25 Note USB Midi Keyboard

The M-Audio KeyRig 25

This ultra-slim 25 note velocity synth-action keyboard allows you to practice your talents in music anywhere you want. Compose, practice, and perform anytime you please because it is powere via the USB, and therefore no cables are required. It comes with 8 assignable knobs and buttons should you want to tweak and adjust MIDI parameters. Compose songs using the award-winning KeyRig system software made for your computer. You can play piano, synths, and organs with this tiny breakthrough in the music industry.
The M-Audio KeyRig 25 has the ability to turn your Mac or PC into a mobile keyboard workstation. You can play KeyRig’s virtual instrument sounds and compose songs with the help of music creation programs that come with the keyboard. You can also harness the power of Apple GarageBand’s virtual instrument collection on your Mac. A single USB cable instantly connects the keyboard with your computer.

You are given a choice of presets that can hold a combination of two instruments. You can also individualize your settings for Mix, Octave, Detune, Velocity and Tone. You also have a section for dual effects with each preset with its own settings including delay, chorus, phaser, and more. Creating new sounds is possible when you combine sub-presets in different ways. Play music to your liking with UMA25S. With the KeyRig Modules, you can get your music organized. All you need to do is tweak a few parameters and add in the effects that you want. Feel like a pro with this tiny piece of equipment in your hand.

Accessories for Your UMA25S

If you are worried about bringing your keyboard to various sets and locations, you need to know that your UMA25S can draw power from your computer, three AA batteries, or an external power supply. Aside from that, your purchase comes with a variety of accessories.

MIDI controllers don’t usually come with a lot of extras. Most of the time, you have to make a new purchase of software that you may need. The UMA25S, however, is designed to do so many tasks. The makers have recognized this, and to meet your needs, you get gadgets along with your new keyboard. First and foremost, you get a headset of great quality because it comes with a built-in mic for podcasting and recording. You also get a soft carry bag with pockets for cables, power supply, CDs, and other accessories. But that’s not all! Your purchase also comes with a guitar-style strap.

When you say that all keyboards were created with unique features, the UMA25S MIDI Controller is truly a class of its own. You get a control section for a wide range of applications that you may need as you go through the entire musical experience. Just hook it up to a computer to gain control over the rack synthesizers and general MIDI sound modules and effects. This ultra slim USB MIDI Controller keyboard can be purchased for an amazingly low price, as low as $130.00. You can’t get a better bargain than this. It is truly a great buy for an equally great find!

Why You Need a UMA25S

The UMA25S comes with a remote control so that you get real-time options. You get a total of 21 controllers: 8 knobs, 8 buttons, 2 wheels for pitch bend and modulation, 2 pedal ports for expression and sustain, and 1 fader. You are given total control of your music. All you need to do is assign parameters and store it in one of the 16 available preset locations. That easy!

Here are a few more reasons why you should get the UMA25S:

•    You can play external sound modules, rack synthesizers, and virtual instruments
•    You can edit sound parameters of synthesizers, sound samplers, and GM/GS/XG sound generators
•    You can control other devices and software plug-ins
•    You can remotely control software mixers and transport functions on sequencers, hard-disk recorders, drum machines, and the like.

Besides providing 25 velocity-sensitive keys for the variety of tones and tunes, the UMA25S can be your partner in USB audio interfacing for recording and podcasting. This powerful interface has a built-in mic preamp. The mic comes with gain control, phones output with its own volume control, and stereo jacks that allow you to link with an external device. Aside from that, the makers gave room for versatility in its interface because allows simultaneous recording of the mic and line inputs. Included in your purchase, should you decide to get this, will be software packages that include Audacity, Podifier, Juice, Podnova and Golden Ear. You’re ready to go live because you get numerous virtual instruments and effects plug-ins to choose from.

Novation Xio Synthesizer X-Gator Patch

Xio is the only one of Novation’s synthesizer to feature the X-Gator patch programmer. What is this? This programmed can be used to gate each patch so that you are able to create a unique 16-32 step rhythmic pattern for every sound pressed on the keyboard. All the notes will be automatically synchronized to the MIDI clock with the help of a sequencer. To do this, you simply press and hold one key to groove along. A screen serves as your guide to show the position and volume of each step.

Along with the X-Gator Patch is this amazing synthesizer that comes with the following specifications: 10-voice polyphonic, 3 Oscillators, 17 Waveforms, 2 LFOs, 32 Waveforms, Multimode resonant filter section, filter options, wide-ranging modulation capabilities, arpeggiator and X-Gator with latch, direct streaming of synth into computer, and USB port.

The keyboard is semi-weighted, which basically means that you can digitalize your sound and control the tone with the use of pressure. The velocity curves total to 7, and playing it feels like you are playing on the actual acoustic piano. You will also see a number of control buttons to help you achieve the music that you want. With the technology comes the following buttons that enable you to design your very own tune:

•    11 rotary potentiometers that go from 0-270° rotation
•    1 360° continuous data wheel
•    11 function switches
•    Group B switch
•    4 Mode and Menu select buttons
•    Octave adjusters
•    Synth Menus
•    Audio mode select
•    Effect select
•    Template buttons
•    Volume and line buttons

The Software behind the New Novation Xio

Synthesizing and audio/MIDI interfacing is possible with the Novation Xio. This 25 note keyboard has a wide-ranging control surface with 11 knobs and buttons that can doubled with the help of the Group A/B switch. Plus, you can freely assign the Xpression pad and stick to your liking.

What makes all these possible? It’s the 16 onboard templates programmed within the box so that you can control the many software applications. You can also download more templates online and get a free template editor software application. The fusion of modes gives room for simultaneous synthesizing and MIDI controlling. Versatility in a box all for a reasonable price!

How are all these possible? To start with, you simply have to connect the keyboard over the USB to start recording and synthesizing with the MIDI control. You can easily work the device with your Windows XP or Mac OSX. If you want to improve latency and stability, you also have software available to service your needs. Want to work on the music elsewhere? You can unplug the USB cable and switch to batteries. It can be a standalone synth, so let go of your computer when you need to.

The whole package also comes with Ableton Live Lite 6, Novation Bass Station, Waldorf PPG Wave Lite classic synth, Arturia Analog Factory SE plug-in, Waldorf’s D-Pole Lite FX classic filter plug-in, FXpansion’s powerful demo versions of the BFD acoustic drum plug-in and ‘Guru’ sample player with library, Waldorf’s ‘Attack Lite’ analogue drum module plug-in, ‘Mike the Drummer’ A collection of 572 inspiring and original live drum loops, and free 3 months membership for ‘i-dance’- Global XS Artist. Log on to find out just how great a bargain this is!

Features of the Novation Xio

Synthesis is very much possible with this stylish and compact Xio. It offers an impressive number of classic and modern sounds from internationally acclaimed artists from a variety of genres. You get talents like James Zabiela, Ferry Corsten, Rennie Pilgrem, Roots Manuva, and Shimon and Skeewiff in this little piece of equipment. It also comes with the latest X-Gator patch programmer and optional filter distortion. You can get music on the move with its audio interfacing and MIDI controls.

Furthermore, the Xio features 200 hard-hitting onboard patches with optional filter distortion to achieve a range of sounds not available in its predecessors. With the ultra-low latency 2 In/2 Out audio interface, high quality recording and playback is easy. The machine allows you to record through a powerful microphone and stream the onboard synth audio directly to the sequencer just by connecting your USB cable to the computer. You can also plug a guitar straight into the jack for DI recording. Record your music and achieve amazing results with easy connectivity.

The Xio is the most flexible and powerful tool if you want something to help you produce the most amazing sound. All you need to do is connect it to your computer via the USB port and you’re good to go. If you find yourself in the middle of nowhere with no plug in site, the battery port is there to save you. You no longer need to sacrifice quality with the Novation Xio as your friend and most amazing ally.

The MIDI Controller Novation Xio

The latest 25 note keyboard Midi Controller Novation Xio comes with the following key features:

1.    The synthesizer that comes with a 10-voice mono-timbral engine. It also comes with a multi-effects processor and a menu of 200 different sounds.

2.    The high profile user patches gives you 60 great sounds from famous artists and producers of different musical genres.

3.    With the 24-bit audio interface, you get to record and play your sound with the best quality. It has ultra-low latency 1 In/1 Out audio interface and 1 XLR input for great sound production.

4.    With the MIDI Controller, you can synthesize and digitalize the music that your create with the assignable controls, 16 onboard templates, and hybrid modes.

5.    The 2-D controls such as the ‘Xpression’ pad and pitch/mod joystick helps you manipulate the MIDI controls. You can even adjust the 6 parameters once.

6.    It comes with a USB or battery power so that you are able to bring the cable anywhere you want without having to worry about the extra weight.

Moreover, your own Novation will come with a mono-timbral synth engine with 10-voice polyphony, with 3 oscillators of 17 waveforms each, 1 Filter of varying forms, 2 LFOs with 32 waveforms each, an arpeggiator, and a multi-effects board. For as low as $350.00, synthesizing is available at the touch of your fingertips. Sound production is very much possible with this very compact tool. Buy one now and be your own musical conductor. For the low price, you’ll be surprised at just how much you can do.

The Simplicity of the MIDI Keyboard

What makes the 25 note keyboard amazing? Here are a few of its simple yet highly innovative features:

1.    Pressure sensitivity. Like most electronic keyboards, MIDI controllers can effectively read the keys used. If there is more pressure applied to the key, the sound produced is stronger. If less pressure, on the other hand, is applied, a milder sound is produced. Excellent keyboards have keys with basically the same sensitivity of a well tuned piano so that the experience is more accurate.

2.    The number of Octaves. MIDI controllers offer versatility. You can choose between a 25 note to a 61 note keyboard, depending on what you want. The smaller controllers, however, are more portable and convenient especially for on-the-spot performances.

3.    Simple setup. The setup was designed in such a way that you can easily map your MIDI controller to your virtual instrument. The built in settings also allow easy integration with other software.

4.    Flexible controls. You are able to easily manipulate sound with the help of the sensitive keys along with other features. You have the option to alter the sound as it is being synthesized and digitalized. There are modulation knobs and pitch control sliders to help you manipulate your music.

When the time comes for you to make a purchase, make sure you get your money’s worth with the great features that come with it. You priority is to get one that best fits your needs as a digital musician. Consider all these when you make your decision.

What Every Musician Must Have

Avid musicians have started to appreciate the usefulness of the MIDI keyboard. Unlike the conventional electronic keyboards that we’ve become familiar with, the newer models are used in every form of digital music creation. The composers are able to synthesize the instruments and beats within the song simply by hooking up the keyboard to the computer. With the controls that are now integrated into the device, people are able to digitalize the sound of the piano.

MIDI controllers on electronic keyboards offer the different note ranges and also have a series of knobs and buttons used to maneuver and adjust the resulting sounds. Digital keyboardists can now add a wide variety of alterations on the fly with the help of this amazing software.  The MIDI controller will be a definite improvement over the former methods of music creation. Set up is simple and hassle-free to help every aspiring musician hone their talent in music.

You are able to control the sounds and effects that go along with the music you are playing. You are given the freedom to manipulate the different aspects while you work on each note. Sensors are attached to each key, which is way your computer will be able to read it. The sensor discerns the pressure being applied to the key and the depth of the sound produced. Years back, only the professional digital keyboards came with the MIDI feature. Basically, not everyone was able to own such a prestigious device. Today, basically most, if not all, reasonably-priced electronic piano keyboards out in the market come with this feature so that sound production is effective, accurate, and most importantly, available to all.

The Models of the 25 Note Keyboards

The electronic keyboards out in the market come with a variety of functions, each one boasting of its own ability. The prices, of course, vary with the features attached to it. A function that affects the price is if the model has a weighted action in its keyboard. Cheaper MIDI keyboards do not feel like the actual piano when you play on it. The pricier MIDI keyboards are more responsive to the touch. This “aftertouch” function is important for most keyboardists. Another feature that affects the cost is the number and kinds of knobs and sliders that control data when music is being played.

The latest keyboards can be connected to the computer through the USB port. Some, however, require a form of interface that has yet to be installed before they can work. The MIDI keyboard controllers connect through the MIDI data protocol so that sound quality can be adjusted and changed. Altering how the synthesizer engine creates sound requires the marriage between the keyboard itself and the computer it is attached to.

There are many different models and brands available out in the market. If you want to purchase one of your own, it is best to research before you decide to make the actual purchase. Just remember that the more expensive models come with features that may be helpful for you. If this is more than just a hobby, then you best not scrimp on the price. Otherwise, you may have to make a purchase again and end up spending more in the end. Plus, the brands that come from trusted and reliable brands last longer, which may save you money in the long run.