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

Today, Native Instruments announced new Kontrol S-Series MK3 MIDI controller keyboards, including the S49, S61, and S88.

The entire line has been updated to feature Fatar keyboards with polyphonic aftertouch. This lets you take performances further, letting you control cutoff, pitch, vibrato, and more for each individual note, without reaching for an encoder or dial.

NI says that they the new S-Series keyboard controllers are best in class, with new features and control capabilities; an intuitive connection to instruments, effects, and DAWs; all with deep navigation on a high-res screen. They are available in three size options: 49 semi-weighted keys, 61 semi-weighted keys, or 88 fully weighted hammer-action keys.

All three models feature a large glass screen, touch-sensitive anodized aluminum encoders and mod wheels, and redesigned tactile buttons.

Features:

• Full-color glass display
• Fatar keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch as standard
• Metal-touch pitch and modulation wheels with central illumination
• Hardware/software integration with direct connection to Kontakt helps you find, adjust, and play sounds quickly and easily
• Integration with all major DAWs lets you control transport and mixing commands directly from the keyboard: record, stop, rewind, mix, edit, and see project channels on the display
• Precision tweaking for all your sounds, pre-mapped to key instrument and effect parameters
• Redesigned Light Guide pinpoints notes with a light above each key
• USB, MIDI, and bus-powered USB-C connectivity plus inputs for four pedals: one sustain, one expression, and two assignable pedals

The Kontrol S-Series controllers come with a wide range of software, including:

• Komplete 14 Select is the essential production suite, including powerful synths, drums, percussion, studio-grade effects, and a wide range of customizable sounds.
• Komplete Kontrol software unites and organizes instruments, effects, loops, and samples, mapping everything to the keyboard controller.
• Plus: Stradivari Cello, Hypha, Guitar Rig LE, iZotope Elements Suite, and Ableton Live Lite

The Kontrol S-Series MK3 is available now to pre-order and shipping in October, with the following pricing:

• Kontrol S49 MK3 pricing:

€ 749,00 / $ 749,00 / JPY 107.400,00 / £ 649,00 / AUD 1.099,00 / CAD 969,00 / CHF 749,00 / CNY ¥ 5.899,00

• Kontrol S61 MK3 pricing:

€ 849,00 / $ 849,00 / JPY 121.700,00 / £ 749,00 / AUD 1.299,00 / CAD 1.099,00 / CHF 849,00 / CNY ¥ 6.699,00

• Kontrol S88 MK3 pricing:

€ 1.299,00 / $ 1.299,00 / JPY 186.200,00 / £ 1129,00 / AUD 1.949,00 / CAD 1.679,00 / CHF 1299,00 / CNY ¥ 9.999,00

Radikal Technologies has released updated firmware for its Delta CEP A and A2 synthesizers.

The Delta Cep A is an all-in-one patchable synthesizer that can be used standalone or as part of a Eurorack modular system.

New in Delta Cep A firmware version 2:

• Enhancements for the user interface;
• Performance step sequencer;
• Full MIDI parameter control – the Desktop versions even sends all knob movements out.

Radikal’s Jörg Schaaf shared this improvisation with two Delta CEP A2 synthesizers, with an example of the new Performance Step Sequencer in action:

Details on the firmware update are available at the Radikal Technologies website.

Roland TR-8S and TR-6S drum machines get CR-78 and 808 bass instrument sounds added for free. These already excellent beatmaking boxes just got even better.

Roland today released free firmware updates for its TR-6S and TR-8S drum machines, adding a new drum machine model, the ability to easily play 808 basslines and more.

With the updates, the TR-6S and TR-8S offer the most complete collection of classic Roland rhythm machines available in hardware form: TR-808, TR-909, TR-707, TR-727 and TR-606 – but full version updates to each machine (3.0 and 2.0 respectively) would enable you to get even more sonic juice out of them.

New in TR-8S Version 3.0 and TR-6S Version 2.0:

• TR-808 Chromatic Bass – The new TR-808 Chromatic Bass instrument allows users to program tuned basslines, a mainstay in trap, hip-hop, and electronic music.
• CR-78 CompuRhythm – The update brings to life the sounds of the CR-78, an influential Roland rhythm machine from the late 1970s, with Roland’s ACB technology. It also includes new patterns and advanced sound design capabilities made possible with the modern ACB approach.
• TR-EDITOR update – A compact UI option included in the update frees up screen space for using the editor along with other applications on smaller displays for a more efficient experience.

Introduced in 1978, the CR-78 was a direct predecessor of the TR-808 and the first mass-produced programmable rhythm machine. Its distinctive sound has left its own indelible footprint on pop classics from the 1980s and beyond, and it remains sought-after in the vintage marketplace.

The CR-78 has been modeled with Roland’s ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) technology, and recreates the sound of the original, while also allowing new capabilities made possible using the ACB approach.

Along with the CR-78, the TR-8S and TR-6S updates add a newly developed TR-808 Chromatic Bass instrument. The TR-808 Chromatic Bass instrument makes it easy to create tuned basslines with the TR-808 bass drum in the TR-8S and TR-6S.

Alongside the updates, Roland has also given love to the TR-Editor, the software application that enables you to control and manage your TR-8S and TR-6S.

The TR-EDITOR for macOS and Windows enhances the workflow of the TR-8S and TR-6S, providing an easy-to-use graphical interface with expanded visual controls and organizational tools. The latest version includes a compact UI option that frees up screen space for using the editor along with other applications on small computer displays.

The Roland TR-8S, TR-6S, and TR-EDITOR updates are available now for free. The Roland TR-8S and TR-6S are available now for $749.99 and $399.99, respectively, in the U.S.