The Minimoog Voyager XL is a new addition to Minimoog and synthesizer family. The NEW! Minimoog Voyager XL Synthesizer is a monophonic analogue performance and production synthesizer. The semi-modular synthesizer is designed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Minimoog and to mark an important milestones in the Moog synthesizer legacy. Based on the Model D and legacy sound engine, it incorporates the entire sound resources and functions of Minimoog Model D and Voyager, including exclusive features from high-end Moog’s modular synthesizers legacy.
The Minimoog Voyager XL features a 100% analogue sound engine, 61-note velocity sensitive keyboard with after-pressure and is identical to the Voyager 44-note keyboard, extensive front-panel patchability, a 500mm ribbon controller with pitch and Gate CV Outputs, touch surface controller, pot mapping and a host of MIDI control functionality.
Under the hood, the notable Minimoog Voyager XL‘s intuitive user interface, touch surface and rugged design make it incredibly ideal for today’s performance, sound design and production. The high-end musical instrument is akin to a monster analogue mono-synthesizer.
The Novation UltraNova is a NEW! addition to Novation and synth family. In designing the UltraNova, the needs of today’s music-makers remained front and centre. The Novation UltraNova Analogue-Modelling Synthesizer features a 37-note Fatar keybed, gooseneck mic, brand new single-part synth engine, 18 note polyphony – dynamic voicing, illuminated pitch and modulation wheels, eight assignable touch-sensitive rotary encoders, a 144-character LCD, a software editor, and a large knob for fine control of parameters.
The UltraNova’s Touch feature is a unique system that brings a new level of performance control to synth players. Press the Touch button and the eight rotary encoders become receptive to finger contact, so you can control dramatic modulations and envelopes with the touch of a finger. Similarly, the corresponding Tweak feature enables you to group your favourite parameters to said encoders for real-time patch editing – and a large knob for extra-fine tweaking, which means that you literally have control of the synth at your fingertips. What is more, a free plug-in editor provides easy access to the synth controls and patches – 300 built-in sounds and 200 users, from within your music software. The UltraNova sound quality is utmost important, and the moment that we plugged in to a keyboard amp, a high standard was immediately apparent – a huge bank of preset sounds that range from the fatter, retro squelches through to ambient , shimmering pads and more.
For me, the notable ease of accessing and tweaking individual patches is one of the biggest immediate sell. Offering dedicated controls, touch and tweak features, brand new wavetable synthesis, and remarkable ease of use, the Novation UltraNova Analogue-Modelling Synthesizer is a refreshing change and at an affordable price tag. As for the design, there is a familiar retro feel of the portable keyboard.
The new Korg PS60 keyboard gives musicians quick access to sounds. The keyboard instrument is created with the performer in mind, and have been optimized for the unique challenges and immediacy of playing live. Designed to fulfil the demand of gigging keyboardists, the Performance Synthesizer features 61 full size Semi-weighted keys, Natural Touch keyboard, LCD display; – with backlit, 440 built-in sounds; 6 categories – Acoustic Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, Strings, Brass, and Synth, 120 voices Polyphony – single mode, Effects; 71 types – Insert , Master, Reverb/ Delay, and EQ Effects, new Enhanced Definition Synthesis-integrated (EDS-i) sound engine.
The Korg PS60 is able to satisfy the most discerning keyboardists as the keyboard is ready for anything from a piano performance to delivering sizzling synthesizer sounds. The 440 spot-on sounds were created using the new Enhanced Definition Synthesis-integrated (EDS-i) sound engine and the sounds are categorized into six categories, and each category has dedicated controls for ease of use. To play, simply click the On button in the bank of your choice and use the Up/Down arrows or the rotary encoder under the LCD to scroll through the presets. To the right of the sound selection buttons you can enhance the sounds with effects and EQ. The latter features dials to enhance or cut bass, mid and treble, while the Modulation effect offers a choice of Chorus, Flanger, Phaser or Vintage Flanger/Phaser. The Reverb section provides Hall, Plate, Room and Delay options. Both of the effects sections also feature real-time knobs for enhancement, so changing reverb length or chorus speed, for instance, is a breeze. On the left-hand side, is the Performance section, which provides further controls, switches and menus designed to make arranging and performing live gig more expressive and with ease. You can organize single sounds or layered/split sounds, complete with the effects settings, into Performances, and you can store 20 of them in internal memory for deeper editing or instant recall during live performances.
Additionally, the Korg PS60 weight merely 10.14 lbs. When it comes to accessing and editing tones during a gig, speed is everything. At the moment , besides Korg PS60 there is really no other keyboard instruments that could be easier to create a gig’s worth of sounds in a logical, step-by-step way. The portable keyboard is also ideal for gigging musicians on a budget. For gigging keyboardists who require much in control of their keyboard, a high-capable performance instrument that is light, fast enough and easy-to-use, the Korg PS60 Performance Synthesizer is the right choice.
