IK Multimedia Miroslav Philharmonik Orchestra Virtual Instrument Workstation Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am really happy that I bought this program as a plug-in for Pro-Tools. The sounds are really great. Most are perfect. My nephew who plays bassoon at Julliard thought the low woodwind samples were extremely accurate.
I am not as thrilled with the piano samples as I am with those I use in Reason, and there are no saxaphones. The combination of Reason and Miroslav give you an incredible package for classical and jazz work.
I use a GR-33 guitar synth and keybd as controllers. The GR-33 tracks beautifully with the synth engine. Not all programs can say that.
Buy it. You will not regret. If I could give it 4.9 stars, I would.

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The Miroslav Philharmonik orchestra workstation from IK Multimedia combines the legendary Miroslav Orchestral and Choir sample collection masterpieces with a dedicated virtual instrument plug-in specifically tailored toward classical sounds and arrangements. Miroslav orchestral samples are some of the most playable and inspiring sounds ever produced for symphonic arrangements and composition. They've set the atmosphere of hundreds of movies and productions and have become the tool of choice for many Oscar winning composers. This sound collection contains some of the most beautiful and lush sounding orchestral samples ever recorded, with plenty of feeling and emotion. Miroslav was able to bring out the rich character of symphonic music with a special sound that is unique and powerfully expressive. For incredible acoustic realism, the string, brass, and woodwind sections have been captured in the proper acoustic orchestral positions inside one of the world's most famous symphony halls, Prague's Dvorák Symphony Hall. No need for simulation with panning, just call up the elements of the orchestra and instantly sound like a symphony. These sounds have a texture, warmth, and beauty that is unique in the sample world. The Miroslav Philharmonik's virtual orchestra plug-in is based on an enhanced version of the SampleTank workstation architecture, offering 16 multitimbral parts, with full control over the tempo and pitch of the sounds. Each of the 16 multitimbral parts can be loaded by selecting one of more than 1,300 orchestral instruments included in Philharmonik. All of the virtual instruments can be easily found in neatly organized folders within the browser window. The multitimbral parts can also be saved as combi ensembles, allowing you to load an entire orchestral set with one click. Additionally, each part also offers up to 50 sound-shaping controls, for maximum flexibility over sound sculpture.The IK Multimedia Miroslav Philharmonik also offers a master effec

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Behringer FCB1010 MIDI Foot Controller with Two Expression Pedals Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I use it to control my Line6 PODxt, and they work perfectly together if you download the proper bank settings for the job, or you set up your own, which is a pain in the foot (literally) if you do it "manually". I found a
software app in a FCB yahoo group that allows you to set it up using your computer, which is great.
I've used it to control my Korg Karma keyboard as well, and even to control my Sonar 5 Production (to start/stop recording for instance). All fine.
In short, the product works very well for what it's meant to. You might need to get your hands a bit dirty with
the setting-up, but once you understand how it works you'll realize you could even control your microwave oven with
this if it had a MIDI IN port :O)

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No matter what you play, or even if you're an engineer with a MIDI arsenal, you'll appreciate the way our FCB1010 helps you get the most out of your gear without tying up your hands or slowing down your performance. On top of its impressive MIDI functions, it gives you two jacks for analog switching and rugged, road-proof construction.

Professional and Ultra-Flexible MIDI Foot Controller

Something for Everyone The Behringer MIDI FOOT CONTROLLER FCB1010 is an ultra-flexible controller unit for a wide range of applications, whether you are a guitarist, keyboard player or studio engineer. The easy-to-use programming interface gives you fun instead of frustration, and invites you to fully exploit the capabilities of your MIDI equipment.
MIDI Controls Galore The FCB1010 offers 10 banks with 10 fully user-editable presets, customized for Behringer guitar amplifiers but programmable to your needs. Two fully user-programmable expression pedals will give you enough flexibility to manage your MIDI equipment, with freely assignable MIDI Channel, Controller number and range.
With this pedal, you'll get simultaneous transmission of five MIDI Program Change commands and two MIDI Controllers per preset. You can also send MIDI Note commands for trigger and tap-tempo applications.
Guitarist-Friendly Guitar players will particularly appreciate the option of selecting channels using two programmable analog switches, as they allow you to fully control both amplifier and effects from one "switching center." Perfect for selecting channels on guitar amps, etc. Additionally, there's no need to take a seat--everything can be easily programmed while standing.
Built to Last With its ultra-rugged enclosure and built-in power supply, the FCB1010 is absolutely ready for the road, too.
What's in the Box Behringer FCB1010 MIDI Foot Controller, User's Manual, Power Cable

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Novation Nocturn 25 USB MIDI Interface Keyboard Controller, 25-Keys, NOCTURN 25 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The general concept of the Novation Nocturn series is that you have a responsive MIDI controller that is less expensive because a lot of the display parts and intelligence are handled through Novation's AutoMap software. AutoMap can be great, but it can also be very frustrating if the mappings for different devices aren't up to date, and Novation has a poor reputation for keeping their mappings current (in particular with Reason).
I originally had an Akai MiniMPK, which worked great, but wanted something a little larger, so I figured that the Nocturn 25 was just the ticket and only a bit more expensive (and still less expensive than the MAudio Axiom Pro 25 or the Akai MPK25).
It showed up, I installed it, and everything seemed fine, until I tried to use the drum pads. The drum pads under Windows were sporadically responsive, sometimes they'd show up, sometimes they wouldn't. I tried calibrating them, and AutoMap never registered them. Hmm. This is on a Mac Pro 2008 running Win 7. On a hunch, I booted into OS X...and they work perfectly.
So it's not a hardware issue, it's software issue, and one with their drivers. According to another user on the Novation forums, he reported this a year ago and support claimed that they were aware of the problem and 'looking into it'. Non-functioning drum pads on Windows would seem to be a fairly significant issue.
Support hasn't responded to me in 3 days, so I'm guessing they're not going to address this, at which point I'll need to return this. Disappointing since I'll have to spend more money.
Overall I give it 2 stars. If you're solely an OS X user and can live with the Automap quirks, it's probably a 4 star product, but if you use Windows, one of its major features may or may not work for you at all.


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The Nocturn Keyboard from Novation is an intelligent plug-in/sequencer controller.It is a high quality professional keyboard that plays like an instrument rather than a computer peripheral.With a high quality 'Fatar' keyboard, 8 velocity-sensitive drum pads, and a total of 33 MIDI assignable controls, the Nocturn allows you to get hands-on control of your plug-in instruments, effects and sequencer. Brightly lit 11-segment LED rings around the eight smooth encoders, and backlit buttons throughout provide instant visual feedback for every physical control. All 8 oversized encoders are touch-sensitive, bringing up mapping information and automation data on DAW's with a ‘touch' mode. In addition to the high quality hardware, what really sets Nocturn Keyboard apart is the Automap control software, which is included with each Nocturn Keyboard purchase. Automap acts as a software interface for the unit. It allows you to map parameters in your software plug-ins straight to dials and buttons on the controller by simply clicking on a parameter, then touching the controller.The Automap feature also enables you to keep track of what assignments have already been made.Instead of a small monochrome LCD screen, Nocturn Keyboard displays control information where you really need it - on your computer monitor. The Automap software graphically displays Nocturn's control surface. The controllers themselves also tell you what is going on: LED rings around the 8 encoders show their current settings, and LED's behind the buttons tell you if they are on or off. The Nocturn Keyboard can be set up for use as a serious DAW/sequencer controller, including its ground-breaking Automap control of all VST/AU/RTAS/TDM plug-ins.The Nocturn Keyboard is powered by USB-saving valuable plug sockets. It can also be powered down without being unplugged, preserving battery power in laptops. Fantastic build quality, true musical instrument feel and intuitive controls are just three of the many reasons why Novation's Nocturn Keyboard is simply a joy to play.

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M-Audio Oxygen 49 49-Key USB MIDI Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)A video review of the m-audio oxygen 49 (silver) midi control keyboard... Just another spectacular product from m-audio. looking forward to purchasing more items from them.

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The Oxygen 49 USB MIDI controller delivers next-generation functionality from M-Audio, the leading innovator in mobile music production technology.Oxygen 49 features eight assignable knobs and nine assignable sliders, plus dedicated transport and track select buttons.directLink mode aotomatically maps these controls to common DAW functions including ransport, mixer, track pan and plug-in parameters.Built-in factory preses offer support for popular virtual instruments right out of the box - no complicated setup required.Velocity-sensitive keys and a sleek , compact design round out a portable keyboard that's perfect for both production and performance.No other MIDI controller in this price range has so much functionality while remaining easy to use.

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Alesis Q49 49-Key Usb/Midi Keyboard Controller Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I took a look at a bunch of keyboard controllers before settling on this one. This keyboard is to just sit on my desk so that I can bang things out when the mood strikes. I compared it against several other inexpensive keyboards like the Keystation and KeyRig and thought this one felt the least flimsy. It is also black instead of some lame silver color which looks better on my desk.
I was considering a semi-weighted keyboard like the M-Audio AXIOM 49 Advanced 49-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller, but frankly, I have a piano at home and was really underwhelmed at the feel of all the semi-weighted keyboards. There was just not enough improvement over a non-weighted keyboard to justify the weight or expense. So I decided to go with something cheap.
The other benefit of cheap is that there are a minimum of knobs and sliders on this thing, so the depth is minimal. It sits right between my monitor and typing keyboard very nicely.
The fun part is that it comes with Ableton Live Lite, which I've been having tremendous fun with. It is very easy to learn, with its on-screen help and tutorials, and has a kind of unique user interface compared to programs like GarageBand, Logic, or Cubase. I'm really happy with the sounds and creative options. And it runs great on my Mac with Snow Leopard.
The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5, is that I think there is still room on the case for at least some LED indicators for midi modes above the keyboard. If I was designing this, I would ditch the pitch and mod wheels on the left for additional controls including a small LED screen and some transport controls. I might invest in some kind of outboard control surface.
But, overall, for $99 I'm very satisfied with this small keyboard and Ableton Live Lite.

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49-key USB/MIDI keyboard controller, USB & MIDI jacks, pitch & mod wheels, octave +/-, assignable data slider

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