Author: rt
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REVIEW: Akai mpk261 keyboard
AKAI MPK261 This is a review of the Akai MPK261 Midi Keyboard. You can find the detailed specifications on the Akai website. I only explain the particularities that are not obvious on the web site. Most of the information here applies to MPK249 and MPK261. Some of it applies to the MPK225.
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REVIEW: IKMultimedia iRig Blueboard
The iRig Blueboard is a small pedal board that uses bluetooth to connect to a computer or a mobile device and sends Midi commands to any application listening for it. The Hardware The idea is that a compact pedal makes a lot of sense when you, as a musician, want to be as mobile as possible.
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Alesis Vortex: Modify the Ribbon Controller behavior
Some Keytar players use both hands on the keyboard part to play more complex notes arrangements. When I need to do that, I use a regular keyboard. As explained in a previous post, “I have seen keytar players “cross-under” the support strap to use their left hand on the (small) keyboard part. I have tried…
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Alesis Vortex: Testing remote Patch switch
The Alesis Vortex, using firmware 1.20, can now receive and act upon Program Change requests. This means that you can select a Vortex Patch remotely. I tested the new feature using my M-Audio Oxygen keyboard, but this will work with any Midi input that can send Program Change Request (PC). I am also using a…
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Alesis Vortex: Direct Patch programming using SysEx
In the previous post, I did a quick review of the new Vyzex Vortex software program. I also put in some details about the new features in firmware 1.20. I also updated the detailed user guide that I wrote a while ago to reflect the changes in the firmware, (even some undocumented ones). The main…
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Alesis Vortex: Firmware update 1.20 and Vyzex Patch Edit program available
Well, Alesis is listening to it’s users. They have just published a new firmware version for the Vortex. Version 1.20: Allows compatibility with the Vyzex Vortex patch editor software Allows the pitch-bend wheel to be reversed Allows any pad to be set to “Panic Mode” (pad will send an “all-notes off” message) Allows a default…
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MP-2 + MRe: Hacking the Alesis Vortex and using a Wireless Midi Transmitter
A two-project merge! The Alesis Vortex needed a bit more… controls! So I decided to add a few sensors that would give me greater flexibility when playing. The Vortex is already quite capable, but my left hand was not “used” enough. Sure, there is a touch strip and a pitch-bend wheel at my finger tips.…
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MRe-2: A demo
I have decided to try the MRe-2 in a real setting. So I hooked up my keyboard and recorded a demo. It was done using Ableton Live 9. The trick was to setup 2 midi loops (using clips). The first one is used to loop the riff that plays after the intro. I had to…
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Midi Wireless: The iRig Midi adapter and Audeonic’s MidiBridge
In a previous post, I explained how I successfully use a pair of XBee radios to exchange Midi information between a midi instrument and a computer. This post is about another wireless solutions for those who have an iPhone or iPad. The iRig Midi adapter The iRig Midi adapter fits the connector of any 30-pin…