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

Apogee has become the latest pro-level audio company to release a more affordable audio interface, following the trend set by the likes of SSL and Universal Audio. Naming it Boom, and is a 2-in/2-out device that connects via USB-C.

Boom also features some onboard DSP. This enables you to record through the Symphony ECS Channel Strip; tuned by legendary mixer engineer Bob Clearmountain, this gives you analogue-style 3-band EQ, compression and drive.

Boom offers one 1/4-inch instrument input and one combi mic/line/instrument input. Apogee is keen to talk-up the quality of the onboard preamp, which offers 62dB of gain.

At the other end of the signal chain, there are two 1/4-inch balanced outputs and a 1/4-inch headphone output. Apogee reckons that it’s gone the extra mile here, including a “studio-grade” headphone amp and zero-ohm output, making it suitable for powering everything from in-ear monitors to high-impedance cans.

In addition, there’s a streaming-friendly Loopback mode. Configured via the Apogee Control mixer software, this enables you to blend and balance your analogue inputs with audio from any apps that you’re running, all ready to send to Twitch, YouTube or Instagram.

Boom looks good with its low-profile design and purple aluminium case.

Boom is compatible with PC, Mac and USB-C-equipped iOS devices, and can also connect to the Lightning connector using an adapter. As well as the Apogee Control software, it ships with Ableton Live Lite and the Apogee Soft Limit plugin. You can also get 50% off any Apogee plugin or plugin bundle by registering your Boom on the Apogee website.

Boom is available now priced at $299/£329. Find out more on the Apogee website.

This standalone MIDI host could solve a common studio problem. Knot lets you use your USB MIDI keyboard to control your hardware synths – without a computer.

Intech Studio’s new Knot is described as a ‘standalone USB MIDI host’, this dinky box enables you to plug in your MIDI controller on one side and transmit/receive MIDI to/from your hardware instruments on the other. There are also three LEDs that provide visual feedback.

Knot can be powered either by a DC adapter or USB-C, and sends/receives MIDI data via its two 3.5mm TRS jacks. You can switch these between the A standard used by the likes of Korg, Make Noise, IK Multimedia and Line 6, and the B standard used by Arturia, Novation, 1010music and Polyend.

The plan is to keep Knot updated with new firmware (it is an open hardware project) which can be installed by pressing the mode button while the device is connected to a computer.

Knot is currently available for the early bird pre-order price of $89 (normal price $119). If you order now, your unit is expected to be dispatched by 12 December. A single USB-C to USB-A cable comes included.

You can find out more and place an order on the Intech Studio website.

Korg Liano in reality is a digital piano and first impressions are good.

Liano is lightweight and features the sound of an Italian concert grand. This can be played using the “premium” 88-note light-touch keyboard, which is designed to suit beginners who do not want a heavy key action.

The emphasis here is definitely on portability and ease of use. Liano weighs just 6.2kg and has a height of 7.3cm. Controls have been kept simple, as well, with the eight sounds being selectable via a labelled dial.

We like the look of this; it should make sound selection quick, and despite the lack of a screen, you will always be able to see which sound you have selected. Reverb and chorus effects are also included.

Despite its low-profile design, Liano still includes a pair of bass reflex speakers. These are positioned on the top panel, so the sound is pumped directly at you. Additionally, there is a headphone port for silent practice sessions.

Korg says that Liano is portable, as it can be powered for up to eight hours using six AA batteries. You can also connect it to your computer via the USB port – useful when you want to use Liano in conjunction with the supplied Skoove piano learning software. In addition, Korg’s Module and Gadget 2 Le apps are included.

Liano ships with an AC adapter (for you when you want to use mains power), a sustain pedal and a sheet music stand, and there is also an optional soft carrying case that can be purchased separately. Liano is definitely competitively priced. You can learn more on the Korg website