Gear and software reviews by Synthtopia readers.
2009 Winter NAMM Show update: Korg announced that the M3 Expanded was getting an expanded sound library. The M3 XPanded features updated internal PCM, plus 412 MB of free sample expansion. New piano and classic keyboard samples — including three acoustic pianos, 3-way tine and reed electric pianos and four velocity-switched clavs, plus vintage tape-playback… Read More Korg M3 XPanded
2009 NAMM Show: Akai Professional announced the APC40 Control Surface – a sexy new hardware controller designed specifically for Ableton Live. Akai Professional partnered with Ableton to make the APC40 an optimal Ableton Live control surface. Because Akai Professional and Ableton designed the APC40 specifically for using with Live, you won’t need to map or configure its… Read More Akai APC40 Controller For Ableton Live
2009 NAMM Show: Native Instruments today announced Maschine, their next-generation music production workstation – a sort of Akai MPC/computer hybrid. Maschine combines an advanced software sequencer and sampler with an integrated MPC-style performance controller. Maschine is designed to provide a tactile and immediate interface to computer-based music production setups. I was skeptical about Maschine going into… Read More Native Instruments Maschine
Here are a series of demos of the new BugBrand modular synthesizer. The Bugbrand modular synthesizer is a late entry to a crowded field – but there’s still a lot of room for innovation in modular synthesizers, and the Bugbrand modular synthesizer increases the options available for modular synth fans. Take a look at the… Read More The BugBrand Modular Synthesizer
2009 NAMM Show: Alesis has announced that its iMultiMix 16 USB mixer is now available. The mixer is a “prosumer” level mixer that offers recording direct to iPod. iMultiMix 16 USB is the second entry in a new class of iPod mixers that started with the iMultiMix 8 USB. iMultiMix 16 USB features a Universal Dock for… Read More NAMM Show: Alesis iMultiMix 16 USB iPod Mixer
NAMM Show: Overloud announces TH1 Triode, its “Essential Guitar Effects Suite”. Description: Exclusive features such as SLR amplifier morphing, free life-like microphone positioning around cabinets, ReSPire cabinet technology, and BREVERB-based reverb, are combined with a radically different and transparent user interface, a selection of mics, cabinets, and amps, stomp-boxes, pedals and rack effects. TH1 Triode… Read More Overloud Intros TH1 Triode Guitar Effects Suite
2009 NAMM Show: Akai has announced the MPK 25, the latest addition to its MPK series of keyboard controllers with MPC pads. Features: 25-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch 12 MPC pads Q-Link controls MPC technology Arpeggiator with six different modes USB class compliant which means it does not require custom drivers to work with Mac… Read More Akai MPK 25
2009 NAMM Show: Kurzweil has introduced the new Kurzweil PC361 keyboard synthesizer. Description: The PC361 is Kurzweil’s ultimate performance controller keyboard, with an enormous collection of stunning sounds combined with comprehensive real-time controller functions. In addition to Kurzweil’s Triple Strike Grand Piano, the PC361 features hundreds of new sounds; basses, drums, guitars, and synths, along… Read More Kurzweil PC361 Keyboard Synthesizer
NAMM Show Preview: Novation is launching Automap 3 Pro, the latest incarnation of its intelligent music software control system. Automap 3 Pro will support multiple hardware devices. This lets any of Novation’s hardware controllers be stacked within the Automap server. Multiple Novation controllers can then work side by side to access separate parameters on different… Read More Novation Automap 3 Pro Software
2009 WInter NAMM Show: Allen & Heath has unveiled the Xone:22, a 2 channel analog DJ mixer – a mixer which A&H says offers pro-quality sound and features, but at an entry-level price. “We’ve raised the bar on entry level mixer design with the Xone:22. It’s the first mixer at this price point to have… Read More Allen & Heath Xone:22 DJ Mixer
