Native Instruments Xpress Keyboards Soft Synth (Macintosh and Windows)

No longer available at zZounds
Includes the Xpress versions of the B4, PRO-53, and FM7.

With Xpress Keyboards Native Instruments has realized three software music instruments that combine an outstanding sound with incredible ease-of-use. The bundle includes the Xpress versions of the B4, PRO-53, and FM7, making it the perfect option for instrumentalists who see themselves first and foremost as musicians and who want to get straight to making music.

The Xpress Keyboards generate the sounds of three legendary classics, which to this day have not lost an ounce of their popularity. Each instrument represents a milestone in music history: B4 Xpress produces the sound of the legendary B3 drawbar organ including rotary speaker. PRO-53 Xpress generates the sound of the beloved Prophet-5TM analog synth. FM7 Xpress delivers the modern and digital sound of the famous FM synths of the 1980s.

The three Xpress Keyboards are designed for maximum playability and deliver the most popular sounds of their predecessors. Altogether 160 outstanding sounding presets cover an enormous spectrum of sounds, from fat basses to lead and pad sounds, from organ sounds to keyboard tones. In addition the presets can be changed through selected sound parameters - depending on the preset - letting you customize the sound, easy and intuitive.

One of the most important factors when making music is finding a completely convincing and inspiring sound. In this department Xpress Keyboards set new standards: these brilliant instruments inherit their sound engines from the full versions of B4 Organ, read more FM7, and PRO-53, instruments known for their perfect sound quality. Professional sound is guaranteed.

Since all three instruments can run standalone and as a plug-in, Xpress Keyboards are equally suited for playing live at home, on stage, and for composing songs in a sequencer.

Features

Three instruments providing the sounds of three legendary vintage keyboards

Intuitive control surface and uncomplicated handling

Based on the high-end audio engines of B4 Organ, FM7, and PRO-53 for incredibly authentic sound

Playable in real time - live on stage, at home, in the studio

Dozens of professional sounds - ready to play

Excellent selection of altogether 160 presets for almost all sound categories

Individual control for selected parameters, allowing for dozens of sound variations

"Total Recall" saves altered sounds with the song in the sequencer

Instruments can be opened multiple times in the sequencer

High number of voices (polyphony) available on a standard computer
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Interfaces
Mac OS X:
VST®
Audio Units
Core Audio
Core MIDI

Windows:
VST®
ASIO
Direct Sound

System Requirements

Minimum: Mac OS 10.2.6 or higher, G4 500 MHz, 512 MB RAM
Recommended: Mac OS 10.2.6 or higher, G4 733 MHz, 768 MB RAM

Minimum: Windows XP, Pentium III/ Athlon 500 MHz, 256 MB RAM
Recommended: Windows XP, Pentium III/ Athlon 700 MHz, 512 MB RAM

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 866-556-6487 or 323-467-2693

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (7 ratings)
Submitted November 15, 2005 by a customer from cinci.rr.com

"A gift horse from NI"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
There will always be a place for these in the mix, even if its just as bass, pads and backing.
Sound
Top quality sound, especially considering the very small CPU usage
Features
I like the minimalist concept; however, including a few more of the primary adjustmests would have been best. For example, the LFO speed and depth
Quality
It looks good, it sounds good, its efficient, and it includes the most well rounded set of presets of any VSTI that Ive experienced. The presets cover a broad spectrum; basically everything that the full synth can do well. Each preset can be tweaked and resaved as a new patch.
Value
These are the best bargains in the softsynth market.
Manufacturer Support
Ive had two dealings with NI customer support. Both were very quick and exceeded my expectations.
The Wow Factor
The GUI is very professional looking. More importantly, the whole instrument is geared toward efficiency, including the preset selection tool.

Musical Background:

hobbyist

Musical Style:

Techno
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