Latest News & Articles
LinPlug releases Saxlab
After its announcement in september, Linplug releases the new Saxlab softsynth today. The SaxLab is a flexible and easy-to-use soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophone synthesizer that combines samples and synthesizing techniques to an instrument full of expression capabilities.
SaxLabs key features include an easy-to-use interface, a wide range of high-quality preset soundsets for the various instruments of the saxophone family, an effects section that includes chorus and reverb, as well as extensive real-time modulation options. Special attention has been paid to making the performance controls as rich and responsive as possible, so that the instrument can be realistically played.
Hartmanns Neuron VS is shipping
he wait is over! – “and it was worth waiting for” – so says Hartmann managing director Stefan Rapp. “Many people may think, that the VS is nothing but a downgrade version of the Neuron hardware synthesizer. Let me tell you – this is simply not the truth!”
NI KOMPLETE 2 reloaded
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS is excited to announce that NI KOMPLETE 2 is now even more complete than ever. From now on, every purchase of the bundle also includes BATTERY 2 and ABSYNTH 3 at no extra cost.
BATTERY 2 takes drum sampling to the next level with a powerful new sampling engine, enhanced sound shaping and modulation capabilities, sophisticated sample control and a revised user interface that retains all of the straightforwardness that BATTERY is famous for.
ABSYNTH 3 is the latest reincarnation of what is one of todays most creative and capable synthesizers. The new version of ABSYNTH is fully surround-enabled, offering the most comprehensive and versatile multi-channel implementation of any available synthesizer.
Moog announces Voyager anniversary edition giveaway
Moog Music has announced a contest to give away the last Anniversary Edition Minimoog Voyager produced in 2004, the year of inventor Bob Moog’s 50th anniversary in music. One lucky Moog fan will be selected on January 23rd at the 2005 NAMM show in Anaheim CA. The winner will have the opportunity to pick up their new Voyager at Moog’s booth, number 6016 on the show floor, or have it shipped.
Elektron announces major Machinedrum upgrade
MACHINEDRUM OS UPGRADE – The best just got better!
Users of Elektrons Machinedrum synthesizer and arranger can now enjoy an overall feature boost. Elektron offers an upgrade to the new OS1.20. The OS is now available from the Elektron Machinedrum webpage free of charge for all current users.
Mackie is playing for Santa!
Christmas starts early this year with Mackie offering the Tracktion audio/MIDI sequencer as a free download. Tracktion is a radical new type of music production software — giving you a clean, intuitive, and clutter-free interface without losing professional features like drag-and-drop editing, a built-in sampler, VST plug-in and virtual instrument support, track freezing and more… all right at your fingertips. Tracktions project archiving features make organizing your projects and collaborating with others simple and fast (especially over the Internet). Put simply, Tracktion gives you all of the tools you need in a way that lets you focus on being a musician. Plus, Tracktion now includes Mackies renowned Final Mix Mastering Tool Kit, making it even easier to get that polished CD-ready sound. And best of all it is FREE for you.
Propellerhead announced Reason 3.0
Propellerhead Software announced version 3.0 of Reason, an update that focuses on live performance, taking Reason from the studio realm to the stage.
Sonicbytes updates ERA to version 1.21
Sonicbytes just released version 1.21 of their ERA step sequencer with a number of new features and bugfixes.
Hard Note updates Jump to version 1.15
A free update of JUMP to version 1.15 (Nov 25 2004) is now available for download. This new version features:
* New 8th Note Swing control for creating swing/shuffle grooves
* New Straight/Swing Toggle, Halve Tempo and Double Tempo functions
* New rhythm voice instrument defaults
* Improved randomisation
* Improved Rationalise Song option
* More keyboard shortcuts * More demo material
* Updated and improved Guide to Using JUMP
* Fixed function keys not responding when motif editor has focus bug.
Please see the website for full details.
To update download the latest demo from http://www.hardnote.com and re-install it. You will not need to remove the previous version first, as the latest version will overwrite it.
Ultra Analog VA-1 v1.0.1 Update from AAS available
Applied Acoustics are pleased to announce a free update for Ultra Analog VA-1. This update includes the following bugfixes and enhancements:
– The Ultra Analog Audio Unit plug-in now pass the Logic 7 validation
– MIDI program changes work in Pro Tools and in Cubase
– Performance problems caused by denormals have been fixed on Windows
– The Ultra Analog VST plug-in now works in Orion
– There is no more noise or stuck notes when changing presets while playing
– There is no more portamento effect when playing the first notes of a newly loaded preset
– The manual has been updated
– Corrected a problem with the Locate command
– Effect presets now load correctly in the RTAS version
Terratec announces the Aureon 7.1 universe
TerraTec Electronic is forging ahead with its uncompromising quality policy – high performance at a reasonable price. The audio experts in Nettetal, Germany present the 8-channel Aureon 7.1 Universe sound card, featuring a 5¼” front module and remote control including now GSIF2- and ASIO-drivers. The Aureon 7.1 Universe is the successor of the famous DMX 6fire 24/96 and a sound system designed to transform your PC into a professional surround sound studio for music, games and DVDs – with 8 channels and the latest 24-bit/192-kHz converter technology for recording and playback.
D16 announces Phoscyon, a new TB303 clone
A polish group of designers and musicians, called D16, developed a TB303 clone. When listening to their audio samples we were quite amazed by the great sound of this clone. The VSTi is still in development but a final release should be within the coming few months.
Phoscyon perfectly emulates original synthesis, especially untypical lowpass filters with 18dB/oct slope and constant Q in frequency domain. It contains also extended arpeggiator (irreplaceable in electronic music) and integrated splendidly adapted distortion effect without which the Acid music practically doesn’t exists.
New Apple firewire audio interface for Garageband
Industry rumours revealed that Apple is developing a FireWire audio interface for GarageBand. Apple Computer is expected to introduce a new audio interface for GarageBand users in the coming months. The analog FireWire audio device, the first product of its recently created iPod division, will allow users to directly record audio using any Mac and Apple’s GarageBand music studio application. According to reputable sources, the company is on track to begin manufacturing the device overseas next month.
The device, code-named Q97 or ASTEROID, has been under development at the company for the better part of the year. Typically referred to as a breakout box in the music recording industry, the external audio device attaches to a computer and offers audio inputs and outputs for attaching instruments or other audio sources. Apple is reportedly building the device around GarageBand, its popular application for aspiring musicians.
M-Audio introduces the Keystation 88es
M-Audio has announced the availability of the new Keystation 88es. The Keystation 88es joins a growing line of USB MIDI controllers that accommodate a wide variety of needs on the part of players and educators.
Propellerhead needs beta testers for Reason 3
On the Propellerheads website: We are now looking for people who are interested in helping us beta test the next