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

Sample platform Splice has launched an update to its mobile app that lets songwriters and producers record vocal ideas over tracks sketched out using its AI-powered Stacks feature.

Stacks can be used to generate track ideas by layering samples from Splice’s library. Pick a genre, and the app will instantly create a Stack that layers multiple samples in that genre that share the same key and tempo; these can then be mixed, muted or swapped out for new samples from Splice’s library, while the global key and tempo can be adjusted across the whole Stack.

Splice Mic lets app users record over ideas generated using Stacks, and it’ll even analyse the vocal recording to find additional samples that match it harmonically. After recording a loop of up to one minute in length, users can then trim it using the app’s audio editor before snapping it to the beat grid.

If they are not happy with the results, they can pick a new genre and Splice will select new samples to work alongside the vocal take. Multiple takes can be layered together, with a maximum of eight layers in a Stack. Finished ideas can then be exported as mixes, stems or Ableton projects to be polished in a DAW later.

“The phone is already a huge part of music making,” says Splice’s SVP of Content Kenny Ochoa. “About 1 million users have made more than 28 million stacks so far, and now songwriters and producers can record vocal ideas over stacks of samples. They can experiment with vocal, lyric, and genre and have even more control over their creative vision. and now those stacks can be merged with vocals”.

To celebrate the launch of Splice Mic, the company invited two opposing teams of songwriters and producers to create tracks in 60 seconds using Splice’s mobile app.

“We got the team together to see who could start the best new Stacks,” said artist and producer Leland.

“These creative tools are fun to use, and the results take songwriters so much deeper into the finished process. Before we even get to the studio, we can sketch out melodies and even hooks. This is so valuable to our community”.

Watch the video embedded below:

Find out more on Splice website.

Synthetic Sound Labs has introduced The Matrix – Model 2660, a 12 HP Euro format version of its previously-released The Matrix MU module.

The Matrix is a deterministic algorithmic sequencer, inspired by the rare Triadex Muse, which was developed by Edward Fredkin and Marvin Minsky around 1969.

The Matrix generates complex sequences, based on your Tempo, Pitch, Scale, Interval and Theme choices. It outputs both gate/CV signals to control other gear, and an audio signal.

Features:

• CV OUT covers about 2 octaves depending on scale setting with 1V/OCT
• Sequences are created using the THEME controls. Uses a modified LFSR algorithm to generate patterns.
• Gate REST interrupts the GATE output at certain pitch intervals, depending on scale settings
•  Inputs:
  • CLOCK IN (External clock input)
    RESET IN (Starts sequencer back at step 1)
• Outputs:
  • GATE OUT (Sends pulse when sequencer changes state. Follows width of external clock, or 50% width for internal clock)
    CV OUT (About 1V/OCT. Not affected by internal oscillator Pitch control)
    AUDIO OUT (50% duty cycle internal oscillator. About 5 octave range)

An in-depth demo video, using the original MU version of the module:

The Matrix is available now for $350.

via Sonic State

Roland has announced a new, “refreshed” version of its GO:PIANO88. As you might expect, this improves on the previous model in a number of ways.

The GO- 88PX (to give it its official title) is a lightweight, portable (you can run it on batteries) 88-note portable keyboard with ‘box-shape’ velocity-sensitive keys. There are five types of touch sensitivity – up from three on its predecessor, the GO:PIANO 88P – and a huge number of extra tones.

In fact, ten times as many, as the limited four-preset palette of the 88P has been expanded to include 40 built-in sounds, spread across piano, electric piano, organ and ‘other’ categories. There are also new ambience, brilliance and (for the organ tones) rotary speaker effects.

As a further bonus, you can also access a further 256 GM2 tones via the Roland Piano App. This also gives you access to the Piano Designer, which enables you to adjust the likes of lid position, damper resonance, tuning, volume and temperament.

Other features include a metronome, a MIDI recorder for capturing your playing, dual/split functions and wireless audio and MIDI over Bluetooth 5.

But, the maximum polyphony has been halved from 128 to 64 and the quoted amplifier power has dropped to 6w x 2 for the 15 x 6 cm speakers. The maximum quoted battery life is around six hours on the GO-88PX (using alkaline batteries).

In better news, the new model is very slightly smaller than the old one and weighs a bit less: 5.8kg as opposed to 7kg. The look has also been refined, and Roland says that the top-panel interface is easier to operate.

Like the 88P, the GO-88PX has a pedal input, audio output, USB port and AC adapter socket. A USB-C port replaces the USB type B port, though, and the phones/output socket is now minijack rather than 1/4-inch size.

Features:

• Premium piano performance in a compact and portable instrument
• 88 full-size keys for playing everything from pop to classical music
• Elegant design with acoustic piano style
• Simple interface with efficient controls
• Lightweight design (5.8 kg/12.8 lb.) that’s easy to move and carry
• Powered by AA batteries or included AC adaptor
• 40 presets, including bright and inviting piano tones and sounds for exploring other music styles
• High-quality stereo speaker system with rich, full sound
• Recording function for capturing performances and evaluating progress
• USB-C and Bluetooth audio/MIDI for streaming songs and working with music software
• Roland Piano App (iOS/Android) provides wireless remote control, learning games, and more
• Includes one year of Roland Cloud Core membership

The GO-88PX sounds good and plays well. The full-size digital piano price is at $379.99

Find out more on the Roland website.