CME

CME has introduced the WIDI-XU, a wireless MIDI interface housed in a Flash drive profile.

The WIDI-XU is the smallest member of the WIDI family, needing no MIDI IN/OUT port, just an USB plug. Plug it into your computer, to enable wireless Duplex MIDI data transfer with other CME WIDI products.

The WIDI-XU provides one-to-multi communication; one WIDI-XU can connect to many wireless MIDI devices, up to 64 MIDI channels. The WIDI-XU also has the same capability as other larger WIDI products, for example: 80m maximum wireless range, powerful error correction with automatic notes-off and on-line detection etc. Read more…

At the 2009 NAMM Show, CME and WaveIdea announced NeoSynth24, a new audio/MIDI expander available as an expansion board for CME keyboards (UF and VX series).

NeoSynth24 features onboard DSP for up to 124 voices of polyphony, a built-in effects engine, two sets of analog outputs as well as headphones and S/PDIF output. The unit can also expand the VX and UF MDID and audio interface capability via onboard connections.

NeoSynth24 features a built-in sound bank (64 MBytes/256 Mbits) that can be updated and expanded. Various sound banks are available, including a General MIDI standard instruments set, Grand Piano style, Hip Hop style, Techno/House style, R&B style and more.

These sound banks are purchased on SD cards that are used to upgrade the on board instruments via an onboard SD slot. All available sound banks are high quality sampled instruments, from 16 to 24 bits resolution and up to 96 kHz sampling frequency.

At the 2009 NAMM Show, CME launched a special edition of their 49 note M-Key and U-Key controller keyboards in a vibrant pink finish.

It looks like CME is joining other companies trying to reproduce the hit Daisy Rock has had with its line of girly guitars.

CME’s M-Key, which is already available in hushed grey, has an ultra-slim, full action semi-weighted keyboard with velocity sensitive keys, a programmable joystick, and various other controls. It includes connections for USB, MIDI, and two pedals which are compatible with switch and expression control. M-Key is class compliant for both Windows and Mac (Vista/XP and OS X).

The CME U-Key Mobiletone keyboard, which is also available in White and Blue, has full-action semi-weighted keys, a built-in 64-polyphony high-quality sound module and an internal speaker driven by a digital amplifier. The U-Key comes with more than 20 user-defined controllers, including a joystick, trigger pads, an encoder for data entry, and pedals. All controllers are fully-programmable and each function can be easily set up and saved for later loading by pressing certain keys. USB powered and compatible with both Windows XP/Vista and Mac OSX, the U-Key is a great solution for composing on laptops.

Pricing:

• The Pink M-Key is now available for $99.00 US MSRP
• The Pink U-Key is now available for $209.00 US MSRP

2009 NAMM Show update: CME released firmware version 2.0 for their VX and UF line of MIDI controllers.

Version 2.0 firmware adds a Pro Tools mode to the U-CTRL function, improved MIDI routing and optimized keyboard sensitivity.

Users can download V2.0 firmware from CME website free of charge. Read more…

CME is launching a special edition vibrant pink version of their 49 note U-Key controller keyboard.

According to CME “Whether she is a professional keyboard player or a music fan, the Pink U-key fits all her needs and the distinguished the color will make her be noticed.”

That’s pretty cringe-worthy copy for this day and age, but the hot pink keyboard controller actually looks pretty cool. Read more…