Developer Geert Bevin – the author of the original MPE specification – announced via Facebook that “After 2 years of weekly meetings with the MPE working group, many discussions, heated debates, over 60 revisions, the MIDI 2.0 Profile for MPE is finally available for download from the new MIDI Association website.”
The MIDI-CI Profile for MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) specification makes it possible for artists to perform independent gestures for each musical note, with up to three dimensions of expression. With MPE, every note a musician plays can be articulated individually for much greater expressiveness. MPE already has broad support from many DAWs, synthesizers and controllers.
The specification describes a recommended way of using individual MIDI Channels in MIDI 1.0 and/or MIDI 2.0 to achieve per-note control, enabling richer communication between increasingly expressive MIDI hardware and software.
Hypersynth has introduced the Hcard-101, a multibank memory card for expanding Korg M1, WS, DS8 and A1 external memory.
The Hcard-101 serves as a seamless replacement for discontinued Korg “MCR-03” RAM card. It boasts the capacity to store up to 126 banks of data, all without concerns about battery lifespan and potential data loss.
Features:
Memory Capacity: Supports up to 126 banks, segmented as follows: (M1:64 banks, WS: 40 banks, DS8:24 banks, A1:16 banks).
Pre-Loaded Soundbanks: Comes with 73 pre-loaded soundbanks, including 57 from Korg ROM cards. Additionally, it contains 11 Hypersynth categorized banks specifically for M1 and more.
Touch Pad Accessibility: Instantly switch between different banks using 4 touch pads. Display: Features a 128×128 pixel OLED display (free angle).
Adaptive Display: Automatic rotation feature corrects display orientation if the card is inserted in reverse, especially useful for rack-mount devices.
Enhanced Memory Protection: An independent “Memory Protect” option for each bank, offering protection without locking the entire card.
Customization: Allows user-defined names for banks.
Quick Bank Navigation: Easily navigate between banks via the bank list menu.
Efficient Management: Use the “Bank Copy” function to duplicate banks without overwriting the internal memory of the synth.
Battery-Free: Operates without the need for a battery.
Robust Build: CNC metal case sporting a scratch-resistant grey anodized finish.
Compatibility: Drop-in replacement for the Korg “MCR-03” RAM card.
Extensive Device Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Korg M1, M1-EX, M1R, M1R-EX, T1, T2, T3, WS, WS-EX, WS-A/D, DS8, and A1.
M1 Dedicated Features:
Format Decoding: Displays the format of the selected bank on the main screen. (100prg/100cmb, 50prg/50cmb/4200seq, 7700seq).
Capture Program: Presents valuable details about the chosen program, including its compatibility with M1/M1EX, or any requirements for an external PCM card.
List Program: Showcases 8 program names simultaneously, allowing for quick access and browsing of desired sounds.
Bank Info: Provides a comprehensive report highlighting the number of programs in the chosen bank that utilize M1 waveforms, M1EX waveforms, or External PCM card waveforms.
Wavestation Dedicated Feature:
Dynamic Update: Automatically updates the card name on the Wavestation display upon selecting a new bank on the Hcard.
Built-In SoundBanks:
Hcard-101 comes with 73 pre-loaded soundbanks, featuring many of the rarest Korg ROM cards and factory preload data for supported synthesizers. In addition, it includes 11 categorized banks specifically for M1.
The Bob Moog Foundation – an independent non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of Bob Moog – has introduced the Vox Humana Sample Bank, a new sample library that recreates the Vox Humana setting of a Polymoog 280A.
The sample bank was created by synthesist Alex Ball, who carefully sampled every note of a Polymoog 280A set to its Vox Humana setting. Ball recorded each note twice to capture variation. Seamless looping, attack and release controls, and reverb are scripted into the associated Kontakt patch. A full version of Kontakt 7 is required to operate the Vox Humana Sample Bank. WAV samples are also included.
“Vox Humana is one of those sounds that is so familiar and yet so otherworldly – synthetic but somehow organic,” noted Alex Ball. “Hopefully, this multi-sampled version of the sound will get a lot of use and bring a lot of happiness to those who can’t access an original unit.”
Released in 1978 as a new and simplified version of the Polymoog 203A, the Polymoog 280A was a fully polyphonic preset-based synthesizer. The 280A model featured fourteen preset sounds, including the Vox Humana setting, which was made famous by Gary Numan with his 1979 hit song Cars.
The Vox Humana Sample Bank can be purchased for $15 through the Bob Moog Foundation’s online store. Ball donated his work on the sample bank, so 100% of the proceeds go to support the Foundation’s projects, which include:
Bob’s SoundSchool, a 10-week curriculum that teaches second-grade students the physics of sound using musical instruments;
The Bob Moog Foundation Archives; and
The Moogseum, an immersive, experiential museum located in Asheville, North Carolina.
