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Dave Smith's Mopho keyboard prototype wows analog fanboys at NAMM (video)
Dave Smith's name is as revered in the synth business as those of Tom Oberheim and "Handsome Ron" Casio. Having had his hands in everything from the Prophet 5 synth to developing the MIDI specification to his own company (Dave Smith Instruments), the man has given electronic musicians plenty to be thankful for. The boutique's latest, the Mopho Keyboard (seen here in prototype form at NAMM 2010) takes the existing Mopho synth module -- a pretty sweet deal with its sub-octave generators, audio input (you know, for modulating stuff), and feedback options -- and adds a thirty-two key keyboard and a whole mess of controls. Like original, this new Mopho has a 100 percent analog signal path, ships with a sound bank editor for both Windows and Mac, and it sounds pretty, pretty bad ass. Look for it in the near future for around $800. Video after the break.
Teenage Engineering OP-1 synth gets the hands-on treatment (video)
We see so many great concepts disappear from view before becoming reality that you could excuse us if by now we're a little jaded. That said, we've been holding on to hope that Teenage Engineering's pocket sequencer / synth / sampler / controller was the real deal. And what is this? According to the gang at Create Digital Music, who got hold of one of these things at NAMM 2010, the thing is real -- and it's coming soon. Even for a prototype, the OP-1 appears to be an impressive creature: aside from sporting the aforementioned synth, this bad boy sports a four-track virtual tape recorder (with "virtual splicing" for editing your audio), a sampling feature that allows you to change the record speed in real time (for analog-like editing effects), and a dazzling display screen (at least when compared to the displays on current hardware). But that ain't all! Get a closer look in the video below, and with any luck we might be seeing it become available this year, for a price below $1,000.
Korg Kaossilator Pro makes its NAMM debut
Since the original Kaoss pad was released in 1999, Korg has been steadily improving the thing, adding crazier effects, more features, and earning the undying love of Brian Eno in the process. The Kaossilator, released a few years later, took the same X-Y controls and wide array of effects and added a synthesizer. What's this, then? Just in time for NAMM 2010, the Kaossilator Pro features 200 sound banks, a vocoder, loop recording with four loop banks, gate arpeggiator, the ability to limit the X-Y pad's note range to certain keys / scales, Librarian Editor software for managing samples on your Mac or PC, and more. Look for it for £355 (approximately $575) this March. PR after the break. Update: US product page is up, and lo and behold, this beaut's only $399 stateside. [Thanks, Nick!]
Moldover's limited edition Mojo MIDI controller for serious musicians with seriously deep pockets (video)
When 21st century renaissance man Moldover couldn't find the controller with, and we quote: ""the intuitive tactile response" that he needed to supply the blips and buzzes that are his stock and trade as a performing musician, he built his own. And he'll sell you one -- for about $1,800 bucks. Mojo is a 12-inch by 18-inch (give or take) mahogany box with all the touch strips, arcade console buttons, knobs, faders, and toggle switches you need to rock the house party, club, or where ever it is that you move bodies (the morgue maybe? Sorry, that was a bad joke). This is a USB MIDI device, and as such there are no drivers to install -- but the dude does kindly supply an Ableton Live MIDI map. Oh, and the faceplate is scratch-resistant anodized aluminum. What -- you're still reading this? You'd better hurry up and order, only twenty will be made. Ships in March. Video after the break.
Gambridge Z line MIDI guitars compatible with Rock Band, sort of sound like guitars
There's always someone that will tell you that you can make the Rock Band experience more "realistic," as if there was something more realistic than pressing buttons on a piece of plastic that vaguely resembles a guitar. And believe us, there was no shortage of companies with Guitar Hero / Rock Band controllers at CES -- including Gambridge, whose Z line of dual game / MIDI guitars are full-sized instruments with built in sound modules that also function as game controllers, compatible with all major music video game titles. And, judging by what we saw at the company's booth, their industrial design assures that no one will ever dream of stealing one from you. Pricing and availability to be announced.
DMC champ DJ Rafik puts Native Instruments' Traktor Kontrol X1 through its paces (video)
That Traktor Kontrol X1 hardware controller that one eagle-eyed trainspotter hepped us to a while back isn't out until February, but in the meantime Native Instruments (and the editors of Engadget) thought you might enjoy seeing the thing in action. Going for $229, this bad boy connects to your Mac or PC via USB and integrates fully with Traktor to allow you all the access to controls and effects normally reserved for the mouse / trackpad -- as you know, there really is nothing less "rock'n'roll" (er, "rave") than a mouse or a trackpad. Go past the break to get your block rocked (or something) by DMC world champ DJ Rafik.
Arduino-packin' Didgeridoo features 17 effects controls, drones with the best of 'em (video)
You know, we don't see too many didgeridoos in these parts (and for good reason, seeing as how it is little more than a pipe) but wait'll to you get a load of this aerophone-wielding maniac: Kyle Evans has grafted an Arduino Bluetooth module to his "didge" (as we say 'round the drum circle) and supplied a wireless mic to transmit audio to his laptop, where the sound is manipulated via custom-built audio processing software. The controllers for the various effects are situated on the instrument itself (including six push button switches, six pots, and five toggle switches), bringing your avante-garde dreams one step closer to reality. Tell La Monte Young we said "Hi." Video after the break.
Pocket steel drums aren't made of steel, aren't really drums (video)
You'd be surprised how many requests we get for more gadgets that help our readers celebrate their love of the Caribbean culture and music. Luckily for us, the kids at Vat19 are now hawking a mini steel drum set that seems like it just might do the trick (that is, if the 'trick' can be 'done' by putting more red, yellow, and green-colored crap on your desk). By all accounts, this thing is pretty unexceptional -- it'll let you bang out an 8 note major scale, let you record your performance, and that's about it. Hell, it doesn't even really sound like steel drums! But the distributor did manage to get it to play Just A Friend by the incomparable Biz Markie -- and in our eyes, that's definitely worth a mention. All the same, we're rather have the Stylophone Beatbox. Yours for $18.95. Video after the break.[Via Engadget German]
Finger Piano Share plays your Disklavier via WiFi (video)
Developers at Yamaha seem to be having plenty of fun with their iPhones -- at least, that's the impression they've made this year at CEATEC. Not only have we seen an app that lets you boss around a robotic chanteuse, but they've also put together a little something called Finger Piano Share. Don't let the video fool you, folks -- this is more than just a MIDI controller. Supporting up to ten users at once, this guy not only lets you remotely play your MIDI-enabled Disklavier via Wi-Fi, but you can record your little jam sessions (using the location-aware augmented reality app Sekai Camera) for playback whenever someone goes to the site of the original performance. Sounds like a recipe for a disastrous conceptual art piece if we ever heard one! Video after the break.
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]
Video: Arduino-based 'insecure, egotistical' robot band
One part gadget, one part art project, and 100% awesome, the Cybraphon is a MacBook powered, Arduino-based mechanical band housed in an antique wardrobe. Including an organ, cymbals, a motor-driven Indian Shruti box (played with 13 robotic servos, no less), and a gramophone, it relies on infrared motion detectors to sense when it has an audience. A number of factors, including the amount of attention it gets on Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter, help the device determine its "mood," which in turn determines when the "band" plays, and what material it selects. According to one of the artist / inventors, the Cybraphon is a "tongue-in-cheek comment on people's obsession with online celebrity. We modeled it on an insecure, egotistical band." That's our favorite kind! And you know, the thing doesn't sound half bad. Check it out for yourself after the break.
Video: Manson MB-1 guitar sports X-Y midi controller, tons of 'tude
We're generally downright Ludditic when it comes to our music (we like it loud and bratty -- and no backing tapes, please) but one can't help but get a little giddy when confronted with a guitar that does, you know, other stuff. Matt Bellamy's Manson MB-1 signature is not only a respectable ax in its own right, but it also features an X-Y controller (think Korg Kaoss Pad) for two dimensional control of damn near any FX plug-in you can get your hands on. Available in "Matt Black" and "Red Sparkle," this bad boy starts at £2,999 (that's almost $4,400, folks). But what do you expect for what Music Radar has termed "easily the most technologically advanced signature guitar on the planet?" Or you could just buy a Kaoss Pad and shove it in your Les Paul. But we wouldn't recommend that. Make sure you check out the stunning video demonstration after the break.[Via Music Radar]
DIY footswitch for Ableton Live frees up your hands, makes you dangerous onstage
When Ableton forum member AlexMC came across plans for a no-fuss, no-muss USB foot controller for the company's world-renowned music app, he liked what he saw -- but not so much that he couldn't make a few changes his own self. By adding a sturdy wooden case, a 30 degree pitch to the top of the thing, some extra buttons, and some razzle-dazzle (that'll cost you extra) he now has a device that sports twenty buttons and a bank switch (making for forty unique outputs total), useful for things like play / record on individual tracks, stop / fade, and of course, everybody's favorite -- tap tempo. The best part? He built this bad boy for ten bucks! The excruciating step-by-step plans and photos (including circuit diagrams and all that jazz) are yours when you hit the read link below -- and you'll be mashing up Katy Perry and the Cure live on stage, while jamming along on your keytar, in no time. But please, don't mash-up Katy Perry and the Cure. [Via Make]
