Alesis Vortex and DM Dock at NAMM 2012
Alesis were on the floor peddling their wares with all the other folks at NAMM. While they didn’t jump in on the spectacle hogging DJ controller bonanza (2012 Namm was all about iPads and DJ Controllers if you haven’t figured that one out yet), they were front and center on the iPad, and are a solid reminder that DJ controllers aren’t the only controllers out there.
The Alesis Vortex Keytar
Alesis Vortex at NAMM 2012 UniqueSquared
While one has to lean on technicalities to call it the “first USB keytar controller,” the Alesis Vortex Keytar certainly has one feature that is new to the device. With their accelerometer control built to wire to any midi controllable parameter, it is to be assumed that the keyboardist who has always wanted to charge other players on the stage while triggering pitch bends with their aggression will finally have… Read the rest
Akai Max 49 Midi Keyboard Controller – NAMM 2012
It is looking like control voltage/ step sequencing is bound to experience a very healthy rebirth. Boutique synths and desktop analogs have been showing up in the market more in the past few years, but small companies with high costs have made building these systems expensive enough that it hasn’t really become a trend for the penny pinchers. However, with products like the Moog Minitaur and the Arturia MiniBrute appearing on the market, we could be on the precipice of an “analog step sequencing for the masses” kind of an era. Yes, it’s funny to be excited about bringing the old sequencing methods to the future; but even back in their day, these systems were not mass produced at a level to be considered affordable for just anyone. Modular analog CV based sequencing systems are the white whale in a lot of studios. As one of the masses… Read the rest
Torq Xponent with Traktor Pro 2
The Torq Xponent was designed specifically for use with Torq DJ software (included) and we had the opportunity to get funky with Torq a few months ago and found it to be very cool and quite intuitive. The Xponent controller translates the software flawlessly, has massive touch sensitive jog wheels, and a super clean layout with LED backlit, rubberized pads and buttons. It is a medium sized compared to other controllers, and very lightweight with a durable plastic construction. It is DC powered, with RCA main and booth outputs, MIDI in/out, with foot switch and expression pedal inputs. It’s definitely a good looking controller that works well with both Torq and many other DJ software.
With great controllerism comes great responsibility…with your money. That’s why we put together a blazing hot bundle for those of you who want to get buck… Read the rest
Electronic Drum/Sampling (Part II)
In the last blog we talked about a very brief history and overview of electronic drums and sampling. I also delved a little into what I am familiar with when it comes to using electronic drums and samples in a studio production scenario as well as my own personal experiences. In part two, we will talk about electronic drums and samples in a performance setting, my projection about the future of electronic drums and sampling, and close with my own opinion on electronic drums and sampling in the studio and on the stage.
Performance
Some of the biggest acts in the world, even those with recorded drum samples, still have a live drummer performing with them. This makes for a great concert experience and shows the musicianship involved with percussion on certain productions. Many bands use drum pads with additional electronic sounds to compliment… Read the rest
