The industry is about to feel the innovative prowess of Korg with its new compact Korg MIDI devices, particularly designed for music makers on-the-go!

The new nanoSeries devices of Korg are particularly designed to meet the needs of artists who are always on the move making music anywhere, anytime, without compromising the control department. The bundle is composed of the nanoKEY, the nanoPAD, and the nanoKONTROL; all three will allow anyone to make music, anytime, anywhere.

The nanoKEY is a 25-note, velocity-sensitive model that is built to be tough. Aside from being very handy in recording chords and melodies, the nanoKEY can also be used to send MIDI data, further expanding its power. It has an Octave Shift function that provides immediate access to the entire MIDI note range. There are pitch and modulation buttons provided as well, allowing your performances the kind of expression natural to any controller, regardless of its size.

You might be surprised to see the nanoKEY in a very small size. Its small size allows you to put it in front of your laptop, your recording station, or wherever you need a versatile control over your virtual instrument or software. But although it is small, the nanoKEY has a gives you a handful of features when it comes to functionality without cutting corners that could affect its convenient operation.

The nanoPAD on the other hand, is composed of 12 highly-sensitive trigger pads (including an X/Y pad) making it a great tool for laptop DJs as well as for doing drum programming (its roll and flam functions provide a unique interface that allows realistic drum programming). It is USB powered and is capable of sending both notes and MIDI control data at the same time.

The nanoPAD also has a Chord Trigger function that lets you enter chords onto a single pad, which helps you to make the most of the work surface as you create. You can transmit control change messages with the pad as well, making it a great interface both for soloing or multi tracks. You can turn the objects on and off, or trigger clips during live performances.

Finally, Korg wraps the MIDI bundle with the nanoKONTROL. It offers 9 faders, 9 knobs, 18 switches plus a full transport section for expansive control. That makes the nanoKONTROL the best DAW and plug-in control, and with its note input mode, laying down your next groove will be such a breeze.

For each of the four programmable scenes that the nanoKONTROL offers, you have the freedom to set the controllers any way you need them. That means you can send 168 different MIDI Control Change messages and MIDI notes using these switches. each of its 6 transport buttons can send both MIDI Control Change messages as well as MMC messages in order to control functions like start, stop, loop, or record.

Taking full control over the quality of music that you make is now possible with the Korg MIDI Bundle. Have all three at the price of one. Get the Korg MIDI Bundle, today!

Read more about the Korg MIDI Bundle or browse for other Midi Controllers.

The speaker manufacturer tycoon Alesis has recently launched their newest boys the Alesis M1 Active 520 USB Studio Monitors. Particularly designed for professional studio use, this pair will blow your ears away.

Let’s take a close look at the Alesis M1.

Aside from being a powerful pair, the M1 Active 520 is a team of active, bi-amplified, two-way reference speakers that provides genuine audio frequency from 20kHz to a simple 56kHz, practically allowing them to cover almost every frequency sensitive to the human ears. On top of its USB playback ability, this pair also comes with two TRS-balanced quarter-of-an-inch inputs that transforms them into a computer audio interface in seconds.

Despite its new design, these studio monitors are very affordable for its features it is a high precision, active reference pair of monitors complete with Bass Density control and EQ. Its crossover is professionally crafted, enabling it to provide high incredible sound definition and an accurate flat frequency response from two high precision drivers. The cabinet as well as its drivers has also been redesigned for a bolder look and an even greater sonic clarity.

The front baffle of these studio monitors measures an inch think, effectively reducing speaker resonance. It also has a visually amazing acoustic waveguide that gives high frequency guide across the control room.

Designed for studio use, the Alesis M1 studio monitors come with a 5-inch polypropylene, low frequency drivers that are capable of 50W RMS output with 1-inch silk dome high-frequency drivers capable of 25W RMS mounted in a low resonance bass reflex, magnetically shielded cabinets. And to make things even better, the Alesis M1 comes complete with integrated USB interface providing 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz of recording and playback functionality.

But what makes the Alesis M1 Active 520 USB Studio Monitors the best in the market today is its new Bass Density feature it allows you to tailor the output of these bad boys into any room’s acoustics.

The Alesis M1 has a TRS balanced inputs as well as a headphone that automatically shuts the speaker down when the headphones are connected and are in use. And when you feel that the output needs a little more tweaking, you can do so using its bass boost switch.

The whole manufacturing history and reputation of Alesis are in this pair . They are perfect for different media like recording studios, radio broadcasts, and other post-production locations. Why wait? Grab the Alesis M1 Active 520 USB Studio Monitors today!

Find another opinion about the Alesis M1 Active 520 USB Studio Monitors.

Mentoring plays a substantial role for us whose careers revolve around the arts and other related sectors. Those who went to college can name a person or two who acted as their mentor throughout their college years.

I was under a number of music mentors, there are those who helped me understand the art of creating music and there are those who provided me the opportunity to polish my craft.

Among those who taught me music, I had 4 private piano instructors between age 9 and my sophomore year of college. Each mentor helped me turn out to be what I am now, but there is one mentor that stood out among others. My three music mentors are more concentrated on technique while my mentor in high school focused on my gift for songwriting since she herself is a songwriter as well. She did not merely put me in a system instead she helped me develop into an artist.

As a composition major in college, I also had personal instruction with two composition teachers - and again, one of the two stood out as a mentor in music. He took notice of my strengths and weaknesses as a songwriter, and challenged me in particular ways to help me develop. He was not just a teacher, but also a personal coach, willing to deal with my human side, my attitude concerns and my meltdowns in the process.

On the other hand, I also encountered mentors who never taught me something but instead they gave recognition to my talent and gave me the chance to use it and develop it. I spent a lot of time in church music surroundings as a young man, and several of the musical and spiritual leaders in those settings gave me access to musical instruments and recording equipment, let me play on the music team (even as a youth), allowed me room to make mistakes, and even found me other areas to play. These people were my private cheerleaders, but even more than that, they had a hand in building a foundation of success under me.

There are two things I seem to remember when I think about my music mentors. First off, those mentors that really affected me were the individuals who took interest in me, as a musician and as a person. Second - looking back at my growth, I believe my mentors played more of a role in my education than my collegiate studies..Even though a few of my teachers and mentors were in the college scenario, it was the personal attention that helped me develop in music, far more than the classes, homework or tests. College helped but my music mentors made the variation in my development.

Coaching is a connection that is established with a person who is a professional in their area. The mentee has less knowledge while the mentor has more expertise. The mentor shares their ideas and the lessons they have mastered. However, both the mentor and mentee will gain from the connection. The mentor benefits from the opportunity to reinforce their management skills. The mentee on the other hand will not only receive assistance but he or she will also get the chance to improve his or her status in the music industry. Think about it in nearly every aspect of life you will discover mentors even in independent music. You had one in classes probably in your family at jobs and in many other events in your life. If you are thinking about your own mentors and I recommend you should, here are some ideas to make sure a flourishing relationship:

What to consider when choosing a mentor for the music industry: an amazing track record in their chosen area of expertise. Are they generous and honest with their advice? How well are their leadership and conversation abilities? Is the mentor prepared to commit and work with you? Are they able of getting to understand you and your independent music goals? Are they capable of suggesting suitable career actions for you to take?

Are they able to link you to associates in all over the music industry? How to select a mentor: Pick someone that you feel you can look up to and truly learn from.

Pick somebody you have something in common with in terms of interests or career options. You can either have two mentors or you choose one that possesses the most flexibility. Pick someone who is willing to invest time in you and your future. I cannot stress to you just exactly how valuable a mentor can be in your music industry career. These people are not only guides but these people can also help you get in touch with people who can kick off your career. Value your mentor as well as the time they invest coaching you. Make each time you invest together fruitful. It is important that you put together the possible subjects before you meet up with your mentor in order for you to have a better idea on the things that you need to learn.

There are many benefits to a music industry mentorship for both people. The mentee gets the benefit of someone’s skill to help them pilot their career development. Mentors have the opportunity to reflect on and add to their professions. For a constructive and beneficial encounter clear goals and proper communication must go hand in hand. So find music associates in the music industry that are into mentoring and form a connection. If nothing else you may obtain understanding and perspective that you previously did not possess.

There are many kinds and forms of soothing music. One general way though to divide compositions designed to relax is to group them according to instrumental tunes and those with vocals. Is it always a better option to listen to purely instrumental selections like solo piano music when you want to relax?

Obviously, opinions regarding soothing tunes vary because not everyone shares similar preferences. There are really a lot of individuals who have a liking for fast paced pop compositions. This is what calms them. You may be in the same boat on this one but do consider that there are some good reasons why instrumental sounds are best for relaxation.

Compositions that don’t have words in them are good choices to help calm you down because they provide a more subjective experience. Lyrics are limiting because they have themes and ideas that restrict a listener’s thoughts and feelings. In short, you are boxed in by what the words mean.

There is no real issue if song lyrics for relaxing soothing music have soothing themes or definitions. This is not always the case though. Lots of songs with vocals have slow beats which are typical of calm sounds but they can actually provide a very distressing experience. Depending on the song theme, listeners may be pushed to feel sad or slightly depressed.

Instrumental pieces like soothing piano music have more benefits. These are ideal for relaxing because most of these instrumental albums are played with instruments that are naturally calming. Slow beats played using the piano, guitar, flute or harp for instance are naturally soothing because these instruments deliver smooth, gentle sounds that are almost like nature sounds. This is a quality or instrument ability that is simply not present in other instruments like the electric guitar typically used for rock and its sub genres.

Because instruments like the piano are naturally calming, they are the best options for visualization. When you listen to these instruments, you can imagine or create calming thoughts and situations better. Modern piano pieces for example can lead you to a spot under a tree or beside a brook even while you are seated in your workstation. It can help you see what is relaxing for you even if you aren’t in a very relaxing place. Lyrics can’t accomplish the same effect simply because words can rein in the imagination.

Properly soothing music is sold in many different locations. In a regular music store, some of the most popular choices are in the jazz and classical categories. There are now some modern composers however who can compete with these traditional genres with pieces of their own that are specifically intended for relaxation. These are increasingly becoming popular because a lot of people find the need to take a break from the stresses and anxieties of daily life. The field of relaxation music has definitely become a lucrative one. You can grab sample recordings for great musical compositions online.

In modern soothing music, there is no doubt that words can play important roles. In a lot of cases though, you would always prefer to have a completely subjective experience when you want to relax. If you want your imagination to work to your advantage during your chill out moments, you had best settle for instrumental compositions.

If you’re looking to buy a brand new music keyboard, then you’re most likely currently at least relatively conscious of the variety you have before you. This process can be daunting when you lack some ideas associated with exactly what features and functions tend to be the most important for your requirements. Some preliminary investigation on the net will bring up a few common keyboards, including the Roland Juno Keyboard and other popular brands with regards to musical applications.

Here, we’ll look at a few of the fundamental features of most keyboards to help you place a base for what you are searching for to suit your own needs as well as style of music.

One of the primary items that you will need to take into account if buying a completely new digital piano or keyboard, will be the quantity of keys that you want the keyboard to have. With regards to this characteristic, there is definitely a range depending on the kind of keyboard that you’re contemplating as well as exactly what you would want to be able to do with it. Near the top of the number would be your eighty-eight key piano. These provide you with the fullest range which would be that of a normal piano. With this particular number you will also typically view a larger price tag related to it.

Lots of people tend to be okay with a 66 key electronic keyboard and the Roland Juno G mentioned previously is a good example of an excellent 66 key instrument that will include all you are likely to require with regard to top quality audio and functionality. Should you be dealing a lot more with MIDI sounds and programs as compared to complete production, a keyboard or workstation with actually less keys can be a great option for you.

One other thing take into account in terms of the actual keys would be the specific weight of the keys while you are playing. Weighted action keyboards can be most liked by skilled pianists because this is likely to feel the most like a piano with regards to the digital world of keyboards. Most of these usually will cost a lot more than the synth action keyboards and for a pianist, it may be worthy of the much more costly price.

Keyboards which use synth action keys can usually be found with those people that are utilizing lots of MIDI in their recording. Synth action keyboards provide a few advantages in that they’re usually easier to play and one can play a bit faster on this sort of keyboard as opposed to the weighted action keyboards.

It’s also wise to consider just what types of distinctive effects and other options you need your keyboard to have. In the case of the Roland Juno, for instance, you will find many different sounds, rhythms, presets, reverb plus more special forms of sounds that can add a totally new facet for your new music.

Before buying your own music keyboard, be sure to perform some considerable investigation both on the net as well as within the particular stores where you can try the many brands and designs. This will help you to get the one which actually feels the most impressive under your personal fingertips while playing.

Do not be fooled by the Microbook’s size, it may be small but it is huge when it comes to audio quality. It is a USB bus-powered audio interface that provides studio-grade audio performance. Despite its size, the MicroBook can turn your Mac or your PC into your own 4×2 recording studio all complete with the audio I/O and mixing features needed for any professional recording needs.

Check out MOTU MicroBook USB Audio Interface.

Whether on a Mac or a PC, the MicroBook gives you a complete personal recording set up on any platform. It has four simultaneous inputs that allows for a microphone, a guitar, a keyboard, or any other stereo line-level device. Its mic preamp produces nothing but the most neutral and most pristine sound possible, thanks to its condenser mics powered by a 20dB pad and a 48V phantom power. On top of that, you can also choose among a programmable analog, a digital, and headphone outputs.

Because the MicroBook is small, its mic input ins a balanced ?-inch jack. If in case you would like to use a mic cable with an XLR plug, there is no need to worry because the MicroBook comes with a XLR-to-1/4-inch adapter. Its Precision Digital Trim allows you to control analog trim on all analog units digitally. This only means one thing you get to enjoy both worlds: the excellent signal quality of analog audio circuitry and the fine-tune precision of digital control. On top of that, you also get to save and recall the trim settings on your computer.

But the main feature of the MicroBook is its unparalleled audio quality. It provides rigid audio quality particularly tailored to meet the demands of most professional recording applications. Because it comes from MOTU’s award-winning family of FireWire, USB and PCI audio interfaces, the MicroBook is without a doubt a product that signifies decades of engineering expertise.

While most of the audio interface brands in the market today cut corners with unbalanced analog inputs and outputs, the MicroBook is different. These brands greatly compromise audio performance, making it fall way below the standards of a balanced circuit. The MicroBook has a well balanced inputs and outputs that makes sure of the best protection possible from RF interferences, AC hum, and other noise-creating factors.

The MicroBook’s guitar input gives only the proper guitar impedance loads for guitars, so you can play through guitar-processing plug-ins in a host software with the assurance that you will get a natural feel and a natural response. Its “mini” eight-inch analog input can also be connected to an iPod or any other stereo line level signal. This allows audio input mixing with other inputs and routed to any output device.

Thanks to the MicroBook, you can now have high quality I/O recording, personal audio tracking, laptop-based DJing, anywhere and anytime.

Read another review on the MOTU MicroBook Audio Interface.

Are you an artist or performer who would want to get started with some basic home recording of your music? If that’s the case, the time has never been better! There are many fantastic solutions currently available which can be compact, portable and easy to use. The only other things you really require are a personal computer and a respectable mic along with a set of monitors with regard to mixing. A system, such as the Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini, is indeed small and transportable that it could actually fit within the palm of your hand.

In this article, we will check out a number of the qualities of this small yet effective system as well as offer you some ideas of what’s possible with recording options these days.

Digidesign is recognized for home recording applications, one which is the favorite Mbox product that utilizes Pro Tools recording software. Pro Tools is a pro top quality music development and output software that is used in recording studios all over the world. Along with the development of the tiny Mbox, and even smaller Mbox Mini, Pro Tools is becoming a lot more manageable for band members and lyricists all around you. These types of compact recording programs make it possible to build your home recording studio practically anywhere, including while journeying on the streets.

Apart from the powerful software option, one of the characteristics you could expect with the Mini is a very specialized sound quality. This might be a challenge to picture, but the size of the actual system does not really deter from producing hit music that is easy to edit and may have an outstanding audio quality. Within the system, you receive two simultaneous analog inputs and outputs as well as an XLR analog input allowing you to connect your own mic.

You should know a whole lot of your audio quality will have to do with the particular mic that you are recording with. The purchase price you will save on the very affordable Mbox2 Mini ought to permit you to devote a little more on a top quality microphone, that will make all the difference.

Your order of Digidesign’s Mini additionally includes plenty of additional software as well as solutions. You will find an entire group of audio libraries that may help you to develop your own different combinations, making them more complete and specialized sounding. There is also the Abelton Live Lite sampler and sequencer. This may in addition assist you in song composition as well as your mix development. The integrated Reason software program pretty much enables you to be a one man show! Here you get additional drum modules, synthesizer sounds, samplers along with other great effects which enable you to create audio without equipment.

As with any important purchase, make sure you do your personal investigation on the net before you make a final choice. Read buyer accounts and customer evaluations on this particular recording solution or some other that you could be thinking about. This will help by allowing you to read what actual purchasers say in regards to the products. Furthermore, whenever feasible, make an effort to go into an audio shop where one can essentially sit back and test out the system. Often the sales personnel are going to be music artists who are pretty knowledgeable about the various recording possibilities and may represent fantastic guidance for you.

Nowadays, there has been a large growth spurt of musicians. From professionally-skilled to newbie-skilled musicians. They are inspired by a variety of music genre. Some people are lucky to have the skills while too bad for those who are having a hard time learning.

Music, in our own way, is an expression of one’s self. This is probably the man’s “companion” in life. Whether you are new or old in this industry, we should learn how to play the basics.

Let us talk about Saffire Pro 24 together with musicians and music. I am going to tell you more about Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 in case you haven’t heard about it yet.

As musicians, we tend to make our music as unique as our own identity. A “New style” of music is a must for us to capture the listener’s attention.

If making your own music is your desire then Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 is perfect for you. A signature brand which is the Focusrite Saffire Pro 24, is one of the market’s leading products. Serving satisfied customers in achieving their own creative desires.

Focusrite Saffire Pro 24, when it comes to mixing, is very systematic. This thing is user friendly and is plugged in to your computer through Firewire.

Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 has the features that are competent in the industry. Everything that you need for your mixing is made available by this gadget.

A whole audio interface that is being controlled through Firewire is found in this gadget. Bringing studio quality mixing to your own homes. This gadget is very fit to recording artists and aspirants.

One good feature also is that it has pre-amps to avoid an immediate distortion of audio. The DSP mixer allows you to produce very good music quality with the help of stored-in effects. By using your own computers at home, mixing has been made very easy. Compression, reverb, gating and EQ plug-ins are some of its mixing effects.

With Focusrite Saffire Pro 24, everything is achievable. Everything is achievable with Focusrite Saffire Pro 24. The right music at hand is for you.

Simple or more complex effects are achievable with this.

Everyone can afford this since Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 is very affordable and yet the quality and durability is not compromised.

If you have microphones and turntables, this would also be good for you. This could be your next music recording success partner.

Check out the Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 at your favorite musical instruments store.

Are you ready to buy your kid a musical instrument? Specifically, are you looking for a kids drum set? Whether you want your child to learn how to drum, or even if you want to treat them to a excellent new toy, there are several points to consider when buying a kids drum set.

Learning to play a musical instrument is really a skill many parents would like for their kids. Whether it be the actual piano, violin, or even anything else, understanding how to read, play, and value music just produces a more well rounded person. Drummers fall under this particular class, but many might say they are another breed. However training a child to play drums at an early age can be just as a rewarding skill and help them with lots of alternative activities as they develop.

If you are looking for a kids drum set, there are several points you should look at. The first is that there’s a clear distinction between a ‘real’ kids drum set and a toy drum set. Usually whenever you look for a ‘junior drum set’ or even ‘starter drum set’, you’ll be looking for a real instrument. Drum kit producers today make scaled-down, simpler versions of their full sets and sell them as junior versions for kids and newbies. What this means is the quality is very high, and they are designed for learning on a genuine instrument.

Actually most kids drum sets are real enough, that your child will be able to play and learn on it for many years, sound great, and even joint a band with them if desired. Usually junior drum sets are scaled-down, simpler configurations, for example, most are 3 piece junior drum set versions so they are easy to learn on. Once your kid confirms their curiosity about playing drums, and becomes more adept, they can upgrade to a full drum set.

On the other hand, you can purchase a toy drum set in a toy store which truly is a ‘toy’. This really is perfectly acceptable if your goal is just to give your child some thing to entertain themselves with. However keep in mind that a toy is really for pleasure, and as it is not a genuine instrument, your child will not always be learning to play drums. There are some enjoyable toy drum sets currently available, and for those who have an especially small child like a pre-school aged toddler this could be the best route for you.

Another advantageous thing about kids drums sets today is that as the quality has gone up, the prices have remained sensible. It is possible to purchase a kids drum set (a ‘real’ instrument) for around $100. Slightly better kits go for $150-200. These sets will also be made to take the wear and beating which kids (especially older types) are likely to put on them for some years. Hopefully your ears can take it as well.

So if you are ready to buy your child a kids drum set, be sure you know the the difference between a genuine set and a toy drum set.

Trying to find a kids drum set for your child? At FirstDrumSets.com you can learn about and find a toy drum set or start drum set for your child drummer.