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

Squarp has introduced the Hermod+, a new version of their Hermod ‘modular brain’ for Eurorack systems.

The company says that Hermod+ is more than just an upgrade to the original Hermod – it is a new and improved creation in its own right.

The device features a wide screen and a grid-based, step-by-step sequencer, as well as dedicated tracks buttons, which allow for a more streamlined and intuitive workflow.

Features:

• OLED 58x16mm
• 16 tracks : 8 CV/Gate + 8 MIDI
• Patterns : 16 per tracks
• Recording resolution : 96ppqn
• Track length : 1/16 note to 16 bars
• Automation per patterns : modulation + pitchbend + aftertouch + sustain
• Dedicated tracks buttons
• Double project architecture
• Unlimited projects
• 1 to 280 BPM
• Global transpose track
• Song chain length : 64 sequences
• Piano roll
• Polyphony editing
• Live looper
• Max input rate : 1/96 = 24ppqn
• Max output rate : 1/96 = 24ppqn
• 8 x CV outputs [-5V to +5V]
• 8 x GATE outputs [0V / +5V]
• 4 x CV inputs [-5V to +5V]
• Dedicated Clock output
• Dedicated Reset output for transport
• IN / OUT MIDI TRS + USB host + USB device
• 26HP
• 20mm / skiff friendly

The Hermod+ is available now for €460

Roland today introduces the E-X10 arranger keyboard. Roland’s new E-X10 arranger keyboard looks like a fun and portable starter instrument packs over 500 sounds.

Just last week, Roland announced the release of the E-X50 arranger keyboard, an affordable instrument for use both at home and on stage.

The Roland E-X10 is essentially a slimmed-down version of the E-X50: equipped with an onboard stereo speaker system, it can run on six AA batteries and weighs just a touch under 4kg, making it a highly portable instrument that could be a great choice for impromptu jam sessions at a friend’s house or busking in the park.

The E-X10 is packed with over 500 sounds, covering everything from acoustic pianos sampled from Roland’s home and stage pianos, electric pianos and organs all the way through to synths, orchestral sounds and ‘world music’ instruments. These can be played through the instrument’s 61-key keyboard, outfitted with piano-style keys and said to deliver a ‘comfortable and responsive’ feel.

Roland’s E-X10 is aimed at those learning the keyboard, and offers a ton of features to help new players develop their skills. There’s 140 songs onboard to play along with, each of which includes three lessons. Thanks to the recording function, learners can capture and replay their performances to evaluate their progress and spot mistakes.

The E-X10’s auto-accompaniment feature enables you ‘command a full band’ with the left hand as you play along with your right, and offers over 200 preset styles of accompaniment, including rock, pop, jazz and even EDM.

 

Like the E-X50, the E-X10 features a microphone input, so you’re able to plug in a mic and sing along with whatever you’re playing, and though it lacks the E-X50’s Bluetooth audio capabilities, you can run external audio in through the aux input, meaning you’re able to play and sing along with songs from your music library. Thanks to its USB jack, the E-X10 can also be used as a MIDI controller to play software instruments on your laptop, tablet or smartphone.

E-X10 Arranger Keyboard Style Demos

The Roland E-X10 priced at €219.00/£189.00. Find out more on Roland website.

The latest loopop video takes an in-depth look at the new Korg Wavestate SE  & Wavestate mk2 synthesizers.

Host Ziv Eliraz offers a comprehensive overview of each of the synths and covers what’s new with the wavestate platform since the original was introduced in 2020.

Watch the review, and share your thoughts on the new wavestate synths in the comments!

Topics covered:

0:00 Intro

2:00 Overview

2:25 Voices

4:10 MK2 vs MK1

4:40 SE vs MK1/2

5:00 Aftertouch

5:30 Other misc

6:15 Native v Editor

10:55 PATCH IDEAS

11:10 Lane length

12:10 Polymetric %

14:20 Lane presets

16:20 Mod presets

16:50 Loop end mod

18:30 Loop as fills

19:05 Start vs loop

19:30 Step mods

20:20 Finding mods

21:05 Mult mods

21:50 Levels mods

22:00 Note advance

23:00 … on chords

23:30 Scale quantize

24:20 Step env

24:40 Ratchets

24:55 Phase mod

25:40 Shape chaos

26:10 Mod process

27:10 Hidden mods

27:35 Pros & cons

30:55 Outro