix and match from different Style Performance Sets to create custom arrangements. In addition, each of the 270 Styles also contains rhythmic variations and you can add effects. Once you have recorded a song or performance that you are satisfy with, all settings can be saved to a single Set List location, and the i3’s sequencer can also function as a linear 16-track recorder.
Once completed, finished projects can be saved as MIDI files or bounced down to audio for export. The sequencer can play back WAV and MP3 files, as well. And two USB ports are provided to save data to a flash drive or connect to a computer. The Korg i3 can also be powered by batteries.
The workstation keyboard is designed for musicians and composers to bring their ideas to life swiftly and expressively.
The Korg i3 comes in black and silver finishes and is now available.
The Korg SV-2 stage piano seemed to be one of the hits at the NAMM event. The SV-2 is the successor of Korg SV-1 which was launched a decade ago.
The SV-2 comes with more than 10 times the sample data of the SV-1, driving more new piano and high quality keyboard sounds – total 72 sounds. Favourites can be stored in 64 memory locations for instant access.
The SV-2 Editor software allows you to create split and layered programs, and there are now 128 note polyphony. In addition to the high-quality and wide range of classic keyboard instruments-including a version of Korg M1 piano and you will find organs, strings, mallets, brass, choirs, guitars and basses.
The Korg SV-2 versions also feature Korg’s RH3 graded-hammer action keyboard, and includes effects like a 3-band EQ, amp models, various pre-FX, modulation FX, reverb/delay and a limiter. Additionally, there are many MIDI and audio connectivity available. However, there is a second version of the SV-2, known as the SV-2S. The Korg SV-2S version has a built-in K-ARRAY speaker system. As such, the SV-2S could be considered as an alternative to a traditional home digital piano.
The Roland A-88MKII #CommissionsEarned MIDI keyboard is the first keyboard controller, and Roland is also one of the first companies to announce the MIDI 2.0 ready instrument – A-88MKII MIDI keyboard controller.
The 88-note premium keyboard comes with Ivory Feel PHA-4 keyboard, and a rigid, wooden component. The instrument also features high-resolution sensing – ‘lightning-fast response’ and performer has the option to personalise the sensitivity according to taste and touch, and to split the keyboard into three user-definable zones, each of which can be used to play a different sound or instrument. Additionally, there are also layering options, along with an arpeggiator.
The instrument has three user-definable zones, a pitch / mod lever, RGB-lit knobs and eight multipurpose pads that can be customized to trigger commands and events. There is also a USB-C connectivity, which according to Roland is necessary to eliminate the need for a power supply, and assures that the Roland A-88MKII #CommissionsEarned is ready to take full advantage of all the high-resolution control and extended capabilities that MIDI 2.0 has to offer. “MIDI 2.0 is just more MIDI,” says the association.
