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XSEED bringing Korg DS-10 Plus to North America
AQ Interactive's Korg DS-10 Plus will make its way to North America, XSEED announced today. The update to the original DS cart (which was already super complicated) adds even more stuff for the wannabe mixer on the go -- specifically, twice as many analog synthesizers (now up to four) and drum synthesizers (now up to eight), the ability to use twelve tracks and real-time editing including "per-track MUTE/SOLO built into the SONG mode and EDIT/PLAY enabled for all modes within the SONG mode." DSi owners will also get the added perk of an extra two effects layers.The improved synthesizer suite will also have wireless functionality, allowing up to eight systems to play together or share samples and Daft Punk songs with each other.%Gallery-75987%
Korg DS-10 recreates Daft Punk's 'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger'
We've long been fans of the impressive capabilities of Korg DS-10 -- not just for its ability to rickroll -- and now that appreciation has soared to new heights courtesy of Denkitribe. The talented YouTube user has contributed a video of Daft Punk's "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" recreated in the music suite program. Mind you, this isn't just the beats, either -- the DSi actually sings the song. It's pretty nifty, if we may say so ourselves, so head past the break and check it out![Via Engadget]
DS, Korg DS-10's formant synthesis used to create Daft Punk vocals, general awesomeness
You know, sometimes at Engadget, we feel compelled to cover a story not because it's particularly new, or newsy, or relevant to the topics of the day. Sometimes, you just have to cover something because it's amazingly cool. Enter this completely awesome video from the musician Denkitribe, wherein the DS, Korg DS-10 software, the software's formant synthesis, and the natural talents of said musician are used to replicate the vocals from Daft Punk's hit "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger." There's not much we can put in text which this doesn't lay out in song. Check the whole thing after the break... you'll thank us later.[Via Technabob]
Video: KORG places an iPhone pocket in its microSAMPLER, calls it a day
The kids over at Korg are a savvy bunch -- they know that the best way to perk up jaded bloggers (such as ourselves) is to somehow attach an iPhone to their device. Unfortunately, what we thought at first glance was an innovative/insane new way to make music on Apple's flagship handset turns out to be, in fact, little more than a sampler with a pocket for your media player and a 1/4-inch audio input. While we have you here, however, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention that, as samplers go, this one is pretty awesome. Featuring a 37-key keyboard, a number of sample modes (including autonext mode, which auto-magically slices a beat into individual hits, not unlike Propellerhead's ReCycle), a preset sound library, 21 KAOS-driven multi-parameter effects, and a USB cable for managing sounds on your Mac or PC (with the included Editor Librarian software), this could be the perfect companion for the microKORG that's already collecting dust in your bedroom. Of course, Korg wouldn't be able to sell this thing at Guitar Center without a heavy-handed, borderline silly promo vid ("Suddenly... you receive a gift... FROM YOUR OWN MIND... in the form of: THE PERFECT BEAT") which we highly suggest you check out after the break. Yours now for $750.[Via SlashGear]
XA-LM1 LessonMaster audio recorder throws a guitar tuner, microSD card reader into the mix
Voice recorders always seem like no-brainer gifts for musicians, but sound quality (in all but the pricier units) is generally pretty lacking, and lets be honest here -- rarely do you find yourself humming a tune that doesn't turn out to be something you heard on a TV commercial. But what do we know -- maybe you're the next Don Fagan, and you need a high quality recorder at hand whenever and wherever inspiration may strike. JVC Japan has given this some thought, it seems, and they've gone and packed the XA-LM1 LessonMaster stereo mics, a digital audio recorder supporting either PCM wave files (48kHz/16bit) or MP3s (up to 192KB), 2GB microSD card, 23mm speaker, metronome, and a chromatic tuner. Unless you can read Japanese the tuner might be of limited use to you, but then again this could be a good excuse to learn. Look for it in early October for around ¥26,250 (€195). [Via Engadget Japanese]
One more thing: AQ Interactive announces Korg DS-10 Plus
How often is a publisher relaxed enough to announce a product with an extended joke? Usually, trailers are very carefully put together to attract the target market. None of that for AQ Interactive, however! The publisher revealed its new DSi-enhanced version of Korg DS-10 by having producer Nobuyoshi Sano give a fake Apple-style keynote presentation. And it's fantastic.As for the program, it uses the extra processing capabilities of the DSi to double the number of analog synthesizers (to four) and drum synthesizers (to eight), allows the use of twelve tracks, and features real-time editing. Korg DS-10 Plus will be out in Japan on September 17. See the faux Stevenote after the break.[Via Offworld]
Engadget's recession antidote: win a KORG KAOSSILATOR and a copy of Matt & Kim's album "Grand"
This whole global economic crisis, and its resulting massive loss of jobs got us thinking. We here at Engadget didn't want to stand helplessly by, announcing every new round of misery without giving anything back -- so we decided to take the opportunity to spread a little positivity. We'll be handing out a new gadget every day (except for weekends) to lucky readers until we run out of stuff or companies stop sending things. Today we've got something really special for our musician-readers: a KORG Kaossilator Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer, and a copy of Matt and Kim's album, Grand. Read the rules below (no skimming -- we're omniscient and can tell when you've skimmed) and get commenting! Hooray for free stuff! More information -- and another photo -- after the break.Huge thanks to Korg for providing the gear!The rules: Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, but if you want to share your proposal for "fixing" the world economy, that'd be sweet too. You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.) If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine. Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad. Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one (1) KORG Kaossilator and one (1) copy of Matt and Kim's album, Grand. If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. Entries can be submitted until Monday, May, 4th, at 11:59PM ET. Good luck! Full rules can be found here.
KORG DS-10 synthesizer up for pre-order in America
DS owners in Japan have been enjoying the spoils of the KORG DS-10 synthesizer for over half a year, but at long (long!) last, we Americans are about to receive equal treatment. The game itself, which is graciously priced at just $29.99, is now up for pre-order on GameStop's website. The listed ship date is February 9th, but we wouldn't go betting the farm on that being entirely accurate. Nevertheless, we're down to counting days and hours rather than months and weeks before we'll be able to shove a synth in our pockets without paying import prices. Huzzah![Via Joystiq]
Gamestop moves to the beat, will sell the Korg DS-10
Remember that really awesome drum synthesizer we got our hands on back at E3? Yeah, that puppy is the Korg DS-10, a nasty little drum synthesizer for your DS that provides a lot of the functions you'd only see in a high-priced box. The amount of control you have here is ridiculous, as you all should already know. And now, you can actually walk into a store and buy it, instead of ordering it online and waiting for it to arrive on your doorstep. But, then again, you have to walk into a Gamestop. Hmm, decisions, decisions ...No idea what we're talking about? Head past the break for video of the Korg DS-10 in action.%Gallery-27318%[Via Go Nintendo]
DS Daily: Dual Screen Songs
Thanks to powerful, feature-rich music creation software like Korg DS-10 and Jam Sessions and weird musical toys like Electroplankton and Axe, the DS has become a multifaceted instrument for electronic music.If you've been using your DS for music, we'd love to hear about it! And, of course, hear it. But also, we'd like to talk about the experience. Is it enjoyable or frustrating? Is the portability convenient enough to positively affect your musical life? Is the software powerful enough for you to accomplish anything?
Attention future Kraftwerk tribute bands: where to buy Korg DS-10
When the Korg DS-10 synthesizer program comes out on November 4, you won't be able to purchase it just anywhere. GameStop, for one, doesn't care to stock a $40 DS non-game, apparently. In fact, the list of stores who are carrying the feature-rich synthesizer cartridge, as sent to 1UP by publisher XSEED, looks a bit paltry. According to the list, only Amazon, Fry's, Micro Center, Best Buy, J&R, Game Crazy, and EB (in Canada) are planning to stock DS-10. Amazon, by the way, is taking preorders for $36.99. Also they bring games directly to your house, so maybe it isn't so problematic that more stores aren't carrying DS-10.%Gallery-27318%[Via 1UP]
Korg nanoSERIES USB controllers unboxed, previewed
The Korg nanoSERIES line of miniature USB controllers we had a look at a few months back has finally seen the light of day, and much to our chagrin, reviews are mixed. MusicRadar singles the nanoPAD out for praise, saying the twelve drum pads feel good and the X/Y pad is a useful addition, but they seem less impressed with the nanoKONTROL and nanoKEY. The site says the faders on the former feel "short and decidedly plasticky," while they compare the keys on the latter to those of a QWERTY keyboard. If you're still interested, the nanoKey will run you £49 ($90), and the nanoKontrol and nanoPad will be £59 ($109) each. Look for these guys starting in October, and hit the read link for more details and pics.
Astley DS-10 just wants to tell you how it's feeling
The above video proves the old saying -- where there's a will, there's a Rickroll. With the release of Korg's DS-10 synthesizer software in Japan, naturally, someone has composed a track recreating Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up," the meme that launched a thousand prank Youtube links. Half of the hilarity is missing with the singer's sunglasses and dance moves absent, just as any rendition of Europe's "Final Countdown" suffers without Gob, but that's what homebrew application RickRollDS is for!%Gallery-27318%[Via NeoGAF]
More Korg DS-10 info than we can understand
1UP's interview with Korg DS-10 producer Nobuyoshi Sano and Korg staff covers a lot of little details that we would never think to ask! For example, about linking up eight systems playing the thing and using one as a master. And about interfacing with other synthesizers.But the parts of it that are simple enough for non-synth users (and non-programmers) like us to parse sound pretty neat. Prospective DS DJ types will be pleased to hear that Korg has, uh, "designed a type of limiter circuit in DS-10's internal mixer" in order to boost the program's sound output beyond the normal quiet DS levels. It's really not as technical as we make it sound, but we can't help but get into "WHAT IS THIS CONTRAPTION" mode whenever we see a screenshot of Korg DS-10 in action. %Gallery-27318%
E308: DS Fanboy hands-on with Korg DS-10
The Korg DS-10 is an incredibly interesting thing. It's not really a game, and it's not really a full-fledged synthesizer. Instead, it's like a perfect middle ground of both. And, it's also something that looked incredibly daunting when first loaded up.%Gallery-27318%
E308: Korg DS-10 makes cool people cooler
If you've been waiting for Korg DS-10 to come out -- wait a little longer. In the meantime, we have the next best thing: a video of a badass Japanese dude rocking out with the portable synthesizer. This guy has a cool shirt, cool hair and an attitude of all-out righteousness. Unsurprisingly, he knows how to make Korg DS-10 really sing, especially since he's been hard at work before.The less musically-inclined of us won't really have any clue how to use the thing, but we're sure all musos out there will know exactly how to configure an impressive array of blips and bloops into something worth listening to.%Gallery-27318%
E308: XSeed localizing Game Center CX DS game, Populous DS
XSeed's list of E3 announcements just came in, featuring super awesome surprises! First, they've somehow gotten the U.S. publishing rights to Namco Bandai's Game Center CX: Arino no Chousenjou, the DS fake-retro-game collection based on the TV show! This winter, the company will release it in North America as Retro Game Challenge, which actually fits in nicely with the Retro Game Master title used for the American debut of the show. They've also announced a localized release of Populous DS for this fall.The announcement provides official confirmation of U.S. releases for both Korg DS-10 and Avalon Code, as well. Still no Steal Princess, but we can't muster up any outrage about that right now.[Via press release]
XSEED brings Korg DS-10 to North America in the tenth month
Forget paying an arm, leg, and Fabergé egg to get your grubby little hands on Korg DS-10 this year. Thanks to XSEED, the software is expected to hit North America in October. Also, if you're interested in making this super-funktastic software produce crazy synthetic beats on your handheld, you should check out James Mielke's blog; the 1UP editor wrote up a total lovefest for Korg DS-10, praising its features (many of which he explains) and what this means for the DS. For instance, did you know that you can link four DS handhelds together while using this program (if you have four carts, that is)? 1UP also reports that the game will most likely not be an Amazon exclusive, like its Japanese counterpart was. Since we're not too fond of retail exclusives, we see that as only a good thing.Another neat detail? Korg DS-10 will be available to play at E3. We love you, E3 -- oh, and you too, XSEED. While we're probably too inept to make anything noteworthy ourselves, we can't wait to see what the DS and musical communities have in store for us once this beauty is unleashed.%Gallery-27318%[Via GoNintendo]
Amazon Japan claims exclusivity to Korg DS-10
Talk about an importer's nightmare.Granted, those interested in Korg DS-10 will still be able to import this intense synthesizer/music-creation software, but being an Amazon Japan exclusive will make it that much more expensive (as if imports didn't already make our wallets bleed). As much as we love Amazon, the retailer doesn't ship outside of its respective country or region, meaning a direct purchase from the site is impossible. Going through some of the normal channels (like NCS or Play-Asia) will still work, but since they have to pay extra for retail, taxes, and shipping, the cost of the software went up $14. Now, instead of paying $48.90 for the import, interested parties have to pony up $62.90 -- and that doesn't even include shipping costs. Our wallets are crying.Of course, if you don't need the software this month, you can always wait for Korg DS-10 to release worldwide -- whenever that will be.[Via Destructoid]
Korg nanoSeries music controllers
Korg is introducing the nanoSeries line (Japanese link, Google translation) of digital music controllers. There will be three USB-powered models: a 25-key velocity sensitive mini keyboard (nanoKEY), a 12-pad mini drumpad (nanoPAD), and a 9-fader mini mixer (nanoKONTROL). As you can see they're clearly intended for use with a laptop running the Korg Legacy Collection synthesizer software or similar, and nicely integrate with the white MacBook.The Korg nanoSeries is expected in October for around $100 - $120 each.[via Engadget]