Thursday, December 22, 2005

Buying Guide for Keyboard Amplifiers

A Keyboard amplifier is basically a small PA disguised as a combo amp. Modern electronic keyboards are probably the most demanding instruments on the planet. They produce a full range of sounds that are very demanding when it comes to amplifier components. Keyboard amps are required to recreate many different types of sounds with clarity and accuracy. To fully appreciate the quality of the sounds in your keyboard, it's critical that you're amplification system is up to the task.


Solid-state technology is perfect for such a challenge. Solid-state combos, (Short for combination) are amplifiers that combine the speakers and the amplifier in one box.

Many keyboard amps have multiple input channels built into them to accommodate a number of keyboards at one time.

It is not uncommon for the channels on this type of amp to have little or no EQ (equalization) to adjust tone. The sounds produced by today?s keyboards are very smooth, well-balanced tones that often sound best without any additional equalization.

Keyboard combos usually incorporate a high-frequency driver, also known as a tweeter, to deliver the crisp high-end frequencies that aren't quite as present with a cone speaker. Many keyboard amps often have multiple sizes of speakers (similar to PA enclosures) to deliver a full-range of crystal clear sound. Many larger Keyboard amps can be used as a small PA, with low-impedance inputs for vocal mics. These are often fine for small coffee house or Bookstore gigs, but when the venue is bigger and noisier, it would be best to go with a traditional PA system and use the amp as a stage monitor. Keyboard amps will often feature a low-impedance Line out which allows you to send the amps mixed signals directly into a PA system.

Keyboards

Korg KONTROL49 MIDI Keyboard Controller


"The new KONTROL49 combines intuitive design, great feel, familiar hardware and detailed displays into the most comprehensive controller for all your MIDI needs. Equipped with 40 assignable control elements, including the new Vector Joystick, the KONTROL49 provides new musical dexterity when working with soft-synths, MIDI modules, or any digital audio workstation."

Alesis Sumo 15 Keyboard Amp



"The Sumo 15 is the ideal complement for keyboard players in search of a practice or monitor solution as well as for small PA applications. This compact, versatile keyboard / PA amplifier includes built-in effects, two channels (one for a microphone, one for a stereo keyboard), Alesis? unique Stereo Link feature, and a headphone output."

Novation ReMOTE 25 SL MIDI Keyboard Controllers FREE SHIPPING

Novation ReMOTE 25 SL

"Finally, recording in the dark is a thing of the past. The SL shines a light on the murky world of MIDI control by providing two giant, brightly lit LCD screens alongside an intelligent Automap mode*, which detects what instruments you have in your project and intelligently and logically maps the controls to the SL?s front panel."

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Musician's Friend Platinum Card

Keyboard Gear

No Interest If Paid Within 12 Months*
Minimum monthly payments required. Valid on purchases of $499 or more made during the promotional period when you use your Musician's Friend Platinum credit card.

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Minimum monthly payments required. Valid on purchases of $199-$498.99 made during the promotional period when you use your Musician's Friend Platinum credit card.

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Credit limits up to $10,000. Payments as low as $30 a month for a $1,000 purchase. Minimum monthly payments are the greater of $15 or 3% of the account balance.

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New Gear Bulletins!
Exclusive advance previews of upcoming gear introductions - see it, buy it and start enjoying it before anyone else.

Friday, December 09, 2005

Open Labs NeKo LE (Gen2) 76-key with Touch Screen


Open Labs Neko (Gen2) 61-Key



The OpenSynth combines the power and flexibility of personal computers with the real-world playability of traditional electronic keyboards, allowing musicians the ability to use virtual instruments and effects plug-ins in a studio or live performance setting. Open Labs was able to further increase the processing power of its product line by introducing the OpenSynth neKo64 equipped with up to dual AMD Opteron processors running at 64-bits. Preconfigured versions and upgrade components will be available directly from resellers.Bundled software includes: GigaStudio 32, SonicSynth with Sample Tank LE, Traction, Orion Pro, Karsyn, and over forty (40) VST and VSTi plug-ins totaling hundreds of sounds and effects. Due to customer requests, all neKo series have been upgraded to include the pro-audio I/O with 10 ins/out and all four (4) control modules. The first 1,000 units shipped will be the signature series marked by hand numbered signatures of the founders, framed certificate of authenticity, black colored endbells, and additional limited edition goodies.

Open Labs NeKo Flight Case


Open Labs NeKo Flight Case

Yamaha YCP250 Digital Piano Hardshell Case

Keyboard Gear

Korg TRITON Studio 88-Key Workstation/Sampler

Keyboard Gear

Open Labs NeKo64 (Gen2) 76-key



45-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Casio CTK-481 61-Key Portable Silver Keyboard

Keyboard Gear

Saturday, December 03, 2005

Casio PX555 Digital Piano

Keyboard Gear


"The elegantly stylish design of the PX-555 gives it an appearance that is similar to that of a fine piece of audio equipment. Compact and lightweight, the PX-555 allows it to be used in either a stand-alone tabletop configuration or on a stand (optional). This versatility means the PX-555 fits right in just about anywhere, from the living room to the bedroom, den, or music room."

Casio WK3200

Casio WK3200 Portable Keyboard

"At A Glance Casio's portable musical keboard utilizes the high performance Zpi sound source to deliver the most realistic piano, organ, and synth sounds, plus a huge library of built-in tones, rhythms, and DSP settings. These powerful instruments feature an on-board sequencer and a mixer, for unmatched creative possibilities, plus powerful built-in speakers to take your performance to the next level. These keyboards are ideal for home/project studio use, open-mic performance, education/classroom applications, or simply for pure musical enjoyment."

Casio CTK900 Portable Keyboard


Casio CTK-900 61-Key Portable Keyboard


Casio CTK-900 61-Key Portable Keyboard



"Casio's newest portables utilize the high performance Zpi sound source to deliver the most realistic piano, organ, and synth sounds, plus a huge library of built-in tones, rhythms, and DSP settings. These powerful instruments feature an on-board sequencer and a mixer, for unmatched creative possibilities, plus powerful built-in speakers to take your performance to the next level. These keyboards are ideal for home/project studio use, open-mic performance, education/classroom applications, or simply for pure musical enjoyment."