5 minute read
KEYBOARDS
Novation FLKey 37
By Martin Delaney, Electronic Musician, July 2022
Novation’s FLKey 37 is gray and unashamedly boxy, stylistically more in common with hardware synths than generic MIDI keyboards. Physically and functionally, it’s directly comparable to Novation’s Launchkeys, which cater for Ableton Live users. The top panel of the FLKey 37 includes pitch and mod wheels, 16 RGB backlit pads, eight knobs, an LCD display, and 24 buttons. Then of course there’s the keyboard, a rather nice 37-key affair. The keys are of the full-size synth-type variety, and they’re part of what makes this such an enjoyable controller, contributing to the out-of-the-computer vibe. The pads are velocity sensitive, and change color depending on the job at hand for added visual feedback: alongside the pads are preset buttons. The 37 also has a chord mode, where one will be played per keyboard note, or they can be generated based on a selected scale, or custom chords can be triggered from the pads. From $125,
novationmusic.com
Novation FLKey Mini
By Martin Delaney, Electronic Musician, July 2022
Novation’s FLKey Mini is a flexible little controller that you can take anywhere, and fits into the smallest nook in your studio or live rig: We think it will become the no-brainer de facto hardware controller for FL Studio. As with the best of these controllers, it feels like the software has broken out into hardware-world: there’s a noticeable reduction in time spent looking at the computer screen or reaching for a mouse or trackpad. The knobs are large enough to get a decent hold on, and all of the buttons are backlit so they’re identifiable in a shady environment. We found it was easy to develop an organic workflow, loading presets, sequencing patterns, tweaking effects, and playing the keys: Long stretches of time pass by without feeling the need to touch a keyboard or trackpad. This unit is highly recommended for any FL Studio user seeking keyboard integration and hardware control. From $125,
novationmusic.com
Audiomodern Playbeat 3
By Andy Price, Electronic Musician, July 2022
A virtual drummer like no other, Audiomodern’s Playbeat 3 not only suggests rhythmic strategies, but opens an online ecosystem of creative sample sharing. This virtual groovebox relies on multiple intelligent algorithms which can instantly take the lead, and if you so choose, they generate fresh beats instantaneously. With the introduction of the ‘SMART’ algorithm, Playbeat 3 studies how you use it to make beats and applies these observations into its choices of randomized groove that fit your own style. All this talk of a super-brainy, HAL-like observer might lead you to imagine a sizeable download, but Playbeat 3 conveniently comes in at a teeny 80MB with 196 factory samples bundled within the package. The ability to work with external drum machines and hardware synths opens up even greater scope to lean on Playbeat’s smart deductive algorithms, and mine from an infinite repository of ideas to conjure forth new life from your dusty old physical arsenal. $62,
audiomodern.com
CloudVocal iSolo GT-10 Wireless Microphone Pickup
By Jimmy Leslie, Guitar Player, July 2022
CloudVocal makes an array of wireless instrument microphones, and their new iSolo GT-10 is an exciting prospect. It consists of a transmitter with a flexible mic that sits inside a silicon soundhole saddle, and a receiver that integrates a preamp, EQ and extra inputs and effects. Any and all guitars from classical to vintage become unleashed and viable to venture beyond home and studio boundaries. The mic sits at the end of a bendable stem attached to a metal transmitter that looks somewhat like a mini humbucker, and a second mic element is embedded at the base. To put the system in play, simply charge the transmitter, place it in the sound-hole and set up the receiver. Plug it in via the included power adaptor, or to a power bank for fully wireless setup, attach the antenna and pair it via Bluetooth. It’s a no-brainer to hand this modern invention an Editors’ Pick Award. $499 street, us.cloudvocal.com
Focusrite FAST Verb
By Si Truss, Electronic Musician, March 2022
Focusrite launched its plugin arm The Collective in 2022, with one tool, the FAST Verb — as the name suggests — all about reverb. One of its headline features is the analysis tool powered by Sonsible’s AI tech. Simply play some audio into the plugin, hit Learn and the AI will suggest a reverb preset for you based on what it thinks will work best. To help this process, users can define a source type from a list including drums, vocals, keys, guitar and more, and then tailor the reverb style more by choosing between Natural, Balanced and Artificial options. I found FAST Verb’s results were best in Natural mode. It’s great at generating subtle reverb effects you don’t really notice — the kind that can add a realistic sense of space and depth. What FAST Verb does well isn’t quite like anything else on the market, and those capabilities are well worth the price. From $7.99 per
month, collective.focusrite.com
Harbinger MLS1000 Portable Line Array PA System
By Andy McDonough, Guitar Player, June 2022
The new Harbinger MLS1000 PA boasts a larger sub than its predecessor, the MLS900, an impressive list of features, serious power and an attractive price tag. The design checks all the right boxes for a compact PA. It offers a built-in mixer that supports up to five sources at once, including Bluetooth audio.The entire system breaks down to three pieces that go into a bag and slip cover that can get you into a venue in a single trip. The mixer section is very straightforward, with dedicated controls for every function, all logically labeled. A DSP switch provides four voicings: Standard, Live Band, Dance Music and Speech. System DSP settings worked as expected, with the Standard and Live Band settings most useful for live performance. Packing plenty of features, more than enough volume for small venues and plenty of headroom to go further, the MLS1000 delivers versatility and great sound that belie its budget-friendly price. $699.99, harbingerproaudio.com
