Below are some of the new releases we have encountered this week on the Loops and Samples front. Just like the quality of the audio software we use these days the quality of the content we use (loops and samples) equally matches the high standards of this software. Below is this weeks selection.
These past months we saw a few pictures on the Twitter feed of Junkie XL, showing some of the work he was doing with Hans Zimmer on the soundtrack for The Man Of Steel motion picture. The images were of a drum studio set up of twelve drum kits, all facing eachother. To us that looked very interesting.
Toolroom Records returns with another outstanding set of royalty free samples for you to enjoy! And to celebrate this release, they have launched a producer competition exclusively on Beatport, with a set of money can’t buy prizes!
Daft Punk‘s long-awaited return, Random Access Memories, is a glorious reimagining of late ’70s/early ’80s disco, circa 2013. Shooting to number one in 20 countries upon its release, Random Access Memories was mixed at Conway Studios in Los Angeles by Mick Guzauski, whose impressive list of credits include Burt Bacharach, Madonna, Johnny Mathis, Quincy Jones, and Cher.
One of the nicest surprises and unexpected new products was the Korg Volca series of small analog instruments at the past MusikMesse in Frankfurt. The volca series is a new line up consisting of three units: the volca Keys lead Synthesizer, the volca Bass synthesizer, and the volca Beats rhythm machine. These units let you create a diverse array of fat sounds that can only be obtained from an analog synthesizer; and you can generate intuitive phrase performances using the loop sequencer. Multiple units can be used in tandem, or together with your DAW software.
As of October 2011 — when Avid introduced its advanced AAX (Avid Audio Xtension) plug-in format with Pro Tools 10 to offer better workflows and sound parity when sharing sessions between DSP-accelerated and DSP-based Pro Tools systems — Arturia software instrument users could still run RTAS versions of their precious plug-ins within Pro Tools 10. This is no longer the case with Pro Tools 11.
Native Instruments have released version 2.6.2. of the Traktor Pro software. It is a usual (maintenance) update like many others, except for a few details. This version lets you unlock the Remix Decks. Now these decks can be mapped to all controllers. Previously this was only possible with Native’s own F1 controller. Next to this unlocking feature, the software also supports the new Kontrol Z1 mixer.
Native Instruments today introduced the latest installment of their DISCOVERY SERIES – the range of KONTAKT Instruments based around specific musically vibrant locations. DISCOVERY SERIES – CUBA celebrates the sounds of the master musicians of Havana – rich, varied, and joyful music that encompasses the melodic and rhythmic traits of son, rumba, salsa and merengue. KONTAKT users can now add the special flavor of Cuba to almost any production style – from house and techno to pop, indie, and world styles.
Rekord Buddy is the world’s most advanced syncing tool for Traktor and Rekordbox. Whether you’re a Traktor DJ who wants the flexibility of using CDJs for some of your gigs, a Rekordbox DJ who wants to give Traktor a try or a regular user of both programs, Rekord Buddy is the simplest and most powerful way to keep your music collections in sync at all times.
One of the nicest surprises and unexpected new products was the Korg Volca series of small analog instruments at the past MusikMesse in Frankfurt. The volca series is a new line up consisting of three units: the volca Keys lead Synthesizer, the volca Bass synthesizer, and the volca Beats rhythm machine. These units let you create a diverse array of fat sounds that can only be obtained from an analog synthesizer; and you can generate intuitive phrase performances using the loop sequencer. Multiple units can be used in tandem, or together with your DAW software.
Mono/Poly for Reason uses Korg’s proprietary CMT (Component Modeling Technology) to precisely model the electronic circuitry of the original analog instrument, capturing the exact sound and parameter response of the original. Originally introduced as part of Korg’ s Legacy Collection, Mono/Poly can now be integrated into Reason as a Rack Extension.
Groove 3 have cooked up something special for Sonalksis users! Right now you can get their “Sonalksis Plug-Ins Explained” video tutorials at an amazing price during their month long “The More You Spend, The More You Save” sale. Spend $25 and get 10% off, spend $50 and get 20% off, and spend $75 or more and get a whopping 33% off your entire order. Just add products to your cart and the discounts are automatically applied.
Virtual Buss Compressors comprises three unique sounding, 100% analog modeled dynamic processors that are ideal for program material including full mixes, mastering, drums, group mixes, and more. Every nuance of real analog compressors has been modeled; including the exact nonlinear characteristics of their transformers, tubes, VCAs, amplifiers, phase distortions, harmonic distortions, and timing.
The Auto-Tune Pre combines an ART tube preamp channel with integrated Antares Auto-Tune® processing in a compact accessible package ideal for studio or stage. Now live artists can easily add high quality Antares pitch processing without the complexity and cost of an external computer and software.
Radial Engineering is pleased to announce the StageDirect – a unique direct box that combines all of the standard features one would find in a DI with the added convenience of being able to mute the signal using a footswitch for silent on-stage tuning or to quietly switch instruments without having to turn down the PA system or put the stage amp on standby.