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Once again the annual Musikmesse international trade show exceeded 2002
our expectations for exciting new instruments and production tools. More software and hardware synths debuted. A parade of software updates and upgrades unfolded. Editor-in-chief Greg Rule and I stuffed ourselves with schnitzel and pilsner. [Ignore that one. -Ed.]
As we were being pulled into booth after booth, our heads began to swim with virtual studio fantasies. Who could blame us? With the curtains pulled back on Cakewalk's mouthwatering Sonar Cyclone or Propellerhead's Malstrom for Reason 2.0, how could we be expected to concentrate? Then, of course, there was all that fine German pilsner.
We managed to slip away one evening to the MIPA awards ceremony, during which Clavia, Digidesign, Korg, Native Instruments, Propellerhead, Steinberg, Yamaha, and others were awarded top honors in various categories. Get the full scoop on page 34.
After returning to Keyboard central, Greg and I compiled a Messe hit list of instruments, effects, computer peripherals, and software. Instead of separating everything into categories, however, we organized it all alphabetically. Enjoy. JOHN KEOGH
Ableton Live v1.5, $349 (free update)
The big news with Ableton's audio sequencer is that it now supports ReWire, so you can run Live alongside and within compatible programs such as Reason, Sonar, Cubase, Logic, and Digital Performer. An improved render-to-disk feature has been implemented, along with a full-featured reverb plug-in, and Mac OS X compatibility. Download the free update from www.ableton.com.
Access Virus C-series synths
What could be better than a Virus synth? According to Access Music, a bigger, badder, and sexier Virus! The stepped-up C-series offers more polyphony (32 voices), more effects (up to 98 simultaneous), and an improved user interface that brings a number of controls such as arp on/off to the surface. Undo/redo has been added, too. Three models are available: tabletop ($1,995), 61-note keyboard ($2,595), and two IU rack versions ($1,195 standard; $1,795 XL). All Virus C synths feature a new sleek black design, four oscillators, two filters, three LFOs, audio inputs, and nine mod matrix destinations. A Virus-specific Emagic SoundDiver editor/librarian is included free of charge, so users can back up and customize sounds, or create entirely new ones from a Mac or PC. k
Access Virus Indigo 2, $2,595
If silver...