OVERVIEW
Now in black. The MPC 1000 is a fully re-designed MPC series. It maintains the key features that made the orignal series the industry standard, but also integrates new features to make it more portable and easier to integrate to computer-based studios....
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USES
• recording + sampling
• audio + MIDI sequencing
• audio manipulation
• drum programming
• portable sample trigger/performance instrument
FEATURES
The MPC 1000 features a 16-bit, 44.1 kHz stereo sampler with 136 seconds of mono sampling time standard (expandable to 24m28sec). Sound wave patterns are displayed as wave forms, making it possible to edit samples both visually and aurally. Effects including pitch, LFOs, envelopes, time stretch and resample are available for use with all sounds. A new addition to the 1000 series includes two stereo effects and one master effect each of which are assignable to all sounds. These stereo effects include chorus, flanger, bit grunger, 4-band EQ (also available in master), compressor (also available in master), phase shifter, tremolo, flying pan and reverb. Another improvement over past MPC's is the inclusion of a high pass filter, and both the low and high pass filters on the 1000 are 2-pole per voice.
The sequencer section is where the MPC has really derived its great reputation. With a 100,000 note memory and a capacity of up to 99 sequences that can be recorded in either linear or pattern-style, the 1000 is an extremely powerful machine. It also features a step edit mode, a loop recording function and 16 level, full level, tap tempo, auto punch and undo sequence features, making it extremely fast and intuitive to work with.
The hardware on the MPC 1000 offers enough connections to satisfy the most demanding recording applications. 2 new hardware features on the 1000 make it more compatible with computer based studios than its predecessors. The first improvement is the Compact Flash port which takes cards that range from 32MB (included) to 2GB. The second is the inclusion of a USB port that supports storage on MAC and PC via the Mass Storage Class USB standard. Basically, M.S.C. is a file management system that allows you to drag and drop sound files from the MPC to your computer's hard drive and vice versa, via the USB port. These 2 features negate the need for those slow floppy and zip disks, a weakness of previous MPC models.
The back panel of the 1000 is equipped with stereo 1/4" INs and OUTs, four 1/4" individual OUTs, digital S/PDIF IN and OUT, two MIDI INs and OUTs, a headphone OUT and two footswitch INs. The dimensions of the unit are 13" by 8" and it weighs less than 8lbs. Its sample reading capabilities are compatible with the MPC 2000XL, MPC 4000, Z4, Z8 and the S5000/6000.
OUR OPINION
I can remember when the MPC 60 cost $3200 brand new out of the box. We've come a long way in these 15 years and as advancements in technologies are made, the consumer is the real winner in the end. The 1000 is a real deal production center, equipped with most of the features that made the MPC so legendary.
Some of the new features included with the MPC 1000 should be especially appealing to today's musician. The addition of a 2-pole high pass filter gives the user a new range of sound design possibilities previously unavailable to the MPC. On previous models, the internal effects were either limited or cost extra to buy the expansion boards. The different effects that come standard with the 1000 allow the user to more fully shape their sounds within the MPC, lessening the need for outboard gear or upgrades.
In our opinion, the greatest improvement with the 1000 is the inclusion of the Mass Storage Class USB standard and the Compact Flash port. For CPU users this will negate the need for floppy and Zip discs that can be slow and difficult to manage. The speed of being able to drag and drop sound files as well as the convenience of having all your samples at your finger tips, displayed on your computer screen, will save a lot of time and creative energy. The new methods of memory storage (Compact Flash card and USB) will ensure that the user's data doesn't get lost as formats change and that the MPC 1000 will be able to communicate with new equipment as it is released in the future.
Overall the most important element the 1000 retained from its MPC lineage is its ease of use. Its layout and sequencing section is intuitive, making it a fast learn. The trademark trigger pads and sequencing features make it a powerful, realistic drum programming tool. Portability is no longer an issue with the 1000's new compact size. Take it to djing gigs and trigger sound effects or homemade creations into the mix. For live bands the 1000 can add anything from more powerful drums to atmospheric sound scapes, all at the touch of sixteen buttons. By no means a lightweight, the 1000 will probably end up dominating the hardware based production market for years to come. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
The MPC-500 is Akai's latest entry in their legendary MPC line, and it's their most portable and affordable unit yet. Not only is the MPC-500 the smallest MPC yet, it also has the ability to run on 6 AA batteries, which automatically...
expand review makes this the go to choice for dj's and producers who travel a lot (think of all that airport downtime). The 500 shrinks down the MPC-1000 frame with a smaller overall size, slimmer profile and a streamlined group of features. You are still getting Akai's professional level recording + sampling features, sequencing functions, and programming ability, just in a smaller package.
FEATURES
The Akai MPC500 is a compact, portable, full-featured music
production center featuring a 48-track, 16-channel MIDI sequencer
combined with a 32-voice drum/phrase sampler. The MPC500
supports 16-bit/44.1 kHz sample rates and provides upward of
128MB of RAM. The unit's MIDI sequencer supports the SMF
(standard MIDI file) format, while the sampler accepts WAV files. Like
all Akai MPC units, the MPC500 provides velocity sensitive pads (12)
for triggering sounds and the unit includes Akai's legendary 12 Levels
function—where one sound can be assigned to all pads with varied
level or tuning per pad. The MPC500 provides numerous onboard
effects plus two stereo effects sends and a Master control. For transferring work to other Akai MPC models, a Compact
Flash storage card is included for use with the internal CF drive. The
MPC500 includes a USB port for use as a slave connector with a computer.
Memory expansion is available. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
The XR20 is Akai's smallest all-in-one beat production station. This ultra-compact and portable unit allows you to produce beats on the go (via optional battery powered operation) or in the studio with over 700 pre-loaded sounds, an integrated effects engine, MIDI I/O...
expand review and a mic input for laying down vocals over your creation. All this with the trusted feel and sound quality Akai is famous for.
FEATURES
For it's compact size, the XR20 is big on features. It comes with over 700 pre-loaded sounds and kits including professional sounding drums (electronic and analog), percussion, bass, synths, sound effects, vocal and instrument hits as well as an integrated effects engine for high quality reverb, EQ, and compression for full control over the sound. The XR20 also features
a mic input for mixing vocals with your patterns plus a very useful MIDI I/O for integrating the unit into your MIDI setup.
The unit itself is incredibly compact and can run off batteries or AC adaptor for added portabillity. It's sleek black frame is accentuated with a bright blue LCD screen and brilliant backlit pads that actually light up while following the beat for visual cues and added precision. Different patterns you create can be triggered by individual pads for even more versatility. Additional features include drum roll/note repeat for added realism and expression, footswitch input and headphone out.
OUR OPINION
Akai's XR20 is a heavyweight contender in the portable production unit realm with an impressive list of features and a very attractive price. Boasting professional quality sounds built-in, MIDI I/O, mic input, trusted Akai functionality and much more for under $300, the XR20 is the perfect unit for producers of all skill levels that want a portable all-in-one production unit for a reasonable price. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
The Kaossilator is a portable synthesizer that takes Korg's legendary synths and effects and combines it with their unique KAOSS pad technology to create an innovative pocket-sized instrument for beginners and pros alike. Simply tap or slide your finger across the touch...
expand review pad for instant musical phrases and jams, drums, effects and more without a keyboard! Create songs on the fly with the loop recording feature and best of all, it's super portable size and battery powered operation allows you to create music anywhere.
FEATURES
For it's ultra-compact size, the Kaossilator packs a load of amazing features for music creation. It features a total of 100 powerful sound programs that combine Korg's legendary modeling synthesizer engine with the effects from the KAOSS Pad series for a variety of sounds that can match any music genre from disco to blues. The horizontal axis of the touch pad is assigned to note/pitch, while the vertical axis is assigned to parameters such as: cutoff, feedback, or modulation depth, giving you a wide range of performance possibilities. And in addition to classic synth sounds like leads, basses and sound effects, the Kaossilator also features faithfully simulated piano, guitar, trumpet and drums.
There is also a handy scale/key feature that allows you to play complex scales and phrases perfectly everytime with the slide of a finger! Choose from 31 different scales including chromatic, diminished, as well as major and minor blues and pentatonic scales, and unusual scales such as Spanish, Ryukyu and Raga. The scale function can be used in conjunction with the key setting function, allowing you to perform in any key. 50 types of gate arpeggiation for complex rhythmic patterns are also at your disposal allowing you to produce specific patterns of notes in sync with the tempo to greatly expand your performance options.
In addition, loop recording is also possible with the Kaossilator for multiple phrase overdubbing. Create a maximum of 8 beats (2 bars) and play it back endlessly - then overdub bass, lead, drums, etc. for a unique and super fun way to create complete grooves and beats. All this in a battery operated, compact frame that you can fit in your pocket. Includes headphone out, RCA output and can run off optional power supply.
OUR OPINION
The Kaossilator provides an extremely fun, unique and easy way to create music anywhere without the use of bulky equipment. Beginners will love the ease of use (just a swipe of the finger!), while more seasoned producers will have fun playing synths and scales in a totally new way. Plus with the sound of the legendary Korg synths and the KAOSS pad, you know you are dealing with quality at a very affordable price. -the mgmnt
With its ease of use and versatile set of features, Korg's Kaoss Pad has become a standard DJ tool and the effects unit of choice for live situations. It's fun to use, very responsive, and comes with Korg's reputation for quality. The...
expand review KP3 overhauls the entire platform, featuring expanded effects (now 128), a new control pad lit by 64 individual LEDs, more sample capability, computer connectivity and more.
FEATURES
The main feature of the Kaoss Pad is its touch-sensitive control surface. Simply touch the surface and you activate the effect; drag your finger and it changes the parameters of your effect. Move it up and down to control one parameter, left and right for another, or even diagonal to control 2 parameters simultaneously. It's so easy to use that you really don't need to know what you're doing at all, and you will be able to master some cool sounds in about 10 seconds. When you do decide to jump into the next level of Kaoss Pad features, there's a ton of to play with in here.
The Kaoss Pad features a whopping 128 effects. Of course there are the essentials like filters, delays, reverb, and flanging, but they've also developed a bunch of new algorithms to give you fresh, untapped sounds from effects like grain shifter, decimator, a vintage analog style filter with a tone-bending drive circuit, and expanded EQs that are controlled directly from the pad. Korg has also included 15 synth sounds, drum rhythms, ethereal ambient sounds, vocoder programs and more. All of which are controllable from the X/Y pad. As for memory, the KP3 can not only store your most popular effects in the program buttons, but it has a hold button for saving the "sweet spot" on certain effects. The Pad Motion program can even memorize and repeat a fluid or complex gesture played on the pad.
The Kaoss Pad features a built-in BPM engine. You can use the Auto BPM function to detect the speed of any input source, adjust the BPM manually, tap in the tempo yourself, or even sync the KP3 to incoming MIDI Clock messages. Eight new BPM patterns can be triggered from the touch pad, allowing rhythm and bass synth patterns to be played, perfectly synchronized to the BPM.
The KP3 now has 4 sampling banks which allow you to play & save both looped and one shot samples. Plug into the KP3's line or mic input and sample up to 16 beats of sound through the 24 bit processor. Run the samples through the effects, just trigger it, or you can process a sound through the effects and then sample it. Use the touch pad to apply time-stretch, reverse-playback, pitch shift, or scratch effects to the samples for unlimited creative possibilities. You can also store these samples on an SD card or transfer to computer with the USB connection.
The KP3 is also a MIDI controller, sending out three controller numbers from the touchpad, and additional messages from the slider. The Sample Bank buttons send and receive note messages. Program Change commands and clock information can also be sent or received. The inclusion of MIDI IN and OUT allows even the most daring and complex KP3 moves to be recorded and played back by an external sequencer or software sequencing program.
A single USB connection allows the KP3 to share sample data with a computer. An editor / librarian program is included so you can build libraries of samples, and edit them using your computer. The software also allows WAV and AIFF files to be loaded into the KP3, and includes pitch correction for samples not created at 48 kHz. This graphic software is valuable not only for editing samples, but also for creating, editing and saving programs and global data. The stereo inputs and outputs can be set so the KP3 can run in-line to an amplification system, or hooked to the effect loop jacks of an audio mixer.
OUR OPINION
The Kaoss Pad was already the best effects unit on the market and a favorite among many working DJs, now the KP3 has come through and just made everything better. It is an excellent effects unit for live DJ sets with its ease of use, hands-on control and countless effects options. Use the sampler to sample your favorite phrases and noises to drop within your sets. At your home studio, the Kaoss pad is excellent for BPMing your records, and adding effects to your mixes. For music production, the Kaoss Pad offers a inexpensive way to further alter your sounds with quality Korg effects. Quite a lot of flexibility with this unit. -the mgmnt
Limited edition with reverse colored keys!
OVERVIEW
Korg has shaken up the synthesizer market with this amazingly priced, multi-function production tool. The microKorg is both a multi-timbral virtual analog synthesizer and a 4 voice vocoder in one very affordable, portable package.
The synth portion can...
expand review be used to design analog drums, deep bass, atmospheric keys, weird sound effects and everything in between. It is designed like an analog synthesizer for easy manipulation of the sound, and quick access to the controls.
The vocoder produces a vocal effect that has been used with great results by everyone from Stevie Wonder and Roger Troutman to Dr. Dre and Daft Punk. The same knobs control the vocoder, again giving you quick access and easy manipulation of the sound.
FEATURES
The Synthesizer: The microKorg comes with 128 preset sound sources that can be tweaked infinitely, by patching different effects into the mix. 2 oscillators, plus a noise generator produce the sound on the synth.
The Vocoder: The microKorg comes with a mic, but if you prefer, there are 2-1/4" inputs on the rear to plug in your own microphone or other sound source (drums, keys, etc.). The sound is then grouped with an oscillator, a noise generator and 8 channels of Vocoder to get the desired effect.
Effects: 6 types of arpeggiator are included to extend your sounds. Other effects include the standard filter cut-off and resonance controls, attack and release, and a tempo control as well as LFO's, modulation, delays, EQ and a lot more.
General: The back panel has MIDI in, out and thru, 2 lines of audio in, L/Mono, R and headphone outputs. The keyboard is made up of 37 mini-size keys, with an octave shift control.
OUR OPINION
I have heard and seen (in photos) that the microKorg is the Neptunes secret little weapon. The Vocoder section is extremely helpful in today's electronic based music mediums, especially if you're working with a bad singer. It is easy to use and even easier to manipulate a voice through. Try putting drums or a loop through it, and get something completely different. The Synthesizer section is a bit more complicated. It will take a good bit of reading and playing around to fully understand how your actions are affecting the sounds that are coming out. But the analog style controls let you tweak the sounds easily and hear an immediate difference.
Overall it may take a while to get the full grasp of how the microKorg works. However, once you have a basic understanding, it is an extremely powerful machine with infinite sound synthesis possibilities. On top of that throw in the vocoder, and this becomes one of the best values in the market. -the mgmnt
The Mini-KP takes the best features of the popular Kaoss Pad and places them in an extremely portable pocket-sized body. 100 effects are available at your fingertips (realtime) including filter, delay, and looper as well as numerous BPM effects that utilize the...
expand review "TAP/BPM" button to synchronize to your song's tempo. There is also an "FX release" function that offers a natural decay of the effect when changing effects and memory, and memory capabilities. All this in a battery powered unit that is an ideal choice for practice at home, in the studio, or performance in the club.
FEATURES
Just like it's big brother the KP3, the main feature of the Mini-KP is its
touch-sensitive control surface. Simply touch the surface and you activate the effect; drag your finger and it changes the parameters of your effect. Move it up and down to control one parameter, left and right for another, or even diagonal to control 2 parameters simultaneously. It's so easy to use that you really don't need to know what you're doing at all, and you will be able to master some cool sounds in about 10 seconds. Everything is done in realtime too, so you will here the effect instantaneously.
The Mini-KP features a total of 100 effects, many derived from the larger KP3, including filter, delay, and a looper. But especially effective for creative mixing is the "low/high-band pass filter" that lets you cut specific frequency ranges of sound (cut the bass out or the highs), the "decimator" that intentionally degrades the audio quality of the input to give unique impact to the sound, a much-requested "delay & reverb" combination effect (for that smooth echoed out mix effect), and the "looper & pitch shifter" that captures and repeats incoming audio, retuning it in real-time as the pad is manipulated. In addition, there are some synth sounds derived from the KP3 and many more effects that can dramatically add to your sound.
Another important feature is the built-in BPM engine. You can use the "TAP/BPM button" to detect the BPM and synchronize the Mini-KP to an audio input source, and then take advantage of the many BPM effects that are synchronized to your song or performance. There's also an "FX RELEASE" function that lets the effect sound decay gradually when you remove your finger from the pad or change effects. This makes it easy for smooth and natural sounding blending of the mini-KP's effects into your performance or mix.
Lastly is the "Hold" function that lets you fix the effect settings at a given moment, and indispensable memory keys that allow you to save your favorite settings. If you're touching the pad to apply an effect, you can use the "Hold" function to "freeze" the effect settings at any desired point. The Memory Key function lets you memorize the selected effect program, the Hold function's on/off status, and the effect depth. This lets you store your favorite effect settings for instant recall anytime.
OUR OPINION
Just like it's bigger brothers, the Mini-KP is an excellent effects unit for live DJ sets with its ease of use, hands-on control and countless effects options. With it's small size and battery operation, you can feel confident bringing it anywhere - from the home studio to the club. In addition, the Mini-KP is excellent for BPMing your records, and adding effects to your mixes. For music production, the Mini-KP offers a inexpensive way to further alter your sounds with quality Korg effects. The Mini-KP is a quality effects unit that is extremely flexibile and extremely portable. -snackmaster
OVERVIEW
Korg's R3 is a full featured synthesizer that delivers powerful analog synthesis and advanced sound creation from a compact digital keyboard paired with a high quality vocoder (mic included). The R3 uses the same MMT (multiple modeling technology) sound generator as its...
expand review big brother the Korg RADIAS giving it thick, bold and crisp analog sounds that will definitely satisfy both beginners and experienced professionals. Its versatile synthesis modeling, ample effects and editing capabilities make it suitable for all types of music from r&b, funk, hip-hop, techno, and house, plus its MIDI I/O and USB connectivity allows it to fully integrate with and grow with your studio.
FEATURES
The R3's top feature is the solid analog synthesis from Korg's MMT (multiple modeling technology) engine. Usually used in much more expensive full size keyboards, this technology delivers full, rich analog sound (via 2 oscillators, 3 envelope generators, 2 LFO filters, + amp and noise generators per voice with 8 voice polyphony) all within the R3's very compact 37 key frame. Unlike many synths this size, the R3 features full size, velocity sensitive keys which makes it much easier to work with (a big complaint about the microKorg is the minikeys) and 2 timbre/8 voice performance power.
In addition to MMT synthesis, the R3 also boasts several features to further shape and tweak your sound. 2 filters with selectable routing are available: Filter 1 is a multi-mode resonant design that lets you continuously vary between various low-pass, high-pass and band reject characteristics. Filter 2 has a switchable, multi-mode resonant design that also includes comb filtering, which can be made to feed back in order to boost multiple series of overtones, giving you amazing potential for generating unique tonal changes. There are also 6 virtual patches available on the R3 that simulate the patch cord functions of older synthesizers (MS and PS series Korgs), a modulation sequencer that can apply time-varying changes to a specific parameter, a 2 band EQ for each timbre with 2 insert effects, and a flexible, editable arpeggiator with 6 different arpeggio patterns built in.
There are a total of 128 preset programs (16 banks x 8 programs) all of which are fully editable and feature a diverse range of sounds from highly complex synths using cross modulation, formant motion and arpeggios, to thick, warm sounds you would expect from analog modeling. The R3 also has 2 external audio input jacks that allow you to process and transform the sound from external audio sources. Create new sounds by playing other instruments and loops through the R3 and using the external audio source as a filter or oscillator.
Also included is a high quality vocoder with 16 channels, adjustable level and pan for each channel, formant shift, formant motion and formant hold functions, MIDI I/O features, USB connectivity and Korg's R3 Editor software to edit and save your programs with your Mac or PC.
OUR OPINION
If you are familiar with the best selling Korg microKorg, think of this as a step up... a BIG step up. The powerful MMT synthesis alone is worth the price of admission, but add to that the full size keys(!), a serious vocoder, MIDI and USB functions and compact portable size and you've got a great addition to your studio set up that won't break the bank. A great synth that is loaded with features you can really get deep with. Recommended. -snackmaster
OVERVIEW
The Moog MF-107 "Freqbox" is very different from any of the previous Moogerfooger effects boxes (or other effects boxes in general). Rather than simply processing the original input sound, the input signal actually modulates an internal oscillator. This creates totally rich, unique...
expand review and unusual sounds from any type of signal - guitars, synths, drum machines, vocals, etc.
FEATURES
The "Freqbox" contains a VCO with continuously variable waveshape that can be modulated in the following ways:
- the VCO can be hard synced by the input signal
- the VCO can be frequency modulated (FM) by the input signal
- the VCO frequency can be modulated by an envelope follower which tracks the dynamics of the input signal
- the amplitude of the VCO also tracks the dynamics of the input signal
Hard sync is a classic analog synthesis technique where the start of an oscillator cycle can be reset by another. FM is a technique used to get really rich sounds (from gong or bell-like tones to sizzly sweeps) from simple waveforms. The FreqBox works with any instrument to line-level input. In addition to the panel controls there are control inputs for use with expression pedals or control voltages and control outputs for interconnecting moogerfoogers like you would a modular synth.
-the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
The latest version of the Moog MuRF specializes on bass frequencies to give your low-end unique, professional sounding effects. Moog's legendary Moogerfooger series puts powerful analog effects in the reach of those who may not be able to afford a complete synthesizer....
expand review The MuRF offers a sophisticated filtering effect designed to work with bass guitars, keyboards, samples or any other audio signal you pass through it.
USES
- filter + add effects to any source (especially lower frequency input)
FEATURES
The unique sound of the Bass MuRF begins in the filter section. Seven of it's 8 filters are resonant filters voiced at lower frequencies, and at the low end, they've added a 3 dB/octave shelving filter. With a cutoff frequency of 110 Hz. which is especially useful for getting that unique bass sound. Also included is an animation section that allows you to control rate, mix and pattern controls. You can also set a tempo to the pattern you design by tapping on an optional (not included) footswitch.
OUR OPINION
The filter section of the original Moog synths are what the company built their name from, and none of that reputation has been sacrificed for the design of the MuRF. The Moogerfooger series is a great introduction to the world of analog effects. The MuRF is easy to use; yet offers unique, high quality effects, especially when trying to get the right sounding low end to your tracks. And lastly if you feel your home studio is just a screen and keyboard, these give your studio the ultimate retro-hands on feel.
OVERVIEW
The EFX-1000 is Pioneer's top of the line effects unit that was designed for both dj use and studio use. The main upgrade here is the high-fidelity, 24-bit/96kHz sound quality achieved by this model (vs. 20 bit/96khz of the EFX-500). Couple that...
expand review with the digital input/output, MIDI input/output, and accurate input/output meter; and you can integrate the EFX-1000 into any studio setup (whereas most dj effects are geared for strictly dj situations).
USES
- add effects while djing
- add effects in the studio with 20-bit/96kHz sound
- digital I/O
- MIDI I/O
FEATURES
The EFX-1000 retains most of the features that made the EFX-500 one of our favorite effects units. The illuminated controls and knobs are well-placed, and the jog wheel is very useful when adding character to your effects (jog dial actions can also be stored in memory). The EFX-1000 allows you to either effect freely, on-beat (which you can further control to 1/8 to 8/1), or to any rhythm you tap in (a new function). The tap function also serves as a BPM counter.
Effects-wise, the EFX-1000 is the top of the line in the quality of different effects and ways to control them. Effects include: delay, echo, pitch echo, trans, flanger, filter, phaser, jet, wah, phase shifter, ring, and zip; plus voice humanizer and vocoder mic effects. You can isolate a frequency (high, mid, low) to effect; and control wet/dry (intensity of effect), depth, and character, all with separate control knobs.
OUR OPINION
The Pioneer EFX-1000 is the high-end for dj effects units. The only omission is a lack of a sampler, but in its place, the EFX-1000 gives you the most control over your effects. The on-beat BPM mode and new rhythm tap mode are especially useful. And when you are not djing, plug this into your studio setup and get useful digital effects with ultimate hands-on control, digital interface, and MIDI interface, without losing any sound quality. Also expect Pioneer's high quality and durable construction.
OVERVIEW
Pioneer's EFX-500 has long dominated the DJ effects marker. It is a very solidly built, rugged piece that works well both at live performances and in the studio.
FEATURES
The controls are split 3 different sections on the face of the unit. The first...
expand review is a high powered isolator. Think of it as super-equalizer. It can completely cut out an EQ channel, better than 90% of the mixers out there. The other 2 parts deal with the effects. One part controls beat effects: delay, echo, pan, flanger, and trans. The other controls the sounds: jet, zip, wah, ring, and fuzz. The true power of this model is how well you can control these effects. The beat effects section (timing effects) includes a beat counter, tap button, bpm controls, and channel selection (allows you to effect high, mid, and lo in any combination). The sound effects are controlled by a spinning jog dial which like the Kaos pad controls the intensity and frequency of the effects. In addition, there are memory capabilities for the jog dial. Take it one step further, and you can use all 3 parts simultaneously or in any combination. For example, isolate a channel, chop the beat in halves, and add a wah effect to it.
Additional features include and auto-bpm counter, a headphone monitor and active read-out (levels, bpms etc) displays. Heavy duty construction quality and Pioneer quality sound.
OUR OPINION
Compared with the Kaoss pad, the EFX-500 feels like a real piece of studio equipment. It is well designed and very solid, and it performs incredibly. For this reason, the EFX is better suited for both DJ and studio usage.
OVERVIEW
Roland has now discontinued the classic SP-303 sampler (pick them up while we still have them!) and replaced it with the new SP-404. The 404 is built on the easy to use foundation of the SP-303, with a new casing, new features,...
expand review and expanded ranges for almost all existing features. The 404 should prove to have a similar acceptance to the SP-303 as the industry standard portable sampler and sequencer.
USES
- sample triggering during DJing
- sampling
- sequencing
- effects processing
NEW FEATURES
The SP-404 now has 12 large pads (the 303 had 8) for greater sample storage, more built-in effects, a new built in mic for easy vocal sampling on the fly, a Compactflash drive that now accepts cards up to 1GB, new metal casing, and more.
FEATURES
The SP-404 is recommended for 3 main uses. The first is for live performances, especially DJ sets where you can add sound effects and samples very easily. Now with the built-in mic, sample on the fly. The second use is for the effects. No matter what level producer you are, the 29 built-in effects are very useful especially the vinyl simulation mode. Many well-known producers used the SP-303's effects in their tracks. Lastly, the SP-404 is an easy to use sequencer. It is based on the same fundamentals as the MPC, and for sample-based music, sometimes simpler is better. This is what you get here, just think of it as portable sketchbook for beats (it even can run on batteries), also powerful enough to deliver a finished track (Madlib uses a SP-303 for some of his tracks).
OUR OPINION
The upgrades from the 303 make the 404 more producer friendly. The 303 became a cult classic because its ease of use. This is maintained in the 404; there's just more options and capacity. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
The SP-555 is a high-quality sampler workstation with USB connectivity from the popular SP family series of samplers (think a majorly upgraded SP-404). It not only gives DJs, producers, and sample-based musicians powerful realtime control of their sounds with 16 velocity sensitive...
expand review pads, but also gives you instant sound capturing via line and mic inputs and USB audio streaming. In addition, over 37 effects are at your disposal plus unique interface options such as the D Beam feature that allows you to control the SP-555 without touching it!
FEATURES
Samples processed through the SP-555 sound excellent thanks to the 44.1kHz/24-bit sample rate. Getting any sound onto your pads is made incredibly simple as well thanks to easy sampling via RCA ins, the 1 XLR/TRS mic input (with selectable 48V phantom power) or USB. Once sounds are loaded, 16 velocity sensitive pads are available as triggers. Also use the SP-555's live loop capturing feature to capture a piece of audio and instantly play it back in sync with your other tracks. You can even load loops onto the pads or layered with other loops. Support for a 2GB compactflash card means you can record up to 12 hours of sound.
Effects are a big deal on the SP-555 as it boasts 37 high quality DSP effects. Everything from delay, voice transformer, isolator and more are at your disposal as well as the unique Super Filter and DJFX looper. Plus the handy Effect Memory feature allows you to recall your favorite samples instantly. It also features the innovative V-LINK that lets you connect any compatible video equipment to display material in sync with your music, and D Beam technology that allows you to work the SP-555 without touching it (just wave your hand over the beam). Comes with Cakewalk production software for added value.
OUR OPINION
The SP-555 is like a SP-404 on steroids - more effects, more pads, and more features. DJs can still use it to drop samples and effects in the mix, while sample-based producers can really wild out with the effects and easy to use sampling capabilities. Beat wizards Madlib and MF Doom have been known to rely on the SP-404 to create their dirty sample-based beats, and with the SP-555 - you can do this and then some. Add USB connectivity and Cakewalk software and you have a full featured sampler with all the extras for a very reasonable price. -the mgmnt
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