"TerraTec Producer will unveil a unique keyboard at the Frankfurt Musikmesse - AREA 61. Based on an unprecedented design, AREA 61 is an expandable keyboard system for studio and gigging musicians. It is a genuine musical instrument with freely selectable, integrated sound generators (optionally available DSP soundboards) that may also serve as a central control unit for all software sequencers and virtual instruments in computer-based music studios.
Sound Generation Options
In addition, keyboardists can equip AREA 61 with optionally available sound modules for use as a classic synthesizer, that is, without a computer. To this end, TerraTec Producer now offers KOMPLEXER, a synthesizer that runs as a VSTi plug-in and as a standalone DSP application. Comprising a real synthesizer based on the Waldorf μQ, it provides more than 400 parameters for shaping the perfect sound. And if this complexity seems a bit overwhelming at first, keyboardists can go to the Easy Edit page, choose from the many presets and easily manipulate their selections using eight Macro controls. Best of all, entire banks port from KOMPLEXER VST to AREA 61's on-board KOMPLEXER DSP. This means KOMPLEXER VST goes wherever the keyboard goes, without having to tote a computer.
Released last year, the WaveXtable module is a 128-voice, GM- and XG-compatible Waveboard offering more than 500 top-drawer sounds. Further modules are in the works. Users can employ other vendors' compatible Wavetable cards, making the AREA 61 a remarkably extendible instrument.
The integrated sound generator's analog output signal goes to the output mixer and may be auditioned with the 2.0 audio system's playback signal as well as over the input monitor. Recording the output signal via USB 2.0 is also an option. The AREA 61 Controller Keyboard will be available in stores in Q 3/ 2006 retailing for 749.00 USD (MSRP)."
Are GM and XG sound sets gonna die anytime soon? The only ones I like is the hellicopter and accordion ones :)
ReplyDeleteSo you get GM and a Waldorf thangie.
Maybe there should be some sort of hardware digital modular made? On a very fast backplane, in a standard form factor? Each module would have no UI on its own, but plugged into a backplane with some sort of m-lan discovery/configuration and XML patching standard. That would be neat (as long as no GM modules are available for it).
I was thinking about that: Sort of a dongle with the software that runs on an established platform.
ReplyDeleteI guess they tried that with Chameleon (sold a few hundred).... It would need to be marketed with some good launch support (Roland or Korg at the table from day one?)
Whoah. Jimmy you just gave me an interesting thought. USB flash drive synths. Pop them in to a laptop or MIDI controller and you are good to go. Imagine carrying a handfull of synths around with you on a little USB drive. I guess technically you can already to this with VST plug-ins - just copy the dlls on your USB device, but you couldn't just plug and play them on a MIDI keyboard. Now if you could...
ReplyDeleteDevelopers could also protect their software by making them only available via hardware USB drives. If you lose or break your synth your on your own. Would be the same for a USB drive. Hmm... Think I'm gonna put up a post on this idea.