Best of Musikmesse 2014, Alternative Guide [Video]

We've already covered the major Musikmesse 2014 announcements from the likes of Roland, Novation, Akai, M-Audio, Bitwig, Arturia, etc. So, we've decided to show you the best of the rest at Musikmesse. 

Here's to the innovative developers and companies that help push concepts and ideas to the next level.

This is our top 5 in alphabetical order (each with its own video demo!)

1 - AlphaSphere

While not new, every time we see this innovative MIDI controller/instrument we like it more and more! Featuring 48 tactile pressure and velocity sensitive pads, the AlphaSphere eilte has to be played to be understood. 

http://www.alphasphere.com/

2 - Crystall Ball by NaoNext

It's spherical, it's got distance sensors and buttons, it can be used with Ableton Live (and other DAWs)... And maybe it's a quick peek into the future of controllers. You decide! Currently distributed in France, we're hoping distributors at Musikmesse have picked this one up for worldwide release...

http://www.crystall-ball.com

3 - dualo du-touch

Is it a controller? Is it a synthesizer? Is it a sequencer? Dualo showed us on the Messe floor that it is all three! Designed by a team of musicians and engineers, du-touch has been created for home studio and live performance use. Its keyboard is very visual, intuitively designed and relates to harmonic theory.

There's lots more about it, which the good people at dualo explained to us (but we hadn't recorded!) so do visit their website to find out more (after watching it in action in the video below).

http://en.dualo.org

4 - IK Multimedia iRing

It's amazing to see the number of variations on gesture-based music control coming out from a number of different companies. IK Multimedia have put a different spin on the idea with iRing which interfaces with your iPad's camera and their app. IK plan on releasing the API for third-party support, which means you'll likely see an iRing being used with other music making apps too.

http://www.ikmultimedia.com

5 - Modartt PianoTeq 5

PianoTeq 4 got a glowing review here on AskAudioMag.com, and for good reason. We're not talking large sample library here... We're talking intelligent physical modeling algorithms. That means PianoTeq won't take up tons of room on your hard drive.

We caught up with Niclas Fogwall from Modartt who took us through the latest BETA version of PianoTeq 5. Interested in pianos? Then watch this!

https://www.pianoteq.com