E-mu/Ensoniq to Distribute Creative BlasterKeys MP3

Low cost music keyboard designed for education and entertainment

February 29, 2000 -- EMU / ENSONIQ has announced that they will be distributing the Creative BlasterKeys MP3 keyboard, a sub- $100 product that consists of a 49 note keyboard which connects directly to Creative's popular SBLive! sound card as well as a suite of interactive software that makes music learning and music making fun. The software suite includes a music tutor which teaches the user simple songs, a "one-finger chord" mode that allows the user to play with auto-accompaniment, and a "fun" mode that allows the user to jam using pre-produced drum groove and loops. The software also allows the user to record and encode any performance into MP3 format for distribution on the web or sharing with friends. The package is available from music retailers nationwide and has an expected street price of $99 in the US.

First keyboard designed to work directly with a computer sound card

The Creative BlasterKeys MP3 product bundle connects directly to the back of a SBLive! sound card, the best selling sound card on the market and the standard of the industry. The result is that the user is able to connect a keyboard to their computer without the need for an external MIDI interface, and the built in MIDI output on the keyboard allows the user to connect up additional MIDI gear like any of E-MU's sound modules. The keyboard is powered directly from the sound card, facilitating a single cable connection from computer to keyboard. The accompanying software has a simple one-click installer allowing anyone to get into the MIDI and computer based music scene with almost no effort.

"The BlasterKeys MP3 keyboard is a great entry level product yet is good enough to be useful to professionals as well" comments Scott Emmerman, VP of Sales and Marketing / Americas. " It has everything you need to connect up to a SBLive! and take advantage of the immense music power inherent in this category leading sound card" he adds.

For more information, visit Emu at www.emu.com.