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September 13th, 2007, 18:16 GMT · By

Xynergi, By Far the World's Most Expensive Keyboard - Watch the Demo!

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The Xynergy Media Production Centre
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Keyboards are the most popular input devices around but, in general, regardless of just how many features they provide, they don't go above the 1,000 US dollars threshold. However, that's not at all the case with the device you're about to see as follows, namely the Xynergi, presented by the Australian company Fairlight, a product that delivers a lot more features than a normal keyboard, but at an absolutely huge price tag.

Thus, the Xynergi is capable of organizing and delivering
a suite of all the media processing tools needed for high end audio for video production in all widely used surround formats. Xynergi is based around a completely new concept in tactile control processing power of Fairlight's CC-1 digital media engine.

The Xynergi controller features a very innovative implementation of self labeling key switches, which are able to display full colour images, icons or text to provide intelligent control over the entire recording, editing and mixing process (in this aspect, it kind of reminds us of yet another uber-expensive keyboard, the Optimus Maximus). Moreover, the device supports any type of language or icon driven menu structure with an 'on-demand' QWERTY keyboard for routine naming tasks and immediate access to MS Office tools, such as email, Word and Excel.

Another interesting feature of the Xynergi is the fact that it features eight touch sensitive rotary controllers and multiple soft keys arranged around a color control zone known as the "pad". These can be used to support Xynergi's sophisticated mix automation system as well as precise control over extensive signal processing facilities which include multi-band EQs, three stage dynamics, multi dimensional panning and auxiliary sends.

Nevertheless, according to the company's statement, what really makes the Xynergi so special is the device's ability to determine automatically the mode the operator is in, presenting just the functions relevant to the desired mode whilst hiding those that aren't, thus resulting is less keystrokes, more control and greater productivity.

"The Xynergi Media Production Centre brings together the most powerful, versatile and scalable media production system in the world today" announced John Lancken, Chief Executive Officer, Fairlight. "This revolutionary new control interface literally puts multi-dimensional tactile control at the fingertips of the creative community. When combined with the CC-1 engine, Xynergi dramatically increases the creative firepower that engineers, artists and producers have to work with."

As mentioned right from the start of this article, this controller (because calling it a keyboard would be a rude understatement) will be available starting at around 20,000 Euro (that's over 27,000 US dollars), which places it among the most expensive input devices ever developed (if not THE most expensive).

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READER COMMENTS:


Comment #1 by: Fairlight on 14 Sep 2007, 04:00 UTC reply to this comment

Hello Alex,

It’s fantastic that Xynergi has created so much interest – thank you for your post! It’s great that everybody has an opinion ! What we need now is clarity. Allow me to add some facts: Xynergi is not a $28K keyboard!! - Xynergi is the controller element of a completely integrated system that gives you the tools to build and deliver media projects from start to finish within a total tape less workflow.

The system is known as the Xynergi Media Production Centre (MPC) and includes the Xynergi Controller, CC-1 hardware acceleration card, SX-20 sync and audio I/O unit, software toolkit providing disk recorder, editor, multi-format mixer, monitoring system, video, plug-in manager, re-wire host, file handling and fader sidecar as an option. The strength of the product lies in its integration and how the controller leverages the power of the software tools and the CC-1 card – that’s what differentiates it from others. To discover ‘how it’s different’ and ‘why it’s better’ follow this link http://www.fairlightau.com/default_content.html and click the Xynergi picture.

So – how much is it? Read the description then look at the price.

The entry level Xynergi MPC-96 system includes: Xynergi controller, CC-1 card with 96 (expandable to 230) channels into the mix each with 8 bands of EQ and 3 stages of dynamics (no plug-ins required! – no latency either), 96 (expandable to 192) track disk recorder and editor, integrated video (SD or HD with capture), 32 (expandable to 72) mix busses, automation, full monitoring matrix, audio bridge to VST plug-ins, re-wire host, extensive file format support, SX20 sync unit with 20 audio I/Os (analogue and digital) including mic amps. Also, optional fader side car. Oh, and by the way it’s designed and built by Fairlight.. and sounds like a Fairlight.

By the way ... The price for the entire system is USD $21K

…still think it’s just a ‘keyboard’!?

All the best!!

Fairlight

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