Generalmusic Launches Powerful WK2 Oriental
Keyboard
July 23, 1999
The WK2 Oriental is the newest and most impressive addition to Generalmusic's
range of keyboards dedicated to the music of the Mediterranean and MiddleEast.
In addition to offering all the sophisticated technical features of Generalmusic's
WK2 Arranger keyboard, the new WK2 Oriental offers a vast array of traditional
sounds and rhythms inspired by the fascinating world of Arabic, Greek
and Turkish music, created in collaboration with leading musicians from
those regions.
The WK2 Oriental features 61 keys with MIDI aftertouch, 32-note polyphony
and 16-part multitimbrality. An internal sound library of 460 high quality
sounds (including 16 Oriental sounds) and 17 drum kits (including one
Arabic drum kit) is available for all different types of music. The keyboard
may be programmed to feature a split, and three sounds may be layered
together to create rich and complex sound textures. It is also equipped
with two digital processors offering 22 reverbs and 22 modulation effects,
with controls for the main level plus separate send levels for each track.
The keyboard's internal stereo 15W + 15W amplifier and four on-board
speakers faithfully reproduce the entire timbral range of this advanced
instrument. A large backlit display offers a clear view of all the operating
status and functions. The dynamic keyboard and programmable pitch bend
wheel capture every nuance of a musician's playing technique. Volume and
sustain are controlled by dedicated optional pedals.
A number of unique functions provide keyboard players with unlimited
freedom of expression. A special section containing 12 buttons allows
musicians to select and play scales with microtuned notes as required
by Oriental music. This Arabic Scale section provides four presets, and
it is also possible to memorize up to four of your own Arabic scale settings.
The WK2 Oriental contains 96 styles (including 32 Arabic, four Greek
and four Turkish styles), each consisting of five tracks (Drums, Bass,
Acc1/2/3 with four overall variations. Ten different Performances are
assigned to every one of the 96 internal styles, allowing users to completely
reconfigure the settings of their styles (sounds, volumes, effects sends,
etc.) at the touch of a single button. Eight different types of Harmony
are also available.
The WK2's controls are logically laid out and easy to use. In addition
to the two numeric keypads used to recall any sound or style, there is
also a series of dedicated buttons for directly selecting 16 of the most
commonly used Oriental sounds and styles. Users can even memorize their
favorite configurations of sounds, effects, controls, MIDI channels, track
status, styles, etc. in any of the 63 General Performances and instantly
recall the entire setup when needed.
The WK2 Oriental is equipped with a practical sequencer (SMF compatible)
which allows musicians to compose and record up to seven Song Styles instantly,
using any of the on-board styles.
A video out (RGB - S/VHS - PAL/NTSC) enables the WK2 Oriental to project
song scores and lyrics in Karaoke format on a monitor or other video device
equipped with a Video In connector.
With an optional Audio Interface, a vocalist can patch in a microphone
and add up to four vocal harmony parts, digital effects and equalization
to his or her voice in real time. The harmonies can follow the chords
being played on the keyboard or can be triggered from special harmony
tracks found in some commercial MIDI files. The Audio Interface also enables
the keyboard to sample sounds from external sources.
Rear-panel connections on the WK2 Oriental include stereo out, computer
host, two headphones, video out, volume pedal, damper pedal, programmable
pedal and three MIDI ports. The stereo output allows the WK2 Oriental
to be amplified through any external system. MIDI In, Out and Thru enable
the keyboard to be connected with any other MIDI instrument.
The WK2 Oriental is also available in "WK2 Oriental Hard Disk"
version, equipped with a large internal hard disk, ideal for quickly saving
and recalling vast amounts of data.
For more information,
contact Generalmusic at www.generalmusic.com. | 
