These are the 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.
Traditionally consumers believe the iPad is best used for listening to music, watching movies and browsing the internet, but it’s use for music production has taken the device to an entirely new level giving aspiring musicians a chance to produce professional recordings. Check out three examples below of how the iPad is used in professional and nonprofessional settings.
TC-Helicon’s VoiceJam is the most powerful and creative audio looper for iPhone, and now a jaw-dropping inApp option is available with software version 1.2.50!
Z3TA+ 2 builds upon the solid foundation of this classic waveshaping synthesizer with improved controls via a complete user interface overhaul for extensive, hands-on control of parameters including envelopes, effects routing, waveshaping, and performance functions. Real-time performance and expression controls are centralized into the Performance Module featuring the new Adaptive Pitch Bend. All this provides new inspiration for sound design, real-time expression, and is all bounded by impeccable sound quality.
Cockos Software have just released REAPER in its latest version 4. REAPER updates are evolutionary, not revolutionary. REAPER 4 is not a radically new experience from REAPER 3, but adds a number of useful new features, ease of use improvements, and even more of that legendary REAPER customizability.
Urs had a busy month! – They’ve updated literally everything during the past weeks. After launching the new website and customer support system, they’ve had a very intense round of beta-testing, packaging and publishing. Their major plugins are rock solid on the latest operating systems and DAW upgrades, including MacOS X 10.7 “Lion“, and of course Windows 7 64-bit.
Native Instruments recently launched a time-limited special offer for its acclaimed TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 DJ controller. Throughout the months of August and September, all owners of a newly registered KONTROL X1 will receive a free upgrade from the included TRAKTOR LE software to the full-featured TRAKTOR PRO 2 version, gaining access to four decks, sample decks and loop recorder, comprehensive loop and cue functions, a selection of over 30 effects and a host of additional performance features.
From September 1st, a new free update for MASCHINE will be available. The 1.7 version builds on plug-in support offered by 1.6, allowing the finding and loading of individual presets from within the MASCHINE hardware browser-without ever having to touch your keyboard or mouse. This cements the tight integration between MASCHINE and KOMPLETE 8, utilizing Native Instrument’s new NIS sound format.
The ‘Rome Calling’ pro-audio seminar in early June was a great success! The Eternal City created a perfect frame for the event, and the keynote speakers willingly shared all of their expertise on recording, mixing, mastering and broadcasting with the participants.
For their 2011 Summer tour season, dubstep supergroup Magnetic Man turned to Focusrite and Novation to supply software controllers and audio interfaces for their three laptop systems. They chose Novation’s flagship Zero SL MkII USB/MIDI controllers and Focusrite’s recently announced Saffire Pro 14 audio interfaces.
Native Instruments announced two new products that expand its recently established range of GUITAR RIG-based studio effects. The new SOLID MIX SERIES emulates the distinctive EQ and dynamics sections of one of the most revered mixing consoles of all time, while TRANSIENT MASTER recreates a popular hardware processor that provides highly efficient transient processing. All products can used be used with the free GUITAR RIG PLAYER software, or expand the arsenal of the upcoming new GUITAR RIG 5.
Native Instruments announced STUDIO DRUMMER, a new instrument for the efficient creation of studio-quality acoustic drum tracks. By combining premium sampled drum kits and a comprehensive studio-grade mixing environment with a wide assortment of professional grooves, the KONTAKT-based instrument provides a highly versatile and easy-to-use “virtual drummer” that gives authentic and fast results for pop, rock, metal, jazz and related music styles.
Steinberg announced last week that most Steinberg products run flawlessly under Apple’s latest operating system, Mac OS X 10.7 Lion. The majority of Steinberg products are Lion compatible; however, further development is required to ensure overall compatibility through the entire product range. While the testing phase was completed prior to the release of Lion, Steinberg will release patches and driver updates for current products with remaining issues.
Native Instruments today announced GUITAR RIG 5 PRO, the next generation of its versatile effects studio. The new version expands the comprehensive feature set of the software with additional amplifiers and effects, advanced speaker emulation, and various new creative features that make GUITAR RIG even more powerful both for studio production and live performance.
Native Instruments today also announced KONTAKT 5, the next generation of its leading software sampler. The new version offers profoundly enhanced sound shaping through a host of new high-quality filters and studio-grade effect algorithms, superior time-stretching, vintage sampling modes, and more. Further accommodating its role as the central sample library platform on the market, KONTAKT 5 also introduces two major new features for advanced instrument design.