Eaton-Moog Multiple-Touch-Sensitive Keyboard

Synthtopia has written about the Eaton-Moog Multiple-Touch-Sensitive Keyboard which was designed in collaboration between John Eaton and Robert Moog, and now reportedly resides in Eaton’s attic.

The [device] is “the world’s most sensitive musical instrument next to the human voice,” according to Eaton. “Playing it is a kind of combination of playing a a very sensitive stringed instrument and playing a keyboard instrument.”

The keys on the 49-note keybaord respond to five motions: the distance a key is depressed; the finger’s front and back position and motion on each key; the finger’s side-to-side position and motion on each key; the total area a flattened finger covers on each key; and pressure on a key after it is depressed fully.

Wow! That’s some control mechanism.

And of how easy it is to play?

“It’s very difficult to play. But an instrument should be difficult to play. That’s the only way to master musical materials, by overcoming these difficulties,”

Read the full article: Lost Eaton-Moog Synth Keyboard

Pet Shop Boys synthesizer history

Gareth Edwards has written a good article on the Pet Shop Boys synthesizer history, charting the many pieces of musical equipment they have used over the years to get their distinctive sounds.

It includes the Fairlight CMI, EMU Emulator, Akai samplers, PPG Wave, various Yamaha’s (including the TG500 module which I have used extensively), Roland TR808, and many more (not surprisingly) They’ve also recently adopted soft-synths to a large degree.

I thought it was interesting that the PSB programmer Pete Gleadall seemed almost embarrassed to admit that he’d used a Yamaha TG33, as this module was considered to be a ‘home’ device. Hey, if the sound works, use it!

Interesting journey if you’re interested in the Pet Shop Boys music and synths from the 1980s and 1990s.

Novation ReMOTE SL boasts Automap feature for intelligent MIDI control

The Novation ReMOTE SL MIDI controller keyboard introduces a new way to control music software, with its proprietary addition to MIDI called Automap.

The keyboard features a host of controller inputs plus two large, brightly backlit 144-character LCD screens which intelligently change, along with all the controllers, to useful items when compatible software (such as Ableton Live, Reason, and Cubase) changes.

Or, as Novation’s site puts it:

Finally, recording in the dark is a thing of the past. The SL shines a light on the murky world of MIDI control by providing two giant, brightly lit LCD screens alongside an intelligent Automap mode*, which detects what instruments you have in your project and intelligently and logically maps the controls to the SL’s front panel.

The keyboard itself is semi-weighted, velocity and aftertouch-sensitive, and comes with an assignable X/Y touchpad, joystick, and a total of 64 assignable knobs, buttons and sliders, plus 8 velocity-sensitive trigger pads, plus dedicated transport controls.

See specifications, videos, review quotes, and more, at the official Novation site.

(Via Gizmag.co.uk)

Akai launches “Music Production Center”

AKAI Professional has introduced the MPC2500 Music Production Center, the successor to the acclaimed MPC2000XL.

Featuring an inviting user interface, great-feeling velocity and pressure sensitive pads, twin onboard effects processors with a send for outboard effects, Q-Link controllers, plus 10 outputs and an S/PDIF digital output, the MPC2500 Music Production Center elevates the MPC Series to an entirely new level.

As a 32-voice drum/phrase sampler with up to 128 MB of RAM and extensive editing controls, the MPC2500 makes ease of operation a priority. Sample recording takes place at the instrument’s Main page (eliminating the need to dig through confusing nested menus) and editing provisions are extensive. The instrument’s Chop-Shop function can analyze a drum loop, detect the various beats within, and map the various segments to the pads—enabling users to create drum kits. With its Patched Phrase function, sampled phrases can be automatically synchronized to the sequencer’s tempo without altering the sample’s pitch, and the Continuous Sample Track enables long sampled phrases to be played along with sequenced performance data. Further, samples can be reversed and time stretched.

The MPC2500′s control, effects, and interface capabilities excel. The four Q-Link controllers (two sliders/two knobs) facilitate extensive real-time control and, when combined with the Audio Input Thru function, input signals can be manipulated on the spot. The MPC2500 provides 4-pole filters (twin 2-pole filters) for each of the instrument’s 32 voices, and the two onboard effects processors make it easy to add reverbs, delays, and other effects. Since internal sounds reside in flash memory, they can easily be swapped for new sounds via compact flash cards (32 MB card included) or the optionally available CD-ROM drive. Similarly, users can also expand their onboard sound palette by adding an optional 2.5-inch hard drive.

The MPC2500 sports a 100,000 note / 64 track MIDI sequencer that can be assigned to four separate MIDI outputs for a total of 64 independently addressable MIDI channels. Song mode supports 20 songs, with 250 steps per song, and the unit’s grid editing screen for the drum track makes music creation and editing an intuitive process. With its 240 x 64 dot angled, backlit LCD display, keeping track of one’s work is easy. Combined with 10 analog outputs plus an S/PDIF digital output, the MPC2500 facilitates nearly unlimited possibilities for exercising control over the various sound elements the unit produces—making it a “must have tool” for both stage and studio use.

The MPC2500 Music Production Center is available now for a suggested retail price of $2999.

• Visit the Akai Pro website

Korg Radias “every synthesist’s dream”

Korg used the NAMM 2006 show to unveil its new RADIAS synthesizer/vocoder.

With a bold new approach that is at once both daring and familiar, RADIAS exceeds common analog expectations and rapidly takes off for uncharted territories.

says the official website.

SonicState calls it a sexy looking synth:

Korg have pulled another winning product from their deep hat with the Radias. It combines traditional digital synthesis with new modelling techniques. Good looks add to its impressive technical capabilities. It comes in 2 versions: one with a keyboard and one without. They are priced at $1999 and $1899 respectively

Press Release

Korg’s press release reads:

Korg unveils cutting-edge RADIAS synthesizer

WINTER NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 19, 2006 — Korg introduces the RADIAS synthesizer, a new instrument that combines traditional and forward-thinking concepts in both synthesis and physical design. Based on Korg’s proprietary MMT™ (Multi Modeling Technology) engine, this 24-voice synthesizer offers a variety of synthesis algorithms together with multiple effects, new comb filter and wave shaping features, modulation sequencing, as well as new formant-motion vocoding. RADIAS offers an innovative design that can be custom configured to suit your set-up. The sound module can be used independently or teamed with the unique dedicated keyboard, creating a seamlessly integrated instrument.

Each of the 256 onboard Programs is comprised of up to four timbres, which can be split, layered or operate independently on separate MIDI channels, allowing the RADIAS to function as a powerful performance system or multitimbral sound generator.

Each Timbre provides two oscillators, which share the low-aliasing design of Korg’s flagship OASYS. They deliver modeled analog, formant and Korg’s classic DWGS waveforms, PCM playback, as well as ring modulation and sync. The voice architecture provides dual multimode filters; three envelopes; two LFOs; three modulation sequencers; six virtual patches (for freely connecting any of 11 modulation sources to any of 15 destinations); two-band EQ; Drive; 11 types of Wave Shaping; and Punch (which emphasizes the attack portion of the sound).

Each Program contains an arpeggiator with six pattern types and two Step Sequencers, each supporting 32 steps with 8-note polyphony and adjustable gate time, velocity and on/off status per step. To speed up the sound creation processing, RADIAS includes templates for 128 synth timbres, 128 Insert Effects and 128 Master Effects.

One Timbre in each Program can be assigned to a Drum Kit. Each editable Kit contains 16 PCM waveform-based instruments, and there are 32 preloaded drum kits.

The Vocoder section features 16 bands, each with individual level and pan controls. Korg’s new proprietary Formant Motion function records up to 7.5 seconds of incoming formant information per Program (spoken words, scat singing or any sound), so users can recreate vocoder effects even when no microphone is present. Sixteen sets of Formant Motion information can be stored in internal memory and instantly recalled. As a bonus, a headset microphone is included, for instant vocoding right out of the box.

Two insert effects are available for each timbre, plus a program-wide master effect. The 30 included effects types range from delay, chorus and reverb, to compressor and talking modulator. Any effect parameter can be assigned to the front panel knobs for instant control, providing further versatility in sound design.

Two models are offered: RADIAS consists of the sound module section plus a dedicated 49-note, velocity-sensing keyboard with traditional Pitch and Mod wheels. The panel layout features a full complement of knobs and buttons, letting users enjoy the same intuitive feel and hands-on control as on an analog synthesizer. A unique mounting rail design allows the control module to pivot up or down, and even slide over to one side to accommodate a laptop computer, Korg ELECTRIBE, KAOSS Pad or other audio unit. The RADIAS•R is the dedicated sound module alone, and it can be used either as a rackmount or tabletop synthesizer.

Free RADIAS Sound Editor editor/librarian software allows for editing, managing and archiving RADIAS settings on a Mac or Windows PC using a simple USB connection for quick and easy data transfers.

• Visit the official site for detailed specifications and audio demos.
• Read more about the Korg RADIAS at SonicState.

Tyros2: Yamaha’s best ever music workstation?

The new Yamaha Tyros2 is a never-ending source of inspiration–for playing, recording, learning, creating and performing. The richly expressive, authentic sounds and the powerful, dynamic rhythms get your creative juices flowing like no other instrument. With the intelligent, easy-to-use performance features and the new audio recording functions, Tyros2 is a treasure chest of inspiration for all your musical applications–from songwriting and demo recording to arranging and live performance. Tyros2: inspired by nature, perfected by technology, created for your personal inspiration.

Yamaha’s newest feature-packed keyboard music workstation is finally here, and a formidable instrument it is.

• All new Super Articulation Technology live interpretation of user performance, adding realism to real-world sounds.
• Audio Rendering Optional hard disk recording for digital audio
• FSX Keyboard allows expressive play with touch and aftertouch sensitivity
• Custom voice creation allows importing of audio samples and subsequent editing of its sound data.
• Internet Direct Connection allows access to a wealth of musical scores and arrangements online, no computer required.
• Large clear display for editing, sequencing and displaying of music and lyrics – can be connected to external monitor
• Score and lyric display
• One touch performance features
• MegaVoice Technology primarily for MIDI programming – assigns different voice expressions to each velocity on the same note.
• Wide range of highly customisable accompaniment styles and multi pads
• Vocal harmoniser takes microphone input and provides backing vocals based on chords or MIDI data
• 16 track MIDI sequencer
• Style creation
• Interactive learning functions

Specification overview

Quick Links:
Official Tyros2 site
Arranger Workstation: resources for Yamaha workstations PSR 1500, PSR 3000, Tyros and Tyros2
Tyros2 media clips sound and video demos (Flash 7 player required)

• Polyphony: 128 notes max.
• Keys: 61 (5 octave) – velocity and aftertouch sensitivity
• Display: 640×480 pixel colour LCD display
• Voices: 504 Voices (486 Normal Voices + 18 Mega) + 10 Organ Flutes + 480 XG Voices + 256 GM2 Voices + 23 Drum Kits + 6 SFX Kits (And GS voices for GS song playback)
• Super Articulation Voices: 42 voices: Concert Strings, Studio Strings, Tremolo Bowing 1/2, Spiccato, Big Band Brass, Smooth Brass, Brass Fall f/mf, Brass Shake 1/2, Accent Falls, Trumpet, Silver Trumpet, Golden Trumpet, Big Band Trumpet, Trumpet Fall, Trumpet Shake 1/2, Saxophone, Big Band Sax, Rock Sax 1/2, Concert Guitar, Flamenco Guitar, Steel Guitar, Pedal Steel Guitar, Warm Solid, Clean Solid, Guitar Hero, Heavy Rock, 70s Solid Guitar, Nylon Guitar, Folk Guitar, Warm Electric, Clean Electric, Half Drive, Feedbacker, Magic Bell, Harpsichord, Jazz Rotary, Rock Rotary
• MegaVoices: 18 voices: Small Strings, Large Strings, Brass, Tenor Sax, Trumpet, Nylon Guitar, Solid Guitar 1/2, Steel Guitar, Hi String Guitar, 12 String Guitar, Clean Guitar, Overdrive, Distortion, Acoustic Bass, Finger Bass, Pick Bass, Fretless Bass
• Sweet! Voices: 23 voices: Jazz/Pop/Ballad Tenor Sax, Growl Sax, Tenor Sax, Alto Sax, Soprano Sax, Jazz/Silver/Golden Trumpet, Cornet, Trumpet, Mute Trumpet, Flugel Horn, Trombone, Violin, Harmonica, Mandolin, Oboe, Clarinet, Flute, Pan Flute, Classical Flute
• Live! Voices: 58 voices: Dynamic Strings, Spiccato, Dynamic Brass, Power Brass, French Horn, Sax Section, Dynamic Steel Guitar, Grand Piano, Dynamic Nylon Guitar, Gospel Choir, etc. For a complete listing see Tyros2 Data List manual
• Live! Drums: 9 drum kits: Live! PowerKit 1/2, Live! Studio, Live! Standard 1/2, Live! Brush, Live! Symphony, Live! PopLatin, Live! Cuban
• Cool! Voices: 39 voices: Sparkle Stack, Curved Bars (organ voice), Slide Solid, Clean Guitar, Jazz Guitar, Power Lead, etc. For a complete listing see Tyros2 Data List manual
• Organ Flutes: 10 presets
• Memory: 4MB expandable to 1GB
• 5 band equaliser
• Controllers: Pitch bend / modulation
• Dimensions: 44.8″ x 17.7″ x 5.4″ W x D x H (1,140 x 450 x 137 mm) Without Music Rest and Speakers
• Weight: 32 lbs (14.5 kg)

Due to ship in November 2005. I wanna try one!

NeKo introduces Gen2 workstation keyboards

Open Labs has announced the first Athlon 64-bit dual-core keyboards, the NeKo64 Gen2, a powerful new version of the NeKo line, and the NeKo LET Gen2.

Boasting a 2.0 GHz Athlon dual-core 64-bit processor, the NeKo64 Gen2 maintains the NeKo64′s legacy as the most powerful production stations available, by providing the latest generation of advanced processors, while substantially lowering the price.

Available now, the NeKo64 Gen 2 and NeKo LET Gen 2 offer a host of new features that enable performers and producers alike to leverage the NeKo for both live and studio applications, including:

• RunSilent feature dynamically controls CPU speed and reduces temperature and fan speeds when ultra quiet operation in required
• PowerRush technology intelligently detects system load and automatically boosts performance for the most demanding tasks by increasing CPU clock speed on the fly
• Serial ATA 3Gb/s support for next generation hard drives that doubles current bus bandwidth for high-speed data transfers

Featuring a new color scheme, the new NeKos will initially be available in 61-key and 76-key versions. Both models are shipping today; the NeKo64 Gen 2 will list for $5,995 and the NeKo LET Gen 2 will list for $2,295.

The NeKo64 Gen 2 includes native DDR2 800 support, universal PCI-E slots, the new Karsyn version 1.5; the Open Labs GUI version 2.0, and a new software bundle. In addition to its Athlon 64 D dual-core 2.0 Ghz processor and Windows XP Professional (custom-tuned for music applications), the NeKo64 Gen 2 comes equipped with:

• 512 MB RAM (upgradeable to 8GB)
• 80 GB 7200 rpm HD (with 3 additional 3.5″ drive bays)
• DVD-Combo Drive (upgradeable to a DVD burner)
• 15″ color LCD touchscreen
• alpha module/linear module/rotary module/QWERTY module
• 1010 audio I/O
• Gigabit Ethernet/Firewire/USB 2.0
• MIDI in-out
• SPDIF
• Wordclock.

The NeKo LET Gen2 features:

• 512 MB RAM (upgradeable to 8GB)
• 80 GB 7200 rpm HD (with 3 additional 3.5″ drive bays)
• DVD-Combo Drive (upgradeable to a DVD burner)
• 15″ color LCD touchscreen
• alpha module/linear module/rotary module/QWERTY module
• High Performance Audio I/O including: 24-bit/192kHz (2) ins / (2) outs analog
• (1) Coaxial S/PDIF (switchable to AES/EBU)
• (1) Optical S/PDIF (switchable to AES/EBU)/USB 2.0
• Karsyn 1.5
• Open Labs GUI 2.0

The NeKo64 Gen 2 can add up to 2 terabytes of hard-drive (HD) storage, while the NeKo LET Gen 2 can add up to 1 terabyte of HD storage.

Both the NeKo64 Gen 2 and the NeKo LET Gen 2 are integrated with the recently-announced mFusion, a breakthrough set of software technologies from Open Labs that allows users to control different musical keyboard devices and software packages through a single interface. Intelligent controls have been added to both the NeKo64 Gen 2 and the NeKo LET Gen 2 for most popular music applications, including Sonar, Cubase Nuendo, GigaStudio, and Reason. The NeKo64 Gen 2 and NeKo LET Gen 2 have added greater automation. The Alpha control has been remapped so that dedicated buttons launch applications that are most used, changing the display when a frequently used application is selected. All other controls are automatically mapped to that piece of software when this occurs, including the knobs, faders, buttons, and alpha control joystick, enabling a complete automated session.

The new NeKo Gen2 units also include a high-quality sound library that consists of more than 5,000 preset sounds and hundreds of effects right out of the box.

About mFusion

mFusion is the latest software component of the Open Labs OpenSynth platform, which is used in the Open Labs NeKo and OMX lines of keyboards and digital audio workstations. mFusion is a set of software technologies along with a control panel that allows the user to easily navigate, access, and remap control surfaces for all Open Labs control panels as well as all third-party MIDI control devices. mFusion will be shipped preinstalled in all Open Labs products as well as future products from Open Labs’ growing list of development partners.

With mFusion, users merely need to touch a knob or slider to begin the process. A wide variety of options are available for each control type. For example, a button can send a MIDI note-on, initiate a program change, keystroke, or even launch an application. This versatility extends to encoders, knobs, faders, drum pads, and many other common control types, with the ability to address and remap up to thousands of controllers simultaneously.

mFusion’s unified approach further benefits existing music computing applications. mFusion takes multiple MIDI devices and exposes the system to only one device, creating a virtual gateway with multiple extensions, thereby making it possible for music programs that can only access one controller to gain full access to multiple controllers.

More information is available at the OpenLabs site.

Yamaha’s Tyros2 release date slips? Worth the wait?

Quick Links
Tyros 2: Yamaha’s Best Ever Music Workstation?

It seems that the next generation of Yamaha’s Tyros workstation has slipped a month or so.

It’s original release date, October 1st, came and went and the website continued to display a simple banner on the Tyros2 page.

Now a press release suggests that the Tyros2 will be available in November.

Next Generation Tyros Workstation Announced

Flagship Arranger Workstation Now Features Super Articulation Technology, Optional Hard Disk Recording, New Action

Yamaha has announced Tyros2, a new version of their flagship arranger workstation.

New in Tyros2 is Super Articulation, bringing that audible and physical MegaVoice authenticity to the melody that you play, with 40 voices. The 61-key Tyros2 comes standard with 4 MB, but offers up to 1 GB of sample/playback capability (Wave, AIFF), and the ability to capture performances with optional audio rendering hard disk recording capability.

Additional improvements now enable Tyros2 to function not only as a stand-alone unit, but also as a component of a computer-based music production system, including USB MIDI ports and new USB “To Device” for connecting to peripheral storage devices. With Yamaha’s broadband Internet Direct Connection feature, song data and content can be downloaded directly from the Internet. The onboard VGA display screen can be mirrored to an RGB/Video output allowing Tyros2 to display functions directly to an external computer monitor.

Yamaha has also responded to customers’ requests for a more professional keyboard with a newly-designed action that is fast, smooth and responsive. Currently, it is the only action of its kind to be offered on any Yamaha keyboard product.

Tyros2 will be available in November 2005 at an MSRP of $4,095.

For more information, visit their web site at www.yamaha.com.

Yamaha’s entry level 61-key portable keyboard range

Introduction

Yamaha are well known for making quality keyboard instruments at all levels and for all needs. Here we look at their entry-level keyboards, which are ideal as first keyboards, portable performance tools, or basic MIDI controllers.

Overview of Yamaha’s entry-levels

Their entry-level portables all feature 61 full-sized keys (5 octaves), MIDI, and various quantities of instrument samples, including acoustic piano, and rhythm/accompaniment sections.

Lowest-end models do not have touch-sensitive keys. In other words, no matter how hard you press the key, the volume of the note played will be the same.

Higher-end models do have touch-sensitivity built in – the harder you press a key, the louder the note.

Are they right for you?

There’s little to doubt the workmanship of Yamaha keyboards, and even the entry-level models pack a lot in for a good price.

What’s important is that you know what you are going to want the instrument for. Don’t go for the cheapest option or you may regret the lack of extra features if you really get into it.

These are really aimed at the beginning musician, rather than synth musicians or pianists. As that, they do a good job.

If you know you’re going to want to tweak and create sounds, you need a proper synthesizer: these keyboards are not for you.

If you know you’re going to want a highly realistic feel as well as sound of an acoustic piano, these keyboards will disappoint. They sound very good, but they feel nothing like a piano, as they don’t have weighted keys.

Getting the right model

I’d suggest the most important things to bear in mind are touch-sensitivity and polyphony.

Touch sensitivity

Apart from playing the organ, I can’t see any benefit in getting a non-touch-sensitive keyboard. All sounds, not just the piano, will respond to how hard a note is played (the velocity of the note). Only very low-end keyboards now don’t offer this feature – it’s not worth the minor monetary saving to do without.

Polyphony

Don’t skimp on polyphony. This is how many notes a keyboard can play at once. Yes, you only have 10 fingers, but bear in mind those drum and instrument accompaniments, sustained notes, split parts, etc.

Yamaha’s lower-range keyboards only offer 16 notes of polyphony, which is only barely adequate. If you can afford a model with 32 notes of polyphony, go for that – you won’t regret it.

The tell-tall signs of a keyboard running out of polyphony are dropped notes – often accompanied by clicks as the sample cuts out. Not good to hear.

Bells and Whistles

The selling point of these keyboards is their fun element – let’s not knock that. “Serious” keyboard players might shun their rhythms, accompaniments, auto-features, and so on, but these keyboards are fun.

They let you produce some great ready-made sounds in a variety of styles, without you having to be a fantastic musician or have your own recording studio.

You may tire of the built-in features after a while, though.

Conclusion

Pros

• Entry-level keyboards: good sounds, features, low price, fun

Cons

• Lower polyphony and lack of touch-sensitivity can limit use

Most Important

Try before you buy!

Specification Table

Below is a fairly detailed comparison table, based on Yamaha’s own specifications for each instrument, so that you can see the features present on each model.

Sonic State herald Access Virus TI

After the announcement of the new Access Virus TI, Sonic State have enthusiastically heralded the new models.

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