1/31/2012

iLife '11 Review

iLife '11
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I'm not sure how to review this: some people could potentially be buying this to upgrade a very old version of iLife. If I review this as a standalone piece of software, it's fantastic and quite a value. For less than $50 you get a world class digital music studio, one of the best photo organizing programs, and a remarkably capable video editing package. (Oh, and passable web editing and DVD authoring programs, but nobody cares much about those, least of all Apple.) Easily five stars.
However, if I judge this as an upgrade from iLife '09, it's extremely weak. Here's what you get of any substance: the ability to better edit audio in iMovie, slightly better full screen modes in iPhoto, really impressive time warping facilities in Garage Band to fix timing, and some very nice guitar and piano lessons which actually show you where you making mistakes. All great features, to be sure. But are these worth $50 if you have '09? Probably not.
The frustrating thing is that the most major feature in this upgrade is just plain silly: they added the ability to make cutesy little fake "trailers" in iMovie. This is apparently their big innovation. You can now replace your boring home movies with one of eight or so two minute jokes that I guarantee you will get old very quickly. Very quickly. They also added a fake news program theme, and a fake sports theme. All very gaudy and over-the-top, even for iMovie standards. And not at all useful beyond just playing with them once.
It's pretty clear that Apple's focus has shifted away from Mac OS X and iLife and on to the greener pastures of iOS: the iPad and iPhone. In fact, from now on we'll likely see features come first to their consumer devices, and then later to their desktop computers. I'm afraid the days of getting truly major updates to iLife every two years is a thing of the past.
So, as an upgrade from '09, I give this one or two stars at best. If you're upgrading from '09, I hope I've saved you some money. Otherwise, this is a great software package, easily five stars, just not much of an improvement from what you could get two years ago. As such, I'll split the difference and give the package three stars.

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iLife '11 helps you do more with photos, movies, and music than you ever thought possible. In iPhoto, you can browse, edit, and share your photos in stunning new full-screen views. Create epic Hollywood-style movie trailers from your home video in iMovie. And GarageBand gives you everything you need to make a great-sounding song—including tools for keeping your song in perfect rhythm and guitar and piano lessons.


The incredible new iPhoto, iMovie, and GarageBand.

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Gator Cases GKPE-49-TSA 49 Note Keyboard Case TSA Latches Review

Gator Cases GKPE-49-TSA 49 Note Keyboard Case TSA Latches
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The picture shown is for the **61**, not the 49. What's the big deal? The big deal is the fact that the 49 has three latches, not four. The other big deal if you like your wrists is the fact that with three latches on the Gator GKPE-49-TSA, the handle is off-center. Therefore, when you pick up the case suitcase-style, it forces your wrist to assume a clumsy and somewhat painful angle. The construction is strong, and tough, and generally top-notch, the padding is excellent, and the adjustable internal side wall is high quality and flexible in positioning. The outer material will never fail. But, the case is pretty heavy for it's size, and the off center handle is a deal killer. I'm paying the return shipping and returning the one that I have. My recommendation: DO NOT BUY THE 49.

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ATA Molded PE Case w/ TSA Latches for 49 Note Keyboards

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1/30/2012

Hercules KB200B Keyboard BENCH Review

Hercules KB200B Keyboard BENCH
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Looked at MANY piano benches and this has exceeded my expectations for quality, ease of use, wobble free seating and comfort. This bench uses a EZ height adjuster which is essentially a push lever that allows you to very easily move to one of four pre-set height adjustments. What really sets this bench apart from all others though is the ability to micro adjust the height for each individual person. Micro adjusting is done via an easy to use auger type mechanism and provides up to 3 1/4" in additional height adjustment - works great! We have several people who play piano in our family and each needs a different height setting. My 7 and 9 year old children have no problem setting the bench to the height that works for them all by themselves. In terms of comfort the bench has a wide and firm 3" thick cushion. Cushion stitching is done neatly too. Dimensions of the seat are 12.5" x 23.5" rectangular shape. This bench is 2 to 3 times the price of the other similar benches but I feel it is absolutely worth it. Don't second guess because of the price - you get what you pay for and this bench is high quality.

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Comfortable thick-padded keyboard bench

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Yamaha MO6 61 Key Music Production Synthesizer Review

Yamaha MO6 61 Key Music Production Synthesizer
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This is an amazing keyboard. Excellent sound, absolutely awesome for live playing...and if you are into techno/trance/house...there isn't any other keyboard which can compete. Build quality? Excellent...Made in Japan.
The competing keyboard for this model is Korg M50-61. Although it is lighter, the M06 far exceeds in quality and real-time playing. Overall, the perfect keyboard for techno/trance/house production for real pros.

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Yamaha, the world's largest musical instrument manufacturer and the leader in synthesizer technology, proudly introduces the MO Music Production Synthesizer. Targeted to semi-professional musicians and home/project studio owners as well as songwriters and performers, the MO provides a full set of authentic sounds and comprehensive music-making features including an emphasis on contemporary styles and voices. Highly portable and compact, the MO also serves as an ideal keyboard for live performance situations. The MO contains many advanced music production tools. These include a built-in Song sequencer, and a useful Pattern mode that allows you to build complex rhythmic/chordal patterns by using preset Phrases - or Phrases of your own creation. Moreover, the powerful Arpeggio feature gives you over 1700 sequenced phrases that you can trigger at the touch of a key.Drawing on the technology and sounds of the professional level MOTIF ES, the new MO features an expanded sound set, with an exceptionally large internal wave memory capacity. The keyboard has a full complement of realistic instrument Voices (total 512) and Drum Kits (64), and includes many modern and vintage synthesizer sounds, making it well-equipped for current dance, club and techno music styles. For sound shaping and signal processing, the MO features sharp, responsive filters (with real-time knob control from the panel) and an extensive set of high-quality effects.The MO also seamlessly integrates into computer music systems, with special remote control functions that let you operate your favorite sequencer software from the instrument itself. In addition, the MO is the latest instrument in the Yamaha line to feature compatibility with the convenient Studio Connections system. Studio Connections lets you make and save MO settings to a song within your DAW application (such as Steinberg's Cubase), and use the Total Recall features to instantly restore those settings when you reopen the song.

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1/29/2012

Kaces XKP-14KB 88-Note Xpress Series Keyboard Porter Review

Kaces XKP-14KB 88-Note Xpress Series Keyboard Porter
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The perfect case for our church keyboard. Protects it, fits our Yamaha keyboard perfectly (the only case we found that would fit) and wheels around for easy transport.

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The Kaces Xpress Porter marries the convenience of wheels to a practical and well thought out design that every keyboard player needs to arrive at the gig with minimal hassle. A durable luggage-grade exterior with smooth-glide in-line skate style wheels makes transporting even the bulkiest keyboards a breeze, while the plastic wheel guards make curbs, stairs, potholes, and earthquake rubble navigable. The bottom has been reinforced internally with an additional scratch guard near the wheels, while 1" thick dual-layer padding maintains rigidity on the outer side and a comfortable cushion to protect the keyboard on the inside. The rubber comfort-grip handle allows the case to be pulled with ease, and a detachable shoulder strap and quilted grip handle offer additional transport options. Three large expandable pockets provide plenty of storage space for even the most well-provisioned player, with room for a laptop or table top synth, cables, power supplies, sustain pedals, sheet music, and other accessories. Getting the gig is hard enough, getting there doesn't have to be.

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Behringer C-4 Single Diaphragm Condenser Microphones 2 Matched Single Diaphragm Condenser Microphones (Price Per Pair, Only Sold In Pairs) Review

Behringer C-4 Single Diaphragm Condenser Microphones 2 Matched Single Diaphragm Condenser Microphones (Price Per Pair, Only Sold In Pairs)
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This is an excellent liitle set of matched mics.The kit comes with all the extra's to make using them a snap.I have already recorded with them and the sound quality is fantastic.Zero feedback from these little gems makes them a pleasure to use.

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2 Matched Single Diaphragm Condenser Microphones (price per pair, only sold in pairs)

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1/28/2012

On Stage Stands 7701B Tripod Boom Microphone Stand Review

On Stage Stands 7701B Tripod Boom Microphone Stand
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As you can see in the video, this is a fairly solid mic stand. It seems like a good value for the money. Also featured in the video are the Rode NT3 Condenser Microphone and the Blue Microphones Kiwi 20 Foot Quad Microphone Cable.
PS - It always makes my day to know that people find these reviews helpful. So, please vote (The "Was this review helpful to you: Yes or No" buttons) and leave a comment if you'd like, even if it's just to say, Hi!") When you leave a comment, I can go to your reviews and pay you the same courtesy.
Thanks, Claire

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The On Stage 7701B Microphone Stand is a durable tripod mic stand and boom combination and just about the best value we've ever offered. These stands use the highest quality components. The legs fold down for the most compact storage. Setup height is adjustable from 36 to 63 inches. On Stage 7701B Tripod Microphone Boom Stand Features and Specifications Solid cast end with standard 5/8-27 threads. Long 36inch boom with molded plastic counterweight. Euro-Style boom with separate clutches for length and angle of boom. Allows user to make one-handed adjustments of boom angle while performing. Professional quality die-cast zinc clutch locks vertical shaft at any height from 36 to 63 inches. Clip-on cable holder. Steel-reinforced plastic leg housing offers less weight and exceptional strength. Folding legs with plastic endcaps for durability and reduced floor vibration. Base spread: 23 inches Our best selling stand! This Euro Boom boasts hybrid sheet metal and high-impact plastic leg housing making it unbreakable. A removable boom arm and its ability to fold flat make this stand a must for every member of the band. Also features a cast steel mid-point clutch. One of the most popular microphone stands in the world, the MS7701B is designed to go wherever your music takes you. Packed with pro features and protected by a long-lasting black finish, the lightweight MS7701B is a great choice for almost any application. AmericanMusical.com is an authorized dealer of On Stage products.

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Yamaha PSR-175 Music Keyboard with DJ Voices Review

Yamaha PSR-175 Music Keyboard with DJ Voices
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Before I go on, let me state for the record that I have been playing classical piano for over 15 years, and I bought this keyboard for jamming and multitrack recording (both midi/audio).
First, for those who are confused with the entry level Yamaha portable keyboards, the PSR-175 is almost exactly the same as the PSR-175AD and the PSR-172. The only difference is that the PSR-172 is much more widely available than the 175s. That said, let's analyze the more important features:
Keys: You get what you pay for. 61-keys is quite all right for beginners and for those who want to do some basic multitrack recording. Better players should go for a bigger keyboard, unless you don't mind using the transpose feature. However, I gave this keyboard a low rating because the keys are not truly touch-sensitive. These keys are not sensitive to the amount of force you exert on them -- the volume for each key remains the same regardless of the amount of force you exert on it. Instead, the keys are only sensitive to the length of time that they are depressed (this should have been called a portable organ instead). By playing on this keyboard, you will never be able to develop a feel for a real piano which requires varying amounts of force applied to different keys. Thus I would not recommend this keyboard for serious beginning piano players because it only hurts your musical foundation.
As for the other features, the sound patches are adequate for most users and are rather standardized in similar entry-level keyboards. I have no complaints because most of the main instruments are there and sound decent enough (piano, organs, guitars,wind, drums,etc). There is also an automated drum synthesizer that's been preprogrammed to different music genres (e.g. soul, rock, jazz, blues, etc).
Regarding size and weight, this is a small and light keyboard and I have no trouble carrying it around to jamming sessions.
On a final note, I recommend shelling out a little more (about $50) for the PSR-273, another 61-keyboard which is just one step higher and offers touch response keys that feel and react more like a real piano. A touch response key produces a louder sound when you strike it harder, vice-versa. Further, the PSR-273 is only slightly larger and heavier.
Hope this review helps. =)

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Yamaha's 61-keyPSR175 is a full-featured portable, with plenty to offer the budding musician: Yamaha's rich "Portable Grand" sound, an education suite with 100 songs to learn (and several ways to go at it), a wealth of great voices and auto-accompaniment styles, MIDI connectivity, and more.


Yamaha's Portable Grand
The PSR175 may have an entry-level price, but it comes with a host of advanced features like the Portable Grand. The Portable Grand button is perfect for beginners and students. No matter what buttons and features you've been using (for example, the drums or DJ), one touch of the Portable Grand button instantly resets the keyboard to a great grand piano sound, with warm, clear stereo grand samples. And of course, the keyboard includes a Sustain Pedal jack on the back for practicing and playing piano pieces.

"DJ" Function
Get the world of Hip Hop, R&B, Techno and all the hottest music in a snap using your Yamaha keyboard. Push the DJ button, hold down a key with your right hand, and you're groovin'!
Conveinent display helps with songs and lessons.

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1/27/2012

Spectrum AIL435 54 Note Keyboard Pack Review

Spectrum AIL435 54 Note Keyboard Pack
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No stars for this keyboard (I gave it one because you have to fill out that line). Adult beginner? The keys are slightly less than full size and too small for you. Children? Doubtful. To make matters worse, the keys have a very spongey feel when pressed. It all adds up to discomfort when learning. As you go up the keyboard (to the right), the upper keys have greater volume than the lower keys, it therefore becomes difficult to hear the left hand. And it doesn't sound good anyway, not even close.If you want an excellent beginners keyboard at a comparable price, see my review on this one:
49-KEY Electronic Keyboard by Sinbon Electronics. (the one with the round speaker ports)

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Perhaps the most precious gift for a young child is a musical instrument and this 54-key music keyboard is a great way to introduce anyone to the wonderful art of appreciating, playing, and creating music. The Spectrum AIL435 Keyboard comes with 54 Keys, 10 Rhythms, 10 Tones, 8 Demonstration Songs, 6 Percussions, Vol. and Tempo controls, Chord Accompaniment, Vibrato, Sustain, 2 Speakers and Beginners Mic, Sheet Music holder, instructional book and AC Adapter included. Approximate Unit Dimensions -10.5(W) x 29(L) x 3.2(H)Approximate Unit Weight -7.05 lbs

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Yamaha PSRGX76AD 76-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard with AC Adapter Review

Yamaha PSRGX76AD 76-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard with AC Adapter
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I had been practicing on a 60 keys or so keyboard, that didn't have touch sensitivity, when I got into more advanced music. My left hand started running out of keys! This became very irritating very fast. So I set out to find a remedy. After sifting through almost all the keyboards , I decided on this one. The main reason was the 76 keys. When it arrived, I quickly plugged in and started playing. I was used to practicing with my other keyboard in my lap, but don't try it with this one! Get a keyboard stand as it is way too heavy! Anyway, the first thing I noticed was how realistic the sound was. And it had touch sensitivity too! The pieces I was playing sounded really good! There are also tons of different effects. You can make it sound like you are playing in a concert hall! I was really pleased with my purchase and my playing times became longer.
Then I tried taking the lessons that it includes. I was able to learn the right hand parts of songs when only one note gets played at a time. However I think someone recorded the song on the keyboard manually instead of by computer. The notes come out irregular when the pianist playes multiple notes with one hand in songs like Nocturne. I solved the problem by buying the sheet music for it. However I didn't buy the keyboard for lessons so it is a non-issue for me.
Now we come to the only thing I am really frustrated about. I have started playing really advanced pieces like Toccata & Fugue in D minor, Nocturnes, Ballades, and Sonatas. They will sometimes run off the board! Most of the time there is more than one note being pressed by the left hand so it doesn't sound quite as bad. But it unnerves me!
I don't mean to complain too much about this product as it is very good other than the lack of extra keys. For most people, 76 keys is more than enough. I'll just have to get a real piano sometime. But if you are thinking of getting a keyboard, don't even look at the others, you search has ended here.

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Work out your musical fingers on 76 full-size touch sensitive keys with the Yamaha PSRGX76AD. It features bass ports for upgraded sound quality and two-way stereo speakers. You can test your creativity with 256 instrument voices and 100 accompaniment styles, along with a DJ button for instant access to special dance voices.
Beginner and intermediate keyboard players will enjoy the Yamaha Education Suite, featuring lessons and grading. This keyboard includes 100 built-in songs to learn to play and a song book. For private practice, a headphone jack is provided. The PSRGX76AD also features a five-song, six-track sequencer for recording original songs. You can embellish using multifingering auto accompaniment, pitch bend wheel, DSP, chorus, and reverb effects. With 10 drum kits and 32-note polyphony, the PSRGX76AD provides the flexibility and basics you need in a keyboard.
It includes a music rest and a Yamaha PA3B power adapter. Alternatively, it uses six D-cell batteries.

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1/26/2012

Yamaha MM6 Music Synthesizer Review

Yamaha MM6 Music Synthesizer
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Got more then expected. Lightweight with great sounds, especially Live! ones. Good synth suitable primarily for performace. Easily programable for fast patch switching.

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Power and control, two elements that can make all the difference in your music, whether you compose, create or perform. The MM8 and MM6 Music Synthesizers deliver all the musical power and creative control you need - and a whole lot more. Taking their sounds from the highly popular pro-level MOTIF series instruments, the MM series have an enormous variety of dynamic, authentic voices to help you create and perform in virtually any style of music. These powerful instruments also give you total control over your sound, letting you dynamically change sonic textures as you play with real-time tweakable knobs. Also built-in are special Patterns that provide full instrumental backing - drums, bass and chords - to accompany your live performance and song creation. The MM8 and MM6 have 418 Voices and 22 Drum Kits on board, all based on the dynamic, realistic sounds of the advanced MOTIF series synthesizers. These exceptionally high-quality sounds range from authentic acoustic instruments to wild, unique and in-your-face synth Voices. An extra set of GM Voices is built into the instrument as well, giving you all you need to play back songs recorded in that popular format. With so many Voices to choose from, you might think it's difficult to select the ones you need. Not so. The convenient Category Search function lets you choose the type of instrument you want to play - organ, guitar, synth, lead, strings, whatever - then select the specific Voice. All your favorite sounds are right at your fingertips, ready to play when you are.

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Casio CTK-573 61-Note Touch Sensitive Keyboard with Adapter and Song Books Review

Casio CTK-573 61-Note Touch Sensitive Keyboard with Adapter and Song Books
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I have had this keyboard for about six years. I grew up playing my parent's piano and I wanted something to play on until I got a piano of my own. For the price, this was PERFECT...once I added the sustain pedal. It will allow you to play many notes at once (polyphonics) and you can record 2 songs in the memory banks. It does have Midi ability to hook up the the computer but I have never tried that function out. The keys are touch sensitive, piano mode is realistic sounding and in perfect tune so that I can play along with YouTube songs, such as the Beatles Live performances. It has some fun sound effect options as well. I LOVE this keyboard and it has gotten me by quite nicely without having the real thing.

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Casio CTK-573 61-Note Touch Sensitive Keyboard

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1/25/2012

Musedo Pendulum Metronome, Transparent Review

Musedo Pendulum Metronome, Transparent
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This metronone works really well. We needed a time keeping device that we could see working rather than the automatic types that just produce sound. It has helped to visualize the beat happening as opposed to the inexpensive ticker devices. Going back to an old device worked better.
The clear case is attractive and adds a modern touch.

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Musedo is a leader in making compact, reliable tuners and metronomes that are incredibly accurate, easy to use and have a remarkably affordable price.

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Yamaha YPG625 88-Key Keyboard with Built-In Speakers Review

Yamaha YPG625 88-Key Keyboard with Built-In Speakers
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Yamaha has an incredibly wide array of piano and other keyboard instruments to choose from, so how does one pick this one over another? It is challenging, and I think it comes down to usage, that is `How the instrument will be used'. For me, I wanted this to be our family piano for me and the kids to bang on and have fun. For this purpose, I think the Yamaha YPG-625 is perhaps the best piano for the money. You get so many features for so little money, it is incredible. And the sounds are terrific! It has about 300-something voices built in including many pianos, strings, woodwinds, brass, organs, synth-leads, complete drum kits, and fun sound effects for the kids to stay interested. We have had it for about six months and still play it almost everyday.
Pros:
- Nice keyboard feel. Not quite a Steinway grand, but not a plastic toy either. I recommend actually playing one at a local music store before you buy.
- Very short money for a very feature-rich instrument.
- USB to-host port (for connecting to PC - I didn't need to try this, but it's there, and Yamaha has extensive support for sheet music, lessons, et. al. on-line)
- USB to-device port to plug in additional storage for your own stored music (I had one memory stick that did not work, and another that did. If you save music off as SMF (standard Midi format?) - then they will play directly on Windoze Media Player).
- ~300-something built-in very high quality voices (There is actually 500 you can pick, but some sound pretty similar to each other, so I dropped the real number, but this is still a big plus compared with some Casios or Rolands that only have 10 or 20 voices.)
- You can record your songs, using a very simple 5 part multi-track recorder (5 built-in reserved song slots, many many more using external storage via USB)
- Displayed sheet music for playing along with built-in music, around 30 songs.
- More music available for download from Yamaha web site(s), sometimes for a fee :(
- Built-in accompaniment, just select the style (something like 100 styles built-in), which sounds pretty good when just reading lead sheets
- Easy to use keyboard split, dual voices, and `reset' back to regular grand piano
- Controls are well laid out and easy to read and use
- Large LCD display panel well lit and easy to read
- Internal amplifier / speakers get plenty loud enough
- Headphone jack doubles as stereo output to drive into external amps if wanted
- 96 note polyphony - you shouldn't notice notes ending early during long schmaltzy arpeggios

Cons:
-No midi ports, so you can't really use it as your go-to home studio controller
-Pitch bend wheel has a cheap feel to it
-No keyboard cover build-in
-Built-in lesson program somewhat useless (cursor waits for you to play right notes - it doesn't sound like music, OR keyboard `fixes' when you play a wrong note)
-Only one headphone port in the back, which is not easy to get at.
-Voices are not editable (but many voices sound great as is)
-Keys themselves can sound a little clunky (especially if you are trying to practice while your significant-other is sleeping)
-No way to expand voices (but I haven't needed or wanted to do this yet)
-Included FC5 foot-switch is a joke, go buy a foot-switch for $30
-I just noticed the YPG-635 announced at music.yamaha.com, but it looks like the new features are DSP effects, and an optional 3-pedal input (you probably need to buy the triple pedal), but they drop the polyphony to 64 notes.
Thanks for reading this far, and I hope you got something useful from my notes!!


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Yamaha YPG-625is the first 88-key Graded Hammer System weighted action portable keyboard, and it includes all the features with the addition of the look and sound of an acoustic piano - piano-style keys, a wooden stand

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1/24/2012

Roland Cube Monitor / PA Review

Roland Cube Monitor / PA
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I'm frankly sick and tired of showing up for a gig and having my keyboard run through the P.A., thereby in essence causing me to forfeit all control of the instrument to the bandleader (or board op). Still, I've had to concede that the amps I've been using--a Roland KC150, then a KC350--had plenty of power and pop but no sonic attributes that would recommend them above the Bose P.A. set-up the band uses. Then, because I needed a small amp with an XLR connection for use as an emergency P.A., I picked up this relatively new item from Roland, which prominently describes itself as a "monitor" amp (i.e. meant only for the performer's ears).
Was I surprised when I got this thing home and put it through some rounds with a Kurzweil PC2 and SP2. It's little more than a compact brick, but it appears to have the power of my KC150 and, more importantly, in terms of "listenability" it sounds like its several heavens apart from the KC 150 or 350 (those ever-present Roland KC amps will make any piano, including Rolands, sound uninspiring if not boring during the course of a four-hour gig). This latest contender covers the entire piano range, effortlessly, smoothly, providing rich yet responsive bass where its needed and brilliant but not strident highs. Perhaps some would judge the sound a trifle "colored." If so, I'll take the coloration any day to the untempered sounds I've been getting from electric keyboards. The mid-range is tight and controlled, with the upper register "growing out" of it gradually but unmistakably. By contrast, the upper register on the heavy-duty KC amps strikes like a serpent, leaping out of the mix like home-brewed white lightning hitting the palate after it's just gotten accustomed to a vintage Bordeaux.
I even compared this little thing to my previous standard--the Roland Cube 60 that had preceded the KC150 (which has been around too long). This new one was smoother, bending to the bass notes like a gracious willow and springing to the top ones like fresh spring birch. In other words, even the Roland Cube sounded uneven and rough compared to this latest overachiever, which handled the tones of the scale like a single portamento, revealing no holes in any of the registers.
Playing any instrument or amplifier on the job can lead to a judgment radically different from the one made at home. If my instruments (I'm usually playing 2-3) have to be mixed through the P.A., fine. I won't have to listen to them. They'll be processed by this monitor, which will be facing and playing for me before it kicks out the stuff that the bandleader deems worthy of the public's ears.

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Built to handle a wide range of recording and mixing applications, the Roland Cube CM-30 monitor/PA can be used for live monitoring onstage as well. Delivering 30 watts of punch through a rugged, high-quality 6.5-inch coaxial two-way speaker, the Cube CM-30 can be easily and safely toted from location to location thanks to its built-in handle grip, protective metal grill cover, and cabinet corner protectors.

Key Features
Ultra-versatile monitor for studio, stage, and more
30-watt 6.5-inch coaxial 2-way speaker with stereo preamp
Three input channels, with one XLR input for mic/line and two additional Aux inputs
Stereo Link function for stereo connection between two units, which allows a total of eight stereo inputs and two mono mic/line inputs
Metal grill cover, corner protectors, and handle grip for carrying the unit safely

Specifications
Rated Power Output: 30 W
Speaker: 16 cm (6.5 inches) + Tweeter (Coaxial 2-Way)
Nominal Input Level (1kHz)
Channel 1(Mic/Line): -50 to -20 dub
Channel 2, 3 (Line): -20 dBu
AUX IN 1, 2: -10 dBu
Stereo Link Input: -10dBu

Nominal Output Level
Stereo Link Out L, R: -10 dBu

Controls
Channel 1 (Mic/Line) Volume Knob
Channel 2, 3 Volume Knobs
Stereo Phones Level Knob
Equalizer: Low Knob, High Knob
Volume Knob
Power Switch
Connectors
Channel 1 Input Jack (XLR type, 1/4" phone type)
Channel 2, 3 Input Jack L (mono)(1/4" phone type)
Channel 2, 3 Input Jack R (1/4" phone type)
Aux In 1 Jack (RCA phono type)
Aux In 2 Jack (Stereo miniature phone type)
Stereo Link Out Jacks L, R (1/4" phone type)
Stereo Link In Jack (1/4" phone type)
Stereo Phones Jack (Stereo 1/4" phone type)

Power Consumption: 32 W
Dimensions: 8-7/16 x 9-3/8 x 10-7/8 inches
Weight: 12 pounds, 6 ounces


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Roland JUNO-G 61 Key Workstation Music Keyboard Review

Roland JUNO-G 61 Key Workstation Music Keyboard
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I promise you will not be sorry purchasing this sampling / workstation. Roland once again delivers precision and quality in this keyboard. It gives you complete control over sampling editing and allows you to create an extensive library of sampled and new sounds. Along with its 16 track workstation you get 4 audio sampling tracks that samples 16 bit and 24 bit sounds/instruments. I've owned Roland for years and I'm not a representative for their company. If you study the price of other keyboards, you will learn that others do not offer this much for this price. Treat yourself and your talent and buy this keyboard. Your studio will thank you!

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True to its heritage, the new JUNO-G is affordable and user-friendly. But that's where the comparisons to yesteryear end. This modern marvel packs a studio's worth of sound, sequencing, and audio recording into one amazing instrument. Sharing the same high-powered processor as Roland's famous Fantom-X series, the JUNO-G puts a world of first-class sound and performance features under musicians' fingertips and allows more sounds to be added via SRX expansion. Songs can be created with the onboard audio MIDI recorder, all for an incredibly low price! USB port for MIDI communication, AIF/WAV file exchange, and data transferPC Card slot (which accepts CompactFlash or SmartMedia cards via adapter) Cakewalk SONAR LE software CD-ROM bundled Invisible infrared D Beam controller Old-School Ease, Cutting-Edge Features Roland's Fantom-X series is a grand-slam hit around the globe. The Fantom's high-quality sound engine is a key factor in its success. The JUNO-G shares the same processor as the Fantom-X, and thus delivers the finest sound quality on the market including an 88-note multisampled grand piano, and a wide range of sounds that span from classical to cutting-edge. You can further expand your JUNO-G with one of Roland's SRX expansion boards (optional) For songwriters and performers, the JUNO-G's 16-part MIDI sequencer is a must. But the addition of four companion stereo audio tracks is a huge bonus, and an unexpected surprise for an instrument in this price range! Now players can lay down the perfect backing tracks plus vocals, live guitar parts, and the like. The JUNO-G's dedicated front-panel transport controls and mixer make the recording experience all the more friendly Connectors - Headphones Jack (Stereo 1/4 inch phone type), A (MIX) Output Jacks (L (MONO), R) (1/4 inch phone type), B Output Jacks (L, R) (1/4 inch phone type), Input Jacks (L (MONO)/MIC, R) (1/4 inch phone type), MIDI Connect

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1/23/2012

Casio WK7500 76 Key Workstation Keyboard Review

Casio WK7500 76 Key Workstation Keyboard
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Casio has outdone themselves with this board!!! This board is capable of some serious music. I'm a guy who has been making music on keyboards, synths, and computers since the late 70's and have owned and used some expensive professional boards (Yamaha,Roland,Korg,Kurzweil etc.) If you tweak the sounds on this board using the onboard DSP you can get some amazing sounds the drawbars and audio recording is just whipped cream on the cake. GET IT, YOU WON'T REGRET IT

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The Casio Casio WK7500 76 Key Workstation Keyboard offers powerful and extensive features at a price that is unheard of in the portable keyboard market. It offers 800 world-class tones, 250 preset rhythms, 17 track sequencer, 32 channel mixer, as well as audio recording capabilities. Any piece of music you create can be recorded as an audio file on an SDHC card. 9 sliders extend your versatility and provide an impressive 50 drawbar organ tones. Whether you are an amateur or professional musician, the WK7500 will allow you to create, edit and play your compositions at home, in the studio or on the stage. Casio Casio WK7500 76 Key Keyboard Features 800 world class tones including stereo pianos, vintage electric pianos, strings, drums, synths and many more 9 sliders extend your versatility and provide an impressive 50 drawbar organ tones 17-track sequencer for editing and tweaking your performances so you can get professional sounding tracks 250 preset rhythms with full accompaniment are built-in Front panel sliders provide control over volume, pan, effect sends for each channel MIC and Instrument inputs, stereo audio in, and a USB MIDI port Tones That Will Inspire Your Music The WK7500 provides 800 world class tones organized by category in a new easy-to-use interface. Dynamic stereo pianos, vintage electric pianos, strings, drums and a wealth of synths and acoustic instruments are at your fingertips. Each of those 800 voices can be edited with control over filters, envelopes and more. For added depth and realism, an extensive set of DSP effects are available to enhance these tones, providing you with pure inspiration at your fingertips Sliders Galore You can't miss them, nine strategically placed sliders on the front panel. Just press the Drawbar Organ

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