New Technics Keyboards
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| SX-KN1400 |
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| SX-KN1600 |
July 10, 1998The new Technics electronic keyboards help professional and amateur musicians turn up the heat with cool pre-recorded, and original, sounds and rhythms
The new SX-KN1600 and SX-KN1400 use the advanced "D5V mk11" processor to deliver high quality, Dynamic PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) sounds as they were meant to be heard when they were originally sampled. Preset sounds encompass keyboard, string, wind, brass and percussion instruments, with multiple variations of many. The SX-KN1600 has a total of 384 sounds; the SX-KN1400 features 375 prerecorded sounds. Both have 13 drum kits for accenting dramatic points in the music. For unprecedented freedom in composition, both keyboards are outfitted with a Time Variant Filter. With 64-note polyphony, the keyboards are ideal for even the most complex arrangements.
These keyboards make operation simple, too, keeping the musician informed in real time of all instrument settings. A large, easy-to-read, backlit LCD display on the SX-KN1600 and SX-KN1400 shows instrument groups, sound parameters -- and drawbars on the SX-KN1600 -- and provides visual confirmation of the operating features. Graphic icons make the display easy to understand. There's even a Chord Finder feature that provides a visual representation of the chords being played, including chord inversions. The LCD display on the SX-KN1600 shows graphic representations and includes a Tempo/Program dial for quick, easy input of your own data.
The keyboards also incorporate a convenient Help function, covering the most frequently used features. Available in English, Spanish, French and German, the Help function makes operation easy for beginners and serves as a handy reminder for more accomplished players.
Dynamic performances are assured with a new "performance pad" function. Users can spontaneously summon a variety of sound effects, such as applause or timpani rolls, to enhance their compositions. There's also a solo feature which provides a musical interlude of up to 16 bars of chords and melody in major or minor modes.
There will always be a background rhythm to match the music being played--the keyboard offers 128 of them, with four variations of each. Included in these patterns are the new "Party Time" rhythms, ethnic rhythms in the "World" category and more traditional backdrops like Ragtime and Bluegrass. Additionally, intros, endings and fill-in variations can give any tune a professional polish.
For more exotic compositions, there's adjustable key scaling. This unusual feature lets musicians alter the keyboard tuning in 12 steps, ranging from Arabic to Kimberger, for ethnic compositions such as Asian and Middle Eastern music.
The Time Variant Filter opens up a world of possibilities for the performer who wants to experiment. This filter lets users alter in real time the parameters of any sound to suit personal taste. This means a once-familiar instrument sound will take on new characteristics-from subtle to extreme--adding a flavorful twist to a performance.
There are other ways to vary the sound characteristics. A new "Acoustic Illusion" feature gives the impression of being engulfed in the orchestra pit. The many DSP effects, such as Phasing and Flanging, provide even greater textural variety.
The SX-KN1600 and SX-KN1400 foster both novice and accomplished performers with a wide variety of useful features. The Composer feature lets users create their own accompaniment patterns up to three different works of up to 10,000 notes each. Additionally, a 16-track, 30,000-note sequencer will meet the needs of most songwriters.
Other exciting features include a dramatic fade in/fade out feature which is graphically displayed. There's also Sound Arranger, which automatically sets up orchestrations based on the rhythm in use; Tap Tempo, which lets players vary the tempo by touching a button twice or more; and Easy Sound Edit, which lets users adjust eight major parameters on-screen.
These keyboards boast a new, curved design that's both sleek and elegant. The units' 61-key, Initial Touch keyboard will immediately feel comfortable to most users. As on an acoustic piano, the volume of the sound heard is proportional to how hard the keys are pressed. The sound is faithfully reproduced with a four speaker system, plus two bass reflex ports for enthusiastic low notes.
A built-in, 3.5 inch floppy disk drive lets users easily store finished and in-progress compositions, as well as original sounds and all programmable features. And, although fully MIDI compatible, both models use a standard PC terminal for connection to a computer without the need for MIDI cables.
Live stage performances are also facilitated by these new keyboards. With direct play of SMF (formats 0/1) data, and compatibility with GM, SMF music data, and the formats of major computer manufacturers, software choice is virtually unlimited.
SX-KN1600
The step-up SX-KN1600 can also sound like the grandest pipe organ. Digital drawbars allow users to create a multitude of organ sound combinations for any musical genre. Music Stylist offers hundreds of registration settings: just select a style, such as Hip Hop, Jazz, Funk, Rock, Latin or Ballads, and the ideal professional setting will be chosen for you automatically. The keyboard also features Style Converter, which allows styles created for other keyboard brands to be imported and used on the SXKN1600. The SX-KN1600 features a separate tweeter unit for clear reproduction of those higher tones. This model also features a microphone input jack for karaoke applications, and lyrics and can even be displayed on the LCD with appropriate software.
The SX-KN1600 and SX-KN1400 will be available at Technics Musical Instrument dealer locations nationwide in August, 1998. See Technics products on Panasonic's website at http://www.panasonic.com. | 
