Ensoniq Asr 10 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Ah... the ASR-10. This was a pivotal sampling synthesizer back in the 90's when it was made. The technology behind this sampler still has musicians, engineers and songwriters still looking for some version of the ASR series (they made an ASR-10, ASR-10m rackmount, ASR-88 and ASR-X). It was a fully blown workstation sampler that gave you the ability to actually record a full song (vocals, effects and all) right out of the box. This machine had it all.
First and foremost it is a sampler. A 16 bit 40kHz sampler to be exact. While sample rates are at 24 bit and 192kHz these days back then 40kHz was the best to be had in samplers, and it's still full CD quality. On top of that you get a whole host of sample editing parameters like looping, crossfading, volume smoothing, time comp, and more. While that's nice and everything the editing really doesn't stop there. Keep in mind this is a sampling SYNTHESIZER. That means you have also all the benefits of having that sample be a wave form that you can edit with a host of parameters including LFO, two digital filters, three envelope generators, and 15 other modulation sources. Want a layered sound? No problem. The ASR-10 can layer up to eight samples together into a single patch.
Each of those patches you create with the samples can have some added juice with an integrated 24 bit effects processor. How many effects? Try 62 effects you can edit fully. These aren't just cheap reverbs and delays. These are the same effects found in the world class DP/4 and DP/2 effects processors. People are still raving about how lush the signal processing is. Choruses, flanges, multi-tap delays, speaker effects, distortion, reverb, phasers... you have it all in one unit.
I did say this is a workstation so you get a 16 track sequencer and 31 voice multi-timbral capabilities on the ASR-10. The sequencer is really easy to use and you can even sample while playing the sequencer. I used to work at a music store back when this baby was out and it was a HUGE seller in the hip hop music genre. While the Akai MPC series was a superior sequencer many artists prefer the sampling and synthesis of Ensoniq for their mixes. Some hip hop artists that used the ASR-10 in their recordings were Kanye West, Alchemist and Pharell Williams.
Remember when I said you can pretty much make your entire song with this one machine? Well you can, but it's tricky with the stock model (having only 2 MB of memory). Some of the "tricks" include things like sampling your vocals in pieces that can be keyed to cut down on sample time. You can also use the tape mode which makes the ASR-10 pretty much a two track digital recorder and record straight to memory or an external SCSI hard drive.
The stock ASR-10 didn't come with a lot of memory, but it can be upgraded to 16MB (I forget the specific kind, but it's was an industry standard a long time ago... check eBay for ASR memory). The stock unit also didn't come with the SCSI interface used for plugging in an external hard drive or Zip drive (100 and 250 MB capacity). I strongly recommend looking for that option as it greatly increases the ASR's capabilities. Other options include an eight output breakout box and digital out.
There is quite a sizable library out for the ASR-10. Many of the samples from that library have ended up in the Proteus X and Emulator X libraries. Again just check out eBay and you should find a ton of samples ready to go. Also you don't have to just settle for editing from the sampler's onboard LCD display. One good editing tool out there is Ensoniq MIDI/Disk Tools by Rubber Chicken Software. It makes sample editing a lot easier.
Does it all sound good? Well it's not. Remember this is a vintage sampler synthesizer. The thing has no internal storage space; which means you have to load the operating system and samples and sequences every time you turn on the machine. Just keep that in mind. If you are looking for a sweet hardware sampler with a ready made library of killer sounds then this may be a nice addition to your collection.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ensoniq Asr 10

Click here for more information about Ensoniq Asr 10

Read More...

Steinway Virtual Concert Grand Standard Version Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The only thing that beats this product is actually sitting at a recently tuned quality grand in a nice room.
I got so excited by this sample set that I bought a 3 pedal controller so I can feel even more like I'm playing an actual piano.
I only wish this had been available in the late 1970's when I got a big loan for a Yamaha cp70 electric piano before going on the road (and also hurting my back!)
There are other very good similar products but I really think this is top of the current heap.
The only thing I'm not sure about is whether there is an upgrade path from the standard version that I bought (16 bit with 2 mic perspectives) to the Pro version (24 bit with 5 mic perspectives).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Steinway Virtual Concert Grand Standard Version

Click here for more information about Steinway Virtual Concert Grand Standard Version

Read More...

Propellerhead Reason 4.0 Recording Software Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Reason Version 4.0 - Mac - Review 9-15-2008
In order to give a meaningful review of Reason 4.0 and the major improvements in this latest version of Propellerheads' music creation software package, I first need to state exactly what Reason is, and what it is not.
The most descriptive definition of Reason is that it is basically a "virtual rack mount studio", complete with a built in sequencer, faithfully simulated in a single software package.
For those who are familiar with rack mount studio units, Reason incorporates most (if not all) common hardware rack mount units you would find in a typical recording studio. This includes mixer boards, effects processors (such as reverb, distortion, chorus and flanger units, etc.), two very robust digital samplers which can use samples and wave files as instrumental components, a drum sequencer, a drum sequence sampler/playback tool, and several analog synthesizer units as well - and much, much more. Each of these devices can be "cable patched" into one another within Reason in almost any conceivable combination, and all of the units look and act like their hardware counterparts would in an actual recording studio.
Also, you can "create" as many of these virtual hardware components as you need and the only limitation you have on how many you can effectively use is limited only by your computer's processor speed, RAM, and the sound card hardware in your computer. Since Reason 4.0 uses software to simulate the functions of these virtual hardware units, having a high-end soundcard is NOT necessary to get the most out of the Reason package. Any decent PC or Mac sound card or chip is capable of getting near perfect sound quality out of this package - even the basic sound hardware found in a standard off the shelf Mac laptop such as the MacBook Pro will do just fine.
As a digital music creation platform, Reason has been very good for years, with one noticeable feature missing: The ability to record "live" instruments, such as guitars or vocals.
While this lack of live recording ability has always made Reason a questionably "complete" DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software package, what it lacks in recording capability it more than makes up for by what it does best: Be a one-man-band/studio in a single box. For those who are already using another software package such as CakeWalk Sonar Studio for live recording, Reason does have the ability to be "rewired" into other packages that support rewiring, such as Sonar. As an add-on component to other DAW software packages, Reason adds a some huge capabilities to other programs and can more than stand on it's own for creation of any conceivable type of electronic music from hip hop to classical to jazz and far beyond.
If you are looking to do a lot of live instrument recording, you might want to look at another software package, but if you are doing something "instrumental", say composing a music piece for a television commercial, look no further. Reason has you covered - in a very big way.
This basic description of Reason as a "one stop recording studio" was accurate for version 2.5. While Reason Version 2.5 was very robust, there were several features that were noticeably missing:
- The ability to easily combine samplers or synths into "layered" instruments (more than one type of sound being controlled by a single sequencer track)
- A coherent and robust piano roll / track view with typical visual components (e.g. as found in other DAW packages such as Sonar)
- A mastering suite of tools for controlling final mix down of tracks into a final polished and well engineered song
- The ability to change tempo within a music project by measure
- A very robust and complex synthesizer capable of producing a huge range of different sounds
Starting with the last drawback first, Reason 2.5 and 3.0 contained 2 main synths: The Subtractor Analog synth and the Malstrom Graintable synth. Reason 4 also still contains these two instruments. While these two synths were plenty capable of producing a host of "vintage" style synths sounds, they lacked the kind of customization that can be found in other high-end digital music packages such as Apple's Logic audio software, making music such as "trance" or "techno-electronica" style music incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to do in Reason. This has now changed in a radical way for the better. More on that in a minute...
Reason 3.0 was a huge step in the right direction for Reason users. There were two major advances in Reason 3.0:
- The addition of a FULL suite of recording and mastering tools including a parametric EQ unit and a compressor unit, (among others). The mastering suite units were a huge leap forward for Reason because they allowed composers to control exactly how a finished song should sound - and even how individual instruments within the song should sound - and these units also greatly reduced the occurrences of audio-clipping which can ruin a digital recording. As with all other Reason "hardware units" the user has the ability to create and use as many mastering units as needed for any given project, limited only by processor speed and the amount of RAM in the user's computer.
- The addition of a new rack unit called the "Combinator". The Combinator was another giant improvement on the Reason package because it allowed users to "group" any other kinds of Reason units into 1 "package" or "group" and then assign the entire group to a single sequencer track. This meant that a user could now throw a mixer, some effects units, and several instruments into 1 package and treat the entire package as a single instrument from within the sequencer. Obviously, this stretched Reason's sound producing capabilities much further and allowed the user to create multi-layered polyphonic instruments with ease.
Reason 3.0 was a great leap forward, for sure, but there were still the problems of having a somewhat limited synthesizer capability (there were still only the 2 synth units, and Reason was still fairly limited in that respect), you still couldn't change tempos mid song (you were pretty much stuck with one time signature per song) and the sequencer still had several problems that made it difficult, frustrating and often time consuming when working within the sequencer itself. With respect to the sequencer issues, there were several other problems, but rather than go into all the details of what was still wrong with Reason 3.0, let's just get to the new version of Reason: Reason Version 4.0 and go over how any and ALL drawbacks of Reason 3.0 are now completely eliminated in Reason version 4.
Reason 4.0 is probably the first version of Reason that has finally eliminated any and all potential weaknesses with this software package, and Reason 4.0 is truly a devastating creative tool for musicians looking for full-featured music creation, recording and engineering package for less than a thousand bucks. This is especially true if you are looking to do any kind of techno, trance, or industrial music as the new "Thor" polyphonic synthesizer utterly SLAYS anything previous versions of Reason had in terms of synthesis of sound or synchronized sequences of sound.
Probably the biggest instrumental leap forward for Reason 4.0 is the addition of the "Thor" Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer as a new instrument found only in Reason version 4.0. The Thor synth is an amazing piece of "virtual hardware" that allows the user to create literally thousands (if not millions) of possible combinations of sound generators, oscillators, filters, envelope controls, and even automated or hardware controlled sound parameters, which can handle almost any aspect of sound generation. While Reason 4.0 ships with a fairly decent amount of Thor "instruments presets" pre-created, these prefabricated presets really only scratch the surface of what Thor is truly capable of.
When the sequencing hardware found within Thor is combined with various parameters of the Thor sound generators and controllers, Thor completely blows away any kind of synth found in previous versions of Reason, and now the Reason software package has the capability of producing the deep and complex types of sounds and sequence loops that are often only found in hardware synths costing nearly two thousand dollars or more. The sequencing generator in Thor can be used to create delays, arpeggios, small instrumental sub-sequences and all other manner of complex sound effects found in a lot of high-end keyboard synths, and this places Reason 4.0's synth sound generation and control squarely in Apple's "Logic" audio software territory as well as now putting Reason 4.0 on the same turf as higher end Korg and Roland keyboard workstations. By using Thor in combination with Reason's Combinator and the already built-in digital samplers, the sky is no longer the limit for sound creation in Reason. The Thor Polyphonic Synth is a HUGE addition to Reason version 4.0 and alone is well worth the price of admission by itself, but Reason version 4.0 doesn't stop there.
The second, and another very significant upgrade to Reason version 4.0 is that all of the previous drawbacks of the Reason 2.5/3.0 sequencer have been completely eliminated in version 4.0.
Like previous versions of Reason, you can color-code your track labels with a right click on the track header. You can now toggle between track view and sequence piano roll view with a single mouse click; each of the tracks can now be viewed with the sequence elements (such as note placement in the piano roll now visible in track view as well) as well as effects controllers and note properties fully visible with a mouse click or two...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: Propellerhead Reason 4.0 Recording Software

Click here for more information about Propellerhead Reason 4.0 Recording Software

Read More...

Yamaha QY100 Music Sequencer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is the best drum machine out there, because it's the only one I could find that allows you to substitute any yamaha keyboard sound for a drum. In other words, instead of the limit sounds you get from other drum machines (snares, kicks, symbols, and maybe bass), you get EVERY sound with this thing. So what you can do with this thing is take, for example, the kick on any preset drum loop this thing has, and replace that kick with a trumpet or guitar or strings. And obviously with such an awesome feature like that, it would be important to be able to set the "key" for those other instruments, which this thing does better than any other with its built-in miniature keyboard (look at the photos to see, it has a two octave keyboard of white and block keys) which you can use to "record" the key changes of your sequence. So you take, for example, a preset sequence/loop and you hit "record" and you begin to play along with the keys, and it records that as a song. You can then play back that song in any tempo, and it's like you got a whole band accompanying you. And more than this, this thing has a full-feature synth so you can edit every sound, make it dull, make it echo, add any effect, adjust the equalization of any sound, resonance, cut-off certain frequencies, etc. The only thing I wish this thing would do is light-up better in the dark. It can be hard to see in the dark. I had to use a book-reading light to see it in some live settings.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha QY100 Music Sequencer

Get 13% OFF

Click here for more information about Yamaha QY100 Music Sequencer

Read More...

Moog Little Phatty - Stage II Analog Synthesizer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This synth is a powerhouse! If you want to create sounds that are unique to the sound you are after that arent canned then this is the machine to accomplish this. I love this synth because its so intuitive. You will have a ton of fun playing with and experimenting with this Moog Synth.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Moog Little Phatty - Stage II Analog Synthesizer

Get 12% OFF

Click here for more information about Moog Little Phatty - Stage II Analog Synthesizer

Read More...

Yamaha SB79 Silent Brass System for Trumpet Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This thing is great if you need to practice without bothering folks in the next room. I used this quite a bit in college. The echo effects are fun to play around with and the pickup doesn't distort tone as much as I had anticipated. This device produces a lot more back pressure than advertised; just a little more free blowing than say a strait mute. The times where silent brass comes in most handy is practicing with a canned track. This is easily one of the most useful tools for the modern trumpet player.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha SB79 Silent Brass System for Trumpet

Get 22% OFF

Click here for more information about Yamaha SB79 Silent Brass System for Trumpet

Read More...

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

Average Reviews:

(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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nord Lead 2X 49-Key Virtual Analog Modeling Synthesizer (AMS-NL2X)

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.

Get 19% OFF

Click here for more information about Nord Lead 2X 49-Key Virtual Analog Modeling Synthesizer (AMS-NL2X)

Read More...

Cakewalk Studio Instruments Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Cakewalk Studio Instruments are a great foundational set of instruments to add to a persons home digital recording studio. Drums,Bass,Keys,Strings. The salt N pepper that most music requires at a great price and easy function.
I am a confessed Gear-a-holic. I love to find things like the studio instruments kit that don't cost an arm n leg, but that will "Broaden" your color pallet of sound. It's a tool that is fun to use, visually easy to understand and the sound is pleasing. What more could you ask for?


Click Here to see more reviews about: Cakewalk Studio Instruments

Can't play bass drums piano or violin? No problem! Just point and click and you are making music. It's that easy!Introducing Cakewalk Studio Instruments the world's first easy-to-use and affordable software instrument collection for Mac and PC. Cakewalk Studio Instruments includes a high quality Drum Kit Bass Guitar Electric Piano and String Section that can be played stand alone or inside your favorite music-making software such as Cakewalk Music Creator Apple GarageBand Magix Music Maker Deluxe SONY ACID Music Studio and more (see list below for complete list of compatible products).Cakewalk Studio Instruments include pre-recorded patterns played by ace session musicians so you can build sections for your songs practice or just have fun jamming along.And Studio Instruments sound great because they're from Cakewalk makers of the most popular music creation software in the world used daily by Grammy® winning musicians and producers. Start making music today with Cakewalk Studio Instruments!Format: WIN XPVISTA/MAC 10.4 OR LATERUB Genre:PRODUCTIVITY UPC:787537171044 Manufacturer No:10-CWSI1.00-10C

Get 11% OFF

Click here for more information about Cakewalk Studio Instruments

Read More...

Korg M50 61 Key Synthesizer Workstation Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I really cannot offer any insight as to the positives and negatives on this keyboard. When you have this level of control and power at your hands then frankly only the musician can decide if the product is worth adding to their music set up. But I do feel the best way of showing a product like this is to just overview it and let you, the musicians, decide.
So rather than explain how amazing I think this keyboard is (and it is!) I have produced the quick video above. This is by far the best keyboard I own and I'll let the video demonstrate why. Ultimately every sound you hear was created completely live as shown, and that's despite the whole thing being recorded by the on-board mic of a cheap camera. So if you're after an amazing keyboard far surpassing your wildest desires then this is it.
Sometimes when viewing a user video showcasing a MIDI music product it's hard to make a judgment call as to whether the individual instrument is suitable for your needs when there's a lot of other equipment connected to it - all outputting great sounds at the same time. The attached video is pure M50, so please take a listen and see what you think.
Some things that I forgot or didn't have time to cover in video:
The sequencer can be played live or step by step, so if you're feeling a little rusty you can manually key in each note as you wish and change them easily.
The M50 accepted the entire pedal data from my Casio PX500L (which I also purchased on Amazon) which is shown underneath the Korg M50. That was without need for any MIDI changes or complications - it was MIDI plug-and-play as expected in this day and age of agreed midi channels. But I didn't use the pedals in the video deliberately so the recording would be pure M50, but they do work and can sustain/damper the Korg etc with ease through the Casio.
The MIDI triggers buttons, which I show on the modulation/pitch bend/joystick area can be set to ANYTHING - any MIDI trigger that you need and you can even trigger THEM with a foot switch pedal.
The song sequencer is totally editable. This may sound like a silly thing to say but it's worth stressing as it can act more like a song accompaniment than a mere playback of what you just performed. It's a recording of MIDI data of your performance and given the massive polyphonic nature of the M50 you could use the sequencer just to trigger events such as drum riffs or instrument changes and THEN play over it live. Or record multiple passes. It's not just a digital 8 track tape deck for your jamming tracks of old.
The COMBI MODE has lots of stunning string and voice combination patches. I didn't do them justice!
The M50 is much bigger than it looks in this video - in tandem with the wide angle lens on my camera, and my fairly giant-sized meat hooks, the keyboard looks quite small. It's not!
Finally there are no speakers the M50. You need an amp and speakers. I do welcome any questions in the comments section of this review and I'll do my best to answer them. Finally sorry the video cuts off so quickly - the amazon 10 minute time limit cut in quick and I was enjoying myself!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Korg M50 61 Key Synthesizer Workstation

Get 15% OFF

Click here for more information about Korg M50 61 Key Synthesizer Workstation

Read More...

Yamaha MOTIF XS8 88-Key Music Synth Workstation Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Before I decided on this workstation, I did extensive research. After a few months of testing this product out at my local music store, and reading reviews online I finally decided this was the one I wanted. I have not regretted buying the Yamaha Motif XS and I'm sure that it will stay with me for years to come.
I use this piano at my house as well as my church. Many of the sounds from this Workstation are very realistic, and that's what I like about it. There are many Youtube videos with sound examples. I also recommend checking out my Youtube video I recently uploaded [...] This video will give you a small preview of the creative power this great product has. Its usable for any genre of music. Don't hesitate to buy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha MOTIF XS8 88-Key Music Synth Workstation

Get 27% OFF

Click here for more information about Yamaha MOTIF XS8 88-Key Music Synth Workstation

Read More...

Yamaha PSR-E323 61-key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard with 482 Voices Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I would describe this keyboard as perfect for the adult beginner. The touch sensitive keys are like a real piano the harder you hit them the louder the sound. Your notes are displayed on a display to the upper left of the main display panel.. you can actually see the note you just played on a line of sheet music.
Add the low cost and great sound it adds up to a good keyboard.
The Cons? The keyboard does not come with an AC adapter or a sustain pedal, retail that's only about $30, but I would expect to find them included when you consider the fact that it won't work without a power supply.. (Batteries, be serious)
All in all, I would recommend it.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha PSR-E323 61-key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard with 482 Voices

Click here for more information about Yamaha PSR-E323 61-key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard with 482 Voices

Read More...

Casio CTK-671 Portable Electronic Keyboard, 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am a bassist, guitarist, and vocalist working on my own project.
I did not have the money to throw into a Korg, Kurzweil, Roland, or Yamaha board. All I needed a keyboard/synth for was drum sounds and some keyboard/synth fill in. At first, this seemed like the model for me..
The touch sensitivity is nice.. most of the sounds are pretty decent, if not you can make all sorts of adjustments to just about anything for any tone... except the 'raindrops' tone, a common favorite on most keyboards/synths.. the raindrops tone for the Casio is a cheesy video game sound effect.
Otherwise, the sound and sound possibilities were surprisingly decent.
That is where the good review ends. 6 songs is not a lot of storage if you actually plan to compose with this thing.. no floppy. However you can save songs to your comp, and load songs from your comp to the keyboard.. if you have a good laptop and want to take it everywhere the keyboard goes, then this is not as much of a concern.
Don't buy it if you plan to use it with Cakewalk.. Casio does not provide the .ins (instrument definitions) file for it, and the manual is useless for creating your own. It works terribly with Cakewalk (and I would imagine other MIDI devices) for this reason.
If you just want to play, and never record anything, then this is the instrument for you, otherwise, go for something a bit more expensive. Do not go Casio though.. At present there are little to no .ins files for Casio boards anywhere on the web.
Also, it is certainly not an instrument to take on the road, partly for the limited storage, partly for its innability to interact with other MIDI devices to the extent it could and should be able to, and partly because it is very lightweight and flimsy, don't sneeze in its direction..
.. Look at the price, ask yourself if you can wait a while longer and buy something that is even just a little bit more expensive.. such as a Yamaha for a hundred or two more.
If you think it will help you on your home project... not unless you want to record and flatten to analog from track to track, or program everything into the keyboard and record analog.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Casio CTK-671 Portable Electronic Keyboard, 61-Note Touch-Sensitive

The Casio CTK-671 Portable Keyboard features 61 full-size keys, 32-note polyphony, and 348 tones. Built-in 2.5-watt per channel stereo speakers give you good sound quality, and a headphone jack and stereo lineout (to attach the keyboard to a home stereo) give you the volume options you need for big performances or late-night practice.
With the keyboard you get 128 general MIDI, 100 face panel sounds, 100 variations and 10 drum sets ready-to-use. Using the synthesizer functions, you can create and store 10 of your own sounds. Simultaneously use up to four effects, such as reverb or chorus, to produce your perfect sound. The 100 rhythm patterns give you everything you need to start making music.
Casio's Internet Data Expansion system lets you download new sounds, patterns, songs, and keyboard settings over MIDI from Casio's Web site.
Other features include three-song/six-track recording with real-time or editable step time, six drum pads, a pitch bend wheel, sustain pedal jack, and a backlit LCD. The LCD displays selection and status of tone, rhythm, mixer, keyboard functions, and tempo for complete control.
The CTK-671 operates with an optional AD-5 AC adapter or D batteries.

Click here for more information about Casio CTK-671 Portable Electronic Keyboard, 61-Note Touch-Sensitive

Read More...

Behringer Ultratone K3000FX Keyboard Amplifier (15 inch with Tweeter) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this amp a year ago, or so. I found it to be very well made, not cheap in any way; lots of features and flexibility. Even though this is a keyboard amp, I bought it for use with mic, acoustic guitar, and bass. It handles all well, with no distortion. So far, I have not used this for any gigs, just for home practicing. The only reservation I have is that, for the advertised 300 watts, it doesn't seem all that loud. But for small venues that I typically play, it should be be adequate. I have another small Behringer practice amp that has proven to be a real workhorse. I have had no disappointments with Behringer products so far.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Behringer Ultratone K3000FX Keyboard Amplifier (15 inch with Tweeter)

Get 50% OFF

Click here for more information about Behringer Ultratone K3000FX Keyboard Amplifier (15 inch with Tweeter)

Read More...

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

Average Reviews:

(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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Novation Xio 25 2-Octave Synthesizer and Audio USB MIDI Controller 25-Key Keyboard

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.

Click here for more information about Novation Xio 25 2-Octave Synthesizer and Audio USB MIDI Controller 25-Key Keyboard

Read More...

Pro-Ject Debut III Audiophile Turntable Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Setup isn't too hard and the sound is great. I've found new sound and depth in some very familiar records. I like the basic look and function, which make me feel like there aren't a lot of gimmicks to break down later.
I added an anti-static slip mat, as the rubber mat seems a bit harsh. Phonograph Turntable Record Player Anti Static Slip Mat
The RCA-style audio cables attached are quite short. I have my turntable off to the side of the entertainment center and had to situate it sideways (front facing to the right) in order to barely reach the receiver. A niggling issue for myself, but maybe more for you.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pro-Ject Debut III Audiophile Turntable Black

Click here for more information about Pro-Ject Debut III Audiophile Turntable Black

Read More...

Yamaha EZ-250i Portatone Lighted Musical Keyboard Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We got this keyboard just before Christmas 2003. Due to the pace of daily life, I haven't gotten too deeply into it. But since it has been several months and no one else has reviewed it, I'll start the ball rolling. The reason why I purchased THIS keyboard because it has a touch sensitive (velocity) and lighted keyboard. The only other model that fit this description was the Casio LK-55. I just thought the Yamaha sounded a bit better and was made a bit better. It is also more expensive. The sounds are quite good. There is an XG lite implementation as well as the standard General Midi soundset. The lighted keys make it easy to learn.
I have been too busy to hook it up to my computer yet to try out the downloading of General Midi sequences, but I am looking forward to it. The supplied USB cable is too short unless your keyboard is right up against your computer.
I was disappointed to find out that the only MIDI implementation is through a USB interface. There are no midi in and out jacks, so I couldn't hook this up directly to my other MIDI keyboard.
I'd love for Yamaha to come out with a version that had regular Midi jacks, pitch and mod wheels and an audio input (with reverb) for sing alongs. I'd pay double the price for those additions. For what you pay, I'd say you get your money's worth and then some.
UPDATE DECEMBER 2004
We've now had this keyboard about a year. Since my initial review, I've solved the computer problems that kept me from loading the software that came with the computer. (The problem was in my computer, and not in the Yamaha keyboard.)
I love the sound-filer software. This software allows you to load general midi files from the computer to the keyboard. The built-in flash memory on the keyboard will hold about 10 new songs, give or take. You can remove them and replace them at will with the songfiler software. Once loaded into the Ez-250i, the sequences play back just as the built-in songs do, lights and all, but with one exception, you can choose which instrument sounds are assigned to the left and right hand regions of the keyboard. This allows you to learn any of the orchestral parts of the song, and to see any of the parts assigned to the lighted area of the keyboard.
The software also allows you to use the EZ-250i as a midi slave instrument to play back sequences played by your computer's midi player or sequencer. This means the EZ-250i will play back any of the midi files you have stored on the computer without having those files actually loaded into the flash memory of the EZ-250i. In my experience, most songs sound better played by the Yamaha keyboard than the computer's Microsoft general midi instruments.
I'm not that thrilled with the Konami game that came with the computer. It seems like a Japanese home market game that doesn't translate well to American audiences. My kids aren't even that interested in it. I had no problems getting it going though.
Since my earlier review, I've explored the depths of the sound engine. There is a lot of synthesis horsepower under the surface. There is dynamic digital filtering on the voices, something you don't see on el-cheapo keyboards. In addition, the keyboard can split and layer voices, giving you up to four distinct sounds playable from the keyboard at any given time. The sound engine responds well over midi to pitch-bend and even portamento (gliding from note to note). It's a shame there's no pitch-bend wheel or portamento switch for live playing.
Since my earlier review, Casio has come out with a new lighted keyboard, the LK-90TV, that competes directly with the Yamaha EZ-250i. I haven't seen this personally, but it has some interesting features. It has a TV output to display Karaoke lyrics from sounds loaded by the user. It also accepts smartmedia cards for user-loaded sounds, though, as I understand it, this is a read-only slot. In other words, you can't load the card with sounds while hooked up to your keyboard. The card must be loaded from a reader attached to the computer. Though I haven't heard it live, it appears the sound-engine is the same as the LK-55, which, to my ears, sounded distinctly inferior to the Yamaha's.
In summary, a year after my purchase, I'm happy with my purchase, and I'd make the same choice today. I think Yamaha should add the lighted keyboard feature to its upmarket products, including keyboards with microphone inputs, pitch & mod wheels and sound editing features.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha EZ-250i Portatone Lighted Musical Keyboard

A great starter and advanced instrument, Yamaha's EZ-250i touch-sensitive keyboard features the Yamaha Educational Suite and lighted keys to help you learn, and quality sound topped by a stereo-sampled piano voice with dynamic filtering--technology previously reserved for much more expensive, professional keyboards. In addition, you'll find that playing piano is fast and easy with Yamaha's Portable Grand function. One dedicated button brings up a great sounding piano, stunningly rich and authentic in its sound and exceptionally responsive to your playing touch.The 32-note polyphonic EZ-250i comes equipped with 480 voices that include all the sounds of the orchestra, synthesizer patches, 10 drum kits, and 2 sound-effects kits. It is both General MIDI (GM) and XG Lite voices, making it compatible with pretty much every MIDI file available anywhere.The EZ-250i also has many state-of-the-art features to make connecting as quick and easy as possible. These features include a dedicated PC button, which takes a snapshot of your MIDI settings so you can instantly return to them at the press of a button, and a USB port for transferring song data to and from your computer. In addition, the USB port acts as a MIDI interface, freeing you from having to purchase other MIDI peripherals like cables and adapters.Once you're done practicing, challenge yourself to a multi-level game against the computer using Konami Keyboard Mania software (PC only). Post your scores online and see and how well others are doing. And without even knowing it, you'll still be learning to play music. The software challenges you to find notes on the keyboard before they disappear from the computer screen. There are different levels and different tasks, such as practicing your timing as the notes drop or finding the actual pitch of the notes. In addition, there are variations that stop and wait for you to find the notes before continuing. You can choose any tracks of the music that you like (even the drum track) and load in new General MIDI songs that you download online with your computer.And no matter what your level of playing, you'll appreciate being able to build combinations of your favorite sounds. Pressing the "split" button divides the keyboard into 2 parts, allowing you to have 2 different sounds on the keyboard at the same time, such as piano on the right and bass on the left. "Layer" mode allows you to combine 2 sounds across the keyboard range. For example, you could layer piano and strings and play both sounds at the same time. With 480 voices to choose from, the combinations are only limited by your imagination. The EZ-250i comes with 80 built-in songs. But if you've never played before, where do you start?The Yamaha Education Suite, a set of music training functions. Seven types of lessons are included, as well as a convenient chord dictionary. You get 3 keyboard lessons for each hand, timing mode (you can play the melody or chord by pressing any key using the correct timing), waiting mode (playback pauses until you find and play the correct chord or melody note; keys illuminate to guide you to the correct notes), minus-one mode (mute the left-hand, right-hand, or both parts of a song and play along nonstop). Lesson grading monitors your progress as you practice each lesson, and the chord dictionary shows you how to play chords by lighting the keys.The EZ-250i comes with 100 built-in styles--it's like having a built-in band. Call up your favorite style of music like rock, big band, or country, press a chord or play single-finger mode, and the 250i will follow you through a piece of music, providing all of the drums, bass, piano, guitar, horn, and string parts.What's in the Box Keyboard, music rest, song book, CD-ROM, USB cable, a user's manual, and warranty information. Batteries and PA-C3 power supply not included.

Click here for more information about Yamaha EZ-250i Portatone Lighted Musical Keyboard

Read More...

Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer Compression Guitar Effects Pedal Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The electronics is awesome. It takes a little practice timing-wise to use it like a sustain pedal for the guitar. But it works. And it's awesome. The reason why I'm not giving it a 5-star rating is because it uses the worst switch you can image. Why would they use a switch that is so small and so loud? I could hear the switch clicks from across the room. Why does it have to make any sound at all?
Here's what I did with mine (although it probably voided the warranty): Drill a 3/8" hole on the side of the case opposite the power supply. Install a 1/4" mono jack and wire the two contacts to the original switch (no need to disconnect the original switch). If the red light flickers on and off when you plug in the power it means the wiring is backwards or the positive signal is touching the case. Fix the wiring and close up the case. And then I just plug in a nice piano-like sustain pedal. Make sure you get a pedal with the contacts normally open (N.O.). To be safe, get one with a polarity switch. The M-Audio SP2 is a good pedal for this purpose.
The Freeze pedal as-is gets a 4-star rating. With the modifications above it gets a 5-plus-star rating.
The piano has had a sustain pedal since they started making pianos. I can't believe it took until now for the guitar to have one too.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer Compression Guitar Effects Pedal

Get 25% OFF

Click here for more information about Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer Compression Guitar Effects Pedal

Read More...