Music Computing Intros ControlBLADE & DawBLADE OS X Music Workstations

Music Computing has announced a new line of Mac OS X compatible keyboard and music production stations, the ControlBLADE keyboard workstations and DawBlade music production workstations.

ControlBLADE keyboards are all-in-one music production stations complete with piano keys, drum trigger pads, knobs, sliders, thousands of sound presets and software for live and studio use.

The new models of ControlBLADEs are powered by Mac Mini computers utilizing IntelCore i-series processors. Options include i5 and i7 dual and quad core versions.

ControlBLADE is available in a 25-Key and 61-Key models. About the same size as a typical keyboard controller and weighing 22-lbs (61-key) / 13-lbs (25-key).

Built into each ControlBLADE are a vast number of controls including: 8 velocity sensitive trigger pads, 2X Assignable Pedal Interfaces, 8X Assignable Faders (61-key only), Pitch Bend Wheel and Modulation wheel, 6 Buttons for MTC, Master Volume Fader (61-key only), 8 double Function button with shift, providing 15 functions like (PROGRAM,CHANNEL,CURVE,OCTAVE,TRANSPOSE,BANK M, BANK L, DUAL, SPLIT, MUTE, AFTER TOUCH, CONTROL ASSIGN and etc), 10X numeric pad with +/- buttons, Built-in Memory, which can store/load 6 groups of user’s parameters, MIDI/OUT, and MIDI/IN. ControlBLADEs all come with built-in Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth and even Thunderbolt.

The standard configuration for ControlBLADEs include a 24bit-48 kHz audio I/O with two (2) combo XLR & ¼” mic/instrument 48V phantom power inputs, two (2) balanced outputs and a stereo headphone jack. The optional upgrade gives you a 24bit-96 kHz audio I/O with two (2) combo XLR & ¼” mic/instrument 48V phantom power inputs, six (6) ¼” balanced inputs (line-level), two balanced outputs and a stereo headphone jack.

“We are always striving to provide more advanced and user-friendly products to our customers,” said Victor Wong, CEO, Music Computing. “our new line of Mac OS X compatible keyboard and music production stations clearly demonstrates our dedication and inventiveness to that goal.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_E36FjYwkA

The company also introduced its DawBLADE Mac OS X compatible music production station.

Powered by the same Mac Mini computer as the ControlBLADE, but more compact in size at 18″ x 10″ x 3″ and 11-lbs, the DawBLADE is designed for ‘anyone needing a powerful Mac-based computer with an integrated controller’.

Built into each DawBLADE are controls with feedback and GeoMIDI MIDI mapping software. The controls present the user with four (4) banks of eight (8) plus one (1) master channel strips each with three (3) mappable encoders with LED indicator light rings, one (1) knobs for panning, solo and mute buttons and a high-quality fader. An 8X8 grid of lighted pads (64 total) is also provided that can be used as drum pads or as a trigger for sequences, etc. Controls for note-repeat enabled software and transport buttons are included as well as real-time feedback between the controllers and software.

Available connection ports include USB, Firewire 800, Thunderbolt, HDMI and Bluetooth, allowing the user to integrate any number of audio interfaces, video displays (including iPads) and third-party peripherals.

Support for all Mac OS X compatible products are provided from Music Computing including unlimited remote sessions for the first 30 days where the company can connect to the production stations via the Internet to help setup and train the user as well as lifetime email and trouble ticket support. In addition, the computer core also qualifies for direct Apple support and the user can even purchase Apple Care extended warranty if they so choose.

All products are currently shipping and prices start at $2,199 for the ControlBLADE (Mac OS X version) and $2,499 for the DawBLADE.

See the Music Computing site for details.

16 thoughts on “Music Computing Intros ControlBLADE & DawBLADE OS X Music Workstations

  1. they are really trying to sell me a bunch of aluminum boxes with third party hardware shoved inside it?

    like openlabs but slightly more crap looking. i get it.

    1. Since Victor started Open Labs, I’m not surprised.

      I think the main point of this type of rig is that it just works.

      now that it is running Mac OS X, there should be less issues. Yes it is costly… But so is:

      Mac mini – 800
      10 inch touchscreen – 200
      Midi controller – 200
      Interface – 199
      DVD drive – 50
      Custom enclosure – 200
      Apple magic trackpad – 70

      Wait…

      I think the problem is that Open Labs is trying to do something that would work much better with a larger company… Victor’s price is fair, considering the cost of him doing everything with very few (relatively) sales. This is a niche/boutique item, and it is worth it to someone used to hardware that just wants it all in one box.

      But you are on to something: This type of product would work much better with a company like Yamaha or Roland… They have the buying power to sell it much cheaper, and with better integration with Cubans/sonar…

      1. like you said, Roland or any of them other big boys could make this work. Korg did make that monster of a pc/keyboard UNIX thing a few years back. what the hell was it called?

        as for now, i like the mess all my shit makes. it feels, like earned all the noises i am making. it feels right. all those loose cables, boxes on boxes. all working despite my best efforts.

        this is for people who fold their underwear.

  2. Why would you not just buy a mac mini (or whatever computer you want) and any of the umpteen keyboard controllers available. This seems like a really weird and limited product.

    1. Why the hate for integrated solutions? I’d guess that there are lot of musicians that would appreciate an all-in-one solution that just works.

      I’d like to see more competition in this area. it seems like it’s Open Labs and Music Computing, both of which Wong started.

      The question I have is what do you do when you want to upgrade your Mac in a few years? It looks like this is so tightly integrated that a new Mini couldn’t just plug in there.

  3. The all in one solution that you can take with you is the market.

    Whether you are traveling to the studio with all your hot beats on it.
    Or making the rounds to the next city for your next gig.
    To making beats on the tour bus.
    With some ability to use for live performances.

    It seems to fill a hole.

    Economy, price and market place is challenging everyone at the moment.

  4. Why all the hate? You don’t buy a keyboard for it to look pretty. Come on, this utterly trashes everything korg, yamaha, or roland has in terms of power, AND it’s cheaper than all of them at starting price(+ it’s upgradable), Consider me sold.

  5. I commend Mr. Wong for this unusual and possibly insane endeavor. I hope he sells enough of them to make the next product, whatever it may be!!

    I think we’re in a really interesting era where madmen with a vision can create their own synths and create a semi-viable business. Well, at least the first part of that statement.

    Wait a minute – did he say POLY AFTERTOUCH? If so, I’m buying it immediately.

  6. Contol blade is the future mr wong is a leader not a follower dslink i cant wait to get mine veery very soon an who ever else that is serious about creating flawless tracks should as well Dslink SpR is comming up & Out whatch out listen thanks mr wong

  7. We have been faithfully following Victor’s creations for many years, and we are so thankful that we have. Victor thinks outside the box, uses the most contemporary technology available to bring out the best in the performance. Our ControBlade is awesome. We perform a variety of musical genres in venues ranging from intimate to street festival. The ControBlade handles each and every venue perfectly. It has never let us down, never failed. We use multiple touch screen monitors and the video out capabilities to crate a show for the ears and the eyes, mixing the music as we play. It is light, portable, easy to use and upgrade.
    Let’s talk about customer service…try calling any of the “Big Boys” for assistance, then call Music Computing. You will talk to some one who knows how to use this equipment, answers your questions with care and patience.

    To those who would speak negatively, we ask you to do your research…check it out for yourself…we are sure you will find the experience amazing…just like the ControlBlade.

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