Kurzweil Music Systems has announced the PC3LE6, the first of its new PC3LE line of performance control keyboards.

The LE line includes the sound set from the PC3, in addition to many of the PC3’s most popular features like Setup Mode, Song Mode and Quick Access Mode.

The LE’s streamlined user interface has been designed to allow for a quick learning curve. This new, interactive U.I. provides a constant stream of useful information to players; move a controller and the LE will display the controller’s name, value and the parameter to which it’s been assigned. (Example – Knob 5: 43 Reverb Wet/Dry)

The PC3LE line also features USB thumb-drive storage, 16 independent arpeggiators, 16 simultaneous Riffs, 8 backlit impact-sensitive drum pads and high quality 24-bit D/A converters. The 61-note PC3LE6 will be followed shortly by the release of the 76 and 88-note versions, the PC3LE7 and PC3LE8.

Kurzweil has published a page of audio demos at their site.

The Kurzweil PC3LE6 retails for about $1,300.

PC3LE6 Features:

• Keyboard:     Fatar TP-8; 61-note semi-weighted action with velocity and aftertouch sensitive keys
• Display:     240 x 64 backlit LCD w/ dedicated back panel contrast control
• Polyphony:     64 Voice Polyphony, dynamically allocated, lightning fast performance
• Multitimbral:     16 parts (one per MIDI channel)
• Architecture:     PC3 sound engine, complete with anti-aliased VA oscillators and KB3 Mode. Important synth and effects parameters can be accessed and adjusted via the PC3LE6’s front panel knobs and buttons – user settings can be captured and saved with a single button press. Supports loading PC3 programs
• Factory Presets:     PC3 sound set, including Base ROM, Orchestral, Classic Keys, String Section, General MIDI set and over 70 KB3 programs with total of over 800 programs
• Factory MIDI Setups:     256 factory programmed MIDI setups. Up to 2048 user programmable MIDI setups, each with 16 independent zones, effects, triggerable pattern-based “Riffs” and arpeggiator settings. Dozens of user-editable patterns for both pitch and velocity
• General MIDI:     Standard
• User Memory:     2048 locations for user created preset programs, songs and setups
• Sequencer:     16 tracks; 960 PPQ resolution. Song editing functions include both event and track-based tools like quantize, swing, remap, controller scaling and more. Controller chasing and quick “set song loop point” functions are also included
• Effects:     10 insert effects distributed over 10 busses, one auxiliary send; featuring over 500 of our award winning effects – reverbs, delays, chorus, flange, phaser, EQs, distortions, rotary speaker simulators, compressors, and more
• Controllers:     Pitch wheel, modulation wheel, 5 front panel knobs (15 virtual knobs with a two-tiered shift button), 7 front panel switches (momentary or toggle, software selectable), 2 switch pedal inputs, 1 continuous control pedal input and mono pressure. Controller values can be “captured” and stored as part of a program. In addition to all of these, the PCLE6 also features 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads that can be used to trigger sounds, sequences, chords and arpeggiations
• Arpeggiator:     16 full-featured independent arpeggiators with multiple latch modes, selectable play order, velocity, duration, tempo, and sync functions as well as pre-recorded beats and musical phrases
• Riffs:     16 simultaneous “Riff” generators (used for triggering MIDI sequenced phrases, beats, or complete multi-track arrangments from notes on the keyboard and/or any on-board physical controller)
• Analog Outputs:     Two 1/4″ balanced TRS analog (24-bit DACs)
• Headphones:     1 rear panel 1/4″ headphone output
• Digital Outputs:     24-bit, stereo S/PDIF at 48K (internal clock)
• MIDI:     In, Out, Thru
• USB:     Host port for connecting a USB thumb-drive and a Device port that allows the PC3LE6 to load and save data directly to and from a computer, perform OS updates and send/receive MIDI over USB
• FREE OS Updates:     Flash ROM upgradeable via USB or thumb-drive

PC3LE6 Specifications

• Height:    (5.00″) (12.70 cm)
• Depth:    (14.50″) (36.83 cm)
• Length:    (41.50″) (105.41 cm)
• Weight:    (31.00 lb.) (14.06 kg)
• Power:     Internal AC power supply
• Automatic selection 90-250V AC operation

This is a sneak preview of MacBeth Studio Systems‘ upcoming all-analog keyboard synth controller.

via macbethsynthesizers:

As you can see- this prototype is not housed yet so it moves around a bit- but none the less- it gives you some idea of what is going on!

The unit features two LFOs- inspired by the Sonic Six!

I hope that you enjoy

Ken M

shot using a Nikon D90- Tamron 80-210 of old.

This is a video demo of the C-Thru Music Axis 49 control keyboard.

Watch through for the prog-rock synth jam!

via guitarDouchebaggery:

I’m playing the AXiS for more than a month now and since there are hardly any videos of the 49 version on youtube, I thought I’ll make one.I’m not a real keyboardist though, so don’t overly criticise my solo, hahaThe thing I’m using to do the pitchbending etc. is a Korg nanoPad.You can find more infos about the AXiS 49 on http://www.c-thrumusic.com/

The Novation Nocturn is based on the control surface of Novation’s popular Nocturn. With the addition of 25 and 49 note keyboards, Nocturn’s controller layout has been adapted to a full control solution for DAW users.

The Nocturn 25 will be $249 US MAP, and the The Nocturn 49 will be $299 US MAP. Both have a projected availability of October 2009.

Details below.

About The Novation Nocturn

The Nocturn Keyboard displays control information where you really need it: on your computer monitor. The Automap software graphically displays Nocturn Keyboard’s entire control surface, enabling you to assign parameters by simply clicking on them. The controllers themselves also tell you what’s happening: LED rings around the eight encoders show their current settings, while LEDs behind the 25 buttons show if they are on or off.

Nocturn Keyboard has been designed as a musical instrument as well as a control surface. The high-quality Fatar ‘Fast Touch’ keyboard mechanism, with velocity-sensitivity and aftertouch, allows for more expressive playing styles, suiting both stage and studio performance. There are separate pitch bend and modulation wheels, as well as eight velocity sensitive drum pads for sketching drum patterns and triggering samples.

Novation’s Automap control software is now even more powerful and easy to use. It acts as a software interface for the control surface, visually showing you what software parameter is assigned to each control, exactly as it is laid out on the unit. You can also name each control, turning the GUI into a giant screen where all information is instantly displayed and updated. Automap’s ‘learn’ function enables you to map parameters in your software plug-ins, straight to dials and buttons on the controller by simply clicking on a parameter, then touching the controller. There is no longer any need to sift through long lists of MIDI CC numbers. Automap also now has integrated HUI control, allowing instant hardware mixer control for all HUI compatible DAW’s, such as Logic and Pro Tools.

This may be the coolest DIY MIDI controller yet.

Markus Berger built this life-size MIDI organ controller for Native Instruments B4 virtual instrument:

The goal of this project was to build a MIDI Organ Controller to play and control the Native Instruments B4 (II) virtual organ software. Just like the software this project attempts to replicate the ‘real thing’—the classic Hammond B3—as much as possible. All of the software’s functionality known from the original instrument can be controlled from this controller. There is no need to take a look at the computer display or to control the software with the mouse or computer keyboard at any time.

MusicScienceGuy’s Jammer is a custom-made mutant MIDI controller that he calls “the musical instrument of my dreams, and the closest approximation of the fabled Thummer that we are ever likely to see.”

He explains:

This is a full-fledged jammer, a keyboard with 2 keyboards, one for each hand. The keys are configured to play in a “folded major scale” pattern, (technically known as Wicki/Hayden) so that all important keys are right under the hand, and the octaves ascend vertically. They will be 7 octaves “high”.

Sorry, the key colouring does not yet match the pattern. Players will be able to do cool tricks like assign them to separate instruments, alter the octaves played by each hand, and other things.

In the centre is a Korg nanoPad, with the touchpad placed to allow tricks such as pitchbending to happen as one plays, using the thumbs.

To the bottom is my foot-pedal, made from a Korg nanoKey. It will have independent sustain pedals and other special keyboard controls, one set for each keyboard.

Total cost? Under a thousand dollars for a keyboard that is more expressive than any other keyboard in the world, and may rival or exceed a guitar.

The Wicki/Hayden keyboard is a hexagonal keyboard layout that offers two main advantages: fingering of chords is independent of the base pitch and you can play three notes with one finger by pressing the center of three adjacent buttons.

MusicScienceGuy’s site details the history of experimentation that went into construction of the Jammer MIDI controller.

The MI-Control is an iPhone synth control keyboard design concept, via Stoolzo.

Who’d be interested in a control keyboard for iPhone music software?

2009 Summer NAMM Show: This video provides a quick look at the new Akai LPK25 laptop performance keyboard.

The MPK88 offers a premium, fully weighted, hammer-action keyboard, plus MPC pads, Q-Link controls, and a selection of MPC technologies.

Details below.Description:

MPK88 features an 88-key keyboard and 16 genuine MPC pads. The hammer-action keyboard is fully weighted and features aftertouch for expressive melodic control. The MPC pads are pressure and velocity-sensitive to capture every nuance of your creative concepts. The pads can access four banks of sounds, so you have 64 samples at your fingertips with the touch of a button.

The MPK88 places dedicated transport controls within your reach for easy control of some of the most important tracking and editing controls. The MPK88 has modulation and pitch-bend wheels for expressive musicality, and two assignable footswitch inputs enable you to connect an expression pedal or other continuous controller and a footswitch for momentary controls like patch change or start/stop.

Q-LINK COMMAND

One of the most important input devices on an MPC is its Q-Link assignable control section. Akai Pro built a massive collection of Q-Links into the MPK series. The MPK88 gives you eight virtual knobs that are assignable to control nearly any software parameter. You can control three different parameters per knob thanks to the knobs’ three-bank selection, totaling 24 parameters of instant, hands-on control. Like the virtual knobs, eight virtual faders and eight virtual buttons also control three banks of parameters each, so you get 24 virtual faders and 24 virtual buttons. That’s 72 Q-Link controls!

EXPRESSIVE ENGINE

Two technologies pioneered in the MPC series and built into the MPK series are MPC Note Repeat and MPC Swing. These note-modifying features can be heard in many of the most popular tracks over the last two decades. MPC Note Repeat is a capability that enables the MPK (or MPC) to automatically play a rhythm pattern, such as 16th notes on a hi-hat, for accuracy and speed of entry. MPC Swing is sometimes referred to as “the heart and soul of hip hop” because it turns perfectly aligned sequences into human feeling time alignments. You can specify exactly the degree and timing of swing you want to apply for the perfect feel.

The MPK88 has Key Split, enabling you to control two different sounds from the same keyboard. On top of MPC technologies, the MPK88 has its own arpeggiator, which enables you to create quick, creative riffs in seconds. Just pick a note or chord and a rhythm pattern in the arpeggiator’s library and the MPK will play your notes in the rhythm and sequence you choose.

The MPK88 also has MPC Full Level and MPC 16-Level on its pads, as well as Tap Tempo and Time Division so you can nail the tempo, timing, and dynamics exactly as you hear them in your head.”

Musikmesse 2009: Novation has introduced the Novation Remote SL MK II control keyboard.

The Novation SL Mk II features a semi-weighted Fatar ‘fast touch’ keyboard, combined with a full DAW and plug-in control surface that visually feeds back all control information to the user.

Details below.

Description:

All knobs and faders are touch sensitive. By touching a control, all mapping information automatically appears on the giant 144 character LCD display. Back lit LED buttons and LED ringed encoders instantly show the status of controls. SL Mk II also includes full transport control, an XY “Xpression Pad”, 8 drum pads, sprung pitch/mod joystick and a unique “Speed Dial” encoder, which enables the user to grab any parameter the cursor is positioned over. In addition to 25, 49 and 61 key versions, a keyboardless “Zero” will be available with longer-throw faders and a central crossfader.

Ultra-quick mapping of all 56 knobs, faders and buttons is managed by Novation’s groundbreaking Automap 3 PRO software, which provides instant and intelligent control of all your music software. As well as extensive DAW control, parameters on VST and AU plug-ins can be assigned by simply touching the controller and clicking the parameter. Perhaps Automap 3 PRO’s biggest asset is “Keystroke Assignment”, this enables almost any QWERTY or ASCII keyboard shortcut (and combination shortcuts) to be instantly assigned to the SL Mk II controls – providing unprecedented DAW control. Automap 3.0 also introduces “Autoview”, where the ‘heads up GUI’ (showing the current status of all controls) can be programmed to automatically appear whenever a controller is touched, then disappear upon release.

The 25-key and 61-key models are shipping worldwide, April 2009. Zero SL MkII and the 49-key model will follow shortly after.

In this series of videos, Elaine Walker explores microtonal music with the C-Thru Music AXIS controller. There are 12 videos in the series embedded above.

via miselaineeous:

C-Thru Music has lent me this keyboard, called the AXIS, for a few months, and I am rearranging the keys for the Bohlen-Pierce Scale, a macrotuning based on a 3/1 frequency ratio, divided by 13 equal steps.

See http://www.ziaspace.com/elaine/BP for research on the BP Scale.

This particular AXIS toured with the Lionel Richie Band on loan, went to me, and in two weeks I will be flying to Boston to give this AXIS to the Berklee College of Music, Synthesis Department – namely to Dr. Boulanger who will use it for his classes and for the new microtonal club.

I teach Electronic Music at Scottsdale Community College. Come join the fun!

Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

NAMM 2009 **NEW* Novation Nocturn MIDI Controller w/ Traktor Scratch Pro

via agiprodj:

DJ Ty checks out the new Novation Nocturn MIDI controller at the 2009 NAMM show. This demo of the Nocturn is working with Traktor Scratch Pro

M-Audio introduced a new series of USB MIDI keyboard controllers at the 2009 NAMM Show. The Axiom Pro family builds on M-Audio’s line of USB MIDI keyboards, but is designed provide musicians with a more responsive playing experience as well as deeper tactile control to mimic the feel of playing a real piano.

Available in 25-, 49- and 61-key models, the Axiom Pro series features software integration to digital audio workstations (DAW) including Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic and Reason, using M-Audio’s HyperControl technology, which automatically maps keyboard controls to commonly accessed parameters in software instruments and DAWs. The constant two-way link with the host DAW means that the Axiom Pro series keyboards are always in sync with the software’s active parameters.

The graphic LCD constantly updates the current values, to ensure seamless editing and prevent parameter jumps—even when plug-ins are closed. Users can also easily toggle between Mixer and Instrument control modes, making the music creation process much more seamless.

Axiom Pro series keyboard controllers are also the first to combine MIDI control with ASCII keystrokes, allowing users to assign any button to send QWERTY key commands like cut/paste or undo directly to the host software. The controllers offer M-Audio’s premium TruTouch semi-weighted keyboard action for a more tactile and responsive playing experience.

They are also equipped with eight velocity-sensitive trigger pads with M-Audio’s exclusive Trigger Finger technology for triggering loops and samples.

The Axiom Pro 49 is currently shipping and carries a USMSRP of $599.95. The Axiom Pro 61 is expected to ship in the first quarter of 2009 and will carry a USMSRP of $699.95. Pricing and availability for the Axiom Pro 25 will be announced at a later date.

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.

2009 WInter NAMM Show: Roland introduced the AX-Synth – a new keytar that may make you look like a mouthbreather, but at least offers a great range of real-time controls and a built in synth engine.

The AX-Synth is self-contained, offering a built-in synth engine, and comes loaded with solo-oriented sounds from Roland’s current generation synths. 

Description:

The AX-Synth features 49 velocity-sensitive keys and includes a 128-voice polyphonic sound engine with 256 distinct tones, accessible from eight bank buttons. It can also send and receive standard MIDI messages for use with other keyboards or sound modules.

The AX-Synth includes a dedicated V-LINK button to control visual elements, and a PC software editor for designing unique sounds and effects. (No Mac version has been announced.)

The Roland AX-Synth offers a variety of real-time controls, including Ribbon, Modulation Bar, D BEAM, and Assignable Knob controllers. The AX-Synth is battery-powered and wireless, letting you move freely around the stage.

“We have been looking forward to bringing back the AX-Series in style, and the AX-Synth is it,” says Sean Montgomery Senior Product Manager. “Not only will the keyboardist be able to get out from behind their rack onstage, they will also have the finest Roland sounds at their fingertips with the onboard sound engine.”

The AX-Synth will be available in the first half of 2009. Pricing is TBA.

Sonicstate.com takes a look at the nanoKey mini USB keyboard from Korg. 

I wasn’t interested in the nanoKey at all, but after seeing this demo, I could see how this could be great for working while travelling.

This video demos the Akai MPK49 MIDI Controller. 

The Akai MPK49 features:

• 49-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and full-sized keys
• 8 full-sized, 360 degree rotation pots, each with 3 banks for 24 pots total
• 12 genuine MPC pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity
• 8 full-sized sliders with 3 controller banks for each for 24 sliders total
• MPC note repeat and all-new arpeggiator
• 8 assignable backlit switches with 3 controller banks each for 24 switches total
• MMC/MIDI Start Stop transport buttons
• Large, easy-to-read custom LCD display

Resources:

• Akai MPK49 official info
• Akai MPK49 review at Keyboard
• Akai MPK49 review at SOS

Here are a set of video demos of the H-Pi Tonal Plexus microtonal keyboard.

The Tonal Plexus provides 211 keys per octave, allowing the finest discrete control of tuning expression ever available on a MIDI 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.

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