Arturia SparkLE Hardware Controller and Software Drum Machine

SparkLE is a hybrid instrument from Arturia that combines the sounds, work flow and creative tools of the Spark Engine software with a hardware controller. It takes the best elements from a wide variety of vintage analog drum machines, sample based beat boxes and physical modeling, and delivers a modern beat station with synthesis and expressive control.

The package integrates classic "TR“-style step sequencing with real-time beat making. Sixteen sequencer buttons allow for quick sequencing while acting as a visual reference. Patterns can have up to sixty-four steps. Or rhythms can be recorded in real-time using the two banks of eight velocity and pressure sensitive backlit pads, either quantized or free form.

The touch-sensitive XY Pad offers real-time performance effects for transforming beats. A global filter allows for processing an entire mix through an 8-mode filter. The Slicer provides beat slicing, reverse playback, deep Tape drop effects, Strobe, beat sync pans, bit crushers, and more. An advanced Looper acts on the pattern position itself, and allows repeating sections of a pattern at the press of a button.

Three assignable encoders work with the currently selected sound, controlling functions like pitch, instrument filter cutoff and resonance, insert effect parameters, as well as the other synthesis parameters in each engine. The divide and move functions allow for setting the size and position of the loop within a pattern, and shifting these in real-time helps create new and interesting beats.

The software mixer provides a familiar interface for controlling the level, pan, insert effects and sends of instruments. Each of these parameters can be automated in the software or controlled via the assignable encoders on the controller. Each track of the step sequencer has fifteen parameters per instrument that can be automated plus full automation of all the insert effects parameters for that instrument. Fourteen digital effects provide further sonic manipulation.

It is a simple matter to organize all the newly created patterns into a song. The song mode allows for chaining patterns in any order. Simply enter song mode, and drag and drop the patterns required, one by one. For further editing, the usual copy, paste, insert, and delete functions allow more detailed sculpting.

• Two banks of eight pads, backlit and velocity and pressure sensitive
• Real-time programming from the pads
• User assignable encoders
• Touch-sensitive FX pad
• Mode selector - Bank, Pattern, Seq, Tune
• Looper Divide/Move function
• Classic "TR style" programming
• MIDI mode for use as a controller with any software
• Small, portable, solid construction
• USB input
• Bus powered, class compliant
• Kensington Lock
• Protective travel sleeve

• Full-featured Spark software
• Three synthesis engines - virtual analog, physical modeling, sample playback
• Library of over 1,500 instruments and over 100 kits expandable with Arturia add-ons
• FX Pad with 8-mode filter, tape, reverse, strobe, bit crusher, pan, mix, roller and latch mode
• Advanced Loop mode with divide and move functions
• Sixteen-track mixer
• Fourteen effects including multi-band compressor, reverb, sub generator, destroyer, bit crusher, multi-band EQ, chorus, delay, distortion, phaser, plate reverb, flanger, space pan and limiter
• Import REX and Standard MIDI files
• Export of patterns via drag and drop
• Export Standard MIDI files or render audio as WAV files of individual patterns
• Export full project files to share with other SparkLE users
• MIDI Control Center software for remapping all buttons, knobs and pads
• Templates for using SparkLE as a controller for Ableton Live and Reason
• Sixteen assignable outputs within the host software
• Functions standalone or as an Audio Units, RTAS or VST plug-in

• Roland TR-808
• Roland TR-909
• Roland TR-707
• Roland TR-606
• EMU Drumulator
• LinnDrum
• Oberheim DMX
• Korg KPR 77
• Sequential Circuits Drumtraks
• Simmons SDS-V
• Roland CR78/Acetone Rhythm Ace
• Korg DDM-110
• Korg DDM-220
• Yamaha RX5
• Casio RZ1
• Linn 9000

Specifications
Physical controls

Assignable controls:
• 8 Encoders (Infinite Rotation) with touch-sensitivity and 11 segment Led rings
• 8 Pots (270 Rotation) with touch-sensitivity
• 8 Sliders with touch-sensitivity
• 32 Buttons with integrated LEDs (37 in MIDI mode]
• 8 soft feel Trigger pads
• Xpression Pad (as on existing SL)
• Xpression Stick (as on existing SL)
• Touch sensitive Speed Dial (as on Nocturn)

System buttons:
• General Automap Operation Buttons (Learn, View, Browser Groups etc.)
• Octave up/down buttons with LED indicator

The central system buttons from the SL have been simplified; there is now:
• 1 Automap button with LED to toggle Automap mode on and off (this replaces the PLAY button) – this way, manual MIDI mode is separate from Automap mode and can be avoided completely if preferred
• Template and Edit modes have been combined into one edit mode, for editing both individual controls and overall settings within one Template

Connectivity

Rear Panel connections are as follows:
• Data Port: 1 x USB (Win XP/Vista and Mac OSX – Not Class Compliant
• MIDI: MIDI ONE: IN, OUT and Thru, MIDI TWO: OUT
• Sustain Pedal: 1 x 1/4 Jack Input
• Expression pedal: 1 x 1/4 Jack Input
• Power switch: Ext DC/USB

Minimum Operational Requirements:

Mac OSX 10.4.0 or greater (Leopard and Snow Leopard (32-bit kernel only) also supported) or Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or greater (Vista 32/64 and Windows 7 32/64 also supported)

Minimum Computer spec:
Mac - G4/1GHz, both with 256MB RAM or PC -
Pentium 3/1GHz/256MB RAM (machines running Vista will require a higher spec)

Dimensions
Size (25 key): W=468mm, H=68mm, D=293mm
Size (49 key): W=803mm, H=68mm, D=293mm
Size (61 key): W=965mm, H=68mm, D=293mm

Weights
25SL net weight : 3.3kg /unit

The Alesis V61 is a powerful, intuitive MIDI controller that lets you take command of your music software with a series of pads, knobs, and buttons. With 61 full-size velocity-sensitive keys and Octave Up/Down buttons, you can expand the keyboard to the full melodic range and play bass lines, chords, and melodies. V61 also features four assignable knobs and buttons for manipulating effect plugins and virtual instruments: open and close filters, adjust volume levels, activate effects, tweak parameters, and more. Eight velocity-sensitive backlit pads allow you to launch clips or finger drum with exceptional response, and pitch and modulation wheels expand the expressive capabilities of your performing.

V61 was designed to seamlessly and effortlessly integrate with your music software. A single USB connection to your Mac or PC provides both power and MIDI functionality, allowing you to plug right into your computer and start making music. All the knobs, buttons, and pads illuminate to provide real-time visual feedback and are laid out for an intuitive workflow. Plus, V61's compact design makes it easy to take this powerful MIDI controller on the road or implement it into any sized studio.

Number of Keys     49
Pads/Triggers     8 velocity-sensitive trigger pads
Type of Action     Velocity-Sensitive
Controller Types     8 knobs, 9 sliders, 9 buttons
USB     Yes
Other Features     1.5 GHz Pentium 4 or Celeron compatible CPU or faster (multicore CPU recommended)
1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended)
Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP
Windows compatible sound card (ASIO driver support recommended)
QuickTime recommended
Available USB Port

Minimum System Requirements (Mac)
1.25 GHz G4/G5 or faster (Intel Mac recommended)
1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended)
Mac OS X 10.4.11 (10.5 or later recommended)
Available USB Port
Weight     6.39 lbs.
Dimensions     9.56 x 32.04 x 3.76 inches (WxHxD)
Series     Oxygen
Model     49 MK4