M-Audio is now shipping three new Evolution keyboards: the MK-461C(pictured), MK-449C and MK-425C.
The 61-key MK-461C features 34 assignable controllers including nine35mm Alps faders, 12 rotary knobs, 10 buttons, pitch bend andmodulation wheels, and a sustain pedal input. All controllers can beprogrammed via the numerical keypad to create custom setups. TheMK-461C also includes 10 preconfigured presets that make it usable withplug-ins, virtual instruments and host applications. The keyboard alsooffers features such as assignable velocity curve, fader drawbar modeand expanded support of MIDI messages to include RPN/NRPN and SysExmessages. The Controller Mute feature allows users to alter theposition of any fader or rotary controller without affecting thesettings of the software. The Snapshot feature sends all current frontpanel settings to the receiving MIDI application or device. The MK-461Calso acts as a USB-to-MIDI interface with a standard MIDI Out jack. Aswith all Evolution products, the MK-461C is class-compliant, so nodrivers are required when using Windows XP or Mac OS X. The MK-461C canbe completely bus-powered for total mobility or used with the includedpower supply.
The new Evolution MK-449C offers all of the professionalfunctionality of the MK-461C in a shorter 4-octave keyboard with 49full-size touch-sensitive keys. It offers 30 assignable controllersincluding eight knobs and nine sliders for complete control oversoftware synthesizers and sequencers.
The MK-425C features 25 full-size velocity-sensitive keys and atotal of 21 assignable controllers including eight rotary knobs, pitchbend and modulation wheel. It also boasts a Transpose function, octaveshift, program and bank change, 10 nonvolatile program memory buttons(stored even when power is disconnected) and a sustain pedal input. Thebus-powered MK-425 also gives users the ability to program while theyplay.
All three keyboards ship with an extensive software bundle featuringa dedicated librarian program that gives PC users the ability to save,edit and share keyboard setups. Also included are Sound Studio II, apowerful MIDI and audio sequencer with VST plug-in support; MusicTeacher, a tutorial program that teaches users how to play thekeyboard; MusicPlanet, an array of professionally recorded samples; anda large selection of VST plug-ins and virtual instrument demos.
All three new Evolution products are currently shipping. MSRPs are:MK-461C, $329.95; MK-449C, $259.95; MK-425C, $189.95.
For more, visit www.m-audio.com.
