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.

Casio XW-P1 Professional Synthesizer

• Buy the Casio XW-P1 at zZounds
• Buy the Casio XW-P1 at Amazon.com

Casio XW-P1 Introduction

Twenty-five years after Casio launched the CZ Series synthesisers, the company is back with the introduction of the XW-P1 professional synth.

The Casio XW-P1 can be bought for under $500 yet it’s no pushover in the specification department.

Casio XW-P1 Overview

The five octave (61-key) light touch keyboard may not suited to pianists but is certainly adequate for a wide variety of musical styles, as well as in use as a MIDI controller keyboard.

64 notes of polyphony may seem a little stingy these days, and musicians wanting to put complex sounds on the XW-P1′s 16 channels may run out of notes. That said, the keyboard will serve very well for more moderate sound usage, such as producing lead instrument sounds, pads and beats. Gear junkies may well want to add one or more XW-P1′s to their existing keyboard setup, particularly if they’re after some of those classic CZ sounds.

The XW-P1 has a wealth of input controls including pitch and modulation wheels, nine editing sliders and four assignable knobs.

Some synths suffer from a lack of more realistic instrument samples. Sometimes that’s what you want, but if you’re looking for a keyboard that can double as a decent piano or organ, the XW-P1 offers it.

There’s a tri-element stereo piano plus a versatile and highly configurable drawbar organ. Casio uses PCM tones for these real-world instruments.

Casio XW-P1 Specifications

Take a look at the specification list below to get a decent idea of what the Casio XW-P1 can achieve:

• Number of Keys: 61
• Controllers:
  • Pitch Wheel
  • Modulation Wheel
• Assignable Controllers: Controllers; 4 Knobs
• Assignable Functions: MIDI Messages (CC, RPN, NRPN, Mono After touch, Poly After touch, Pitch, Tempo)
• Editing Controllers: 9 Sliders
• Display: LCD; 72×31 Dot Matrix + Patterns, with Backlight and Contrast
• Tone Generator: Overview; Sound Generator Type; HPSS(Hybrid Processing Sound Source)
• Polyphony: 64
• Number of Parts: 16
• Total Number of Tones (Preset/User) : 620/310
• PCM, Melody, PCM Drum, Drawbar Organ, Hex Layer, Solo Synthesizer
• GM Compatible: Level 1
• Mixer: Yes
• Tuning: A4=415.5Hz – 440.0Hz – 465.9Hz (0.1Hz-Step)
• PCM Tones: Preset/User Tones; 400/100
• Tri-Element Stereo Piano: Yes
• Tones with User Wave: N/A
• Drum Kits (Preset/User) : 20/10
• Hex Layer: Number of Tones (Preset/User); 50/50
• Drawbar Organ: Number of Tones (Preset/User); 50/50
• Solo Synthesizer: Preset/User Tones; 100/100
• Maximum Polyphony: 1
• Oscillator Blocks: 6 (Synth 1/2, PCM1/2, Ext Input, Noise)
• Portamento: Yes
• Legato: Yes
• PWM: Yes
• External Input: Yes
• Pitch Shifter: Yes
• Noise Generator: Yes
• Non-Resonant Filter: Yes (6)
• Resonant Filter: Yes (1)
• Amplifier: Yes
• Oscillator Mixer: Yes
• LFO: Yes (2)
• Envelope Generators: Pitch, Amp, Filter, LFO
• Assignable Virtual Controllers: 8
• Effects: System Reverb; Preset Types; 10
• System Chorus: Preset Types; 5
• Limitations: System Chorus, DSP and Solo Synthesizer are mutually exclusive
• Master Effect: EQ; Editable 4 Band EQ
• DSP: Number of DSP Sets (Preset/User); 100/100
• PCM Tone Effect Categories: Compressor, Distortion, Enhancer, Wah, Auto Pan, Tremolo, Rotary, Phaser, Chorus, Reflection, Tempo Sync Delay , Ring Modulator, LoFi, 2-Module Multi
• Solo Synth DSP: Tempo Sync Delay, Distortion, Ring Modulator, Chorus, Flanger, Pan
• Algorithm Types: 46(Normal Tone DSP) 6(Solo Synthesizer DSP)
• DSP Lines: 1
• Audio Player: Storage Type; SD Card
• Number of Songs: 999
• Audio File Format: 42kHz Stereo
• Limitation: Audio Playing, Musical Playing(SMF, Step Sequencer) are mutually exclusive.
• Step Sequencer: Number of Tracks; Mono x 8, Poly x 1, Control x 4
• Number of Patterns / Step Sequence: 8
• Number of Step Sequencers (Preset/User) : 100/100
• Number of Chains (user) : 100
• Maximum Number of Steps: 16
• Key Play: Yes
• Other: Note Gate, Note Swing per Track
• Phrase Sequencer: Number of Phrases; 100/100
• Number of Tracks: 1
• Play Mode: Loop, Hold, Key Play
• Capacity: 8KBytes/Pgrase, 128KBytes/100 User Phrases
• Recordable Events: Note On/Off, Controller Operations
• Arpeggiator: Other; Phrase measure and note quantize, overdub
• Number of Patterns (Preset/User) : 100/100
• Data Types: Variation, Step
• Editing Function: Variation ; Parameter Edit
• Step: 16-Step Edit, Parameter Edit
• Performance: Number of Memories (Preset/User); 100/100
• Parameter Categories: Tone, Effect, Mixer, Controller, Sequence, Phrase, Arpeggio, MIDI
• Recall Parameter Filter: Yes
• Number of Keyboard Zones: 4
• Multifunction Key: Yes
• Transpose: Range; +/- 12
• Octave Shift: Range; +/- 3
• Tempo: Range; 30-255BPM
• Tap Tempo: Button/LED; Yes
• MIDI Clock: Transmit/Receive; Yes
• Storage: SDHC Card; Capacity; 2GB-32GB
• Dimensions and Weight in Packaging: Shipping Weight: 20 lbs Shipping Dimensions: 20 x 15 x 6 in

Casio XW-P1 Reviews

There are very few official reviews of the Casio XW-P1 at present, but we’ll be adding links to them as we find them.

Several forums are reporting a general consensus that the XW-P1 is a great synth (particularly at such a low price point) but that its build quality isn’t great.

Here’s Franz Schiller’s review of the XW-P1.

Casio XW-P1 Videos

Casio’s official 5 minute introduction to the XW-P1:

Sonic State interviews Mike Martin from Casio at NAMM 2012. This 13 minute video includes a decent demo of key features:

Daniel Fisher gives a 4-minute demo of the XW-P1:

Buy the Casio XW-P1

The Casio XW-P1 has an RRP of $699.99, but it can generally be picked up for under $500.

• Buy the Casio XW-P1 at zZounds
• Buy the Casio XW-P1 at Amazon.com

Apple’s new iPad: What’s in it for musicians?

It’s hard to avoid an Apple product announcement, so by now you’ve probably already heard about the “new iPad” (third generation).

There are plenty of places to get an overview of the new features, so here at Piano & Synth Magazine we’ll take a closer look at the specifications that are likely to make it an even greater tool for musicians.

Retina Display

The improved display has four times the pixel density of the iPad 2. That means better graphics and more readable text, which means more lifelike (paper-like) display of manuscripts, and more visible detail on buttons, faders, virtual keyboards, and more, in all your favourite music-making apps.

The 9.7-inch screen is the same size as before, but it packs in a resolution of 2,048 x 1,536. That’s a 16:12 ratio but is good enough for any widescreen apps too.

Apple new iPad

Dual-core A5X Chip with quad-core graphics

You may not care much for the name, but know that Apple’s own A5X chip has been developed to offer super responsiveness. This is a must when dealing with timing-critical audio and music apps.

A lot of the extra processing power is being diverted to drive the display itself, but Apple is touting the super-responsiveness of the new iPad, so we expect existing apps to run faster (or at least with less stuttering – the bane of any live or studio musician).

AirPlay & iCloud

The new iPad has been designed to be even more connectable – particularly wirelessly. This includes AirPlay which allows music and more to be transmitted over a Wi-Fi network to a compatible HDTV or other device.

iCloud works on a variety of Apple devices including laptops and newer iPhones as well as the iPad, and will allow files to be automatically synchronised across all devices. This could be a real timesaver and give peace of mind to travelling musicians. Compose and record on the road and know that your home computer has automatically backed everything up safely for you.

iLife GarageBand

Apple has updated the iPad version of GarageBand. It now includes a “Jam Session” feature allowing up to four iPads to connect wirelessly and then play and record audio together. This could allow for some interesting creative possibilities, either for collaborative music or for a single musician running more than one iPad simultaneously.

There’s also a new “Smart Strings” touch instrument which “allows you to play an entire string orchestra with just one finger”, plus a note editor allowing the fine tuning of notes without having to re-record the whole part.

iPhone users with 3GS or better models and iPod touch fourth generation users will be pleased to note that the new GarageBand version is also available for them. It’s available from the App Store.

Other Features

There are plenty of other features including new faster 4G network support, a much improved camera and HD video recording. These may not be clinchers for musicians but it does point to a very capable device that can be used for many other things when it’s not driving your music.

New iPad

The new iPad will be available from Friday 16 March with prices starting at $499. The iPad 2 will be available from a reduced $399.

What do you think? Is the iPad a great music making machine?

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.

Alesis Vortex USB/MIDI Keytar with Accelerometer unveiled

Alesis has introduced its Vortex USB/MIDI Keytar controller complete with an onboard accelerometer.

Bearing similarities to the Roland AX-Synth, the Vortex gives keyboard performers the freedom to move around during a performance while still being able to control a host of other equipment.

Alesis Vortex Key Features

• Dynamic, shoulder-worn performance keyboard with attention-grabbing looks
• The first USB keytar controller—works with all of your software instruments & synths on Mac, PC, & iOS* devices
• USB and traditional MIDI jacks for use with virtually any synth, sound module, or other MIDI hardware or software
• Embedded, MIDI-assignable accelerometer for performance parameter control by tilting the neck
• Thumb-controlled volume slider and pitch-bend wheel on neck
• Finger-controlled MIDI-assignable touchstrip, sustain, and octave-control buttons on neck
• 37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch for compact, yet complete melodic range
• Eight velocity-sensitive drum pads/sample triggers enable you to create beats or trigger clips
• Large transport & patch-select controls for instant access
• Includes strap; standard guitar strap pegs are compatible with virtually any strap
• Bus powered when USB-connected to Mac or PC; battery compartment for use with MIDI modules and iOS devices

Alesis Vortex Specifications

• Class Compliant USB 1.1 MIDI I/O
• 5-pin DIN MIDI output
• Powered via USB, four AA Batteries, or DC power adapter
• Dimensions: 2.2″H x 35.1″L x 10.6″W
• Weight: 6.5LBS

Pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Alesis QX61 Advanced MIDI Controller Keyboard unveiled

Alesis has unveiled a bigger brother to the QX49 launched last year.

The QX61 is an advanced five-octave MIDI controller keyboard capable of controlling a wide number of parameters on an attached module, keyboard or PC running compatible software.

As well as the 61 touch sensitive keys there are four pads, six buttons, eight control knobs and eight sliders, all fully customisable, plus pitch bend and modulation wheels and octave buttons. It’s possible to send program change messages from the keys and to split the keyboard across different MIDI channels.

The QX61 is supplied with Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition software for performing, recording, and sequencing music.

Alesis QX61 Key Features

• 61-key touch-sensitive keyboard
• Control virtually any Mac, PC, or iOS* music software
• Velocity-sensitive keys with modulation and pitch-bend wheels
• Eight faders perfect for adjusting volume or synth parameters
• Four drum pads for triggering samples, loops and sequencing drums
• Eight knobs ideal for adjusting pan position or any other parameter
• Six assignable buttons for triggering software controls
• USB-MIDI and traditional MIDI for use with Mac and PC, as well as MIDI hardware
• Includes Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition software
• Bus powered via USB: no power cable needed

Pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Alesis QX25 Advanced MIDI Controller Keyboard unveiled

Alesis has unveiled a smaller brother to the QX49 launched last year.

The QX25 is an advanced MIDI controller keyboard capable of controlling a wide number of parameters on an attached module, keyboard or PC running compatible software.

As well as the 25 touch sensitive keys there are four pads and eight control knobs, all fully customisable, plus pitch bend and modulation wheels and octave buttons. It’s possible to send program change messages from the keys and to split the keyboard across different MIDI channels.

The QX25 is supplied with Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition software for performing, recording, and sequencing music.

Alesis QX25 Key Features

• 25-key touch-sensitive keyboard
• Control virtually any Mac, PC, or iOS* music software
• Velocity-sensitive keys with modulation and pitch-bend wheels
• High-quality fader perfect for adjusting volume or synth parameters
• Four drum pads for triggering samples, loops and sequencing drums
• Eight knobs ideal for adjusting pan position or any other parameter
• Six assignable buttons for triggering software controls
• USB-MIDI and traditional MIDI for use with Mac and PC, as well as MIDI hardware
• Includes Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition software
• Bus powered via USB: no power cable needed

Alesis QX25 Specifications

• Class Compliant USB 1.0 and 5-pin jack Midi Output
• Powered via USB or 5V DC Power Adapter

Pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Alesis Q61 USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller unveiled

Alesis has launched the Q61, a five-octave MIDI/USB controller keyboard capable of sending the basic MIDI control messages most musicians need. This makes it an ideal keyboard for those wanting to control other keyboards, sound modules and virtual instruments on a PC or Mac.

It doesn’t have all the bells, whistles and knobs of some of Alesis’s other controller keyboards but it does feature 61 touch sensitive keys, pitch and modulation wheels, an assignable data slider, octave buttons, sustain pedal input, and the ability to use the keys to send MIDI program change messages instead of note data.

Alesis Q61 Key Features

• 61-key keyboard controller for use with virtually any music software or MIDI device
• Velocity sensitive keys for expressive, musical performance
• USB MIDI and traditional MIDI for use with Mac, PC, and iOS devices* as well as MIDI hardware
• Pitch and Modulation wheels for increased musical expression
• Backlit Octave Up and Down buttons enable expanded musical range
• Assignable volume/data-entry slider enables you to control your most-used parameter
• Sustain pedal input for complete performance (pedal sold separately)
• Includes Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition for recording, sequencing, and performing
• Bus powered via USB: no power cable needed

Alesis Q61 Specifications

• MIDI Outputs: one 5-pin jack
• USB: One slave connector (MIDI over USB)
• Power: USB bus powered; Optional Power Adapter: 9V DC 500mA, Pin Positive, 5.5mm outer diameter (sold separately)

Exact pricing and availability is to be confirmed.

ADE-10 Reactive Shaper from Abstract Data

The latest piece of kit from Abstract Data is the ADE-10 Reactive Synth.

Waveshaping, Wavefolding, Feedback and full CV control in a low-profile, high-quality 10HP Eurorack module.

DC-coupled I/Os with individual Gain/Attenuation will accept most Audio and CV waveforms. Two simultaneous Full- and Half-wave Outputs provide effected AC audio and positive DC CV signals.

External CV Inputs for all three shaping stages and front panel control of Biasing/Attenuation gives complete sonic control.

Tearing leads, evolving pads, complex drones, sound design, CV modulation and beyond – the ADE-10 makes shapes.

ADE-10 Reactive Shaper Specifications

Controls (Knobs: Left, T-B): Stages 1-3 Mod (Manual); Input Gain/Atten
Controls (Knobs: Right, T-B): Stages 1-3 CV (External); Output Gain/Atten
Inputs (Signal): 1x DC, Approx. +/-10V Max. (3.5mm)
Inputs (CV): 3x DC, Approx. +/-10V Max. (3.5mm)
Outputs (Signal): 1x DC Full-Wave; 1x DC Half-Wave (3.5mm)
Power Requirements: +/-12V via 16-pin, Doepfer-style IDC connector
Current Draw: 80mA Average
Dimensions: 10HP (W); Panel to Connector 35mm (D)
Supplied Accessories: 1x IDC cable, 4x M3 Screws, 4x M3 Washers

ADE-10 Reactive Shaper Videos

Tutorial

Live Patches

The Muson Synthesizer [Vintage]

Here’s a colourful keyboard find for you. Though you could argue it remains squarely in the ‘toy’ department, the concepts here are pretty cool.

OK, so you only have the C major scale to play with, but take a look at those coloured blocks above the keys. These make contact with circuitry inside the instrument and form a rudimentary sequencer. Check out the video below and you’ll see that placing the coloured blocks, each of which represents a different note of the scale, in different orders changes the melody played back.

Muson Synthesizer

What’s more, you can change the tempo and the pitch (to some degree) using the two sliders to left and right of the keyboard. We presume there’s at least two note polyphony as well, as it’s possible to play the keys while a predefined sequence plays back.

We get a strange sensation of being stuck in some late ’70s/early ’80s video game – probably of the space invaders ilk – and that’s no surprise given that it was created in 1978 by Mego Corp. Apparently it was even released in the UK, though I certainly don’t remember it.

What do you think?

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