This is one nice looking little effect box that’s great for bit reduction effects! It’s based on 8 bit AD/ACs and features effects such as filters, delays and waveshapers. It also has 16 preset slots to store your favorite settings to for instant recall. All in all, this is just one of those things that speaks for itself, so I’ve included video and audio demos from OTO so you can judge for yourself!
EFFECTS: Add one of the following effects to your 8-bit modifications:
Waveshaper
Delay
Pitchshifter
Step Filter
Each effect contains one or several parameters to set.
PRESETS:
Save all the BISCUIT functions (bit status, pots positions, effects and filter settings) in one of its 16 presets.
You can also save as many presets as you like on your computer using the Preset Dump function (MIDI SysEx).
MIDI:
BISCUIT is MIDI compatible. Every pot, switch and effects setting can send/or can be controlled by a continuous controller message (known as CC).
Firmware can be upgraded via a MIDI SysEx file.
Another turn in the software begets hardware paradigm, except this one is rather clever. The new Rhizome is a minimal Windows XP install running a customized front end and sequencer / host software with, get this, a 24 inch LCD monitor built in. The case is customized around the screen and then the front end is then customized around the case, allowing for the unique interactions between the knobs and screen. This will apparently host whatever VSTi you can throw at it and it’s going to be interesting hearing the details as they come out about the Rhizome.
New from Korg at MusikMesse this year is the new Microstation! Drawing on the new EDS-i (Enhanced Definition Synthesis – integrated) engine found in Korg’s M3/M50 synthesizers, the Microstation comes complete with 480 Programs, 25 Drum kits, and 256 Combinations (each of which can combine up to 16 programs as layers, splits, or Velocity-switched elements) along with a full 16 channel MIDI sequencer!
Also on board are dual arpeggiators, an assignable joystick (perhaps for Wavestation style vector synthesis), four knobs for instant recall of your favorite parameters and an audition button to quickly riff a preset for easy selection.
Interestingly, Korg went with a full 61 mini key keyboard that is said to be large enough to encourage natural playing. Korg also incorporated a grid based step sequencer (on the right of the display) for quick drum programming! The Microstation also comes complete with a stand alone and VSTi editor.
The Microstation has an expected MSRP of 850$ and shipping date of July 2010.
Technical Info:
-Lightweight, compact, and equipped with 61 mini-keys, the microSTATION travels easily and fits effortlessly into any home, stage, or studio workspace.
-EDS-i (Enhanced Definition Synthesis-integrated) sound engine delivers high-quality sound in the tradition of KORG’s flagship synthesizers.
-Enjoy 480 outstanding, ready-to-use sounds – including keyboard sounds, synth sounds, drums, leads, basses, etc. Tweak, edit, create and save up to 512 sound Programs.
-256 dynamic Combinations place different sounds on different areas of the keyboard, or layer multiple sounds together for exciting performances – right out of the box!
-Find the right sound fast with eight quickly accessible categories; hundreds of Audition Riffs allow you to preview each sound.
-A full General MIDI level 2 compatible soundset allows commercial and pre-made MIDI files to be played perfectly and instantly.
-Designed for comfort and accuracy, our 61-key Natural Touch Mini Keyboard is highly expressive and supports serious playing.
-Whether performing or composing, the on-board sequencer can be anything from an extra set of hands or a powerful drum machine up to a full-blown MIDI production suite.
-Loop Recording, Grid Sequencing, Dual Arpeggiators, Template songs, and Auto Song Setup features make it easy for anyone to achieve professional results.
-SD/SDHC card slot for convenient storage or your custom sounds and songs.
-USB Type-B connector offers a direct MIDI connection to your computer.
-Includes both stand-alone and plug-in microSTATION software for detailed sound editing on your computer; plug-in software is VST, AU, and RTAS compatible.
