News article index

This section covers general news related to the world of piano, pianists, synths, electronic music, and musicians.

Yamaha expands Disklavier E3 digital acoustic performance reproducing pianos [NAMM13]

Yamaha has announced new models in its line of Disklavier E3 and E3PRO Series performance reproducing digital/acoustic grand pianos.

These models combine the unrivalled touch, tone, elegance and style of traditional Yamaha acoustic pianos with cutting edge digital piano features that enable the instruments to play themselves – with exact keystrokes and pedal movements – in accompaniment to performance content streamed over the Internet or stored in its internal memory. New features and price points provide a whole new world of musical experiences to consumers whether playing or listening to their favourite music.

The E3/E3PRO Series models feature Yamaha’s proprietary RemoteLive™ technology that enables pianists to perform live in one location and have their keystrokes and pedal movements transmitted live to other networked Disklavier pianos anywhere in the world. Perfectly synchronized video can also be integrated in performances shared over the Internet or recorded locally.

These models also provide access to a wide range of previously recorded content — that will also be played keystroke by keystroke on the instrument — through downloads from Internet Direct Connection (IDC) and DisklavierRadio™ that delivers uninterrupted streams of music from more than 25 different channels covering genres from classical, jazz, pop, rock and beyond. In addition, the Disklavier E3 models are sold with more than 400 songs on exclusive Yamaha CDs that bring the instruments to life.

A free iOS Disklavier Controller app also enables operation of many of the models’ basic functions (volume, song playback start and stop, music media selection, DisklavierRadio™, etc.) to be operated from an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. For more information, visit http://4wd.it/DISKLAVIERITUNESAPP. Players and music fans can also easily control the Disklavier E3 piano’s many cutting edge features via intuitively designed remotes and the electro-luminescent display panels on the instruments.

The E3 has an intuitive interface so users can capitalize on the entire range of Disklavier features immediately without a long learning curve. Musicians can also record video of their own performances, with a standard camcorder connected to the Disklavier E3 piano, which can be played on demand with their keystrokes and pedal movements. Up to 128 MB of content can be stored on Disklavier E3 Series pianos.

Users can adjust the volume, even to whisper-soft levels for private practice or late night playing, while still retaining Yamaha’s renowned sound fullness and clarity. The capability to record and transfer music from one Disklavier to another using a USB memory stick allows students to record their teacher’s material for practice at home.

Availability information to be confirmed.

Yamaha i-UX1 iOS to MIDI instrument connector [NAMM13]

Cables and connectors aren’t particularly exciting, but they are essential particularly in the evolving world of music making using tablet PCs such as the Apple iPad.

Yamama i-UX1 USB MIDI iOS instrument cable

To this end, Yamaha has introduced its i-UX1 MIDI interface cable that enables quick, easy, seamless connection between the iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch and MIDI instruments. Just plug it in, and the i-UX1 works with Core MIDI compatible iOS Applications.

This is the first cable that connects instruments that have USB MIDI (vs. regular 5-pin DIN MIDI) to iDevices. The i-UX1 works with the iPad/iPhone/iPod touch.

Following an intuitive setup process, the i-UX1 quickly expands the functions of Yamaha MIDI instruments, enabling players to easily launch Yamaha’s innovative Apps, such as Piano Diary and MusicSoft Manager. It also allows users to edit the sound of their instruments from the iPhone, or the larger display of the iPad.

Pricing and availability information to follow.

Nord C2D dual manual organ announced, arriving March

Two-and-a-half years after Clavia introduced its Nord C2 combo organ, it has announced the C2D.

We have very sparse information about the C2D at present, with Clavia simply writing the following:

Nord C2D banner

“Complete with 2 sets of physical drawbars per manual the Nord C2D is the ultimate portable organ for musicians that play with their drawbars as well as the keys. The new left-hand preset sections offer an unsurpassed level of hands-on control and the upper manual and panel has been tilted for better ergonomics. A LCD-display has been added for easier access to programs and settings.

The Nord C2D features a redesigned simulation of the characteristic mechanical key clicks that are an essential component of the classic tone-wheel experience. Furthermore, the redesigned percussion model offers increased control over the percussion levels when playing near-legato. The Nord C2D also includes a redesigned Rotary Speaker simulation of a vintage 122 unit.

More information and sound demos will be available when shipping starts in March!”

We’ll be sure to let you know as soon as we find out more about the specifications, pricing and availability.

Nord Drum Virtual Analog Drum Synthesizer coming March

Clavia provided a teaser announcement at this year’s NAMM show that its new Nord Drum Virtual Analog Drum Synth will be available this coming March.

Although we don’t have full specs, we’ve now seen a taster video demo, and today pictures emerged of the first review model of the Nord Drum to land in the UK (see the gallery below for all the shrink-wrapped goodness)

Clavia writes in a brief news item:

“The Nord Drum is a revolutionary 4-channel drum synthesizer. With an amazingly vast sonic palette and astounding level of playability the Nord Drum is guaranteed to change your perception of what’s possible with synthetic, sample-free percussion.

Create classic retro-futuristic percussion with analog waveforms or use the harmonically complex waveforms together with different colors of noise for results that both sound and respond stunningly organic. The Nord Drum is designed with the performing musician in mind and its extreme dynamic range and super-fast triggering add to the feeling of playing a real instrument.

4 high-sensitivity inputs and MIDI lets you play the Nord Drum with a wide range of Electronic Drum Pads, Acoustic Drum Triggers and MIDI-pads/Sequencers for easy integration into any existing drum-kit or the starting point for something completely new…”

The Nord Drum web site is up and running, with more information about the kit expected soon.

Casio AP-220 and AP-420 now available in matte black [NAMM12]

It may not be the most exciting news around, but it’s no surprise that Casio wants to show off a couple of its existing Celviano digital pianos in matte black.

The AP-220 and AP-420 have been given the makeover to demonstrate Casio’s “commitment to dealers and the music enthusiast”.

Casio AP-420BK

The MSRP for the Celviano models range from $899.99 – $1,399. Click on those links in the previous paragraph to get the lowdown on the original models — the other specifications remain the same. The new model numbers are, predictably, AP-220BK and AP-420BK.

Casio XW-G1 groove synthesiser and XW-P1 launched [NAMM12]

Casio’s musical instrument department enters a new era as it announces the launch of two new professional music synthesisers.

First up is the XW-G1 Groove Synthesiser, targeted specifically at DJs and club performers with its interactive step sequencer and sample looper.

Key features of the 61-key XW-G1 synth are:

• 6 Oscillator Monophonic Solo Synthesizer
• Sample Looper – Up to 19 Seconds of sampling time
• Sample Player – 10 user tones with up to 5 samples each can be stored in Flash Memory for instant recall
• 300 fully editable PCM based sounds
• Step Sequencer with 9 instrument tracks and 4 controller tracks
• 16 step programmable Arpeggiator
• Phrase sequencer to record and playback your riffs
• Performance mode providing 4 internal or external instrument zones with instant recall of effects, Step Sequences, Arpeggiators and Phrases
• 4 real-time controller knobs
• Pitch and Modulation Wheels
• 1/4” Mic and Line puts to process your voice or other instruments
• Stereo 1/8” line input to connect an MP3 player, laptop or tablet
• USB and MIDI ports
• 1/4” Line Outputs
• Included Power Supply
• Can operate on 6 D batteries

Casio XW synths

The 61-key XW-P1 features:

• 6 Oscillator Monophonic Solo Synthesizer
• HexLayer – A single sound made up of 6 components for gig ready splits and layers
• Drawbar Organ Mode  with 9 sliders, adjustable rotary speaker, key click, vibrato and percussion
• 400 fully editable PCM based sounds like stereo pianos, vintage electric pianos, strings, guitars, drums and more.
• Step Sequencer with 9 instrument tracks and 4 controller tracks
• 16 step programmable Arpeggiator
• Phrase sequencer to record and playback your riffs
• Performance mode providing 4 internal or external instrument zones with instant recall of effects, Step Sequences, Arpeggiators and Phrases
• 4 real-time controller knobs
• Pitch and Modulation Wheels
• 1/4” Mic and Line puts to process your voice or other instruments
• Stereo 1/8” line input to connect an MP3 player, laptop or tablet
• USB and MIDI ports
• 1/4” Line Outputs
• Included Power Supply
• Can operate on 6 D batteries

More details of this new breed of synth follow.

Control

The XW-P1 and XW-G1 have 4 real- time controller knobs, pitch bend and modulation wheels, along with 9 sliders to provide control over internal sounds and external devices. Through standard MIDI ports and with a class-compliant USB port the keyboard can be used as a controller for other instruments, including computer software and iPad® based software applications. It also includes an audio input allowing you to monitor an MP3 player, computer or other device without the need for a mixer.

Step Sequencer

Providing everything from pulsing dance grooves to animated synth textures and arpeggios, the Step Sequencer in both the XW-P1 and XW-G1 is the first of its kind. With nine tracks for drums, basses, synths and chordal parts, four controller tracks for adding panning, filter changes and other animation to existing parts and eight patterns make up each sequence; the user can build and mix their performance on the fly. Sequences can even transpose live from the keyboard, providing a completely interactive experience.

Drawbar Organ

In addition to the solo synth and HexLayers, the XW-P1 performance synthesizer is armed with an arsenal of gig ready sounds like stereo pianos, vintage electric pianos, strings, brass, guitars, basses, drums and more. It also has a new drawbar organ mode. Utilizing the nine sliders on the XW-P1 you have full range control over each drawbar. The XW-P1 even has dedicated controls for key percussion and rotary speaker while also providing vibrato, distortion and more for the ultimate drawbar organ experience.

Solo Synth

Utilizing Casio’s exclusive (HPSS) Hybrid Processing Sound Source, a six oscillator monophonic solo synth is just one of the amazing sound engines in both the XW-P1 and XW-G1. The solo synth has the power to deliver classic analog sounds and sounds with an aggressive edge unlike anything else. Two virtual analog style oscillators, two PCM based oscillators, a noise oscillator and an external oscillator via mic and line inputs can be combined to make up a single solo synth tone. Each oscillator has an independent filter, envelopes, independent key tracking, portamento, two LFO’s and access to master resonant filter. With impressive modulation and control capabilities at your fingertips, the solo synth is capable of a wide range of sounds and expression.

HexLayer

In addition to the solo synth, the XW-P1 also features HexLayer tones. A HexLayer is a single sound comprised of up to 6 components, allowing complex layers, splits and velocity switched sounds. The sliders on the XW-P1 can be used to mix sounds on the fly to create evolving pads and rich synth textures while key velocity can be used to create dynamic velocity switched orchestral sounds and more.

Arpeggiator and Phrase Sequencer

The XW-P1 and XW-G1 both have powerful Arpeggiators. In addition to typical arpeggio patterns, this Arpeggiator can create polyphonic synth gated patterns, acoustic instrument emulations and is even fully programmable allowing you to create your own unique sounds. An additional phrase sequencer allows you to quickly capture any riff that you play on the keyboard and have it available on a front panel switch or triggered and transposed live from a range of notes on the keyboard. The combination of the Step Sequencer, Arpeggiator and Phrase Sequencer provides an endless array of sound possibilities.

Take a look at the video below for demos and explanations:

The XW-G1 will be available in April 2012 for an MSRP of $799.00 while the XW-P1 arrives in March 2012 for an MSRP of $699.00.

Korg Kaossilator 2 bursts into life [NAMM12]

Korg has updated its hugely popular Kaossilator with the arrival of the Kaossilator 2.

Still sporting a vibrant yellow body (whether it comes in pink is another matter) it boasts a range of features including:

• Simple control with finger taps/slides on the integrated X-Y touchpad
• 150 built-in sounds cover every style of dance music
• PCM sound engine serves up realistic drums
• Scale Key and Note Range eliminates “wrong” notes
• Built-in Gate Arpeggiator with adjustable gate time and swing settings
• Loop Recording allows the creation of layered phrases with unlimited overdubs
• Dual Loop Recording banks allow DJ-Style mutes and cross-fades
• Record using the built-in mic; or use the mic input for recording of external input
• microSD/SDHC card slot for saving loops and recorded performances

More details, specs, pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Korg Mini KAOSS PAD 2 hits [NAMM12]

Korg has announced a new addition to its KAOSS family of DJ-friendly audio products with the arrival of the Mini KAOSS PAD 2.

Highlights include:

• Control effects in real time using the intuitive touchpad interface
• MP3 player with microSD card slot for data storage/exchange;
  
  Perform on the Mini Kaoss Pad 2 without needing any other equipment!
• 100 effect programs, ideal for DJ mixes or sound design
• 3 Program Memories provide instant recall of favorite effects
• Powerful Looper, Vinyl Break, and Ducking Comp effects borrowed from the Kaoss Pad Quad
• Internal mic plus external audio inputs
• Support for pitch change and cue point settings allows serious DJ play.
• Record your performances and save then to using the microSD card slot
• 6 preset audio demo loops

We’ll keep you updated with full specifications, pricing and availability as soon as we know it.

Korg updates SV-1 with black and retro look models [NAMM12]

Korg has updated its popular SV-1 vintage stage pianos with two new models.

The SV-1BK Black has an elegant matte black finish, while the limited edition SV-1RV features a bold red body and vintage reverse-colour keys that call to mind the classic combo organs of the 1960s and ‘70s.

Here’s a rundown of the feature set for that limited edition model.

• Two phenomenal grand piano sounds – 1 European, 1 Japanese
• Korg’s finest piano keyboard with Graded Hammer Action; 73 or 88 keys
• Intuitive “LIVE” front panel with single-function knobs
• 8 Easy-to-set car-radio style Favorites buttons
• 36 coveted and in-demand piano & vintage keyboard sounds:
  Grand Pianos: Smooth European; Lively Japanese; Mono Grand (for live); etc.
  • Electric Pianos: Tine styles; Reed Types; Plucked Type; Clavs; etc.
  • Electronic Pianos: Korg SG-1D; Transistor; ‘80s synth; VPM styles; etc.
  • Organs: Tonewheels; USA Tube Console; Italian Combo; VOX
  • Keyboards: String Machine, Tape Strings, Synth Brass; etc.
  • Other: Piano + Layers; Real Strings; Real Choir, etc.
• Valve Reactor 12AX7 tube-driven amp modeling (6 Models)
• 6 Pre-FX; 6 Modulation FX; 6 Reverb Delays; 3-Band EQ
• Stereo inputs / Stereo outputs ( all 1/4″)
• XLR Stereo balanced stage/recording outputs
• Headphone output
• Includes damper pedal & music rack
• Options: assignable footswitch; assignable footpedal;

Pricing and availability for these models to be confirmed.

Bösendorfer creates first “Artist Series” piano [NAMM12]

Bösendorfer has announced its Model 200 SPGK “Klimt”, the first in a new line of “Artist Series” acoustic grand pianos.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Austrian painter Gustav Klimt.

This new model features:

• The Klimt model will be limited to a maximum of 25 units
• Each unit will have an individually numbered solid brass plate
• Made in cooperation with the Belvedere Museum, Vienna
• High resolution image of “The Kiss” and through advanced reprographic techniques is on the inside of the lid of our 200 model
• Our craftsmen further customize it by applying additional elements of real gold leaf

Bösendorfer Klimt Artist Series grand piano

That’s all the information we have, but you can see from the picture how special it looks.

A 25 instrument special edition. Bösendorfer. Acoustic grand piano.

How much will it cost? If you have to ask that, you definitely can’t afford it.

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