Crazy instruments – the Karlax MIDI controller
Da Fact, a French music instrument company, has introduced Karlax
Karlax is a new type of MIDI controller designed to “re-establish the artist’s body at the heart of the performance.”
The Da Fact Karlax is designed to capture a variety of expressive movements which can be accessed in a simple, intuitive manner.
Da Facts:
Its sensors are fitted to precision mechanics components. The innovative architecture allows pistons, keys, switches, benders, triggers, a rotation axis and an inertial unit (comprising an inclinometer, accelerometer and a 3-axis gyroscope) to be activated separately or simultaneously.
An embedded screen for displaying and editing settings makes it possible to safely leave the computer off stage. With the product comes also a dedicated software compatible with both MAC and PC.
“Karlax pushes the boundaries of language,” says Nils Aziosmanoff, Chairman of LE CUBE, a creative centre devoted entirely to the digital arts. “The creative process is increasingly becoming an experience to savour: we are adopting an exploratory approach to creativity, instead of the previous contemplative, passive approach.”
Finally Roland has picked up the charm of the 1950s
In this great promotional video you cannot but smile, who wouldn´t want to buy this, LOL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUI02gkTiQ&feature=player_embedded
Who says keyboardists need to hide behind their gear? Liberate yourself and roam free with the Lucina AX-09 Synthesizer. Lucina is compact, lightweight, and loaded with great sounds, all easily selectable with the onboard Category buttons. Plug in a USB stick and add backing tracks to your performances with the Audio Player function, or plug in an MP3/CD player and jam along with your favorite songs. This ultra-light synth is designed to fit all musicians — even kids. Its super easy to use yet it packs a heavyweight musical punch with its stellar sounds and expressive controls.
Let´s go retro:
MrRay SeventyThree – free VST piano synth
Although it may sound like a sampled instrument, MrRay SeventyThree is still synthesized, as the sound it produces is 100% calculated in real time. What characterizes this version of MrRay is a series of “imperfections” introduced in order to capture, with the highest possible fidelity, the sound of a Mark I. There are mallet noises, wooden noises, metallic artifacts and changes of volume for each single note.
Also, the lower notes have a particular “growl” when you hit them hard, and when you hit more keys really hard, you’ll hear them “vibrating”, originally due to the instability of the harp assembly inside the real instrument. You won’t hear twice the exact same sound when you play it. When keys are released you’ll hear the noises produced by the “dampers” which stop the vibration of the tines.
Synthpop nostalgica
A friend at work tipped me of this synthpop nostalgica BBC feature
It’s called Synth Britannia and covers like 9 youtube episodes and is a good history lesson on the golden synth years – 80’s
First episode here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeVRYPjcVXg
This is a must see for all synth fans
Cheers
Matrix 2 has been released
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VirSyn has announced the release of Matrix 2, a vocoder effect plug-in for Windows and Mac.
Inspired by the legendary VSM 201 Vocoder from Sennheiser we´ve spent MATRIX an additional Filter module modelling the analog Sound of the VSM.
Changes in Matrix 2
- New Filter type added inspired by the legendary VSM 201 Vocoder from Sennheiser.
- Internal Noise generator added.
- Redesigned graphical user interface.
- New factory presets added.
Matrix 2 is available to purchase as an effect plug-in for PC and Mac (VST/AU/RTAS) for the introductory price of 129 EUR until 30 April, 2010 (regular price 199 EUR).
More information: VirSyn / Matrix 2
MusikMesse: New synth from Roland
Although does not appear to be in the high-end user segment, LOL
Wonder how much the old SH 101 has been an inspiration, or not….
With its massive sound, hands-on ease, and affordable price, the GAIA SH-01 is a high-performance value with old-school charm. The triple-stacked engine puts potent virtual analog synthesis under your fingertips, yet the control panel is so fun, friendly, and inviting, even first-timers can create great sounds. The signal flow is simple to grasp, with logically arranged knobs, sliders, and buttons. Hands-on control and fat sound make this little powerhouse a joy for music students, songwriters, session players, and live performers of all styles and skill levels.
- Huge sound with three virtual analog engines onboard, each with a dedicated oscillator, filter, amplifier, envelope, and LFO
- Layer up to five simultaneous effects, including distortion, flanger, delay, reverb, low boost, and more
- 64-voice polyphony for massive sounds without note drop-out
- Fun, hands-on control panel that’s great for instant gratification, and for learning synthesis
- Lightweight, compact body with 37 full-size keys
- Runs on AC or battery power for portable convenience
- D Beam, arpeggiator, and Phrase Recorder onboard
- USB ports for saving user patches to USB flash drives, and for audio/MIDI connection to computers
The new microStation from KORG
Korg has announced the microSTATION, described as a Micro Synthesizer with Sequencer. Designed to satisfy the beginning musician or the accomplished keyboardist, the microSTATION offers portability, the sound of Korg’s EDS-i synth engine, effects, plus new and easy-to-use sequencing tools. Audition riffs make finding just the right sound a breeze.
Features:
- Lightweight, compact, and equipped with 61 mini-keys, the microSTATION travels easily and fits into any home, stage, or studio workspace.
- EDS-i (Enhanced Definition Synthesis-integrated) sound engine delivers high-quality sound in the tradition of KORG’s flagship synthesizers.
- Enjoy 480 ready-to-use sounds – including keyboard sounds, synth sounds, drums, leads, basses, etc. Tweak, edit, create and save up to 512 sound Programs.
- 256 dynamic Combinations place different sounds on different areas of the keyboard, or layer multiple sounds together for exciting performances – right out of the box.
- Find the right sound fast with eight quickly accessible categories; hundreds of Audition Riffs allow you to preview each sound.
- A full General MIDI level 2 compatible soundset allows commercial and pre-made MIDI files to be played perfectly and instantly.
- Designed for comfort and accuracy, the 61-key Natural Touch Mini Keyboard is highly expressive and supports serious playing.
- Whether performing or composing, the on-board sequencer can be anything from an extra set of hands or a powerful drum machine up to a full-blown MIDI production suite.
- Loop Recording, Grid Sequencing, Dual Arpeggiators, Template songs, and Auto Song Setup features make it easy for anyone to achieve professional results.
- SD/SDHC card slot for convenient storage or your custom sounds and songs.
- USB Type-B connector offers a direct MIDI connection to your computer.
- Includes both stand-alone and plug-in microSTATION software for detailed sound editing on your computer; plug-in software is VST, AU, and RTAS compatible.
Perform and compose anytime, anywhere
At a size and price usually reserved for performance synthesizers, the compact and portable microSTATION none the less features a 61-key Natural Touch mini keyboard, numerous effects, dual arpeggiators, and a 16-track sequencer to transform musical ideas into polished productions – wherever you are. New sequencer features such as Loop Recording and visual Grid Sequencing have been added to benefit the first-time user and to jump-start any type of music production. With so much power, the microSTATION is an ideal first keyboard, plus a welcome addition to any studio or keyboard rig.
EDS-i: The sound of KORG’s flagship synthesizers
The microSTATION features Korg’s new EDS-i (Enhanced Definition Synthesis – integrated) premium sound engine, derived from the EDS system found on KORG’s M3 XPanded and M50 professional synthesizers.
- OSCILLATORS: The oscillator section provides access to 49 MB* of high-quality PCM sources (sampled at 48 kHz) delivering a rich variety or sounds.
- FILTERS: Indispensable to sound creation is the filter section, offering two high-quality filters for each oscillator. The four filter types – low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and band-reject – can be freely combined.
- MODULATION: Expansive modulation is also vital. The microSTATION inherits the EG (Envelope Generator), LFO, key tracking generator, AMS (Alternate Modulation System), and AMS mixer from the EDS sound engine, allowing full-fledged synthesis possibilities.
- EFFECTS: The effect section adds the final touch to the sound, allowing you to use up to five Insert effects, two Master effects, and one Total effect. In addition to delay and reverb, you can choose from modulation effects such as chorus, phaser, and flanger; dynamics effects such as compressor and limiter; and amp modeling powered by KORG’s proprietary “REMS” technology. The Effect Dynamic Modulation function (Dmod) lets you control effects in a wide variety of ways during performance.
* calculated as 16-bit linear data
Premium Programs and Combinations
From the moment you turn it on; the microSTATION is ready to deliver hundreds of ready-to-play sounds. In addition to the 480 Programs and 25 Drum kits, the microSTATION provides 256 Combinations, each of which combines up to sixteen programs as layers, splits, or velocity switched elements. Finding the right sound is easy. The Programs and Combinations are organized into eight sound categories. The audition switch plays a repeating riff (phrase) appropriate for the currently selected sound, letting you hear how the sound will be played in context. Every sound can be edited, tweaked, and re-written, and the microSTATION also has plenty of room for you to save your own Programs, Combinations, and Drum kits. For playing Standard MIDI files, there is also a full General MIDI level 2 compatible sound set.
61-key Natural Touch Mini-Keyboard delivers expressive playability
The microSTATION’s Natural Touch Mini-Keyboard has been acclaimed for its ease of playing. The proportion of the black keys and white keys has been adjusted so that chords are comfortable to play, and the feel is designed to allow rapid phrases to be performed with ease. The waterfall-style keys make glissandos easy to play, and also impart a sense of quality. The use of a mini-keyboard complete with 61 keys allows serious performance of piano and other styles that require – or benefit – from two-handed playing.
On-Board Sequencer transforms your musical ideas into finished songs
The built-in, high-performance 16-track MIDI sequencer provides a versatile array of capabilities such as template songs, loop recording, a grid sequence function, arpeggiator, and auto song setup to provide a powerful boost to your music productions. Many of these newly added features are designed to assist novice sequencer users to complete their musical ideas.
- Template songs: Template songs are a great way to begin. Each template song loads up the appropriate instruments and pre-routed effects to match a specific musical style. The arpeggiator settings deliver ready-to-use bass and drum tracks. Of course, any track can be changed, edited or rewritten.
- Loop recording: This function repeatedly records a specified range of measures. For example, you can loop a four-measure section and create a drum pattern by recording each of the drums and bass notes individually. Basic editing functions such as copying, erasing, and deleting measures are also provided. This method is similar to recording on a multi-track recorder.
- Visual Grid Sequencing: This is a unique method of entering notes in which the front panel function buttons and corresponding LEDs (01 – 16) to create rhythm patterns as on drum box or step sequencer. Rhythm instruments such as the bass drum, snare, hi-hat, and bass will sound at the timings indicated by the illuminated LEDs.
- Dual polyphonic arpeggiators: The arpeggiators provide five preset patterns and 640 user patterns, of which 512 are preloaded. In addition to standard arpeggiator patterns, Korg’s polyphonic arpeggiators can produce a variety of chord progressions or phrases based on the notes being played on the keyboard. This advanced arpeggiation system can be used to create drum patterns, bass phrases, guitar riffs and keyboard backing runs. In Combination or Sequencer modes, the microSTATION lets two arpeggio patterns run simultaneously. You can apply separate arpeggio patterns to a different programs, or use split or velocity to switch between arpeggio patterns, providing powerful performance possibilities.
- Auto song setup: Using this convenient function, a Program or Combination (with its arpeggiator settings) can easily be recorded to multiple tracks, creating the basic tracks of your song.
Easy operation; Massive control
The microSTATION’s knobs and controllers are located for easy use. Frequently used parameters can be assigned to the four realtime control knobs for convenient sound editing or for performing with the arpeggiator. With the External switch on, these four knobs can be used to control an external MIDI device. A joystick is provided for even more expressive potential.
Convenient, reliable SD/SDHC storage
The microSTATION provides an SD card slot, allowing you to save your Programs, Combinations, and song data directly onto an SD/SDHC card.
Stand-Alone + Plug-In Editing software
The bundled “microSTATION Editor” and “microSTATION Plug-In Editor” software lets you use your computer to edit the microSTATION’s Programs, Combinations, Drum kits, and Arpeggio patterns. The “microSTATION Editor” is a stand-alone program, while the “microSTATION Plug-In Editor” allows the microSTATION to be used as a VST, AU or RTAS plug-in instrument inside a DAW or other host application on your computer.
These editors allow more detailed sound editing than is possible from the microSTATION itself. You can also save sounds that you’ve created on the microSTATION.
Alan Wilder’s Recoil – Selected events
More special guests have been added to the ‘Selected Events’ tour. Our friends Jonny Slut & Fil Jones from Atomizer will be joining us, supporting Recoil in Paris at Le Bus Palladium on April 23rd and in London at O2 Islington Academy on April 25th.
Atomizer helped kickstart the London electro scene back in 2002 with their now legendary club night (and record label) NagNagNag.
Recording with ex-KLF producer Jimmy Cauty in 2003, the duo released their debut single ‘Hooked on Radiation’. The first album ‘Rubber Youth’ was released in 2006, followed by their second album ‘Cult of Europa’ in 2009.
This time we follow Alan during the build up to the event in Berlin, at the famous Meistersaal. Alan walks us around the studio, shows us some notorious spots and introduces a couple of guests.When Alan Wilder and Paul Kendall presented their “Strange Hour” with Recoil in Berlin’s legendary Hansa Tonstudios on March 19, they invited two very special guests to the stage. Gareth Jones and Daniel Miller, who both played important roles during Depeche Mode’s Hansa sessions in the 80:s performed a long “Construction Time Again” DJ remix set.
At Recoil’s Spanish dates, Douglas McCarthy sang live with Recoil and Client’s Sarah Blackwood will DJ at some future Recoil dates. More guests are to be expected during the remaining dates.
John Foxx Underpass – Mark Reeder’s Dark Long & Sinister Remix
John Foxx Underpass – Mark Reeder’s Dark Long & Sinister Remix.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3-oPzE0jic&feature=player_embedded
John Foxx is playing a one-off analogue synthesizer show at the Roundhouse London on 5 June. Guests include Dubterror and Gary Numan/Ade Fenton DJ set.
via SHOCKELECTRIK
Buy Tickets http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/whats-on/productions/john-foxx-4616.
To order Album go http://www.townsend-records.co.uk/product.php?pType=1&pId=6768416
Listen samples go http://www.myspace.com/foxxmetamatic
Mark Reeder site http://www.myspace.com/markreedermfsflesh
From the album Metatronic, a 30 year celebration of John Foxx’s Metamatic. John Foxx’s Classic Underpass gets a bit of a sinister beef up by fellow pedestrian Mark Reeder.
Getting started with Audacity
Getting started with Audacity 1.3 :
Using the Audacity software as the starting off point, we discuss what the software is, what it can do, how you can use it, and where you go to get started installing it. All of this information is grounded in some basic audio editing terminology and background for those that aren’t so technology inclined.
Then we’ll start digging into a sample project! You’ll learn about how to set up a project, create a voice track, record an interview with Skype, and basic audio editing techniques. All of this done in an easy to follow, task based approach with lots of examples. Here, we plan to go a step further, we teach how to wrap all of these steps together and create a podcast that can be posted on your own website or blog.
There’s always more you can do with Audacity! The last portion of the book is dedicated to just that – discussing more advanced editing and mixing techniques, using affects, adding music, adding additional plug-ins to the software. All still incorporating examples and easy to follow tasks you can try on your own audio projects.
Price: 35.99
Visit: Packt Publishing
DATAMASKIN
