Digital Tech News - Digital Technology & Consumer Electronics

Akai MPC Fly for iPad 2 Music Production Controller

Akai has come up with a cool way to use your Apple iPad 2 as an MPC music production controller with this new Akai MPC Fly for iPad 2. The unit comprises a 16-pad controller that comes in a laptop-like protective case, which also holds the iPad 2 tablet. An Akai app for the iPad 2 provides the software for sequencing up to four tracks simultaneously. The Akai MPC Fly set-up provides you with real MPC pads, MPC Note Repeat and MPC Swing functions so you can produce tracks anywhere.

Akai MPC Studio Hardware and Software introduced at NAMM 2012

Akai recently announced their new MPC Renaissance Music Production Controller and Software, which will go head-on with Native Instrument's Maschine product line, but Akai has another new tool for all you beat-makers out there. At less than one-inch thin, the new Akai MPC Studio packs classic MPC pads and rotary controls, and it hooks up to a Mac or PC with the included MPC software to provide 64 track sequencing, VST support and more. Pricing was not announced.

 

Casio XW-P1 performance synthesizer and XW-G1 groove synthesizer

Casio America unveiled two new professional Synthesizers at the 2012 Winter NAMM Show this week, the XW-P1 61 key performance synthesizer and the XW-G1 groove synthesizer.  The Casio XW-P1 synth features Casio's exclusive (HPSS) Hybrid Processing Sound Source, virtual analog monophonic leads and basses, drawbar organs, complex layers, stereo pianos, drums and more, as well as real-time control for performing musicians. The Casio XW-G1 groove synthesizer is made for the DJ and club performer, and it features an interactive step sequencer, a 19-second sample looper, and 420 built-in sounds.

Both the XW-P1 and XW-G1 have 4 real-time controller knobs, pitch bend and modulation wheels, and 9 sliders for controlling internal sounds and external devices. Standard MIDI ports and USB port is on board fro controlling other instruments, computer software and iPad based software applications. Expect the XW-P1 to be available in March for $699.00 and the XW-G1 to hit stores in April for $799.00.