NAMM 2019

Kevin Nolan · Post by **Kevin Nolan** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 8:53 pm

Don't mind Sharp if you remove this thread - but just thought I'd start a generic NAMM 2019 thread to capture all news in one overarching thread.

Initiated because - I have to say - from what Korg, Yamaha and AKAI have announced so far - I'm excited.

As for Korg specifically - it's more of an evolution than revolution year - but - personally I'm delighted to see them stick to their existing products and put a new sheen on them - it tells us they believe in them.

The Minilogue XD is maturing into a very interesting synth, Kronos looks stunning ( I know everyone wants more updates but when you step back and look at that Kronos ES as an overall package it's mind-blowing) - while - as much as I'm gritting my teeth saying it - that little Volca Modular looks enticing!

Very much looking froward to all the announcements to come over the next week or two.

lidserter · Post by **lidserter** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 9:04 pm

I would love to see the expansion libraries for korg Kross 2! It's a killer machine for the money and I'm quite interested on those libraries. Since the product launch on September 2017 the libraries are promised to be "released following KROSS 2"...
Hey! Just looked the site and we now have a Kross Special!
"KROSS Special Edition
Four new neon-colored models of the KORG KROSS
The KORG KROSS 61-key model, popular for its class-beating performance and stylish design, is now joined by new models in a variety of colors. The lightweight body that makes the KROSS so easy to transport is a perfect match for the four new neon colors: green, orange, red, and blue.

These models also have additional PCM that provides special pre-installed piano and electric piano sounds, as well as synth and drum sounds that meet the needs of cutting edge EDM producers. "

New pcm... #&$@#&#!!!

Regards.
JJ

Post by **Sharp** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 9:21 pm

The AKAI Force looks like a great product.
https://force.akaipro.com/

Kind of disappointed to see KORG released another KRONOS. I was hoping for something new. Something 64bit that can load lots of samples please.

Regards
Sharp.

Kevin Nolan · Post by **Kevin Nolan** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 9:50 pm

Sharp wrote:The AKAI Force looks like a great product.
https://force.akaipro.com/

Kind of disappointed to see KORG released another KRONOS. I was hoping for something new. Something 64bit that can load lots of samples please.

Regards
Sharp.

Agree it looks stunning - but I'm skeptical about the features it offers beyond the Push 2 which is less than half the price.

And a bit like with the NI Kontrol - I'm a bit skeptical about small screens offering the same functionality as a computer offers - after all wasn't the move to computer to get away from small / fiddly screens ?

Post by **Sharp** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 10:05 pm

I suppose the main advantage of the AKAI Force is that it's a stand alone unit. No PC needed.

If they ever release a new S Series sampler, I'd buy it in a heart beat just for the giggles. Love my S5000 & S6000

Regards
Sharp.

Kevin Nolan · Post by **Kevin Nolan** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 11:51 pm

I've rarely come across a more glowing endorsement of a synth than in this review.

I wasn't, in any way, contemplating a Minilogue. Now I am!

https://www.engadget.com/2019/01/15/kor ... ccounter=1

jimknopf · Post by **jimknopf** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 1:13 am

Three octaves, Kevin, really?
After all the Prophet 6 four octaves debates?

lidserter · Post by **lidserter** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 2:15 am

Nice concept that Force. I would have chosen standard midi connectors for better reliability on stage.

megamarkd · Post by **megamarkd** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 3:28 am

lidserter wrote:Nice concept that Force. I would have chosen standard midi connectors for better reliability on stage.

Oh dear so although it's a Circuit beater in most ways, it's still using 8th" MIDI ports...WHY????

Koekepan · Post by **Koekepan** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 7:22 am

Because Akai Professional thinks that most of their customers don't really want to fiddle with MIDI. They want that clip/sample action.

They may even be right.

The rest of the world goes to Circuit or Deluge or even Electribe.

Kevin Nolan · Post by **Kevin Nolan** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 9:15 am

jimknopf wrote:Three octaves, Kevin, really?
After all the Prophet 6 four octaves debates?

... and slim keys

(I've been working out - loosing weight - I think my fingers might fit now !!)

gjvti · Post by **gjvti** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 2:56 pm

Sharp wrote:The AKAI Force looks like a great product.
https://force.akaipro.com/

Kind of disappointed to see KORG released another KRONOS. I was hoping for something new. Something 64bit that can load lots of samples please.

Regards
Sharp.

yes, this is what Korg should have done with its premium assets and knowledge - I mean crossing Electribe with Kronos engines... But now since I have got Synthstrom Deluge I haven't even touched my Korg and other gear.... that is it.

Jan1 · Post by **Jan1** » Sat Jan 19, 2019 12:57 pm

Roland has been remarkably quiet.
Usually there are some announcements before NAMM, but so far not even a whisper.

For KORG's KRONOS there simply is no alternative, and that of course is not an incentive to come up with a new successor, while the KORG Krome also receives nothing other than a sound upgrade. Disappointing.

marc1 · Post by **marc1** » Sat Jan 19, 2019 4:10 pm

Jan1 wrote:

Disappointing.

I second that. Almost every Namm since the last 4 or 5 years has been nothing but disappointing. I wonder what these companies are up to. The only positive exception, I have to say, is Akai. That's a company which almost seemed finished, not willing or able to compete with the likes of Native Instruments and their acclaimed Maschine. And then they introduced MPC X and MPC live which for many changed that perspective and since then they seem to be on a good track again. Let's see if others can get on track again too.

Jan1 · Post by **Jan1** » Sat Jan 19, 2019 4:41 pm

I agree, Akai really stands out in a positive way with the MPC and now the Force.
And this NAMM very likely will also keep up the tradition of previous NAMM shows as far as new product releases is concerned.
I'd love to be wrong about that.

One other thing, real-time control over (software-) instruments is essential to many musicians, and I am surprised that thusfar none of the big companies tried to come up with something similar to the Roli Rise.
Controllers always tend to be more of the same, forgetting that for musicians the live interaction without having to go back and edit/insert/erase/replace is so liberating, just check out some of the videos of Marco Parisi with the Roli Rise.
I have been postponing getting the Roli Rise, but unless there will be an alternative I definitely will get one. I just wish they would come up with a Rise 61.
It will take some time getting used to the action, but that's life, if you want the goodies you have to be prepared to invest time and effort.