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

Two years on from its announcement, Behringer’s take on Casio’s CZ series of phase distortion synthesizers has officially landed.

Promising to replicate the sound of the CZ-1, a classic Casio phase distortion synth released in 1986, CZ-1 Mini is a compact and affordable instrument with a 27-key touch-capacitive keyboard, adopting the same miniature form factor as Behringer Pro-VS Mini, Phara-O Mini and JT Mini.

CZ-1 Mini is built on a meticulous recreation of Casio’s original synth engine and is compatible with the original synth’s SysEx files, but it isn’t a straight clone of the CZ-1. Casio’s CZ-1 was an eight-voice polyphonic synth, but the Mini has three voices, and Behringer’s version brings an analogue 24dB low-pass filter to the party.

CZ-1 Mini’s two DCOs can produce the same eight waveforms that you’ll find in the original Casio CZ series: sawtooth, square, pulse, double sine, saw pulse and three “resonant waveforms”, shapes with simulated filter resonance that were designed to account for the CZ series’ lack of a conventional filter.

These run through dual DCWs, or Digitally Controlled Waves, which control the amount of phase distortion being applied to the oscillators, before amplitude is shaped by a per-oscillator DCA. The synth is equipped with a recreation of the CZ-1’s sophisticated eight-stage envelope generator, which can be used to shape the DCO’s pitch, the DCW’s timbre and the DCA’s volume, creating complex and evolving patches.

Rounding things off, there’s also a basic chorus effect onboard with controls for rate and depth and a vibrato with four shapes. The synth can be programmed via its 16-step sequencer, which has space for up to 16 patterns, and there’s a multimode arpeggiator onboard too. As for I/O, you’ve got USB-C, 5-pin DIN MIDI in, a sync input and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Product Features:

• Phase distortion engine featuring 8 classical waveforms
• Authentic reproduction of CZ-1 sound engine
• Supports original Casio CZ series SysEx for enhanced compatibility
• 27 touch-sensitive keys for great playability
• Analog 24 dB low-pass filter
• 16-step sequencer with easy programmability
• Arpeggiator with 3 patterns
• Studio-grade Chorus effect
• Dedicated Filter envelope and LFO for creative sound shaping
• High-resolution OLED display for easy parameter editing
• USB Type C allows powering via smartphone, power bank or computer
• Sync Input to synchronize with your other synthesizers or drum machines
• Comprehensive MIDI implementation (including NRPN/CC control of all parameters and bulk load/save)

Behringer CZ-1 Mini is priced at $89 (Excl. US). Find out more on Behringer website.

Five years on from the release of the MPK Mini Mk3, Akai Professional has unveiled the next generation of its compact MIDI controller keyboard: MPK Mini IV.

A major update that Akai is describing as the “most substantial redesign” in the series’ history, MPK Mini IV introduces pitch and modulation wheels, revamps the keybed and pads, adds a 5-pin MIDI output and USB-C connection and bundles the controller with a new software instrument that features more than 1,000 presets.

Among Mini IV’s array of upgrades, the headline is the pitch and mod wheels, which replace the four-way joystick found on the Mk3. The wheels are joined by an updated 3rd-gen 25-key keybed that reportedly offers “enhanced expressiveness” and eight velocity-sensitive RGB backlit pads that Akai says are more responsive than those found on the Mk3. Rounding things off in the control department are eight assignable rotary knobs.

Mini IV swaps out Mk3’s monochrome OLED display for a full-colour version and introduces a transport section for hands-on control over essential DAW functions – the controller ships with pre-made scripts for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio and Cubase. There are new Scale and Chord Modes for staying in key and building chord progressions, and the arpeggiator has been equipped with three new modes, including an intriguingly named Mutate function.

With the release of Mini IV, Akai is introducing Studio Instrument Collection, a new software instrument that features 1,000 sounds from brands across the inMusic family, including Moog, AIR and Akai themselves. You’ll also get a license for Live Lite 12, a cut-down version of Ableton’s flagship DAW.

Additionally, Mini IV brings a full-size 5-pin DIN MIDI output, making the controller a far more versatile tool for integrating with DAWless setups and external gear. There’s also a USB-C port in place of Mk3’s USB-B connection, and a sustain pedal jack. The controller is available in two colourways: a standard black and red finish and a retro grey that’s reminiscent of classic MPCs.

“The MPK Mini IV embodies our commitment to empowering creators of all skill levels with professional-grade tools,” said Akai Pro’s Andy Mac. “We’ve completely reimagined what’s possible in a compact controller — delivering tactile, expressive controls; instant access to premium sounds; and true portability at an accessible price point. It’s designed to inspire creativity from the moment you plug it in.”

This is a proper update, bringing many of the most desirable features of the pricier MPK Mini Plus to its 25-key sibling, and making a budget controller that was already among the most appealing options in its price bracket even more of a tempting proposition.

Key Features:

• [NEW] Updated third-generation keybed for an expressive playing experience
• [NEW] Push/turn rotary encoder for effortless function navigation
• [NEW] Enhanced arpeggiator with Pattern, Arp Freeze, and Mutate functions to encourage experimentation
• [NEW] Expanded DAW-mapped transport section for an uninterrupted workflow
• [NEW] Two distinct colorway options to match your style
• 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys with 10-octave up/down range
• 8 assignable 360° rotary knobs for tactile sound-shaping
• USB Bus-powered for hassle-free connectivity
• Scale and Chord Modes for playing in key, adding harmonies, and building progressions with ease
• 8 Velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB backlit MPC pads for responsive, expressive feel
• [NEW] Full-color screen for real-time feedback and easy navigation
• [NEW] True pitch and mod wheels for tactile hands-on control
• [NEW] Pre-programmed DAW mapping for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, and more, with 1-to-1 mapping for convenient control of preset parameters
• [NEW] The Studio Instrument Collection, a VST/AU and standalone virtual instrument with over 1,000 sounds from AIR, Akai Pro, and Moog, plus MPK Mini IV integrated controls
• Connections:
  • Full-size MIDI output
  • Computer connection and bus power via USB-C
  • Sustain pedal input (quarter-inch TS socket)

The Akai Professional MPK Mini IV is available now for $99/€109.99/£94.99. Find out more on Akai website.

MAYER EMI has introduced VibesConnect, a browser-based user interface that significantly expands the capabilities of their Vibes MD850 synthesizer.

VibesConnect connects the device directly to a computer or tablet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, with no additional drivers or USB cables needed.

VibesConnect enables the convenient control of the Clip Launcher, the creation and editing of sequences, and the easy exchange of files. This effectively transforms the device into a SynthStation in DAW Mode: a self-contained production and performance tool that combines studio workflows with the independence of dedicated hardware.

What they have to say about it:

“VibesConnect enables live musicians to establish a seamless and intuitive workflow from sound design in the studio to live performance with the Vibes MD850 SynthStation.

In the studio, users benefit from the comfort and connectivity of a computer. On stage, the Vibes MD850 SynthStation is fully standalone and can be connected to other equipment or serve as the center of a larger setup where multiple devices are linked together.”

What Exactly is a ‘SynthStation’ ?

Mayer EMI describes the Vibes MD850 as a “SynthStation”, describing it as a 4-devices-in-one-box solution:

• 4-part multitimbral true stereo synth
• Drum Machine,
• Digital Mixer, and
• Sequencer/Clip Launcher—which can also be controlled browser-based in DAW Mode.

VibesConnect will be available as a free update starting October 15, 2025. The Vibes MD850 is available with an MSRP of €2,299.00.