The Airpiano MIDI interface has been all over the web recently and since all I do is ride the waves I thought I should post about it too. I like interfaces like this.

Or perhaps I should say, I like instruments like this, the kind that breaks new ground and lets musicians, composers or just whacked out sound designers do something in a new way. It has a lot of similarity to Rolands D-beam found on a number of synths from said company.

But I would say the roots can be traced back to far older instruments. Perhaps you’ve heard of the Theremin?

M-Audio has announced the availability of a new driver (1.7.2) for KeyStudio 49. This new driver supposedly enhances overall performance and offers several bug fixes. The update is available for Mac computers running OS X 10.5.3 and 10.4.11. The driver also automatically updates the KeyStudio 49i firmware to version 1.31.

With this latest driver release, KeyStudio 49i is also compatible with Pro Tools M-Powered 7.4.2 software on systems running Mac OS X 10.5.3.

M-Audio

Does these things look cool or what? They’re cheap too so lets hope the quality holds up. There are three products announced so far in the Nano series:

• nanoKEY Slim-Line USB Keyboard - a MIDI keyboard, 25 keys.
• nanoPAD Slim-Line USB Controller - 12 pads and X-Y pad for control over drum software.
• nanoKONTROL Slim-Line USB Controller - 9 fader, 9 knobs, 18 switches and a transport section.

Much more info available here on Korgs website.

Price you ask? I hear 50-60 GBP each. If they don’t fall apart when you touch them Korg could sell a ton of these.

Korg

CME have released version 1.8 firmware for the world’s first 3 axis MIDI controller, the BitStream 3X. The new firmware ads new features and enhances its functionality.
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M-Audio is proud to announce three exciting new products at this year’s Musikmesse international tradeshow in Frankfurt, Germany.
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The ASX is a DSP board which goes into the expansion slot of UF and VX series keyboards and provides a flexible synthesis engine, turning the CME MIDI controller keyboard into a stand-alone synthesizer.
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Yamaha Corporation of America introduces the KX Series USB MIDI Studio, built for discerning keyboard players on stage or in the studio featuring a high-quality Yamaha keyboard, numerous creative control features, and advanced integration with Steinberg DAW products.
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M-Audio® is proud to announce shipment of the KeyStudio™ 49i music production system, the first-ever USB keyboard controller to integrate a 2-in/2-out audio interface and on-board premium piano sound.
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Arturia has announced Analog Factory Experience, which they describe as “the first hybrid synthesizer”. By combining a native software application and a dedicated controller-keyboard, Analog Factory Experience offers a straightforward, innovative and enjoyable experience.
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M-Audio is proud to announce the KeyRig 25 keyboard controller and software bundle, which closely follows the release of the previously announced KeyRig 49 package. These complete solutions each include a keyboard controller plus M-Audio’s award-winning Key Rig software (PC only), so users can create music on a computer right out of the box.
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