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

Musik Hack, the developers of the mastering-made-easy mega-suite, Master Plan – have recently released their second software tool: the low-end accentuating Fuel, which they’ll be showcasing at this year’s NAMM show.

Available now for immediate download via the company’s website (at the special introductory price of $59, at time of writing) this ‘ultimate sound enhancing’ plugin will be a major focus for the two-man team at their NAMM booth (#15900) this year.

Fuel is described as a way of balancing low-end power, dynamic range and effective limiting, simplifying processes that typically require the stacking of three or four additional plugins.

Harnessing Musik Hack’s proprietary maximiser algorithm, the plugin is ultra-low latency, which means its applicable in a live setting. The central one-knob compressor makes scaling compression types per-track relatively simple.

Some snarling saturation comes via the two ‘Bass’ and ‘Thick’ knobs, aimed at rectifying and adjusting issues with low-end and mid-range sounds respectively.

The company bullet point the plugin’s attributes and formats as follows:

• Fine-tuned maximization & saturation toolkit
• Combine the best of your favorite plugins in one simple tool: no stacking required
• Works on any track: vocals, drums, bass, synths, mix bus, and more
• Classic trap-inspired soft-clipping & analog crunch
• High octane saturation & bass enhancement
• The same unbeatable maximizer as Master Plan
• AAX/AU/VST3 MacOS 10.15+, Windows 10+

Musik Hack, founded by Grammy-nominated producer Stan Greene and plugin developer Sam Fischmann.

Fischmann once said in an interview:

“Different camps behave in different ways. I think some people see a complicated plugin and say ‘yeah, forget this’ – they think the ‘quality’ aspect of music is not for them and they need to focus on something else. Others might lose the spirit of what they’re doing, and decide that getting technical is what’s important. This is sad to me because the most universally great thing about music is that we use it to move other people.”

Fuel can be purchased now at the introductory price of $59 (standard price is $79) while a rent-to-own model at $5 (typically $6.60) a month is also available.

Ahead of 2025 NAMM Show, Reloop – a brand best known for its DJ gear – today has announced the release of a new MIDI controller with wireless MIDI capabilities and comprehensive Bitwig integration.

Keypad Pro is a lightweight and portable controller that’s nonetheless equipped with a variety of options for both DAW control and live performance. Its 25-key, velocity-sensitive keyboard and obligatory pitch bend and mod wheels are joined by a 16 velocity-sensitive, aftertouch-equipped pads that can be used to trigger drum sounds or launch clips.

Above the pads we have a bank of eight channel strips complete with volume faders, pan encoders and two smaller potentiometers for sends. These are joined by three backlit function buttons. On Keypad Pro’s left-hand side you’ll find a DAW master section that comprises an array of essential controls for transport and recording. There’s also a small OLED display for referencing parameter values.

Keypad Pro is MIDI-compatible with all major DAWs, but offers full, plug-and-play integration with Bitwig Studio, so Bitwig users can access convenient, hands-on DAW control right out of the box. The controller can be powered via USB or AA batteries and can be hooked up to your computer via USB or wirelessly through Bluetooth MIDI. On the unit’s side you’ll also find a TRS MIDI output and sustain pedal jack.

Reloop Keypad Pro intro video:

The Midi Controller ships with a bundle of free software that includes Bitwig Studio 8-track, a limited version of Bitwig’s flagship DAW, and Lifeline Expanse Lite, a multi-effect from Excite Audio. You will also gets a two-month subscription to Loopcloud Studio and a three-month license for Serato Studio.

All in all, Keypad Pro looks like a solid choice for those building a portable set-up: if you’re a Bitwig user on the hunt for a versatile controller for mobile music-making, this could be the device for you.

Keypad Pro is priced at €249/$249/£219. Find out more on Reloop website.

XILS-lab has introduced The Eighty, a new software synthesizer for Mac & Windows, based on the Yamaha CS-80, that they describe as a “virtual Vangelis soundalike homage.”

What they have to say about it:

“The Eighty is a groundbreaking synthesizer inspired by the legendary CS-80, delivering unmatched warmth and expressiveness.

It features three synthesis lines : two that faithfully recreate the linked high-pass and low-pass filters that defined the CS-80’s iconic sound, and a third line, seamlessly blendable through an innovative 2D mixer for expanded sonic possibilities.

With its rich analog character, extensive modulation capabilities, and intuitive interface, The Eighty offers sound designers, producers, and musicians the tools to craft everything from lush pads and soaring leads to deep, textured soundscapes. A modern tribute to a timeless classic.”

Here’s the official intro video:

Features:

• Three synthesis lines
• Each synthesis line features one oscillator with LFO, high Pass and Low pass Filters with two envelopes.
• Advanced 2D Mixer with animation.
• Extended Arpeggiator which can modulate component depending on the current step.
• Easy access to Vibrato, Tremolo, Poly After touch, Velocity.
• Four effects with independent routing: Delay, Phaser, Reverb, EQ.
• A ring modulator associated with a simple envelope.
• A chorus for Tremolo and Vibrato as well as ensemble effects.
• ‘Plenty’ of modulation sources and destinations.
• Advanced Preset manager.

*Note: The Eighty is available to purchase as an iLok-protected virtual instrument plug-in (including computer-based authorisation).

The Eighty is available with an intro price of €89.00 until January 31, 2025 (normally €179.00)