Όλα τα τελευταία νέα για τη Μουσική Τεχνολογία και την Ακουστική, κατευθείαν από τις επίσημες ιστοσελίδες των εταιρειών, συγκεντρωμένα σε ένα blog!

Try Cubase 7

Steinberg releases fully functional trial version of their Cubase 7 DAW


Steinberg has announced the immediate availability of a trial version of its Cubase 7 advanced music production system.

Cubase 7 Trial is a 30-day trial version, available as download from the Steinberg website and comprises all the features available in Cubase 7, the digital audio workstation released in December 2012. It requires the USB-eLicenser dongle.

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 and Mac OS X

Pricing and Availability:
Free

More information:
Steinberg

Dante Virtual Soundcard Updated

V3.2.0 supports the latest Windows audio applications plus other enhancements


Audinate has announced enhancements to its Dante Virtual Soundcard software for Windows. The Dante Virtual Soundcard allows your PC or Mac to connect your favorite audio application directly to a Dante audio network. Dante Virtual Soundcard uses the standard Ethernet port on your computer to communicate with a network of other Dante enabled devices - no special hardware is required.

With the new Windows Driver Model (WDM) mode in V3.2.0, Dante Virtual Soundcard for Windows now adds support for applications including iTunes, Windows Media Player, Skype and more. Audinate says that PC users can play out or record audio from these applications with professional sound quality.

Additional features:

  • Choice of 64x64 ASIO or 8 x 8 WDM mode (presents as four stereo Windows WDM soundcards)
  • Choice of 44.1kHz or 48kHz sample rate in WDM mode
  • Windows 8 32- and 64 bit support
  • Integrated online help
  • Installation of Apple Bonjour™ service no longer required
  • Clock performance improvements

Mary Cudmore, Director of Product Delivery, told us, "The addition of WDM support for Dante Virtual Soundcard for Windows opens up a range of exciting new applications for Dante network. The new extended interface means that not only can you continue to use your favorite DAW in ASIO mode, you can now switch to WDM mode and connect direct to media player, conferencing or browser applications."

Pricing and Availability:
DVS V.3.2.0 is a free upgrade for current licensees.

More information:
www.audinate.com/DanteVirtualSoundcard

Synthesized Hand Claps For Ableton

Millertone announces CLAP! multi-sample Ableton Live Pack of the Boss HC-2 Hand Clapper


Millertone has introduced CLAP!, a multi-sample Ableton Live Pack featuring the sounds of the Boss HC-2 Hand Clapper, an analog clap synthesizer based on the circuit found in the classic TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines. CLAP! has over 2900 24-bit/44.1kHz samples uniquely divided into three perspectives: the full clap samples, the flam only portion of the claps, and the clap samples minus the flam. Millertone believes that these additional sample sets, along with Live's extensive sound design capabilities, take CLAP! well beyond the sounds of synthesized hand claps. Here's what they have to say...

CLAP! has over 430 presets, including over 360 Drag and Drop hits, and over 60 Instrument Racks that cover everything from the classic sound and functionality of the original hardware to tricked-out instruments that deliver sonic mayhem. Live's Arpeggiator and Simpler's Pitch Envelope were used in many of the Instrument Racks, offering a wide range of new and compelling percussion presets. There is even a Drum Rack "trap kit" using nothing but clap samples. The sample sets used in each preset employ eight velocity layers, which translate into instruments that are highly expressive and dynamic.

To round things out, there are 129 Live Clips for use as starting points in compositions. These include drum grooves, rhythm beds and evolving textures. There are also two fully arranged Live Sets which demonstrate just what CLAP! can do.

CLAP! Features:

  • Over 2900 24-bit/44.1kHz Samples
  • 8 Drum Racks, including a 'Trap Kit'
  • 32 Creative Instrument Racks
  • 33 Layered Hit Instrument Racks
  • 363 Simpler Instrument Hits: 121 Claps / 121 Clap (flam only) / 121 Claps (no flam)
  • 129 Live Clips ranging in tempo from 60 to 165 bpm: 94 'trap kit' drum grooves / 35 rhythmic beds and textures
  • Two fully arranged Live Sets
  • Requires Ableton Live 8.3 and up (including Live 9)

Pricing and Availability:
CLAP! is available now as an instant download from millertone.com for $14.00 USD.

More information:
Millertone

iOS App Transforms Your Voice

Audiofile Engineering introduces Vio


Audiofile Engineering has announced Vio, the first app for iPhone and iPad released under their newSquare B brand. They tell us that you can Morph and shape your voice by exploring Vio's mesmerizing and unique user interface, watch the entrancing graphics, and hear the transformation of your voice.

A spokesperson told us, "Vio is an amazing app for anyone who wants to experience their voice transformed beyond imagination. In the hands of an experienced musician or producer, Vio is a serious creative tool to design new vocal sounds."

Here's the details direct from Audiofile Engineering:

Sonic adventures – always in tune
Build sonic universes from your own voice. The innovative audio engine behind Vio goes far beyond existing voice effects to create novel, futuristic vocal styles. Vio's sound spaces vary in character from edgy and energetic to mellow and relaxing. Vio surprises and inspires your creativity: you may not intend to do something, and it comes out cool. Whether you are an amateur or seasoned professional, Vio's pitch correction technology ensures that everyone sounds in tune and is beautifully harmonized.

Touch Control
Explore each sound space by touching Vio's swirling particle vortex. Move the vortex around the screen and change how your voice is transformed - harmony is added or subtracted, melodies emerge and disappear, and reverberations shape shift.

Looping
Double-tap the screen, loop what you have just sung or hummed, and focus on morphing your sound with the particle visualizer.

Recording & Sharing
Record your performances and share them via email, SoundCloud, Dropbox, or iTunes file sharing. Choose between compressed and high quality audio files.

Advanced Features
Visit the Square B website to learn about advanced features like changing keys and recording high quality audio.

About Square B by Audiofile Engineering
Square B is Audiofile Engineering's new brand for music-based consumer entertainment apps. Vio is the first app released by Square B. Developing applications exclusively for Mac OS X and iOS, Audiofile Engineering is redefining the standards for Mac-based audio software. Its growing catalog of essential audio tools makes full use of the core technologies available in the latest Apple platforms. Audiofile Engineering products include FiRe 2 - Field Recorder, Sample Manager, Spectre, Quiztones, Rax and Fidelia.

Pricing and Availability:
$2.99

More information:
App Store
squareb.co/vio

Daft Punk Return Gets Closer

new image confirms new record deal with Columbia


Its been three years since we last heard anything from dynamic helmeted duo. Yesterday Daft Punk released a new image on their facebook page and a link to daftpunk.com which hosts only the picture...

The image confirms that they have signed with new label Colombia records after leaving Virgin last year. It is expected that they will release their forth album this spring, however if you're hoping to see them live then you may have to wait a bit longer, with both Emily Eavis denying that they will play glastonbury and DJ Rob da Bank (Radio 1, Bestival) denying that the duo would be touring in 2013.

"We got told months ago that Daft Punk were definitely not touring next year, but it keeps the rumour mill going."

But you never know with these things, it could all be an elaborate plot to fool you all...

More Information
Daft Punk Facebook
daftpunk.com

Build A House Track With Korg Kaossilator Pro+

New video explores making house with your kaossilator pro


This latest release from Korg shows you some of the new sounds from the Kaossilator Pro+ and how you can use them to record, loop and stack phrases to create tracks on the fly. The video shows you exactly how to become a big name house producer in less than three minutes (its been five minutes since I tried and I'm still not making any money from my tunes...) We reviewed the original Kaossilator Pro here.

If you want to have a listen to more sounds made by the Kaossilator Pro+ check out the Korg channel here

More Information
Korg.com

Nine Inch Nails Back On the Road

Summer dates, Autumn tour planned


News of a forthcoming Nine Inch Nails tour has been announced from the Trent Reznor camp. Starting this Summer there will be a few shows, followed by a full-on stadium tour in the Autumn through 2014.

The shows came about after Trent Reznor had been working with much underrated guitarist and singer Adrian Belew (King Crimson, Talking Heads, Frank Zappa). The two were talking about live shows and the idea built from that.

The band is likely to comprise of bassist Eric Avery, guitarist Adrian Belew (yay!), keyboards/synthsAlessandro Cortini, Josh Eustis of Telefon Tel Aviv, drummer Ilan Rubin.

I'd love to see Adrian Belew playing live - his work with King Crimson is awesome - check this out

More Information
NIN.com

Minimoog For The iPad

Arturia announces the availability of iMini


Arturia has announced availability of iMini, which they describe as an authentic recreation of the all-time classic Minimoog monosynth for Apple's all-conquering iPad. Here's all the details in Arturia's own words...

iMini is based on the TAE® (True Analog Emulation) synthesis technology found in Arturia's award-winning Mini V soft synth, meticulously modelling the distinctive tones and analogue nuances of the legendary Seventies-vintage Minimoog Model D monosynth. Moog changed the musical world with the Minimoog and Arturia helped change the music software world with the Mini V.

Arturia now brings the still-sought-after classic Minimoog sound to the musical masses, transforming any iPad mini, iPad 2, or iPad with Retina display into the ultimate analogue synth emulation! Those timeless three oscillators and that 24dB per octave fabled filter are all present and accounted for in iMini. It also successfully sports the look and feel of Dr Bob Moog's namesake iconic synthesizer for all to see (and hear). But being a game-changing iPad app for 2013 and not an analogue synth design dating back to 1970 means there's a whole lot more to iMini than first meets the eye...

Any serious synthesizer connoisseur will instantly recognise the MAIN mode screen as an eye-catching rendering of the Minimoog Model D front panel, albeit with welcome additional 'analogue' CHORUS AMT. and DELAY AMT. level controls, as well as a POLY switch for playing polyphonically -- impossible in 1970, obviously! Other subtle supplements include a gearwheel icon above the keyboard -- press to reveal GLIDE, DECAY, LEGATO, and SCROLL switches for performance keyboard control, plus a SCALE function to choose from no fewer than 26 different scales and modes. Meanwhile, iMini comes complete with hundreds of superb sounds showcasing its supreme sonic versatility; press LOAD from the menu bar and choose from sound designer or category -- couldn't be simpler!

But 'behind' that familiar-looking MAIN screen lies a wealth of truly 21st Century audio action: the PERFORMANCE page accesses an arpeggiator with two latch modes and two assignable XY pads for creating all kinds of patterns and real-time morphing sounds; the FX page provides iMini with the same wide-ranging CHORUS and accurate ANALOG DELAY models found in the above-mentioned Mini V software -- subtle sound thickening to wildly modulated effects (chorus) and sync to external tempo (stereo delay) possibilities abound here! Handily, all onscreen knobs and switches in each iMini page can easily be assigned to MIDI CC allowing automation from any external MIDI source. The default MIDI map will automatically work with Arturia MiniLab or Analog Player 25 Universal MIDI Controller keyboards!

And that's not all: the CONNECT page is the gateway to making iMini talk to the outside world (using the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit) -- use WIST (Wireless Sync Start Technology) to sync the arpeggiator and delay to other iPad or iPhone apps, and integrate iMini into a complete studio environment via Retronyms Tabletop. This free iPad app allows multiple iMini instances to be simultaneously run; real-time performance recording into a sequencer; parameter automation; processing of third-party, Tabletop-ready apps through the iMini filter, and more. "iMini is an ideal Tabletop-ready app," says Retronyms Co-Founder John-Paul Walton. "It's a fresh take on a legendary synth, and comes packed with a ton of amazing presets -- everything from retro space sounds to contemporary bass noise."

Thanks to iMini, today there's really no excuse for not taking that history-making Minimoog sound anywhere anytime. And in recognition of the groundbreaking instrument to which it owes its very existence, for every iMini sold, Arturia will make a donation to The Bob Moog Foundation, whose Executive Director, Michelle Moog-Koussa, kindly adds: "We are grateful to Arturia and Retronyms for donating part of the proceeds from the iMini in support of our mission to ignite creativity at the intersection of music, science, history, and innovation. A portion of this funding will go to support our educational initiative, Dr Bob's SoundSchool, which teaches children the science of sound through the magic of music."

For Frédéric Brun, Arturia's President, the feeling is mutual: "We are delighted to donate to The Bob Moog Foundation and acknowledge our gratitude to Robert Moog, who helped us when we released our first virtual instrument, the Modular Moog V, back in 2003. We are also thrilled to work with Retronyms, who are a great company and a force to be reckoned with when it comes to iOS. The iMini sets a new standard for what a virtual instrument should sound like on an iPad."

So let's make music and help history come alive with iMini in more ways than one, and also support the dream of building the Moogseum (Bob Moog Museum), the convergence of The Bob Moog Foundation's goals of inspiring and educating people through electronic music.

You can Watch Arturia Director of Sound Design Mike Hosker's iMini tutorial video on the next page...


Pricing and Availability:
Appropriate iPad owners can purchase iMini directly from Apple's App Store during a three-week introductory launch pricing period for €8.99 EURO/$9.99 USD (rising to €19.99 EURO/$21.99 USD thereafter).

More information:
Arturia

Free Instrument Lesson

...On National Learn to Play Day at the Institute, London


On Saturday 16th March 2013 the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance will be offering free lessons in guitar, bass, drums and vocals for anybody wishing to try out a new instrument.

National Learn to Play Day, was set up by Music for All; and is run in partnership with the Musicians Union, MusicTeachers.co.uk, Art's Council England, Take it Away and MusicRadar.com, an initiative to encourage more people to take up an instrument, by providing people of any age to engage in a free music lesson. Shops all over the country will be opening their doors and offering complimentary lessons in a wide range of instruments.

The Institute will be welcoming people into its state-of-the-art campus in NW London, to have a taster lesson in the instrument of their choice with one of its outstanding faculty members. All Institute tutors are highly experienced and active musicians so this truly is a unique opportunity to be inspired experts. As a world class education provider, the Institute is the perfect place for your first introduction to a musical instrument. Alongside the lessons, there will be many other ways to participate, including a choir and rhythm workshops and performances.

The day will run from 10.00am, with hour long sessions in each instrument, plus a Choir Performance and Workshop. Participants who are 16yrs and over will be eligible for a 60% discount on Part-Time Courses throughout 2013. Institute Part-Time Courses take place four times a year and run over 10 weeks in acoustic and electric guitar, bass, drums, vocals, song writing and music business, helping participants to continue their musical adventure.

Through a partnership between the Institute and DV247, attendees will also receive exclusive packages/deals from DV Acton, West London.

Pricing and Availability:
See website.

More information:
www.learntoplayday.com
www.icmp.co.uk

Funky Shuffled Grooves And More

Producer Loops releases Dark Tech Progressions Vol 6


Dark Tech Progressions Vol 6 concludes this series with five royalty-free Construction Kits that Producer Loops says brings you some of the deepest funky shuffled grooves and after-party vibes around. They tell us that sparse bass lines, ambient pads, rich FX and minimal drums & percussion make this an unmissable pack.

A spokesperson had this to say, "Inside this pack, you'll find five extremely deep and moody Construction Kits guaranteed to keep the party going until the sun comes up. Everything you need is included, from fat quirky bass lines to strange pads, synths and FX. In addition to these awesome kits - totalling more than 700 MB per format - you also get a bonus folder which includes 33 additional loops, all of the same high quality and all optimised to work with Sony ACID, Logic Pro, Garage Band and any other software which supports time stretching and pitch correction. MIDI and one-shots complete the feature set, giving you all of the tools you need to fully customise your next Minimal House or Deep House production."

About the Producer:

This pack was created by producer and live artist Oriol Benedet, head of 'Soul of Life'. He has been working for many years in music scene composing, producing, mixing and mastering audio projects. Also managing
record labels, such as Artis Audio and Soul Of Life Music. Always grateful for live experience along with talented musicians, his club mixes and remixes have earned him support and recognition from many artists across the globe.

Pricing and Availability:
'Dark Tech Progressions Vol 6' is available for instant download for £24.95 / 29,05 EUR / $31.57 USD.

More information:
www.producerloops.com

IK Multimedia Releases AmpliTube Orange

The definitive collection of Orange Amps and Cabinets for Mac and PC


IK Multimedia has introduced AmpliTube Orange, a complete set of 17 officially certified models of Orange amps and cabinets for AmpliTube 3 (standalone/plug-in).

An IK spokesperson told us, "First introduced during London's 'swinging '60s' era, Orange amps are renowned for their warm and luscious tube tone and characteristic crunch. IK is the only company to offer models with Orange's official certification, and every guitarist, engineer and producer will want to own this definitive collection."

Orange founder and CEO Cliff Cooper, had this to say, "We work closely with the IK engineers and programmers to ensure the quality and accuracy of the sound. There is a lot of software out there that claim to give the Orange sound, but they don't even come close. With IK we can sit down together and nail the Orange sound."

Here's the details in IK Multimedia's own words:

The Lineup
AmpliTube Orange features models of 7 amp heads, 9 cabinets, and 1 combo, and offers a wide variety of authentic tube tone, great for screaming leads, fat power chords, chunky rhythm parts, smooth bass lines, and much more. No matter what the genre, users will find plenty of killer amp tones in this collection to go with their music.

Amps include the Tiny Terror, a 15 W head with a two-stage preamp (IK modeled the point-to-point, hard-wired edition); the Dual Terror, which can emulate the Tiny Terror or switch to the ultra-crunchy "Fat Channel"; the OR 50 and OR 120 heads, which each have the unique HF Drive control for increased presence and gain; the powerful Thunderbird 200 head, which can be used for either guitar or bass; and the versatile Rockerverb 50 MKII. The AD-30TC is a 30 W, Class A combo amp.

The cabinets can be mixed and matched with the amp heads -- or any other amp in a user's AmpliTube 3 collection -- to create a huge range of cool custom sounds. The cabinets cover a wide range of configurations, and include models of the 1x12 PPC112; the 2x12 PPC212 Open-Back, PPC212, and AD30TC; the 4x12 PPC412; the 4x10 OBC410, the 8x10 OBC810; and the 1x15 OBC115.

Customize It
All the Orange models are also available à la carte in the AmpliTube Custom Shop, along with the rest of IK's huge collection of amp, cabinet, effect, and mic models. The Custom Shop is integrated into AmpliTube software and plug-ins, and offers a "Try Before You Buy" feature, which lets users download a fully functioning version of any model and audition it for 72 hours before purchase.

Pricing and Availability:
AmpliTube Orange is available now for the price of $99.99/€79.99 (excluding taxes), as a digital serial-number delivery that can be purchased inside the AmpliTube Custom Shop or from the IK Online Store. All the gear in the collection is also available individually in the Custom Shop.

More information:
www.amplitube.com/orange

Lightweight Version Of Neo-Soul Keys

Gospel Musicians releases Neo-Soul Keys 3X Lite for UVI Workstation and MachFive 3


Gospel Musicians has released Neo-Soul Keys 3X Lite for UVI Workstation and MachFive 3. They describe it as a lightweight version of Neo-Soul Keys with all three electric pianos: Mark I Suitcase, Mark I Stage, and 200A Wurli.

The library comes with the sustain samples and two release notes which consist of the actual mechanical and tine release noises. Gospel Musicians tells us that the benefit of the UVI Workstation player is that the user will be able to choose from an assortment of effects already built into the player.

Features:

  • Library Size: 1.00GB.
  • 12-Velocity layers on sustain notes.
  • UVI Worksation effects and amp sims.
  • Light on processor and RAM.
  • Wurli Vibrato Knob.
  • Dedicated Bass Boost knob.
  • Full 720x480 wallpaper.
  • Works with Free UVI player.

Pricing and Availability:
$99.99

More information:
gospel musicians

Free Subtractive Synth

Saltline releases drzewo swierk VSTi for Windows


Saltline releases drzewo swierk VSTi for Windows

Saltline tells us that swierk is the first in their new srzewo range of freeware VSTs for Windows. They say that the aim of the series is to provide the user with simple yet intuitive VST instruments and effects.

A spokesperson told us, "Swierk is a simple VA subtractive synthesizer. Its layout and signal path allows the user to create sounds quickly and with ease."

Pricing and Availability:
Free download

More information:
swierk

Free iOS App Makes Music With Colliding Spheres

Refined Stochastic Technology releases Bucephalus


Refined Stochastic Technology has released an iOS app, Bucephalus.

A spokesperson told us, "Create unique sounds with this instrument utilising the power of elastic spheres! Five ball sizes have unique collision sounds and individual resonant tones for each wall of the screen."

Advanced features:
  • Custom designed three stage, four parameter chamber reverb.
  • Two parameter custom distortion.
  • Three filter types with adjustable Q and cutoff frequency.
  • Save states.
  • Variable elasticity, gravity and resonance.
  • User defined resonance settings with Major7, Minor7, Dominant7, Semitone, Wholetone and Pentatonic arpeggios and variable detuning for microtonal effects.

Pricing and Availability:
Free

More information:
Bucephalus

Buy Acoustic Treatment Designed By Carl Tatz

Auralex is now shipping the Carl Tatz Signature Series


Grammy winner Bob Bullock's personal mix room in Nashville, featuring acoustical products from the Carl Tatz Signature Series

Auralex Acoustics is now shipping products from its Carl Tatz Signature Series, developed with Carl Tatz, the award-winning studio designer/acoustician and owner of Carl Tatz Design. Working closely with Carl Tatz, Auralex now offers audio professionals a turnkey acoustical treatment system that emulates the look and performance of Tatz's custom-designed control rooms.

Eric Smith, founder and president of Auralex Acoustics, told us, "We have been honored to work with Carl Tatz, one of the top studio designers in the industry, on this exciting Auralex offering. This series is the perfect combination of Carl's design experience with Auralex's expertise and commitment to providing high-quality and innovative acoustical products. Now virtually any room can benefit from the same aesthetic and sound control enjoyed by top hit makers worldwide."

Carl Tatz added, "I am excited to have had the opportunity to partner with Auralex on this series of high-end acoustical products. When you think of acoustical treatment, you think of Auralex, and I am glad we are able to offer the market a turnkey solution that can improve any acoustic environment."

Here's the full details in Auralex's own words:

Tatz and Auralex's R&D department co-developed the series, which is a collection of fabric-wrapped fiberglass acoustic panels hand-selected by Tatz. Designed for the high-end personal or commercial control room, the new series consists of six custom-built panels available in 32 color options and combines Tatz's expertise with Auralex's well-established manufacturing and distribution chains to bring this new line to the masses. Tatz, a Nashville, Tennessee-based acoustician and former recording studio owner who received a Grammy® nomination for his production of Jack Jones' Tribute to Tony Bennett LP, is a renowned figure in the audio industry with extensive experience in studio design and acoustics.

The series has proven to be a hit since its introduction in 2012. Tatz recently helped design Multi-Platinum, Grammy Award–winning engineer/producer Bob Bullock's new personal mix room in Nashville, featuring a Carl Tatz Design PhantomFocus™ System monitor tuning protocol, as well as Auralex Carl Tatz Signature Series acoustical treatment. The series has also recently been employed for the renovation of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Studios D and E control rooms, as well as GO Media in Olympia, Washington, Avid's premiere Pacific Northwest Pro School Training Center and most recently, a 2012 TEC Award™ nomination for his studio design of the MontAnna Mix Room.

These custom-built panels are available in 32 rich fabrics to complement any decor or to create a completely unique look. Auralex's Carl Tatz Signature Series includes:
  • CTD Attenuation Cloud - Consists of two or more 2'x4'x2" decorative, fabric-wrapped Class A absorptive fiberglass CTD ProPanels™ mounted together. The Cloud is specifically designed to be hung over the mix position for an improved soundstage and can be configured in 4'x4', 4'x6', 4'x8' and 6'x8' sizes depending upon room size and application.
  • CTD Corner Trap - 2'x4'x2" CTD ProPanels™ with beveled edges and proprietary mounting hardware are used to bridge across the corners of the room to provide low-frequency control.
  • CTD Acoustic Lens - Designed for side-wall applications, the 5'x4"x8" or 5'x2"x8" lens columns feature both absorptive and redirective facets that provide low- and mid-band frequency absorption, enhancing aural spatiality while controlling reflections to the right and left sides of the mix position.
  • CTD Soffit Trap - 2"x4'x2' CTD ProPanels™ with beveled edges and proprietary mounting hardware are used to bridge across the ceiling/wall corners of the room to provide low-frequency control, complementing the Acoustic Lens™ and achieving a harmonized aesthetic with the system's panel design.
  • CTD ProPanel - This 2'x4'x2" fabric-wrapped Class A absorptive fiberglass ProPanel™ is effective at controlling critical mid- and high-band frequencies, but with optional mounting methodology can also offer increased low-frequency control. Useful for both walls and ceilings.
  • CTD Rear Wall ProPanel - This extra-thick 4'x2'x4" panel is installed on the rear wall to improve low-frequency absorption throughout the room and to control front-to-back axial mode anomalies that would otherwise degrade accuracy at the mix position.

About Carl Tatz Design
Carl Tatz Design (CTD) is an award winning studio design firm offering design and consulting services to homeowners and entertainment industry professionals in areas of: Recording Studios, Monitor Systems, Home Screening Rooms, Dedicated Listening Rooms, Acoustic Analysis, Tuning, and Sound Isolation. Carl Tatz is also the inventor of the industry acclaimed proprietary PhantomFocus™ System (PFS) monitor tuning protocol. CTD's many resources combine knowledge, experience and expertise in sound, picture and design to serve its clients worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.carltatzdesign.com.

Pricing and Availability:
See website

More information:
Auralex

MIDI Recorder / Step Sequencer VST

WOK releases Notenspeicher for Windows


WOK has released Notenspeicher, a VST MIDI Recorder / Step Sequencer plug-in for Windows and any host that supports standard 32bit VST plugins with MIDI in/out. It allows you to record a sequence step by step and play it back in various modes.

Pricing and Availability:
€ 3

More information:
Notenspeicher

Free Cinematic Sounds For Kontakt

Erik Ekholm releases a free set of patches

Composer and sound designer Erik Ekholm has released Cinematic, a set of 20+ patches for Native Instruments KONTAKT sampler.

He says that, featuring deep ambiences, textures, pads, special effects and much more, this collection of sounds are perfect for composers, sound designers and experimental musicians.

All you have to do to get the sounds is to Tweet about them.

Pricing and Availability:
Free

More information:
erikekholm.com/free

Alchemy Updated

v1.55 offers faster preset loading plus other improvements and fixes


Following the update of the free Alchemy Player last week, Alchemy v1.55 is an update to Camel Audio's sample manipulation synthesiser, offering faster preset loading, faster scanning for new presets and host of other improvements and fixes.

Alchemy v1.55 is bundled with a 1000 presets (including a free sound library of your choice) and a massive 5.5GB of samples.

Improvements include:

  • Faster preset loading
  • Faster scan for new presets
  • Improved handling of preset comment text
  • Improved handling of AAZ files
  • Improved compatibility with the biolabs skin
  • Presets to buy now hidden by default
  • Improved Windows set up routines
  • Enabling remote control now prompts user to download Bonjour if not installed 

For a complete list of improvements, please see the Alchemy release notes.

Pricing and Availability:
Alchemy is available now for 249 USD / 199 EUR / 179 GBP
The v1.55 update is free for current Alchemy owners.

More information:
Alchemy

5 Octave Marimba Kontakt Instrument

Soniccouture release Grand Marimba

Soniccouture has announced their latest product, Grand Marimba.

A spokesperson told us...
"We respectfully assert the notion that this is the most detailed & expressive sampling of a marimba available today : we produced the instrument because there didn't seem to be a marimba out there that could truly stand up to solo use. So, we found the ultimate 5 octave model : a Yamaha 6100 series, and sampled it at 24/96 khz, with enough velocity and round robin layers to ensure a natural, organic percussive action."

Details :

  • 5 Octave Marimba
  • 24 bit 96 khz stereo sampling
  • 3.4 GB library (with NCW compression)
  • 5 round robin layers, 15 velocity layers
  • 4 articulations: Mallet, Stick, Roll, Bow
  • KSP Tremolo module
  • Kontakt Player Compatible

Soniccouture tells us that their man, Dan, spent a week's MIDI programming matching a classic Dame Evelyn Glennie performance to produce the audio demo above.


Pricing and Availability:
Grand Marimba is available now as a 3.5 GB download, priced EUR 99 / USD $1119
Introductory Offer : £10 / €15 / $20 off MSRP (ends 8th March 2013)
ENTER CODE : MD837T6F

More information:
www.soniccouture.com

macProVideo.com Launches Birthday Sale

50% off the cover price of all HD Download tutorials and more


macProVideo.com turned 8 on February 24th. To celebrate, they are having a sale. Until the end of the month, you can save 50% off the cover price of all HD Download tutorials and 40% on Library Passes using the coupon code: 13bday50.

There's a link on the page listed below...

Pricing and Availability:
Offer available until the end of February

More information:
macProVideo.com

Special Offer On Dante Virtual Soundcard

Audinate promotion discounts software by 80%


Audinate, the creators of Dante media networking solutions, announced today a special promotion for itsDante Virtual Soundcard software. The single seat license normally sells for $149.99 is now discounted 80% and can be purchased for $29.99 for a limited time.

The Dante Virtual Soundcard allows a PC/Mac to connect to a Dante audio network by using the Ethernet port on the computer to communicate with a network of other Dante enabled based devices. Popular DAW applications like, Nuendo™, Cubase™ and Logic™, Pro Tools™ can transmit and receive up to 64 bi-directional channels to networked audio equipment, or 32 channels with Pro Tools™ via the Dante Virtual Soundcard without any additional hardware soundcard.

Gary Southwell, VP of Product Management at Audinate, told us, "Dante is the most interoperable, easy-to-use digital network solution available. Recently the Dante Virtual Soundcard won its third Readers Choice Award from Prosoundweb.com for the best Live Recording Software. What better way to experience how powerful and easy Dante is to use, than to own this award-winning software at this special promotional rate."

The promotion can be found by going to the Audinate website and clicking on Dante Virtual Soundcard special offer.

About Audinate
Audinate revolutionizes the way that AV systems are connected, by transporting high-quality media over standard IT networks. Audinate's patented Dante media networking technology has been adopted by over 70 OEM manufacturers in the professional audio/visual industry. Dante is used extensively for live performance events, commercial installation, broadcast, recording production, and communications systems. Audinate is a promoter member of the AVnu Alliance™. Audinate offices are located in US, United Kingdom and Australia. Visit www.audinate.com for the latest news and information on the company. Dante is Digital Media Networking Perfected.



Pricing and Availability:
$29.99

More information:
www.audinate.com

Aggressive Cinematic Sound Library

Sample Logic Releases ASSAULT


Sample Logic has released ASSAULT, which they describe as a massive suite of over 850 bone-crushing instruments and multis that transform sound design into superior cinematic percussive instruments.

A spokesperson told us, "In creating ASSAULT, Sample Logic teamed up with veteran broadcast sound design and sound effect mastermind Rick Allen to record a monumental collection of real-world material ranging from rifles, flame throwers, hand guns, jets, dumpsters, and monstrous pipes to bells, chimes, glass, and an arsenal of traditional percussive instruments. From this material, Sample Logic spent numerous hours carefully manipulating and morphing the sounds to forge a sample library that will no doubt be your secret weapon. ASSAULT is geared for film, TV, game composers and sound designers."

Pricing and Availability:
$299

More information:
Assault

PartyCloud.fm Web Based DJ App - Impressions

20 million songs to mix


PartyCloud.fm - is an online, two deck DJ mixing / mashup app which takes it's music source from SoundCloud. This is where they get the 20 million song figure from.Though I couldnt find everything - not sure of the criteria they use, but there was still a heck of a lot of tunes to rifle through.

The twin deck setup launches in your browser as a fairly familiar setup with level, crossfade, beat match, 2 ,4 and 8 beat looping and effects. It's piece of cake to use - even for a numpty (non) DJ like me, though of course, my impeccable taste in music still shines through.
It's kind of like a DJ interface for Soundcloud and it just works, with the beat sync I was able to create passable transitions and cut ups (at least to my ears) in seconds.

Another cool feature is the ability to record your 'set' - though you will need to connect your Facebook account to do this. What is even niftier, is that while you are recording, other people can tune in and watch your performance with the interface following the performers actions - try it, you'll see what I mean.


A right click on the interface brings up a MIDI control option, which I believe is under development - sadly I couldn't get any of my MIDI controllers to speak to it, nor could I find any key commands. In fact information is rather light, but I guess it's pretty self evident on how to use PartyCloud on a basic level. Another useful feature is the mono program and cue output so you can setup a cue mix with a mono Y headphone split.

With MIDI control this thing could really rock the party - though only in mono if you want a cuemix -and assuming you can find the tunes you want to play. Which is the only real downside - you can only mine Soundcloud for tunes. But even with these ingredients missing, you can't fail but to have a bit of fun.

PartyCloud.fm

Check it out yourself, but make sure you have a couple of hours spare- its addictive...

Learn The Secrets Of Active Loudspeaker Design

Prism Sound announces Audio Design Workshop LIVE


Some of the most experienced engineers in the audio industry will be sharing their knowledge and practical expertise in active loudspeaker design at a unique workshop being hosted by Prism Sound and Oxford Digital, in partnership with the Audio Engineering Society, LOUDSOFT and TTid.

Audio Design Workshop LIVE will take place at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, on March 25th 2013 and will be open to engineers, engineering managers, students and academics involved in audio engineering.

"The seminar sessions will cover aspects of analogue and digital audio system design and optimization, with a major emphasis on real-world, practical problem solving," says Simon Woollard, Test & Measurement Product Specialist at Prism Sound. "Our audience will have a unique opportunity to learn from our panel's many decades of collective experience, plus there will be plenty of opportunity for hands-on experimentation, and for networking with the presenters and other participants. This is a fantastic chance for everyone involved in audio engineering to learn the tricks of the trade from luminaries of the audio industry."

Audio Design Workshop LIVE will feature seminar sessions presented by Peter Eastty and John Richards of Oxford Digital; Peter Larsen of LOUDSOFT; Ian Dennis and Simon Woollard of Prism Sound; plus a guest presenter to be announced shortly. There will also be a panel discussion/Q&A where delegates will have the chance to ask the panellists for answers and advice, a hands-on session with evaluation units and demonstrations, and plenty of opportunities to network. All delegates will also receive an audio engineering gift pack.

"We are encouraging delegates to bring along their own loudspeakers for evaluation and enhancement using Oxford Digital's DSP tools," Simon Woollard adds. "And for those who can't physically attend, there will be the opportunity to watch the proceedings live via a global webcast."

Pricing and Availability:
Audio Design Workshop LIVE will take place at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, on March 25th 2013 and will be open to engineers, engineering managers, students and academics involved in audio engineering.

Places for Audio Design Workshop LIVE are limited and anyone wishing to take part is encouraged to register now. This can be done online via the Prism Sound website URL listed below or by calling +44 (0)1353 648 888.

More information:
www.prismsound.com/ADWLCambridge2013

Decouple Your Subwoofer From The Floor

Auralex is shipping the next-generation SubDude-HT Subwoofer Isolator


Auralex Acoustics tells us that they are now shipping their next-generation SubDude system, the SubDude-HT Subwoofer Isolator, which we previewed a while back. A larger lower-profile version of their SubDude, Auralex says that the SubDude-HT is a highly effective device that floats a subwoofer, yielding improved acoustical isolation.

The new SubDude-HT features a three-quarter-inch velour-covered MDF with a one-inch base of Auralex PlatFoam as an isolation boundary to decouple the subwoofer from the floor. The company says that this type of isolation allows the sound to emanate directly from the subwoofer, reducing coloration/"muddy" sound, thereby creating a clearer, more accurate low frequency response with diminished structural vibrations. The SubDude-HT measures 22"W x 17"D x 1.75"H.

Pricing and Availability:
See website

More information:
www.auralex.com

Forget The Horse Burgers, Have A Taste Of Camel

Camel Audio releases a collection of presets for Alchemy


Camel Audio has also announced the release of Taste of Camel, which they describe as a tasty appetiser of presets chosen from a menu of 24 Alchemy libraries. They tell us that this comprehensive 120-preset collection covers genres as diverse as Electronica and Ambient to Pop and Dubstep, and features 1GB of samples and sampled SFZ instruments, including synths, guitars, basses, sound effects, drum kits, and loops. All presets are fully tagged for the new browser in Alchemy Player v1.55, which is included for free.

Pricing and Availability:
Taste of Camel can be securely ordered from Camel Audio's online Shop for $15.00 USD/€12.00 EUR/£10.00 GBP, and is compatible with the Alchemy v1.5 sample manipulation synthesizer (available separately for $249.00 USD/€199.00 EUR/£179.00 GBP), and the free Alchemy Player v1.55 (included).

More information:
www.camelaudio.com

Music Boxes Sampled

Soundiron releases The Musique Box sound collection


Soundiron tells us that The Musique Box is a comprehensive collection of deeply multi-sampled music boxes with a huge range of extended content, powerful custom interface and cutting-edge performance features. Here's what their spokesperson told us...

We captured 11 different music boxes plus wind-up sfx, in a variety of environments and configurations, from bone dry, to concert hall, to submerged in a bathtub. We also manipulated the recordings to create a wide range of tonal and atmospheric sustains, pads, ambiences and special effect instruments, plus an array of 8 dynamic FX patches and another 10 custom presets to open up a wealth of creative possibilities right out of the box.

Our goal wasn't to simply deliver the most comprehensive music box library possible, but to provide simply unmatched creative tools that turn these humble music boxes into heavy duty compositional power tools for custom tuned percussion design. Next to the Musique Box, the rest are just toys.
All music boxes are easily loaded and shaped within the master presets, so you can load and blend new instruments instantly. We give you full control over every aspect of the sound right on the front panel, including sound selection, dynamic swelling, note attack, sample start offset, release gating, pitch shifting and key range control for each instrument layer. We've extended the note range to span the full scale, exposing powerfully rich bass tones and tight, percussive high notes well outside ordinary limits.

We've also included 24 sustaining ambient tuned instrument soundsets and evolving sound-scapes that warp the raw organic sounds into new shapes and dimensions. You'll also find a set of 8 stylized special-effect music boxes in the BoxFX patch. The library also features 10 bonus custom presets, including the bright Glockencelest and haunting Glass Armonica. These demonstrate limitless creative potential possible with just a few knob turns.

Each preset includes the Effects control panel, featuring a parametric EQ for tone shaping and our powerful exclusive Uberpeggiator system, capable of freestyle and 32-step tempo-synched humanized groove creation, sustaining rolls, chord- and key-constraint and custom arpeggiation pattern saving and loading. You can also drop the instruments into a wide variety of natural and other-worldly environments with our custom reverb controls, with 45 real-world environmental and room impulses and 25 original FX convolutions.

The Musique Box includes 1680 Samples and weighs in at 2.16GB installed.

Pricing and Availability:
The Musique Box is priced at $49, but it's available now for only $29 through Feb. 28th, 2013.

More information:
The Musique Box

Avid Approves Magma Expansion Chassis For Pro Tools

Magma ExpressBox 7 and 3T now supported for HDX cards with Pro Tools 10.3.3 and higher


Avid has qualified the Magma ExpressBox 3T (EB3T) and ExpressBox 7 (EB7) with Pro Tools 10.3.3 and higher. Any number of Pro Tools|HDX cards can be installed into either newly approved Magma expansion chassis. Magma says that ExpressBox 3T provides the desired upgrade path to new Thunderbolt equipped Macs without sacrificing access to Pro Tools DSP power. They tell us that with ExpressBox 7 you can continue using your Mac Pro with confidence that your Pro Tools configuration is officially supported by Avid.

Pricing and Availability:
See website

More information:
Magma

Feedback Loop Sounds For Kontakt

10 Soundware releases Mixer Feedback model B K


Mixer Feedback model B K from 10 Soundware is a sound set for Native Instruments Kontakt 5. Designed by Taichi Furudate, these patches are based on audio captured from a no-input mixer, an instrument contrived by connecting the output of an audio mixer with its input to incite feedback. The second in a series of four titles, each centered on a different mixer, this release features a contemporary, mass market model by a German manufacturer.

The timbres generated by the mixer used in Mixer Feedback model B K can be described as "like a cheap digital synthesizer", according to Taichi Furudate. Due to its inexpensiveness and replaceability, this model is the most violently handled mixer in his collection (it has been thrown during performances), and has damage to its electronics, resulting in a highly "customized" device. Driven by his preference for physical interaction and "rough and chaotic" behaviors of no-input mixers, this model is often configured with a piezoelectric microphone and a small speaker to form the feedback loop. In this configuration, the angle, position, and pressure of the two components serve as parameters in which to acoustically shape the feedback signal, by introducing precariousness and imperfection.

The 53.7 MB download includes 50 .nki files and 100 WAV files (24-bit/44.1 kHz).


Pricing and Availability:
Mixer Feedback model B K is available now for $29.99

More information:
www.10soundware.com

Sylenth House Phrases And Progressions

Producer Loops releases Sounds+MIDI: House for Sylenth


Sounds+MIDI: House for Sylenth is the first in a brand new series from Producer Loops designed for users of the Sylenth VSTi. They tell us that, packed full of phrases and progressions, it takes a new approach to the traditional MIDI pack concept by including a patch library designed to integrate seamlessly with the MIDI loops. Here's the details in their own words:

Inside you'll find 128 patches for Sylenth 2.21 or higher, including 45 powerful bass sounds, 45 soaring leads, 16 pluck instruments and 10 rich chord & pad sounds. In addition to this, 48 MIDI loops are included. Each file is labelled to match the correct patch within the patch bank. You can also try them out with any of the 128 patches included to achieve your own sound.

About "Sounds+MIDI":

MIDI is a powerful and versatile format, overcoming many of the limitations of audio in relation to pitch shifting and time stretching. However, MIDI contains only note data and so it has been impossible for the user to recreate the exact sounds found in the original phrase. Until now.

Introducing the new Sounds+MIDI range from Producer Loops. Each product in this range will include not only a selection of 100% original and royalty-free MIDI loops, but also the patches used to create them. This includes LFO and modulation routing, as well as pitch bend range; traditionally MIDI defaults to 2 semitones up or down. This range will be expanded upon with future releases, so start your collection today with 'Sounds+MIDI: House for Sylenth'.

Pricing and Availability:
Sounds+MIDI: House for Sylenth is available for instant download for £22.95 / 26,44 EUR / $29.12 USD.

More information:
www.producerloops.com

Free DJing Software Updated

CrossDJ Free v2.3 is now available


MixVibes tells us that a major update (Version 2.3) of the free DJing software CrossDJ Free is now available for download.

A spokesperson told us, "We truly believe that CrossDJ Free is the most sophisticated free DJ software on the market, therefore the best way to start really DJing. It has a fully featured professional DJ standards set up (waveforms, Cue/Play/Sync buttons, mixer, hot cues, scratching, loops, effects ...) and, at the same time, a very intuitive and simple interface."

CrossDJ Free, built on MixVibes'10+ years of expertise in DJ tools, has:

  • better graphics, better layout design, better ergonomy.
  • better library management : direct access to iTunes tracks (and not thru multiple folders !) and intelligent playlists.
  • autoplay mode : just load your tracks - set up the fade time and a fully synced mix will autoplay.
  • full free version, unlimited play time, no commercials.
  • works with all our remotes (iPhone, iPad).

Pricing and Availability:
Free

More information:
Apple iTunes download
PC download

Rotor For Reason

Propellerhead adds a classic Leslie rotary speaker emulation to the Reason rack


Propellerhead has announced the immediate availability of Rotor, a rotary speaker Rack Extension forReason. They say that, meticulously modeled on the Leslie 122 speaker, Rotor brings its trademark vintage soul to the Reason rack, making authentic organ sounds and old-school guitar tones instantly accessible to Reason users.

A spokesperson told us, "Rotor carefully emulates all aspects of a rotary speaker, down to the independent rotation and acceleration of the horn and drum, and has settings for mic distance and rotation speed. Yet Rotor also takes the classic rotary speaker design into the future, with two flavors of built-in preamp distortion, control over the rotation doppler effect, the horn's length and acceleration speed as well as CV output of the rotation, for syncing other Reason devices to Rotor's speed and acceleration. Rotor comes complete with an included organ instrument for Reason's Combinator, as well as a set of expertly crafted Rotor patches designed for guitar, drums, vocals and keys."

About Rack Extensions
Rack Extensions is a new technology that opens up the Reason rack, enabling third party developers to create instruments and effects for the award-winning music making software Reason. Rack Extensions is supported in Reason 6.5 and Reason Essentials 1.5, available as free upgrades for owners of Reason 6 or Reason Essentials.

Pricing and Availability:
Rotor is available for immediate purchase in the Propellerhead Shop, at a price of USD $49/EUR €39. Reason and Reason Essentials users can download a free, fully functional trial version for 30 days to try Rotor in their music.

More information:
www.propellerheads.se

Salad Bar Version 8 Released

Soundcells updates their long-running ReFill


Soundcells tells us that Version 8 of their evergrowing ReFill project, Salad Bar, is stuffed with 30 new combinator patches coming from the Soundcells ReFills "PolysixRE" and "Antidote Signature", plus 15 new Salad Bar exclusives. They say that Salad Bar´s patches will cover all kinds of music styles showing you the very best Soundcells has to offer.

A spokesperson told us, "With its almost 380 combinators in total, this ReFill simply is a "must-have" for every producer´s collection."

Salad Bar v8 Contents:

  • 252 combinator patches coming from all Soundcells ReFills.
  • 125 Salad Bar exclusive combinator patches.
  • 359 well balanced patches for Thor, Malstroem, Subtractor, NNXT, Antidote, Polysix and ReDrum.
  • 60 rex loops.
  • The modules folder contains the basic synth and NNXT patches which were used for the combinator sounds.
  • 8 tracks in RNS format - inspiring with highl 'tutorialesque' value.

Pricing and Availability:
14,90 EUR

More information:
Soundcells

Hartley Peavey Honoured on Mississippi Blues Trail

An interview with the man himself


Mr Hartley Peavey, founder and CEO of Peavey Electronics for over 40 years, has been honoured by a marker on the historic Mississippi Blues Trail - this is for his contribution to Mississippi blues heritage and is the only one given to a musical instrument manufacturer.

The trail is created by the Mississippi Blues Commission, is a project to place interpretive markers at the most notable historical sites related to the growth of the blues throughout the state of Mississippi. The trail extends from the border of Louisiana in southern Mississippi and winds its way to Memphis, Tennessee.

Peavey started back in 1965 - when Hartley, the son of a music store owner, decided to build stuff after an unsuccessful attempt at making it as a guitar player. He realized his skills were with making things with his hands rather than music - after taking courses in electronics and metal work, and wining counltess science fairs, he turned his hand to filling the void for "affordable, quality, musical equipment".

He's an interesting chap and now his company has a wide range of products, from guitars, to amplification to sound reinforcement, with over 1800 patents, distributed in 170 countries.

Take a moment to watch this interview with the man himself - it's an interesting piece.

More Information
http://www.msbluestrail.org

8 Plug-Ins And 3 Sound Libraries For $15

Prodyon announces a clearance Sale


Prodyon Plug-ins have decided to call it a day. In a sad email from the CEO citing health and financial reasons for his decision, they are offering all of their range of plug-ins at a one-off price of $15.

To quote the website:

You get 8 Windows VST Plugins + 3 Sample Libraries

We will still answer support emails, questions and the like but there won´t be updates to our products anymore.

To all PFL Customers: You can still download and access your PFL area within this year. In early 2014 it will be closed.

The $15 Package Includes

Agonyx VST (100 Presets)
Enchoir VST
Polypitch VST
Pneumo4 VST
Shortnoise VST
Shortnoise Kontakt Library (135 Instruments)
Votox Cinematic Kontakt Library (300 Instruments)
Phenome VST + Factory Library + Factory Expansion
Livemachine VST + Livemachine LE VST+ Soundpoo

Prodyon shuts down business on the 1st of march, 2013.

More Presets for iOS Synth

Sunsine Audio releases Casino 2 with 64 presets for Cassini


Sunsine Audio tells us that Casino 2 contains 64 new presets for Cassini. It features Basses, Leads, Pads, Arpeggiations, Chiptune, Formant and FM patches, and more.

The company says that every preset has the modulation wheel routed as well as all 4 performance modulation knobs assigned to interesting and important aspects of the sound, giving you a high degree of real time control and command over your sound.

Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later.

Features:
  • 100% Original and Royalty Free
  • 64 cassini_timbre files
  • 256 Controller knob settings
  • 64 Mod Wheel settings
  • Includes easy installation instructions

Pricing and Availability:
$2.49

More information:
www.sunsineaudio.com

Camel Audio Alchemy Player Updated

v1.55 offers many new enhancements


Camel Audio has announced Alchemy Player v1.55, a major update to their free Alchemy Sound Library and SFZ player synthesizer. They say that Alchemy Player v1.5 is designed to keep inspiration flowing with a fully-featured preset browser, 200 presets, faster preset loading times, improved remote control from the Alchemy iOS app, and many more enhancements.

Here's the details in Camel Audio's own words...

The new browser is probably the most fully-featured sound browser available anywhere, allowing users to find all their slow attack strings, glitchy dubstep basses, tempo-synched warm pads, or whatever they need in a matter of seconds. All previously-released Camel Audio presets have been carefully tagged by category,subcategory, genre, sound library, sound designer, articulation, and timbre. Finding favourites is a breeze -- simply rate presets with a single click and then sort by rating. Users can add tags to make it easy to call up presets associated with a particular project or live set, and can also add comments to presets with playing tips or other notes. Track down the perfect sound in a host of different ways with this powerful browser.

DEDICATED iOS REMOTE

Alchemy Player v1.55 with the latest update to Alchemy on iOS offers even smoother and more expressive remote control. Change preset, move the remix pad, and access performance controls -- all without leaving the comfort of your controller keyboard. Previously the domain of multi-thousand dollar devices, polyphonic pitch bend is new to this update, and offers an amazingly expressive way of playing instruments -- especially when combined with polyphonic aftertouch.

Pricing and Availability:
Alchemy Player is available now for free

More information:
Alchemy Player

Six Steinberg Controllers In One Bundle

Steinberg releases CMC Six-Pack


Steinberg has released the CMC Six-Pack, a new bundle deal comprising the CMC line-up of USB controllers.

Stefan Schreiber, product marketing manager at Steinberg, told us, "The CMC Six-Pack is the most flexible controller setup ever made for Cubase: it's a touch-based mixer; it's a handy pad controller; it's a transport control you won't want to miss after the first try.We're offering Cubase users the opportunity to get their hands on some really great controllers at a price that's unbeatable: over 50% less than if bought separately!"

Here's the full details in Steinberg's own words...

The CMC Six-Pack is made up of all six controllers designed to offer users a modular controller experience. Arranging the units in a way that best suits the personal needs when using Cubase makes the CMC series a very customizable hardware control system. Each of the six slim-sized USB controllers provides tactile control over Cubase features.

The CMC-CH channel controller houses 16 illuminated buttons, one rotary encoder and a touch fader, offering immediate access to channel-relevant functions in Cubase.

The CMC-FD fader controller features four high-precision touch faders with LED-based metering and solo/mute function to provide efficient mixer control.

The CMC-QC quick controller boasts 13 illuminated buttons and eight rotary encoders for flexible assignment to Cubase controls, such as mapping to parameters of effects and EQ.

The CMC-PD pad controller features 16 highly responsive backlit pads and one rotary encoder, ideal for sample-based music performances.

The CMC-TP transport controller houses 17 buttons and a touch slider, tailored to the transport controls in Cubase.

The CMC-AI controller comes with Steinberg's AI Knob and ten function buttons for convenient volume level control, jog control, browsing and adjusting many plug-in and Cubase parameters.

Features at a glance

  • Six unique micro controllers designed to take control of dedicated Cubase areas -- faster and more convenient than with any other solution 
  • Modular system: combine multiple units to form an eminently powerful Cubase control station that exactly fits your needs; joint plate included for quick and easy connection 
  • Fully mirrored Cubase functionality: intuitive operation due to the adoption of the Cubase color scheme and icons 
  • Perfect ergonomics guarantee a unique level of handling quality -- created to make your recording and live performance workflow more musical than ever 
  • Brings innovative technologies to your fingertips: illuminated, high-resolution touch controls and rotary encoders for detailed visual feedback 
  • Portable and compact: small enough to fit in your pocket, on a master keyboard or wherever desired 
  • User-assignable functions for even more flexibility and tweaking options 
  • USB-powered: no additional power supply required 
  • Cross-platform compatible: OS X and Windows support 
  • Cubase AI download version included to start recording your music straight away 

Pricing and Availability:
The CMC Six-Pack is available from selected resellers and through the Steinberg Online Shop as long as stocks last. The suggested retail price is 299 euros including German VAT.

More information:
Steinberg

Presonus Live Webinar This Week

Watch Briana Tyson record a few tracks live


Presonus will be hosting Briana Tyson and her band for their latest live webinar on Thursday 21st February.

More information:
Presonus Live

Record A Country Song To Win Prizes

Sonoma Wire Works announces RiffRumble 21 contest


Sonoma Wire Works has announced the RiffRumble 21 Country Song Contest which will run from March 1-14. The company had this to say...

Saddle up! Record your best original country song using RiffWorks (Mac/Win) or FourTrack (iPhone) by your lonesome, or wrangle up to 4 friends into a RiffLink online collab. Over $4000 in prizes! Somebody's getting a Taylor SolidBody Double Cutaway guitar, GuitarJack, DrumCore and more. Enter March 1-14. Public votes March 1-28. No entry fee and RiffWorks T4 may be used, so there is no purchase necessary.

Pricing and Availability:
Free entry

More information:
RiffRumble 21

Ease Your Transition To Presonus Studio One

Hal Leonard publishes Studio One for Engineers and Producers


Hal Leonard Books have been in touch to tell us that they are now shipping Studio One for Engineers and Producers.

They say that this Quick Pro Guide is specifically designed to help engineers and producers who are already comfortable using another DAW software platform make the transition to Studio One. The author and audio engineer Bill Edstrom says: "I've done projects in just about every DAW on the market. To use most of these systems you need to be in a very technical frame of mind. I was looking for something simpler - something to get creative songwriting ideas out. That's when I discovered Studio One."

Studio One for Engineers and Producers starts by relating Studio One's layout and functionality to other common DAWs, to identify the most important similarities and differences. It then follows the creative process through the normal progression of a modern recording/production. Hal Leonard says that this new cross-platform (Mac/PC) DAW is built from the ground up for speed, efficiency, and power and that Studio One for Engineers and Producers is the perfect tool to shorten the pathway from installation to inspiration.

The book is accompanied with 12 new video tutorials covering the key concepts. Studio One for Engineers and Producers demonstrates the creative, practical, and technical benefits provided by PreSonus in this application. Hal Leonard says that all instruction is presented in straightforward and simple language that gets right to the point, taking into consideration the need for amateurs, home studio owners, and commercial professionals to get up to speed very quickly. They believe that readers will enjoy the numerous tips and real world examples. Edstrom adds: "I was recording with Studio One as a canvas for creativity. But I realized that I could produce music end to end without really needing to use other tools. In short, Studio One is fun to use!"

About the author
William Edstrom, Jr. (Milwaukee, WI), an author, audio engineer, and business owner, is best known for his video tutorials on DAW technology, mixing, mastering, and plug-ins for Groove 3. He has a degree in Electrical Engineering, plays guitar and bass, and has decades of experience in all aspects of recording and sound reinforcement. A lifelong student, business owner, instructor, and the creator of Lilacwriter.com - an online co-writing tool for songwriters - Bill is an alumni of the Milwaukee School of Engineering and Harvard Business School. He publishes video tutorials for Studio One in his YouTube channel Lilacwriter

Pricing and Availability:
$16.99

More information:
Hal Leonard

Nomad Factory MAGMA Updated

New modulation matrix brings synth-style design to multi-effects


Nomad Factory tells us that they have been hard at work innovating new ways to work with virtual effects. They say that MAGMA 1.5 is the culmination of their unique design approach that combines the power of advanced synthesizer-style control routings with a large array of integrated virtual effects plug-ins. They believe that the result is a multi-effects plug-in suite that transcends the realm of recording and mixing tools, becoming a creative suite for DJs, sound designers, and musicians, as well as engineers and producers.

Bernie Torelli, founder and chief developer for Nomad Factory, told us, "The new MAGMA is a dream for DJs, producers, and musicians, because there has never been an effects plug-in that speaks their language before now. By adding the Modulation Matrix, automation controls, and 3rd party VST support, we've made an extremely flexible and deep effects plug-in, yet one that is familiar to sound designers. For example, no one would have thought of adding an LFO to a graphic EQ, or an envelope to a compression ratio until now. With the latest version of MAGMA, you can do just about anything you can imagine."

Here's the full details in Nomad Factory's own words:

MAGMA version 1.5 adds two significant new modules. The first is a Modulation Matrix with up to 32 source/destination routings, 8 programmable LFOs, and a programmable 16-step Envelope Generator that allows users to create up to 8 unique envelopes for modulation sources. All sources, including MIDI messages, can control any parameter of any MAGMA effect loaded in the virtual rack. The second new module is called the VST Chainer, which allows users to load and access all other Nomad Factory plug-ins or any 3rd party VST plug-in for use in the MAGMA routing and processing environment.

Both of these modules are offered as a no-cost upgrade from version 1 of MAGMA that already features new types of audio processing, routing, and flexibility in a simple, intuitive package.

MAGMA 1.5 comes with 65 All New Effects. Featuring 1-rack-unit interfaces that can be loaded and rearranged using up to four racks, MAGMA also comes with a flexible routing matrix enabling serial, parallel or combined routings.

Effects categories include Dynamics, Equalizers, Pre-Amps, Distortions, Reverbs, Delays, Modulation, Sequencers, Filters, Special FX, and Guitar FX.

Modulation Matrix:
The Modulation Matrix takes MAGMA to the next level of creativity and control by giving users 8 LFO's and 8 envelopes that can be freely assigned to any plug-in parameter within the rack. LFOs and envelopes can move knobs automatically for you without using automation, which will make your MAGMA FX racks spring to life!

Features:

  • 8 Freely Assignable LFOs
  • 8 Freely Assignable Envelopes
  • Move any knob in any rack automatically without automation
  • Control Assign allows for quick One-Click LFO/Envelope assignment
  • Right-click any parameter within a rack for a quick assignment
  • Create complex FX machines that were previously unimaginable

VST Chainer:
The VST Chainer opens up MAGMA to the vast universe of 3rd party VST audio plug-ins. Each VST Chainer allows up to 8 VST audio plug-ins to be loaded simultaneously per rack. With 16 different rack spaces, Magma can host up to 16 VST Chainers, which results in a whopping 128 simultaneous 3rd party effects. Mix and match internal Magma FX racks with 3rd party FX and save your favorite combinations for later use.

Features:

  • Load your favorite 3rd party VST Plug-ins into Magma
  • Pop-up editor to access the original plug-in's GUI
  • Chain up to 8 effects together per rack, multiplied by 16 total racks = up to 128 simultaneous effects
  • Mix and match internal Magma FX with 3rd party VSTs
  • Save and Recall your favorite VST Chainer combinations

MAGMA's Virtual Studio Rack (VSR) technology enables users to stack dozens of interchangeable effects in a seemingly infinite number of combinations, all in one easy-to-use plug-in. MAGMA makes it easy to mix and match effects, create and recall unique chains, and process audio in unique ways. Using MAGMA is like having a Virtual Studio Rack with a large number of effects at your disposal.

Features Overview:

  • Includes 65 high-quality, custom, unique effects racks
  • New Modulation Matrix with 32 source/destination routings
  • Modulation Matrix includes 8 LFOs, 8 programmable 16-stage envelopes, all tempo-synced
  • VST Chainer that allows loading 3rd Party plug-ins
  • Drag & Drop effects to any rack position
  • Four Easy-to-use Virtual Racks
  • Flexible Routing Matrix
  • Presets Browser Window
  • 600+ Factory Presets Included
  • Serial Number Authorization (Up to Five Computers, no Challenge/Response, no dongle)

Pricing and Availability:
Both boxed and download versions of MAGMA are available now at ILIO.com and from dealers everywhere. The current release version is 1.5.1. MAGMA is available at a street price of $179 (MSRP $199).

More information:
Nomad Factory

Waves 50% Off February Sweetheart Deals

Selected plug-ins get slashed


Waves are running a deal on plugins for February - with some over 50% off.

The offer February Sweetheart Deals - buy plugins for the one you love?

Plug-ins include:

Silver, Gold, Vocal and Signature Series Bundles, Renaissance Vos, Wave Tune LT, Waves Tune, Vocal Rider, Element and IR-Live.

More Information
Waves.com

Deadmau5 Buys A Classic Fairlight CMI

Retro-tastic lux sampler


Snagged the holy grail of all samplers today! Fairlight CMI! Time to bring back the 80s ;)

If you've been envious of the Deadmau5 setup - his lovely wall of Eurorack modulars and other tasty synths has already featured in his highly viewed "i normally do this on sundays" (approx 1.3 mill views). A great synth spotters training ground - I lost count...

Of course, with his ongoing massive success, the setup has been poshed up a bit, with some cool furniture, cases and the like. There's also been some acquisition going on. The most recent addition being a Fairlight CMI 30A - the sound of Trevor Horn, Peter Gabriel, defining sounds of a generation that was originally yours for the price of a three bedroom house in 1980.

Even after all this time and the fact that technology has moved on so much that your iPhone now has more power than a Fairlight, there's something about the sound and the actual physical presence of the object that makes it say "I'm serious about sound" and of course it looks like it should belong in a laboratory - who could resist?

I must confess, for me though that's where the allure ends, though for some reason the light pen and the laborious step time sequencer of the legendary Page R still get some folks misty eyed. And lets not forget the large, slow loading, hard to source floppies, all this stuff we've left behind in the last century and while I'm a big fan of the physical interface, some things are better consigned to the past for good.

You can if you desire, as Deadmau5 did at NAMM this year, skip all the hassle of buying an antique and get a 21st Century model in the form of the CMI 30A from Peter Vogel Instruments - the original inventor of the Fairlight - a snip at around $20,000 - still way less than the original went for. Or you can get a an iOS App for around $50

I'll be listening out for some Shakuhachi samples on Deadmau5 releases from now on - I wonder if he could slip one in without anyone noticing....

Thanks to Failed Muso for the update - that Deadmau5 bought the CMI 30A.