Music Computing has announced the Gen 4 versions of the StudioBLADE and ControlBLADE line of all-in-one music keyboard production stations.
StudioBLADEs and ControlBLADEs are all-in-on-workstations, designed to let you compose; record, mix, and master songs.
Here’s what’s new:
- New for the StudioBLADE 4 are the addition of GPU processors, 2GB video capabilities and HyperDrive systems, a fusion of SSD and 7200 rpm hard drives that offer four times (4X) higher performance. The StudioBlade 4 can utilize up to dual Xeon 6-core processors for a total of 12-cores and 192GB of RAM.
- New for the ControlBLADE 4 are the addition of GPU processors, 1GB video capabilities, HyperDrives, higher RAM capacity and four (4) open PCIe low-profile slots. The ControlBLADE 4 can utilize the latest 4th generation i5 and i7 processors and 32GB of RAM.
- New SSD options are now available for all models, further increasing the performance of the systems.
StudioBLADE 4 is priced from $4,499 with the ControlBLADE 4 priced from $2,499. see the Music Computing site for more info.
And the question is….. Why ?
I mean… why this… we all have computers …. why stay with this fixed setup ?
Let’s see what others think…
It is the right question. I expect if someone with deep pockets was just getting into music; they might want integrated, ultra-compatible solution where they could load the thing up and have it only do music. It takes some complication out of moving it, and keeps it somewhat apart from the OS & software upgrade grind (or does it?)
But I could see that it could be viewed a “safe” choice in that the system is optimized– helping to avoid certain config mistakes.
Well, if you want a computer chassis in the shape of a playable keyboard, this is for you.
I suspect most people will prefer a laptop + controler keyboard solution or even a real synth! For live work and will have their mac or pc of choice in the studio.
Either way , this is an expensive, ugly piece of plastic with bad ergonomics on my opinion!
Actually it’s made out of aluminum, not plastic.
And keep in mind Korg still sells plenty of “workstations”…
same bad idea as open lab neko64 …. remember this … presonus interface , fatar kb control , berhinger bc2000 control surface and a cheap laptop pc in a plastic chassis sold so expensively as a Macbeth .. didnt get why certain people persist in wrong way ..
that price,:) hahahahaha
All I’m thinking is what a stupid place to put those I/O sockets, right above the keyboard. Like anyone want cables trailing over their hands while they’re playing. Der!
Front I/O sockets are for headphones and direct input, just like front of most audio I/O; normal connections on back with the 6 in/out … duh.
The two on the front are for the mic/instrument preamps – so they will be used far more than the ones on the back…duh.
The whole keyboard/workstation/rompler market is really depressing today.
And when I read this news, I think it’s not only depressing, it’s also ugly, expensive and not even well designed with tons of flaws from a pure technological and practical point of view (and I’m not even talking about from a creativity/musicality point of view). It’s just a proof for a lack of inspiration and an overall very bad taste.
I’m just surprised those guys are even still in business!
I have a Dell Multi Touch screen with A fork to tilt any way I like to. I have a midi keyboard with weighted keys. I have spent close to one fifth of the price of this thing.
Just imagine what that thing will be worth in 5 years!
I’ve got some change around here somewhere…
I’ve actually used one before, and the workflow is great on these. It keeps my friend’s studio tidy. He uses his connected to a Muse Research receptor as a giant workstation, and tracks everything into an old g5 tower. I agree with everyone that that orice is way too high, but I’m not giving up on this type of format completely. I think it has potential.
I agree that it has potential. I think that it actually needs to be more integrated (not all separate parts attached together), and they need to get feedback from musicians for design and layout. Also, the controller should work independent of the computer, and the computer should have a standard ATX or microATX form factor. That way the controller part can last forever. In 5-10 years you just swap out the motherboard with something new and install the latest version of your favorite DAW.
Just buy a really ergonomic multi touch screen. With OSC and even natively in DAW’s like FL the MT support is growing. Drivers are supported, no skins, no hassle.
Invest in a desk design and in keys. And you still have money to spare.
Ha..that is one terrible and clunky design! When I first saw it I thought it was a joke..oops
Nice concept just really badly executed. At least the Neko was a bit more slender..
It’s actually quite nice in person, and for those who like having a playable keyboard, with the PC fully built-in with enough power to run Pro Tools or a massive Logic + orchestra + synths + FX setup, AND with a 22-inch touch screen with quite nice “articulated” mount, it’s pretty cool for those who like to play virtual synths and tweak the on-screen controls …. massive horsepower, touch screen built-in audio -or- hook up your favorite USB3 audio I/O — much simpler to gig that a notebook + keyboard + audio I/O + wires wires wires. There’s a market for it, and people are buying it.
What’s most exciting to me at messe, however is the “MFB Dominion” … wow!
“If you are a professional music producer, you’ve got every 12 year old kid coming at you armed with a cheap laptop trying to take you down. Your skills and experiences can only defend against that for so long. Super-instruments like the StudioBLADE will give you that extra edge when it really matters.” <— WTF? There is so much wrong with this company.
That shit is cringe-worthy. And it’s all over their website …”Because the music industry aint a game anymore.” Here’s a good one from the description for the StudioBlade …”Cobbled together personal computer systems with random controllers and audio interfaces are rarely elegant or provide the stability required by today’s professional musicians.” Uhhh, you mean like slapping an MPD26 and a touch-screen onto a keyboard controller? LOL! Fucking terrible through and through.
Very Ugly and WAAAAYYYYY overpriced. Not to mention if you have ever had the misfortune of doing business with Music Computing-YIKES! I bought a touch screen from them some years ago, the thing was total shit, never worked correctly and it wasn’t even theirs is was re-branded. They refused to give me my money back and wouldn’t help me at all. Awful company.
I’m sure its basically a solid thing to play overall, but its also clearly in the boutique realm. $2500 can buy you a potent home computer and ample software, plus a few peripherals. $5k allows for some actual gravy. Its not a question of whether or not the system is viable; its one of practicality. I’d sure like to have my idea of an ideal keyboard mechanism, but aside from that in the high-enders, the Blade doesn’t further any of my needs or goals. Its like more of a serious studio piece a tech keeps humming for guests, so as to speed up and smooth out certain studio-level functions. Its going to be hard to sell someone either of these systems casually when they can add RAM or plug in a multi-terabyte drive for a fraction of the cost. My “label”: its an in-house production device far more than a single player’s instrument.
Would this be recommended for beginner?
lol at this whole thing and anyone who bus one
buys
What does it give you that you don’t have already & would actually get around to using? Not to mention tech support. You would have to mail it to Austin for repairs? & wait how long? Are people already making the same good music that can be made here? Put it in guitar center already…or not. I don’t think I’d consider it unless I lived near Austin Tx.