The Akai SynthStation is a synthesizer sporting 49 keys and can be controlled by any iOS App that supports CoreMidi. The iPad is docked in an adjustable cradle and includes a 1/4″ headphone jack.
The Akai SynthStation Specs
-Portable, velocity-sensitive keyboard with pitch and modulation wheels.
-Nine velocity-sensitive MPC-style drum pads which light when triggered.
-Dedicated transport control buttons including Play, Pause and Record.
-Play MIDI keyboard and drum pad performances into an iPad via CoreMIDI or AkaiConnect apps.
-Built-in, adjustable dock charges your iPad while positioning the screen at the perfect angle.
-USB port for connecting to a Mac or PC, receiving power and controlling MIDI music software.
-Professional ¼” stereo outputs with volume control to connect.
mixers, speakers and recording equipment.
-Headphone output to practice and compose in private.
The Akai SynthStation does away with a lot of the internal Hardare and relies on an iOS App to generate sounds. Essentially, this is an iPad dock with a keyboard attached but any App that utilizes Core MIDI unlocks the SynthStation’s potential while cutting down the price.
Apple enabled MIDI support in iOS 4.2 which allows MIDI commands to be sent over USB using the camera connection kit (iPad only) or Wifi.
I’m not a musician but the newest iOS Apps or accessories that turn an iPad into a professional music creator simply amaze me.
Engadget has a hands on with the keyboard at NAMM
