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Native Instrument’s Alicia’s Keys Virtual Piano

Striking the perfect balance between soul and R&B, a new music software is about to change the way you think about computer audio and music software.

Developed side by side with the Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys, Native Instrument’s Alicia’s Keys Virtual Piano brings Alicia Key’s very own music within reach. This software recreates Key’s signature Yamaha C3 Neo grand piano. The entire project is a product of a close craftsmanship between the renowned keyboard software developer Thomas Scarbee and Alicia Keys herself. Native Instrument was able to capture that distinct Alicia Keys sound, what with two full years of hard work and top of the line equipments.

Using nothing but the best vintage microphones and high-end outboard studio gear, this new sampled grand is not an everyday instrument. However, it has a number of strong features and a great tone, at a modest price.

This new music software utilizes 17GB of high resolution samples paired with 12 discrete velocity layers per note. It uses sophisticated emulation of crucial sonic aspects such as key release, pedal sustain functionality as well as sympathetic resonance.

Alicia’s Keys’ user interface also provides complete control over the sound in order to further adjust it to the particular musical preference and personal playing style of the user. And to make things even better, it also includes a studio-quality convolution reverb that allows a number of authentic room ambiences ranging from a small piano chamber to a large stage or concert hall.

The actual piano that Alicia Keys uses is a Yamaha C3, a part of the limited edition Neo cabinetry. The C3 is a six-foot grand, which means that its low register is less full and deep than on a nine-foot concert grand. Yamaha pianos are widely respected for their bright, in-your-face sound, and that the same characteristic is preserved in this music software.

You will be very impressed with the realistic features of Alicia’s Keys. The velocity response makes it extremely playable even when you are not as good as Alicia Keys and every range of the keyboard responds well just as it should.

Aside from its built-in convolution reverb, it also has a standard DSP reverb that gives you the option if you are running on a slower computer. However, even without the reverb, the piano’s natural ambience is beautiful. Probably because of its meticulous tuning – each of the unisons has exactly the right amount of microscopic tuning, making the tone of the choruses almost perfect, just like on a real piano.

Alicia’s Keys is ideal for a pop ballad sound, richer and more up-front than the Yamaha C7 or the German Steinway. It is by far the most inviting to play and the most flexible to use among all other piano samples and virtual pianos.

Make music out of sheer inspiration. Evoke deep emotions with every note.

Get Native Instrument’s Alicia’s Keys Virtual Piano today from Gigasonic and get special limited time offers on financing and no interest lay aways.

Native Instruments’ Audio Kontrol 1

The durable and compatible structure of the Native Instruments’ audio interface delivers outstanding performance. The Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1 USB 2.0 audio and MIDI interface, has been introduced to fulfill the requirements of musicians on the move. With its distinct features, Audio Kontrol 1 (AK1) certainly delivers on its promise of impeccable sound quality and a superior experience.

The NI Audio Kontrol works on 2-input 4-input bus-power. The outer covering of the AK1 is a blend of metallic shine and shimmering black plastic which gives it an enticing appearance. The AK1 has compact dimensions and easily fits into your laptop bag. An aluminum case is provided for carrying the AK1, which ensures damage-free transit and is not too heavy as well.

The front panel comprises of the audio inputs, level controls, mode buttons, and headphone outputs, which is a very user friendly design. The 4 main balanced outputs on the unit’s rear panel are controlled by four additional knobs on the front panel. The controls are multifunctional in as much as they can regulate the headphone volumes as well as the direct monitoring levels. The “Mono” knob is equipped to initiate direct monitoring which allows an output signal to access input signals directly, this is especially useful when a single input is in use.

The top of the AK1 consists of a control board along with a main controller knob and additional 3 buttons which are not only used for adjustments, but are also capable of transmitting instructions. MIDI messages or single-keystroke messages can be sent from the keyboard via these controls. Another distinctive feature of this Interface is the versatile functioning of the controls when used in combination with any of the other. All together, up to ten functions are executed by the controller knob and the three buttons.

The AK1 delivers premium sound quality as a result of its capability of allowing sampling up to 192 kHz. It also incorporates the world class Cirrus Logic AD/ DA converters. The AK1 records and monitors sound very efficiently.

AK1′s ‘Bundled Software’ features three software packages, for three different applications. Laptop DJs can use the Native Instruments Traktor 3 LE, guitarists love the guitar amps and cabinet combinations and the B4, FM7 and PRO-53 synths constitute the express combinations. Xpress Keyboards and Guitar Combos do not go with Intel Mac comps, however.

Installing the AK1 is not a difficult process. A CD is used to install the software.In order to begin using it, you need to install it first, then restart your computer before linking the device to it; once linked it is ready to use. The software activation requires internet connection. It can be easily installed with an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz capacity with OS X 10.5.3.

Versatile controls, rugged design, monitor switching, and ‘Bundled Software’, make this gadget from Native Instruments ideal for DJs, guitarists, and live musicians. Audio Kontrol 1 from Native Instruments definitely rates as a highly-recommended choice of audio interfaces.

Buy the Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1 through any of these Special Finance Offers:

  • 6 Months 0% Interest when you use the “GigaSonic / Yamaha Music & Sound Card” as Your Payment Method when Checking Out
  • 6 Months No Interest, No Fee Layaway Program