Results for tonewheel

GSi has released version 1.1 of Key Performer, a single software instrument which offers a wide variety of keyboard sounds.

Hey Folks! Epecially you, Mac guys! You who have been waiting almost one year for this event to come true… your wait is over. Key Performer is now available also for Mac! Yeah! :)

Existing Windows users can download the update (just the installer, no need to re-download the sampled instruments) and overwrite the old version. Mac users can now take advantage of this nice and useful tool with cool keyboard sounds that cover all music genres and live situations. It’s available as a plug-in in both VST and AU format and as a Standalone application.

Changes in Key Performer v1.1

• Internal sound engines greatly improved (CPU usage is even lower now).
• Minor bug fixes here and there.
• Saving presets and banks now asks confirmation for overwriting existing files.
• When you press & hold a scroll button (for either the presets or instruments) the list scrolls rapidly.
• New interface.

Key Performer is available to purchase for Windows and Mac (VST/AU) for the introductory price of 99 EUR until 31 December, 2010 (extended offer). A demo version can be downloaded from the product page.

More information: GSi / Key Performer

K-Sounds has released Organimation, the definitive B3 organ resource for your Korg M3.

With true drawbar and percussion samples taken from a vintage tonewheel organ, massively upgraded rotary speaker effects, and impressive real-time control options, Organimation unleashes the true organ power of your M3.

At the heart of Organimation are long-looped samples of true vintage tonewheels, capturing their signature complexity, key click, and leakage. We carefully recreated all nine drawbars in the M3, constantly referring to the original, so that any drawbar setting you choose will sound authentic. We also included full-length percussion samples, programmed to provide single-trigger performance (like a real B) with harmonic and volume variations. Selectable chorus and vibrato effects are provided, and tube emulation effects further sweeten the tone.

Utilizing both Program and Combination modes, we’ve included dozens of classic drawbar settings and organ tones. And if you want to sculpt the sound yourself, the power is there like never before. All combination mode organs include up to 9-way drawbar control (8-way minimum), selectable chorus / vibrato (6 choices), selectable percussion, and the options to stop the rotary speaker, add reverb, and boost presence. As if that’s not enough, Organimation M3 is even optimized for double manual operation! On MIDI channel 2, you’ll find three more adjustable drawbars that are already configured for bass or comping.

No B3 emulation is complete without a killer rotary speaker effect, and Organimation delivers! Two unique rotary speaker simulations provide authenticity that’s typically reserved for dedicated organ keyboards.
Rotary 1 is very wide with a glassy, shimmering high end. Rotary 2 is ultra thick, providing a depth of animation that holds it own in any mix, even without chorus added. Nothing even close is found in the M3’s factory presets.

The soundset is compatible with the Korg M3-61, M3-73, M3-88 or M3-M only.

Ogranimation is available to purchase for the introductory price of $40 USD through January 31, 2010.

More information: K-Sounds / Organimation

Arturia has announced it will be shipping the Origin Keyboard in March, 2010.

Origin Keyboard is Arturia’s new version of Origin for the keyboard player. It keeps the outstanding modular system of Origin Desktop, putting it on a panel that closes on a high quality keyboard controller. The intuitive interface is kept in place, along with all of the modules from the most famous synthesizers (Moog Modular, ARP 2600, CS-80, Jupiter-8, Minimoog and Prophet VS) and organs (ToneWheel, Rotary). The integration of the ribbon control is a blast, the keyboard aftertouch possibilities open a world of expressivity, while the playing modes are tuned to the expectations of any demanding performer.

Origin Keyboard features

• More than 600 presets created by talented musicians and synthesizer specialists.
• Create your own patch or use existing audio structures:.
• Origin patch made by connecting independent modules from: Minimoog, ARP.
• 2600, CS-80, Jupiter-8, Moog Modular, Prophet VS Origin template synths: Minimoog, Jupiter-8, CS-80, ARP 2600*.
• Superb audio quality with TAE® engine.
• Up to 32 voices of polyphony for a typical patch.
• Connectivity: 2 audio ins, 10 audio outs. Digital: SPDIF out, USB 2.0.
• Selection of high quality effects: Phaser, Chorus, Delay, Tube Distortion, Parametric EQ, Rotary….
• 16/32 step sequencer.
• Software editor (Mac/PC).
• Innovative Macro, Advanced LFO, Advanced modulation modes, Advanced joystick modes….
• MIDI : In, Out, Thru and USB 2.
• High Level of Control:
  • Ultra sensitive 40cm ribbon controller
  • High quality semi-weighted 61 keys keyboard, with velocity response and channel aftertouch
  • New exclusive duophonic aftertouch
  • Modulation and pitch-bend wheels, 3-mode Joystick, 21 potentiometers, 33 rotary encoders, 81 switches
• Ergonomic design
  • Self adjustable front panel, from 0° to 135°, giving you total setup flexibility
  • 5.2″ TFT screen for clear visual feedback
  • Complete mobile solution, offering everything you need to perform in a single, easily transportable cabinet

The Origin Keyboard will be shipping in March, 2010, priced at $3490 USD / 2899 EUR.

More information: Arturia / Origin Keyboard

Roland has announced the V-Combo VR-700, a new All-In-One Stage Keyboard.

Featuring the best of Roland’s acclaimed Virtual Tonewheel organ, full key multi-sampled piano, and pro synthesizer sounds, the V-Combo is perfect for players who need an all-in-one keyboard for a variety of musical settings, including houses of worship, stage performances, and rehearsal studios. The V-Combo offers powerful real-time performance capabilities in a simple-to-use-interface.

The V-Combo provides an authentic sound and feel to satisfy any organ player. Using Roland’s Virtual Tonewheel engine, the V-Combo simulates the unique structure and distinctive sound of vintage organs. The new amplifier and rotary simulator faithfully reproduces the sound needed for jazz, rock, funk or gospel, while the 76-key waterfall action captures the feel of a vintage organ. Add an optional PK-25 or PK-7A pedalboard for a more console-organ type feel.

V-Combo VR-700 features

• Roland’s acclaimed Virtual Tone Wheel and COSM technology provide authentic organ sound.
• Dedicated harmonic bars, rotary-speaker simulation, and amp models, including Active Amp Enhancer.
• 76-key waterfall keyboards offers smooth glissandos, fast action, and provides enough keys for splits.
• Dual-manual simulation with Split function plus pedalboard capability (optional Roland PK-25A, PK-7A).
• Essential ensemble sounds (with tone remain function) onboard, including 88-key multi-sampled pianos, EP, strings, brass, synth pads, and more.
• Full polyphony in the organ section, 128-voice polyphony for the ensemble section.
• WAV/AIFF/MP3/SMF playback function for backing tracks.
• Built-in rhythm patterns for practice and play-along performance.
• Store user and system settings onboard and to USB memory sticks.
• Versatile I/O, including professional XLR outputs.

The V-Combo VR-700 is scheduled to ship in March with a suggested retail price of $2,329 USD.

More information: Roland / V-Combo VR-700

Iliadis has released iBX Organ, a virtual organ instrument plug-in for Windows PC.

The iBX Organ is a single Manual Virtual Tonewheel Organ with a rich and authentic Sound very close to the good old days Electromagnetic Organs, including an amazing Rotary Speaker Simulation and with great Graphics.

iBX Organ features

• 73 Notes Polyphony.
• 9 “Standard 9 steps” Drawbars with a clean Sine Sound.
• Percussion Osc. Adjustable Decay and Volume. An On/Off Switch and a Switch for the Harmonic Selection (2nd and 3rd).
• Key Click Imitation. Adjustable Attack/Release and Volume.
• Classical Vibrato/Chorus Virtual Scanner with an On/Off Switch.
• Stereo Rotary Speaker Simulation. Adjustable Speed, Depth and Spread. An On/Off and a Fast/Slow Switch.
• Tube Overdrive Simulation.
• Adjustable Global Tone and Volume.
• 32 Programms available.
• LCD Screen.
• GUI Selector. 2 GUIs available.
• Low CPU consumption.

iBX Organ is available as a VST instrument plug-in for Windows PC, priced at 10 EUR.

More information: Iliadis

Knobster.org has released Organaut, a freeware synth VST instrument for Windows PC.

Classical tonewheel organ emulator. Can produce «analog» and «digital» sound.

Organaut features

• 9 drawbars.
• Rotary cabinet emulation.
• Keyboard «click» emulation.
• Internal reverb.
• Octave shift.
• «Digital» / «analog» modes.

Organaut is available as a freeware VST instrument for Windows PC.

Visit Knobster.org for more information and some audio & video demos.