akaipro News http://www.akaipro.com/news/ Get the latest news from akaipro. AKAI Professional 'Rocks' New York! http://www.akaipro.com/content200875
]]> Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:48:28 CDT PRODUCT REBATE - FREE Loopmaster Sound Libraries! http://www.akaipro.com/content200759 Click to download a printable PDF version

 

 

]]> Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:46:47 CDT STEVE TAVAGLIONE BRINGS THE POWER OF THE EWI TO WALL-E http://www.akaipro.com/content6072 AKAI PROFESSIONAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Steve Tavaglione


Musician/Sound Designer Steve Tavaglione is serious about music. How serious? He has worked on dozens of blockbuster films like the Finding Nemo, American Beauty, A Bug’s Life, and many more. Disney’s new film WALL-E made headlines as one of the biggest summer openings ever, and features some of Steve’s best work. Akai Professional’s EWI4000s was a crucial part of Steve’s work on WALL-E
In addition to film, Steve has worked on numerous TV shows including CSI: Las Vegas, CSI: New York, Charmed, Star Trek: Enterprise, Lois and Clark, and more – all with the trusted EWI4000s at his side.  We caught up with Steve and asked him about his work with the EWI400s.

AKAI PRO: How long have you been using the EWI4000s?

STEVE TAVAGLIONE: I have been using the EWI since it first arrived. I tried other wind controllers and they just weren’t intuitive enough. Things like pitch bend and the way they deal with octaves just wasn’t there for me. If it’s not serving any function to trigger a note, why add a controller for it? There’s really nothing else like the EWI. As a sax player seeing the EWI for the first time, one might think that you plug it in and it’s all sax but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.


AKAI PRO: Steve, you used the EWI4000s in the making of WALL-E. Tell us about that.

STEVE TAVAGLIONE: I found the EWI to be one of the most flexible and useful tools in my arsenal on this film. Aside from being an amazing project on which to work, the nature of WALL-E and his story presented me with some new ways to use the EWI. There is a lot more than simple traditional orchestral composition going on in the soundtrack and the EWI helped me improvise and find some new techniques that I am sure to use in future films. I used it in so many ways that it really became the standard controller for this project. For example, I created a randomized choir and triggering one note on the EWI would trigger the entire choir on a constrained scale.  I used it to trigger brass horn randomization and clusters of sounds.  They shot some video with me for the DVD that goes a little more in-depth. If it ends up on the DVD release, it will show the EWI in action.

AKAI PRO: Where else have you used the EWI4000s?

STEVE TAVAGLIONE: In addition to the movies I’ve worked on I’ve used it on TV shows and music tracks for Peabo Bryson, Sergio Mendez and others. Whether it’s for music, TV or Film, I often have to sit with others and audition new pieces. One really cool thing about the EWI is that it can sound so much like a real instrument it’s scary. On shows like One Life to Live, I’ve had people believe they were hearing a real cello or woodwind when it’s just me and the EWI. On Star Trek: Enterprise I used it for incredible Ethnic Winds and French Horn parts.  

AKAI PRO: Are there any other uses you have found for the EWI4000s that people might not know about?

STEVE TAVAGLIONE: Well, most of the time I use the EWI, a computer with Kontakt, and just plug right into the mixing board. However, I had a lot of fun using a wireless MIDI transmitter  to allow the EWI to be completely mobile. The internal sounds are great but this thing can play any software synth in the world. I had sessions inside and outside the studio! I was able to play out on the lot and wirelessly transmit to inside the studio. It’s interesting how being outside the studio changed my perspective.

 

Steve’s work and more information on his career can be found at his MySpace page
 

 

]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:03:39 CDT MORE ART OF THE EWI FROM BERNIE KENERSON http://www.akaipro.com/content5707
"My EWI playing is mainly influenced by Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Joe Zawinul, Tom Schuman, Jan Hammer Bob Mintzer and Michael Brecker," says Kenerson. The producer, composer, arranger, and musician selected EWI4000s as his main instrument for its wealth of expression and unique performance capabilities.

For more information on "Bernie Game – The Art of the EWI" and Bernie Kenerson, visit berniekenerson.com

]]> Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:50:44 CDT AKAI PROFESSIONAL MPC5000 NOW SHIPPING http://www.akaipro.com/content5417
The MPC series has set the global standard for producers making beats. The new MPC5000 is the result of dozens of engineers, 20 years of experience and a new synth and drum sampling engine unlike any MPC. The moment that details about the MPC5000 were released in early 2008, it immediately became one of the most highly anticipated products of the year.

MPC5000 is the first MPC to permit eight-track streaming hard disk recording for real-time capture of individual tracks or even entire songs. A 20-voice, three-oscillator analog synthesizer with arpeggiator, a new sequencing engine with 960 PPQ resolution, pad and track muting and mixing, 64 continuous sample tracks and 12 Q-Link controllers highlight just some of the never-before-seen features and capabilities that make MPC5000 the most advanced MPC ever.

MPC5000's virtual analog synth eliminates the need for users to deal with connecting external analog synth modules or working with buggy software synthesizers. The eight-track, direct-to-disk recorder lets musicians produce complete songs and mix them down internally. An optional CD/DVD drive permits usage of audio on CD or DVD in songs, and also records compositions. More than 650MB of premium sounds from Loopmasters are included so that MPC5000 is ready to produce professional results immediately.

MPC5000 delivers a comprehensive compliment of production features including:

Sixty four-voice drum/phrase sampler with 64MB memory built-in; expandable up to 192MB RAMThree-oscillator virtual analog synth engine with arpeggiatorMore than 300 Virtual Analog synths includingEight-track direct-to-hard disk recordingMore than 40 unique effects within a modular four-bus effects processorMaster equalizer and compressor “Old school” mode provides vintage sampler soundBuilt-in 80GB hard driveOptional CD-R/DVD driveUSB 2.0 port for computer connectivityCF Type-2 card slot (up to 2GB)Chop-Shop 2.0 software included - slices stereo loops into individual samples and automatically assigns to padsPatched Phrases - creates multiple splits in looped samples to ensure proper tempo sync without changing pitchContinuous Sample Track - ensures samples play in perfect sync no matter where you start the beat in a loop12 Q-link controllers for internal automation, external MIDI control and quick parameter editing.240 x 128 hinged backlit LCD is double the size of previous MPC displaysTen analog outputs, eight ADAT-optical outputs, and stereo S/PDIF I/OPowerful new multimode filterTwo MIDI inputs and four MIDI outputsTurntable phono inputs with RIAA preamp XLR + 1/4-inch combination inputs, selectable mic/line for use with any input source
Waveforms appear crystal-clear on the oversized display. Integrated Chop Shop 2.0 supports stereo chops and Patched Phrases. MPC5000 is also the first MPC with Random and Cycle sample playback added to the Zone play. A turntable input with preamp and XLR + 1/4-inch inputs provide a wide range of options for connecting any source equipment for production and performance.

MPC5000 is now available from music and pro audio retailers. It carries an MSRP of $3,499.00.]]> Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:09:37 CDT AKAI PROFESSIONAL MPD32 PAD CONTROLLER NOW SHIPPING http://www.akaipro.com/content5419
MPD32 is Akai Professional's much-anticipated flagship pad controller for musicians and DJs. Using a USB cable to connect to a Mac or PC, MPD32 is perfect for hardware control of popular music programs such as Reason, Ableton Live and GarageBand. MPD32 is the only pad controller to feature Akai Pro’s renowned MPC Note Repeat with swing and gate time parameters.

MPD32 is also the only controller that can also work as a master clock for MIDI sequencers. With the Tap Tempo function, musicians can control tempo in real time during performances. Sixteen velocity and pressure-sensitive genuine MPC pads provide the industry's finest feel and expression.

Assignable MIDI controllers include eight assignable faders, eight assignable switches, and eight assignable 360-degree knobs. Three selectable control banks extend the number of available faders, buttons and knobs to 24 each for a grand total of 72 controllers. Four pad banks equate to 64 total pads.

MPD32 also features transport controls for interfacing with DAW/sequencing applications like Sonar, Cubase and Logic. MPD32 is a fully programmable controller and multifunctional control surface that fits perfectly within any production or performance environment.

Key features of the MPD32 include:

MIDI-synced note-repeat with MPC swingSixteen full-sized, genuine MPC pads with velocity and pressure-sensitive responseThree banks of eight assignable switches, sliders and endless knobs for a total of 72 controllersTwo assignable Foot SwitchesOne assignable Foot Pedal controllerLarge, easy-to-read backlit LCDThirty user-definable presets for use with software applicationsMMC/MIDI Start/Stop transport buttonsAbleton Live Akai Edition software includedBFD Lite software included
MPD32 is available for purchase now, with an MSRP of $499.00.]]> Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:10:38 CDT AKAI PROFESSIONAL MPD24 CONTROLLER GETS NEW FIRMWARE http://www.akaipro.com/content5420
Offering improved transport functionality, v1.09 is the second update to the original release of MPD24 firmware. A complete document of release notes is also available for review at www.AkaiPro.com.

Owners can update their MPD24 firmware by selecting the Docs & Downloads section of the MPD24 product page on the company’s website, www.AkaiPro.com. Users may download the 44 kb zip file at no charge. The firmware is installed to MPD24 via a USB-connected Mac running OS X or later, or a PC running Windows XP or later.

Designed for use with Digital Audio Workstations (DAW), sequencing, and other software applications, MPD24 is a velocity sensitive USB/MIDI pad controller. The MPD24 allows users to program drum parts in a much more intuitive and natural way than by simply playing them on a keyboard. With its array of knobs and sliders, the MPD24 allows users to control parameters on their favorite DAW or software synths, offering incredible real-time control.

While visiting www.AkaiPro.com, users are encouraged to explore Akai Professional’s range of innovative new products, including MPK49 and MPC5000.]]> Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:11:06 CDT DJ NU-MARK TAKES CREATIVE CONTROL WITH THE MPK49 PERFORMANCE CONTROLLER http://www.akaipro.com/content3267  


Nu-Mark is well known for his innovative sonic creativity, such as attaching a rubber band to his turntable’s needle and playing it like an upright bass or tapping on the turntable dust cover to simulate a bass drum. Incorporating a wide range of musical styles from soul to funk, hip-hop to samba, Nu-Mark loves to surprise an audience with a forgotten gem, an unknown banger, or a fresh take on a well-known hit.
 


DJ- Numark uses the MPK49 Performance Controller from Akai Professional as an integral tool at his gigs. This 49-key semi-weighted professional keyboard controller boasts 12 genuine MPC pads with Note Repeat and Swing for crafting beats, and an arpeggiator for creating quick riffs and bass lines. With an amazing 76 assignable controls, eight full-sized pots and sliders, eight assignable backlit switches, and a large, easy-to-read custom backlit display, the MPK49 is DJ Nu-Mark’s choice for live and studio production.
 


From Sao Paolo to Sydney, from Toronto to Tokyo, Nu-Mark’s carefully crafted, explosively energetic sets never fail to get a party rocking. With the addition of the Akai Professional MPK49 to his rig, you can be sure that Nu-Mark’s post as hip-hop’s Innovator-in-Chief is certain to produce some wild new sounds!

]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:16:00 CDT <![CDATA[NAMED "COMPANY OF THE YEAR" BY THE MUSIC TRADES MAGAZINE]]> http://www.akaipro.com/content3094
Citing a long history of market resilience and remarkable innovation, The Music Trades recognized Numark Industries as "...one of the industry's hi-tech leaders."  The feature article also commends Numark Industries companies - Numark, Akai, Alesis and ION Audio - for breakthrough integration of software, hardware and computer solutions in the ever-evolving audio technology industry.

The Music Trades is a monthly publication dating back to 1890, and is widely recognized as the industry's leading source for market research for the music business. As "Company of the Year," Numark Industries was chosen from more than 3,400 other companies tracked by the publication.]]> Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:41:57 CDT STEVE TAVAGLIONE'S EWI4000S KEEPS HIM BUSY http://www.akaipro.com/content2685 Recently we checked in with EWI4000s aficionado Steve Tavaglione to see what he's been up to and to make sure that the EWI4000s is living up to his expectations and keeping up with his busy schedule.

Here's what Steve had to say:

"The EWI4000s helps me stay in the midst of what's happening in the electronic music world. I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing without it. That world is always moving forward."

Not only is Steve the ever-busy live performer, he's also quite the go-to-guy in Hollywood film composition. Below is a list of current films that Steve has been busy working on.

Wall.e for PixarRevolutionary Road starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate WinsletRighteous Kill with Robert DeNiro and Al PacinoSex in the City starring Sara Jessica ParkerCollege Road Trip from DisneyTropic Thunder featuring Ben Stiller, Jack Black, & Robert Downey Jr.Powder Blue Meet the BrownsFlash of GeniusLake City Step up to the Streets Martian Child Why Did I Get MarriedThe Jane Ausin BookclubGood Luck Chuck


Steve's penchant for live performance is still alive and well, here's a list of live gigs:
 
Electronic Music Concert Parikel Series
University of California Riverside - March 15th
Scott Kinsey Band - April 3rd at La Va Lees.
SAE Electronic Music School - Date TBA

 

 

 

 

]]> Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:02:55 CDT