Synth, Electronic & Audio article index

This section covers the range of synthesisers, keyboards, electronic music gadgets, and other audio devices used in making and recording music, from manufacturers such as Yamaha, Korg, Kurzweil, Roland, Casio, and Moog, as well as looking at projects and techniques for synth playing and programming.

Yamaha intros PSR-E423 home keyboard

We’re no stranger to Yamaha’s range of home keyboards, and in fact a couple of years ago recommended a few current PSR series keyboards for anyone looking to choose a child’s first electronic keyboard.

As you’d expect, Yamaha has once again upgraded its PSR series — the PSR-E set in fact — with the PSR-E423.

This 61 key (5 octave) touch sensitive keyboard offers a range of functions that make it ideal for both beginners and improvers, whatever style of music they’d like to get into.

So, while it can’t rival a full-size digital piano, it will give a pretty good introduction to anyone seeking to learn.

It may not match the most advanced synths around, but it does include features such as an arpeggiator, tonal filtering, and pitch bend.

For music composition and inspiration, the Arpeggio feature has 150 patterns that change dynamically based on what notes and chords are played, while there are 700 dynamic voices to whet your appetite.

Yamaha’s keyboards have always had advanced rhythm and accompaniment sections, and the PSR-E423 expands things yet again with the inclusion of Arabic, Indian and Chinese content. And with 16MB memory, 64 note polyphony plus organ flutes function, It’s definitely no pushover.

Full specifications below. Exact pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Keyboard	Number of Keys		61 Keyboard-style keys
	Touch Response		Yes
Voice	Number of Voices		700(183 Panel Voices + 462 XGlite Voices + 15 Drum/SFX Kits + 40 Arpeggio Voices)
	Numer of Polyphony		32
	Featured Voices		Sweet! Voice x 5 Cool! Voice x 3 Dynamic Voice x 3
	Voice Edit		2 Control Knobs (Filter Cutoff/Resonance, Effect Reverb/Chorus, EG Attack/Release, Style Filter Cutoff/Resonance, Style Tempo)
	Compatibility	XG lite/ XG/ GM	Yes/ No/ Yes
Effect	Reverb/ Chorus		9 types/ 4 types
	Preset Master EQ		5 types
	Dual/ Split		Yes/ Yes
	Harmony / Echo		26 types
	Arpeggio		150 types
Style	Preset / User		174 / Yes
	Sections		Intro / Ending / Main A / Main B / Fill AB / Fill BA
	Fingering		Multi
Song	Playback	#Preset Songs	30 (30 onboard, 70 CD-ROM)
		Compatible File Format	SMF
	Recording	Number of Songs	5 (Max)
		Number of Tracks	6 (5Melody + 1Chord)
		Realtime/ Step/ Edit	Yes/ No/ No
	User Song to SMF Converter		No
	Score Display		No
Easy Song Arranger			Yes
Music Database Overall Control	Number of Songs		305
	Tempo/ Metronome		Yes
	Transpose/ Tuning		-12 to 0, 0 to +12/ +-100 cents
	Pitch Bend Range		1 to 12
Lesson	Type		Yamaha Education Suite (Y.E.S.) Waiting,Your tempo,Minus one
	Repeat & Learn		Yes
	Chord Dictionary		Yes
Performance assistant technology			Chord
One Touch Setting			Yes (Incl. Voice List)
Registration Memory			2 Pads x 8 Banks
Controller	Pitch Bend Wheel		Yes
	Control Knobs		Yes, Knobs x 2
	Pedal		Sustain (Option)
Display	Type		Custom LCD/92mm x 42mm
	Backlit		Yes (Blue LED)
Storage	Flash Memory XG/XF Songs		Yes (1.8MB)
Outboard	Song	Style	Yes
Content	Others		Yes
Cabinet	Key Cover Style		Sliding
PC Connectivity	Song Transfer		Yes
	Interactive (DMN/Hi-Chao)		Yes
Aux. Jacks	DC IN		DC IN, Phones (/Output), Pedal(Sutain), USB TO HOST(MIDI)
Amp & Speakers			2.5W+2.5W/12cm×2 + 3cmx2
Sleep Mode			No
Power	Power Supply		Adaptor (PA-130), or batteries (Six “AA” size, LR6 or equivalent batteries)
Dimensions	Width/Depth/Height (w/o MusicRest)		946mm/402mm/136mm
Weight			7.0kg (15lbs. 7oz.)
Bundled Accessories	Song Book		No (CD-ROM including)
	CD-ROM		Yes/ Menu Application, Musicsoft Downloader, USB-MIDI Driver, Song Data, Style Data, MDB Data, Song Book (PDF)
* All tentative specification.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Synth Basics: What is polyphony?

Whenever you buy a new digital piano, keyboard or synthesiser, one of its key specifications is the amount of polyphony.

But what exactly is polyphony?

In pure musical terms, polyphony is used to describe two or more independent melodic voices. This is in contrast to monophony (a single voice) or homophony (a single melody with chords).

However, when it comes to electronic musical instruments, we’re simply concerned with how many tones can be sounded at any one time.

These sounds don’t have to be melodic — in fact they don’t even necessarily have to be audible to the human ear!

Polyphony is the number of sounds an instrument can generate simultaneously.

That’s the theory, and in principle it’s pretty simple. In practice, however, things get a bit more complicated.

Let’s take a look at a digital piano. It may say that it has 64 note polyphony. That sounds rather a lot, right? After all, you only have ten fingers so you can’t play more than ten notes at any one time.

Correct — in part.

However, consider how most pianists play the piano, with judicious use of the sustain (damper) pedal.

Now consider that, in a digital piano (as opposed to an acoustic one, which effectively has unlimited polyphony) every single note counts towards the total polyphony from the moment it is first played, when a key is struck, to the moment its sound finally decays.

Long passages of music with heavy use of sustain could have tens or even hundreds of notes sounding at any one time, which is why a high polyphony count is generally considered a good thing.

If any instrument “runs out of sounds”, then generally new sounds take priority and currently playing sounds are abruptly cut off. This can produce an unnatural, clipped sound.

Now let’s look at a synthesiser instrument.

You may assume that every note you play is a single sound, but your selected sound might be a composite of several sounds. That eats into polyphony.

As a further complication, some manufacturers “bank” polyphony into two or more groups. So, an instrument that claims 128 notes of polyphony may in fact offer two distinct groups of 64 notes. Some sounds may be available in one group but not the other, so, depending on which sounds you select, you may not always get full polyphony.

Now consider the use of rhythm and other accompaniments on home keyboards.

Every auto-accompaniment you play could be using multiple sounds at any one time, reducing the amount of polyphony remaining for the sounds you wish to play over the top.

And finally, it’s fairly obvious that if you are using either an on-board sequencer, or one on your computer that uses the keyboard’s own sounds, then you’ll need more polyphony in order to play two or more tracks of sounds simultaneously.

So, when purchasing a keyboard instrument or synth unit, consider its polyphony and whether it will be sufficient for your needs.

Generally, the higher polyphony the better, though you will pay more for the privilege.

Image by Horla Varlen

Popularity: 3% [?]

Novation announces new Nocturn 25 & 49 keyboards

Novation has announced its latest controller keyboards: the Nocturn 25 and Nocturn 49 keyboards, with two and four octaves respectively.

Key Features

High quality professional keyboard
• Velocity-sensitive, keyboard from Fatar, with assignable after-touch. The Nocturn Keyboard feels like playing an instrument rather than a computer peripheral.

Illuminated controls provide instant visual feedback
• Brightly lit 11 segment LED rings around the eight smooth encoders, and backlit buttons throughout provide instant visual feedback for every physical control.

Touch-sensitive encoders
• All 8 oversized encoders are touch sensitive, bringing up mapping information and allowing you to ‘touch’ in automation data on DAW’s with a ‘touch’ mode.

Automap control Software
• Allows you to instantly ‘learn’ controllers to plug-ins. The GUI graphically displays Nocturn Keyboard’s control surface on your computer monitor, enabling you to see exactly what is assigned to what, without using a tiny LCD screen.

8 Velocity-sensitive drumpads
• Nocturn Keyboard features 8 ’softfeel’ velocity sensitive drum pads. These can do more than just trigger notes and sketch drum patterns, all can be assigned to control software parameters.

Total of 33 MIDI assignable controls
• 8 trigger pads, 8 dials, 14 buttons, modulation wheel. Sustain and expression pedal control can also be added.

Speed Dial
• The 9th encoder is a unique ‘Speed Dial’ which allows you to instantly change the value of any parameter the cursor is pointing at, with no assignment needed whatsoever.

USB Powered
• Nocturn Keyboard is powered by USB saving valuable plug sockets. It can also be powered down without being unplugged, preserving battery power in laptops.

Overview

Nocturn Keyboard is an intelligent plug-in/sequencer controller. It has a high quality ‘Fatar’ keyboard, with 8 drum pads and a total of 33 assignable controls, which allow you to get hands-on control of your plug-in instruments, effects and sequencer.

Most keyboard controllers have two big problems: The idea of being able to control software parameters with knobs and buttons sounds great. However, the hassle of assigning them, and remembering what they are assigned to becomes so tedious that you always end up turning back to your mouse.

Nocturn Keyboard’s Automap control software solves both these problems. To assign controllers, simply click on the parameter, touch a knob or button, and it is assigned! It also enables you to keep track of what is assigned to what – instead of using a small monochrome LCD screen, Nocturn Keyboard displays control information where you really need it: on your computer monitor. The Automap software graphically displays Nocturn’s control surface. The controllers themselves also tell you what is going on: LED rings around the 8 encoders show their current settings, and LED’s behind the buttons tell you if they are on or off.

Automap

Apart from from high quality hardware, what really sets Nocturn Keyboard aside is the Automap control software. Automap is now even more powerful and easy to use. Nocturn Keyboard ships with Automap standard, which acts as a software interface for the unit.

Instant Assignment
Automap enables you to map parameters in your software plug-ins, straight to dials and buttons on the controller by simply clicking on a parameter, then touching the controller. There is no longer any need to sift through long lists of MIDI continuous controller numbers. This applies to encoders, control-buttons, drumpads, modulation wheel, sustain and expression pedals; Automap can instantly assign them all to software parameters. Automap can integrate with Logic, ProTools, Digital Performer and any other HUI compatible sequencers, using the HUI control protocol.

Displaying Control Information
The Automap GUI graphically displays all the controls on Nocturn Keyboard, visually showing you what software parameter is assigned to each control, exactly as it is laid out on the unit. You can also name each control, turning the GUI into a giant screen where all information is instantly displayed and updated. With this, there is no need for a tiny LCD screen on the unit, which can only display very limited information.

Automatic Mapping
Automap will automatically assign knobs and buttons to parameters on a huge number of the most popular plug-ins. We are constantly building more maps which are available on the community pages of the Novation website. Nocturn Keyboard will automatically assign controllers to mixer and transport functions in all major DAWs/sequencers.

DAW Control

Nocturn Keyboard can be set up for use as a serious DAW/sequencer controller, as well as its ground-breaking Automap control of all VST/AU/RTAS/TDM plug-ins. See below for details of how Nocturn integrates with major DAWs.

Ableton
Transport Control: Yes
Mixer Control: Yes, using Ableton’s ‘learn’ mode
Further Control: More features can be controlled with Nocturn Keyboard via Ableton’s ‘learn’ mode.

Pro Tools
Transport Control: Yes
Mixer Control: Yes
Further Control: All Pro Tools’ RTAS and TDM plug-ins can be instantly controlled with Automap

Record/Reason
Transport Control: Yes
Mixer Control: Yes
Further Control: All native instruments and effects can be instantly controlled with Automap

Logic
Transport Control: Yes
Mixer Control: Yes

Cubase
Transport Control: Yes
Mixer Control: Yes

Sonar
Transport Control: Yes
Mixer Control: Yes

Reaper
Transport Control: Yes
Mixer Control: Yes

DP
Transport Control: Yes
Mixer Control: Yes

Traction
Transport Control: Yes
Mixer Control: Yes

Specifications

Physical controls

Assignable controls:

• 8 Encoders (Infinite Rotation) with touch-sensitivity and 11 segment Led rings
• Touch sensitive Speed Dial
• 14 Buttons with integrated LEDs, 6 of which are lockable transport controls
• 8 soft feel Trigger pads
• Sprung pitch wheel
• Modulation wheel

System buttons:

• General Automap Operation Buttons (Learn, View, Browser Groups etc.)
• Octave up/down buttons with LED indicator
• Button to lock/unlock transport controls

Connectivity

Rear Panel connections are as follows:

• Data Port: 1 x USB (Win XP/Vista and Mac OSX) –Class Compliant
• Sustain Pedal: 1 x 1/4 Jack Input
• Expression pedal: 1 x 1/4 Jack Input
• Power switch: USB

Minimum Operational Requirements:

Mac OSX 10.4.11 or greater (Leopard also supported) or Windows XP with
Service Pack 2 or greater (Vista 32/64 also supported)

Minimum Computer spec: Mac – G4/1GHz, both with 512MB RAM or PC -
Pentium 4/1GHz/512MB RAM (machines running Vista will require a higher spec)

Interfacing:

USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 compatible

Dimensions:

Size (25 key): W=472mm, H=68mm, D=260mm
Size (49 key): W=798mm, H=68mm, D=260mm

Weights:

25 key net weight : 2.4kg
49 key net weight: 3.8kg

Product page

Popularity: 7% [?]

Roland updates SP-404 sampler: SP-404SX

Roland’s acclaimed SP-404 performance sampler takes an exciting leap forward with the new SP-404SX.

In addition to the fun, fast, hands-on features of the original, the new model offers enhanced sound quality with pure 16-bit linear sampling, improved DSP effects, smooth FX switching, a more versatile pattern sequencer (with a new shuffle feature), and easier data management with SD-card compatibility. It’s a creatively stimulating, powerful tool for DJs, musicians, producers, and live-sound engineers who trigger jingles.

• Sample anytime, anywhere with the built-in mic and battery power
• 29 DSP effects, including filter, delay, unique voice effects, subsonic, and looper
• 3 control knobs, 12 trigger pads, and Sub Pad for rapid repeat triggering
• Seamless effects switching for smooth, perfect performance
• Pattern sequencer with quantize mode and new shuffle feels
• 1GB SD card included; expand sample storage up to 32GB with SDHC
• Import audio files from computer, assign samples to pads with bundled software (Mac/PC)

Instant Sampling

Sample anywhere, anytime using the SP-404SX’s built-in microphone. And since the SP-404SX can run on AC or battery power (six AA batteries), it’s easy to record wherever and whenever inspiration strikes. Just power-up, point, and record. Line and mic inputs are also available for recording direct or with an external microphone. The SP-404SX’s sampling format is uncompressed wave for high-quality audio capture.

Hands-On Performance

The SP-404SX is made to be played — it’s packed with interactive controls for jamming along with loops and patterns. Put your fingers on the three non-slip control knobs, 12 trigger pads, and Sub Pad for rapid repeat triggering in real time. On dark stages or DJ booths, the SP-404SX is a performers dream with its illuminated rubber pads and bright LED screen.

Extreme Effects

Create a signature sound using the SP-404SX’s 29 DSP effects, which switch seamlessly during live performance. Essential onboard effects include spacious reverbs and choruses, plus filters and delays. There are also unique, esoteric effects built in, including a voice transformer and looper. With the DJFX Looper, you can create short loops (such as machine-gun-like “da-da-da-da-da” sounds) and control reverse-playback with the knob. You can also create scratch effects like a turntable. Connect the SP-404SX to a DJ mixer and use it as an effect processor. Seventeen of the effects have a “limiter” mode, which keeps the effects from overloading. This is great for live DJ performance when you don’t want to lose control of the effects in the heat of the moment.

Trackbuilder

In addition to the endless supply of loops you can pack into the SP-404SX, you can also create your own tracks in real time with the Pattern Sequencer, complete with quantize mode, which includes shuffle feels. Creating patterns is done in real time. You can loop two measures (maximum 99 measures), for example, then play and record only the bass drum and the snare. Next, add the hi-hat over the top, and keep adding more instruments while the SP-404SX loops. You can store 120 patterns (12 patterns x 10 banks). When you play a pattern with the Pattern Sequencer, the LEDs surrounding the display blink according to the tempo, which is handy during live performance.

SD Card Memory

Start sampling right away with the included 1GB SD card. You can easily expand the sampling time using up to 32GB SDHC. Import audio files from your computer using the included software (Mac/PC) and assign them to the SP-404SX’s pads. WAV and AIFF files are accepted. The software is fast and easy to use, as it displays the SP-404SX’s pads onscreen. You can even use it to convert SP-404 format files to the SP-404SX.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Yamaha intros PSR-S910 arranger workstation keyboard

The PSR-S910 allows you to instantly sound like you’re backed by some of the hottest session players around.

The accompaniment styles found on the PSR-S910 give keyboard players a quick and easy way to sound fully arranged with little or no setup required. And the powerful Music Finder feature even allows them to set up the entire instrument by simply selecting one of thousands of song titles. Style, tempo, variation, and right-hand Voices are instantly set when you select a title. It couldn’t be any quicker or simpler.

The PSR-S910 allows one keyboardist to instantly sound like they’re backed by LA’s hottest session players, Nashville hired guns, or New York’s finest studio cats… all at the touch of a button and the voicing of a chord. You will sound so good, sudden bursts of inspiration may cause you to quit your day job.

Super Articulation Voices give strings, reeds and brass sounds real-time expressiveness previously unattainable on a keyboard. Add to this a luxurious 7.7″ color screen and professional features like USB audio recording and playback of MP3 files — the most ubiquitous audio file format on the planet — and you’ve got an arranger workstation second only to the legendary Tyros3.

• Super Articulation Voices
• Sounds from the legendary Tyros3
• Microphone input with 3-part vocal harmony
• MP3 playback
• Color screen
• 128-note polyphony
• 16-track sequencer
• Audio recorder
• Internet Direct Connect and USB connectivity
• Dozens of effects

Full specifications

Keyboard 61 Full-size w T Response
Display Large 5.7″ TFT Color
Lyric / Text / Score Yes / Yes / Yes
Voices & Comp. 1186 GM2 / XG / GS Compatible
Dual/Split Yes – L1, R1, R2
Polyphony 128 Notes
One Touch / Reg. 4 per Style / 8 pads x Unlimited
Music Database 1550 Preset (up to 2500)
Y.E.S. / Lessons No
Styles 293 Pro + 29 Session + User
Style Sections 3 Intro/Endings + A-D + Fill x 4
MIDI In/Out + USB Slave
Storage Device USB Device, 1.4MB Flash
Effects 42Rev/71Chor/DSP (271X1,130X3)
Harmony 17 Types
Multi Pads 4 x 95 Banks + User
In/Out Jacks Phones,FS x 2,L/R Out+Fixed, MIC
Speakers 12cm x 2 / 4cm x 2 (Dome)
Amplifier 12W + 12W
Power Supply PA-300 (Included)
Included Acc. Manual, M. Rest, Data Disk
Dimensions 39.5″ x 17.1″ x 5.92″ 25.5 lbs.

Popularity: 9% [?]

Yamaha intros PSR-S710 arranger workstation keyboard

Yamaha recently announced its new arranger workstation keyboard, the 61-key PSR-S710, which offers the following features:

• 128-note polyphony
• huge sonic palette with over 850 incredible instrument Voices, including some from the PSR-S900
  realistic built-in accompaniment with enhanced guitar styles
• 16-track sequencer
• audio recorder
• large, easy-to-read screen
• Internet Direct Connect and USB connectivity
• Dozens of effects

The full specifications are as follows:

Keyboard 61 Full-size w T Response
Display Large 5.7″ QVGA B/W
Lyric / Text/ Score Yes / Yes /Yes
Voices & Comp. 891 GM / XG / GS Compatible
Dual/Split Yes – L1, R1, R2
Polyphony 128 Notes
One Touch / Reg. 4 per Style / 8 pads x Unlimited
Music Database Yes
Y.E.S. / Lessons No
Styles 216 Pro + 16 Session + User
Style Sections 3 Intro/Endings + A-D + Fill x 4
MIDI In/Out + USB Slave
Storage Device USB Device
Effects 42Rev/71Chor/DSP (271X1,130X3)
Harmony 17 Types
Multi Pads 4 x 80 Banks + User
In/Out Jacks HP,FS x 2,L/R Out+Fixed,AUX in
Speakers 12cm x 2 / 5cm x 2
Amplifier 12W + 12W
Power Supply PA-301 (Included)
Included Acc. Manual, M. Rest, Data Disk
Dimensions 17 1/7″ x 39 5/8″ x 5 7/8″
Packaged Dim. 20.75” x 45.5” x 9.5”

Popularity: 8% [?]

Akai shows off MINIAK virtual analog synth with vocoder

Akai recently announced this interesting-looking mini synth, the MINIAK, featuring three octaves (37 notes) of semi-weighted keys, 8 multi-timbral voice polyphony, phrase and step sequencers, 40-band vocoder, built-in drum machine and rhythm sequencer, arpeggiator, stereo effects, and much more (scroll down for the full spec list).

The virtual analog synth engine was developed in partnership with the Alesis synth team.

It comes with a gooseneck microphone for taking advantage of that vocoder.

The audio inputs and outputs are full 24-bit, so it’s definitely at home in the studio.

Key Features

• Eight voices, each with three oscillators
• Up to eight multi-timbral parts with stereo effects and 40-band vocoder
• Two multi-mode filters, three envelope generators, two LFOs, sample and hold, tracking generator
• Dynamic real-time and step sequencers, arpeggiator, and drum machine/rhythm sequencer
• Stereo bus effects including reverbs and delays
• 24-bit 1/4″ balanced stereo analog outputs and inputs
• 37-key synth-action keyboard with velocity sensitivity
  More than 600 preset sounds
• Sound banks: bass, lead, pad, string, brass, keys, comp, drum, SFX

Includes:

• MINIAK synthesizer keyboard
• VPM1 gooseneck microphone
• Power supply
• Quick start guide

Full specifications

Synthesis: Virtual analog (subtractive), noise generator, FM
Polyphony: Up to 8 voices
Timbrality: Up to 8 parts
Oscillators: 3 per voice with continuously variable waveshapes, sync, linear and exponential FM, Ring Mod, routable modulation matrix per voice
Filters: 2 multi-mode resonating filters per voice with 16 filter types
Modulation: 2 LFOs with multiple wave shapes, sample and hold, tracking generator, freely routable modulation matrix per voice
Effects: 4 drive effects, 1 per part; master effects
Sequencing: Step sequencer, arpeggiator, drum machine/rhythm sequencer, and phrase
Program memory: Up to 1,000 Programs and multi-timbral Multis
Velocity sensitive: Yes
Keyboard: 37-key, semi-weighted
External control: MIDI in/out/thru
Inputs: 2 balanced 1/4″ TRS, mic
Outputs: 2 balanced 1/4″ TRS, 1/4″ TRS headphone
Controls: Pitch wheel, two assignable Q-Link modulation wheels, X, Y, and Z parameter knobs, pattern play, phrase arpeggiator, latch arpeggiator, keyboard octave, tap tempo, program controls, data push-knob, config, store, master volume
Pedal Inputs: Assignable expression pedal, sustain pedal
Weight: 12.0 lbs
Dimensions: 22.8″ x 10.8″ x 3.34″ (L x W x H)

Available for around US$500.

Product page

Popularity: 5% [?]

Clavia intros Nord C2 Combo Organ: impressively versatile

Last month, Clavia announced its new Nord C2 Combo Organ, combining the sounds of a B3 tonewheel organ, a Vox Continental, a Farfisa and a baroque pipe organ.

Beautifully constructed, the C2 uses cutting edge sampling technology to extract the best sounds from each instrument.

The C2 is an extremely versatile instrument, providing not only rock organ players a new palette of sounds, but also the perfect instrument to use in churches, concert and congregation halls or any other venue where a high quality pipe organ instrument is paramount.

THE PIPE ORGAN

From the golden age of organ building, Clavia has carefully chosen a baroque organ with a devastatingly beautiful sound and wide range of expression for the C2 pipe organ part. Using cutting edge sampling technique, no efforts have been spared in producing the richest and most varied sound palette for the pipe organ player.

The C2 pipe organ is built upon two basic types of organ pipes; flue pipes and reed pipes. The flue pipes have a softer timbre and the reed pipes a more nasal tone quality. For each keyboard division the player can choose from different sets of pipes, stops, to produce different timbres. The C2´s setup of stops make up a well-balanced blend of tonal qualities capable of expressing the most dramatic music to conveying the subtlest of organ pieces.

Stops and Couplers

In the pipe organ each manual has its own sound; the Great division being the part of the organ with the majestic sound, whereas the Swell has a more mellow tonal quality. The Couplers are used to activate combinations of different stops from both manuals, so that pressing keys on one manual also connects stops from the other manual or pedal, making them sound as well. The Pedal division has three bass stops, which the user can choose to play from the lower manual, by attaching the Nord Pedal Keys 27 (accessory), or by attaching a 30-note classic digital organ pedal (optional).

Disposition

Swell (Manual II)
Fugara 8
Rohrflöte 8
Principal 4
Spitzflöte 4
Nasat 3
Flöte 2
Vox Celeste
Scharf II-III
Oboe 8

Great (Manual I)
Principal 8
Gamba 8
Gedackt 8
Octava 4
Rohrflöte 4
Qvinta 3
Octava 2
Mixtur III-IV
Trumpet 8

Pedal
Subbas 16
Fagot 16
Gedackt 8

Couplers
PED/GR. Low
SW 16/GR
SW/GR
Swell 16
Swell 4
SW/PED
GR/PED

The disposition has the fundamental tonal character of a baroque organ. The total number of stops is 21; 9 stops for every manual and 3 pedal stops (of which one is a combined Subbas 16 and Fagot 16). In addition to the three unison couplers usually found in two manual organs, the C2 Combo Organ also features three octave couplers and a special coupler that adds the Pedal to the leftmost note played on the Great manual.

Swell pedal and tremulant

One of the crucial ingredients for creating a vivid sound is the swell pedal. In the C2 Combo Organ this functions exactly as in the real-life models, giving the player intimate control over volume and dynamics of the swell manual. Another indispensable aid to make the pipe organ sound even a bit more vibrant is the tremulant. This is a function that basically gives small and very rapid variations in volume, thereby causing the sound to “tremulate”. The C2 provides two speeds, each with three variable depths.

It´s not only about the music, it´s also about the player

So, not only does the C2 Combo Organ provide an extremely well balanced set of pipes, stops and couplers, but has also kept the setup close to reality for the pipe organ player to easily find his way around. Controls are exactly where you will expect to find them, and in no time you will discover that this portable and compact instrument does the whole work that the organ in the town church has done. But is so much easier to carry along.

THE B3 MODEL

Clavia has made digital models of tonewheel organs for more than a decade and the C2 Combo Organ is equipped with its third generation tonewheel model.

Not only has Clavia analyzed the signals from each of the 91 spinning discs inside several original instruments, but has also paid years of attention to each and everyone of the intricate details that makes the characteristics of the actual sound in a vintage organ. How the tonewheels interact with each other, what the crosstalk and leakage in the original designs means to the sound, and what happens when you use the instrument to the limits of its ability.

Clavia knows this, and has made sure that the C2 tonewheel model responds in a manner with what it thinks is hands down the best performance organ on the market.

The virtual circuitry in the B3 model reacts not only to the settings on the panel but also during the real time performance. The C2 Combo Organ will faithfully reproduce the important foldback and energy robbing characteristics; the latter will produce the gentle compression effect that makes those lovely smears absolutely wonderful. There are 4 tonewheel modes that allows you to switch from a clean, factory spec’d instrument to a worn and battered workhorse with some 40 years worth of touring.

It’s all about the performance

The individual tonewheel levels are controlled with Clavia’s digital drawbars that are just as fast and ergonomic to set up as their physical counterparts. This modern design provides you with the ability to store your favourite settings, to be instantly recalled and edited in real time during a performance. You also get the unique opportunity to dial in a new setting with the digital drawbars while playing, without the change taking effect until you say so.

Get your fingers on the waterfall type keyboard and you will not only hear, but also feel the difference. An ultra fast trigger-to-sound response time in the C2 Combo Organ offers a superior performance compared with any other hardware or software products, just as the originals. Clavia has modelled the crucial key click and key release bursts from the mechanical busbar design with its close to 1200 switches. The actual keys themselves have a firm mechanical action to provide you with the rock solid feel of an original vintage instrument.

You have direct access to every important function on the panel. Clavia has a strong belief in that a performance is not only about what you play, but also how you use an instrument.

Vibrato, chorus and percussion

Other essential mechanical and electrical components in the original instrument like the scanner that provides the vibrato and chorus with their deep impact on the sound, and the components and behavior of the percussion are of course present in the C2 Combo Organ. The vibrato and chorus with the rotating scanner and its analog circuitry are carefully modeled to be as alive as the tonewheels.

Everything in the percussion including the monophonic behavior, filter, distortion, and envelope characteristics has been carefully and faithfully replicated. You can adjust some of the percussion functions to be able to set the sound to suit your needs and we even give you the option to keep the 9th drawbar or not, when the percussion is turned on.

VOX & FARFISA

The C2 Combo Organ includes accurate models of the two most popular transistor organs of the 1960s, offering you that massive savage sound created by their 12-top oscillator frequency-divider designs. With the C2, you get the same dynamic behaviour and unique response as in the original instruments.

The Farfisa Compact Deluxe, considered by many to be the mother of transistor organs, involves routing matrixes and complex filter combinations that offer a tailored sound with massive energy and high-end. The Vox Continental’s brute design brings you a more hollow tone, but still with a very intense character.

As with the tonewheel organ, both transistor organs have their own unique, irreplaceable personalities. Combine them with any of the C2 Combo Organ’s speaker simulations, add some distortion, adjust EQ and they will definitely light your fire.

3RD SET OF DRAWBARS

A dual manual organ would not be complete without the ability to play bass notes on a pedal board. The C2 Combo Organ includes two additional bass register drawbars with selectable timbre from vintage tonewheels, pipe organ bass stops or a synth bass, modeled after a famous vintage add-on unit.

The bass can be controlled with any MIDI-equipped bass pedal board connected to the dedicated Bass Pedal MIDI input, or by splitting the lower manual.

ROTARY

The C2’s rotary speaker simulation features a true life-like experience. It incorporates the acoustic variations that occur as a physical rotating speaker spreads the sound around in a room, providing the full experience of moving the air around. The rotary speed can be controlled with a foot switch, from the panel or by using a half-moon switch (accessory).

The rotary simulation in the C2 is Clavia’s best one yet, created by mic’ing up several original cabinets with different sets of treble and bass rotors and spending lots of time analyzing their audio responses. This painstaking effort means a brand new rotary model in the C2 Combo Organ which is available together with the previous rotary that so many users have said so many nice things about.

Connect the C2 Combo Organ to a quality cabinet with the standard 11-pin Leslie connector and use the Half Moon switch or the C2 panel buttons to control the rotary speed. The Leslie interface on the C2 uses a high voltage output which is vital to experience the true soul of a screaming, or for that matter, a whispering organ. This high level output is also available on a ¼” jack on the C2 back panel.

EFFECTS

The 3-band equalizer along with three types of speaker simulations and a powerful overdrive offers you total control of your sound. Add a feedback-delay with tap-tempo functionality, and several types of reverberation and you truly have an all-in-one effect section with stunning sound right out of the box. This will tailor your sounds for any occasion.

FLEXIBLE OUTPUT ROUTING
With so many organ types at your disposal, it is vital to be able to route these to appropriate amplifier- and sound systems. The C2 Combo Organ is equipped with a stereo output pair (L and R on 1/4″ jacks) and a set of high level outputs (a 1/4″ jack and a 11-pin Leslie* connector). This provides you with the flexibility to e.g. route the tonewheel to a rotary speaker and the pipe organ to a PA. It is also possible to use the tonewheel in a rotary and a PA with rotary simulation at the same time, or to route the transistor models to an amplifier.

ADDITIONAL CONNECTIONS

A swell pedal is an essential tool for expressiveness with any organ and the C2 is of course capable of using any good quality expression pedal. The rotary speed can be controlled from a foot switch or the half moon switch, and there’s also a sustain pedal input.

The MIDI connectors allow you to use the Nord C2 to control other units or to use it together with a computer or sequencer. Plug in your mp3 or CD player to the monitor input to be able to play along, rehearse or jam with previously recorded music without the need of an external mixer or sound system. The signal that is present at this input will be monitored through the C2’s headphone output.

ON THE ROAD

Having three vintage organs and a baroque pipe organ in your studio is fun, but it’s even better when you can easily carry them with you to a gig. That is why the C2 Combo Organ is lightweight and portable. With the optional gig bag, you can carry the massive power of these monster organs in one hand; weighing in at merely 15,5 kg (34 lb) you will save energy for your performance.

Product page

Popularity: 6% [?]

JR Hexaton Pro comes to iPhone: Jordan Rudess approved!

Developers continue to push the envelope for using the iPhone as a music creation device. JR Hexaton Pro is one of the latest rhythm generators/live performance apps available.

Pairing Amidio, makers of other hit iPhone apps such as Star Guitar and noise.io with legendary keyboard player Jordan Rudess (who demoed Yamaha’s Tenori-On last year) and you know you’re going to get something pretty special.

It’s pretty unique too, being the first drum machine / rhythm and loop generator built on a hexagonal playing surface. It also responds to the iPhone’s movements, making for some interesting live performance possibilities.

Amidio describes it:

“JR Hexatone Pro is something totally new. There’s nothing like it, it creates sonic textures based on absolutely unique principles. It can be called a 6-channel 6-directional step sequencer with variable step length and artificial intelligence of each channel. Given that you can easily load your custom samples, you can create anything, any kind of loops, for all music styles.

The best way to see what’s going on is to watch Jordan demo the app.

Alternatively, check out the factory presets here:

It’s available from the iTunes Store right now.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Roland intros new JUNO-Di portable versatile synth

Roland has expanded its line of JUNO synths with the addition of the JUNO-Di.

Features include:

• high portability – can run off batteries
• 1000+ sounds including grand and electric pianos, lush strings, beautiful guitars, powerful brass, percussion, plus banks of exotic instruments, modern synth sounds, and much more.
• Easy sound modification system.
• Simple navigation with dedicated sound category buttons and setting up of layers, splits and rhythms.
• Large LCD.
• Microphone input and vocoder section.
• Built-in USB-based song player

Full specifications below:

Keyboard	61 keys (with velocity)
Sound Generator Section
Maximum Polyphony	128 voices
Parts	16 parts
Wave Memory	64 M bytes (16-bit linear equivalent)
Preset Memory	Patches: 1082 + 256 (GM2) | Rhythm Sets: 20 + 9 (GM2) | Performances: 64
User Memory	Patches: 128 | Rhythm Sets: 8 | Performances: 64 | Favorites: 100
Effects	Multi-Effects: 3 systems, 79 types | Chorus: 3 types | Reverb: 5 types | Mic Input Reverb: 8 types
SMF/Audio File Player Section
File Format	Standard MIDI File: format-0/1 | Audio File: WAV, AIFF, MP3
Others
Rhythm Pattern	Preset: 24 groups x 6
Arpeggiator	Preset: 128
Chord Memory	Preset: 17
Controllers	D Beam Controller | Pitch Bend/Modulation Lever | Sound Modify Knob x 5
Display	18 characters 1 line + 20 characters 2 lines custom LCD (with backlit)
External Storage Device	USB Memory (supports USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Flash Memory)
Connectors	Output Jacks (L/MONO, R): 1/4 inch phone type | Headphone Jack: Stereo 1/4 inch phone type | Mic Input Jack: 1/4 inch phone type | EXT INPUT Jack: Stereo miniature phone type | Hold Pedal Jack | MIDI Connectors (IN, OUT) | USB COMPUTER Connector (supports USB MIDI)
Power Supply	DC 9 V: AC Adaptor or Ni-MH AA SIZE Rechargeable Battery (optional) x 8
Current Draw	600 mA
Battery life for continuous use	Rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries: approximately 5 hours * differs depending on the conditions of use * approximately 4 hours if USB memory is connected * Carbon-zinc or alkaline batteries cannot be used.
Accessories	Owner’s Manual | CD-ROM (Sound Editor, Librarian, Playlist Editor, USB Driver) | USB Memory Protector | AC Adaptor (PSB-1U) | Power Cord
JUNO-Di Editor System Requirements
Operating System	Microsoft (R) Windows (R) XP Home Edition/Professional | Microsoft (R) Windows Vista (R) * This does not work with the 64-bit Edition of Windows (R). * This does not work with the Windows (R) XP Media Center Edition.
CPU	Intel (R), Core (TM), Pentium (R) processor 1.5 GHz or higher
RAM	512 MB or more
Hard Disk	200 MB or more of free space
Display/Colors	1024 x 768 dots or higher/24 bit Full Color or more
Others	CD-ROM Drive | USB port
Operating System	Mac OS X v10.4.3 or later
CPU	Intel (R), Core (TM)/Xeon (TM), PowerPC G5
RAM	512 MB or more * For Mac OS X v10.5 or later, 1GB or more.
Hard Disk	200 MB or more of free space
Display/Colors	1024 x 768 dots or higher/16.7 million colors or more
Others	CD-ROM Drive | USB port
Size and Weight
Width	1,008 mm | 39-11/16 inches
Depth	300 mm | 11-13/16 inches
Height	104 mm | 4-1/8 inches
Weight	5.2 kg | 11 lbs. 8 oz.

Product page | Buy Roland JUNO synths at Amazon

Popularity: 6% [?]

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