I have a feeling that the M-Audio Midair system was announced at NAMM, but I completely missed it. It's a range of wireless MIDI keyboards. First up is a totally pimped-out keytar controller in a range of animal-print finishes an old Oxygen8 25-key keyboard with some knobs and a wireless connection. It seems to use the same 2.4ghz technology as the wireless keyboard I'm typing this on, but claims a 30 foot range. I'm sure it's fine for studio use. The idea, in what I suspect is a slightly more gig-ready form, was pioneered by the British company Kenton. Their Midistream system uses UHF radio: "Simply put, we found the UHF band to be superior. We started out by developing both systems, but abandoned the Bluetooth system due to its high latency and other performance problems." I think that Justin from The Darkness uses a Midistream with his keytar (Here is a clip of Justin Darkness flying around a gig in a giant pair of breasts)
ANYWAY. If you came to this post expecting some entertaining Keytar action, then you've probably already seen Belinda Bedekovic. But have you seen Daisuke Asakura? Or Sonata Arctica? Or Weird yuppy dude? Or Imogen Heap? Or Mute Math?
(via DigitalProSound)