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.

The acclaimed Nord Organ is back – reborn and reimagined as the all-new Nord Organ 3.

The 2025 NAMM Show is fast approaching, and manufacturers of all manner of musical instruments and studio gear are unveiling new products in advance of the show.

Hot on the reel of the news that Ashun Sound Machines (ASM), makers of the Hydrasynth parent company MEDELI Electronics has applied for a US patent for the name ‘Leviasynth’. Clavia has announced the release of Nord Organ 3, a rebranded sequel to its Nord C2D electronic organ – first released all the way back in 2012 – that promises “massive improvements” to sound, design and performance.

The Nord Organ 3 with improved organ engine, new modulation effects and rotary speaker emulation.

The dual-manual Nord Organ 3 boasts a dramatically redesigned front panel that now occupies the breadth of its 61-key triple-sensor keyboard, with an OLED display in the centre and four sets of physical drawbars, equipped with LEDs that helpfully indicate the drawbar settings of the current preset.

Organ 3’s organ engine has also received a considerable overhaul, with its enhanced Hammond B3 emulation now featuring an improved chorus and vibrato and both Farfisa and Vox organ models receiving an upgrade: Clavia says the engine now offers an “unsurpassed level of detail and realism”. Alongside these we have two unique pipe organ emulations, and new synth bass options based on classic pedal synths.

The instrument’s effects section has been bolstered with an all-new spring reverb, an expanded reverb section with six reverb types, an analogue delay mode and new modulation effects, including phaser, tremolo, ring mod, flanger and chorus. There’s also a brand new rotary speaker emulation onboard with multiple mic placement options and drive modes available.

Shipping in May, Nord Organ 3 is now available to order and priced at $3290/£3222/€3799. Find out more on Nord website.