Spring Reverb is an authentic spring reverb recreation that will add vintage character and grit to any audio track. It also includes novel features such as a fully automatable Shake control that will shake the virtual strings around for those thunderous spring effects, and a Tension control that tightens or loosens the springs to cover a wide range of spring reverb sounds. More info here >>
Features
- Shake control that shakes the springs around
- Tension control to shape the spring character and reverb length
- Number of spring pairs continuously adjustable from 1 to 3
- Tube driver simulation with Bass and Treble in the reverb section
- Can be used both as a send and an insert effect
- Very CPU friendly
Controls
Springs
 Control the number of springs in use. There are three sets of springs in the reverb unit and you can choose how many of the sets you would like to use. Set the control to ONE for a more pronounced springy sound and to THREE for a smoother sound.
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Shake
 Since we don’t want you to smack your computer to get that thunderous springs-being-shaken sound, Spring Reverb features a slider that can be used to accomplish the same thing safely.
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Tension
 Tunes up or down the tension of all three springs. Adjusting the Tension parameter will change the sound of the strings from slow and smooth (left) to quick and harsh (right).
Together with the Springs knob, this control is an excellent tool to change the overall character of the reverb. |
Bass, Treble and the input stage
 Authentic tube simulation using the same technology as the Amp Room products on the wet signal.
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Spring Reverb is only available for native VST/AU/RTAS hosts on Mac and Windows.
making beats is fun. for everyone!
iDrum® is the addictive app that lets you create your own beats, even if you have no musical experience! Start with iDrum’s selection of amazing kits and patterns, then customize them to make them your own. Build beats layer by layer by tapping the touch screen or create music with simple shapes and color combinations that let you visualize the rhythm. Probably the coolest thing about iDrum for iPhone is that it integrates with the iZotope’s iDrum for the PC or Mac so you can share samples and take kits on the road. Take me there >>
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gthWJ5T3rag]
August 27, 2008 · Posted in
Electronic Music ·
Comments Off on Choosing the right MIDI keyboard
Summary: Essential things to think about before buying a MIDI controller keyboard, Personal Keyboard or Digital Piano
- Number of keys?
- 49 key controllers are excellent for entering music and basic or intermediate keyboard learning. They don’t require a lot of space and are quite inexpensive. They will certainly take you up to Grade 3 standard without any problem
- Larger keyboards are essential if you plan on learning advanced piano techniques or are used to playing on a full size keyboard
- For composing and sequencing, maybe the number of keys are not so important as the availability of a range of controllers such as knobs and sliders to get more hands-on control of the software control panels
- Controller or keyboard or piano?
- A controller doesn’t create any sound on it’s own – it uses the sounds in your computer or sound module. The advantages of controllers are their price and the fact that you can upgrade the sound card without having to buy a new keyboard
- A personal keyboard doesn’t require a computer or sound module to create sound. Some will also include speakers. Keyboards are generally more expensive than controllers, but they can be used as an instrument on their own.
- If you really want to play the piano, and have it available without turning on the computer, then a digital piano is also a great option. They all come equipped with MIDI ports to connect up to your PC. The only disadvantage might be the physical set up you can achieve as digital pianos are larger than keyboards, which may make it tricky to site them right next to your computer workstation.
- Touch sensitive or weighted action?
- Touch sensitive keyboards will play louder or softer according to the velocity of your playing (how hard you play)
- Weighted action keyboards imitate the action of a real piano – these keyboards are usually heavier and more expensive. Choose a weighted action keyboard if you want to be as close to real piano action as possible
Key take aways:
The wide range of available keyboard controllers pretty much ensures you’ll be able to find one that meets your needs. You just need to take a little time to ask the following questions, which will help define what you want or need:
What’s your application?
• If live performance is your focus, you’ll want to consider sturdiness and reliability (many controllers are almost entirely made of plastic), along with your preferred action and key count.
• For a club DJ, who often must work in cramped quarters, a compact unit will work best. Remember, the controller still needs plenty of knobs and sliders to control your software parameters!
• If you do a lot of recording in bed (or on a plane, in a car, etc.) portability counts. Also consider whether your controller can run on bus power (usually USB), which can be convenient – you won’t need another power adapter.
How many keys?
Limited space on your desktop or in your live rig? You need a compact controller, with 25 or 37 keys. If you want a piano-style experience go for an 88-key controller. Other options include 61 keys (that’s five octaves) and 76 keys.
What type of action?
Action should be appropriate to your application. If you need piano-style realism, get a weighted action. Semi-weighted keyboards appeal to many players, offering a nice balance between resistance and springiness. Synth-action keyboards are often perceived as easier to play for non-keyboardists, and can also be more economical.
How many/what type of knobs, sliders, and buttons?
What will you control? Synths? Effects? Software? Do you prefer sliders, knobs, or both?
What computer and sound module connectivity do you need?
Do you need USB connection to a computer? Almost all of today’s controllers have a USB MIDI connector. Many include a 5-pin MIDI connector as well, so you can connect an external sound module to your controller.
Do you need a built-in audio interface?
If you want an all-in-one MIDI and audio solution, then select one of the controllers that include an audio interface.
Keyboard Action Types
A vital quality of any keyboard controller is the keyboard action – the manner in which the key responds to playing. You, the player, need to feel comfortable using the controller, whether live on stage or in your songwriting or recording studio. Don’t underestimate the impact of having a less-than-ideal keyboard on your creativity and productivity! The type of action you prefer is usually determined mostly by what you are accustomed to, and also by the particular style of music that you play, which may call for one type of action over another. You can choose from three basic keyboard action types:
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Weighted Hammer Action
Many controllers have 88-note keyboards that replicate the mechanical action of a conventional piano keyboard. This is difficult to do because a controller has no strings or hammers. Manufacturers use different methods of applying weights and springs to mimic a piano’s action. Others add a hammer action to more closely replicate a true piano “feel.” For example, the CME UF8 employs a weighted piano-action keyboard with four different velocity curves so you can choose the most comfortable feel. If your primary instrument is piano, or if you compose a lot of piano-oriented music, the realism of a weighted hammer-action keyboard might be ideal for you. |
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Semi-weighted Action
Similar to a weighted action, but with less key resistance and a slightly springier release, semi-weighted actions are popular with some players. If you don’t need realistic piano response but don’t care for spring-loaded synth actions (see below), try a semi-weighted keyboard. The M-Audio Axiom 61 is a controller with a semi-weighted action and MIDI trigger pads, rotary encoders, and sliders. |
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Synth Action
A synth-action keyboard, on the other hand, feels more like an electronic organ. The spring-loaded keys are light and capable of being moved very quickly. They also tend to return to their resting position much more quickly. This can be an important advantage when trying to play very fast parts such as lead lines or fast arpeggios. Many keyboard controllers, such as the economical Korg K49 come with synth-action keys. Synth-action keys are perfect for musicians who aren’t pianists by nature, such as guitarists wanting to add MIDI functionality to their setup. |
August 26, 2008 · Posted in
Electronic Music ·
Comments Off on New YMO fan site – check it out :-)
Got this tip on my blog today, a guy in the UK has started an YMO fan page, definately worth checking out 
Cheers
August 22, 2008 · Posted in
Electronic Music ·
Comments Off on New stuff from John Foxx and Blancmange
September 22 we will get a new collection by John Foxx from label Demon/Edsel. “Glimmer: The Best of John Foxx” will be a double-CD with material from his entire career including singles, album tracks, re-works of old Ultravox tracks, new remixes and his ambient “Cathedral Oceans” project. That project is also going to be re-released by the same label in 2009 and 2010.
And they don’t stop there, classic synthpop duo Blancmange will have their albums “Happy Families”, “Mange Tout” and “Believe You Me” released in new, fresh versions. The exact date is not set as of now, but it’s clear that they will all include the 12” mixes and some B-sides. The band is also said to be working on new material.
John Foxx performing “Plaza” at Cargo in London with Louis Gordon on 08.10.07 as part of a performance of the entire Metamatic album including related tracks.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsrrIzTGdfQ]
And of course and old Blancmange video:
Here is the last video from the Blancmange Video 45 VHS. This is Living on the Ceiling. Classic synthpop from a band that disappeared but now is back. Check out their stuff on MySpace. I wonder if they have their own website… should check on that.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L03PJeB38dI]
August 22, 2008 · Posted in
Electronic Music ·
Comments Off on ExperimentalScene re-releases product range as Freeware
ExperimentalScene has re-released its entire audio product range as Freeware, including the modular virtual studio DarkWave Studio and its VST product range: DGenR8, AntiAlias, and SpatialVerb. All product limitations have been removed so now the electronic music community is able to enjoy this software free of charge.
DarkWave Studio 1.3
DGenR8 VST 2.2
SpatialVerb VST 2.2
AntiAlias VST 2.2
RegCompact Pro 2.2
For more information, please visit www.experimentalscene.com
August 20, 2008 · Posted in
Electronic Music ·
Comments Off on VST Plug ins for free – recommended!!
Here are just a few examples of what you can get at De La Mancha, enjoy!!
These are just effect tools, but they have several instruments as well >>
Morphing multi-effects
Use 2 xy pads to control 4 banks of effects and any 4 parameters. runs in manual or auto, random or LFO, all fully tempo-sync’d to your host
Random multi-effects
A probability-based step sequencer triggers any of 6 effects according to their weighting
probability step sequenced filter
Trigger filter cut-off between 2 values on a probability-based step sequencer
probability step sequenced gate
Trigger volume between 2 values on a probability-based step sequencer
step sequenced filter
Vary filter cut-off between 2 values on a tempo-sync step sequencer
audio scrambler
The audio equivalent of a sick dog, it ejects an evil, semi-digested version of whatever you feed it
Circuit-bent resynthesizer
Analyses the incoming audio and resynthesizes it using a morphing oscillator, a tempo-sync gate & granulizer and some bent circuitry.
LFO controlled filter/flanger/volume/pan
Customisable LFO waveform to create rhythmic filtering, flanging, volume and panning
ring modulator
Multi-flavour ring modulation where frequency and wet/dry level are controlled by an XY pad. Each axis can modulated by its own tempo-sync LFO
3 band distortion effect
3 band distortion with independant LFO driven filters and 3 flavours of dirt
fattener
make your sounds fat like a sumo
random FSU
pick a number, any number, who knows what will happen?
midi latched mute/rhythmic gate/pingpong
Asign any midi key to latch the mute button, add a rhythmic chopping gate for fun
midi latched 2 channel volume envelopes
Asign any midi key(s) to trigger/latch the independant L and R envelopes
August 20, 2008 · Posted in
Electronic Music ·
Comments Off on Nintendo DS Homebrew Music Making
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOmxEuSwFjc]
Glitch DS is a stuttering sample player
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAvvl1U9K5E]
And DSMCU is a Midi Controller app. Check that remote automated fader action!
August 18, 2008 · Posted in
Electronic Music ·
Comments Off on Free Moog Reason Refill !!!!
For all us Moog fans….
Propellerhead announced it has recently supported the Bob Moog Foundation with a monetary contribution. In addition, to raise awareness and entice others to donate, Propellerhead is releasing a free Moog-inspired ReFill to registered users.
With this donation to the Bob Moog Foundation, Propellerhead wishes to help pay tribute to the enormous contribution Bob Moog made to the music industry. The Foundation’s overall mission is to document, celebrate and teach innovative thinking and to support and honor the legacy of synthesizer pioneer Moog. Presently, the Foundation seeks to raise awareness and funds to preserve Moog’s extensive archives.
Industry pro’s (and Reason experts), Craig Anderton, Mark Vail and Gordon Reid, donated their best Moog-style patches, built using Reason’s Thor polysonic synthesizer, with the aim to shed some light onto the world of music synthesis that Bob Moog pioneered. Those patches have been assembled into a single Reason ReFill and are available free to registered Reason users on Propellerhead’s website.
Anyone know what happens to these brlliant guys??
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0FBfigodFQ]
Some nostalgia if you haven´t heard them before, strictly awsome
More here >>
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