PC and Music News

ESI unveils the KeyControl 25 XL, a compact 25-key keyboard.

KeyControl 25 XL offers numerous controllers: it has a pitch bend and modulation wheel, 4 knobs, a fader and various buttons. The 4 knobs can even be assigned twice, just switch between the two banks by pushing a button. Of course all controllers work in real time.

Features :

- 3 digit LED-display
- 25 note full size velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys
- USB connection to PC or Mac
- MIDI output connector
- sustain pedal connector
- 2 datawheels, 1 fader
- 4 knobs in 2 switchable assignment groups
- USB powered or via optional external power suply
- Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2003, Mac OS X and Linux compatible

The KeyControl 25 XL is priced at £50. Note that it comes with free Toontrack EXLite software which, once registered, can be upgraded to the full version for just £59.00 (usual EZdrummer price £99.00).

Here's some fresh news about the joint venture between SE Electronics and Mr Rupert Neve. We've got a picture of their first product, a ribbon mic called RNR1, and a price... £1880 including VAT.

Now we just have to wait for a release date...

Ueberschall announces the availability of Pure Fire. Equipped with 20 pumping construction kits based on minimalist influence with a blast of artificial texture overload, these stealthy, covert themes were made to fuel endless high-tech tracking needs. Each kit includes intro / outro, verses and refrains standard. 900 loops are bundled for excessive alternative personalization options.

Instruments covered include :

• Analogue and Digi Synth licks
• Extra Wide Bass lines
• Hybrid Guitars (Clean+DIST)
• Percussion (World and Kit)
• Strings (Classical and Synthetic)
• Choir
• Horns
• Atmospheres and Special Fx

Pure Fire is available now for Mac OS X and Windows in VST, AU and RTAS formats at a retail price of $119/€99/£69.

American Audio has introduced the VersaPort, an easy-to-use audio interface that provides an affordable USB solution for using your CD players or turntables with your favorite DJ-ing software.

Specifications :

• 16-bit/48 kHz AD/DA converter
• USB 1.1 compliant
• Mic level knob
• Monitor level knob
• Line/ phono selector
• Headphone & Mic jack
• 2 channel - 2 input & 2 output
• RCA analog connections
• USB bus - powered, adapter-free
• Mac and PC compatible

The MSRP of the VersaPort is $179.95.

Roland is pleased to announce the release of the latest system update for the Fantom-G workstations.

Features :

- Expanded capabilities added to the 152-track song recorder
- New functions added for selecting parts and patches
- Auto-Track function strengthens link between sound generator and tracking
- Input quantizing can now be changed in real-time
- New SMF export, as well as song and phrase edit parameters added
- Maximum RAM memory increased from 512MB to 1GB

To download the Fantom-G6/G7/G8 System Update v1.20, please visit the link below :

The EKS Otus, a strange DJ controller, is finally available through the EKS webshop.

Otus is equipped with a big, configurable 7.5" jog wheel and new features for effects control, including touchpad and two motion sensors. It also brings you an innovative switch key which enables the DJ to flexibly use two layers of controls. To add more show into the mix, the effect controls are placed to make performing more visual. With the advanced MIDI support and MIDI mappers it seems easy to configure Otus with just about any software application imaginable, be it audio, video or something else altogether.

The Otus is available now for €649 (excl. VAT).