In the 1980s, analog synthesis entered a new stage, with more portable options like the battery-powered EDP Wasp, and polysynths like the fat Roland Jupiter and Korg’s PolySix. Meanwhile, digital synthesizers debuted with the legendary Yamaha DX7 and its FM synthesis, while Casio offered its own take with the CZ-1 and its phase distortion synthesis.
There have been already a lot of rumours about it, now it is official: Nektar, the California based new brand for Advanced Control * Enhanced Workflow Controllers annouce Panorama P4, the first dedicated Controller Keyboard for Propellerhead Reason. This couples with a great prize competition. Musicians can win the very first Panorama P4 rolling off the production line, by submitting their competition entry at www.nektartech.com.
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.
Alesis, the world’s leading manufacturer of professional audio equipment and studio electronics, is shipping now the AcousticLink, new digital recording equipment for guitar players. The AcousticLink contains a no-drill acoustic guitar pickup, the GuitarLink guitar-to-USB cable and Steinberg Cubase LE recording software: everything guitar and bass players need to connect and record from any steel-stringed guitar or bass to virtually any computer.
Dancefair is the educational event for everyone in the Dancescene, which will be held in the Jaarbeurs Utrecht, Holland on the 11th & 12th of February 2012. A platform where manufacturers and software developers will present their products and where renowned artists, producers and engineers will take you into their musical world.
DS3 is the perfect solution if you like to work with samples, loops, hotcues and FX in Traktor Pro 2. The device has 12 extra large keys with a perfect tactile feeling to fire samples and for convenient access to 8 hotcues and all the transport functions.
The StealthPlug CS “Custom Shop” is perhaps THE most affordable way to get started making guitar music on your computer. It features the StealthPlug 1/4” to USB cable interface, and the new AmpliTube Custom Shop software plus 50 gear credits to use in the Custom Shop. Here’s what it is and what you do with it.
Lemur – the legendary multitouch MIDI/OSC controller returns. As we mentioned earlier, the Lemur controller has gotten a new “lease of life” with the release of an iOs version for the iPad. Lemur is now a professional iOS controller app that doesn’t cut any corners. It lets you control anything, any way you want. Total flexibility means it can go as deep as you need it to. Lemur can control DJ software, live electronic music performance software, studio production software (DAWs), VJ software, visual synthesis software, stage lighting and more.
Focusrite & Novation‘s Tim Harbour (aka Continuum) did set about the challenge of creating an original track in a day, a while back. Now Novation have teamed up with Focusrite to host a massive Remix / Rework competition of that same track Tim has created. You now have a chance to win $1400/£1000/€1200 of Focusrite, Novation & KRK gear – you also get your track in front of Brad Baloo; one half of DJ/production/songwriting duo The Nextmen.
Swiss live artist Ander does electronic live gigs somewhere around techno/minimal with his own controllers. After two years he now has the availability of Station. He designed and constructed this MIDI-Controller himself, based on the ucapps.de hardware platform. He uses it for live techno performances with Ableton Live.
Pioneer‘s industry-leading CDJ multi-player range is about to become even more desirable, with the introduction of new colour version of the CDJ-350. The new metallic silver CDJ-350-S match any interior, making them ideal for playing at home and at parties.
There it is, the Vestax VCI-400 DJ controller, a four deck controller which has been eagerly awaited since the past BPM Show in the UK. A couple of weeks ago we had the pleasure of getting a pre-production model and went to play with it for a while. Questions before we started reviewing it were, will it be a serious player in the high-end four deck controller market? Will it disappoint and keep the Kontrol S4 as the leader of the four deck controller segment? Read on, because there is a lot the say about the VCI-400!
Coming februari a two day event will be held in the Jaarbeurs Utrecht (convention centre) for any ambitious young DJ and producer or even the seasoned pro who wants to keep up with the latest developments in the electronic music industry. At Dancefair there will be two days of seminars and workshops given by top professionals in the business. Plus visitors will be able to get a hands-on look at the latest gear.
Pioneering Drum ‘n Bass DJ, Andy C, is currently on tour in the UK with a new ground-breaking, state of the art show, based around the Allen & Heath Xone:DB4 digital FX mixer. The concept of the ALIVE tour is to take DJ’ing to a new dimension, incorporating visual and audio clips, which are controlled by the latest technology.
The Kontrol Surface 1974 (KS-1974) is an innovative multi-touch MIDI control surface from the developers of the Emulator DJ Software, Smithson-Martin. Connect the KS-1974 to your laptop, desktop or any computer to transform them into a powerful and comfortable 22 inch surface with 4 simultaneous touch points. This is perfect for your studio or live performances. KS-1974 is a state-of-the-art DJ, VJ, and Studio Production tool. KS-1974 is the perfect size for any DJ booth or studio desk.