What’s New In Music Technology for 2008: The January report
by Mike Klinger
In January of each year I normally attend the NAMM convention in sunny Anaheim, CA. Not this year however as I simply had too many things going on here such as developing a new website which will launch in March, writing new music technology course work, preparing for my two presentations for the WMEA convention in Yakima, and putting together a new 2008 catalog. Nonetheless, I did do a lot of research on what was introduced and what looks to be the hot new items coming your way as educators for 2008.
Notation Software
Sibelius has just introduced the all-new Sibelius 5 Student Version at $82 (minimum advertised pricing). Sibelius 5 Student Version is designed for secondary/high school students to use at home, rather than for classroom use or for teachers. It has everything most students’ need for homework. Main features include:
· Up to 12 staves
· Compose for video
· Ideas Hub (read-only version)
· 250 built-in musical ideas
· Panorama view
· New, clearer mixer
· Exchange files with Sibelius 5
· Email your score to your teacher
· Change clefs mid-stave
· Create tuplets: from duplets to nontuplets
· Vista and Mac Leopard compatible
· Universal Binary on Mac
Keyboards
M-Audio has recently introduced the KeyStudio 49i at $249 (minimum advertised pricing). I was so impressed with this keyboard that I replaced my entire 12 station lab with it as it functions as an input device for any midi program like Sibelius or Finale, an audio interface with both 1/4" and XLR connectors for Pro Tools, and a wonderful stand alone premium piano sound for teaching classroom piano or just jamming. The included Ableton Live Lite software seals the deal by providing an incredibly easy-to-use music production solution. Main features include:
· 49-note USB keyboard controller with integral audio interface
· built-in, stereo-sampled Steinway grand sound line and microphone inputs for recording vocals and instruments
· Includes M-Audio General MIDI software sound module of 128 sounds
· Includes Ableton Live Lite music software
Yamaha introduced a new KX series of USB controllers. Including Steinberg’s Cubase AI audio/MIDI music production software, an expanded HALion One VST instrument, and built-in arpeggios, the KX is a complete MIDI music production studio with advanced integration features. Main features include:
· 25, 49, 61, or 88-key keyboard with optimized touch and velocity response.
· Four assignable knobs for real-time parameter control.
· Control templates for 30 of the most popular software synthesizers.
· Integrated DAW transport and track control.
· Integrated VSTi instrument window and program selection control.
· Built-in arpeggiator with 342 phrase types for fast, efficient production.
· Bundled with Steinberg’s advanced CUBASE AI recording and production software.
· KX Editor application allows detailed parameter assignment and editing.
· Single-cable USB computer connection with USB bus power
· MIDI connectors also provided
· KX25-$299, KX49 $349, KX61$399, KX8 $699 (minimum advertised pricing)
Digital Audio
Without a doubt one of the major talked about items at NAMM was the new Yamaha Pocketrak 2G pocket size digital recorder at $349 (minimum advertised price). This is the smallest digital recorder on the planet and features two tracks of CD quality recording in PCM, MP3 and Windows Media (WMA) formats. The Pocketrak 2G includes a rechargeable AAA nickel-hydrogen battery capable of providing 19 hours of MP3 recording to its 2GB of internal memory. Plugging its sliding USB connector into a powered USB bus simultaneously recharges the battery and transfers files to a PC or Mac. Included in the box is the Pocketrak 2G, a USB extension cable, stereo earphones, a leather carrying case and stand adapter, as well as Cubase AI, an “Advanced Integration” version of Steinberg’s legendary digital audio workstation software.
Roland introduced the new CD-2e recorder at $595 (minimum advertised price). Smaller in size, simpler to use — the new CD-2e takes the best from the past and enhances it for the next generation. From rehearsals to recitals, lectures to live-music events, the CD-2e is the fastest way to capture the moment and render it to CD or SD memory card for storage or distribution. Main features include:
· Simple recording direct to CD-R/RW or SD memory card
· All-in-one portable design; thin, sturdy, and stylish
· Built-in stereo microphone and speakers
· Extra-long recording times, over 12 hours with 8GB SDHC card
· High-quality sound via built-in stereo mic
· Easy-to-use interface with [EASY GUIDE] button
· Wireless remote controller
· Adjust tempo/key change, tuner, and metronome
· Battery or AC power (6 AA batteries; AC adaptor included)
Technology Curriculum
Steinberg is announcing a new product for music education. Integrating up-to-the-minute software technology into a comprehensive music-teaching package, the Classroom Resource Pack at $399 (minimum advertised pricing) provides all necessary elements for teachers to deliver a wide range of innovative, modern music lessons. Catering primarily for the age groups 11-18, the CRP supplies all required materials, templates, worksheets and much more - all in an easily navigable and highly usable package. The included 100 hours of fully prepared material has been meticulously prepared by teachers for teachers to cover aspects of music composition and performance as well as recording, production and technology. It contains all needed media files such as audio, MIDI, loops, videos - all integrated directly into the specially designed lesson plans. The custom-made interface guides you through each and every step, and provides fast and easy access to all the included materials, files, worksheets and Cubase projects.
Steinberg also introduced Cubase Essential 4 software at $75 educational (minimum advertised pricing) as an entry-level ticket to the world of Cubase. This will replace the current SE line.
MakeMusic, Inc. (makers of Finale) has formed a partnership with other industry leaders Garritan, Steinberg and Yamaha that will provide integrated solutions to the music education market in the United States. Announced at Winter NAMM 2008, the Music Education Software and Hardware (MESH) initiative brings together hardware, software, sound content and curriculum to provide compelling and complete turn-key solutions for today’s music educators, who are often faced with an array of products that can be difficult to navigate and integrate. In addition to aggregating four major components of music education technology into a seamless bundle, the alliance will also provide training to teachers based in the United States, enabling them to fully utilize the power of computer music technology solutions.
Mike Klinger is owner and founder of The Synthesis Midi Workshop specializing in educational sales and training for music educators. His Summer 2008 workshops are posted online at (www.midiworkshop.com).
