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SonicLAB Review: Akai MAX 49 Controller With CV/Gate

Pads, faders, Mackie Control and more


First thing you notice when you get it out of the box, apart from it's REDNESS, is the weight - it feels like it's well built, the MAX49 controller keyboard from Akai Professional is also quite different. As well as the 49 key synth action keyboard with aftertouch and the 12 MPC-type pads, it has 8 touch faders - with backlit LED level indicators- a unique and pretty innovative way to work, especially as it has four banks of them.

The synth action keyboard has a reasonable feel to it and it does transmit aftertouch, but cannot be zoned split or layered in any way.
The 12 pads are backlit, with assignable channel, note and pressure per pad - though pressure only routes to aftertouch or poly aftertouch - no CC values per pad.
There are 4 banks for up to 48. These pads also function as Arpeggiator and Sequencer mode switches which is a handy way to configure without using the menu system.

Faders are genius, using backlit touchstrips to show current fader value, making it simple to switch between the four banks of eight and still see where you are. Each fader also has a single assignable, backlit button.

The transport control is purely that, can be Mackie, HUI or MMC protocol. The Mackie and HUI protocols can be assigned to the faders and buttons too, for integration into the standard method of 8 faders at a time, and worked well with bi-directional control - moves in software were reflected on the fader/switch values.
Programs 31 and 32 are fixed as HUI and Mackie modes and have shortcuts from the front panel. these can be edited so you can set buttons to be other functions should you desire. I can't help but think that the pads would have been useful in these modes for additional commands, but they do not currently offer HUI/Mackie commands. However, I have been in touch with the engineers and they are considering it for an update - yay!

Akai Connect
This is a similar plug-in wrapper system to Novation's AutoMap. You select which plug-ins you want to wrap - they are copied and presumably modified in some way to allow the controls to be mapped. They then show up with an [AC] at the end, and when you are running the Connect server, the controls are mapped to the MAX49 faders and buttons - sort of.

In practice, you need to switch to Connect mode (prg 33), then your controls will work with the currently focussed AC plug-in. The software allows you to easily remap and save to suit your setup. Perfect in theory, but I found that in practice it was a little cumbersome to switch between Connect mode, back to Mackie or HUI to control the sequencer, then back etc. I also found some instances of wrapped plug-ins were not all that stable. The other big problem is that currently it's for VST only - no AU or RTAS, which does rule out Logic and Pro Tools users.

Sequence and Arp
All the standard ARP modes are there with an extra pattern mode - up to 16 mutable steps for rhythmic variations. There's also a 4 pattern, 32 step sequencer with note values edited via the touch faders, plus an extra, assignable MIDI controller channel. The sequences are stored with each patch (there are up to 30) and can be triggered or transposed via the keyboard. I did find this a bit hit or miss with some strange, double time note triggering at the start of the pattern before settling down to the transposed values.
Both the ARP and the Sequencer can have the beat division set from between 1/4 to 1/32T against the master tempo for some real-time variations using the beat div mode.

Overall, I was impressed with the build quality, and functions of this keyboard, being able to hook up CV to a synth is a great idea, but the Connect system didn't really do it for me, though for some it will prove useful.

At £309/$399 Street price, it's not the lowest priced controller, but it does have an unusual set of features that will suit some setups perfectly.

More Information
Akaiprofessional.com

Podcast: SONIC TALK 294 - Logic's Next Big Update

MIDI Jitter, Logic updates, synth photos, cat and dummy head


Guests:
Mike Grieg - Music tech lecturer
Gaz Williams - Songsurgeon.co.uk
Mark Tinley - likebeing.com
Dave Spiers - GForce Software

New guest in the form of Mike Grieg - music tech lecturer at Teeside University joins us to discuss MIDI Jitter, rumour s and Logic - what we'd like to see in the next big update, exhibition of giant synth photos and what is the most aesthetically pleasing synthesizer. Then Mark brings out his binaural dummy head and things get stupid.
No cats were harmed during the making of this program.


Audio Recorder For Mac OS X Revamped

SuperMegaUltraGroovy and toastycode announce TapeDeck 1.5


TapeDeck 1.5, the sequel to the audio recorder for Mac OS X, is now available. This new release adds support for high-resolution Retina displays, and improved YouTube uploading with high definition output. Just in time for the holidays, you can purchase TapeDeck 1.5 for a full 75% discount for a limited time.

Chris Liscio, SuperMegaUltraGroovy's founder, told Sonic State, "When TapeDeck first launched in 2008, we worked hard to make an application that took full advantage of Core Animation to deliver a delightful user experience. Now with the new Retina displays, we can continue delivering that experience at an even higher fidelity."

As its predecessor, TapeDeck 1.5 features the cool retro interface reminiscent of an 80's tape recorder. It offers a quick-capture workflow, allowing you to automatically save your recording as soon as you hit STOP. Using the Apple Lossless Audio Codec, TapeDeck captures its High Quality recordings with full fidelity, ensuring that your musical ideas are kept intact when moved to Garage Band or Logic.

"TapeDeck is such a popular application with songwriters, physicians, students, musicians, teachers," says Liscio. "The user base is very diverse,and always growing. This release embraces Apple's newest OS technologies in order to continue delivering its delightful and unique experience to a growing pool of diverse Mac users."

TapeDeck 1.5 requires a Mac running OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion, and also adds support for Apple's Sandboxing security feature while also adopting other new technologies under the hood. In addition, this update includes many performance and stability improvements.

Pricing and Availability:
TapeDeck is available for $4.99 (USD) for a limited time, a 75% discount off its regular price of $19.99. TapeDeck can be purchased directly from the URL listed below or from the Mac App Store. A free trial is available which limits recordings to 5 minutes at low quality.

More information:
http://tapedeckapp.com

World's Most Powerful Keyboard Production Station Updated

Music Computing announces the Gen3 versions of StudioBLADE


Music Computing, the makers of StudioBLADE, described by them as 'The world's most powerful keyboard production station' has announced the Gen3 versions, which they say represents another leap in performance and value.

Victor Wong, CEO, Music Computing, told Sonic State, "With the Gen2 models we proved we can produce the de-facto most powerful keyboard production stations in the world. The new Gen3 model builds upon that to provide unparalleled usability, tailored for today's musician."

Here's more details in Music Computing's own words:

StudioBLADEs (Gen3) are all-in-one music production, which allow users to compose; record, mix, and master songs that are ready for radio or direct Internet distribution.

New for the Gen3 models is the addition of a crystal clear 22" LED multi-touchscreen. Utilizing recent advancements in touch technologies, Music Computing has been able increase the accuracy and lower the latency to its touchscreen products, which can now be used effectively with all music applications and plugins. As a bonus, the touchscreen can be detached to be used as a standalone controller.

For those requiring physical midi controllers in their setup, Music Computing is offering a choice of the Akai MPD26 or the Akai APC20 to be included free of charge with the purchase of a StudioBLADE. In addition, it is also offering upgrade options for most other popular midi controllers at a discounted price.

New SSD option are now available for all models, further increasing the performance of the StudioBLADE models.

StudioBLADEs (Gen3) are powered by high-performance computer cores utilizing Intel® Xeon® mission-critical server platform processors that are perfect for today's demanding musicians and the virtual instruments and software application they use. Options include dual 6-core processors totaling 12-cores, up to 192GB of RAM, and up to 6TB of hard drive storage. The Windows 7 Professional (64-bit) operating system is preconfigured for music production and can run virtually any software application or plug-in. Capable of running over 3,000 plug-ins at once, sequencing thousands of tracks simultaneously, and storing millions of sound presets, the StudioBLADE (Gen3) is by far the highest performance keyboard available today.

The first truly scalable music production tool, StudioBLADE provides the user with what they need, when they need it. This means the user can start with the base configuration with a single processor, one memory module and one hard drive, and add more as they need it. The company calls this the Goldilocks Principle and is designed to allow the keyboard to grow with the user.

StudioBLADEs (Gen2) are available in 61-key and an 88-key as well as Windows 7 and Mac OS X versions, perfect for live or studio use. The keys are velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted action, and are professional in feel and ultra-roadworthy. Pitch and Mod wheels as well as octave up and down buttons with indicators are also included.

Pricing and Availability:
Prices start at: $3,999

More information:
www.musiccomputing.com/studioblade

Cubase 7 Hits The Stores

Steinberg announces that Cubase 7 and Cubase Artist 7 are now shipping


Steinberg has released Cubase 7 and Cubase Artist 7, two new versions of the Cubase music production system for recording, editing, mixing and producing music. Here are all the details directly from Steinberg:

The new mixing facilities feature the MixConsole including full-screen mode and scalability plus Channel Zones, A/B comparison, global bypass on effects and plug-in search for a high level of user customization. The newly developed channel strip comes with several filters, noise gate, the four-band StudioEQ, three compressors, a spectrum analyzer, tube/tape saturation, a brickwall limiter and maximize. The Channel Settings window is redesigned to provide easy access to all channel parameters, such as input metering and routing assignments, alongside the Remote Control Editor for easy mapping of plug-in parameters to external controllers. Also available in Cubase 7 are Voxengo's CurveEQ, EBU R128 standard compliant loudness metering and the latest version of MixConvert.

Other musical highlights in Cubase 7 are Chord Track, a dedicated track for identifying the music's harmony structure and providing chord and scale information to both MIDI and audio tracks processed with VariAudio, and these in return automatically follow any harmonic adjustments in Chord Track. VariAudio is exclusively available in Cubase and now runs hand in hand with Chord Track for editing multiple parts within a single editor and harmonizing lead vocals in choral arrangements, while Chord Assistant bridges chords and generates harmonic chord progressions. Hermode tuning is included in both Cubase 7 and Cubase Artist 7. Newly introduced samples, loops and presets round out the extensive spectrum of sounds.

More features and enhancements focus around the performance of Cubase. ASIO-Guard improves stability and prevents data dropouts, while the-start mode disables user preferences temporarily. Finding tracks and channels in large projects is facilitated through the keyword-oriented search engine. MemZap stores positions and zoom factors within the project at any particular time. The Steinberg Hub comprises an enhanced Project Assistant plus additional information services, such as news and a regularly updated list of video tutorials. For peer-to-peer collaboration in real time, VST Connect SE features talkback and chat functionality as well as video and audio streaming over the Internet.

Cubase 7 features at a glance

  • State-of-the-art music production system used by thousands of professionals around the world
  • Award-winning 32-bit floating-point Steinberg audio engine with up to 192 kHz, 5.1 surround, flexible routing and full automatic delay compensation
  • Unlimited audio, instrument and MIDI tracks 
  • Superb composing, editing and mixing features with unparalleled multitrack editing and quantizing, take comping and automation tools
  • All-new MixConsole provides the ultimate mixing experience with unmatched flexibility and integrated EQ/Dynamics channel strip modules for epic pro-console sound
  • Comprehensive set of 8 outstanding virtual instruments with over 2,800 sounds, including HALion Sonic SE workstation, Padshop granular synth, Retrologue virtual analog synth, LoopMash 2 and the MPC-style Groove Agent ONE drum machine
  • Complete suite of 66 high-end audio and 18 MIDI VST effect processors, including VST Amp Rack guitar tone suite, REVerence convolution reverb, Voxengo CurveEQ and many more
  • VariAudio for MIDI-style note editing of monophonic audio tracks and automatic voicing harmonization and auto-tuning effect
  • Chord Track for easy chord management and re-harmonizing plus intelligent composing assistance for generating beautiful chord sequences
  • VST Expression 2 for unique instrument articulation management and expression control on single-note level 
  • Professional music notation and score printing
  • MediaBay file and preset management system 
  • Cross-platform 32/64-bit for Windows 7/8 and OS X 10.7/10.8
  • Cubase Artist 7 features at a glance
  • Complete music production system, offering a set of superb audio/MIDI recording, editing and mixing tools
  • Based on proven Steinberg Cubase technology used by professionals around the world
  • Award-winning 32-bit floating-point Steinberg audio engine with up to 192 kHz, flexible routing and full automatic delay compensation
  • Supports 128 MIDI and 64 simultaneous audio tracks 
  • Includes 8 outstanding virtual instruments with over 2,400 presets, including HALion Sonic SE workstation, Padshop granular synth and Retrologue virtual analog synth, LoopMash 2 plus the MPC-style Groove Agent ONE drum machine
  • Comes with a suite of 46 audio and 18 MIDI VST effect processors, including Pitch Correct for vocal intonation correction, VST Amp Rack guitar tone suite, Brickwall Limiter and Tube Compressor
  • Chord Track facilitates working with chords in a project context
  • Streamlined score editing feature set
  • MediaBay file and preset management system 
  • Project Assistant with dozens of common templates helps getting started quickly
  • Cross-platform 32/64-bit for Windows 7/8 and OS X 10.7/10.8

Pricing and Availability:
The Cubase 7 and Cubase Artist 7 full retail versions are available from resellers and through the Steinberg Online Shop as of today. The suggested retail price for Cubase 7 is 599 euros, including German VAT. The suggested retail price for Cubase Artist 7 is 299 euros, including German VAT.

Various boxed and downloadable updates and upgrades are also available from resellers and through the Steinberg Online Shop.

Customers who have activated Cubase 6.5 and Cubase Artist 6.5 since October 25, 2012, are eligible for a free, downloadable Grace Period update to the latest version.

More information:
Steinberg

Vintage Drum Kits For Modern Productions

Native Instruments Abbey Road Vintage Drummer features kits from the 1940s


Native Instruments has introduced Abbey Road Vintage Drummer, a new KONTAKT instrument that features the sound of two vintage drum kits from the 1940s. Both kits were recorded with a combination of state-of-the-art equipment and period microphones at Abbey Road Studios in London, providing a natural, open sound suitable for contemporary productions. For the first time in Native Instruments' successful Abbey Road Series, Vintage Drummer includes brush articulations especially recorded to provide the authentic sound and style of the swing/big band era. Here's all the details directly from NI:

ABBEY ROAD VINTAGE DRUMMER features extremely rare instruments from the earliest period of trap kit recording. The first kit consists of a 1940 Leedy 26" bass drum, and two late-1930s tom toms once owned and used by the legendary percussionist James Blades. This combination delivers an earthy, wide open sound that lends itself to recordings where bigger, but less focused, low end is desired. A classic 1940s Slingerland Radio King was also sampled for this release. The Slingerland's smaller 22" bass drum and 13" and 16" toms provide more focus than the James Blades kit, but still deliver a warm, chunky timbre to any producer seeking a unique, natural drum sound. To add to the authenticity of this KONTAKT instrument, both kits were recorded with original calfskin heads, period snare drums dating back to the 1920s and original Trans Stamp and First Stamp Zildjian cymbals.

VINTAGE DRUMMER was recorded at London's Abbey Road Studios in legendary Studio Two, originally constructed in the 1930s for big band recording. Alongside traditional microphone techniques, two extremely rare vintage microphones manufactured by EMI in the 1930s were used to add unique tonal color to VINTAGE DRUMMER. Users can mix in these 'vintage channels' with the modern state of the art equipment for a wide variety of unique tones not found with modern kits and equipment alone. Any combination of modern and vintage equipment can be dialed in, allowing users to customize the sound in unique and powerful ways.

VINTAGE DRUMMER also features brush articulations – a first for an ABBEY ROAD Series release. Users get inspiring brush techniques, alongside traditional snare sounds played with sticks. All articulations also come as grooves in the included groove library, which contains patterns from ragtime, swing, and jazz as well as a wealth of modern soul, funk, and indie styles. Regardless of genre, producers looking to add original flavor to their productions will find unique textures in ABBEY ROAD VINTAGE DRUMMER.

Pricing and Availability:
ABBEY ROAD VINTAGE DRUMMER is available at the NI Online Shop for $119 / 99 EUR.

More information:
www.native-instruments.com/abbeyroaddrummerseries

Vince Clarke Just Can't Get Enough Synths

Collection now includes an Analogue Solutions Leipzig-S analogue monosynth/step sequencer


British 'boutique' analogue synthesiser and accessory designer/manufacturer Analogue Solutions has announced that legendary synthpop Svengali Vince Clarke has added a Leipzig-S analogue monosynth/step sequencer to the stunning synth collection currently residing at his NYC-based studio. Here's what they have to say in their own words...

Depeche Mode, Yazoo, The Assembly, and Erasure all have two things in common: one, they were founded by Vince Clarke; two, they have all enjoyed catchy Clarke-penned, synth-driven Top Ten hits in the UK and beyond. In a noteworthy career spanning four decades and countless millions of records sold, Clarke has had more hit singles than most of us have had hot dinners, clocking up no fewer than 17 Top Ten entries in the UK with Erasure alone. And let's not forget five consecutive chart-topping albums -- not bad going in the increasingly disposable world of pop, be it synth- driven or otherwise.

Clearly, Clarke knows a thing or two about songwriting, as attested to by being honoured with 2009's Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Song Collection by BASCA (British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors). Of course, Clarke can comfortably find his way around a fair number of synthesisers, too, as attested to by the well-earned songwriting success-funded collection of analogue classics currently residing at his NYC-based studio, recently relocated from a custom-built cabin in rural Maine to inner-city Brooklyn. But this is no millionaire's museum piece, but rather a unique personal workspace, where each and every awe-inspiring instrument within regularly earns its keep on a variety of musical projects, with Clarke becoming something of a sought-after remixer of late, as well as collaborating with former Depeche Mode bandmate Martin Gore for the first time in 30-odd years as techno-inspired two-piece VCMG.

Yes, Vince Clarke certainly knows a great-sounding synth when he hears one, which is exactly why an Analogue Solutions Leipzig-S analogue monosynth/step sequencer has made the transatlantic crossing to join him in Brooklyn: "It's a real 'hands-on' synth -- lots of knobs, thick sound, and truly analogue."

Leipzig-S creator Tom Carpenter echoes Vince Clarke's considered sentiment, for it is, indeed, truly an analogue affair; both its voice and modulation circuitry are analogue through and through, fashioned from discrete components. No naughty digital LFOs or EGs are allowed here, thank you very much! All its well-spaced, high-quality potentiometers are hardwired directly to the circuitry beyond to ensure all that old-school, carefully-crafted analogue goodness gushes forth for all to hear. And no memories mean that each and every parameter is 'live' to the touch, without any unwanted CPU-induced quantisation and stabilisation side-effects -- What You See Is What You Hear, in other words!

But that's not all: a direct descendant of its namesake Leipzig (rack-mount) and Leipzig-k (keyboard) analogue monosynth predecessors, the rack-mountable/desktop Leipzig-S literally goes several steps further by incorporating an inbuilt eight-step analogue sequencer that can be used to produce superficially simple melodic lines, as well as acting as a modulation source to affect the (fat Moog-style) filter cutoff, or to create additional effects -- depending on other control settings, with VCO1, VCO2, and the VCF all available as sequencer destinations. Seemingly simple, yet favourably flexible, the step sequencer can be creatively clocked by multiple sources -- at audio frequencies (using VCO2 as a clock source), or using the output of the sequencer itself as an audio source to be 'played' via MIDI while the eight step controls then alter the 'waveform'/tonal content, for example, such are the adventurous advantages of amalgamating an analogue step sequencer with a true analogue monosynth! Vince Clarke is, naturally, no stranger to the joys of step sequencing: "I really like it that the sequencer is hardwired to the oscillators and filter, which makes for instant electro-ness."

One thing's for sure: synths are likely to remain Clarke's calling card for the foreseeable future, an analogue-accepting, sweet-sounding time ahead that's sure to include Analogue Solutions -- analogue by name, analogue by nature. Clarke just can't get enough... of his Leipzig-S: "I've used it on a couple of EDM tracks I'm working on, creating some big, fat bass sounds; there's still lots more to explore."

Pricing and Availability:
Leipzig-S is available to order online directly from Analogue Solutions for £749.00 GBP, excluding VAT and delivery, or through one of their dealers. (Alternatively, a keyboard-equipped version -- the Leipzig-SK -- is available for £1,099.00 GBP.)

More information:
www.analoguesolutions.org.uk/concussor/leipzig.htm

Propellerhead Holiday Countdown Giveaways

New prizes everyday


Reason has a rack for... well, anything it seems... Join the Propellerhead Holiday Countdown for a chance to score some nice prizes and learn more about music making too. Each day comes with a new topic, new prizes and new links to tutorials, articles and interviews about that topic.

Follow Propellerhead on Facebook or Twitter (@PropellerheadSW) for a chance to win prizes and learn more about music making in the process.

More information:
www.propellerheads.se/countdown/