While there are many small MIDI keyboard controllers out in the market, but the announcement of the new Roland A-49 MIDI keyboard controller will definitely raise some eyebrows as the controller present some top-end features in an affordable and well thought out package.
The Roland A-49 is a 49-key controller with Roland’s acclaimed synth-action stands up well to it’s competition, packing a host of modern features into a under 6 pounds, durable and ergonomic chassis. As we would expect of a modern midi keyboard, it is compatible with Apple iPad, features USB and MIDI connectability, and onboard control of Roland synthesizers like the Jupiter range and the new INTEGRA-7 rack unit sound module.
The Roland A-49 is loaded with Roland’s D-BEAM technology and other performance and control features including a pitchbend/modulation lever, knobs and switches for you to assign as you please, and the standard octave and transpose functions. With Windows, Mac and iPad iOS compatibility, the lightweight Roland A-49 keyboard cover all the bases required and many more.
Available in pearl white and black finishes, the A-49 gives you pro-quality playing feel with its clean, clutter-free surface and excellent feel, keeps your fingers on the keys and your mind on the music. The Roland A-49 is a dream comes true for musicians.
A week ago Novation announced the Novation MiniNova, a 37-note mini key synthesizer. The Synth features all new VocalTune and classic Vocoder engine, 256 on-board sounds, 8 animate buttons, 4 editing knobs, Effects (7) including distortion, reverb, chorus/phase, delay, compressor, EQ and gator, software editor, Patch Librarian.
The MiniNova has the same sound engine as its big brother; UltraNova. MiniNova has 256 onboard sounds and space to save another 128 of your own sounds. MiniNova can do things other synths could not. The mini-keys synth is robust with incredible hands-on performance controls which enable you to tweak, edit and ‘animate sounds, and warp the onboard sounds and your own voice as you play. There is also a large knob for filter cutoff so you can get instant control of the filter whatever else you are doing.
Additionally, the Novation MiniNova takes vocal effects one-step further. As well as a vocoder, it has VocalTune. The VocalTune function can recreate iconic urban and hip hop vocal sounds, as well as classic house and techno voice effects with the onboard vocoder . The Synth has an enormously powerful sound engine and synth effects, and the power to layer up to 5 effects per voice. There are 14 conventional waveforms to choose from (square, sine, sawtooth, pulse, triangle and combinations), 36 wavetables and 20 digital waveforms. Each of the 3 oscillators (per voice) have density/detune for fattening up sounds, virtual sync and ‘hardness’ . Besides that there are also 14 filter types, 6 envelope generators, 3 LFOs and 20 modulation slots where you can link modules of the synth engine together to shape sound.
The Novation MiniNova’s compact size, massive sound and performance/editing controls make it perfect for producers, gigging musicians and anyone creating music with computers. The MININOVA synthesizer weighs in an amazing 5.55 lb and will be available from October 2012.
Following the success of the Alesis QX49 which was released early 2011, Alesis announced the QX series has been expanded to include both a QX25 and QX6, at the 2012 NAMM Show. The Alesis QX25 Advanced MIDI Keyboard Controller features a 25-key version with velocity-sensitive keys, Pitch and Modulation wheels, 4 backlit drum pads, 8 knobs, 6 assignable buttons for triggering software controls, fader for volume or synth parameter controls, USB/MIDI connection, and includes Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition software.
The Alesis QX25’s traditional interface and MIDI enables the controller to connect to a computer running Mac OS and Windows, mobile devices with iOS or hardware interface with MIDI. The pads enable user to trigger samples, loops and sequencing drums. The keyboard can also be split into sections to control multiple instruments at once. The Alesis QX25 comes with a customized version of Ableton Live – a fresh and easy way to create music. With a 25-note keyboard, the Alesis QX25 is ultra-portable, which makes the keyboard great for performing and recording with software instruments and samplers, and sequencing music right out of the box. The portable keyboard is powered from the bus USB.
The compact Alesis QX25 is an excellent companion for producers and musicians who require performance on a budget!
