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

Developer Michal Macura let us know that he has introduced a new iPad app, sqsl White Keys, that’s lets you interactively remap the notes that the white keys on your MIDI keyboard control.

Macura is the creator of sqsl Circle geometry-based MIDI sequencer for iPad, and sqsl Canvas, an app that turns your iPad into a ‘control voltage playground’ for your modular synth.

sqsl White Keys is a MIDI note processor. It receives MIDI notes played on white keys of the keyboard (CDEFGAB), remaps them to other notes and sends them out. Each note of input can be remapped to any of the 12 notes of the scale. There is also an integrated scale pattern generator for quick access to most used heptatonic scales and their 7 modes.

The app could be used as a performance aid, or as a compositional tool for exploring new tonalities and harmonies.

Important notes:

• sqsl White Keys is a MIDI processing app and does not produce any sounds.
• sqsl White Keys is a standalone application.
• sqsl White Keys does not produce MIDI notes on its own – it needs to receive notes from other MIDI device such as keyboard or sequencer.
• sqsl White Keys works only in fullscreen/portrait mode.

sqsl White Keys is available now for $4.99.

Earthquaker Devices has introduced The Wave Transformer, a ‘Transfiguration Oscillator’ for Eurorack modular systems.

What they say about it:

“We decided to go deeper into the weird and wonderful world of modular synths, this time creating a complex single oscillator module with seven audio outputs, a host of exciting features, and a unique Wave Transformation circuit, all for the modest price of $199 USD.

The Wave Transformer’s method of wave shaping differs from other complex oscillators in that it is not based upon classic wave folding, as is common in West Coast synthesis, or filtration as is common in East Coast synthesis. Rotating the Transform control will vary the Complex output from a simple waveform to a complex, gnarled mass of audio mutations.”

Features:

• 100% analog circuit
• Over 8 octaves of pitch tracking starting from A -1 (13.75 Hz), covering more than the full range of a traditional piano keyboard
• 7 simultaneous waveform outputs
• Dedicated attenuators / attenuverters for each CV output
• Exponential and Linear Frequency Modulation inputs
• Hard and soft sync inputs
• Pulse width control between 0%–100%
• Fixed -1 octave 25% duty cycle sub octave pulse output
• Sub Square output switchable between 1 and 2 octaves down
• Complex Source mute switch allows simultaneous control of volume and timbre up to audio rates via the Transform CV output
• Dimensions: 20HP / Max Depth: 1 inch (25.4 mm)
• Current draw: 90 mA max from the +12v rail, 90 mA max from the -12v rail
• Standard 10-pin Eurorack power connector with a marking to notate the negative pins
• Reverse Voltage protection
• Over-current protection on all outputs
• Skiff friendly – protrudes less than 1 inch (25.4 mm) behind the panel with the power header installed
• Lifetime warranty

The Wave Transformer is available now for $199.

Arturia expands the KeyLab Essential mk3 range with a new 88-key controller keyboard – a new standard for stripped-back, multi-octave MIDI control.

Last year, Arturia unveiled mk3 versions of its KeyLab Essential range of affordable controller keyboards. In their third iteration, the 49 and 61-key controllers offered improved DAW integration, a redesigned interface and new features like the Chord and Scale Modes.

Today Arturia introduced their new KeyLab Essential 88 mk3, a full-sized 88-key controller keyboard boasting the same updated feature set as its 49 and 61-key KeyLab Essential range.

Adding to the 49- and 61-key models of the KeyLab Essential range, Arturia’s KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 puts a semi-weighted full piano range at the fingertips of musicians and producers.

KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 features a full-size, 88-note range, semi-weighted keyboard, designed for DAW production, hybrid setups, and controlling MIDI hardware instruments.

Above the keyboard, you will find a 2.5″ display and DAW controls, next to a 2×4 grid of pressure and velocity-sensitive pads and a bank of nine faders and nine full-rotation encoders, all of which arrive pre-mapped to parameters in your DAW and bundled software instruments such as Analog Lab V.

KeyLab Essential mk3 is equipped with custom DAW scripts for majors DAWS such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase and Bitwig. You can design your own customised mappings, or control other DAWs via the MCU/HUI protocol.

Arturia is hoping to make writing melodies and chord sequences easier with Chord and Scale Modes and a built-in arpeggiator. Chord Mode assigns chords to single keys across the keyboard while Scale Mode locks the keyboard to one of a selection of pre-defined scales, so you won’t be able to hit a wrong note if you try.

All KeyLab Essential mk3 controllers arrive bundled with a two-month subscription to Loopcloud and a software package that includes Analog Lab V, a software instrument that offers thousands of presets lifted from its V Collection bundle of synth plugins, and Ableton Live Lite.

New with KeyLab Essential mk3 controllers:

• New creative features: Scale Mode, Chord Mode, and Arpeggiator
• Custom DAW integration (FL Studio, Ableton, Logic Pro…)
• More versatile presets
• Easier controls & interface
• Expanded software package for beginners & pros

Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 is priced at £299. Find out more on Arturia website.