Native Instruments today released MASCHINE 1.6, a major free update for its acclaimed groove production studio. With the addition of plug-in hosting for instruments and effects, the new version significantly expands the scope and functionality of the system. MASCHINE 1.6 also includes a free download of the new KOMPLETE ELEMENTS bundle, and adds a multitude of other new features for studio production and live performance.
MFB’s step-sequencer URZWERG PRO is the extended version of their URZWERG. This advanced version has been inspired by feature requests and suggestions of many users to ensure better flexibility than ever. Most prominently, URZWERG PRO now offers output of MIDI-notes and -controllers as well as 32 individual step LEDs to keep track of the sequences’ status.
Enter the contest to win Eric Persing’s killer custom OMG-1 Synth! Benefit for the Bob Moog Foundation 100% of the proceeds from this contest will go to supporting the innovative projects of the Bob Moog Foundation including their MoogLab student outreach program, the creation of the future ‘Moogseum’, and their efforts to preserve and share Dr. Moog’s extensive and historic archives. The Foundation’s mission is to ignite creativity at the intersection of music, history, science and innovation.
On his website, Maxi Jazz announces the end of the legendary Faithless.
The KeyControl 49 XT is a very stylish 49-key aluminium case keyboard, perfect for usage live on stage and in studios. No extra power supply and no special drivers are needed when connected to your PC or Macintosh. This makes KeyControl 49 XT a perfect addition for every home studio and many other setups.
Sad news today: Tsutomu Katoh, founder and chairman of Korg has passed away after a long fight against cancer. All the members of the Gearjunkies team wishes the family and all the employees at Korg al lot of strength.
In January 2011 James Jacob, better known to his fans as Jakwob, went to the United States for his first major North American tour. The Propelleheads cameras met up with him in San Francisco, California to see him live in front of five thousand eager Dubstep fans.
Last year we already had a post on mr. Roger Linn and the early prototype of the Linnstrument. This instrument came from the interest of mr. Linn in the idea of new musical instruments that overcome the limitations of traditional mechanical instruments. His particular interest is in a new instrument that while be capable of entirely new sounds and playing techniques, and is also able to reproduce the sounds, virtuosic performance capabilities and subtleties that we’ve come to know and love from traditional musical instruments, but without all their problems and limitations.
Super-size your Studio! Do you own an Allen & Heath Xone:DX controller for Serato ITCH? Would you like to get your hands on some seriously cool accessories to super size your studio? Then polish up your routine and enter our Xone:DX video competition.
Mason! Maybe Hollands ‘best kept Secret’, … till now, as we are pretty much certain that they are lining up for more (musical) greatness in the future. If you’r not familiar with Mason, one of their biggest hits (to date) is Exceeder. And if that still doesn’t ring a bell, you surely will know the remix/mashup with Princess, Mason vs. Princess Superstar – Perfect (Exceeder). This track went to #3 on the UK charts in 2007. This track did top the charts in other countries as well.
For as far I can remember Richie Hawtin a.k.a. Plastikman has been on the forefront when it comes to the usage of the latest gear innovations on stage. The video below is by Future Music. They took an exclusive tour around Plastikman’s very impressive live rig, captured here at Bestival 2010.
Below is a video demonstrating The Haken Continuum. Designed by Dr. Lippold Haken and manufactured by Haken Audio, the Continuum Fingerboard is a musical instrument that allows unprecedented realtime performance control. With a greater pitch range than a traditional 88 note Midi keyboard, the Continuum offers realtime continuous control in three dimensions for every finger that is placed on the playing surface.
Interact with V-Drums users around the world while improving your drumming skills with fun play-along songs. The “ V-Drums Friend Jam” is the social networking tool for V-Drums you’ve been waiting for! Available now for both PC and Mac. Enjoy drum workout on V-Drums! Automatic downloading practice songs for free via the Internet is ready for you. You can share your workout record on Twitter! This is a social tool for drummers.
Gizmo (Skratchworx) recently did a review on the Novation Dicers. As part of that review he made this video with DJ Woody who does a snippet of his 1 hour “Turntables In Technicolor” using Novation Dicers.
LoopTV interviewed DJ Fedde Le Grand to find out about his label ‘Flamingo recordings’ and his production studio setup. Fedde’s parties have been rocking the Netherlands since 2001, his label ‘Flamingo Recordings’ has been pushing its unique sound since 2004, and then in 2006 ‘Put your hands up for Detroit’ happened…and the rest as they say is history!