Arturia, the French manufacturer has introduced an even more self-contained system: the Origin Keyboard. Arturia is known for its faithful software emulations of classic analog synthesizers, with its first hardware synth, the Origin – the tabletop model. Now, the new Arturia Origin Synthesizer Keyboard features 61 keys semi-weighted action keyboard, with velocity response and channel aftertouch, New duophonic aftertouch, more than 600 presets, modulation and pitch-bend wheels, joystick, assignable ribbon controller, maximum 32 voices Polyphony, LCD display.
The 61 keys semi-weighted keyboard’s new duophonic aftertouch is a breakthrough. With duophonic aftertouch, keyboard pressure affects only the lowest, highest, or last note played, depending on the setting. The joystick enables user to graphically adjust the velocity curve’s five breakpoints and the aftertouch curve’s three breakpoints. The 40cm ribbon controller is fully programmable and can modulate any destination available or use it to trigger notes. It can also change pitch – any amount from one to 48 semitones up and down from its zero point, with stepped quantization or a smooth glissando. Mimic the tabletop model, the Origin Keyboard accurately models modules from the most famous synthesizers – the Moog Modular, Minimoog, ARP 2600, Yamaha CS-80, Roland Jupiter-8, Sequential Prophet-5 and Prophet VS, and also enables user combines virtual circuits from different instruments together. Playing multichannel presets from the keyboard or a DAW is straightforward. User can assign each program within a multi to a zone and assign each zone to a MIDI channel. In addition, user can assign hardware controllers such as the pitch-bend wheel and ribbon to affect only the desire zones. User can specify a note range for each zone by defining its low and high notes, by either playing them on the keyboard or turning the value knob.
The Arturia Origin keyboard is a well designed instrument for keyboardists and musicians, while provides tools for music creation. The standalone portable keyboard weight 23 kg. I am impress with the versatility of the ribbon controller. In my opinion, the integration of the ribbon control is indeed a blast. Though the synthesizer keyboard is not cheap but, for a well designed keyboard like the Origin Keyboard, it is at a fair price.
The immediacy of a hardware synthesizer combined with the flexibility of a software based solution. The Arturia – Analog Experience The Player is a compact MIDI keyboard controller. The Player comes in an aluminium and wooden case designed specifically for durability and cost saving. The compact, lightweight and rugged designed make the portable controller an ideal instrument for contemporary and mobile musicians. The Analog Experience – The Player features 25-key velocity-sensitive keyboard with full action effect, a cross-platform virtual instruments – stand-alone and VST/AU/RTAS plug-in, with 1,000 built-in synths sounds selected from Arturia Classic Synths line of virtual instruments, like ARP 2600V, CS-80V, Jupiter-8V, Minimoog V, Modular Moog V, Prophet V, and Prophet VS.
Analog Experience – The Player is a powerful and user-friendly instrument. Featuring the very best of Arturia’s signature sounds created using TAE ® sound engine, the sounds are filtered by instrument, type, style and characteristics. Besides, the controller is compatible with any MIDI hardware and software. With 1,000 presets sounds selecting the sounds you want is also a breeze. And user can also filter and organize presets view with ease. User can search sounds according to individual’s criteria by filtering base on instrument, type of sound , style or characteristics, and alternatively, find presets according to these filtered choices. Additionally, user can organize presets view by Name, Instrument, Type, Polyphony, CPU usage, Favourite or User Presets. The modulation joystick is easy to operate though most user would prefer wheels but, to save space and cost perhaps, it is the best alternative.
The Player is the best way to get these signature sounds at a budget. In fact, The Player makes the analog experience more available to the masses. In my opinion, an incredibly affordable package with a wealth of Arturia’s best analog sounds and the ease of accessing all the presets are the biggest immediate sell for this simple, small and lightweight portable keyboard.
The new Roland GAIA SH-01 Synthesizer is a lightweight and compact keyboard. The Roland GAIA SH-01 features 37 full-size keys, maximum 64 voices Polyphony, three Virtual Analog (VA) engines, each with a dedicated oscillator, filter, amplifier, envelope and LFO, Effects; Distortion, Flanger, Delay, Reverb and Low Boost, D Beam, Arpeggiator and Phase Recorder.
The Roland GAIA-SH-01 is akin to having three synthesizers in one. The GAIA SH-01 enables player to instantly select multi-effects and layer up to five simultaneous effects for dozens of variations. The dedicated control knobs, sliders and invisible D Beam are user-friendly and the layout of the front panel assist beginners grasp synthesis with ease. Live performers would love the instant gratification of hands-on control during performance. The arpeggiator provides 64 preset patterns, while the Phrase Recorder allows for up to eight ‘phrases’ (internal MIDI data) of one to eight bars in length to be recorded, edited, stored and played back. This is a useful performance tool as well as an excellent way to audition patches for a particular line or riff. The USB ports enable you to store your patches and phrases to a USB memory stick and the EXT input enables you connect external audio sources such as an MP3-player and play along with your favourite songs.
The Roland GAIA SH-01 Synthesizer is great for live performance and practise. This portable powerhouse is a good choice for musicians on the go. Weighing merely 9 lbs. 5 oz and can runs on either AC adaptor or battery power, the Roland GAIA SH-01 can be heard and played anywhere. In conclusion, the GAIA SH-01 playability, powerful virtual analogue sound and value for money, make this retro-modern synthesizer a winner.
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