Canadian Musician - November/December 2017 | Page 70

HOT GEAR Pioneer DJ DDJ-XP1 Add-On Controller Pioneer DJ has launched the DDJ-XP1, an add-on controller with 32 performance pads that is designed to get the most out of Rekordbox DJ and Rekordbox DVS. Along with the new hardware, Pioneer DJ also released version 5.0 of its Rekordbox music man- agement and DJ performance app. The layout is divided into an upper section controlling key and beat sync status, while the lower section triggers the 32 performance pads. Effects are controlled by touching the Slide FX strips. The DDJ-XP1 has 16 pads for each Rekordbox DJ deck, which are fully assignable via the Pad Editor in Rekordbox 5.0. The keyboard lets users improvise with sounds and create musical phrases similar to synths or other instruments. The key shift func- tion allows users to automatically change the key of their next track to match the master deck and shift keys up or down to mix any combination of tracks in harmony. For more information, contact SFM: 514-780-2070, FAX [phone], [email protected], www.sfm.ca. Kurzweil SP6 Stage Piano Kurzweil has released the SP6 stage piano. This portable, 27.25-lb. digital piano is designed for performing and studio musicians and features a new Lena processor, FlashPlay technology, 128-voice polyphony, and DSP. The SP6’s 88 keys offer the fully-weighted, hammer-action feel of an acoustic grand with high-definition piano sounds enhanced by K.S.R. (Kurzweil String Resonance) technology. Its KB3 ToneReal Organs emulate classic Hammond, Vox, and Farfisa models with real-time performance controls. The SP6 features 256 factory programs in 10 instrument categories, with space for 1,024 user programs. Users can create split and layered configurations with up to four zones in multi-mode. An intuitive user interface offers customizable access to the SP6’s 2 GB of sounds, 20 MIDI controllers, up to four arpeggiators, and 32 simultaneous FX units. For more information, contact Efkay Music Instruments: 514- 633-8877, FAX [phone], [email protected], www.efkaymusic.com. Gibson 2018 Hummingbird Guitar Gibson has introduced the 2018 Hummingbird electro-acoustic flat-top guitar. The latest Hummingbird model features a sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides, a vintage cherry sunburst finish, and distinctive hummingbird-adorned pickguard. The 24.75-in. mahogany neck features a rosewood fingerboard with a 12-in. radius and 20 frets. Electronics include LR Baggs Element VTC pickups and volume and tone controls. The nickel- finished hardware includes Grover Rotomatic tuning machines and an undersaddle transducer with a two-band preamp EQ. For more information, contact Yorkville Sound: 905-837-8777, FAX [phone], [email protected], www.yorkville.com. 70 • C A N A D I A N M U S I C I A N