In this article we take a look at M-Audio’s popular Ableton Live capable Oxygen controller keyboards, currently available in seven models, three regular and four “pro” versions. Overview All feature high quality keyboards and a range of control pads, knobs, buttons and sliders, in varying numbers. Only the Pro Mini […]
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Introduction Your DAW is at the centre of your music-making lifestyle, but you don’t want to be tied to simply operating it using a mouse, trackpad or computer keyboard. Of course it’s doable, but it’s not always fully intuitive or as immediate as you’d like. You may be a proficient […]
Introduction to Launchkey Novation makes some lovely controllers, and in particular those with deep integration with Ableton Live. As well as the Launchpad line of matrix controllers come the Launchkey family for those who need the ability to play notes on a traditional synth-style or semi-weighted keyboard as well as […]
With the recent news that Novation has expanded its FL Studio-based FLkey controller keyboards to include 49 and 61 key models, we now take a look at the four-strong devices and compare their features. Each of the controller keyboards has been designed with Image Line Software, the makers of FL […]
Introduction Ableton has unveiled two versions of its latest Push instrument, with one of the third-generation devices being a truly standalone instrument which can be used to record and perform with Live 11 instruments and effects. The other needs connecting to a Live-enabled computer at all times to function. Both […]
Arturia has announced the latest incarnation of its universal MIDI controller, the KeyLab Essential mk3, available in both 49 and 61 key versions. Designed to offer the main controls a musician primarily operating a DAW would need, it’s a decent piece of kit at a reasonable price. You can read […]
ERAE Touch has shown off its newest, fully MIDI 2.0 compatible, highly configurable controller surface. It combines a powerful LED panel, silicone touch surface, polyphonic control, highly customisable drag-and-drop elements, 1000 high quality force sensitive resistors for intricate, subtle, nuanced control, a blazing 1ms response time thanks to five onboard […]
Expressive E used NAMM to show off its incredible Osmose “standalone expressive synthesiser”, which boasts a whole range of controls built right into the keys and keyed itself, for the shaping and manipulation of sounds. Most keyboards don’t offer a lot of expressive possibilities by themselves, even if fitted with […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Korg has announced the availability of its new taktile USB controller keyboard. Based on the same design as the new TRITON taktile, but without the TRITON sounds, this is an ideal keyboard for those who want a versatile controller without need of the sounds. Available in two keyboard sizes (two […]
Korg has announced its new TRITON taktile USB controller keyboard synthesizer, available in two sizes, which offers an attractive and versatile controller instrument with over 500 sounds from the Korg TRITON. The two and four octave models are stylishly designed with touch sensitive semi-weighted keys, a range of DAW presets, […]
Hailing it as the first motion-tracking controller for iOS (iPad/iPhone), IK Multimedia has introduced its iRing gizmo. Although not aimed specifically at musicians, it could certainly be used with music apps. iRing is a wearable ring with markers imprinted upon it. One side contains three dots in a line, while […]
It may be far from the conventional sort of rhythm MIDI controller one thinks of – an electronic drum kit, perhaps, or the drum pads on a controller keyboard – but in fact it’s possibly one of the most natural ways of capturing human rhythm. Consider the idle (or even […]
Introduction The Apple iPad is quickly becoming a go-to portable music device for many musicians, whether they’re composing, sequencing, performing, DJing, notating, or crafting sounds. Thanks to the iOS 4.2 upgrade, MIDI is now very much a feature of all iOS devices. There’s now a huge range of apps available, […]
QuNexus is an ultra-controllable portable keyboard designed for both live performance and studio work. Conceived and designed by Keith McMillen, who already has a vast array of innovative hardware credits, it was funded through Kickstarter and is now available to buy. The 25-key (2 octave) controller keyboard features pressure-sensitive silicone […]
Alongside its new range of Celviano digital pianos, Casio has introduced the Privia Pro PX-5S professional stage piano. The Privia Pro is a new category of Casio digital piano, targeted at professional stage pianists. Not only is it a digital piano but it can also serve as an advanced MIDI […]
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 […]
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 […]
