ioStation 24c
Price: $299.95 (retail)
Presonus has launched a device that combines its FaderPort controllers with a 2-in/2-out interface. The device runs up to 24-bit/192kHz audio quality and comes with a range of hardware controllers including transport controls, a navigation wheel and that all-important motorised fader for controlling parameters in your DAW.
Presonus claims that this device is aimed at solo musicians, producers and podcasters, however it could equally be perfectly suitable for most school studios. It comes bundled with a range of software including a suite of plugins, but it's compatible with all major DAWs. The addition of a single hardware controller to the interface makes this hybrid device useful for every element of the production process.
MPC One
Price: £640 (retail)
The MPC series of samplers from Akai are possibly some of the most important electronic instruments of all time. Famously used by J Dilla, Kanye West and Dr Dre, those 16 touch-responsive buttons have made more famous hiphop music than probably any other piece of equipment. The sampler has been around since the late 80s and it allows the user to load samples on to the 4×4 grid of pads and play the samples like an instrument. This was most commonly drums but can work with any sound.
The MPC One features classic sounds from previous generations of the sampler. It has several built-in synthesisers and its own MPC software which means it can run as a standalone piece of equipment without having to rely on a DAW. Great for students who want to explore beat-making in a much more tactile way.
Launchpad Pro 3
Price: UK price tbc
When the original Launchpad was launched in 2009 it was a dedicated controller for Ableton Live. Its 16×16 grid provided instant access to the clips of Ableton live and was designed to run everything in the software. The model was a success and most controllers now feature something similar (I still have my original one). The Launchpad allows the user to navigate around their project and record or playback different clips. The buttons can also double up as faders or an interesting MIDI controller for playing software instruments without the usual piano keyboard.
Novation has noted the resurgence in hardware synthesisers and have made version 3 of the Launchpad Pro compatible with them by including a sequencer and two MIDI outputs. The Launchpad is more intuitive than ever and will load drum sounds when you start playing drum patterns. The combination of hardware and software control makes the Launchpad a thoroughly powerful controller.
Wavestate
Price: £699 (retail)
The Wavestate is designed to be the successor of the original Korg Wavestation launched in 1990. The Wavestate and Wavestation both use a form of synthesis called vector synthe sis that allows different waves to be blended and manipulated via a joystick.
One of the complaints about the original was the repetitive sounds it made. However, the new Wavestate contains much more control of the parameters and more variability of the wave playback. It also includes some famous Korg fi lters to affect the sound further.
Vector synthesis is an incredibly complex process and makes some great sounds that could be very useful for composition and production. Wavestate could potentially be a great teaching tool for synthesis.
