You’re probably already familiar with Ableton Push, the instrument for playing melodies, triggering clips, sequencing beats, and more. If you’ve been paying attention, you might also know that Push can be used to play and control hardware synthesizers. Today, we’re revisiting the topic hardware setups to show you how using the powerful drum pads and sequencer modes in Push, you can also get incredible expression from your drum machines.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Steinberg announced the release of the new VST Sound Instrument Set, Sounds of Soul, which adds to the sound library of Retrologue with classic synthesizer sounds influenced by the soul, disco, funk and R’n’B genres between the 1970s and 2000s.
It’s time again, MusikMesse is over, but we’ve been checking out everything for you, and it’s time for the traditional roundup of new stuff along our gear categories. The general impression is one of consolidation, but also one of new little gems that are more than welcome to be nurtured by us, junkies of gear…
Picking up where the popular Minimal Techno Sound Library left off, Camel Audio‘s latest two free additions to their Alchemy Factory Library contain 25 presets each, combining powerful drums and percussion, deep synths and pulsing basses.
Niche Audio is the label for producers looking for top flight mix ingredients and perfectly processed Maschine and Ableton Live expansion packs in contemporary styles and genres, mixed and engineered with precision, allowing you total flexibility and inspiration to take your music to the next level!
Korg announces the LP-180 Digital Piano, featuring rich, expressive, realistic piano sounds based on the latest Korg technology. This slim, 88-note piano combines the sounds and action from Korg’s affordable SP-170 stage piano with the modern aesthetic of Korg’s flagship LP-380 lifestyle piano. The slim-line cabinet fits easily into nearly any environment, and the two available finishes complement nearly any décor––chic black or elegant white. When not in use, the LP-180 can enhance any living space or commercial location. With a smooth top/keyboard cover, and no exposed hinges, it can easily blend into a room––ideal for apartment dwellers, churches, restaurants, or anyone looking for a space-saving, visually striking digital piano.
Applied Acoustics Systems (AAS) are very excited to release the Reverence sound bank for Ultra Analog VA-2 – the first collaboration with artist and sound designer Sean Divine.