This video, via AkaiProVideo, offers an introduction and overview of the Akai Pro SynthStation49.
Akai Pro SynthStation49 Overview
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Tag Archives: keyboard controller
MIDI Keyboard Controller Comparison – What To Look For
Leonard from Kosmic Sound takes a look at MIDI control keyboards.
While this is a promo for Kosmic Sound, it does a pretty good job of introducing some of the key differences to consider in buying a MIDI control keyboard and looks at examples from Behringer, AKAI, M-Audio, Novation and Roland.
NAMM 2012: Alesis Rolls Out Three USB MIDI Keyboard Controllers: Q61, QX61, QX25
At The NAMM Show 2012: This week, audio gear manufacturer Alesis introduced three new USB MIDI keyboard controllers, the Q61, QX61 and QX25.
The Q-series USB MIDI controllers are the relatively inexpensive tools for adding expressive MIDI control to music production or performance. Each controller features USB MIDI for connection to Mac, PC, and Apple iOS devices and to other traditional MIDI hardware modules, samplers and synthesizers.
The Q61 (pictured) is a 61-note keyboard controller that works with a wide range of music software and MIDI hardware devices. With velocity-sensitive keys, the Q61 offers a five-octave range of expression in a sleek, portable controller, built for the studio or stage. A full array of “essential” controls is onboard, including pitch and modulation wheels, octave up and down buttons, an assignable data slider, and the capaability to send program changes from the keys.
The QX25 (at right) and QX61 are 25-note and 61-note keyboard controllers, respectively. Both controllers enable musicians to punch out a drumbeat on the pads, manipulate filters via the knobs, or adjust volume and playback of sequencing software with long faders and buttons. The QX25 and QX61 bring parameter control and velocity-sensitive keyboards that move the composer?s hands away from the mouse and “into the action” of the keyboard.
The Alesis Q61, QX25 and QX61 USB MIDI keyboard controllers will be available in stores in the second quarter (late spring-summer) of 2012 with U.S. estimated “street” prices of $149.00 (Q61), $199.00 (QX61) and $99.00 (QX25).
The Akai Max 49 At The Winter NAMM Show
Here’s an overview of the Akai Max 49, via soundonsoundvideo, from the Winter NAMM Show.
The Akai Max 49 is unique in the way it combines traditional keyboard controller functions with MPC pads, control voltage support and LED faders.
See our intro post on the Akai Max 49 for details.
Akai Pro MAX49 Is The MPC LED Fader Control Keyboard You’ve Been Waiting For!
Any chances of the 2012 NAMM Show being a dud have officially been eliminated.
Akai has figured out how to get even jaded synthheads excited about MIDI control keyboards again. Check out the Akai Pro MAX49 – a control keyboard that combines MIDI, Control Voltage support, LED touch faders & MPC pads.
So, if you’ve got a modular synth, or a keyboard made in the last 50 years, or a DAW – this should work with it.
LED Faders
MAX49 is one of the most unique controllers ever engineered. Right away you’ll notice one of its more distinguishing features: four banks of eight backlit LED touch faders, allowing you to assign up to 32 control parameters. You can use MAX49′s LED touch faders just like analog faders by dragging your finger along their touch strips, or you can perform instant leaps in any MIDI value from zero to maxed out and everything in between.
MPC Pads
MAX49 is also equipped with four banks of 12 backlit MPC pads, giving you a total of 48 assignable pads, allowing you to integrate Akai Pro production capability into live performances and recording sessions alike. These backlit, velocity sensitive pads come with MPC Swing, Note Repeat, Full Level and navigation controls.
USB, MIDI & Control Voltage
MAX49 comes ready to command any controller hardware or software from any era: USB MIDI, traditional 5-pin DIN MIDI and even Control Voltage and Gate outputs are onboard, allowing you to control everything from today’s most advanced music software, to analog modular synths from as far back as the 1960s. Mackie Control and HUI protocols are also built in to give you instant compatibility with many industry standard DAWs.
Here’s the official intro video:
NAMM – Behringer’s UMX MIDI Controllers
2010 NAMM Show: Behringer introduced the 25-/49-/61-Key UMX line of USB/MIDI Controller Keyboards.
They feature a USB/Audio Interface, 100 Software Instruments, 50 VST Effects and energyXT2.5 Compact BEHRINGER Edition Software. Continue reading