AREA 61 Expandable MIDI Controller Keyboard

TerraTec Producer's Expandable Controller Keyboard AREA 61 will be available in spring this year. Based on an unprecedented design, the AREA 61 is an expandable keyboard system for studio and live musicians. It is a genuine musical instrument with freely selectable, integrated sound generators (f.e. KOMPLEXER DSP soundboard) that may also serve as a central control unit for all software sequencers and virtual instruments in computer based music studios. Offering professional grade features and leading edge technology, the AREA 61 is the first keyboard to come with an integrated USB 2.0 high speed audio and MIDI interface.

Features such as an advanced low latency architecture, 24-bit/96kHz resolution and discrete headphone power amps ensure high fidelity and assertive sound in the studio and on stage. Another hallmark feature is the Ploytec FMC® audio algorithm, which debuts with the AREA 61. All of this comes in a stylish yet robust aluminum chassis that predestines the AREA 61 for using it on stage as well as in the studio.

Everything under control

The instrument's 61 velocity sensitive, half-weighted keys feature two impressive aftertouch zones. Two pressure sensors offer various touch control options for the left and the right hand. For example, the keyboardist may play a left hand chord and control the volume level by varying aftertouch pressure, while playing a right hand lead line using a different sound and aftertouch to control a filter. A three color LED chain with 15 segments surrounds each of the 10 programmable rotary encoders. Every encoder comprises not only the control dial, but also a push button that triggers various events.

The AREA 61 editor software can run as a VSTi plugin to be fully integrated to your host application. Two rubberized control wheels and seven buttons serving menu control and navigation purposes are easy to reprogram using the included control software, so players can conveniently remote control a sequencer.

USB 2.0 audio and MIDI system

AREA 61 comes with a built in high quality 24-bit/ 96 kHz audio system. USB 2.0 high speed enabled, it features an analog stereo input/output. A discrete amplifier powers the separately adjustable headphones, delivering plenty of punch for auditioning sounds. The two MIDI ports are on board for internal communication; they also accept external sound generators and MIDI input devices. Thru configures as a separate USB MIDI output to provide a USB MIDI I/O interface alongside the standard keyboard MIDI output. A standard TerraTec Producer practice, ASIO and CoreAudio drivers are part of the package to defeat latency.

New sound generation options

In addition, keyboardists have access to the integrated KOMPLEXER DSP sound modules for use as a classic synthesizer, that is, also without a computer. To this end, TerraTec Producer now offers the KOMPLEXER VST, a synthesizer that runs as a VSTi plug-in and as a standalone DSP application. Comprising a real synthesizer based on the Waldorf