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

At Superbooth 2025, Novation has announced a wave of new instruments and creative controllers.

Included is the Launch Control XL 3 MIDI control surface, two new white Launchkey MK4 MIDI keyboard controllers in the popular 37-mini key and 49 key versions, and a limited-edition Bass Station II designed in collaboration with British graphic designer Ian ‘Swifty’ Swift.

Launch Control XL 3:
Launch Control XL 3 builds on Novation’s popular series of DAW controllers, bringing hands-on performance, production, and mixing workflows to Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, and more.

Its eight faders, 24 endless encoders, and 16 programmable buttons are now paired with dedicated transport controls, and a new OLED display showing vital parameter information. Now with 5-pin MIDI In, Out, Out2/Thru, alongside support for Custom Modes via Novation Components, Launch Control XL 3 is also capable of serving as a central hub for complex hybrid or hardware-based setups.

Launchkey MK4 White:
The fourth generation of Launchkey MK4 is now available in a new white-and-grey finish, in both 49-key and 37-minikey formats. It features all the latest MK4 updates, improved keybeds, OLED displays, and deeper DAW integration.

Like the rest of the range, Launchkey MK4 White includes a powerful software bundle with instruments and effects from Klevgrand, GForce, Orchestral Tools, Native Instruments, Ableton Live Lite — and now, Cubase LE. Paired with our Cubase integration, it’s a complete MIDI composition setup out of the box.

Bass Station II Swifty Edition:
The Bass Station II Swifty Edition is a limited-edition collaboration between Novation and Ian “Swifty” Swift, the British graphic designer behind the iconic visuals of labels like Mo’ Wax and Talkin’ Loud as well as The Face magazine and many others. Decked out in Swifty’s inimitable style, the paraphonic analogue synth comes pre-loaded with 60+ new patches from the likes of Dutch techno icon Legowelt, alt-pop duo Pecq, and jazz/electronic fusion artist Maria Chiara Argirò.

The newly announced Novation gear is available for pre-order from Novation and authorized retailers, and is priced below (prices in US Dollars, excluding tax)*

Launch Control XL 3 $249.99 (€193.27 ex. tax)
Launchkey Mini 37 White $159.99 (€142.85 ex. tax)
Launchkey 49 White $269.99 (€226.88 ex. tax)
Bass Station II Swifty Edition $579.99* (€420.16 ex. tax)

Novation will have all the newly-announced products on hand this week at Superbooth from May 8 – 10 in Berlin.

*US prices subject to change

At Superbooth 2025, being held May 8-10 at the FEZ-Berlin, Moog Music has officially introduced the Moog Messenger, a compact monophonic analog synthesizer that they say is “designed to deliver the iconic Moog sound to a new generation of musicians”.

The Moog Messenger is a powerful synth that blends so-called ‘West Coast (Moog)’ and ‘East Coast (Buchla)’ synthesis capabilities. They call it “Moog’s most accessible analog synthesizer to date”.

The official intro video:

The Messenger builds on Moog’s traditional analog subtractive synth designs with dynamic wavefolding, dual loopable envelopes, a next-generation ladder filter with resonance bass compensation, a sequencer and arpeggiator. It can do classic ‘Moog sounds’, but also goes much further, with features like continuously variable-shape voltage-controlled oscillators and a multi-mode Moog ladder filter.

It also features a full-size keyboard with aftertouch; a front panel with the immediate, hands-on control that Moog keyboards are known for; and flexible analog and MIDI connectivity options, so you can integrate it with modular gear, MIDI hardware and your DAW.

Filling a hole in Moog’s product catalogue left by the recent discontinuation of the Subsequent 25, Messenger gives music-makers a way to access the classic Moog sound for under $1000, without losing a keyboard and venturing into semi-modular territory.

“With Messenger, we aim to honor Moog’s rich heritage while embracing the future of analog synthesis,” said Joe Richardson, Moog Music President and inMusic EVP, Chief Commercial Officer. “This instrument is crafted for musicians and producers seeking a portable, powerful monosynth that delivers the iconic Moog sound, enhanced with modern features and intuitive controls.”

Moog Messenger Preset Demo By Lisa Bella Donna:

Features:

• “Timeless and Intuitive Design”: Building upon the DNA of Moog’s monosynths – including the Minimoog Model D, Voyager, Grandmother, and Subsequent 37 – Messenger combines new synthesis capabilities with a familiar format, delivering classic analog sound with modern enhancements.
• Modern Wavefolding Oscillators: Two continuously variable-shape voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) with unique hybrid wavefolders, sync, and frequency modulation (FM) capabilities allow for rich harmonic textures and dynamic overtones. A sub-oscillator with a continuously variable waveshape further adds deep, powerful low-end.
• Next-Generation Ladder Filter with Resonance Bass Compensation: The classic Moog transistor ladder filter has been reimagined with a unique pole-mixing design, offering 4-pole low-pass, 2-pole low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass responses. The resonance bass compensation (RES BASS) switch preserves low-end power at high resonance settings, ensuring full-bodied sound across the spectrum. The classic response is also available.
• Full-Size Keys with Expressive Control: Messenger features 32 semi-weighted full-size keys with velocity and aftertouch, providing a premium playing experience suitable for both performance and studio use. Its metal panel houses 256 presets, offering immediate access to a wide range of sounds and textures.
• Hands-On, Performance-Ready Layout: The knob-per-function control design ensures immediacy and ease of use, allowing musicians to shape sounds without navigating complex menus.
• Integrated Sequencer and Arpeggiator: A 64-step sequencer with probability-based generative behavior and parameter recording, along with a versatile arpeggiator offering multiple pattern modes and rhythmic programming, enable real-time composition and dynamic live performances.
• Sound Design and Modulation Playground: Two loopable ADSR envelopes with velocity responsiveness and multi-trigger capabilities, along with two LFOs—one variable shape with sync and reset, and one triangle-wave tied to the modulation wheel—provide extensive modulation options for creative sound design.
• Comprehensive Connectivity: Messenger integrates seamlessly into your studio with six analog control voltage (CV) patch points, an external audio input to the filter, expression and sustain pedal inputs, and MIDI In/Out via both 5-pin DIN and USB-C.
• Compact, Powerful, and Accessible: Delivering the depth and sonic character of Moog’s legacy in a compact, performance-ready format, Messenger is Moog’s most accessible analog synthesizer to date.

“Messenger embodies our commitment to advancing analog synthesis while staying true to the Moog legacy and innovative spirit of Dr. Robert Moog,” said Erik Norlander, Director of Keyboard Product Development at inMusic. “Our goal was to create a synthesizer that invites immediate exploration—welcoming first-time Moog players and offering the depth and expressiveness that experienced musicians expect. With wavefolding oscillators, a dynamic shape sub-oscillator, a next-generation ladder filter, and comprehensive connectivity options, Messenger is as inspiring as it is accessible.”

The Moog Messenger will be available starting June 2, 2025, for $899. Find out more on Moog website.

In recent years, LA-based instrument brand 1010music has made a name for itself with its Nanobox range – an assortment of ultra-compact digital instruments that includes the Razzamatazz drum machine, Lemondrop granular synth and Tangerine sampler.

Its latest release, Bento, is something altogether more substantial. Described as a ‘flagship music production lab’ Bento is a self-contained sampling instrument that aims to replace your DAW and become the focal point of your music making setup.

At Superbooth 2025, being held May 8-10 at the FEZ-Berlin, 1010music today introduced Bento, a portable sampling production lab that lets you sample, sequence, and perform with expressive control.

“Bento is everything our users have been asking for in a flagship sampler – more power, more control, and more performance tools, all in a portable package,” says 1010music founder Aaron Higgins. “It’s designed to replace your laptop and become the brain of your setup.”

The device itself is focused around a 7-inch color touchscreen, which comes accompanied by 16 velocity and pressure sensitive pads and eight endless rotary controllers.

Bento can create fully-fledged compositions using a scene-based workflow, capable of real time recording, step sequencing, piano roll input and equipped probability tools. It can sequence eight tracks, each with four sequences, allowing users to build full sequences or launch clips for DAWless jam sessions.

Bento offers a range of sample playback modes, capable of hosting chromatic multi-sampled instruments, pad-based drums, one-shots and loops. It also features beat slicing and granular capabilities inherited from 1010’s Lemondrop.

The instrument is also designed to play nicely with your other bits of studio hardware. There are three stereo inputs, three stereo outputs, dual TRS MIDI I/O and USB-C host/device ports. The instrument has an effects engine with per-track delay, reverb, chorus, flanger, and phaser with automation, as well as an internal mixer that allows the user to process external sounds.

Features:

• 7” diagonal color touchscreen
• 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive pads plus 8 endless encoders
• 8 flexible tracks for sampled instruments, slicer, loops, granular or external MIDI
• Scene-based sequencing with real time, step, piano roll and probability tools
• Over 5 GB of samples and 165 patches of fresh new sounds including deeply multi-sampled instruments from pianos to classic synths by Samples from Mars, Soundtrack Loops and Drew Neumann
• FX engine with per-track delay, reverb, chorus, flanger, and phaser with automation
• Extensive modulation system with LFOs, envelopes, and step sequencers
• 3 stereo inputs, 3 stereo outputs, headphone out, USB-C host/device, dual MIDI I/O
• Internal 24-bit resampling, sample streaming from microSD
• Compact and battery-powered for up to 3 hours of portable creativity

1010music Bento Walkthrough Video:

Bento will ship with 5GB+ of sample content, including multi-sampled synths and instruments created by Samples from Mars, Soundtrack Loops and Drew Neumann. It also offers Internal 24-bit resampling and sample streaming from its microSD.

Bento is completely standalone thanks to its onboard battery, which 1010 tells us offers 3 hours of wireless use.

Bento is available to order now priced at $899, shipping in mid May 2025. Visit the 1010music website for more.