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Akai MPK mini
Filed under Reviews - Gear
Tagged as akai, controller, edirol, Edirol PCR-M1, midi, midi controller, mini, mpk, mpkmini, usb
Tagged as akai, controller, edirol, Edirol PCR-M1, midi, midi controller, mini, mpk, mpkmini, usb
The Akai MPK mini is a sub-$100.00 two octave USB controller with 24 mini keys, eight assignable knobs, 8 assignable MPC style pads, a fairly flexible arpeggiator and four program locations for saving your setups. It is powered via USB and that is the controllers sole means of power and connectivity so if you need a MIDI out port you will need to look elsewhere.
I was looking for a controller to toss into a backpack along with a laptop for mobile creativity. A couple of years ago I attempted to get my mobile vibe in gear with the Edirol PCR-M1 that featured their S.L.I.M. keyboard with low profile knobs. That lasted about a week before the board failed and when I tried to get it replaced I’d found out that in that week it had also been discontinued. At that point the PCR-M1 was really the only super small controller in the game and with that leaving the building so did my mobile setup. Years passed and now we have multitudes of small backpack oriented MIDI control devices so I decided once again to peak into the options available. Read More
Critter and Guitari Pocket Piano GR, review
Filed under Reviews - Gear
Armed with 18 wooden buttons (16 for the “piano” keys and 2 for mode/waveform/octave changes), 4 knobs, a jack for an external power adaptor, ¼” mono audio output, two LED’s and a built-in 3 watt speaker the original Pocket Piano first caught my eye late last year and after coming across the more recent Pocket Piano GR with it’s super sexy green anodized aluminum enclosure and extra sound I was sold ($220.00). So what is it? Read More
Chvad SB completes score for new feature film “GUT”.
Filed under Press Releases
Chvad SB (of the bands THINGS OUTSIDE THE SKIN, Tongue Muzzle and The Qualia) has just completed the score for the new feature length film “GUT” written and directed by long time collaborator Elias. More news soon on when the soundtrack will be made available for purchase! You can get more info on “GUT” at the following links:
The “GUT” site.
“GUT” on Facebook.
Biff Juggernaut Films
Chvad’s Blog on creating the score.
NYC Event: THINGS OUTSIDE THE SKIN, LIVE @ Bowery Poetry Club!
Filed under Events / Shows
Once again, THINGS OUTSIDE THE SKIN creep out from their secret little holes to entertain YOU, the seedy underbelly of NYC and to help a friend, John Servo DeSalvo (recovering uninsured from a shattered leg) 7 bands. 8 Burlesque performances. Xris SMack spinning tunes…this may very well be the best $10.00 you’ve spent all year. Read More
NYC Event: The Qualia CD Release Party @ Pianos!
Filed under Events / Shows
THIS. IS. THE. BIG. ONE.
We, The Qualia (Lars Casteen, Chvad SB, Rossen Nedelchev, and Zakai Robbins) will be celebrating the release of our new EP,MEMORIAL GORE, by completely losing our minds at Pianos on the evening of July 8th.
And we’re not alone. We’ve roped Bellevue’s Finest (the best band in New York City) into helping us in our festivities. Sure, we’re really excited about this, but we’re not the real winner.
THE REAL WINNER IS YOU. For only 10 American dollars, you can see both New York’s best band and the world’s best synthesizer music for a stunning two hour event. Also, you will be able to pick up our new EP, MEMORIAL GORE, for a great low price.
We will be playing a BRAND NEW COVER of a SONG THAT PEOPLE ACTUALLY LIKE, and it WILL BE INCREDIBLE.
Come on out!
What: The Qualia CD RELEASE SHOW with Bellevue’s Finest
When: Friday, July 8th, starting at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Pianos, 158 Ludlow St in the LES
How Much: 10 USD
Why: Because both bands are going to put on a great show, and it’s a great chance to pick up the new EP, for a shocking low (not yet decided) price.
PRESS: The new EP from The Qualia (WTII) drops today!
The new EP “Memorial Gore” from The Qualia (WTII) drops today! Get it on CD or digital download at all major music retailers!
The Qualia release their new single “Guess I Lied”!
Filed under Press Releases
Hot on the heels of our show last night at Pianos (thanks again for coming out!) here’s a brand new song, from our next EP, due out on WTII Records in June. Have a listen, and let us know what you think!
Find more The Qualia songs at Myspace Music
Sequential Circuits Inc. Prophet 5
Filed under Reviews - Gear
The Prophet 5 was released in 1978 by newcomer California company Sequential Circuits. Big deal, at the time who had ever heard of Sequential Circuits? However the Prophet 5 offered users to store their sounds in preset memory—with the press of a single button the Prophet would instantly call up another pre-programmed sound. In 1978, this was simply miraculous and the Prophet 5 became THE synth for professional users to own. Of course, it didn’t hurt that the Prophet 5 also featured five voices of polyphony, a killer tone, quality hardware and a beautiful finished wooden chassis. Thus a legend was born and Sequential Circuits redefined the world of synthesizers.
In fact the Prophet 5 would have been a landmark instrument with just its programmable memory. However, the Prophet 5 was also an instrument capable of amazing power and grace—as well as being blessed with bags of character. Compared to other synths that existed before and long after the Prophet 5′s heyday, the little Prophet can still hold its own. Truly a remarkable instrument in capable and knowledgable hands. Time has not diminished one iota of the greatness of the Prophet 5. Read More
