WNAMM08: Yamaha Announce New Keyboard Range

US Four KX Series USB Keyboard Studios make their debut      17/01/08

WNAMM08: Yamaha Announce New Keyboard Range
Yamaha KX8

Buying Choices
Affilliate Links help support the site
Yamaha have introduced the KX Series USB Keyboard Studios comprising of the KX25, KX49, KX61, and KX8. They were conceived and designed to support creativity and MIDI music composition without getting in the way. Based on a range of innovative features with advanced software integration and connectivity via a single USB cable, Yamaha say that these control keyboards help create an efficient environment that supports traditional music production workflow.
The keyboards also feature a range of drum, guitar, bass, keyboard and other musical phrases built in, minimizing the need for complex manual MIDI data programming. Yamaha say that complete compositions can easily be created with just one finger although players will appreciate the Yamaha keyboard feel and response that provide optimum musical control and comfort for smooth production.
The KX Series is also bundled with the new X Factor DVD from Yamaha. This DVD contains a massive collection of sounds and VST instruments form industry leaders like IK Multmedia, Sonic Reality, FXpansion, Arturia and Keyfax. In addition to the bundled sounds there are thousands of dollars worth of rebate coupons and added values from Antares, ASK Video, Broadjam, Electronic Musician , Electrix, Garritan, KeytoSound, Obedia , Steinberg and Tunecore.
Athan Billias, Director of Marketing - Technology Products for Yamaha, told us,“The KX Series is the next step in Yamaha’s philosophy of hardware and software integration. Discerning keyboard players will appreciate the genuine Yamaha keyboard action while composing and recording seamlessly with Steinberg Cubase AI and its many creative options.� Here’s what Yamaha have to say…
ADVANCED FEATURE AND SOFTWARE INTEGRATION
The design of the KX Series control keyboards is based on in-depth research into the latest software-based music production and workflow approaches. Control capability has been refined for optimum compatibility with DAW software, software-based tone modules from major manufacturers, and the workflow methodologies they involve. There are transport functions to control DAW recording and playback, assignable buttons that can be assigned to a range of functions to suit individual needs, control templates for 30 different types of software tone module … everything needed for smooth music production is right at your fingertips.
PHRASE FACTORY OFFERS AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF BUILT-IN ONE-TOUCH PHRASES
The KX Series features a built-in arpeggiator with more than 500 pre-programmed phrases. Select an instrument and style, then simply hold the appropriate notes on the keyboard to play or enter the MIDI phrase data. For example, a guitarist could create a demo by entering all the required parts other than guitar by using the arpeggiator, and then overdub the actual guitar tracks. The KX Series makes it easy to create background music for your home page, backing for solo practice, and much more.
KX EDITOR FOR VERSATILE PARAMETER ASSIGNMENT
The KX Editor application, downloadable from the Yamaha website, allows detailed parameter assignment and editing for the four encoders and assignable buttons. You can create different parameter sets for production and performance, or for different types of music, and simply switch them as required.
VELOCITY CURVE CONTROL FOR OPTIMUM RESPONSE WITH INDIVIDUAL TONE MODULES
Keyboard velocity response can be adjusted in six steps to match a wide range of tone modules and sample players. Optimum matching of player, keyboard, and tone module means maximum playing comfort and fluid performance.
EXPRESSION PEDAL AND EXTERNAL MIDI TONE GENERATOR CONNECTIVITY
Since the KX Series keyboards are compatible with USB bus power, they can be simply plugged into a USB port and used without a separate power adaptor.
AI FUNCTIONS PROVIDE HIGH-LEVEL CUBASE INTEGRATION
In addition to the bundled Cubase AI4 software, the KX Series provides high-level integration with Steinberg Cubase 4 and Cubase Studio 4 DAW applications. You can open edit windows with a single button, add instrument tracks right from the controller keyboard, and automatic switching of control templates for different software tone modules when tracks are switched, as well as other advanced functions, facilitate a smooth, efficient workflow. Quantize and delete functions are pre-assigned to the assignable keys so you can start MIDI production without the need for complex setup procedures.
OUR CONTROL KNOBS PLUS TEMPLATES FOR 30 SOFTWARE TONE MODULES
In addition to advanced control of DAW software, the KX Series keyboards feature control templates for 30 different software tone modules built in. The most commonly used parameters for all 30 tone modules are automatically assigned to the keyboard's four real-time control encoders. When using Cubase the appropriate control templates are automatically selected when switching tracks, so you won't be distracted by having to change settings manually.
PERFORMANCE-ORIENTED KEYBOARD RESPONSE
Yamaha has always placed a great deal of importance on achieving keyboard feel and response that gives the performer total playing comfort. The KX Series keyboard response has been carefully “tuned� for optimum performance with software tone modules. The 88-key KX8 features Yamaha's acclaimed GHS keyboard for a true piano feel.
USB POWER COMPATIBLE
Since the KX Series keyboards are compatible with USB bus power, they can be simply plugged into a USB port and used without a separate power adaptor.
Pricing and Availability:
KX25 - $399 MSRP, January 2008
KX49 - $449 MSRP, January 2008
KX61 - $499 MSRP, January 2008
KX88 - $799 MSRP, May 2008
More information:


More Videos

Presentation: Gamechanger Audio Motor Synth MK2 Presentation: Gamechanger Audio Motor Synth MK2 

Motor driven synth has a sweet side..


Sonic TALK Special: Jessica Powell Of AudioShake.ai Sonic TALK Special: Jessica Powell Of AudioShake.ai 

Audio separation, tech and ethics


Sonic LAB: Taiga Keyboard Synthesizer Review Sonic LAB: Taiga Keyboard Synthesizer Review 

Pittsburgh Modular's latest release


NAMM 2024: 4ms - Catalyst Sequencer + Controller NAMM 2024: 4ms - Catalyst Sequencer + Controller 

Two new phase-based sequencing modules from 4ms


Hey there, we use Cookies to customize your experience on Sonicstate.com