Novation Xio 25 2-Octave Synthesizer and Audio USB MIDI Controller 25-Key Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased the Xio Synth 25 because of its Midi controller capabilities and its onboard sounds. What also made me want to purchase this was the fact that it serves as a microphone interface with phantom power. I know I have not explored the full potential of this synthesizer with its editing features, etc, which is mainly due to me being new to synthesizers. I purchased Cubase Essentials 5, the Behringer UCA202 U-Control Audio Interface and the Behringer C-1 Studio Condenser Microphone to use with the Xio and everything works together great for my needs. The only downside I have personally experienced is that a few knobs have come off. There is one knob I don't remember ever being there and didn't realize it should have been a knob (you can still turn it) and another knob for a pan function came off. Looking at other reviews from other sites, this seems common. Overall, I would recommend it.
Edit 5-7-10:
I want to edit my review to add that my Xio no longer works well when using it as a midi controller. I don't understand why exactly, since the onboard sounds still play and sound well. When using it as a midi controller, I have to press the keys down hard just to trigger the sounds I am trying to play. Shortly after I purchased the Xio, I had purchased an M-Audio 61 Key midi controller, so that is what I primarily use for midi. I still use the Xio as a microphone interface and for its onboard sounds.

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Never before has a Novation synthesizer been so accessible! Stylish, compact, and affordable, the XioSynth offers a staggering amount of classic and cutting edge sounds, many from internationally acclaimed artists, along with a brand new X-Gator patch programmer and optional filter distortion. Furthermore, the XioSynth provides everything required for producing on the move, through its synth, audio interfacing, and MIDI controlling capabilities – all three in one keyboard.Includes Fantastic ‘Xpression' pad and pitch/mod joystick, both freely assignable in MIDI Controlling mode; allow 6 parameters to be tweaked at once!USB bus-powering is available, as well as optional battery (AA)/PSU operation, making the keyboard highly portable.

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CAKEWALK Dimension Pro Virtual Synthesizer Win/Mac Review

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(More customer reviews)I started with Dimension LE bundled with Cakewalk Home Studio 6 XL, but upgraded to Pro when they ran an upgrade deal. The more I use Dimension, the more I like it... it's now the primary synth in my virtual rack. Free upgrade sound packs and a software update are available on the Cakewalk web site, be sure to download. The grand piano is particularly striking, as are all the string patches in the Garritan Pocket Orchestra; very realistic sounding.
The manual is pretty weak in terms of describing how to create new sounds beyond the presets (there are whole books available on that topic), however the synth is capable of quite an array of sounds and includes a large number of built-in effects that can be chained together. The envelope generation editors allow envelopes to be applied to just about every facet of the sound module; thus using the included analog waveform samples (saw, square, etc.) you can actually make some pretty interesting analog synth-style sounds; check out some of the presets to see how this is done.
So right in the box you get a very nice sampler synth, that also can be programmed like an analog synth using raw waveform samples and the effects/oscillators, capable of stacking up to four samples at once each with separate envelopes and useful effects, that is even capable of firing MIDI sequences/loops as well, with MIDI controller/note mapping any of the settings in the patch... this is pretty much a "work horse" synth.
As a result I find I reach for Dimension as my first choice when adding a virutal synth. It's simply a great, versatile, all-round synth with a huge library of presets (counting the free downloads something like 8 _Gig_ of samples!) and an amazing amount of control to find that perfect sound. The user interface is indeed a bit daunting, so I would probably recommend getting one of the books available on Amazon if you want to dig deeper than the presets (of which counting the free addons must be around 2000 or so presets).
It may not be the perfect sampler synth, or the perfect analog-sound synth, or the perfect loop player... but it does a very decent job of all three of those with a high degree of controllability for the musician, so it's quite a nice "1-stop shop" once you get to know it.

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Dimension Pro combines real instruments with advanced synthesis. This two-DVD sound library has over 1500 sound programs, with tools that are ideal for preset addicts, while its deep editing and sound generation capabilities should appeal to sound designers. It offers n abundance of sounds that range from pristine realistic acoustic instruments, thumping basses, cutting leads, to complex, evolving atmospheres.Multi-stage effects sections and filters -insert and send effects for each part including -Bit reducer and Decimator 16 filter types; 5 tone drive modes; 3 stackable parametric EQs; 6 delay types; 3 chorus types; LFO filters; Autopan Room simulation and modulation effects Mix and layer up to 4 stereo parts per program Vector Mixer for real-time sound morphing - morph sounds by gliding between the different elements of a program Drag-and-drop MIDI into host applications for groove manipulation

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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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Roland JUNO-G 61 Key Workstation Music Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)I promise you will not be sorry purchasing this sampling / workstation. Roland once again delivers precision and quality in this keyboard. It gives you complete control over sampling editing and allows you to create an extensive library of sampled and new sounds. Along with its 16 track workstation you get 4 audio sampling tracks that samples 16 bit and 24 bit sounds/instruments. I've owned Roland for years and I'm not a representative for their company. If you study the price of other keyboards, you will learn that others do not offer this much for this price. Treat yourself and your talent and buy this keyboard. Your studio will thank you!

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True to its heritage, the new JUNO-G is affordable and user-friendly. But that's where the comparisons to yesteryear end. This modern marvel packs a studio's worth of sound, sequencing, and audio recording into one amazing instrument. Sharing the same high-powered processor as Roland's famous Fantom-X series, the JUNO-G puts a world of first-class sound and performance features under musicians' fingertips and allows more sounds to be added via SRX expansion. Songs can be created with the onboard audio MIDI recorder, all for an incredibly low price! USB port for MIDI communication, AIF/WAV file exchange, and data transferPC Card slot (which accepts CompactFlash or SmartMedia cards via adapter) Cakewalk SONAR LE software CD-ROM bundled Invisible infrared D Beam controller Old-School Ease, Cutting-Edge Features Roland's Fantom-X series is a grand-slam hit around the globe. The Fantom's high-quality sound engine is a key factor in its success. The JUNO-G shares the same processor as the Fantom-X, and thus delivers the finest sound quality on the market including an 88-note multisampled grand piano, and a wide range of sounds that span from classical to cutting-edge. You can further expand your JUNO-G with one of Roland's SRX expansion boards (optional) For songwriters and performers, the JUNO-G's 16-part MIDI sequencer is a must. But the addition of four companion stereo audio tracks is a huge bonus, and an unexpected surprise for an instrument in this price range! Now players can lay down the perfect backing tracks plus vocals, live guitar parts, and the like. The JUNO-G's dedicated front-panel transport controls and mixer make the recording experience all the more friendly Connectors - Headphones Jack (Stereo 1/4 inch phone type), A (MIX) Output Jacks (L (MONO), R) (1/4 inch phone type), B Output Jacks (L, R) (1/4 inch phone type), Input Jacks (L (MONO)/MIC, R) (1/4 inch phone type), MIDI Connect

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M-Audio Keyrig 25 25-note Synth-Action Keyboard and Midi Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)I had the item for a couple of months and never tried out the program Ableton Live Lite, because I heard the keyboard was the perfect companion for GarageBand. Even though that is true, it will work with just about any music production software, including the Ableton Live, which I started using, and so far it looks really promising. This is so much better than using the keyboard, I have to say. And the size and weight of it make it very convenient to use. You also can't beat the price. Sometime in the future, I hope to get an APC40 to go along with an upgraded version of Live 8 for my music production needs. Hope this helps.

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The M-Audio KeyRig 25 turns your Mac or PC into a mobile keyboard workstation. Featuring a compact 25-note USB MIDI keyboard and the award-winning Key Rig software for the PC, KeyRig 25 makes it easy to compose and perform computer-based music anywhere you want. Play Key Rig's virtual instrument sounds, or audition loops and compose songs with Pro Tools M-Powered, Ableton Live Lite (included) or other music-creation programs. The keyboard also provides an easy way to harness the power of Apple GarageBand's virtual instrument collection on your Mac. It connects via a single USB cable and works instantly with computers running Windows XP or Mac OS X.

It's All There In Black and White The SP-1 Stage Piano module serves up grand pianos, Wurlitzer, classic electric pianos, FM, clavinet and more. Each preset can hold a combination of two instruments with individual settings for Mix, Octave, Detune, Velocity and Tone. Owing to a dual effects section, each preset also has its own effect settings including delay, chorus, phaser and more.
Brave New Synth The MS-2 Polyphonic Synthesizer delivers a new, easy way to call up and edit great synth sounds. Each preset consists of sub-presets for each major section: filter, amp, mod and FX. Creating new sounds is as simple as combining these sub-presets in different ways and tweaking any associated parameters from there as desired.
Get Organized The MB-3 Tone Wheel Organ authentically emulates the classic Hammond sound complete with rotary speaker. Standard features include nine drawbars that are pre-mapped to M-Audio brand USB MIDI controllers, percussion and variable key click, three chorus and three vibrato settings. Rotary speaker emulation includes tube overdrive, speed and tone controls to yield everything from glassy jazz chords to smoking rock leads.
Bring In The Band The GM-4 General MIDI Module delivers 128 GM instruments plus a great GM drum kit. It instantly plays GM-compatible standard MIDI files from host applications and provides an extremely easy way of sequencing additional backing tracks.
Multiple Effects Key Rig modules each feature their own dual effects processors for delay, chorus, phaser and more.There's also a master effects section that further processes the combined output of all modules.
Flexible Mixing and Assignment You get an internal mixer and assignment controls that allow you configure independent MIDI channels for each module. But that's not all... you can easily create splits and layers for things like left-hand bass with right-hand keys, piano/string layers and any other combination you can think of.
Use It Your Way M-Audio's virtual racks let you use them as stand-alone instruments or with most host sequencers. Lots of people, for example, are just taking their keyboard and laptop to live performances. Compatibility with AU, VST and RTAS also means that you can use it as sound sources for your tracks in Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton Live, and, well, pretty much any popular music software.
What's in the Box KeyRig 25 Controller Keyboard, USB Cable, KeyRig Software, Ableton Live Lite Software

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Casio WK7500 76 Key Workstation Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)Casio has outdone themselves with this board!!! This board is capable of some serious music. I'm a guy who has been making music on keyboards, synths, and computers since the late 70's and have owned and used some expensive professional boards (Yamaha,Roland,Korg,Kurzweil etc.) If you tweak the sounds on this board using the onboard DSP you can get some amazing sounds the drawbars and audio recording is just whipped cream on the cake. GET IT, YOU WON'T REGRET IT

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The Casio Casio WK7500 76 Key Workstation Keyboard offers powerful and extensive features at a price that is unheard of in the portable keyboard market. It offers 800 world-class tones, 250 preset rhythms, 17 track sequencer, 32 channel mixer, as well as audio recording capabilities. Any piece of music you create can be recorded as an audio file on an SDHC card. 9 sliders extend your versatility and provide an impressive 50 drawbar organ tones. Whether you are an amateur or professional musician, the WK7500 will allow you to create, edit and play your compositions at home, in the studio or on the stage. Casio Casio WK7500 76 Key Keyboard Features 800 world class tones including stereo pianos, vintage electric pianos, strings, drums, synths and many more 9 sliders extend your versatility and provide an impressive 50 drawbar organ tones 17-track sequencer for editing and tweaking your performances so you can get professional sounding tracks 250 preset rhythms with full accompaniment are built-in Front panel sliders provide control over volume, pan, effect sends for each channel MIC and Instrument inputs, stereo audio in, and a USB MIDI port Tones That Will Inspire Your Music The WK7500 provides 800 world class tones organized by category in a new easy-to-use interface. Dynamic stereo pianos, vintage electric pianos, strings, drums and a wealth of synths and acoustic instruments are at your fingertips. Each of those 800 voices can be edited with control over filters, envelopes and more. For added depth and realism, an extensive set of DSP effects are available to enhance these tones, providing you with pure inspiration at your fingertips Sliders Galore You can't miss them, nine strategically placed sliders on the front panel. Just press the Drawbar Organ

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Korg X50 61 Key Music Synthesizer Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)I've owned the x50 for a couple of years now and use it in my home studio. First of all is sound quality. The top of the line Korg series is the Triton keyboards, which cost thousands of dollars (depending on the model). This keyboard uses the same engine, so the sounds are quite similar to the top of the line model. In other words, incredible sounds.
So why is it less than a thousand bucks? First of all, it's not as customizable. Make no mistake, you can still tweak every sound, but it's not as easy or as in depth as the Triton series.
Second are the physical stats: 61 VELOCITY SENSITIVE, but NOT weighted keys. This means that you can still play with dynamic control, but there isn't the feedback one might be used to from a piano. The keyboard itself is very well constructed but mainly plastic. It will surprise you in it's lack of heft, but don't confuse that with cheapness. It's solid.
So why use this? The voices are amazing. I use it in my home studio to backup my guitar. For one song I wrote in a flute solo and then brought in a flautist to learn the song so she could play with me live. She commented on how good the flautist was who recorded for me. She didn't even know it was a keyboard.
The strings, piano and organ sections are particularly strong.
It's great for my studio since I'm not a pianist. It's exceedingly portable so it would be great for gigs too. It's really a great deal since you get thousands of dollars worth of voices for less than a thousand.

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The Korg X50 music synthesizer features the HI (Hyper Integrated) sound engine that's used on the world-famous TRITON series. It gives you pro-quality sounds in an ultra-compact body. This keyboard synthesizer delivers unbeatable convenience and enjoyment for live performance or song production. The 64 MB PCM memory contains a wide range of sounds, including piano, strings, guitar, and synth sounds. With 512 sound Programs, as well as 384 ?Combinations? that let you use up to eight Programs together, you can start enjoying a diverse selection of great sounds right away. The effect section lets you simultaneously use four effects (one insert effect, two master effects, and one EQ), and provides a full selection of effect types such as reverb, chorus, and delay. Best of all, the X50 is compatible with Korg?s TR line of music workstations so you can share sounds and songs with Korg users around the world.The X50?s ultra-portable design also allows greater accessibility to musicians on the go without having to sacrifice quality.

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Digidesign AIR Velvet Virtual Electric Piano Review

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(More customer reviews)I was reluctant on buying this at first. The price was about 80% cheaper then the other sellers. I thought if it goes bad I always have Amazon to help me get my money back. There was no need for this though. I got the software, and it was brand new, and sealed! I was scared this would be some pirated copy, or just a knock off. I got it, and it is completely legit. Saved a fortune by taking a chance. I am very glad to have this software. It has some great options, and it is very fun to play with on my computer. Just make sure you have good audio on your computer. What a great deal!

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Vintage Electric Pianos Whether you're inspired by classic 70s rock or have an ear to create something uniquely modern, Velvet delivers stunningly realistic emulations of your favorite electric pianos. This powerful instrument plug-in precisely replicates every nuance of the original classic keyboards - both in sound quality and playing feel - and provides unrivaled flexibility to achieve sounds for any style of music. From the faintness of the lightest pianissimo to the note splat of the strongest fortissimo, Velvet is capable of delivering sounds you'd normally only hear when playing the real instrument - and those that are only limited by your imagination. AmericanMusical.com is an authorized dealer of Digidesign products.

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