WNAMM12: World's First USB Keytar Controller

US Alesis unleashes the Vortex 19/01/12

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Alesis has introduced the Vortex, which they describe as the first USB/MIDI keytar controller. They say that the Vortex eliminates the barrier between keyboardists and the audience. and that, with an extensive layout of touch-sensitive keys and velocity-sensitive pads on its pearlescent white body, and radical octave and pitch controls on its neck, the Vortex will have keyboard players ruling the stage.
Dan Radin, Alesis Product Manager, told Sonic State, "The Vortex liberates keyboard players from stationary setups and visual performance limitations. The audience won't know what hit them."
Here's more of what Alesis has to say about the Vortex:
The Vortex includes features never before found on any keytar: both traditional MIDI and USB MIDI are onboard, empowering keyboardists to use the Vortex with all of their software instruments and synths on Mac, PC, and iPad*. They'll have a virtually unlimited palette of sounds, ready to command with one of the most exciting and eye-catching controllers ever created. And for instant performance, the Vortex comes automapped for today's most popular software synths and DAWs. Users can customize and create their own mappings for virtually any software they like. The Vortex comes ready to rock with an embedded, MIDI-assignable accelerometer--now, keyboardists can freely roam the stage and control virtually any parameter with their motion. They'll be able to create incredible volume swells, amazing pitch bends, vibratos, filter cutoffs and more by tilting the Vortex's neck during live performances. The Vortex's neck controls are laid out ergonomically: your thumb controls a volume slider and pitch-bend wheel while your fingers command nine front-facing controls that include a MIDI-assignable touchstrip, and buttons for octave selection and sustain. Large transport and patch-select controls are centrally located on the Vortex's body for instant access, and keyboard players will be happy to know that the Vortex's 37 velocity-sensitive keys feature aftertouch to enable instant creative flourishes. The Vortex is bus powered when connected to a Mac or PC, and can also be powered by batteries when used with MIDI modules and iOS devices including the iPad. Standard guitar strap pegs are located on its neck and body, and an adjustable strap is included. Key Features

Dynamic, shoulder-worn performance keyboard with attention-grabbing looks
The first USB keytar controller--works with all of your software instruments & synths on Mac, PC, & iOS* devices
USB and traditional MIDI jacks for use with virtually any synth, sound module, or other MIDI hardware or software
Embedded, MIDI-assignable accelerometer for performance parameter control by tilting the neck
Thumb-controlled volume slider, sustain button and pitch-bend wheel on neck
Finger-controlled MIDI-assignable touchstrip, sustain, and octave-control buttons on neck
37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch for compact, yet complete melodic range
Eight velocity-sensitive drum pads/sample triggers enable you to create beats or trigger clips
Large transport & patch-select controls for instant access
Includes strap; standard guitar strap pegs are compatible with virtually any strap
Bus powered when USB-connected to Mac or PC; battery compartment for use with MIDI modules and iOS devices

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