Generalmusic Launches Powerful WK2 Oriental Keyboard

July 23, 1999 -- The WK2 Oriental is the newest and most impressive addition to Generalmusic's range of keyboards dedicated to the music of the Mediterranean and MiddleEast. In addition to offering all the sophisticated technical features of Generalmusic's WK2 Arranger keyboard, the new WK2 Oriental offers a vast array of traditional sounds and rhythms inspired by the fascinating world of Arabic, Greek and Turkish music, created in collaboration with leading musicians from those regions.

The WK2 Oriental features 61 keys with MIDI aftertouch, 32-note polyphony and 16-part multitimbrality. An internal sound library of 460 high quality sounds (including 16 Oriental sounds) and 17 drum kits (including one Arabic drum kit) is available for all different types of music. The keyboard may be programmed to feature a split, and three sounds may be layered together to create rich and complex sound textures. It is also equipped with two digital processors offering 22 reverbs and 22 modulation effects, with controls for the main level plus separate send levels for each track.

The keyboard's internal stereo 15W + 15W amplifier and four on-board speakers faithfully reproduce the entire timbral range of this advanced instrument. A large backlit display offers a clear view of all the operating status and functions. The dynamic keyboard and programmable pitch bend wheel capture every nuance of a musician's playing technique. Volume and sustain are controlled by dedicated optional pedals.

A number of unique functions provide keyboard players with unlimited freedom of expression. A special section containing 12 buttons allows musicians to select and play scales with microtuned notes as required by Oriental music. This Arabic Scale section provides four presets, and it is also possible to memorize up to four of your own Arabic scale settings.

The WK2 Oriental contains 96 styles (including 32 Arabic, four Greek and four Turkish styles), each consisting of five tracks (Drums, Bass, Acc1/2/3 with four overall variations. Ten different Performances are assigned to every one of the 96 internal styles, allowing users to completely reconfigure the settings of their styles (sounds, volumes, effects sends, etc.) at the touch of a single button. Eight different types of Harmony are also available.

The WK2's controls are logically laid out and easy to use. In addition to the two numeric keypads used to recall any sound or style, there is also a series of dedicated buttons for directly selecting 16 of the most commonly used Oriental sounds and styles. Users can even memorize their favorite configurations of sounds, effects, controls, MIDI channels, track status, styles, etc. in any of the 63 General Performances and instantly recall the entire setup when needed.

The WK2 Oriental is equipped with a practical sequencer (SMF compatible) which allows musicians to compose and record up to seven Song Styles instantly, using any of the on-board styles.

A video out (RGB - S/VHS - PAL/NTSC) enables the WK2 Oriental to project song scores and lyrics in Karaoke format on a monitor or other video device equipped with a Video In connector.

With an optional Audio Interface, a vocalist can patch in a microphone and add up to four vocal harmony parts, digital effects and equalization to his or her voice in real time. The harmonies can follow the chords being played on the keyboard or can be triggered from special harmony tracks found in some commercial MIDI files. The Audio Interface also enables the keyboard to sample sounds from external sources.

Rear-panel connections on the WK2 Oriental include stereo out, computer host, two headphones, video out, volume pedal, damper pedal, programmable pedal and three MIDI ports. The stereo output allows the WK2 Oriental to be amplified through any external system. MIDI In, Out and Thru enable the keyboard to be connected with any other MIDI instrument.

The WK2 Oriental is also available in "WK2 Oriental Hard Disk" version, equipped with a large internal hard disk, ideal for quickly saving and recalling vast amounts of data.

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