NAMM 2026: Viscount has announced the Legend 70s MKII stage keyboard and two new modules: the FM Synth and Piano module with 2GB memory.
Stage keyboards usually have a fixed set of instruments and sounds. Fresh concepts are rare. The Arturia Astrolab, for example, with its massive synthesis engine, probably has the most comprehensive engine. A modular option is also available.
At NAMM 2026, the Italian company Viscount is showcasing the Legend 70s MKII, the second generation of their modular stage keyboard. Modular in the sense that it has interchangeable sound modules.
Viscount Legend 70s MKII
This is the new Legend 70s MKII. Like its predecessor, the Viscount 70s MKII is a modular stage keyboard, with the sound engines able to be flexibly exchanged.
Visually, the new version looks significantly more beautiful and elegant. According to the developer, it features premium wood construction and new aluminum knobs. There will be two versions.
The Compact model features the FATAR TP/110 keybed, while the Artist-W model offers an updated keybed with wood keys. At present, Viscount has shared very few details about the MKII version.
It will also feature a new dual-core DSP with an updated engine that has less noise and a new EPROM with more space for more programs. The two new modules, which will also be presented at NAMM 2026, are exciting.
FM Synth Module
The new FM module turns the Viscount Legend 70s into a bi-timbral 32-voice (16 + 16) stereo FM Synthesizer. It features six operators and can be arranged in classic algorithms. You can even import DX/TX sounds from the numerous available libraries.
The operators have LFO and pitch envelopes exactly as in the historical formulation of FM synthesis. If you prefer to craft your sounds, you can also use the free editor that ships with the new FM synth module.
Sounds can be saved in the module. It ships with 8 cartridges, each with 32 programs, for a total of 256 available sounds. It has eight internal banks, six for factory sounds and two for user sounds.
The FM Synth module offers hands-on control over volume, sound selection, and three panel parameters across three layers, for a total of nine. You can assign to the stereo width, filter cutoff, resonance, port time, PB range, key velocity, and more.
A pretty impressive DSP engine for the Viscount Legend 70s MKI and MKII.
Piano Module
The second new DSP core is the Piano module that features two completely redesigned acoustic piano sample sets. It offers twice the memory of its predecessor with 2GB.
According to Viscount, all piano models have been revised and, thanks to the dual DSP, now offer expanded sonic possibilities in the Legend 70s MKII. Further, the new Piano module is also backward compatible with the Legend 70s MKI.
It offers hands-on control over the piano model selection, volume, dynamics, and brilliance.
Viscount Legend 70s MKII First Impression
A lovely looking successor to the Legend 70s MKI. The FM Synth DSP core is particularly exciting, as it gives you a 32-voice bi-timbral FM synth voice.
Availability and price of the new Viscount Legend 70s MKII and the new FM Synth and Piano DSP modules are TBA.
More information here: Viscount
Wow that first one looked really nice and this one even nicer. What a nice design