Addictive Keys is a powerful tool for musicians, producers and songwriters, setting a new standard for virtual keyboard instruments. With its unique sound creation ability, smart workflow and fast loading times, Addictive Keys is suitable for any production style or music genre.
Mixing music just got easier, and a lot more fun, with the DDJ-WeGO. Anyone with a passion for dance music can play tracks and mix tunes with Pioneer’s compact, easy-to-use DJ console. Aspiring DJs playing their favourite music through DJ software on their laptops can now use the WeGO’s buttons and knobs to control the sound and get a hands-on DJing experience. The popular DJ software package VirtualDJ LE is included so the controller can be used straight out of the box, and WeGO customers will also be eligible for a free upgrade to VirtualDJ 8 LE upon release. The WeGO will be compatible with a variety of popular DJ software packages to suit any style including Algoriddim’s djay.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.