Ketron SD2 Orchestral Wizard Sound Module Review

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(More customer reviews)Like the prior reviewer says the acoustic instrument sounds in the SD2 are far better than similar Roland synth modules. I've been searching for the best acoustic musical instruments for many years and not other module even at 2 or 3 times the price has as many excellent sounds.
The Tenor Sax, in fact, is a wonderful breathy Tenor reminiscent of Stand Getz not only in the low register but also in the upper one, whereas I find the baritone sax to be too harsh, I prefer a more mellow Gerry Mulligan quality.
The clarinet is also excellent, especially in the upper register where it has a rich, brilliant voice -perfect for jazz.
The violin and viola recorded w natural vibrato are also top notch -with wonderful dynamics.
The Golden Trumpet is one of the smoothest trumpets you can find and the various muted Trumpets are also pretty good.
The flute is quite good, but I've got better trombone sounds elsewhere.
This synthesizer works fantastically well with a wind controller such as the EWI-4000s, the newer EWI-USB, or Yamaha models.
For the maximum fun, be sure to use it with Band-in-a-Box and you will have a wonderful combo going in no time at all. You will notice that when you enable an entire family of an instrument, you will get some instruments that obviously are outside the family. This is because the SD2 has a modified General Midi implementation, done, I'm told by the manufacturer, in order to remain compatible with some older Ketron synth modules/instruments which were designed prior to the popularity of General Midi. If you want to hear some samples of what this synth sounds like, go to the manufacturers site, or go to[...] music site and look for my Jazz2010 page.

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The Ketron Orchestral Wizard (SD2) is a pocket size sound module designed for all PC and Midi applications. Equipped with the same sound engine found in the new Ketron SD5 keyboard, the SD2 has all the latest features for recording, programming and live performances, featuring a New Stereo Grand Piano and huge Orchestral voices such as Saxophones, Brass, Woodwinds, authentic Guitars, Accordions and many others. The quality of these instrumental voices (following the traditional Ketron Best Natural sound heritage) is a remarkable advantage on the SD2, especially when stacked against other competitors. In addition, the SD2 includes very distinctive Audio Drum and Percussion Loops selected from Slow, Jazz, Latin, Acoustic, Traditional, and Dance styles.

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Yamaha MO6 61 Key Music Production Synthesizer Review

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(More customer reviews)This is an amazing keyboard. Excellent sound, absolutely awesome for live playing...and if you are into techno/trance/house...there isn't any other keyboard which can compete. Build quality? Excellent...Made in Japan.
The competing keyboard for this model is Korg M50-61. Although it is lighter, the M06 far exceeds in quality and real-time playing. Overall, the perfect keyboard for techno/trance/house production for real pros.

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Yamaha, the world's largest musical instrument manufacturer and the leader in synthesizer technology, proudly introduces the MO Music Production Synthesizer. Targeted to semi-professional musicians and home/project studio owners as well as songwriters and performers, the MO provides a full set of authentic sounds and comprehensive music-making features including an emphasis on contemporary styles and voices. Highly portable and compact, the MO also serves as an ideal keyboard for live performance situations. The MO contains many advanced music production tools. These include a built-in Song sequencer, and a useful Pattern mode that allows you to build complex rhythmic/chordal patterns by using preset Phrases - or Phrases of your own creation. Moreover, the powerful Arpeggio feature gives you over 1700 sequenced phrases that you can trigger at the touch of a key.Drawing on the technology and sounds of the professional level MOTIF ES, the new MO features an expanded sound set, with an exceptionally large internal wave memory capacity. The keyboard has a full complement of realistic instrument Voices (total 512) and Drum Kits (64), and includes many modern and vintage synthesizer sounds, making it well-equipped for current dance, club and techno music styles. For sound shaping and signal processing, the MO features sharp, responsive filters (with real-time knob control from the panel) and an extensive set of high-quality effects.The MO also seamlessly integrates into computer music systems, with special remote control functions that let you operate your favorite sequencer software from the instrument itself. In addition, the MO is the latest instrument in the Yamaha line to feature compatibility with the convenient Studio Connections system. Studio Connections lets you make and save MO settings to a song within your DAW application (such as Steinberg's Cubase), and use the Total Recall features to instantly restore those settings when you reopen the song.

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Korg microSAMPLER Sampling Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)This sampler is the music tool I have been waiting for. finally a keyboard style sampler that you can bring anywhere and capture anything, no matter what style music you are into its a great tool for composing exactly what you want, I havent used it in a live situation yet, but it has been a great tool in my studio. Can't beat the price either.

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Korg microSAMPLER Sampling Keyboard; Delivers multi-mode sampling, resampling, Pattern Sequencing and over-the-top effects – and all under a fun-to-use intuitive interface.The latest addition to the Korg micro series serves up sampling with a powerful performance punch! More than just a sampler, the microSAMPLER is a complete sound design studio for creating up-to-the minute loops and phrases.The microSAMPLER hosts a solid complement of top-end sampling features to expand your creative potential. This full-fledged instrument offers fourteen-voice polyphony, reverse playback, editing operations such as Normalize and Truncate, and a Time Stretch feature that lets you change the tempo without affecting the pitch. Selectable sample rates of 48 kHz, 24 kHz, 12 kHz, and down to 6 kHz let you sample at rates beyond CD clarity or add in that Lo-Fi vintage vibe. Each bank contains 36 samples (a maximum of approximately 160 seconds of recording time for monaural samples at a 48 kHz sampling rate) and sixteen patterns of sequence data; the microSAMPLER lets you store eight such banks in internal memory. The Keyboard mode takes a single sample and assigns it chromatically across the keys for instant playability. With its recessed controls, bright LEDs and informative display, the microSAMPLER is fun to use and easy to operate – for beginners or seasoned pros.Too many instruments simply offer sampling as an added feature. The microSAMPLER is all about sampling, in every creative form. Five distinct sampling methods allow you to work the way you want, to get the results you need. The microSAMPLER offers traditional One-Shot and Loop sampling, plus a number of creative sampling modes – Loop, Key Gate and Auto-Next. When it comes to sampling, the microSAMPLER has it all.

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Nord Lead 2X 49-Key Virtual Analog Modeling Synthesizer (AMS-NL2X) Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a professional musician and music teacher with a graduate degree in Music. I have owned numerous synths over 3 decades and my Nord 2X is by far the best synth I have ever owned. If you are looking for a great synth for solo work, this is the one to get.

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The original Nord Lead 2 is among the most popular synthesizers ever built. Debuting in 1995, the first Nord Lead virtual analog synthesizer took the music world by storm. It instantly became an industry standard and takes a place among the most revered classic synthesizers. Its warm analog sound coupled with cutting-edge digital technology moved the Nord Lead into a 'leading" position in the synthesizer community. Musicians from all over the world loved its simplicity, intuitive design, and its musicality and expression offered with the virtual analog concept.The Nord Lead 2 improved upon the original Nord Lead, including expanded polyphony. A decade later, the Nord Lead, and its descendant the Nord Lead 2, are still among the most popular synths ever built. The Nord Lead 2X features all the characteristics of its predecessor, and incorporates many new features as well. The 'in your face" sound of the Nord Lead 2X has been enhanced with 24-bit D/A converters. The preset memory houses 7 x 99 factory Programs, 3 x 100 factory performances, and 7 x 10 Percussion Kits. Additionally, the user banks give you room to store your own sounds - 3 x 99 Programs, 3 x 100 Performances, and 3 x 10 Percussion Kits. The polyphony has been upgraded to 20 voices as well.The Nord Lead 2X is compatible with the Nord Lead 2, so you can transfer your custom sounds directly via MIDI. The Nord Lead 2X preserves all the essential parts of the Nord Lead 2, including the user fast and easy interface and its characteristic sound. The Nord Lead 2X continues the tradition of Nord's unique method of sound generation. Mathematical simulations of the signals generated by analog oscillators are the basis for the incredible sound that speaks for itself. People know Nord by its sound, and the Nord Lead 2X gives you that certain quality that is unmistakable!The compact and smart design of the Nord Lead 2X makes it equally perfect for live performance and for production studio work. With 26 knobs and 27 buttons - all sending MIDI controller data - the Nord Lead 2X communicates with every piece of MIDI gear in your setup.Virtual analog brings the technology and physical control together, recreating the warm, thick sound of analog synths without the overheating or tuning deficiencies. Modern technology allows the knobs to not only digitally manipulate the internal sound, but also send MIDI information to be captured in a sequencer or change a parameter on another MIDI-enabled device.The Nord Lead 2 also offers the Nord Pitch Stick, so you can create your own vibrato, much like a guitarist or violinist, without the 'dimple" resting place other pitch benders use. The 'dead zone" has been conquered! The ergonomic handling adds another dimension to your performance.A special Velocity Programming section can be controlled by the Modulation Wheel, making it possible to continuously morph between parameter settings. This feature is a musically expressive tool that allows you to shape your sound in realtime.In the studio, the Nord Lead 2X offers real time MIDI recording of knob settings and special 'MIDI patches" to recreate many of the effects produced by external patching on traditional units.Get 4 synths in one - there are four parts which are directly accessible from the front panel. This makes it possible to instantly create layers with up to four different sounds, where each separate sound in the layer can easily be edited in real time. Each sound can have its own independent output. Make up super patches in the Performance section. Create monster basses and mega pads.49-Key keyboard.

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Yamaha MOTIFXS6 Music Production Synthesizer Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the best synth/workstation with the best sound patches. The other review is not a review on the product like it's supposed to be.

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With the new Yamaha MOTIF XS, inspiration is just a key press away. High-quality sounds to inspire you, intelligent arpeggiators to fuel your creativity, recording features to capture every idea, built-in sampling to create full audio/MIDI arrangements, rhythmic Patterns to compose with, studio-style mixing controls and versatile effect processing to master your final productions. ''With all this and more, the MOTIF XS will soon be your favorite 'go-to' instrument - whether you're composing at home, recording in the studio, or playing live. Close your eyes, play the gorgeous sounds and rhythms of the MOTIF XS - and feel the inspiration.The MOTIF XS provides an exceptionally broad selection of realistic sounds to spark your creativity, with a massive 355 MB of high-quality waveforms and samples on board. Among the standout Voices is a resonant, meticulously recorded concert grand piano sound that is practically worth the price of admission by itself. New acoustic piano, electric piano and orchestral samples, richly textured and distinctly electronic synthesizer waves - give you the sonic tools to fully realize virtually any style of music and any instrumentation.Another new feature is the Expanded Articulation (XA) tone generation system. Using the eight available Elements, XA allows you to more effectively recreate realistic sound and natural performance techniques - such as legato, staccato and key release sounds - often used on acoustic instruments but unavailable or difficult to realize on electronic keyboards.A wide selection of special Mega Voices provide even more expressive nuance, when used with sequencer tracks or the special Mega Voice Arpeggios. The MOTIF XS has a full complement of effects, both insert (Insertion) and send (System), and includes a special set of VCM (Virtual Circuitry Modeling) effects that authentically model the elements in analog circuitry, realistically recreating the uniquely warm characteristics of vintage processing gear.

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Hohner S32R - Red Student Melodica Review

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(More customer reviews)This instrument is fantastic! I've wanted a melodica for a very, very long time and finally decided to purchase this one (after hours and hours of research) the other day. A lot of reviews said to go with Hohner and boy were they right! This does not disappoint! It's super easy to use and fun to play, but doesn't sound like a cheap toy. I've never played an instrument with keys before (strictly strings) and the ease with which I picked this up was incredible. There are no batteries and there's nothing to tune. It's probably the best purchase I've made in a long time.

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The Melodica is a fascinating wind instrument, easy to learn and powerfully expressive! Played like a piano, it is so compact that you can take it with you anywhere. Producing single notes or chords, the Melodica is both a solo and orchestral instrument blending beautifully with other instruments. Whatever the music you like - from classical to rock - the Melodica will add its own personality, a unique and captivating sound!

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Akai SYNTHSTATION25 25-Key Keyboard Controller For Iphone And Ipod Touch Review

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(More customer reviews)I love the music apps on my iPod Touch, so jumped at the chance to be able to use a keyboard with one. The Akai synthstation is perfect for when you spontaneously want to play around and not boot up a computer and plug in a controller and audio interface. It reminds me of the grab and go convenience of a casio. A couple of caveats:
1) The Akai Synthstation app has some great sounds but no real time programming. I like the arpegiator but you are relegated to step programming.
2) They scrimp on the cables so you will probably want to order a mini USB cable. Not a big deal, but even my cheapo Korg controller came with a cable.
What really expanded my enjoyment of this device was the NanoStudio app that was recently updated with synthstation support and breathed new life into this device. It is a relatively pricey app but worth every penny. It has four synths and 2 drum sets and imports samples and you can program in real time or step time.
I hope other app developers follow suit, but I am wondering if the iPad is distracting them from developing for this device. Curious to hear other opinions on this.
Overall I consider this $99 well spent!


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25-key keyboard controller for iPhone and iPod touch, w/SynthStation Studio App, USB/MIDI, line & phone outs

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Kalimba Thumb Piano, Coconut Shell, 7 Keys Review

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(More customer reviews)The previous reviewer is right. I've made my own kalimbas or thumb pianos from things around the house - they aren't that hard to make. But this is a good price for a kalimba with a good sound and simple number of keys.
The rewards from playing this instrument are phenomenal when just played with for an hour or two. It seems like it would be a waste of time, but it isn't. You'd be amazed at how fast an hour goes by while plucking the keys in singles and in pairs. The angels will indeed sing you into a much more relaxed and contemplative mood.
Whether you play in the morning to set you at ease before going to work, or play before bed time to set you in the right mood for dreaming, this "toy" is a very powerful mood altering drug. Use it in excess, safely, knowing that the only harm it might do you is sore thumbs and the occasional cracked thumbnail. The benefits are endless.
Eight keys is a minimum. More is better. But any number of 8 or more keys should give you at least one scale to play with.
Aim for a medium pluck - not too hard, and not too soft. Hard makes for harsh noise, but medium plucking will not wear you out and will produce a nice sound. Play the keys beside each other together for variety, or in quick succession as your thumbnail falls off one then the other. It's a fun instrument to experiment with. Have fun getting high on sound and your imagination.

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This Kalimba thumb piano is made of a coconut shell with a wooden faceplate. Features 7 keys and a hand carved wooden gecko design on the faceplate. Tune the keys by tightening the screws.

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