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.

Features:

• USB class compliant for Win XP and Mac OS X, supporting hot plug. No driver needed.
• The working band is 2.4GHz ISM.
• USB RF transmission mode.
• Duplex wireless MIDI data transfer.
• Manual switching for one-to-multi communication (auto finding and selecting).
• Low power consumption, high speed, powerful error correction with automatic notes-off and on-line detection.
• Maximum wireless transfer distance is 262 feet without obstacle. (Your mileage may vary)
• 64 radio channels for MIDI data transfer, with manual or automatic radio channel setting mode.
• When connected to computer via USB, this product will be automatically recognized as the USB Audio Device, fully support MIDI data stream, compatible with Cakewalk, Sonar, Cubase etc.
• Automatic searching, manual or automatic channel setting and other system function can be controlled by the special MIDI SysEx command from USB.
• Powered and upgrade program via USB.
• Indicator for signal and power.

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.

CME’s VX and UF series keyboard controllers have gained popularity among live and studio musicians on the strength of rock- solid design and innovative features. A solid, all-aluminum chassis make these units extremely durable and sizes from 49 velocity- sensitive semi-weighted keys to 88 professional graded hammer action weighted keys make them ideal for studio, stage, or mobile use.

The VX series keyboard controllers are designed to work with DAWs as a control surface and audio interface, as well function as a fully blown synthesizer via expansion cards. Numerous controls such as motorized faders, knobs, trigger pads, as well as control templates for popular recording software allow users to control their studio from one central unit. Version 2.0 firmware adds a host of new functionality such as more preset parameters, refined MIDI routing, improved velocity layers, loop play in automation mode, and much more.

The CME New UF Series features a redesigned front panel providing more convenient control with many new shortcut functions and the addition of CME’s U-CTRL functions. New MIDI features include a built-in USB plug-and-play interface and a built-in full duplex wireless MIDI interface with error detection and 262-foot range.

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.

The CME U-Key Mobiletone keyboard, which is already available in White and Blue, has ultra-slim, full-action semi-weighted keys with a built-in, 64-polyphony high-quality sound module, and an internal high-fidelity speaker driven by a digital amplifier.

The CME 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. USB powered and compatible with both Windows XP/Vista and Mac OSX, it’s a great solution for composing on laptops.

The Pink U-key is now available at the prices: $209.00 US MSRP

Here’s what’s new:

The major changes resulting from the version 2.0 firmware upgrade are:

General:

• F1-F8 knobs can be used to store 8 different preset parameters. This makes live shows easier and slicker.
• User can rename the F1F8 functions, making it easier to recall them.
• Adds User Bank automatic memory function.
• Adjusts the MIDI Route, making it easier to control external devices.
• Octave and transpose buttons can be used for automatic confirmation mode.
• Holding down the Dec/Inc button will continue the data change.
• Adds turn off function for program change (MSB/LSB/Program Change).
• Adds manually save User bank function (Shift?Enter).
• Adds manually switch User bank function (Shift?Page).
• 16 control knob lights can be selected individually.

Assign:

• Removes Keyboard Channel Select when assigning channels.
• Removes Z1-Z4 Select when assigning ports.
• Removes assignability of F1-F8 buttons.
• Puts all Detail Assign functions into Assign Mode.
• Removes assignability of Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels.
• Adds mode selection for Drum Pads.

Zone:

• Adds program change information for Zone mode.
• Improves the velocity layer parameter.
• Automation
• Removes the original note and time display.
• Adds loop play mode.
• Adds auto-stop function.
• Adds fades to Select Recording Channels function.

StyleSEQ:

• Adds Auto or Manual modes for motorized faders.
• Optimises the demo songs information.
• Optimises the demo songs MIDI route.

Performance:

• Fixes the incorrect pitch and order in Scale and Temperament list.

Utility:

• Optimises the keyboard’s velocity curves.
• Fixes some parameter errors which cannot be memorised automatically.

U-CTRL:

• Improves U-CTRL function.
• Fixes known bugs and glitches.

The major changes of the U-Key v1.10 firmware compared with the produced units are:

• New velocity curves for drum pads.
• Fixes known bugs and glitches.
• Improved system stability.

Updates are free via the CME site.

WaveIdea has introduced NeoSynth24, an synth-on-a-card expansion board for CME keyboards (UF and VX series).

NeoSynth24 features a built in sound bank (64 MBytes/256 Mbits) that can be updated at your convenience. Various sound banks are available (General MIDI standard instruments set, Grand Piano style, Hip Hop style, Techno/House style, R&B style, etc). Multiple sound banks are available on SD Cards that can be ordered separately. These SD Cards are then used to upgrade the on board instruments, once upgraded the SD Card can be removed from its slot.

Features:

• All available sound banks are high quality sampled instruments, from 16 to 24 bits resolution, up to 96 kHz sampling frequency.
• NeoSynth24 on board powerful DSP allows up to 124 voices of polyphony
• MIDI /USB expander
• Up to 124 voices of polyphony
• Built-in FX engines
• Up to 64 MB sound bank
• Updatable sound banks from SD Card
• Various music styles available
• USB MIDI class compliant (no driver)
• 24 bits / 48 kHz audio paths
• Main stereo audio output (24bits D/A)
• Auxiliary stereo audio output (24bits D/A)
• Headphones output
• Analog stereo audio input (24bits A/D)
• S/PDIF stereo audio input/output
• Available for both UF & VX keyboards
• Large MIDI implementation

Pricing is TBA. More information is available at the WaveIdea site.

NAMM Show Update: CME introduced the ASX, a DSP board which goes into the expansion slot of UF and VX series keyboards and provides a flexible synthesis engine, turning the CME MIDI controller keyboard into a stand-alone synthesizer.

Yep – it’s a $369 synth on a card.

The ASX offers sufficient DSP power to run dedicated synth modelling plug-ins. Four plug-ins are included with the ASX, which can be dynamically loaded one at a time:

• Minimax – a polyphonic replica of the Minimoog
• LightWave – a wavetable based virtual analog synth
• B4000 organ – a model of the Hammond tonewheel organ, and
• Vocodizer – a vocoder controlled via a dedicated microphone input.

Next to the microphone input, the ASX provides stereo line out, stereo headphone out and a USB port to connect to the ASX Editor Software. The Editor provides graphic interfaces to each plug-in and allows access to all settings of the plug- in.

Sounds can be managed, exchanged via an online server and uploaded to the ASX

NAMM Update: CME has announced that it’s now shipping its new line of master keyboards. The UF 50/60/70/80 range from 49 to 88 keys with semi-weighted and hammer action weighted keys and feature a wireless MIDI system and optional multifunctional expansion board.
Based on a quick view, the new line looks to be built like a tank and have a good selection of controllers.

Features:

• The world’s first master keyboard with duplex wireless MIDI system
• The world’s first master keyboard with multifunctional expansion board
• Professional after-touch and breath control interface design
• Classic metallic panel

Specifications:

• 49-, 61-, or 76-key semi-weighted action keyboard with aftertouch (UF50 / 60 / 70)
• 88-key hammer-action weighted keyboard with aftertouch (UF80)
• Built-in duplex wireless MIDI interface
• Over 20 user template, non-volatile memories
• Pitch bend and modulation wheels
• 8 assignable control knobs, preset functions including Cutoff / Resonance / Attack / Release / PAN / Reverb / Chorus / Variation
• 9 assignable control faders, preset functions including volume for 1-16 channels and master volume, and drawbar for organ sounds.
• LED data display, control button including program, transpose, octave, channel, keyboard split.
• 6 assignable shortcut knobs
• 6 sequencer remote buttons, including REC, PLAY, STOP, FAST REWIND, REWIND AND RETURN TO START, etc.
• Panel page and layer button, data adjustment knobs.
• 1 MIDI-out port
• Adapter port_9V_1500mA_, power switch
• Breath controller port
• Sustain pedal and volume pedal jacks
• USB MIDI port, Class-compliant for Win Vista/XP and Mac OS X, Power can be supplied via USB
• Support and tested with most professional audio/MIDI sequencers
• U-CTRL mode
• Optional multifunction expansion board

WIDI-XU — Wireless MIDI Interface

• 2.4GHz ISM working band
• Duplex wireless MIDI data transmit (MIDI In/Out in same time)
• Maximum 80m(262 feet) wireless transmission distance without obstacle
• High speed (less than 3ms latency), powerful error correction with automatic notes-off and on-line detection, Low power consumption,
• USB <–> RF transmission mode
• Up to 64 radio channels for MIDI data transfer, with manual or automatic radio channel setting mode
• Manual switching for one-to-multi communication (auto finding and selecting)
• Automatic searching, manual or automatic channel setting and other system function can be controlled by the special MIDI SysEx command from USB
• USB class compliant for Win XP/Vista and Mac OS X, supporting hot plug. No driver needed
• Powered and upgrade program via USB

Pricing and Availability:

• UF 50 (49 key) – $389.00 US MSRP
• UF 60 (61 key) – $439.00 US MSRP
• UF 70 (76 key) – $549.00 US MSRP
• UF 80 (88 key) – $749.00 US MSRP

We don’t usually get excited about cables, but CME (Central Music Company) has introduced a new line of cables which seems to take be taking the idea of USB audio interfaces to a pro level.

The U2 USB Cable Interface Series is a series of USB cables with built-in computer interfaces for easy plug and play connection of line and mic level audio sources and MIDI keyboards and controllers. The U2GKB is designed for line level sources such as guitar, bass, and keyboards, the U2MIC is designed for microphone input and features +48v phantom power via USB, and the U2MIDI is designed to carry 16 channels of MIDI to and from a computer.

The U2 Series will be available in the Spring of 2007 starting at $34.95 (U2MIDI).

Details below:

With a self-contained preamp and real-time monitoring, the U2GKB is designed for easy connection of a guitar, bass or keyboard to a computer for recording. It features a built-in audio interface with high quality A/D and D/A converters and is USB 2.0 compliant for fast transmission and low latency recording. A mini stereo output jack is also included for direct monitoring at zero latency. The U2GKB features a 1/4″ input and a USB output as well as one switch and four control buttons. The switch allows you to turn the pre-amp on or off, two of the buttons control the volume, and two control input and output muting.

The U2MIC is the world’s first +48v phantom powered USB cable audio interface. Like the U2GKB, it features a high quality self-contained preamp, real-time monitoring output, a pre-amp switch and four control buttons, but uses an XLR input, a USB output, and includes phantom power for condenser microphones. The U2MIC is a great choice for plug and play vocal and instrument recording.

The U2MIDI turns the traditional USB MIDI interface from box into a cable. This MIDI-to-USB cable provides 1 MIDI-IN, 1 MIDI-OUT, and plug-and-play compatibility with all Macintosh and Windows software, enabling you to directly connect any MIDI device to a computer. The U2MIDI uses a special technology and USB 2.0 to provide faster response than a typical MIDI interface. Multiple units can be used within a set-up to clean up cable runs on stage and in the studio.

All U2 series cables are USB powered and are great solutions for mobile recording, live performance, or studio use.

The Bitstream 3X is designed for controlling Virtual Instrument, DAWs, and even other MIDI hardware. This compact desktop unit is the only 3 axis (X,Y and Z) controller on the market and includes 35 knobs, 8 sliders, 16 buttons, a joystick, a cross-fader and an infrared controller. The joystick controls the X and Y axis while the infrared beam controls the Z axis.

The Bitstream 3x is fully programmable and includes more than 13,000 presets for popular samplers, synthesizers, and software including Propellerheads Reason and Rebirth, Steinberg Cubase, Ableton Live, Native Instruments Reaktor, Traktor, Kontakt, and Absynth, Fruity Loops and more. An 8 track motion sampler, transport functions, and a large LCD display round out this versatile unit.

More information is available at the CME site.

The Bitstream 3X is designed for controlling Virtual Instrument, DAWs, and other MIDI hardware. This compact desktop unit is the only 3 axis (X,Y and Z) controller on the market and includes 5 knobs, 8 sliders, 16 buttons, a joystick, a cross-fader and an infrared controller. The joystick controls the X and Y axis while the infrared beam controls the Z axis. The Bitstream 3x is fully programmable and includes more than 13,000 presets for popular samplers, synthesizers, and software including Propellerheads Reason and Rebirth, Steinberg Cubase, Ableton Live, Native Instruments Reaktor, Traktor, Kontakt, and Absynth, Fruity Loops and more. An 8 track motion sampler, transport functions, and a large LCD display round out this versatile unit.

The GPP-3 Programmable Grand-Piano Style MIDI Pedal includes three polished metal pedals housed in an elegant wooden casing for complete stability on the floor and reliability on the road. Designed to be used with any synthesizer, digital piano, or any MIDI control applications, all of the GPP-3’s polar-switchable pedals are programmable to any MIDI CC# and one is a continuous controller. It’s built in CPU stores user settings and send control data through USB, MIDI or ¼ inch control jacks with voltage trim capability.

The Bitstream 3X will be available in April, 2006 for $399.99 MSRP.

The GPP-3 will be available in March, 2006 for $109.99 MSRP.

More information is available at the CME Pro site.

With the UF400e, CME UF series become the world’s first mLAN compatible MIDI/USB keyboard controllers. Through a single FireWire interface, these keyboard controllers can be connected with Yamaha digital mixers, synthesizers, audio work stations and all mLAN compatible devices by other manufacturers, and the MIDI and audio signal flow between these devices may be routed freely without reconfiguring cable connections. With mLAN-enabled UF400e, a UF series keyboard controller can bear the responsibility of being the master keyboard of a recording studio.

Specifications:

• 2 High quality 24bit/192kHz line input
• 2 High quality 24bit/192kHz line output
• 1 Mic in with professional preamp
• 1 guitar Hi-z input
• 1 IEEE1394 FireWire interface
• 1 S/PDIF digital I/O
• 2 high quality headphone output
• 1 MIDI OUT port
• 1 MIDI IN port
• 1 MIDI THRU port
• 1 headphone volume control

*Specification are subject to change without notice

UF400e expansion board will be available June 15th at a price of $249.00.

NAMM 2005

The keyboards include a USB port and one MIDI OUT, but with the optional FireWire card, you of course get a FireWire port, but you also get balanced analog I/O, digital I/O, MIDI IN/OUT/THRU, dual headphone outputs, and a microphone input. The Firewire expansion board also turns the keyboard into an audio interface. The keyboards all provide semi-weighted action, except for the UF8 which uses fully weighted keys.

The UF keyboard provides 8 knobs, 9 sliders, pitch-bend and modulation wheels for real-time control. There are also control buttons such as REC, PLAY, and REW, to remotely control the sequencer software.

Other standard features for the UF series include after-touch and a breath control interface.

SSP (Suggested Street Price):

• UF5: US$199.00
• UF6: US$299.00
• UF7: US$399.00
• UF8: US$499.00

UF Specifications

• 49/61/76 keys semi-weighted action keyboard with after-touch (UF5/6/7)
• 88 keys hammer action weighted keyboard with after-touch (UF8)
• Pitch bend and modulation wheels
• 8 assignable control knobs, preset functions including Cutoff/Resonance/Attack/Release/PAN/Reverb/Chorus/Tempo
• 9 assignable control faders, preset functions including volume for 1-16 channels and master volume, and drawbar for organ sounds.
• LED data display, control button including program, transpose, octave, channel, keyboard split and 6 sequencer remote buttons, including REC, PLAY, STOP, FAST FORWARD, REWIND AND RETURN TO START, etc.
• Breath control jack, 1 MIDI out port, Sustain pedal and volume pedal jack
• USB MIDI port, Power can be supplied via USB
• Win2000/XP and Mac OS X compatible
• Supports optional FireWire expansion board

FireWire Audio Expansion Board Specifications

• 2 24bit/192kHz balanced line inputs
• 2 24bit/192kHz balanced line outputs
• 1 Mic in with professional preamp
• 1 IEEE1394 FireWire interface
• 1 S/PDIF digital I/O
• 2 headphone output
• 1 MIDI IN, OUT, THRU port
• 1 headphone volume control

For more information, visit the CME site.