Arturia has updated its iMini synthesizer app for iPad to version 1.1, adding support for Audiobus.
Mini is a recreation of the classic 1971 Minimoog™ synthesizer, one of most iconic synthesizers of all time.
Based on the TAE® technology found in our award winning Mini V software, iMini offers a level of sound quality never before found on the iPAD as well as over 500 sounds by leading sound designers.
Changes in iMini v1.1
Audiobus! Connect iMini to GarageBand and other DAWS.
Background audio: iMini responds to midi even in the background.
Virtual midi: iMini responds to other apps that send midi.
Ignore midi devices: select midi devices to not respond too.
Other bug fixes and improvements.
iMini is available in the App Store priced at $9.99 USD / 8.99 EUR.
Korg has announced Kross, a mobile synthesizer keyboard with impressive features.
With the KROSS, the sounds and songs that you’ve created at home and the system that you use every day can go with you onto the stage or into the street! Featuring rich sounds that exceed its class, yet remaining highly portable, the KROSS is designed for practical usability.
There’s a convenient mic input and a built-in audio recorder, and it can run on 6 x AA batteries. It’s a distinctive new standard in music workstations, with specs and style that set it apart from all others.
Kross features
Stylish and distinctive red and black two-tone color design.
The lightweight body is only 4.3 kg/9.5 lbs (61-key model) or 12.4 kg/27.3 lbs (88-key model), and can be powered by 6x AA batteries.
Piano, electric piano, and drum sounds that exceed its class.
A wide variety of sounds that utilize twice as much PCM memory as previous instruments, and meet the needs of a broad range of musical styles.
Sound Selector makes it easy to find the sound you’re looking for.
Favorites function lets you register 64 selected sounds or audio songs for one-touch access – a great feature for live performances.
Pro-quality EDS-i sound engine built-in, with a total of seven effects available for simultaneous use.
External input jacks allow a mic or external audio source to be directly connected..
Quick Layer/Split function for on-the-fly versatility.
Stereo audio recorder allows you to record and overdub your performances and vocals.
Step sequencer inherited from the Electribe, a 16-track MIDI sequencer, a drum track, and an arpeggiator.
Connects to your computer via USB for plug-in integration with your favorite DAW.
The Korg Kross will be available in August 2013, priced at $699 USD (61-key) and $999 USD (88-key).
Detune has announced the Korg M01D, a music workstation for the Nintendo 3DS.
The KORG M01D is a music workstation based on the KORG M1 the world’s first widely known music workstation. The M1 was released in 1988 by KORG Inc., one of the most famous and leading electronic musical instrument companies.
The KORG M01D reproduces the M1’s unforgettable digital sounds of the 80s such as the “M1 piano”, still heard on many songs today.
With 24 voice-polyphony, over 300 sounds and an easy to operate sequencer, the KORG M01D helps you play and create your music at any place, and at any time, in a palm-size package!
Korg M01D features
8 part multi-timbral synthesizer with 342 sounds (max 24 voices). Includes all of the original sounds from the KORG M1, selected sounds from the KORG 01/w and some all new sounds developed for the M01.
Master effects: Reverb and Delay.
8 track/max 64 step sequencer for 1 scene/ up to 99 scenes.
Sound browser, Mixer, Keyboard.
Easy input “KAOSS” mode for notes, chords and drums using the touch screen.
Exchange song data with other Nintendo 3DS using Nintendo local wireless communication and via the Internet.
3D viewing of M01D on the 3D Screen.
The M01D will be available this May in Japan, and Summer 2013 worldwide. Price TBA.
Paul Vo has launched a Kickstarter project for the Vo-96 Acoustic Synthesizer, a new product that is allows dazzling new sounds on the acoustic guitar through precise harmonic control of string vibration.
The Vo-96 Acoustic Synthesizer is based on a key invention that enables accurate control of acoustic vibrations. I’m the inventor. My technology was behind the well-known Moog Guitar and the Moog lap steel — instruments based on the same key principle. Since then I’ve been advancing this invention towards its full potential. Now I’m going ahead with the Vo-96 Acoustic Synthesizer. It’s my full ‘inventor’s version’ product and will be produced by my design company Vo Inventions LLC.
The Vo-96 was never intended to be a retail type of product. It is a concept product that takes the technology to the max and demonstrates what’s really possible with acoustic synthesis. It’s the “inventor’s cut” and it leaves nothing out — which makes it impractical to sell through the standard retail channels with their customary price mark-ups. Making the Vo-96 available through Kickstarter allows us to maximize the value to you and provide the most powerful product for the price; and there is simply nothing else available at any price that does what the Vo-96 does.
Our goal is to launch Acoustic Synthesis technology with a bang. We want to put the most powerful instrument possible into the hands of as many forward-thinking guitarists as possible and listen to the new music you all create. This is where Kickstarter really shines! I’m thrilled to have found a way to offer the Vo-96 directly to you at the fairest price possible – about half what it would cost as a retail product!
The project is looking for $50,000 to be pledged by Sunday May 12, 11:59pm EDT. Various pledge rewards are offered, including signed Vo-96 Acoustic Synthesizers, numbered and signed by Paul Vo.
Korg has introduced the volca Keys lead synthesizer, volca Bass synthesizer and volca Beats rhythm machine, three true-analog synthesizers with built-in sequencers to generate the ultimate analog leads, basses, and rhythms.
The volca series lets you create a diverse array of fat sounds that can only be obtained from an analog synthesizer.
Following in the footsteps of the monotron, monotribe, and MS-20 Mini analog synthesizers, Korg announces the volca series. volca is a new lineup of EDM production tools comprised of three distinct models: the volca Keys lead synthesizer, the volca Bass synthesizer, and the volca Beats rhythm machine. These powerful and fun-to-use true-analog devices deliver a diverse array of fat sounds that can be obtained only from an analog synthesizer.
Each is also equipped with sequencing/recording capabilities for intuitively generating performances. Multiple volcas can be used in tandem via the vintage-style sync in/out, and with your favorite DAW software or MIDI keyboard via MIDI In. Battery operation and built-in speakers mean that you can conveniently play anywhere and anytime.
These are the next-generation analog synthesizers, bringing you the ultimate sounds and grooves with ease and depth. Whether used together or by themselves, the volca series is poised to inject true analog power into any performance or studio setup!
Backbeat Books has announced that it has published The Keyboard Handbook, a step-by-step course in keyboard playing for musicians of all levels.
Beginning with the basics of posture and technique, it offers a series of more than 80 specially written exercises and covers a wide variety of classic and contemporary musical styles – from blues to rock, soul to funk, gospel to synth-pop.
The book helps to master even more complex styles, and the authors have built in progressive difficulty through the examples.
The Keyboard Handbook includes
a basic guide to reading music
more than 80 musical exercises showcasing a wide variety of classic and contemporary musical styles
expert tips on music theory, covering rhythm, scales, chords, and more
an introduction to MIDI technology and how synthesizers work
lay-flat binding for ease of use at the keyboard or with a music stand
The accompanying CD showcases a range of different electric and electronic keyboards, and features audio tracks of all of the examples shown in the book, allowing readers to work their way through each section at their own pace, while the lay-flat binding means the book is easy to use at the keyboard or with a music stand.
The Keyboard Handbook is available to purchase for $29.99 USD.
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