AS-1 Arabic Scale Converter Available From Generalmusic

July 23, 1999 -- Generalmusic is the leader in the field of oriental keyboards thanks to its successful range of instruments specifically dedicated to the bewitching musical styles of the Mediterranean and Middle East. Now the company introduces its new AS-1 Arabic Scale Converter, a small, practical device that transforms any MIDI keyboard on the market into an arabic scale instrument.

With the AS-1, any conventional MIDI-equipped keyboard (including Generalmusic's own WK and SK Series Keyboards) can play arabic scales and microtuned notes without radical panel layout modifications. They keyboard only needs to have MIDI IN and MIDI OUT connectors.

In practice, the AS-1 is a controlling device which sends appropriate messages to the connected keyboard so that specified notes of the scale play one quarter of a tone below standard pitch, as required for Arabic Scale use.

The AS-1 is extremely user-friendly thanks to its 12 arabic scale memories which store and recall any favorite setting, a display which shows the status of various functions, 'one-touch' commands and no complex programming tasks. It provides three modes of operation, using either proprietary Generalmusic data or standard MIDI data alllowing both Generalmusic and non-Generalmusic keyboards to play Arabic Scales, and has a wide range of uses, from the direct connection to a keyboard to more complex MIDI setups including computers and sequencers.

The suggested U.S. retail price on the AS-1 Arabic Scale Converter is $229.00.

For more information, contact Generalmusic at www.generalmusic.com.