WORLD OF MUSIC ; PORTABLE KEYBOARD - Latest Portable Music Keyboards, Synthesizers and Music News

Electro-Harmonix has introduced the STRING9 string ensemble effects pedal, a polyphonic effect that can turn your guitar into nine different string ensembles and string synthesizers, without the need for modifications, special pickups, or MIDI implementation.

STRING9 also includes the signature EHX Freeze effect, to sample and hold notes and chords with infinite sustain.

The STRING9 features nine string patches:

• SYMPHONIC: Re-creates the sound of a large symphony orchestra and features an octave down effect on the lower range of the guitar for a full sound
• JUNE-O: Emulates the Juno analog string synthesizer sound
• PCM: Sound of a small string section sampled by a vintage PCM keyboard producing a warm vintage string sound
• FLOPPY: Emulates the sound of an Orchestron optical disc playback sampler, warble included
• AARP: Emulates the classic ARP Solina string synthesizer
• CREWMAN: Emulates the Crumar Performer analog string and brass synthesizer; Floyd in a box
• ORCH FREEZE: Orchestral sound with EHX Freeze effect
• SYNTH FREEZE: String synthesizer sound with EHX Freeze effect
• VOX FREEZE: Mellotron choir and strings sound from the EHX MEL9 with EHX Freeze effect

STRING9 is available now for $247.10

Arturia’s FX Collection 3 gives you even more “effects you’ll actually use”

The bundle now contains 26 effects, and has plenty to offer not only producers who are seeking that ‘vintage’ sound, but also sonic experimenters.

Dist Tube-Culture can create modern tube-like distortion and promises to breathe “life and colour” into any sound, whether via gentle saturation or more aggressive crunch.

Next, Dist Opamp-21, a contemporary reboot of a certain classic guitar pedal that can deliver amp-like harmonic detail or high-gain crunch. Both this and Dist Tube-Culture offer variable oversampling, so you can prioritise either the best audio quality or lower CPU usage.

The previously released Efx Fragments (a granular processor) and Tape Mello-Fi (December 22,21) (use it to imbue your music with Mellotron-style tape warmth) are included in the FX Collection 3, as well.

New features across all of the effects include A/B comparison, which enables you quickly and easily assess the relative merits of two different setting configurations, and improved interfaces. We’re told to expect “streamlined performance, easier preset browsing, smoother loading times”.

When it comes to native plugin bundles that emulate classic studio effects, Arturia FX Collection is right up with the best of them, and version 3 is set to keep it there.

FX Collection 3 runs in VST/AU/AAX formats on PC and Mac, and is available now priced at €299 (regular price €399). Existing Arturia users can log into their accounts to discover their personalised introductory offer, which will apply until 7 July.

Akai MPC Key 61, a five-octave portable MPC production studio appears to be on the way

Synth Anatomy has been following what is a fairly lengthy trail of leaks pretty closely, the latest of which focuses on what appears to be the packaging for this “standalone MPC synthesizer keyboard”. Presumably, this will run the same software as the pad-based MPCs, and could be useful for both studio-based beatmaking and live performance.

As well as the 61 keys, this new addition of the MPC family looks set to include the familiar bank of pads, a screen and various other controls. It’s also appeared in Instagram posts from producer Scott Storch, who we assumed has a pre-release unit for beta testing.

We are waiting for Akai Pro to make an official announcement. The big reveal might happen soon, so watch the Akai Pro website.