Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Musician's Friend Keyboards on Sale

Musician's Friend Keyboards on Sale



Yamaha MOTIF XS8 Music Production Synthesizer Workstation Keyboard
The MOTIF XS8 is a powerhouse 88-key synth workstation from Yamaha. It comes with a mind-blowing 355MB of wave ROM which combines with the Expanded...
Price: $3,199.00
List Price: $3,999.00
Rating: Overall: 9.56 Includes a free gift!


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Roland Fantom-X8 88-Key Sampling Workstation
The Roland Fantom-X8 88-Key Sampling Workstation gives you 88 full-sized keys with Progressive Hammer Action, 128 voices and seamless integration of...
Price: $2,995.00
List Price: $3,599.00
Rating: Overall: 9.65 Includes a free gift! $-Rebate Offer


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Yamaha MOTIF ES8 88-Key Music Production Synthesizer
The Yamaha MOTIF ES8 88-Key Music Production Synthesizer features a huge 175MB wave ROM, an enhanced soundset of 1,859 waveforms for the MOTIF's...
Price: $2,299.00
List Price: $3,499.00
Rating: Overall: 9.62


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Roland Fantom-X6 61-Key Sampling Workstation
The Roland Fantom-X6 61-Key Sampling Workstation has 61 full-sized keys, 128 voices, and seamless integration of audio and MIDI. And you get...
Price: $1,995.00 Item Ships Free!
List Price: $2,395.00
Rating: Overall: 9.57 Includes a free gift! $-Rebate Offer


Group Shot
Korg MicroKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder
With 37 keys and 128 user-rewritable programs, the Korg MicroKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder is perfect for the musician looking for a serious yet...
Price: $399.00 Item Ships Free!
List Price: $500.00
Rating: Overall: 8.96


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Yamaha MM6 Music Synthesizer
The Yamaha MM6 Music Synthesizer is a 61-key synth with 418 voices and 22 onboard drum kits (plus an extra set of GM voices) combined with lots of...
Price: $599.00 Item Ships Free!
List Price: $699.00
Rating: Overall: 9.21 Includes a free gift!


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Yamaha MOTIF ES7 76-Key Music Production Synthesizer
The Yamaha MOTIF ES7 76-Key Music Production Synthesizer features the largest wave ROM of any workstation keyboard: 175MB! An enhanced soundset of...
Price: $1,799.99 Item Ships Free!
List Price: $2,999.00
Rating: Overall: 9.68 Includes a free gift!


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Yamaha MOTIF XS7 Music Production Synthesizer Workstation Keyboard
The MOTIF XS7 is a powerhouse 76-key synth workstation from Yamaha. It comes with a mind-blowing 355MB of wave ROM which combines with the Expanded...
Price: $2,799.00 Item Ships Free!
List Price: $3,539.00
Rating: Overall: 8.00 Includes a free gift!


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Yamaha MOTIF XS6 Music Production Synthesizer Workstation Keyboard
The MOTIF XS6 is a powerhouse 61-key synth workstation from Yamaha. It comes with a mind-blowing 355MB of wave ROM which combines with the Expanded...
Price: $2,199.00
List Price: $2,799.00
Rating: Overall: 9.08 Includes a free gift!


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Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer
The Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer is armed with a huge 175MB wave ROM and an enhanced soundset of 1,859 waveforms for the...
Price: $1,299.99
List Price: $2,399.00
Rating: Overall: 9.50


Left-facing
Moog Little Phatty Analog Synthesizer - Tribute Edition
The Little Phatty analog synth was designed to bring you the expressive, intuitive playability and timeless quality of a Moog Analog Synthesizer in a...
Price: $1,379.99 Item Ships Free!
List Price: $1,475.00
Rating: Overall: 8.78


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Yamaha MO8 88-Key Music Production Synthesizer Workstation with DAW Control
The MO8 delivers Yamaha's powerful MOTIF synth engine functions and sounds in a compact, affordable workstation. Plus, it doubles as a powerful...
Price: $1,599.99 Item Ships Free!
List Price: $1,999.00
Rating: Overall: 9.04 Includes a free gift!


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Roland Fantom-X7 76-Key Sampling Workstation
The Roland Fantom-X7 76-Key Sampling Workstation has produced a lot of the sounds you've heard on commercial music tracks. 76 full-sized keys, 128...
Price: $2,495.00 Item Ships Free!
List Price: $2,999.00
Rating: Overall: 9.84 Includes a free gift! $-Rebate Offer


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Korg TR-88 88-Key Keyboard Workstation
The stellar performance of the TR-88 88-key workstation starts with Korg's proven Hyper Integrated sound engine the synthesis system that has made...
Price: $1,599.00
List Price: $2,499.00

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Yamaha YPG-525 - $499.99

Keyboard Gear


$499.99 -or- $15/mo. - Apply!
List Price: $899.99 Savings: $400.00(44%)

The realism and expressiveness of an actual piano, with advanced performance and music-creation features.

The YPG-525, part of Yamaha's Portable Grand series of keyboards, boasts a total of 500 realistic instrument voices including 12 drum/SFX kits and 150 accompaniment styles. 88 lightly weighted keys make for natural, expressive playing. A music database holds 267 song records for instantly setting the entire instrument to a specific genre.

The USB to HOST terminal provides simple computer connectivity, while the USB to DEVICE jack provides convenient memory stick storage and supports playing standard MIDI data. 16-part multitimbral capability for sequencer recording applications and comprehensive recording functions that allow you to craft your own songs with ease make the YPG-525 your perfect musical partner.

Yamaha YPG-525 88-Key Portable Grand Keyboard Features:

* 88-key lightly-weighted keyboard for natural, expressive playing
* Authentic, super-expressive Live!, Cool!, and Sweet! voices plus full XGlite sound
* Total of 500 realistic instrument voices (including 12 Drum/SFX kits) and 150 accompaniment styles
* USB to HOST terminal for quick and easy computer connection
* USB to DEVICE terminal for convenient memory stick storage and easily playing standard MIDI data
* Music database with 267 song records for instantly setting the entire instrument to match a desired genre
* 16-part multitimbral capability for sequencer recording applications
* Comprehensive song recording functions
* Easy Song Arranger feature and Performance Assistant technology with score and lyric information displayed

Casio AP-24 - $599.99

Keyboard Gear


$599.99 -or- $18/mo. - Apply!
List Price: $1,499.99 Savings: $900.00(60%)

Attractive wood cabinet houses expressive piano sound and feel.

The AP-24 has 88 realistically scaled hammer-action keys, graded from heavier in the lower registers to lighter in the higher region with 3 levels of touch sensitivity. The HL Sound Source tone generator produces a dual-element waveform that increases the responsiveness and expressiveness of the sounds and uses meticulously recorded samples of a full concert grand piano for stunning sounds. All of the AP-24's sounds are enhanced by a stereo sound system, as well as reverb and chorus effects.

The AP-24 also offers 32-note polyphony, 10 tones, layer and split functions, a metronome, a recording function, key transpose, and tuning control. It also has 2 separate jacks for dedicated damper and soft/sostenuto pedals, MIDI I/O, dual headphone jacks, and a sliding keyboard cover. All in an attractive cabinet that makes the Celviano an easy choice for those looking for a stylish home unit.

Casio Celviano AP-24 Digital Piano Features:

* Wood cabinet with stand and modesty panel
* Sliding key cover
* 88 full-size, touch-sensitive keys with scaled hammer action
* 3 levels of touch-sensitivity control
* Powerful HL Sound Source sound engine
* Stereo-sampled piano sounds
* Dual-element waveform sounds
* 8 tones
* 5 digital effects
* 2 headphone jacks (teacher/student)
* Stereo speakers (dual 4" speakers, 20W each)
* Split/layer keyboard function
* Tuning and transpose function
* Metronome
* Song memory: 1 track x 1 song, up to 2500 notes
* MIDI I/O
* 2 pedals (damper and soft/sosentuto)
* AC power only (power cord included)

MOTIF ES7 $1899.99 - Save $1100

Keyboard Gear


$1,799.99 -or- $54/mo. - Apply!
List Price: $2,999.00 Savings: $1199.01(39%)


Unprecedented performance and expressive control.

The Yamaha MOTIF ES7 76-Key Music Production Synthesizer features the largest wave ROM of any workstation keyboard: 175MB! An enhanced soundset of 1,859 waveforms provides the foundation for the Motif's 1024 voices plus 65 drum kits. A newly designed tone generator chip offers true 128-note polyphony, and a newly developed synth engine provides new parameters and faster, more precise envelope control. An enhanced effects system includes 20 reverb types and 49 chorus/delay types, 8 types of mastering effects including multiband compression, and a 5-band master EQ. It houses an advanced Phrase Factory arpeggiator with realtime loop remix capability plus parameters such as Swing, Velocity, and Quantize so you can easily modify preset arps. Overall expressiveness of the instrument has been expanded with the new "Mega Voice system, a technology that makes it possible to include all the nuances of an instrument in the sample. Motif ES integrates seamlessly with DAWs via its USB connection to function as a control surface. It also has a USB To Device port for connection to USB storage devices.

Yamaha MOTIF ES7 76-Key Music Production Synthesizer Specifications:

* Keyboard:
* 76 keys, FS Keyboard (Initial Touch/Aftertouch)

Tone Generator:
* AWM2 (complying with the Modular Synthesis Plug-in System)

Polyphony:
* 128 notes + the polyphony of the Plug-in Board (if installed)

Multi Timbral Capacity:
* 16 parts (internal) + 3 or more Plug-in Board parts (1 for each Single Plug-in Board; 16 for Multi Plug-in Board), Audio Input parts (A/D, AIEB2, mLAN*) * 4 stereo parts

Wave:
* 175MB (when converted to 16- bit linear format), 1859 waveforms

Voices:
* Preset: 768 normal voices + 64 drum kits
* GM: 128 normal voices + 1 drum kit
* User: 128 x 2 (Bank 1: Original, Bank 2: Picked up from Preset) normal voice + 32 drum kits
* Plug-in Preset: PLG150-AN/DX/PF/DR/PC: 64, PLG150-VL: 192
* Plug-in User: 64 for each Plug-in slot

Plug-in Voices:
* Preset for the PLG150-AN/DX/PF/DR/PC: 64
* Preset for the PLG150-VL: 192
* User: 64 for each Plug-in slot

Performances:
* 128 User (up to 4 parts)

Filter:
* 18 types

Effect System:
* Reverb: 20 types
* Chorus: 49 types
* Insertion: (A,B) x 116 types x 8 blocks
* Master Effect: 8 types
* Master Equalizer: 5 bands
* Part EQ: 3 bands, stereo
* Plug-in Insertion: Available when the PLG100-VH has been installed into slot 1

Expandability:
* 3 slots for Modular Synthesis Plug-in Boards

Samples:
* Up to 1024 Waveforms (Multi Samples)
* Up to 128 Key Banks per Waveform
* Up to 4096 Key Banks

Sampling Sources:
* Analog input L/R
* Stereo output (Resampling)
* Digital/Optical (available when the AIEB2 has been installed)
* mLAN (available when the mLAN16E has been installed)

A/D Conversion:
* 20 bit, 64 x oversampling

D/A Conversion:
* 24 bit, 128 x oversampling

Sampling Data Bits:
* 16

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Musician's Friend: Special Invitation to Share Your Music




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Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Hands On Review: Yamaha MOTIF XS Series

Hands On Review: Yamaha MOTIF XS Series
Workstations for the next generation
By Oscar Sommers
Yamaha MOTIF XS Series

I hate reviewing synths, keyboards, and workstations. Especially the good ones. "Why," you ask, "do you hate writing these reviews? And why do you single out the good ones as being especially awful?" Because when a keyboard is good—really, really good—like the new MOTIF XS workstations from Yamaha, describing each layer of synth sound-engine sexiness, outrageously easy sequencer goodness, and feels-like-home playability is nearly impossible. So consider this fair warning, readers: whatever I say about the MOTIF XS during this review, it’s actually much, much better. No fooling.
Maximum MOTIF

If you’re Yamaha and responsible for one of the all-time classic workstations of our generation—a keyboard just as capable onstage as it is in the studio—how do you top it? You dive into the core features musicians consistently rave about and aim for an even more advanced level of performance. You take the celebrated MOTIF sound engine and make it even better with more spectacular voices and studio-quality Vintage Circuit Modeling effects processing. You use your long history of audio sequencing excellence to make song creation and recording more flexible, more powerful and—at the same time—easier. Then you use the expertise of the software engineers at sister company Steinberg to make the MOTIF so tightly integrated with Cubase it’s scary (like a roller coaster, not an IRS audit). On top of that, the XS series workstations have a bigger, full-color LCD screen, an improved layout, and a powerhouse file system that makes it easy to network your MOTIF and access external file storage.
Sounds like a winner

When Yamaha upgraded the MOTIF sound engine for the ES series, they doubled the wave ROM. For the XS they’ve done it again, cranking it up to a whopping 355MB! This huge amount of ROM adds extra dimensions of response to voices for more expressive control and levels of nuance. Taking advantage of the bigger ROM is a new tone generation system called Xpanded Articulation (XA). A voice in the MOTIF XS is made of eight sonic elements, enabling layers of realistic, natural-sounding expression for XA-enabled voices.

With piano voices you get spine-tingling realism like real grand-piano-style note bloom, soundboard resonance, half-damper pedal positions, and key-off samples. For electric bass you can switch playing position from neck to middle to bridge for more punch or subtlety in your bass sound. Saxophone voices get legato and more breath control. In short, XA gives voices and performances a big scoop of extra mojo. There are lots more new voices to play with too. The electric piano patch called Crunchy Comp may be the perfect EP sound. It’s the successor to the Crunchy EP voice found on the ES series with some VCM compression magic mixed in.


The extremely hip VCM effects processing embedded in the MOTIF XS gives you even more sonic power. Vintage Circuit Modeling is the result of a group of Yamaha engineers led by the legendary Toshi Kunimoto who took the time to model every circuit in a bunch of treasured and revered signal processors. You get wah, flanger, compression, phaser, EQ, reverb, and a classic band-pass-style vocoder for use anywhere, anytime on your MOTIF, and you can use multiple instances of each.
Exhilarating and inspiring

Not only is the XS loaded with oodles of great voices and effects, it’s also chock full of inspiring Performances. For the uninitiated, Performances are groupings of four separate arpeggios with each arpeggio representing a separate musical sequence such as a drum track, bass line, synth pad, etc. When you select a Performance and trigger the arpeggios, you’ve got an instant foundation for inspiration. If you’re looking for a spark, the XS is THE place to start, mainly because Yamaha’s Performances rule. There are loads of Performances for each genre and sub-genre of modern music, especially electronic and hip-hop-based music.

What makes Performances even better is that each one is customizable. You have realtime control over each arpeggio and can substitute your own parts based on the existing arpeggio or add something completely new. Intelligent chord recognition lets you change a progression without reprogramming. And once your inspiration is flowing and the music is rolling, sliding into recording mode is seamless and simple. Hit record on the sequencer transport section and then hit play. A tempo-synced click leads you in and you’re recording. The sequencer captures every aspect of your playing and the voices—even the effects. The Integrated Sampling Sequencer (with optional gig of RAM) will let you load sample libraries and add vocals and guitars right into your XS sequences.

Transferring ideas over to your computer for more production or editing is easy too. Yamaha and Steinberg worked to bring accurate, responsive, and automatic integration of the XS and Cubase. They did it with Cubase AI: a special version of Cubase 4 that ships with the MOTIF XS. You can edit the voices and mix of the Performances and other songs you record on the MOTIF, as well as lay down more audio and MIDI tracks directly to your computer. It also lets you use the voices and effects from the MOTIF as plug-ins with Cubase AI. The XS ’boards also have a comprehensive array of connections aimed at the studio: remote footswitch jack, Ethernet, FireWire/mLAN (included on XS8, optional for XS6, XS7), USB 2.0, and S/PDIF. And now I’ve run out of room. So just remember—read everything I wrote, double it, and then go get a MOTIF XS. You can thank me later.
Features & Specs:


* 355MB wave ROM (16-bit linear format)
* AWM2 Xpanded Articulation (XA) tone generator
* Instant Performance recording
* 4 intelligent arpeggiators with chord recognition
* Updated interface
* Large color LCD screen
* 8 assignable knobs and sliders
* Dedicated sequencer controls
* 128-note polyphony
* 16-part multitimbral capacity
* 1,024 preset voices (64 drum kits)
* 128 GM presets (1 drum kit)
* 128 x 3 user presets
* Studio-style mixing environment
* Virtual Circuitry Modeling effects
* Integrated Sampling Sequencer (with optional memory)
* Computer recording integration with Cubase AI (included)

* XS6: 61 synth-action keys with initial/after touch, (FireWire option)
* XS7: 76 synth-action keys with initial/after touch (FireWire option)
* XS8: 88 graded-hammer action keys, integrated FireWire

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Monday, August 13, 2007

Musician's Friend

Free Shipping on Most Orders Over $99!


* 34% Off - Yamaha MOTIF ES8 88-Key Synthesizer
* Expansion Tank Acoustic Drums Multisamples CD - Only $19.99
* Casio CTK710 61-Note Keyboard Refurb - Save 53%

* Nord Blem Electro 2 Sixty-One Stage Piano/Organ
* Roland Blem VariOS Open System Module
* Gator Blem GK-288R 88-Note ATA Keyboard Case

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Korg R3 Synthesizer and Vocoder

Korg R3 Synthesizer and Vocoder
Twice the sound at half the weight
Oscar Sommers

Korg R3 Synthesizer/Vocoder keyboard

Fat analog synth sound means fat analog synth weight. Old-school analog synths are heavy (sometimes as tubby as 200 pounds!) making travel to gigs and practice a backbreaking chore. It’s also hard to delicately handle large, heavy objects, which is how you must treat your synth lest you knock the often fussy oscillators out of tune. If you do manage to gingerly settle your synth onstage without any slips or bumps, there’s a good chance you’ll be out of tune halfway through the gig anyway. Yes, those analog synths known for their great sound are also just as (in)famous for their tendency to drift out of tune after only 20 minutes of play due to circuit design and cooling issues.

All those reasons, and many more, are what make the KORG R3 such an appealing instrument. Introduced at the last winter NAMM, this compact 37-key synthesizer weighs only six pounds but packs a version of the ridiculously thick, rich, and delicious Multiple Modeling Technology (MMT) sound engine found in the RADIAS. The R3 is to the RADIAS as the wildly popular MicroKORG is to the MS2000—it scales it down while retaining the sonic essence and power of its larger sibling. 128 customizable programs deliver sounds from mild pads to cutting lead tones with lots of other excellent synth and imitative sounds on tap. There are also six multiple-mode arpeggiator patterns to get creative with. Last but not least, the R3 has a flexible vocoder and even comes with a mic.

All of this is mounted in a very geek-chic chassis that looks and feels solid while also being sleek and light. The control panel and keys are laid out in a simple, easy-to-follow manner that packs a lot of control into a small space without really feeling cluttered. The synthesis parameter control section is especially cool. On the right side of the panel are four knobs, each topped by a small LCD. The function of the knobs and their LCD information changes to reflect the parameters you’ve selected to edit (oscillator 1, oscillator 2, filter 1, etc.) using a fifth knob placed just to the left. Neat, simple, and cuts down on the number of knobs. You can also use the included Editor software and connect your R3 to your computer via USB for even more control over the Programs.
Osc-some engine

The R3 is featherweight and stylishly retro-modern but any earnest examination of its worth begins with the sound engine that drives this tiny synthesis terror. In the R3 the MMT engine has an extremely variable sonic character thanks to the array of oscillator waveforms provided. Best of all, it’s flexible and easy to use.
Korg R3 Synthesizer/Vocoder keyboard


You get two oscillators per voice, with each oscillator using the low-aliasing design of the AL-1 Analog Synthesizer from the OASYS, noted for its smooth, powerful character. Oscillator one gives you choices for sawtooth, pulse, formant, noise, and Digital Waveform Generator System (DWGS) algorithms with DWGS providing over 60 wave shapes. To give the analog waveforms extra flavor, you have access to four separate modulation algorithms: cross modulation, pulse-width modulation, unison modulation (for voice thickening), and harmonic-generating Variable-Phase Modulation (VPM—Korg’s particularly tasty and proprietary take on FM synthesis).

You get fewer options with the second oscillator; just four analog-modeled waveforms. But the selection of sawtooth, square, triangle, and sine waves combined with sync modulation, ring modulation, and a combination of the two deliver an in-your-face mod perfect for taking any sound into sonically wicked analog synth territory. These modulation functions in addition to tuning abilities give you plenty of tweakability with the second oscillator.
More synthsational tools

You also get a noise generator, filter section, two LFOs, three envelopes, and an amp section to play with. The noise generator is useful for adding everything from percussive effects to a white-noise wall of sound. The filter setup is more versatile than you’d initially think two filters could be. You can match up a filter with one of the pair of oscillators, use one filter (filter one only), or two filters in series (filter one feeding into filter two) or parallel. And the two filters have separate tonal characters and parameters as well, increasing the amount of variability you can squeeze out of them. Filter one is a continuously variable multimode resonant filter which can be morphed between various high-, low-, and band-pass functions. Filter two is much the same, except for two things: it’s not continuously variable and it also includes a comb filter for lovely airy, metallic chorus and flanger effects.

Two of the three ADSR envelopes control filter tone and volume while the third is assignable. The amp section lets you add variable amounts of drive to the signal, allowing you to push the sound from classic analog style warmth to much heavier distortion, or use it for ultracool wave-shaping—even bit-decimation-style clipping. You can also place it in front of the amp section or in front of the filter section. Plus you can route the audio inputs right into the shiny, hot-rodded synth engine to process and manipulate external sounds as well as use six virtual patch cables to customize the signal flow from component to component, just like an analog synth.
Voice encoding



The small, flexible 16-band vocoder section supplies a few input mix controls while the vocoding functions efficiently use the same controls as the MMT engine with vocoding functions labeled in red. You can apply the vocoder to your voice or other audio (through the rear inputs) and also use Formant Motion to record 16 seven-and-a-half-second sections of movement in the vocoder filters and apply them later without any external input.

The R3 is a deceptively powerful analog-style synth, especially when considering its price and size. While it is friendly enough for beginning synthesists, it definitely has enough meat for wave-bending vets looking for a small second ’board with superb analog sounds.
Features & Specs
Korg R3 Synthesizer/Vocoder keyboard

* Multiple Modeling Technology synth engine
* Full-size, velocity-sensitive, 37-note keyboard
* 16-band vocoder (mic included)
* 8-voice polyphony
* 128 programs
* 16 formant motion data sets (7.5 second x 16)
* Top-panel XLR input
* Dual rear-panel 1/4" inputs
* Headphone jack
* L/MONO, R 1/4" outputs
* Footswitch input
* MIDI I/O/Thru
* USB port
* 5 LCD control displays
* Dual oscillators
* Noise generator
* 2 filters
* 2 insert effects and 1 master effect per timbre
* 6 arpeggiator patterns

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Casio CTK-491 61-Key Portable Keyboard

Casio CTK-491 61-Key Portable Keyboard

$79.99
MSRP: $149.95 Save: $69.96


A budget-conscious board that's newcomer-friendly. This 61-key portable board has 12-note polyphony, 100 tones, LCD screen, 100 songs, chord book, and Casio Chord auto-accompaniment. Also has an on-screen display of music staff, finger icons, metronome, notes, and chords; transposition and tuning control; chord book function; 100 rhythm patterns; and 2 speakers. I/O includes mic input, MIDI with 5-channel multitimbrality, sustain pedal jack, and 1/4" headphone jack. Operates on AA batteries or optional AD-5 AC adapter.

Musician's Friend New Product of the Day


Musician's Friend Product of the Day

Friday, August 03, 2007

Kurzweil PCR-2

Kurzweil PCR-2 Classic Keys ROM



Kurzweil PCR-2 Classic Keys ROM




The PCR-2 Classic Keys ROM Soundblock features authentic reproductions of "vintage" keyboard sounds which over the years have become essential to the modern keyboardist. Classic Keys also makes use of the PC series base ROM samples and includes "vintage" Rhodes Wurlitzer programs. For PC2 users, 4 new additional KB3 Organ programs are included as well.

The samples in this virtual instrument set are of the highest quality having been recorded and processed with the expertise for which Kurzweil is famous. The PC series synthesis engine provided a variety of powerful sound-sculpting tools and the finishing touches were added with the PC series effects engine which utilizes the same technology as Kurzweil's acclaimed KDFX (for the K2500/2600 keyboards) and the award-winning KSP8 processor. Kurzweil was able to precisely recreate the timbres from many live and studio recordings which have helped define the "vintage" sound. Effects pedals, speaker cabinets and recording techniques have all been faithfully replicated giving the Kurzweil Classic Keys programs a level of detail and realism never before achieved in any "vintage" keyboard emulation.

Korg M3 73-Key Music Workstation Sampler

Korg M3 73-Key Music Workstation Sampler



Korg M3 73-Key Music Workstation Sampler



$2,899.00
MSRP: $3475.00 Save: $576.00


The M3 features a number of innovations distilled from the flagship OASYS including the EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis) sound generator derived from the HD-1 engine design, the advanced second-generation KARMA functionality, and the multi-purpose control surface. Adding innovations such as the new concept of virtualized hardware that allows an even closer integration with DAW systems, Drum Tracks which provide a instant groove to play along with, and the new "Korg Komponent System" concept that facilitates more flexible system construction, the M3 music workstation/sampler opens a new and exciting page in music making - it s the workstation that rightfully deserves to wear the M that started it all.

Enhanced Definition Synthesis - a new horizon of sound-making potential
The M3 features an EDS sound generating system based on a chip design that was developed in parallel with the HD-1 engine from the flagship OASYS. It takes full advantage of the M3 s 256 Mbytes of PCM source material that is a veritable best of from the OASYS.

Using Korg s advanced voicing technology, the 1,028 multisamples, 1,606 drum samples, dual oscillators, four-level velocity switching/crossfading/layering, and stereo sampling allow for an enormous range of high-quality, detailed, and expressive sounds.

The filter section, a vital part of the sound-creation process, lets you simultaneously use two resonant filters for each oscillator, and can be configured in series or parallel. Four filter types are provided: low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and band-reject.

The amp section features a driver circuit that gives the sound a sense of edge and character, along with low boost to help shake the walls when needed. Integrated 3-band EQ allows tonal sculpting without needing to go to the effects section. Detailed envelope generators, abundant modulation routings, plus the AMS Mixers for advanced processing all combine to provide a level of sound shaping far beyond previous possibilities.

Effects
The all-important effect section provides up to five Insert effects, two Master effects, and one Total effect. In addition to great choruses, flangers, phasers, delays and reverbs, the 170 effect types include dynamic processing effects such as compressor and limiter, amp modeling and speaker simulation effects using Korg s proprietary REMS modeling technology, and evocative effects like the Grain Shifter and Talking Modulator.

The M3 includes professional features that allow for many cool applications and routings. Dual Common LFOs allow multiple effects to use the same modulation source; an advanced Control Bus provides triggering input from external audio or internal timbres to effects such as compressor/limiters and the vocoder; and the audio inputs can be freely routed to various effect chains and then run to individual outputs allowing the M3 to be used as a 2-in/6-output effects processor.

Funky Drummer
A drumkit in the M3 can be created from ROM or RAM samples, mono or stereo, with up to four-way velocity switching and cross-fading for incredible realism.

Powerful sound shaping can occur here, with EQ, drive and low boost plus individual effects routing per key, delivering incredible results.

Drum Track
The M3 provides a Drum Track function that adds a groove to each sound you play. Combined with KARMA, it makes a Program a complete sonic adventure that is sure to inspire. You can select patterns from over 500 in internal memory and start them with a dedicated button, from a desired region of the keyboard or by playing a velocity that s above a specified threshold.

Since the Drum Track uses MIDI data stored in a Pattern, it is easy for you to create your own in the Sequencer Mode, either recording them, importing them from SMF data or other user s songs, or converting recorded KARMA data as MIDI events for further manipulation. Even sampled loops can be used! This is a powerful feature with uses ranging from creating music-production memos to inspirational jamming and realtime performance.

Expanded Combination Mode
Combination Mode is where multiple Programs can be freely assigned as splits and layers across the keyboard, including velocity switching and cross-fading for complex and expressive sounds. Sounds can be delayed either by time or by tempo, even when you release a key, allowing you to create sophisticated rhythmic soundscapes and performance effects. Monophonic sounds can be forced to be polyphonic, or vice-versa, and you can select only one of the oscillators if desired. For the adventurous musician, each timbre can even use a different scale or tuning!

The M3 allows for 16 timbres at the same time, including a Drum Track, up to four KARMA Modules, multiple effects and much more. Each timbre has dedicated 3-band EQ for getting the perfect mix, and a powerful Tone Adjust setup for detailed in-context sound shaping.

In addition to providing more sound elements, this means that Combis can be set up and saved as complete 16-part MIDI sequencing templates for use with an external sequencer and computer DAWs.

Great sounds
In the end it s always about the sounds, and the M3 doesn t disappoint. Korg s acclaimed international voicing team delivers the goods once again: stunningly realistic imitative sounds, fat synth sounds, imaginative textures, evocative sound effects it s all here. The M3 comes loaded with 512 Programs, and room for a total of 1,664 user sounds (13 Banks plus GM). All sound locations are fully editable (except GM banks), so you are always free to tweak a sound if needed. Adding in the EXB-RADIAS option delivers 128 powerful MMT synthesis sounds. There are 32 drumkits provided, and room for a total of 144. As for the 16-part Combinations, 384 come preloaded, with room for a total of 1,792 (14 Banks).

All sounds (Programs and Combinations) are organized by Categories and Sub-Categories for easy searching and selection, making it easy to find and organize your sounds.

Second Generation KARMA
The second generation KARMA functionality that first appeared on the OASYS and received wide acclaim from artists and users world-wide is fully implemented in the M3. KARMA is the inspiring, real-time music generation system that can help you play everything from natural instrument gestures like intricate finger-picking, strumming and harp glissandos, to complex cascades of notes, dance-riffs, gated and chopping effects and improvising drum grooves. KARMA continues to set the standard by which all other arpeggiators, phrase players, and musical effect generators are judged. The inspiration that KARMA offers, coupled with the unheard-of phrase variability is second to none.

In Program Mode, one KARMA Generated Effect (GE) can be assigned to a single drum groove, melodic phrase, comping gated part or other musical effect. Eight sliders, eight switches, and eight scenes provide dedicated real-time control and the ability to store complete snapshots of your settings.

In Combi and Sequencer modes, KARMA s power increases exponentially, with four KARMA Modules available simultaneously.

The Control Surface can access and manipulate each module individually on its own Module Layer . In addition to the 4 individual Module Layers, there is a Master Layer that can be mapped to parameters from any of the modules, even grouping them together so one slider can control the swing feel of all four modules at the same time, or the rhythmic activity of two or three modules at once, to name a few. Each Module Layer has 8 Scenes that store the settings of the sliders and switches in 8 different snapshots, instantly recalling completely different settings for that layer.

The Master Layer s 8 Scenes, in addition to storing the settings of the 16 sliders and switches for its parameters, also control which scene is selected for each module. You can control each layer s scenes directly from the control surface, or from the innovative Scene Matrix Page, which also controls whether the Drum Track will play along in a given scene. With 8 Scenes in each Module, and 8 Master Scenes storing which of those scenes are selected at which time (a total of 40 scenes), the possibilities are mind-boggling.

The M3 has incredible control over each KARMA element yet has been refined to be even easier to use, thanks to 13 Real-Time Control Models (RTC Models). An RTC Model standardizes which parameters of a KARMA GE are available for real time control, and how they are assigned to the Control Surface. With multiple GEs sharing the same exact setup, what you learn while controlling one GE is consistent and applicable to the thousands of other included GEs as well.

Finally, the second generation KARMA provides a signature sonic effect called KARMA Wave-Sequencing that can change a sound s waveforms rhythmically in realtime, along with everything else KARMA is doing, allowing each note to access a different waveform as it is generated. The results can resemble traditional wave-sequencing, or enter completely new realms of sound design.

Ultimate expressive power
The M3 is remarkable not only for the freshness of its sounds, but also for its outstanding new control environment. The color LCD of the M3 music workstation/sampler not only provides a touch-view GUI that ensures intuitive and easy operation, but it also operates as an X-Y Pad, allowing sound and effect parameters to be controlled in real-time by sliding your finger across or tapping on the screen much like the innovative Korg KAOSS Pad. Further control is provided by a Motion function that lets you capture and play back your finger moves to shape your sound and performance in unique ways. The screen even changes colors in response to the movement of your finger for cool visual feedback to your performance.

The 8 dynamic, velocity-sensitive pads give you a great way to play drum sounds or up to 8-note chords, either live or as triggers for the powerful KARMA function.

Each note in the chord retains the individual velocity so it can play back with all the nuance of your original performance, and can even be scaled across a full velocity range without breaking the dynamic relationship of each note.

Pads 1-8 Assignment Page
The eight slider/eight switch control surface offers the same multi-functionality as on the OASYS: it can be used as a mixer, a set of expressive sound controls, an editing interface, a realtime KARMA performance interface, or to control external software and hardware synths and effects.

There s also a joystick, assignable Value slider, 2 switches and a ribbon controller that give you convenient ways to express subtle nuances of sound. A newly designed proprietary keyboard with refined aftertouch delivers superb feel and expression that s better than ever before.

RADIAS inside
You can add an internal RADIAS analog modeling synthesizer sound generator board (one timbre, up to 24 voices), with on-screen integration of all its parameters and full integration with the M3 s effects, control surface and KARMA functionality.

EXB-RADIAS Main Page
This powerful MMT-based (Multiple Modeling Technology) synth engine features dual oscillators which combine to offer analog-modeled waves, DWGS (PCM) waves, noise, ring mod and more. Waveform modulation, Variable Phase Modulation (VPM), Unison voice thickening, PWM and cross-mod expand the sonic palette.

EXB-RADIAS Oscillator Main Page
Dual Filters can run in series, parallel, or side-by-side (individual for each oscillator). Filter1 features a resonant filter design covering 24 dB low pass, 12 dB low pass plus 12 dB high and band pass, with continuously variable morphing between these states. Filter2 offers 12dB versions of the low, high and band pass modes, plus a unique comb filter.

EXB-RADIAS Filter Page
Two LFOs and three ADSR envelopes shape the sound and add cyclic motion to nearly any voice parameter. Three 16-step Modulation Sequencers provide discrete values to a modulation parameter that change over time, either in stepped or smooth motion, and can loop over and over.

EXB-RADIAS Mod Sequencer Page
Internal or external audio can be run through the EXB-RADIAS to be gated and filtered using the internal synthesis and effects. Drive adds analog warmth, Punch brings increased definition to the attack of a sound, and 12-types of Wave Shaping provides dramatic timbral shaping even offering virtual pick-up response.
The EXB-RADIAS offers the same vocoder as the RADIAS, offering 16 bands with individual control over level and panning. Formant Motion records the formant of a sung or spoken phrase so it can be recreated anytime.

And of course, all of KARMA s generative features can be used with the RADIAS to provide even more options, including RADIAS Wave-Sequencing.

Open Sampling
The M3 s Open Sampling System lets you sample and resample in any mode to produce new remixed combinations of sounds and effects, or to capture full performances In-Track within the sequencer. Cutting-edge editing tools include Time Slice, Time Stretch, Crossfade Looping, Rate Change and Normalize.

An easy-to-use Auto-Setup function makes all the right sampling settings for you, with the press of a button. Stock sampling memory is 64 MB, and can be increased to 320 MB by adding the optional EXB-M256 memory expansion board. Samples in Korg native format, AIFF, WAV, Soundfont V2.0 and AKAI (S-1000/3000 with advanced Program parameter conversion) formats can be used, and internal samples can be exported as WAV or AIFF if needed.

Sampling can also be done to attached media, so USB memory sticks and hard drives can be used to extend memory size to resample a complete song as a WAV file to be burned to a USB CD-R/RW as an audio disc, or for moving to a computer for further editing and manipulation. Audio files on the media can even be edited directly to normalize, trim, and perform other essential editing tasks.

New High-Resolution Sequencer
The sequencer that s at the heart of the M3 s song production is an intuitively-understandable 16-track design that holds up to 128 songs and 210,000 notes.

The new high timing resolution of 480 PPQ captures every nuance and detail of your performance. Three-band EQ per track provides detailed sound-shaping, as does the Tone Adjust sound tweaking function.

The Cue List function that has been a popular feature ever since the now-classic TRITON series lets you create songs in sections, or play back completed songs as a medley.

Sequence Cue List Page
All the now-classic Korg features are included, such as the one-touch Auto Song Setup feature, which takes you from playing a Program or Combination to ready-to-record status in one easy step, automatically arming tracks and routing voices behind the scenes. All KARMA settings are also set up, so you can record every note and controller as they re generated, and even edit them later.

Song Templates contain pre-assigned effect routings and program assignments, providing one more shortcut to help you capture your creative outbursts. The M3 comes with 16 of these Song Templates, plus another 16 you can custom-tailor to your own needs. Each Template Song also provides a number of rhythm patterns including intro, fills and endings that you can use to instantly create a rhythm track.

Individual track looping allows flexible manipulation of repeated phrases such as drum grooves against longer parts like melodies and solos.

Advanced editing tools like variable quantization with selectable intensity and swing allow for nuanced adjustments to your recordings. Detailed event editing lets you work on your tracks with surgical precision, and a Compare function acts like an Undo for your last change to easily judge the effect of your edits.

Realtime Pattern Play and Record (RPPR) can be used to assign sequenced Patterns to individual keys on the keyboard for an interactive performance, or to quickly build up tracks. You can record controller data, Sys. Ex., or even KARMA phrases and trigger them as you like.

Time-tested features that have been proven to aid in inspiration and song creation combine to deliver an intuitive and enjoyable songwriting experience the M3 has it all!

CME UF5 49-Key MIDI Controller

CME UF5 49-Key MIDI Controller



CME UF5 49-Key MIDI Controller




Pro-level control and feel at an amazing price!

The CME UF5 49-Key MIDI Controller is a USB/MIDI keyboard controller that brings together quality components with topnotch performance to deliver professional control over all your soft synths and synth modules. The blue-tint aluminum body is durable, sleek and offers a stylish housing for the 49 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch.

The CME UF5 also houses pitch and modulation wheels; 8 assignable knobs and 9 assignable sliders that also have preset functions; an LED display; and DAW transport controls. I/O includes a breath controller port, MIDI out, USB port, and an M-LAN compatible FireWire audio expansion port. The USB connection works as a USB/MIDI port and supplies power for the controller.

CME UF5 49-Key MIDI Controller Specifications:

* 33-3/4"W x 4-1/2"H x 13-3/4"D
* 18 lbs.

CME UF5 49-Key MIDI Controller Features:

* 49 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch
* Durable aluminum body
* Pitch and modulation wheels
* 8 assignable knobs with preset functions: cutoff, resonance, attack, release, pan, reverb, chorus, tempo
* 9 assignable sliders with preset functions: volume for 1-16 channels, master volume, drawbar
* LED display
* Dedicated play, stop, record, forward, and reverse transport controls
* Breath controller port
* MIDI out
* USB/MIDI port
* M-LAN-compatible FireWire audio expansion port

Whether you're adding a second synth controller or just getting started in MIDI this is an excellent controller. Order today. Whether you're adding a second synth controller or just getting started in MIDI this is an excellent controller. Order today.


$159.99 -or- $15/mo. - Apply!
List Price: $279.00 Savings: $119.01(42%)

On-Stage Stands KS7190

On-Stage Stands KS7190 Single-braced Stand



Lightweight and adjustable "X"-style stand that is perfect for many of today's lightweight keyboards.

Save BIG when you buy today!



$9.99 -or- $15/mo. - Apply!
List Price: $40.00 Savings: $30.01(75%)

Musician's Friend 60W Keyboard Amp/PA

Musician's Friend 60W Keyboard Amp/PA



Musician's Friend 60W Keyboard Amp/PA




$99.99 -or- $15/mo. - Apply!
List Price: $259.00


A capable, economical little performer.

A workhorse in the garage band and an affordable solution for keyboardists, it pumps a solid 60W RMS into a 12" woofer and 2" tweeter. Sound shaping is precisely accomplished with a 4-band EQ with parametric mids and 2 channels with independent levels. Dual 1/4" and XLR inputs. 1/4" output.

Musician's Friend 60W Keyboard Amp/PA Specifications:

* 21"W x 24"H x 14-1/2"D
* 46 lbs.

Musician's Friend 60W Keyboard Amp/PA Features:

* 60W RMS
* 12" woofer and 2" tweeter
* 4-band EQ with parametric mids
* 2 channels with independent levels
* Dual 1/4" and XLR inputs
* 1/4" output