Latest News & Articles
Something For The Weekend: PhilSynth – The Synth Doctor
As you might know, if you visit us here regularly, we are strong supporters of the ‘old and analog’. ‘Vintage‘ is a word or term that gives a slight warm feeling inside. In our studio we have a few synths and drumcomputers of the vintage hardware realm. Many of our followers and visitors share this affection. But what if these old machines break down or are in need of a good service/tune up? Then it is good to know there are people out there who have the knowledge and expertise to help you out. PhilSynth from Berlin is one of these companies that can help you out!
Dave Smith Prophet 12 Module version now available
Dave Smith is proud to announce that its Prophet 12 module — a space-saving tabletop and rack-ready reworking of its 2013 NAMM Show-launched Prophet 12 keyboard, the twelve-voice hybrid digital/analog synthesizer that company founder and renowned designer Dave Smith duly declared his “best synth” — is now shipping.
Introducing the Dreadbox Murmux Initiate analog synth
Well, we don’t catch everything all the time. For example this Murmux ‘The Initiate’ from a little company from Greece, Dreadbox, was introduced at the NAMM. This tiny box has a powerful sound and according to the company: Suitable for beginners in the Analog Synthesis! Well, there ya go.
Rattly and Raw CasSYNTHerette – LofI cassette tape sample-based synthesiser
The CasSYNTHerette includes two synths, both using classic waveforms from some of popular music cultures favourite synths – However each instrument was processed with a different cassette mechanism – Instrument 01 was recorded to a high quality, rare, stable and full range Japanese cassette recorder. Whereas instrument 02 used the dirty, noisy Cassamplerette recording mechanism. They have included many presets that highlight how versatile this synth can be!
Focusrite Announces RedNet D16 AES – 16-channel AES3 I/O
The Focusrite RedNet D16 AES is a 1U 19in rack-mount interface featuring 16 channels of AES/EBU connectivity to and from a Dante audio network, with Ethernet redundancy for maximum network reliability. Perfect for bridging between digital consoles, power amplifiers or any other AES3 equipped audio equipment and a Dante network, RedNet D16 AES has a Sample Rate Convertor (SRC) on each input pair allowing instant operation with any AES3 source. Word Clock and Digital Audio Reference Signal (DARS) connections provides synchronisation with a wide range of hardware, while S/PDIF I/O allows the integration of equipment such as CD or solid state recorders/players.
More Bad Ass Distortion with Tekit Audio Badass 2.5
Tek’it Audio has updated Badass 2 plug-in to version 2.5. Badass is a multi-effects distortion plug-in that give to your sounds a little bad grain or destroy them completely helped by ten types of effect, a sequencer and a massive modulation system.
Novation Heritage – Short Documentary and Sweet Competition
Novation is celebrating its heritage with a short film that explores Novation past, present, and future, along with a completely free sample pack comprising over 1GB of loops, single hits, multi sampled patches, and drum kits from its unforgettable and modern classic synths.
200 80s Sounds for Tone 2 Nemesis with Classic FM soundset
Taking you back to a decade of incredible dance and party music, when cassette tapes and power chords ruled the world. Classic FM features 200 inspiring presets with the unique tones and character of the famous FM hardware, like the DX7 that defined the 80s.
Karma-Lab releases KARMA Motif Software Version 3.1
Karma-Lab has released KARMA Motif Software Version 3.1, a major update that adds support for several more Yamaha instruments and Mac OS X Mavericks 10.9. A free update for any current owners, version 3.1.
Remember Pacemaker? – It is back … on the iPad!
Remember the hand-held Pacemaker DJ device of many years ago (2007)? Well, they have returned. Hoewever this time it’s revamped as an app for your iPad. Months of effort and passion has been poured into the development of Pacemaker for iPad, the first DJ app with Spotify. With a design that is colorful, fun and easy to use, backed up by Pacemaker’s powerful Mix Engine. It’s the most elegant DJ experience you can possibly get on a tablet.
Serato DJ Version 1.6 Available Now
Serato is proud to announce the release of Serato DJ 1.6, available to download now from serato.com/dj. The latest update for Serato DJ includes Rane Hardware support, Pitch ’n Time DJ Expansion Pack, Quantize, Nameable Cue Points, Jet Pack FX Expansion Pack, support for the Pioneer DDJ-SZ & Numark V7 Pro Controllers and the brand new Denon DJ MC6000MKII & Reloop Terminal Mix 8 DJ Intro Controllers and a healthy dose of maintenance bug fixes for continued stability and performance.
Heavy Valentine with NI Kontrol Z2 limited-time sale
Native Instruments launched a limited-time February special on TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 – the highly acclaimed 2+2 channel DJ control mixer. Until February 28, 2014, customers can purchase TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 for $200 / 200 € / ¥ 14,000 / £ 180 off retail value. Normally priced at $799 / 799 € / ¥ 83,800 / £679, TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 is available at the NI Online Shop and retailers worldwide.
Ben Findlay mixes Peter Gabriel with Sonnox Plugins
Having mixed extensively at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios throughout the 90s, Ben Findlay is primarily a live engineer these days. Having mixed live shows for Gabriel, Paul McCartney, Jeff Beck, Robert Plant, Cat Stevens, Sting and other major artists, he clearly enjoys ‘life on the road.’
More performance and creativity with Tracktion 5 Software
Following the successful re-launch of the Tracktion Software brand in early 2013, Seattle-based TSC has released Tracktion Version 5 (T5). This eagerly awaited update to the popular recording application combines an intuitive workflow with a ground-breaking feature set at a remarkable price. Beginning on January 23, 2014, Tracktion 5 is now available for download from www.tracktion.com at $29.99 for upgrades or $59.99 for new licenses. The software operates on Mac, PC and Linux systems.