It is that time of year again - WINTER NAMM 2010 - when the world is sitting in anticipation, full of expectation wondering what technological musical products will be announced. For some, like me it can be a bit of a dissappointment. For whilst there are some great new products released, my own personal expectations have not been met. I was hoping for some new mind-blowing synth from Roland, Korg or Yamaha. The Motif has certainly had a good few years now - surely Yamaha have some new sounds to offer us? And what about the long overdue update to the O/S for Roland's Fantom G (version 2.0) and some expansion boards. I suppose Korg have just released the SV-1 Vintage Piano. Anyway moans and groans to one side for a minute - lets have a think about what I do like. Here is my top 10 - I am sure it is different from yours but here goes:-
1) Roland Octapad SPD-30 - I love these things. This one looks as though it has far more than any of its predecessors - Have a look and a listen here:- http://www.roland.co.uk/products/productdetails.aspx?p=1059&c=72
2) Korg Kaossilator Pro - See my previous Blog
3) Roland VP-7 Voice Processor - I might get one of these - if the price is right. It is due out in May 2010. It is being advertised as Background vocals for every keyboarist. You can create harmonies instantly, from a single voice to a full-scale choir. It has Four expressive Human Voice sounds, three Vocal Designer choirs, plus vintage vocoder, echo, and reverb and it comes bundled with DR-HS5 microphone (designed for Roland’s Vocal Designer products). I will go to a store a check one of these out in the Summer. For more information and video go here:- http://www.roland.co.uk/products/productdetails.aspx?p=1062&c=72
4) TC-Helicon Voice Create XT - Keeping with the Voice products, this one is another vocal pedal to add to the TC-Helicon range. These are great value for money and have TC's great quality sound all in a small pedal. VoiceTone Create XT is the complete 'Hit Producer in a Pedal'. It makes it even easier to get those 'ear candy?' vocal effects that professional producers call on every day to create hit tracks. VoiceTone Create XT improves on the original Create by incorporating HardTune (similar to effects by artists such as T-Pain and Kanye West), the rich, front-of-house quality reverb from its famous big brother, VoiceLive 2, and even more control, including a pedal input that accepts TC-Helicon's 3-button footswitch. Here is the link :-http://www.tc-helicon.com/voicetone-create-xt.asp
5) Roland V-Combo VR-700 Stage Keyboard - I think this keyboard will do well but I am not sure it is for me. I really want something that is a mix of all the best bits from a Korg SV-1, a Yamaha S70SX and this Roland V-Combo. You know what I mean - the Retro look of the SV-1 with the weighted 76 note keyboard from the S70XS with a Motif sound engine and lastly the controls as a mix of the Roland V-Combo and the SV-1. OK I am dreaming - no company is ever going to make something that just simply suits me. Back to the V-Combo - Here is Roland's list of features:-
* Roland’s acclaimed Virtual Tone Wheel and COSM technology provide authentic organ sound
* Dedicated harmonic bars, rotary-speaker simulation, and amp models, including Active Amp Enhancer
* 76-key waterfall keyboards offers smooth glissandos, fast action, and provides enough keys for splits
* Dual-manual simulation with Split function plus pedal board capability (optional Roland PK-25A, PK-7A)
* Essential ensemble sounds (with tone remain function) onboard, including 88-key multi-sampled pianos, EP,strings, brass, synth pads, and more
* Full polyphony in the organ section, 128-voice polyphony for the ensemble section
* WAV/AIFF/MP3/SMF playback function for backing tracks
* Built-in rhythm patterns for practice and play-along performance
* Store user and system settings onboard and to USB memory sticks
* Versatile I/O, including professional XLR outputs
6) Access Virus T1 update to the operating system - Anyone with one of these fantastic synths must have thought that this was the best news possible - See my previos blog on this item - I want one.
7) Korg SOUND on SOUND (SOS) Unlimited Track Recorder, which enables musicians to capture and develop musical ideas as they happen, wherever they are. Battery-powered and completely self-contained, the SOS contains a high-quality stereo microphone and a built-in speaker for all-in-one recording and monitoring.
Unlike other portable recorders (even multitrack), the SOS allows for an infinite number of overdubs or alternate takes to be recorded. Each track, take or overdub is recorded as an individual CD-quality 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV file, and saved directly to a microSD or microSDHC card. Accurate BWF (Broadcast Wave Format) timing information is embedded in each track, meaning all tracks will automatically line up when imported into a computer-based DAW system for further editing, mixdown and final playback. The SOS can record up to 200 songs in the traditional linear manner, or be set to loop a specific section. Memory consumption is roughly 100 recorded minutes per GB (gigabyte).
The SOS provides a number of high-end features for creating professional quality recordings. On board are 100 effect programs derived from Korg's acclaimed REMS modeling system, divided into Guitar and Bass, Microphone and Master categories. Nine of those effects provide real-time control using the LCD touchscreen.
8) Korg Wavedrum - Yes another Korg product - the revolutionary Wavedrum returns. The original came out back in 1994. Wavedrum can be used as a stand-alone percussion instrument, or integrated into an existing drum kit or percussion rig. Unlike digital trigger-based systems, WAVEDRUM uses a real drum head as the playing surface, providing an authentic and familiar feel. This allows the performer to employ sticks, brushes, mallets and/or traditional hand-drum techniques (mute, slap, bend, etc.) to play with comfort and confidence. Aside from drummers/percussionists, additionally vocalists, DJs, and many other types of entertainers and musicians can take advantage of the versatility and playability of the new Korg WAVEDRUM.
By combining 36 advanced DSP (Digital Signal Processing) synthesis algorithms with 200 PCM samples (100 for the head; 100 for the rim), WAVEDRUM provides a wide palette of sounds, ranging from traditional drum and percussion instruments to complex synthetic tones and sound effects. In addition to the ability to create new and unusual sounds, WAVEDRUM also re-creates a vast array of percussion instruments from around the planet, from familiar cajons, congas, and tablas, to the rare and exotic. These include the udo, a clay pod percussion instrument; the jegog, a bamboo gamelan marimba from the island of Bali; a talking drum from Africa; gongs, and many others. WAVEDRUM can even reproduce stringed instruments such as the sitar, koto, and berimbau.
Sounds good to me. Get some more here - you know you want to :- http://www.korg.co.uk/products/wavedrum/wdx/
9) The Mopho Keyboard from Dave Smith - I nearly forgot this one. The Mopho keyboard is a single voice keyboard version of the Mopho which can be expanded to 5 voices if you link to a Tetra. It is shipping later this year, and the price is to be confirmed. Let Dave tell you all about it here:- http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/
10) Yamaha Tenori On v2.0, a free firmware update for the Tenori On. I am not sure whether or not I like these. They certainly look a lot of fun, perhaps I will check them out in store to be fair to the product. You can get all the info from Yamaha here:- http://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/musical_instruments/entertainment/tenori_on/tnr_o/?mode=overview
Well there you have it - I hope I haven't missed anything but these are the best 10 I have looked at. Can't wait untill Summer Namm - talk about wish your life away.
For more information and / or sales visit :- Absolutemusic