Madrona Labs have announced the new Kaivo plugin, which is a semi-modular software synthesizer that combines two powerful ways of making sound: granular synthesis and physical modeling. Both Mac and Windows versions are fully 32- and 64-bit compatible.
It wasn’t really a secret, as we all knew that it was coming, but Rob Papen has now officially announced the soon arrival of the version 2 of his software synth Blue. This highly anticipated synth will be shipping on the 10th of March.
The Waldorf Streichfett combines the best of the now extinct species of String Synthesizers of the 70s and early 80s. Its dual sound engine features a fully polyphonic strings section and a monophonic solo section, which is essential for recreating how adult movies sounded thirty years ago.
Computer Orchestra is a crowdsourcing platform that allows users to create and conduct their own orchestra. They can choose to upload their own music or download samples to integrate into their formation. With a simple interface, they assign the chosen samples to each post. They can also arrange detection zones, that allow them to order the “musicians” to play, using various gestures. Once their orchestra is configured, they can direct it with the movements of their body.
Waldorf have announced that their 2-Pole analog filter will be shipping in about three weeks for a price of 229 Euro. For some decades now, analog filters have had a deep impact on contemporary music. Since its very beginnings, Waldorf has been renowned for the quality of their excellent sounding analog filters.
Swedish PA company, Parashoot, has been on a European tour with Norwegian singer songwriter, Ane Brun, using iLive and ME systems for FoH and Monitors. Parashoot used an iLive-T112 system, mixing both FOH and monitors on the same console. xDR-16 I/O expander racks were positioned on stage, one left and one right, along with an iDR-16 MixRack.
The Kawai MP11 has been designed and built to meet the demanding standards of professional piano players. For discerning musicians that do not accept compromises, the MP11 offers the most authentic action, the most realistic sound, and the most control. At the heart of the MP11’s sound engine is the beautiful sound of the Kawai’s flagship EX concert grand piano. The Kawai EX concert grand piano is widely regarded by professional pianists and piano technicians as one of the finest instruments within its class.
The Atmegatron is a new 8-bit monosynth and the debut product from Soulsby Synthesizers. It’s an electronic musician’s dream, combining the sounds of 1980s home computers with the flexibility and power of a modern synthesizer. It adds a wide palette of new sounds to any studio setup and is also great for live use.
Add movement and depth to your track with the Arpmania expansion for Nemesis. Expand your sound collection with a set of diverse & vibrant sounds built to cut through the mix and enhance your track. Featuring evolving arpeggios, rhythmic gates, pulsating bass lines and tight groove sequences, Arpmania offers an
inspiring range of sounds, all running in perfect sync to the tempo of your track.
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.
For this week we have an interesting video. It is a dublab documentary project featuring four amazing, LA-based beat makers: Daedelus, J.Rocc, Nobody and Ras G – in a secret mission to create new musical magic from the dusty remains of thrift store vinyl. DVD and vinyl released through Stones Throw Records. Visit dublab.com/secondhand for more information on the film and release.
Native Instruments released MARBLE RIMS – a new MASCHINE Expansion offering producers the laid-back, sun-kissed flavor of classic and contemporary SoCal hip hop. Adding to the scope of included kits and sounds, MARBLE RIMS delivers exclusive recordings from renowned West Coast artists and producers.
In cooperation with G-Sonique engineers, 123creative.com releases Kashmir Sitar – Guitar to Sitar plugin. As sitars are mythical oriental instruments, quite expensive and difficult to play, this plugin makes it easy to convert your guitar into a realistic sounding Sitar, … in real time!
Wave Shaping Synthesis is a type of distortion synthesis that can create dynamic spectra in a controlled way. In wave shaping it is possible to change the spectrum with the amplitude of the sound. A simple example of this method is the clipping caused by overdriving an audio amplifier.
Put on the ritz! Octa Pak 6 – Indie Dance is here, bristling with sounds inspired by the disco era and the sounds of the 1980s. The sound pack is custom built for the Octatrack and is filled with cutting edge samples from Loopmasters, pre-arranged and loaded for ease of use. It comes with an Octatrack set featuring 16 built in patterns, essentially all you need to jump right in and start creating/mixing and mangling. Also included are 16 Scenes ready to be assigned for adding fills, filters and FX to your live set.