Wednesday, November 30, 2011

AKAI MPC 2000 XL

AKAI MPC 2000 XL Review



AKAI MPC 2000 XL Feature

  • 8 ins/outs option installed
  • Ram is full
The Akai Professional MPC2000XL MIDI Production Center combines a 64-Track MIDI Sequencer and a 32-voice Stereo Digital Sampler, with 16 velocity and pressure sensitive rubber pads, providing rock solid sequencing and drum programming combined with powerful sampling facilities in one convenient and portable desktop unit. The MPC2000XL inherits many of the major features of the original MPC such as the legendary "fee"' and "groove"so that you can be sure that your beats and sequences just swing. It also features the original MPC60's intuitive transport and locate controls, the unique NOTE REPEAT function, plus new additions such as four bank keys to effectively provide 64 pads, multi-program playback, multi-track recording, simultaneous playback of a second sequence, Next Sequence key, Track Mute key, TimeStretch, Slice Sound, Resampling, plus folder file management. Add to these an improved friendly and intuitive user interface thanks to the graphic LCD, two MIDI ins and 32 MIDI channels via the two MIDI outputs, and options for multiple audio outputs, multi-effects, SMPTE Time Code and even Flash Rom memory, and you have a dependable 'switch on and work' solution to computer sequencer headaches. The MPC2000XL comes with 2MB of onboard memory as standard that can be expanded up to 32 MB of RAM using standard SIMMs. There are two options for onboard storage: a 3.5" Floppy drive (MPC2000XL) or a Multi-Card drive (MPC2000XL-MCD) that supports various types of removable flash memory, such as Compact Flash, Smart Media, Memory Stick, and Secure Digital. The MPC2000XL also includes a 50pin SCSI interface for connection to external SCSI drives such as CD-ROM drives, hard drives or ZIP drives.


Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Akai Deluxe Distortion Ultimate Distortion Pedal

Akai Deluxe Distortion Ultimate Distortion Pedal Review



Akai Deluxe Distortion Ultimate Distortion Pedal Feature

  • The most flexible distortion on the market
  • Three distortion types, 3-band EQ, Amp simulator switch
  • Subtle, Dark, bright, harsh, classic, warm
Ultimate Distortion Pedal


Monday, November 28, 2011

4GB Akai MPC CompactFlash CF Memory Card for MPC500, MPC1000, MPC2500 and MPC5000

4GB Akai MPC CompactFlash CF Memory Card for MPC500, MPC1000, MPC2500 and MPC5000 Review



4GB Akai MPC CompactFlash CF Memory Card for MPC500, MPC1000, MPC2500 and MPC5000 Feature

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Protective jewel case
  • Tested for sector integrity and chip functionality
Premium Compact Flash Memory upgrade for the Akai MPC series of samplers. 4GB CompactFlash Card for your Akai MPC500, MPC1000, MPC2500, MPC5000


Saturday, November 26, 2011

Akai Professional MPD18 USB MIDI Pad Controller (Standard)

Akai Professional MPD18 USB MIDI Pad Controller (Standard) Review



Akai Professional MPD18 USB MIDI Pad Controller (Standard) Feature

  • .
The Akai MPD18 MIDI Pad Controller is an easy way to add genuine MPC pads to your setup. This MIDI-over-USB pad controller for DJs, programmers, producers, and other musicians is built around the pads and controls from Akai Professional's industry-standard MPC series. The MPD18 is an expressive and intuitive instrument ideal for the studio and stage.At the heart of the Akai MPD18 is its bank of 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive MPC pads, an Akai Pro exclusive. You can access 3 different banks of sounds from the MPC pads for a total of 48 sounds at your fingertips. The MPD18 also borrows the MPC series' assignable Q-Link controllers, enabling you to control nearly any parameter in your software in real time. You get an assignable Q-Link fader for natural, hands-on control of your most-used parameters, and MPC Note Repeat enables you to quickly input patterns such as hi-hat parts or drum rolls. The MPD18 also has 16 configurable presets so you can program it for the way you work with different hardware and software. The Akai MPD18 sends MIDI information over its plug-and-play USB interface so you can use it with your Mac or PC without installing any drivers. The USB connection even powers the MPD18 so the included USB cable is all you need for portable production. It can control nearly any MIDI software, as well as MIDI hardware, such as synths, sound modules, samplers, sequencers, drum machines, and more....


Friday, November 25, 2011

Akai Pro MPK61 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Akai Pro MPK61 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Review



Akai Pro MPK61 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Feature

  • 61-key semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch for expressive melodic creativity
  • 16 genuine MPC pads with pressure and velocity sensitivity
  • MPC pads access four banks each for instant access to 48 samples
  • MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, and arpeggiator aid in creative process
  • Comes with Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition software
The MPK61 is a keyboard performance MIDI controller that expands the popular MPK line. Each MPK controller combines a piano-style keybed with a bank of genuine Akai Professional MPC pads, assignable Q-Link controllers and key technologies from the iconic MPC family of music production workstations. Producers, performers and DJs will appreciate the MPK61’s mix of 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 16 MPC pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity, 72 assignable Q-Link controllers, MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing and an arpeggiator. The MPK61’s size is ideal for performers who need a larger keyboard than the original 49-key MPK49 offers, but also prefer the lighter weight and associated portability of a semi-weighted keyboard. The MPK61 retains the key split features from the MPK88, enabling you to divide the keyboard into two zones for performing with two different programs at once. Like its 25, 49 and fully weighted 88-key siblings – the MPK25, MPK49 and MPK88, respectively – the MPK61 empowers you to create and manipulate melodic, harmonic and rhythmic content and inspires creative production with its arpeggiator, MPC Swing and MPC Note Repeat technologies. The MPK61 comes with Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition software, one of the most popular and powerful performance and production programs worldwide. Ableton Live Lite enables musicians to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise and edit musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. The MPK61 is a MIDI controller that sends MIDI data over USB for plug-and-play performance with Mac and PC. Because they are MIDI compliant, the MPK series works with virtually all MIDI recording, sequencing, and performance software for musical performers from keyboard players to producers to DJs and VJs.


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

8GB Akai MPC CompactFlash CF Memory Card for MPC500, MPC1000, MPC2500 and MPC5000

8GB Akai MPC CompactFlash CF Memory Card for MPC500, MPC1000, MPC2500 and MPC5000 Review



8GB Akai MPC CompactFlash CF Memory Card for MPC500, MPC1000, MPC2500 and MPC5000 Feature

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Protective jewel case
  • Tested for sector integrity and chip functionality
Premium Compact Flash Memory upgrade for the Akai MPC series of samplers. 8GB CompactFlash Card for your Akai MPC500, MPC1000, MPC2500, MPC5000


Sunday, November 20, 2011

M-Audio AXIOM 25-Key Semi-Weighted Keyboard USB MIDI Controller

M-Audio AXIOM 25-Key Semi-Weighted Keyboard USB MIDI Controller Review



M-Audio AXIOM 25-Key Semi-Weighted Keyboard USB MIDI Controller Feature

  • 25-key velocity-sensitive semi-weighted action keyboard with assignable aftertouch
  • All controllers fully programmable to MIDI controller number and channel
  • Snapshot function transmits all current controller settings
  • Built-in USB MIDI interface including standard MIDI In and Out jacks
  • Includes Ableton Live Lite 4 music production software so you can make music right away
The M-Audio Axiom 25 is an advanced, semi-weighted USB MIDI Controller. Don\'t let the compact size of the Axiom 25 fool you. This advanced 25-key USB mobile MIDI controller features both semi-weighted action and assignable .... Buy M-Audio Axiom 25 USB MIDI Controller now! Buy M-Audio Axiom 25 USB MIDI Controller now!


Friday, November 18, 2011

AKAI MPD26 MPD-26 USB MIDI CONTROLLER WITH PADS DJ

AKAI MPD26 MPD-26 USB MIDI CONTROLLER WITH PADS DJ Review



AKAI MPD26 MPD-26 USB MIDI CONTROLLER WITH PADS DJ Feature

  • MMC/MIDI Start Stop transport buttons
  • Large, easy-to-read custom LCD display
The MPD26 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller with genuine MPC pads. Producers programmers musicians and DJs will appreciate the MPD26รข€™s capabilities. Its blend of intuitive MPC controls and technologies meshes with USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making to the world of computer music production.


Thursday, November 17, 2011

Alesis iO DOCK Docking Station

Alesis iO DOCK Docking Station Review



Alesis iO DOCK Docking Station Feature

  • The world's first pro audio dock for iPad
  • Connect microphones and instruments including guitar, studio monitors, PA speakers, headphones, and MIDI controllers
  • Universal device works with virtually every audio and MIDI app in the App Store; Core MIDI compliant
The iO Dock (patent pending) is the first device that enables anyone with an iPad to create, produce, and perform music with virtually any pro audio gear or instruments. The iO Dock is a universal docking station specifically designed for the iPad, and it gives musicians, recording engineers, and music producers the connectivity they need to create and perform with iPad. Connect all your pro audio gear to virtually any app in the App Store with the iO Dock. The iO Dock is a universal docking station specifically designed for the iPad and iPad 2, and it gives musicians, recording engineers, and music producers the connectivity they need to create and perform with iPad. Connect all your pro audio gear to virtually any app in the App Store with the iO Dock. The iO Dock provides microphone and instrument users with two combination XLR and 1/4-inch inputs, each with its own gain control and switchable phantom power for condenser microphones. Guitarists and bassists will appreciate the iO Dock’s guitar-direct switch, enabling them to play, perform and record right into amplifier- and effects-modeling apps. Bands can connect outputs from their mixer and easily record their performances and rehearsals or use the iO Dock as a metronome or loop-playback device. Producers can use the iO Dock’s MIDI jacks to sequence external keyboards, samplers, drum machines and synthesizers, or perform using the iO Dock as the sound module and their favorite MIDI-compliant keyboard, drum pad or other controller. An assignable 1/4-inch footswitch input enables remote control of any app-defined function such as stop/start or record. Users can also connect the iO Dock to their Mac or PC using the USB port to send MIDI back and forth for creative, new applications of the iPad and computer used in tandem. Users can connect the iO Dock’s stereo pair of 1/4-inch main outputs to studio monitors for critical listening, or to PA systems for use in performance settings. They can monitor on headphones, and independently control the levels of the two outputs, each on its own knob. Recording musicians will appreciate the iO Dock’s direct-monitor switch, which enables them to toggle between the incoming and playback signal on their headphones. Rounding out the iO Dock’s output section is a composite video connector, enabling users to employ the iO Dock as a source for video projection behind bands on stage, or for connection to most televisions and computer monitors.


Tuesday, November 15, 2011

2GB Sampletronic Premium Sounds and Drums Sample Collection Vol. 1 Compact Flash Memory Upgrade for the Akai MPC

2GB Sampletronic Premium Sounds and Drums Sample Collection Vol. 1 Compact Flash Memory Upgrade for the Akai MPC Review



2GB Sampletronic Premium Sounds and Drums Sample Collection Vol. 1 Compact Flash Memory Upgrade for the Akai MPC Feature

  • 2 full gigabytes of the best professional sounds
  • Vinyl loops & chops, one stop stabs and punchy note based gems
  • Drum Hit Wonders and Knuckle knocking Click Clacks - ranging from vinyl grime to crisp and clean
  • Amazing Percussion sounds from around the world including South American and Afro-percussion
This is a Sampletronic Compact Flash Memory Sample Collection upgrade for the Akai MPC series of samplers.

The card provides 2 full gigabytes of the best professional sounds, chopped right, and expertly designed into Akai MPC Programs (Pgm) for your unlimited use.

You will receive a permanent flash memory storage product consisting of top quality flash chips. The compact flash drives are compatible with your Akai machine, rugged, dependable, and fast. They are built to last a lifetime.


Saturday, November 12, 2011

Akai Blues Overdrive Vintage Blues Overdrive Pedal

Akai Blues Overdrive Vintage Blues Overdrive Pedal Review



Akai Blues Overdrive Vintage Blues Overdrive Pedal Feature

  • Dynamic response to incoming signal (soft to saturate)
  • Vintage circuit design with boutique sound quality
  • True Bypass for retaining a pure signal when the effect is disengaged
Vintage Blues Overdrive Pedal


Friday, November 11, 2011

Novation Launchpad Ableton Live Controller

Novation Launchpad Ableton Live Controller Review



Novation Launchpad Ableton Live Controller Feature

  • Seamless integration of Launchpad and Ableton Live
  • Backlit multi-color 64-button grid provides instant session overview
  • Ideal for launching clips and scenes
  • No additional power supply needed - single lead USB-powered from your computer
  • Supports multi-unit operation - connect up to 6 Launchpads at a time
The compact Novation Launchpad is designed to give electronic music makers the most interactive experience possible in Ableton Live. Jointly designed by Ableton and Novation, Launchpad communicates bi-directionally with the software to give you real-time session feedback. With a multi-color 64-button grid and dedicated scene launch buttons, Launchpad can trigger and manipulate clips in Live as well as provides a totally new way of controlling Ableton Live's mixer. Launchpad's buttons can be used to sketch out beats with drum racks, and they can be assigned to other functions in Live using Ableton's Learn mode.



The 64-button grid and scene launch buttons are ideal for controlling clips and scenes (see larger pop-up image).


Launchpad gets all the power it needs via USB, and you can connect up to six units at once via a USB hub.
The device is bus-powered from a single USB connection, and has a ten-inch square desktop footprint. Rubber feet ensure Launchpad stays secure on the surface on which it's placed, and an optional padded neoprene travel sleeve is available. The Launchpad ships with a dedicated Launchpad edition of Ableton Live 8, but it can also control almost any other music software using Novation's award-winning Automap control software. It's compatible with both Mac OS and Windows operating systems.


Key Features

  • Launch clips and scenes: Launchpad's 64-button grid and dedicated scene launch buttons are ideal for launching and controlling your clips and scenes.
  • Innovative control over your mix: Including volume, pans, sends, track arming, soloing and muting. Launchpad lets you jump to different levels across eight channels at once.
  • Sketch out beats: Launchpad can be used to play drum racks, creating beats and triggering samples in real time.
  • Controlling other functions Launchpad can be used to control other functions using Ableton's 'Learn' mode. This includes Ableton's knobs and faders, which can be assigned to rows of buttons on Launchpad.
  • Multiple unit operation: Connect up to 6 Launchpads at a time. Expand your grid with multiple Launchpads, or have one Launchpad dedicated to mixer mode, and the other to launching clips.
  • Expand your Ableton control solution: Novation's Automap-enabled controllers work seamlessly together--a ZeRO SL MkII to control the mix, whilst Launchpad triggers clips.
  • Automap-enabled: Launchpad can control other DAWs and plug-ins using Novation's Automap control software. Automap can assign controls to software parameters on VST/AU/RTAS/TDM plug-ins by simply clicking on them, and touching a controller.
  • See what you're triggering: Automap provides a customizable heads-up transparent display across your computer screen. Ideal for seeing at a glance samples that you're about to trigger.
  • QWERTY keyboard shortcuts: Automap PRO, an optional upgrade available to purchase online, lets you assign almost any computer keyboard shortcut, and combinations thereof, to Launchpads buttons.
  • Old-school MIDI control: Utilizing Automap, Launchpad can operate as a standard MIDI controller, creating custom MIDI maps with 72 of its buttons transmitting either CC or MIDI note data.
  • Flexible trigger platform for Max MSP and Reaktor programmers: Programmers can utilize variable brightness and multi-color LED states to their full advantage when designing new and innovative tools in Max MSP and Reaktor.
  • Launchpad and Max for Live: Max is a visual programming environment that allows you to custom build instruments and effects. Launchpad can be used to control these instruments. For example, parameters on Max for Live's step sequencer can be triggered using Launchpad's buttons. Launchpad gives you a huge amount of visual feedback. Multiple colors and brightnesses across different buttons display visual information about whether the note is on, the velocity, note length, pitch, and whatever else you want to see.

What's in the Box
Launchpad, USB cable, DVD-ROM with Ableton Live 8 Launchpad Version (Mac and PC installers) and 1 GB of Loopmaster sample content

Specifications

  • Physical Controls and Indicators:
    • 64 (8x8 grid) square multi-color backlit buttons
    • 8 round multi-color backlit system buttons (assignable)
    • 8 round multi-color backlit function buttons (not assignable)
  • Connectivity: USB 1.1
  • Mac system requirements: Mac OS X 10.4 or later; Intel Mac or G4 and higher processor
  • Windows system requirements: Windows XP or Vista; 1.5 GHz or faster processor; 512 MB of RAM (1 GB recommended)
  • Dimensions: 9.45 x 9.45 x 0.79 inches (WxDxH)
  • Weight: 25 ounces (1 pound, 9 ounces)
The new Novation Launchpad has been jointly designed by Novation and Ableton, integrating instantly and seamlessly to provide a powerful and musical way to physically and visually interact with Ableton Live. Whether you’re a DJ, performing musician or studio producer, Launchpad gives you all you need to truly ‘play' Live. Just load up Live, plug in the Launchpad, and you're ready to roll. With a multi-color 64-button grid and dedicated scene launch buttons, Launchpad is purpose built for triggering and manipulating clips in Live, and it also offers a totally new way of controlling Ableton Live’s mixer. Launchpad's buttons can be used to sketch out beats with drum racks, and they can be assigned to other functions in Live using Ableton's 'Learn' mode. Launchpad ships with a dedicated ‘Launchpad edition’ of Ableton Live 8, but can control almost any other music software using Novation's award-winning 'Automap' control software. Automap provides a customizable display and editing control maps and allows the user to operate the Launchpad as a standard MIDI controller, creating custom MIDI maps with 72 of its buttons transmitting either CC or MIDI note data. Since Novation was born in 1992, the company name has become synonymous with world-class analog modeling synthesizers and unrivalled MIDI controller keyboards and solutions. The product range continues to receive critical acclaim from the music press and win numerous awards for outstanding technology and usability. Fantastic build quality, true musical instrument feel and intuitive controls are just three of the reasons why Novation's digital musical instruments are simply a joy to play.


Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Akai EXM 128 - 128 MB Memory Upgrade For MPC500, MPC1000, MPC2500 Drum Machines

Akai EXM 128 - 128 MB Memory Upgrade For MPC500, MPC1000, MPC2500 Drum Machines Review



Akai EXM 128 - 128 MB Memory Upgrade For MPC500, MPC1000, MPC2500 Drum Machines Feature

  • Increase the size of your musical canvas with this expansion memory card
  • Adds 128MB RAM
  • Used for the MPC500, 1000 or 2500
  • Add to the number and/or size of the samples you can run simultaneously
The Akai EXM128 is a 128MB expansion memory card for the MPC500, MPC1000 (shown) and the MPC2500.


Monday, November 7, 2011

Korg nanoKONTROL USB Controller, Black

Korg nanoKONTROL USB Controller, Black Review



Korg nanoKONTROL USB Controller, Black Feature

  • Maximum Polyphony: 32 Notes (Depending On The CPU Of Host Computer)
  • Number Of Parts: 8
  • Number Of Presets: 200 Presets (100 Programs, 100 Combinations), A User Bank (50 Programs, 50 Combinations)
  • 144 PCM Waveforms (100 Multi-Sounds, 44 Drum-Sounds)
  • 33 Effect Types
Part of the super-compact nanoSERIES, Korg's nanoKONTROL offers nine faders, nine knobs, 18 switches, plus a full transport section for expansive control; even a flexible note input mode to help you lay down your next big groove.

A plethora of controllers to help you get the most control out of your software for the size and money. Click to enlarge.

One of three nanoSERIES controllers.

Also available in white.

The Korg nanoSERIES
The Korg nanoSERIES provide a keyboard controller, a pad controller, and a studio controller with dedicated transport controls. Each of these USB-powered, slim-line controllers is designed to make the most of your valuable studio space, and is small enough to take with you on any musical journey. Place one of our keyboard controllers in front of your laptop, rest a pad controller on your music workstation, park a studio controller on your recording console--or anywhere else you need versatile control over your DAW, virtual instrument, effect or DJ software. Although small in size, all three nanoSERIES controllers go HUGE when it comes to functionality, yet their intuitive layouts provide extremely easy operation for any user.

nanoKONTROL--The Most Expansive Array of Controls For Its Size--Period
The nanoKONTROL features a plethora of controllers to help you get the most control out of your software for the size and money. nanoKONTROL offers nine faders, nine knobs, 18 switches and a full transport section. For each of the four programmable scenes the nanoKONTROL offers, you can set the controllers any way you need them. That means that you can transmit a total of 168 different MIDI CC (Control Change) messages, as well as MIDI notes with the switches. The six transport buttons can each transmit either MIDI CC messages or MMC messages to control functions such as: start, stop, loop, or record on your DAW software.

Imagine taking full control of your software--transport, a full track's worth of faders, pans and mutes--or how about precise dedicated control over the many parameters of software synths, samplers or virtual drum machines. It's all possible with the nanoKONTROL.

To add to the nanoKONTROL's flexibility, an attack and decay time can be specified for the eighteen switches. This allows you to smoothly feed controller messages into parameters such as wet/dry levels for an effect, a filter for a synth, or a volume fader for that perfect fade.

What's in the Box
Korg nanoKONTROL, USB cable, Owner's Manual The Korg nanoKONTROL boasts an impressive nine faders, nine knobs, 18 switches, and a full transport section, the Korg nanoKONTROL is an incredibly slim yet extremely potent USB MIDI controller! You can program each of the nanoKONTROL's four scenes to set up the controllers any way you need them. You'll have fingertip-access to a total of 168 different MIDI Control Change messages for seriously enhancing your workflow.