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

WNAMM13: Holophone Rock the Mic

Funky, customizable stage mics


Winter NAMM 2013 - Holophone

We first came across Holophone mics several years ago when srround sound recording and capture was their thing. They've now branched into a wider range of more standard pattern mics. The ideally named Super Mikegave us a look around the new Holophone Super C stage mic - which are designed to be a substantial, rigged and customisable vocal stage mic. Available in a number of different body colours.

Each microphone's casing, windscreen, and grille can be instantly changed to any of a wide range of custom colors, providing unprecedented on-stage and on-camera visual versatility, as well as a whole new level of hygienic appeal.

Hand assembled in Canada, the Super C includes a custom carrying case, microphone clip, and other accessories, and will be available for $499 MSRP.

More Information
Holophone.com

WNAMM13: Radial System 500 Racks and Modules

Q4 Eq module, 4 channel mixers, Pre Max and PreComp


Winter NAMM 2013 - Radial 500 Series

With system 500 rack modules becoming more popular, Radial are producing more units in that format. Their SIX-PACK rack has 6 units of 500 space, plus flexible IO and patching on XLR and 1/4 inch. Adjacent channels can be linked for stereo operation.

Also there's the WORKHORSE POWERHOUSE with 10 rack spaces.

http://www.radialeng.com/r2011/powerrack-products.php

New 500 series modules

EQ4

  • Four band semi-parametric equalizer
  • 100% discrete class-A state-variable filters
  • Sounds exceptionally warm and natural
  • Fits all standard 500 series power racks
http://www.radialeng.com/r2011/q4.php

Submix

  • Single space 4x1 line mixer for 500 series racks
  • Accustate circuit for low noise at all levels
  • Virtual earth-mix bus configuration
  • Use with instruments and line level sources
http://www.radialeng.com/r2011/submix.php

Chaindrive

  • 1 x 4 line level distribution amplifier
  • Balanced and unbalanced operation
  • Compatible with all 500 series racks
  • Also buffers unbalanced stereo signals

WNAMM13: PSP PianoVerb2 and SpringVerb2

Shown running in Auria


Winter NAMM 2013 - PSP AudioWare

We often bump into the PSP guys at our motel, but they are clearly moving up in the world - now they hang out on the beach in Huntingdon in between showing their new products on the booth.

This year they are showing two new reverb plug-ins:

PianoVerb2 - is redesigned and improved resonant reverb plug-in. Like the original PianoVerb it creates its unique sound with twelve resonant filters that mimic the behavior of piano strings. Available in all formats including AAX and for the Auria iPad based DAW

SpringVerb2 - another update of a free plug-in, this one recreates the main factors of a true spring sound. You can configure the number of springs used plus and A/B channel for higher class springs.

Available soon for all formats including AAX. Available now for Auria iOS DAW.

More Information
pspaudioware.com

Hybrid Soundfont And Subtractive Synth

Xen-Arts introduces the fully-microtonlal XenFont VSTi for Windows


Xen-Arts tells us that XenFont is a two oscillator, hybrid SF2 SoundFont & Subtractive Synthesis VSTi that features full-controller MIDI Pitch Microtuning using the MTS (MIDI Tuning Standard) format, where any MIDI Note Number can be freely microtuned to any desired pitch across the MIDI range, enabling computer musicians and composers to explore the vast expressive possibilities of composing music with alternative intonation systems.

A spokesperson told us, "XenFont is a microtonal sound-designer's SF2 sample-based synthesizer, with a carefully designed ergonomic workflow for quickly creating powerful sounding and musical useful timbres. The instrument enables users to load their own SF2 SoundFont files and thereby any special timbres required of the music at hand, from classical acoustic instruments, to synthesized ones. Routing the SF2 SoundFont Oscillators through the internal synthesis functions of the VSTi, provides a way to radically transform the original sounds and create new synthesized timbres. XenFont is also an educational tool for learning about computer music sound-design, sampling and subtractive sound synthesis, as well as musical instrument intonation (aka microtuning and xenharmonics)." Here's the full details from Xen-Arts:

XenFont embodies a design philosophy of simplicity for microtonal music sound-design...

  • Enables computer musicians and composers to freely load their own SF2 SoundFonts into a fully microtonal, hybrid sampling & subtractive synthesis based VSTi.
  • A 'knob-less' design featuring slider controls only, which enables intuitive direct control with a computer mouse.
  • A dedicated control signal system mapped to the most important synthesis functions.
  • Settings are made by typing values into fields, dropdown lists, left-and-right arrows, switches and sliders.
  • Enables musicians to specify precise microtonal pitch-bend settings.
  • Features arbitrary microtonal oscillator transposition settings.
  • Velocity modulation of harmonics enables dynamically playing harmonics of the fundamental pitch.
  • Envelope generators with per-stage ADSR keyboard tracking.

Oscillator Section

  • Two Soundfont Oscillators that enable users to load their own SF2 files.
  • Microtonal, Harmonic Series and Subharmonic Series Oscillator Transposition.
  • Pitch Envelope Generator with Per-Stage ADSR Keyboard Tracking and Polarity Switching.
  • Host Synchronized LFO (with Rate Sequencer) for Cross-Fade Modulation between Oscillators.
  • Analog Pitch Drift Emulator with both Unipolar and Bipolar Modulation
  • Velocity-to-Harmonics Modulation enables oscillators to dynamically sound harmonics of the fundamental pitch
  • Ring Modulation
  • Oscillator and Ring Modulator Mixer with Six Cross-Fade Modes.

Filter Section

  • Pre-Filter Saturation Stage with 20 Saturation Types.
  • Two Independent Filters with Six Filter Types: LP4, LP2, HPF, BPF, BRF, APF.
  • One and Two Stage Filter Cascade.
  • Host Synchronized LFO (with Rate Sequencer) and Envelope Generator for Filter Cutoff Frequency Modulation.
  • Filter Envelope Generator with Per-Stage ADSR Keyboard Tracking and Polarity Switching.
  • LFO and Envelope Generator enables both Unipolar and Bipolar Filter Modulation.

VCA Section

  • Dedicated Envelope Generator.
  • VCA Envelope Generator with Per-Stage ADSR Keyboard Tracking.
  • Switchable Velocity Sensitivity and Fixed Volume Control.

Performance Control

  • MIDI Pitch Microtuning with MTS (MIDI Tuning Standard).
  • MTS Support for both Single Note and Bulk Dump.
  • Loads MTS Microtuning Format Files Internally and Receives MTS Externally.
  • Local (Per-Patch) and Global Microtuning (Static Microtuning for All Patches).
  • Microtunings can be loaded from any directory on hard drives or storage devices connected to the computer.
  • Ten Note Polyphonic.
  • Monophonic Legato Mode.
  • Polyphonic Portamento with Three Glide Modes.
  • Microtonal Pitch Bend.
  • Vibrato.
  • Effects include Chorus, Flanger, Phasers, Warm Filter and Stereo Ensemble.

XenFont is a freeware 32-bit VSTi for Windows XP or higher and includes
a detailed instruction manual, 75 factory patches and 54 microtonal tunings.

Pricing and Availability:
Free download

More information:
www.xen-arts.com

Dubstep Construction Kits

Fatloud releases Alien Dubstep from Palix Sound


FatLoud's new label Palix Sound has released Alien Dubstep which they describe as 5 guality Dubstep construction kits plus bonus kick drums.

A spokesperson told us, "Please say Hello to our new label Palix Sound and their first release Alien Dubstep. If you're a fan of modern Dubstep, then this sample pack could be for you. Alien Dubstep includes 5 high quality Dubstep construction kits composed from over 200 loops + 18 additional kick drums. You'll find here juicy & wide wobble basses, 'breathing' sub basses, synth leads, synth keys, voice fx, sweeps, drum mixes, individual drum & percussion tracks and more! Every sound in this pack is mixed & mastered to perfection and fits perfectly into modern Dubstep genre - just download the demo pack and see for yourself!"

Formats included in download: 16 bit Acidized WAV, 24 bit Acidized WAV, 24 bit Apple Loops (AIFF) & REX2 (compatible with Propellerheads Reason, Record, Stylus RMX and any other software which is capable to load REX files).

Features

  • Completely royalty-free material to use within your commercial compositions
  • 5 high quality Dubstep construction kits & bonus kick drums
  • Over 200 loops including: drums & percussion (separated & mixed for ease of use), synths, bass and more
  • 18 bonus kick drums
  • Tempos & key signatures provided for all loops and kits
  • 4 formats: 16 bit WAV (Acidized), 24 bit WAV (Acidized), 24 bit AIFF (Apple Loops), RX2 (REX)
  • In total over 800 multiformat loops, over 1,5 GB in size
  • All loops & samples in this library are licensed to you as Royalty-Free

Pricing and Availability:
EUR 22.90

More information:
Alien Dubstep

Deep House Sound Library

Ueberschall releases Deep House - Club Sounds Vol. 1


Deep House is Ueberschall's introduction to the brand new Club Sound series. They tell us that this library offers Deep House producers the latest club-approved high-quality-loops and samples. In addition, they say that the library can also be used for related genres such as Tech House, Progressive or Minimal. Here's what Ueberschall has to say about it:

The content of Deep House - Club Sounds Vol. 1 is split in two sections. The library's core is built by 499 loops and 225 single sounds, arranged in categories but ready to be combined freely. Among the loops, you will find basslines with synth-, electric- and acoustic sounds, complex backing loops, filtered and effect-manipulated guitar-riffs, atmospheric pads, synths and chords as well as spacey SFX.
Rhythmic content is provided in form of groovy No-Kick- and Percussion-loops, complemented by a single-sound-section with bass drums, snares, claps, hi-hats and cymbals to forge your individual beats. This library part is 780MB in size.

For producers, ready to be inspired, Deep House - Club Sounds Vol. 1 contains 39 micro construction kits. These have been carefully assembled out of 399 loops of the full content. Matching bass- and synthlines combined with pad-, SFX-, chord-loops and drums get you an idea of the grooves. Add your own tweaks and parts to build a finished track from here. This library part contains another 675MB and is delivered as a separate soundbank. No need to install this add-on if you have no use for the micro construction kits. If you don't, you won't lose a single sample!

Deep House - Club Sounds Vol. 1 is a great library for club-track-producers. It offers lots of luscious loops as well as inspiring groove ideas. Besides music production, this library also excels when used for trailers and jingles, dance-games and dubbing.

Elastik-Features
Ueberschall's Elastik player is the idea tool for loop-based music productions. Speed and pitch changes to adapt any loop of Deep House - Club Sounds Vol. 1 to your needs are just a few mouse clicks apart. All Elastik libraries installed are displayed in a clearly laid out browser with immediate access to all loops. Because this browser does not only display the content of a single but of all installed Elastik libraries, this gives you a huge remix-pool.
Functions such as resample, formant and reverse as well as a powerful multimode filter with up to 72 dB/oct. slope are oriented towards DJs workflow and grant effective changes to loops for creative sound design.

Credits
This library has been produced in cooperation with Marc Steinmeier and producer Ron Paul of Timetools studio. This facility has been responsible for productions such as Timo Maas, Martin Buttrich, Loco Dice and may others.

  • 780MB, 499 loops, 225 single sounds
  • Add-on material: 675MB, 39 micro construction kits
  • Genres: Deep House, Tech House, Progressive, Minimal
  • Elastik soundbank for Mac/PC/AU/VST/RTAS/stand-alone
  • Elastik player included - no sampler required

Pricing and Availability:
49.00 €

More information:
Deep House

National Instrument Of Ukraine Sampled

Precisionsound releases Ukrainian Bandura for Kontakt and Logic EXS24


The Bandura is the national instrument of Ukraine, and Precisionsound tells us that they have sampled a 55-string Bandura made by the Chernihiv factory in the 1980s. Playing styles included in the library are:

  • Solo (4 velocity layers, 6 round robin layers)
  • Trio ( 4 velocity layers 2 round robin layers, based upon the same samples as "Solo" with 3 samples per note)
  • FX1-3 (178 sound effects created with the instrument)

The tonal range of the instrument is A0-D#5, mapped from A1-D#6 in the keyboard.

All samples were recorded at 24 bits, and 44.1 Sample rate.

The SampleSet contains 1315 mono WAV samples mapped as 9 programs for Kontakt 2 and above, 1 scripted program for Kontakt v.3-5, and 10 programs for EXS24. The total size of the library uncompressed is 2GB.

All formats are included when you buy Ukrainian Bandura so you can download whatever format you like or all of them.

Full version of Kontakt is required, this library does NOT work with the free Kontakt Player!

Pricing and Availability:
Ukrainian Bandura costs $69 (+$11 if you want it on DVD).

More information:
www.precisionsound.net

More Magellan Sounds

Sunsine Audio realises 64 new presets


Just in time for the 2.1 update announced today, Sunsine Audio has announced their third set of 64 new 
presets for Magellan from Yonac Inc. They tell us that Explorer 3 utilizes full XY pad and Mod Wheel support for all presets, enabling easy and interesting variation in sound and texture. The set contains basses, leads, pads, keys, and arpeggiation sequences and is compatible with Magellan for iPad and Magellan Jr for iPhone.

  • 64 presets
  • 1 .yban bank file
  • Easy Installation Instructions

Pricing and Availability:
$2.49

More information:
www.sunsineaudio.com

Artificial Intelligence For iPad Synth

Yonac's Magellan for iPad updated with new feature


Yonac has announced Magellan version 2.1 for the iPad and they tell us that SPAWN (Smart Preset Aggregation with Windowed raNdomization) is an exciting new feature that creates intelligent preset sounds.

Chief engineer Jim Yonac, told us, "Some synthesizers have a random preset feature that haphazardly chooses sound parameters, which mostly produces unusable sounds. Instead, we use artificial intelligence to generate unique and usable patches for Magellan."

Here's more details in Yonac's own words...

SPAWN uses the right balance of expert knowledge and well-informed randomization to generate presets in a given category or combination of categories, selecting something in the order of 180 parameters in a mutually compatible manner. SPAWN settings allow the user to choose among or mix bass, lead, pad, or "weird" sounds, with an option to also generate an arp. The "Surprise Me" feature transfers tonality decisions to the system.

The 2.1 update also includes two new free FX: HEXEq, a powerful 6-channel parametric equalizer and VC-93 Compressor, a juicy compressor with built in I/O VU meters. In addition to using Audiobus's input slot, now Magellan can also be used in Audiobus's FX slot.

Pricing and Availability:
Magellan 2.1 is now available on the iTunes store for $14.99.

More information:
www.yonac.com