Two exciting new features that Serato DJ 1.6.1 brings are the ability to open multiple performance panels at once and being able to select the location for your recordings. Keep reading for a run through on how these features work, and how they could help you.
On the NAMM in 2014 sE Electronics introduced a new large-diaphragm microphone, called the Magneto. Together with the X1 and X1R this microphone makes the sE Electronics budget line complete. With the help of the Dutch distributor (Total Sonic) we set up a comparison test with the AKG Perception 200.
The Iso-Q2 brings the SBS Designs trademark sound to the Pro Audio market with a very open & dynamic sound and a tremendous amount of depth that will improve the fidelity of any sound system Iso-Q2 is installed in. Iso-Q2 offers ultimate flexibility to dig into music to reconstruct it like no other processor available to the market place. The voicing of the Iso-q2 is the signature sound that will be found in all of its counterparts in the SBS Designs line.
Inspired by the classic Prime Time from 1978, Little PrimalTap captures the highly distinctive sonic imprint of this quirky, and well-loved (by those in the know) vintage digital delay. Don’t be fooled by it’s simple interface, Little PrimalTap lets you unleash your creative urges to echo, loop, warp, distort, mangle, or create cacophonous cascades of otherworldly sounds.
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.
microGranny 2.0 is monophonic granular sampler. It reads wav samples from microSD card and applies granular algorithms to them. You can also adjust start, end, sample rate (tuned or free run), crush and envelope (attack release). MIDI Input allows external control of all parameters as well as transposition of the samples, or playing individual grains by different keys.
Recently Rob Papen released the new version of his Blue synth, Blue II. BLUE-II remains true to the ethos of the original Blue synth but now with even more sound dimensions and features to its extended name, starting with six oscillators beating at its musically creative heart. These can be connected in various ways, together with two analogue-style modelled stereo filters with 27 different filter types, an enormous range of processing and modulation options, sequencer, and an incredibly powerful arpeggiator. A new range of specially selected waveforms based on samples have been meticulously fashioned for creating new and fresh-sounding synth sounds, so don’t go expecting acoustic pianos galore here.
Eisenberg is proud to announce availability of EINKLANG Extended — bundling its exceptional EINKLANG software synthesizer for Mac (OS 10.6 or higher) and PC (Windows XP or later) with its RED Tone Pack, GREEN Tone Pack, and BLUE Tone Pack, plus the recently-released premium WHITE Tone Pack and BLACK Tone Pack, to add a whole new range of tone colours.
Native Instruments released GREY FORGE – a new MASCHINE Expansion for dark, monolithic techno productions and live performances utilizing the unique features introduced in MASCHINE 2 software. GREY FORGE is out now for all MASCHINE hardware units, with a compact version for iMASCHINE also available as an in-app purchase via the Apple App Store.
The iO Dock is back and more capable than ever. The updated iO Dock II picks up where the original left off by unlocking the power of the iPad to provide professional recording capabilities in a simple-to-use design. Just slide your Lightning or 30-pin iPad into the dock and open your favorite iOS recording app to start creating.
Out of the Macbeth stable comes this year’s analogue synthesizer sensation! The Macbeth Elements synthesizer and the Macbeth Elements Eurorack series in 84hp units. Once again, the no comprimise in sound and build quality philiosophy is imeadiately apparent- as are the ergonomics that synth designer, Ken Macbeth sees as an important issue in the design of his instruments!
The SBS Designs SP-1PRO is a Vacuum 2UBE Processor with 7 front panel useable controls designed to let the end user Sweeten up and improve the dynamic range of any full range source. A carefully designed expansion process will bring out exciting detail that is so often masked by recordings that are compressed and engineered to be mono compatible. The SP-1PRO will also bring back amazing detail to digitally stored / processed recordings which where subject to data reduction processing.
An update to TotalMix FX for iPad is now available on the App Store. Version 1.1 adds a whole bunch of new features, reduced CPU load and improved user experience. The app adds full control over hardware mixer and DSP effects of the supported audio interfaces Fireface UCX, UFX, Babyface and the new Fireface 802, when these devices are in Class Compliant mode (TotalMix for iPad does not work wirelessly, and is therefore no replacement for typical remote software like Lemur or TouchOSC). It also controls hardware settings like sample rate, clock sync configuration or digital I/O formats.
To celebrate their 15th anniversary, Fargen Amplification is now offering a limited edition High Gain Classic 50. The anniversary edition will be limited to five pieces in red, five pieces in white and five pieces in blue for a total of 15. A matching 212 speaker cabinet is also available. The amps are available through select authorized dealers or directly from the Fargen website.
RME’s latest driver updates for Fireface UFX, UCX, MADIface XT, HDSPe MADI FX and Babyface include TotalMix FX version 0.998, which comes with many improvements and even new features. To take full advantage of these it is necessary to update the firmware of all the mentioned interfaces.