Latest News & Articles
Native Instruments Kontrol S49 – Gearjunkies Review
A few months back Native Instruments released their new line of midi keyboard series of the Kontrol S25, S49 and S61. For this review we have used the S49 and curiously tried it out. Considering the good Native Instruments reputation of hardware controllers their new line of midi controlers deserves our utmost scrutiny.
Focusrite Announces Clarett Range of Thunderbolt Interfaces
Focusrite launching their obsession for sound quality into the world of Thunderbolt, they have released a range of audio interfaces that combine a new preamp design with the very latest in Thunderbolt technology, to offer exceptional sound quality with an unparalleled interface latency of under 1ms.
Koma Elektronik introduces the Komplex Sequencer
KOMA Elektronik is pleased to announce its latest release: the KOMPLEX SEQUENCER, which enables musicians and producers to construct complex musical patterns via both MIDI and CV/Gate, by the means of sequencing the sequence.
Mutec shipping the MC 12 USB audio interface
MUTEC from Germany, manufacturer of professional audio and video equipment, starts shipping the MC-1.2, a new USB audio interface for professional and audiophile use.
Spectrasonics Debuts Major Upgrade in Omnisphere 2 at NAMM
Spectrasonics has introduced Omnisphere 2 – a major upgrade to its best-selling flagship software synth. ‘Version 2.0’ adds a vast amount of new synthesis and creative capabilities for sound design and significant user interface innovations.
New Sounds and Samples on Sample Saturday #234
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.
control everything with the Mackie DL32R digital live sound mixer
Mackie is showing the new DL32R 32-Channel Wireless Digital Mixer with iPad Control, a powerful new digital mixing system completely controlled wirelessly from Mackie’s intuitive Master Fader™ iPad®app, freeing users to get in the mix like never before. Featuring complete wireless control over everything, including fully-loaded DSP and multi-track recording/playback, you can control everything from anywhere with the DL32R.
KORG Introduces kaossilator 2S; Enhanced Version of the Original Palm-sized Synthesizer
The kaossilator 2S has been redesigned to include new features and more user friendly functions. Korg’s new model of the loop-based synthesizer/recorder, now features unlimited undo/redo functionality and the ability to export multi-track audio data for immediate use with in Ableton Live (via a generated .als file) for a more seamless production interrelationship. Audio files can also be manually imported into a different DAW of choice.
KORG Debuts Most Powerful Synthesizer with the New Kronos
KORG USA debuted the new KRONOS, the most powerful version of its flagship synthesizer to date during Winter NAMM. For the first time enthusiast will be able to hear and see the new Kronos in action with live performances and in depth demonstrations by product experts and engineers.
Behringer Mixes Up with MP3 Player-Equipped XENYX QX602MP3 Mixer
The Behringer XENYX QX602MP3 is a premium-grade 6-input/2-bus small format mixer with XENYX Mic Preamps, British EQs, an MP3 Player and a class-leading Multi-FX engine. The ultra-compact mixer’s 6 Inputs (2 mic, 2 stereo) feature onboard studio-grade XENYX Mic Preamps with available phantom power, as well as the Company’s ultra-musical “British” channel EQs, which are modeled after the EQs found on vintage British recording consoles.
Apogee Introduces Groove Portable USB DAC and headphone amp for Mac and PC
Apogee Electronics, industry leader in digital audio recording technology since 1985, is pleased to introduce Groove – a new portable USB DAC and headphone amp for listening to music on your Mac or PC. Built upon Apogee’s 30-year history of award-winning digital audio technology for music creation, Groove unlocks the highest possible quality of any headphones or powered speakers you have, allowing you to listen to the music you love with incredible lifelike clarity.
Roland shows the JD-Xi Interactive Analog Digital Synthesizer
Roland is proud to announce the JD-Xi Interactive Analog/Digital Crossover Synthesizer, a new compact keyboard that’s powerful, versatile and fun. Equipped with 37 mini keys, the JD-Xi features a true analog synth engine along with a wide selection of Roland’s acclaimed SuperNATURAL digital sounds. This affordable instrument also comes packed with many great extras for self-contained music creation, including built-in drum kits, a four-track pattern sequencer, and a gooseneck mic for using the synth’s Vocoder and AutoPitch effects.
Dave Smith Introduces Prophet-6 Analog Poly Synth
Dave Smith today announced the Sequential Prophet-6, a new 6-voice synthesizer with an all-analog signal path and discrete VCOs and filters. Auspiciously branded with Smith’s recently reacquired original company name, the new instrument is aimed squarely at musicians in search of vintage tone with the reliability of modern technology.
Arturia announces the BeatStep Pro
music software and hardware developer Arturia is proud to launch BeatStep Pro, an all-new world-class controller and dynamic performance step sequencer.
Novation shows the Launchpad Pro
The Novation Launchpad Pro is the professional grid instrument. It’s the simplest and easiest way to create dynamic, expressive performances in Ableton Live and any other music software, using an 8×8 grid of RGB velocity-sensitive pads to trigger and combine clips, create dynamic beats, bash out melodic lines and control your external hardware.