Sonata Corporation Introduces Sonata-Pro
Performance Tool for music teachers, students, song writers and musicians. December 14, 1996
Sonata Corporation today announced Sonata-Pro,
a new interactive MIDI device capable of simulating a multitude of musical
practice scenarios designed to support music educators, students and performers
in practice situations. Available January 31, 1997, the Sonata-Pro employs
the General MIDI standard and plays back pre-recorded music files, requiring
access only to a stereo, boom box speakers or similar playback device. No
computer is required. The MIDI standard is employed by well-known publishers
such as Alfred's throughout the US. Sonata-Pro offers enhanced 16-bit sampled
sounds with 32 voices simultaneously. Additionally, with Sonata-Pro a musician
or teacher can create their own arrangements using 128 different instruments.
With Sonata-Pro, musicians at all competency levels can reduce the monotony
of drills and eliminate the frustration of isolated practices, where musicians
interpret music without benefit of hearing the intended results, or enjoying
the camaraderie of group rehearsals.
Versatility is the key to using the Sonata-Pro, according to Sonata's
President Charles Nagel. A music instructor can use the Sonata-Pro to
record a piece for this student orchestra group to practice. Music students
can take home floppy disks and select the instrument they wish to hear,
the tempo at which the piece is played, the section which is played, or
even the key in which the piece plays.
The created file, which can support enhanced 16-bit sampled sounds with
the possibility of 32 voices simultaneously, allows musicians of all levels
several key advantages. The player can slow down performances of the pre-recorded
piece, change the key, repeat desired sections or even mute unwanted instruments
or channels. In addition, arrangements can be created using the 128 instruments
available to the instructor or musician.
Compatible in both PC and Macintosh environments the Sonata-Pro can
play over 20,000 pieces of existing music from classical to pop to funk,
all of which are MIDI sequences and available in music stores around the
US. My rehearsal and practice experiences as a professional musician inspired
me to create Sonata-Pro. I am confident that it can help thousands of
musicians and music instructors and their students, said Nagel.
Sonata Corporation designs and manufactures leading edge MIDI products
The company is committed to designing the highest performance, quality
products for the most reasonable price.
Product Specifications
- GM compliant
- 128 different instruments
- Mac and PC-floppy compatible
- Enhanced 16-bit sampled sound
- 32 voices simultaneously
- 2 inputs for instruments, such as guitar and bass
- Audio output connectors with playback through boom box speakers, stereo,
computer speakers or headphones, as well as MIDI support
- User friendly
- Retail Price $499.00
For more information you may call Sonata at 512-894-3170. |