Keys, Synths, and Samplers: The Virtual Hits Keeps on Comin'

By Markkus Rovito

April 26, 2000

FRANKFURT: For the past several years, most manufacturers of synthesizers and samplers have gone out of their way to appease the needs of the growing legion of dance music producers and remixers. This sensibility has been partly responsible for more digital "analog" synths than one can count, the return to hands-on interfaces, phrase samplers, compact and knobby little dance music workstations, and the general idea that fewer music makers these days will be traditionally trained players. Recent trade shows have been buzzing about all of these latest inventions and about the roach-like proliferance of DJ equipment, and the Frankfurt Music Messe 2000 was no exception.

New introductions to the synth world were mainly more of the virtual analog type, and the only new sampler was a small tabletop unit aimed at DJs and dance producers. Clavia did turn a new leaf by unveiling their Nord Electro, a B-3 organ/electric piano simulator, but it's still a case of a new instrument trying to sound like old instruments. And it didn't take the addition of a new DJ Expo hall at the Messe for companies to display more indistinguishable two-channel DJ mixers than I care to admit.

So the trend continues. And like it or not, this pandering to the club culture crowd has been the catalyst for some pretty remarkable music technology. The question is whether this innovation will continue, or will the manufacturers fall into a pattern of self-replication that made synthesizers of the late '80s/early '90s so boring? That won't happen if you don't let it. Manufacturers can be very receptive to user comments, which is what brought on this current trend in the first place. One technical specialist with Access even told us that a few user suggestions have been implemented in the new Virus 4.0 OS. So take a look at this batch of new toys, and let Santa's elves know what you think.

Synthesizers and Sound Modules

Clavia The Nord Electro imitates classic keyboard sounds and yes, the Nord Lead 3!	Kurzweil New stage pianos that were built with both road-worthiness and budget in mind.
Oberheim The Cosmos stage piano carries onboard effects and EQ.	Evolution A new MIDI keyboard controller with bundled software!
Yamaha Software update to the DTX Drum Trigger Module adds sounds and functionality.	Access A pair of new Virus synths will make your mouth water.
Red Sound The British DJ gear company breaks out with a tasty virtual analog synth!

Samplers

Yamaha Dance music's hardly been easier with the SU200 phrase sampler.

DJ Gear

Red Sound Crossfade frequency bands on the Infader's three crossfaders.	Vestax CD mixing systems, DJ mixers, and the heretofore non-existent vinyl recording solution!
Numark A new scratch mixer with lots of inputs.	Mix Machines Control a CD via a turntable with the C-Mix 97.

Sounds

Best Service More of the Dance Mega and XX-Large series plus more.	Big Fish Audio A secretive guitar collection, sequels to popular collections, and more "Roots of" projects.
East West Steve Smith Rhythmic Journey.	Power FX Four new collections draw from a wide array of styles and sounds.
Spectrasonics Groove Control allows for unprecedented versatility of CD samples!	Zero-G Total Drum & Bass follows in the vein of Total House, plus a live breakbeat collection.

Prototypes

Creamware What may someday be a total studio in a box was displayed with limited capability.	Novation A tantalizing new synth is in the works, but Novation wasn't talking.
Waldorf Q admirers take note: The mega-synth is coming in a two-space rack!	Numark Three new mixers, including one with a built-in Korg Kaoss Pad!

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