The EM Poll

2006 Winter NAMM: One for the Record Books

Feb 8, 2006 5:30 PM, By Mike Levine

           

COOL KEYBOARDS

It seemed like everywhere you looked, there was another keyboard (or keyboard line) being debuted. Many were USB-MIDI controllers, but there were also plenty of new synths.

Among the numerous products released by Behringer was a new line of affordable USB keyboards with both MIDI and audio functions. Three models are being released, the 25-key UMX25 ($129.99), the 49-key UMX49 ($159.99), and the 61-key UMX61 ($189.99). The keyboards feature ten programmable MIDI controllers, Velocity-sensitive keys, pitch and mod wheels, and an array of software that includes Ableton Live Lite 4 Behringer Edition, and a group of freeware soft-instruments.

CME VX6

Faders were moving all over the place at the CME display in the Yamaha booth. CME was showing prototypes for its VX series keyboard controllers that offer MIDI and audio features. There will be four models in the VX line, and all will feature moving faders, USB audio and MIDI, 9 programmable potentiometer knobs, 9 programmable encoder knobs, 9 programmable faders, built-in support for non-Western scales, an expansion slot, and much more. According to CME, it's U-CTRL function will allow the keyboard to automatically configure its controllers for whatever software you're using. CME also showed the GPP3 ($109.99), a triple MIDI "grand-piano-style" pedal that offers programmability; USB, MIDI, and standard pedal ports; polarity-switchable pedals' and USB-bus power. The pedal should hit the stores by March.

Dave Smith Evolver

At the Dave Smith Instruments booth, a new keyboard called simply the Evolver ($1,199) was on display. It's a mono version of the company's Poly Evolver synth. The new keyboard has same sound engine as the other Evolver keyboards, and offers a ton of knobs and switches for easy programming. It's expected to ship in April.

Korg Radias

Much of the action at the perpetually busy Korg booth was in the keyboard realm. One highlight was the Radias ($1,999), a keyboard that offers multiple types of synthesis including modeled analog waveforms, PCM playback, and Korg's DWGS waveforms. Features include onboard effects, a futuristic industrial design, 256 onboard programs, an arpeggiator and step sequencer, and 24-voice multitimbral operation. Also available will be the Radias•R ($1,899), which has the same features minus the keyboard. Korg also showed the MicroX ($TBA) a lightweight, 25-key synthesizer with a USB port. Its 1,100 sounds cover the gamut from electronica to world music to what Korg terms "bread-and-butter" sounds.

M-Audio unveiled the Axiom line of USB-MIDI keyboards including the Axiom 25 ($239.95), Axiom 49 ($329.95), and Axiom 61 ($379.95). The keyboards have semi-weighted action and a variety of programmable controllers including 8 endless rotary encoders, 8 rubberized trigger pads, and Pitch Bend and mod wheels. The Axiom 49 and Axiom 61 also have 9 sliders each. The units are due to be released in March.

Novation was showing its ReMote SL line of USB-MIDI controllers, which consists of three models: the 25-key ReMote 25 SL ($599) the 37-key ReMote 37 SL ($749), and the 61-key ReMote 61 SL ($899). Of the three, only the 25 SL is shipping now, with the other two due to hit the stores in March. Each keyboard has a wealth of programmable controllers including 8 faders, 8 encoders, 8 potentiometer knobs, 8 trigger pads, 32 buttons, and Novation's 4-parameter Xpression Pad. The SL series keyboards also have large LCD displays that show the parameter names under each controller. You also get Novation's Automap feature, which automatically conforms the keyboard's various controllers to match the (supported) software application.

The Juno-G ($1,199) is a new keyboard and workstation from Roland. It contains the same sound engine as the company's Fantom-X series, and has a 16-track onboard sequencer that also records four audio tracks. To add to its user-friendliness, the transport and mix controls are located on the front panel. Controllers include five sliders, a D-Beam, and a Pitch Bend/modulation lever. A USB port lets you send and receive audio and MIDI files from a computer. The keyboard is bundled with Sonar LE (PC) software. It's due to be released in April

StudioLogic debuted three new USB/MIDI controller keyboards that each feature Fatar Grand Touch Graded Hammer Action. The VMKplus Series consists of three models: the 61-key VMK 161plus (which, according to StudioLogic is the first ever 61-key hammer action keyboard), the 76-key VMK176plus, and the 88-key VMK188plus. Each keyboard has 9 programmable sliders, 8 programmable knobs, and 8 programmable buttons. You also get presets for controlling popular software, sequencer transport controls, and a sustain footpedal.

Yamaha MO8

Yamaha introduced a new line of affordable synthesizers based on its MOTIF ES models: the MO. Two models are now shipping, the 61-key MO6 ($1,499), and the 88-key MO8 ($1,999). Both are equipped with a range of instrument, drum, and synth sounds, and have master controller features. Built-in USB ports allow the MO keyboards communicate with DAW systems (including the ability to edit soft synth sounds on the MO's LCD screen).