Latest News & Articles
Meet, Learn, and Compete with Roland Guitar Friend Jam
Guitar Friend Jam Version 1.0, Roland‘s newest social media application, gives guitarists an exclusive chance to improve their skills, to network, and to showcase their talents with like-minded players from all over the world. Musicians using this unique social network can download free practice songs from Roland, share workout records on Twitter, and actually compete with fellow musicians.
Denon introduces MC2000 DJ Controller
Today Denon DJ introduced the new MC2000 DJ controller. This controller is designed from the ground with Serato Dj Intro software in mind. It delivers Plug and Play with the most accessible DJ software around (we think!). The controller is USB Powered and built for use at home or owning the party venue.
Novation announces the MiniNova synthesizer
MiniNova is a compact, super-cool performance synth with the same sound engine as its big brother: the UltraNova. It comes with 256 incredible onboard sounds which you can tweak with 5 knobs, or totally warp with 8 ‘animate’ buttons. MiniNova also has an onboard VocalTune effect as well as a classic vocoder so you can recreate iconic vocal sounds from Hip Hop, Urban and electronic music.
Jeremy Ellis on the new Native Instruments Maschine MKII
Only hours after the new Maschine leaked onto the internet and we braught you the first details, Native Instruments have made it all official and introduced the MKII version. Next to that they now have published an incredible performance from Jeremy Ellis with the new Maschine and Maschine Mikro. He creates a track completely from scratch — the sound you hear was recorded live in one take without any overdubs or post production. Filmed at the abandoned former US listening station on Berlin’s Teufelsberg.
Native Instruments Maschine MKII Introduced
Here it is, next-generation design, multi-colored pads, timestretching capabilities, and more. All in all, the New MASCHINE from Native Instruments is the same highly gratifying instrument that it’s always been, combining pattern-based sequencing, professional sampling, multi-effect units, and a VST/AU plug-in host, but now with even more style and functionality. Everything is intuitively controllable via the fully integrated hardware – once you touch the tactile controller the fun and intuitive workflow takes over, allowing you to stay focused on what matters – the music.
Percussa Soundor – Free Open Source FM Synth
PERCUSSA announced SOUNDOR, the free and open source FM Synthesizer for Max for Live, the visual programming environment in Ableton Live based on Cycling 74’s Max/MSP. SOUNDOR is available as a free download from the Percussa website, and allows users to explore FM Synthesis using hand and finger gestures, through AudioCubes’ high speed and low latency sensors, requiring no MIDI mapping or programming.
PSP Echo plugin released
PSP Echo is a high quality echo processor (plug-in AudioUnit, VST, RTAS AAX for Mac OSX (Universal Binary); VST, RTAS and AAX for Windows). PSP Echo’s powerful and unusual features combined with its smooth operation makes it ideal for all kinds of creative uses from simple slap back and sustain effects through ping-pong delays and spacious echoes.
Mackie Introduces DLM 2000W Powered Loudspeakers
Mackie announced a new line of ultra-compact, powered loudspeakers offering a level of innovation never before seen in the world of portable sound reinforcement — DLM Series Powered Loudspeakers. Packed with cutting-edge technology, DLM speakers each feature a staggering 2000 watts of power, proprietary Mackie TruSource™ technology and a full-featured integrated digital mixer/processor. This potent technological combination not only allows for the incredibly small form factor of DLM, but also delivers a level of performance and fidelity that is simply not otherwise available. The extremely powerful DLM system includes two full-range models (DLM8, DLM12) along with a high-output compact subwoofer (DLM12S).
Sarm Studios Graham Archer Hits It with a NAIL
Since joining Sarm Studios in 2005, Graham Archer has moved up the ranks to become one of Trevor Horn’s top in-house engineers. Having recently engineered recordings for Seal, Robbie Williams, Massive Attack, Ellie Goulding and Madonna, Archer is often found in Sarm’s London or Los Angeles studio reaching for his A-Designs Audio HM2 NAIL compressor/limiter.
LinPlug CrX4 for Mac and PC released
LinPlug hereby announces the release of the CrX4 Sample Synthesizer AU and VST plugin for Mac OS X and Windows PC. CrX4 is the successor to the CronoX 3 and uses any kind of samples as raw material for synthesis. CrX4 includes a range of virtual analogue features such as a variety of oscillators, unison detuning, amplitude and frequency modulation, the unique free-type-filter, an arpeggiator, and a modulation matrix, wicked LFO’s and a comprehensive effects section.
Massey Plugins CT5 Compressor released
Massey Plugins have released their long awaited compressor update, the CT5. The CT5 is a revision of their popular CT4 compressor. The sonic characteristics that made the CT4 such a versatile and easy-to-use compressor remain intact.
Tekit Audio updates APC plug-in to 1.3
APC VST synthesizer update 1.3 is available now. APC is a square wave synthesizer that creates “low-fi” sound, re-creation of a popular DIY circuit the Atari Punk Console.
Radical Piano Rack Extension released
Propellerhead has released Radical Piano for sale, a new Rack Extension instrument that brings a wide range of natural and bendable piano sounds to Reason and Reason Essentials. Using a blend of sampled pianos and physical modeling synthesis, Radical Piano is a lightweight, authentic instrument with sounds ranging from pristine concert grand pianos to creaking living room uprights.
New Sounds and Samples on Sample Saturday
These are the 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.
Excellent DIY work – The Diva Controller
Mario is a good friend of Gearjunkies. We have posted already more of his great work he does on custom specialised software controllers. His latest work is a controller for the u-he Diva software synthesizer. Inside the controller there are 2 Doepfer USB64 Midi Interfaces, one special Wheel Electronic for Pitch and Mod Wheel and the MKE Electronic for the 4 octave Fatar keyboard with velocity. The DIVA Controller has about 90 knobs and 25 switches.