Today we are blessed with a plethora of software, apps and keyboards with built-in music theory/practice features, but back in the 1980s that wasn’t the case. Yamaha built a range of mini ‘toy’ keyboards, primarily aimed at children but usable by any budding musicians, called the HandySound Yamaha decided to […]
Synth, Electronic & Audio
261 posts
Mention Amstrad to anyone of a certain age in the United Kingdom and they will almost certainly recall the cheeky cockney rags-to-riches (Sir) Alan Sugar and the business empire he built from packaging up cheap electronic components into crappy hi-fis or reasonable-but-strange home computers and word processors. What most people […]
In this article we take a look and compare the features and specifications of the thirteen models of Korg’s Pa*X line of synthesisers. There are thirteen models comprising eight distinct models with various key count variations on some. The Pa1X was launched in 2003 so we are now looking at […]
Our PSR-S/PSR-SX Series Comparison article has proved extremely popular, so with the evolution and advance of Yamaha’s PSR-E and PSR-EW series keyboards, with two new upgraded models launching in Spring 2022, we have done the same with Yamaha’s current eleven models of this series. Models released prior to the PSR-E263 […]
Part of our 101 Colourful, Cool, Weird, Novelty, Vintage Toy Instruments gallery is this bright green mini-keys keyboard from Russia. Seemingly manufactured in at least the 1980s and possible 1990s, the label says “?????” which is a diminutive term for “little boy” or “child”. Before seeing this translation I thought […]
Novation has announced the latest incarnation of its SL series, with the SL MkIII hardware controller, designed to offer deep integration with Ableton Live. Boasting MIDI and CV, this controller features an 8-track polyphonic sequencer, and is designed to be equally at home controlling computer-based DAWs as well as a […]
Keytars have been around since the 1970s, with their popularity in pop music culture peaking in the 1980s. Synth keyboards with a neck and strap, they’re designed to be worn and played like guitars by keyboard players. Perhaps mocked, they remain interesting and popular instruments, which is likely why Roland […]
Yamaha has announced the successor to its MOXF6 and MOXF8 synths, with the introduction of three flagship MODX models. Available as 61 and 76 semi-weighted key models and an 88-key graded and weighted keyboard, these lightweight instruments are designed to appeal to a wide range of musicians, from dedicated synth […]
Yamaha has introduced two new models in its popular PSR-E series. These entry-level models are typically aimed at beginning keyboard players, although they have plenty of features for more advanced players also. The PSR-EW410 is the new flagship model, featuring 76 keys, a Groove Creator function for adding intros, section […]
Yamaha has added two new models to its range of PSR-S arranger workstation range, showing them off at Winter NAMM 2018. The PSR-S975 supersedes the PSR-970 and is now hailed as the “ultimate PSR”, while the PSR-775 takes over from the PSR-S770. Yamaha PSR-S975 Yamaha’s new flagship PSR arranger workstation […]
More detailed comparison of the PSR-S970 and PSR-975 plus a full specification comparison sheet for the newest five PSR-S models and PSR-SX models are further down this article page. Yamaha introduced its first S Series arranger workstation keyboard in July 2006, meaning the range is well on its way to its fifteenth […]
Yamaha has updated its MX Series of synths with the introduction of the MX88. As the name suggests, this is a full-size 88-key instrument featuring weighted keys designed to give a more accurate acoustic piano feel. It uses Yamaha’s tried and true Graded Hammer System (GHS) for a more realistic […]
Arturia has shown off its BeatStep pad controller offering a range of features in a compact and highly portable body. Key features include: MIDI controller Mode – RED LED MODE Step Sequencer mode – BLUE LED MODE 16 velocity and pressure sensitive pads 16 encoders 16 MIDI Controller presets 16 […]
Elektron used the NAMM14 show to unveil its Analog Rytm 8-voice analog drum machine. Touted as a one-stop solution beat machine, the Analog Rytm offers the following features: Twelve backlit velocity/pressure sensitive drum pads 8 analog drum voices Dedicated analog circuit design Customisable samples Multimode filters Reverb/delay send FX Compressor/distortion […]
M-Audio has announced its Vocal Studio, a complete recording system for PC or Mac, featuring the Producer USB microphone and Ignite music creation software. Key features of the Producer USB microphone are: 16-bit recording at CD quality and beyond—44.1 or 48 kHz Large 16mm cardioid capsule protected by wire mesh […]
M-Audio has announced its Nova large-diaphragm condenser microphone, offering the following features: 1.1-inch gold-sputtered diaphragm for exceptional transient detail Cardioid polar pattern helps isolate the desired sound source Perfect for vocals and acoustic instruments requiring exceptional detail Durable, solid brass body with rugged protective basket Class A solid-state electronics provide […]
M-Audio has unveiled its Pulsar II small-diaphragm condenser microphone, which come as a pair for clinically-accurate stereo recordings. Features include: Small-diaphragm design provides exceptional detail & easy placement Ideal for percussion, acoustic instruments & ambient recordings Durable, solid brass body with internal shockmount Switchable 10 dB pad & high-pass filter […]
M-Audio has shown off its Sputnik large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone. Main features include: Vacuum tube signal path combines vintage warmth & modern clarity 1-inch gold-sputtered diaphragm for exceptional transient detail Hand-selected 6205M vacuum tube Selectable polar patterns offer real-world versatility (Cardioid, Fig-8, Omni) Switchable 10 dB pad & high-pass filter […]
Alongside the three Axiom AIR USB controller keyboards comes M-Audio’s Axiom AIR Mini 32, a more portable keyboard controller ideal for music creation on the move. It features 32 low-profile keys with velocity but no aftertouch, eight assignable trigger pads, sustain, pitch and modulation buttons, an octave shift button, and […]
M-Audio has introduced a trio of new USB pad/keyboard controllers – the Axiom AIR series. Available in 25, 49 and 61-key versions, they also feature a range of illuminated trigger pads, knobs, faders and transport/navigation buttons. The 25 and 49 key models have synth-style keys, where the 61-key model features […]
