Sunday, December 11, 2011

Akai Karaoke KS-208 CDG Front Load CD+G Karaoke System

Akai Karaoke KS-208 CDG Front Load CD+G Karaoke System Review



Akai Karaoke KS-208 CDG Front Load CD+G Karaoke System Feature

  • FM Radio
  • Line in Jack
  • Built In Speaker
  • Blinking Lights Effect
  • Includes CD+G Demo Disc and 1 Microphone
Akai Karaoke Front Load CD+G Karaoke System


Friday, December 9, 2011

Akai Professional APC40 Ableton Performance Controller - Limited Edition Blue

Akai Professional APC40 Ableton Performance Controller - Limited Edition Blue Review



Akai Professional APC40 Ableton Performance Controller - Limited Edition Blue Feature

  • Designed in partnership with AbletonUnique clip matrix with multicolor lighting displays current clip statusNo mapping required for use with Ableton Live 8 (previous versions still need mapping)Exclusive bidirectional communication between the APC40 and Ableton LiveProfessional feel with rugged, metal chassis and premium controlsComes with Ableton Live Akai Professional APC EditionNo mapping required for use with Ableton LiveUSB plug-and-play connection for Mac and PCPremium controller with rugg
The Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller is designed to be a powerful, intuitive controller for electronic-music performance artists, DJs, hip-hop producers and traditional musicians using Ableton Live on stage and in the studio.Virtual viewThe APC40 talks directly to Ableton Live and Live talks directly to the APC40. This exclusive bidirectional communication makes the Akai Professional APC40 an advanced controller that receives feedback from the software and displays it on its clip matrix of 40 triggers, and on LED rings surrounding each knob. The clip matrix gives you an instant view of clip status: what's loaded, what's playing, and what's being recorded. Each state displays on the matrix in a different color so you quickly get a picture of clip state. Shift your clip focus and get an overview of the clips you have loaded for your set.The Akai APC40 controller has 16 knobs, each surrounded by a ring of LEDs. These LED rings indicate the currently selected parameters' values, and make seeing your settings on dark stages a breeze. The APC40 controller's advanced visual feedback focuses your performing with focused more on the music and less on squinting at the computer screen. In fact, you might even forget that the computer is there.Premium controlsAbleton selected Akai Professional as a partner because of its leadership position in great-feeling controllers that are rock solid, rugged, and precise. From the legendary MPC series that changed the way music is made to the industry-standard MPD and MPK controllers, Akai Professional is revered by musicians, DJs, and producers everywhere for creating the feel that powers their creativity. The APC40 is built with a rugged, metal chassis and slip-proof rubber detailing. Knobs and faders are solid and precise for pinpoint performance. It even features a high quality, replaceable crossfader.Creative controlThe Akai APC40 controller comes with a special edition of Ableton Live Lite so you can use it out of the box ev


Thursday, December 8, 2011

Akai Professional MPK49 Special Edition

Akai Professional MPK49 Special Edition Review



Akai Professional MPK49 Special Edition Feature

  • 8 full-sized, 360 degree rotation pots, each with 3 banks for 24 pots total MPC-style note repeat and all new arpeggiator 8 full-sized sliders with 3 controller banks each for 24 sliders total 8 assignable backlit switches with 3 controller banks each for 24 switches total MMC/MIDI Start-Stop transport buttons Large, easy-to-read custom LCD display
Beat creation, MIDI sequencing, and live performance control are all possible with Akai's MPK49 Special Edition USB/MIDI controller. Featuring a sleek black chrome design, this 49-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch comes with 12 MPC-style drum pads with 4 pad banks each for a total of 48 total pads. The pads have swing parameters that can be applied to the MPC Note Repeat function and the MPK49 keyboard's own arpeggiator for instant creation of ear-catching riff effects. They also feature the MPC-style Full Level and 12 Level velocity functions. Included in the array of assignable controls are 8 full-sized, 360-degree rotation pots, 8 full-sized sliders, and 8 backlit switches. All of them come with 3 banks, giving you a total of 24 pots, 24 sliders, and 24 switches to play with. Amongst the other assignable inputs are an expression pedal, footswitch, pitch bend, and modulation wheel. The MPK49 Special Edition MIDI keyboard controller also has Tap Tempo and time-division buttons allow for realtime control of Note Repeat and Arpeggio clock speeds. The large, custom LCD display makes it easy to see what you're working with, whether in the dark atmosphere of a nightclub or in the comfy confines of the studio..


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Akai Pro MINIAK Virtual Analog Synthesizer with Vocoder

Akai Pro MINIAK Virtual Analog Synthesizer with Vocoder Review



Akai Pro MINIAK Virtual Analog Synthesizer with Vocoder Feature

  • Eight voices, each with three oscillators
  • Up to eight multi-timbral parts with stereo effects and 40-band vocoder
  • Two multi-mode filters, three envelope generators, two LFOs, sample and hold, tracking generator
  • Dynamic real-time and step sequencers, arpeggiator, and drum machine/rhythm sequencer
  • 37-key synth-action keyboard with velocity sensitivity
The MINIAK is a powerful performance and production synthesizer. The MINIAK empowers creative musicians with phrase and step sequencing, a built-in drum machine/rhythm sequencer, an arpeggiator, a 40-band vocoder, stereo effects, and a virtual analog synth engine developed in partnership with the world-class Alesis synth team. While the compact, portable synth shines on stage, the MINIAK is also at home in the production studio delivering 24-bit audio resolution. The MINIAK puts up to eight multi-timbral voices at your fingertips, each with three oscillators. You can create interesting and unique sounds and take advantage of the more-than-600 preset sounds and store up to 1,000 programs in the MINIAK. The synth also has two multi-mode filters, three envelope generators, two LFOs, stereo effects, and a 40-band vocoder. On top of all of this sound-melding power, the MINIAK has a comprehensive sequencer with step and dynamic real time phrase sequencing, a drum machine/rhythm sequencer, and an arpeggiator to aid in creating the landscapes and textures you’re after. Rounding out this complete instrument are high-resolution, 24-bit balanced 1/4" inputs and outputs. The MINIAK has a 37-key semi-weighted keyboard with velocity sensitivity for all-in-one performance. It can also be used as a sound source for MPCs, computer software, and keyboards via MIDI.


Monday, December 5, 2011

Korg nanoKEY2 Slim-Line USB Keyboard, Black

Korg nanoKEY2 Slim-Line USB Keyboard, Black Review



Korg nanoKEY2 Slim-Line USB Keyboard, Black Feature

  • Low-profile, 25-key USB-MIDI keyboard, ideal for use with laptop and netbook computers
  • Advanced-design keybed offers improved accuracy and velocity-sensitive keys.
  • Sustain button - ideal for entering piano parts!
The Korg nanoKEY2 is a compact-sized 25-note velocity-sensitive keyboard MIDI controller. Its programmable meaning that it can also be set to send MIDI control data. Youll be able to take full control of your software whether its a virtual instrument, DAW, plug-in effect or DJ software. The Korg nanoKEY2, while small in size, provides a giant solution for tracking keyboard and drum parts in your favorite DAW software whether on the road with a laptop or in the studio where space is at a premium. Along with its 25 great feeling keys are controls for Octave Shift up/down, Pitch Bend up/down, a button for sustain and modulation. The nanoKey gets it power from the mini-USB connection so theres no need for batteries or wall-warts. The nanoKEY 2 works with the Korg Kontrol Editor software available free on the Korg website. Load it into your computer, and use it to make detailed customized settings. Choose from four velocity settings: three velocity curves or fixed velocity; specify the control change messages transmitted by the modulation button and the sustain button. Also included with the nanoKEY2 are licenses for some amazing software that you can download from the Korg site. They include M1 LE, EzDrummer Lite and lounge Lizard Session.With its surprisingly quality feel, useful functions, included software licenses, small size and incredible light weight (about a lb) the Korg nanoKEY2 Slimline USB-MIDI controller is a must-have for the computer recording engineer/producer/musician on the go or inn the studio.Get your Korg nanoKEY 2 Compact USB-MIDI Controller today from Sam Ash Direct and enjoy the confidence that comes from fast, free shipping, the guaranteed lowest price and our 45/60-day return/price protection policy.


Sunday, December 4, 2011

Akai LPK 25 Laptop Performance Keyboard

Akai LPK 25 Laptop Performance Keyboard Review



The LPK25 laptop performance keyboard is a USB-MIDI controller for musicians, producers, DJs and other music creators. It measures less than 13 inches across and weighs less than a pound to easily fit into a laptop case, backpack or messenger bag for extreme portability. Keyboard players who want to work with software on their computer will find that the LPK25 gives their laptop the keys they need to express themselves anywhere. The LPK25 is a scaled-down relative to the MPK series of keyboard performance controllers. The diminutive keyboard is made up of 25 miniature, velocity-sensitive keyboard keys with synth action. The LPK25 contains an arpeggiator, which steps through chords automatically, assisting musicians with creating quick melodic ideas. Sustain, octave up and down and tap tempo controls round out the LPK25's easy-to-learn layout. The LPDK25 works plug and play with Mac and PC and requires no software driver installation or wall power for operation. It has four memory banks for programming and recalling settings appropriate to different software programs you use.


Friday, December 2, 2011

M-Audio Axiom 25 Advanced 25-Key USB MIDI Controller, 2nd Gen

M-Audio Axiom 25 Advanced 25-Key USB MIDI Controller, 2nd Gen Review



M-Audio Axiom 25 Advanced 25-Key USB MIDI Controller, 2nd Gen Feature

  • 25 piano-style, semi-weighted keys>musically satisfying playing experience
  • 8 smooth rotary encoders and 1 mixer-style fader>hands -on control over your DAW
  • angled top panel and backlitLCD screen>better ergonomics on stage and in the studio
  • DirectLink mode>automatically map onboard controls to DAW mixer parameters-no complex setup required
  • Axiom Instrument Maps>instant access to virtual instrutment parameters for a hardware synth-like experience
The compact M-Audio® Axiom® 25 mobile controller combines all the production power and performance you need to get the most from your music software and MIDI gear. More than just a “data entry” controller, the Axiom 25 features piano-style, semi-weighted keys for a musically satisfying playing experience—yet it’s small enough to fit in a backpack. Large dynamic trigger pads make it easy to program beats and trigger one-shot samples—while the encoder knobs and buttons deliver complete real-time control over your software. DirectLink mode provides easy, automatic access to common DAW functions* including transport, mixer, track pan, and virtual instrument parameters—no complicated setup required. The Axiom 25 controller even features a sleek, angled top panel for easy viewing in any environment.

DirectLink: Streamlined Session Control

Building on the best-selling MIDI keyboard controllers of all time**, the updated Axiom series features DirectLink, which automatically maps the onboard controls to common parameters in DAWs* like Pro Tools®, Logic, Cubase, Live, and Reason. Take control over your software studio—directly from the keyboard. Use the fader and encoder knobs to fine-tune the mix. Easily navigate through sessions using the Transport buttons. Interfacing a MIDI controller with your software doesn’t get any easier than this.

Serious Production Power


When inspiration strikes, you need a keyboard controller that can translate ideas into killer tracks. That’s why Axiom 25 is equipped with an ultra-expressive semi-weighted keyboard and eight Trigger Finger® pads for programming beats with incredible feel. Automatically map Axiom 25 to your DAW with DirectLink—or delve deeper by assigning the pads, encoders, and fader to whatever controls you wish. Each controller can map to just about any MIDI message available, along with independent channel addressing for each. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Axiom Instrument Mode

With other MIDI keyboards, assigning controls to virtual instruments has never been easy. Now thanks to the Axiom 25 controller’s new Instrument mode, a single button instantly maps the fader, buttons, and encoders to any virtual instrument inside your DirectLink-compatible host*. You get direct access to synthesis parameters such as filter cutoff, LFO rate, and envelope settings—without having to manually configure anything. It’s almost like turning Axiom 25 into a dedicated hardware synth.

Intuitive Design

Whether you’re on stage or in the studio, your keyboard controller should fuel your creativity—providing all the right information and controls at your fingertips. That’s why we designed Axiom 25 with a sleek angled top panel for easier viewing of the display and improved ergonomics. Smooth rotary encoders deliver precise, continuously variable parameter changes, giving you a hands-on feel for the mix. The backlit LCD screen provides informative feedback from DAW hosts, including on-screen display of parameters, settings, and track/VI names. It all adds up to intuitive control over your MIDI software and hardware.

Mobile Operation The Axiom series is extremely compact and lightweight and all models are powered directly from your computer’s USB bus. Choose the size that’s best for your needs, then take your music anywhere you want to go.

Full Features:
25-key velocity-sensitive semi-weighted-action keyboard with assignable aftertouch
DirectLink mode automatically maps controls to common DAW and virtual instrument parameters*
dedicated Instrument mode button lets you instantly switch between controlling mixer and virtual instrument parameters*
intuitive custom LCD display, centered on keyboard for optimum visibility
angled top panel for easy viewing in any environment
4 zone buttons for stacking and splitting sounds on up to 4 MIDI channels
8 assignable trigger pads
8 assignable rotary encoder knobs
1 assignable fader
6 dedicated transport controls
6 edit buttons
dedicated track up/down, bank , mute, and solo buttons
dedicated patch +/– buttons
assignable pitch bend and modulation wheels
octave up/down; transpose up/down
factory presets map controls to popular music software:
  • Xpand!®2
  • Hybrid™
  • Velvet®
  • Strike®
  • Oddity
  • ImpOSCar
  • Minimonsta
20 non-volatile memory locations
memory dump via SysEx
4 keybed velocity curves and 3 fixed velocity settings
4 pad velocity curves, 3 fixed settings, and unique ‘step’ velocity curves
2 assignable pedal inputs
class-compliant with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Mac OS X
powered via USB or optional power supply
built-in USB MIDI interface including standard MIDI In and Out jacks
all controllers fully programmable to MIDI controller number and channel
Controller Mute function mutes controller output to avoid parameter jumps
Snapshot function transmits all current controller settings
on/off rocker switch