On the NAMM in 2014 sE Electronics introduced a new large-diaphragm microphone, called the Magneto. Together with the X1 and X1R this microphone makes the sE Electronics budget line complete. With the help of the Dutch distributor (Total Sonic) we set up a comparison test with the AKG Perception 200.
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.
Native Instruments released GREY FORGE – a new MASCHINE Expansion for dark, monolithic techno productions and live performances utilizing the unique features introduced in MASCHINE 2 software. GREY FORGE is out now for all MASCHINE hardware units, with a compact version for iMASCHINE also available as an in-app purchase via the Apple App Store.
The iO Dock is back and more capable than ever. The updated iO Dock II picks up where the original left off by unlocking the power of the iPad to provide professional recording capabilities in a simple-to-use design. Just slide your Lightning or 30-pin iPad into the dock and open your favorite iOS recording app to start creating.
RME’s latest driver updates for Fireface UFX, UCX, MADIface XT, HDSPe MADI FX and Babyface include TotalMix FX version 0.998, which comes with many improvements and even new features. To take full advantage of these it is necessary to update the firmware of all the mentioned interfaces.
It’s time again, MusikMesse is over, but we’ve been checking out everything for you, and it’s time for the traditional roundup of new stuff along our gear categories. The general impression is one of consolidation, but also one of new little gems that are more than welcome to be nurtured by us, junkies of gear…
Native Instruments announced new iOS compatibility for the updated TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 – the world’s smallest premium DJ audio interface. Now plug-and-play with the latest version of TRAKTOR DJ – the pro DJ app for iPad and iPhone – TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 transforms iOS devices into a mobile, crowd-worthy DJ setup. Designed for ultimate portability, TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 delivers pristine, premium 24-bit/48 kHz audio in an unsurpassed pocket-sized format.
Well this year can be seen as the year of the revival of the TR-808 with the attention it got due to the re-issue by the new Roland AIRA Series. Now Pulsecode have introduced a ‘virtual’ version for your iPad. Boom 808 integrates one of the most popular drum machines of the 80’s into the modern mobile producers workflow.
One of the few real new announcements at the MusikMesse was the MKII version of the AKAI APC40 Ableton Live controller. Combining deep control over Live with an enormous library of hand-selected sound content & virtual instruments, APC40 MKII puts endless creative capability at your fingertips.
Niche Audio is the label for producers looking for top flight mix ingredients and perfectly processed Maschine and Ableton Live expansion packs in contemporary styles and genres, mixed and engineered with precision, allowing you total flexibility and inspiration to take your music to the next level!
San Francisco’s Dave Smith is a synthesizer pioneer par excellence, responsible for some of the biggest advancements in musical technology ever, including founding the legendary gear-maker Sequential Circuits and inventing the MIDI protocol. Hot Since 82 (aka Daley Padley) is a house producer and DJ from Yorkshire, England, who, up until now, has produced his tracks entirely in-the-box. So when Padley recently stopped through San Francisco to promote his Little Black Book album, Beatport got the two gear fanatics together at Smith’s lab to compare notes on the analog-vs.-digital world.
At Gearjunkies, we’re all about gear. So it’s good for us that at MusikMesse, there’s plenty to satisfy our gear need. Below you’ll find a small impression of some of the gear that is being presented to us. It’s just a small selection, but we wanted to share this with you. Enjoy!
In January 2014, Mixvibes introduced Cross 3, its new flagship Mac/PC software bringing major video features, frequency colored waveforms, rekordbox sync & more. Now, they introduce Cross DVS which is a convenient package letting users switch to Cross without changing hardware. Cross DVS includes 2 timecode records and a licence key to Cross. It fits in any existing setups seamlessly, since Cross works with any soundcard.
In this video we take a closer look at the Nanonext Chrystal Ball controller. Designed to create and control sound, light and video, Crystall Ball gives all your computer-aided creative work a new dimension. More than a controller, it is an intuitive, interactive and infinitely customisable tool. In a studio or live, let your senses speak and give free rein to your stage performance!
As MusikMesse show is happening all around us, we won’t spend a lot of words to give you an impression of the show, but instead serve up some pictures. Below is a small impression of some of the stuff that is going on around us. Some of the performances (Aira!) will appear on Youtube soon, so come back soon for that 😉