M-Audio, part of the AVID company, is a brand we all know from their MIDI controllers and keyboards and audio interfaces (amongst many more products). So it was a big surprise when M-Audio started teasing us with something that looked like a synthesizer. And, at this years NAMM, there it was, the 12-voice Venom VA synthesizer from M-Audio.Time to get it in the studio and try this baby out.
Produced by Eric Persing, the new Bob Moog Tribute library features over 700 stunning new sounds for Omnisphere – created by more than 40 of the world’s top synth artists, remixers and sound designers, including:
Discover the new cutting edge of synthesis with RAZOR – a refreshing, truly new instrument based on additive synthesis. Created by maverick Berlin producer Errorsmith in partnership with NATIVE INSTRUMENTS, RAZOR has a characteristically dynamic and precise sound suited to tense basses, bristling leads and shifting, sci-fi soundscapes. RAZOR’s approach to additive synthesis is pragmatic and musical, providing detailed control without sacrificing usability. So shake off the virtual analog dust – go additive and carve a new path with RAZOR.
Roland has posted a video on their RolandConnect website as a teaser for the coming MusikMesse early april. And that’s about it. A teaser. In true Roland style they don’t say anything more, to give us some clue of what to expect. But as Roland is most famous of their keyboard instruments (synths), the general expectation is that Roland is giving new life to one of their classic synths. Just like they have done with the SH and Juno models.
MFB’s step-sequencer URZWERG PRO is the extended version of their URZWERG. This advanced version has been inspired by feature requests and suggestions of many users to ensure better flexibility than ever. Most prominently, URZWERG PRO now offers output of MIDI-notes and -controllers as well as 32 individual step LEDs to keep track of the sequences’ status.
Native Instruments have released the first ‘signs’ of a new instrument on Youtube. The new VSTi RAZOR is a collaboration with Errorsmith, a Berlin based electronic musician. Backed by his studies of communication and computer science errorsmith builds his own instruments using a modular software synthesizer. Now, together with Native Instruments they have developed RAZOR.
Enter the contest to win Eric Persing’s killer custom OMG-1 Synth! Benefit for the Bob Moog Foundation 100% of the proceeds from this contest will go to supporting the innovative projects of the Bob Moog Foundation including their MoogLab student outreach program, the creation of the future ‘Moogseum’, and their efforts to preserve and share Dr. Moog’s extensive and historic archives. The Foundation’s mission is to ignite creativity at the intersection of music, history, science and innovation.
Vermona is currently hard at work on the final development of their new synthesizer. This synth will be unveiled at the coming MusikMesse in Frankfurt next month.
On his website, Maxi Jazz announces the end of the legendary Faithless.
Sad news today: Tsutomu Katoh, founder and chairman of Korg has passed away after a long fight against cancer. All the members of the Gearjunkies team wishes the family and all the employees at Korg al lot of strength.
Last year we already had a post on mr. Roger Linn and the early prototype of the Linnstrument. This instrument came from the interest of mr. Linn in the idea of new musical instruments that overcome the limitations of traditional mechanical instruments. His particular interest is in a new instrument that while be capable of entirely new sounds and playing techniques, and is also able to reproduce the sounds, virtuosic performance capabilities and subtleties that we’ve come to know and love from traditional musical instruments, but without all their problems and limitations.
The ‘master’ of hardware DIY controllers, Mario Jurisch, has finished another project today, which is The Doepfer “Dark Combination”. Allthough, this time it is not so much a controller but a real synth as he has used three Doepfer synths into one ‘moog-like’ casing. Check out the pictures he sent us today.
Mason! Maybe Hollands ‘best kept Secret’, … till now, as we are pretty much certain that they are lining up for more (musical) greatness in the future. If you’r not familiar with Mason, one of their biggest hits (to date) is Exceeder. And if that still doesn’t ring a bell, you surely will know the remix/mashup with Princess, Mason vs. Princess Superstar – Perfect (Exceeder). This track went to #3 on the UK charts in 2007. This track did top the charts in other countries as well.
Below is a video demonstrating The Haken Continuum. Designed by Dr. Lippold Haken and manufactured by Haken Audio, the Continuum Fingerboard is a musical instrument that allows unprecedented realtime performance control. With a greater pitch range than a traditional 88 note Midi keyboard, the Continuum offers realtime continuous control in three dimensions for every finger that is placed on the playing surface.
LoopTV interviewed DJ Fedde Le Grand to find out about his label ‘Flamingo recordings’ and his production studio setup. Fedde’s parties have been rocking the Netherlands since 2001, his label ‘Flamingo Recordings’ has been pushing its unique sound since 2004, and then in 2006 ‘Put your hands up for Detroit’ happened…and the rest as they say is history!