M2TM Chords
Price: £13
M2TM Chords is a MIDI Tool for Ableton Live 12 that lets you generate chord progressions of any length and complexity by just typing chord symbols. It recognises all common (and not-so-common) chord symbols, with added 6th, 7th, 9th, 11th and 13th, in any order and in their natural, lowered (flat) or raised (sharp) variations, plus many non-standard chords like stacked fourths or fifths. It supports slash chords (e.g. Cmaj7/G), chord inversions, rootless and drop chords, open and closed voicings, and more. M2TM Chords also offers a unique auto-inversion feature, which is the ability to select automatically the best inversion for each chord in the progression, as an expert piano or keyboard player would do. If two consecutive chords have notes in common, the legato option can merge them into single longer notes – great for pads and string sections.
Roland GO:KEYS 3
Price: £345
The Roland GO:KEYS 3 is the replacement for the original Roland GO:KEYS keyboard, which has now been discontinued. This product was tremendously popular, and this new model builds on its predecessor’s pedigree with excellent playability, sounds and broader performance functions. One of the key developments in Roland equipment recently has been the link to ever-increasing Roland Cloud content. This model allows users to connect to the Roland Cloud and download new content easily. While for many schools this may not be the most important feature, it does allow for significant personalisation of sounds and performance features that may benefit students studying at Key Stages 4 and 5. Available in dark red, midnight blue and turquoise.
ARTinoise re.corder
Price: £139
The ARTinoise re.corder is a brand-new take on the classic soprano recorder. With its built-in wireless connectivity, digital sensor platform and interactive app, it takes the traditional recorder into the future by providing access to a world of previously unimagined sounds and expressive functionalities. The ARTinoise team have really thought hard about how the re.corder can be used in a classroom setting: students can practise with headphones; there is a specially designed whiteboard/website app that allows a teacher to set up a group of rec.orders as an ensemble with different sounds; and group muting functions for class rehearsals. Available in black, white, blue and red.
BOSS Katana Gen 3 guitar amplifier range
Price: from £285
BOSS has released the third generation of its award-winning Katana range of electric guitar amplifiers. The newly upgraded models include the 50w, 100w, 110w 2 x 12, and individual head amps. For schools, the most popular of these are the 50w and 100w variants. Key differences between this and the previous range include the new Tube Logic enhancements that enrich the core platform with even greater sound, feel and response, including an expressive Pushed amp character. Additionally, the BOSS Tone Studio app has been updated, making your remote amp and effects editing workflow more intuitive than ever. The Katana-50 Gen 3 model strikes the perfect balance of punch and portability, offering 50w of Class AB power in a compact 1 x 12 combo – perfect for use in the school hall and classroom.
