iPad transforms itself into a MIDI controller
MIDIPilot (App Store link) is a $9.99 app that turns your iPad into a configurable, multifunction MIDI controller, using its multi-touch display to play notes and control synthesizer and effects parameters to a computer over a WiFi connection.
MIDIPilot is modular in structure, and can operate as various combinations of a scrollable, piano-style keyboard with pitch bender, controller ribbons and X-Y pads.
MIDIPilot works with the open-source DSMIDIWiFi software, which is available for Mac OS X, Windows and Linux.
Tutorial on Spectrum Reaktor Synth
Here’s a tutorial made by Don Garbutt on his Reaktor Spektrum Synth. First the wavetable sound section is examined. This section came from the Reaktor Library instrument “Oki Computer 2.1”. It is similar to the PPG and Waldorf instruments, in that multiple waveforms are placed in a list and the list position is controlled and morphed by various mechanisms such as step-sequencer, envelope generators, low frequency oscillators, automation and MIDI controllers.
Looks interesting but I havn’t been able to find this ensemble in the Reaktor User Library or anywhere on the net.
Please check out Dons really cool fractal based videos. I guess the sound track is Reaktor based…
What’s new in ProTools 9
Avid has just released Pro Tools 9, the new version of the industry standard DAW, now packed with more features (including very cool news for post-sound guys, both LE and HD users) and also a new philosophy (yes, finally… they’re “changing”).
So.. What’s new?
- Pro Tools now works with Core Audio and ASIO drivers (no more interface limitations)
- Supports OMF/AAF/XMF
- Adds native ADC
- Adds EUCON support
- Supports up to 96 tracks natively, and 512 tracks with Complete Production Toolkit 2 and Pro Tools HD
Several of the features of the previous toolkits are included natively in Pro Tools 9, such ast DigiBase Pro, Time Code Ruler, MP3 export, and more. There’s also the new Complete Production Toolkit 2, which adds HD features to Pro Tools 9:
- Exchange sessions with Pro Tools|HD users without ever losing session information
- Create huge mixes with up to 192 simultaneous audio tracks** on playback—512 total
- Get full VCA mixing capabilities and support for up to 64 video tracks
- Mix in 7.1 surround while monitoring in stereo with the Neyrinck SoundCode Stereo plug-in
- Speed up your workflow with advanced automation, audio, and video editing tools
- Shift time and pitch with natural-sounding results using the X-Form plug-in
Pro Tools 9 is available now at $599. Crossgrade from LE costs $249, and from HD to PT9HD costs $349. More info at Avid. Feature comparison here.
Spektrumsynth built with Reaktor
Spektrumsynth is an impressive instrument built in Reaktor
This instrumental piece is an exploration of the sound flexibility of the Spektrumsynth, an instrument that I built using Reaktor software. See the Spektrumsynth video and Spektrumsynth Tutorial video for a more detailed description of the instrument. I have made a couple of modifications since the making of these original videosl, if you look closely: I packed the LFOs into a pull-down menu, saving on display space by only showing one at a time, although they are all functioning simultaneously. I was able to add some modules that were available on the earlier version, but hidden on the “B” display pane. I hope that you like the music.
Documentary on Raymond Scott
Stan Warnow, son of Scott Raymond, has made a documentary on his father.
Raymond Scott is probably best known for music featured in Looney Tunes cartoons and as a pioneer in commercial electronic music, developing his own electronic music instruments.
Get it here
Updates from eaReckon – BloXpander & EAReverb
eaReckon has released version 1.2.2 of BloXpander, a VST host designed for live situations.
Changes in BloXpander v1.2.2
- Far more stable authorization process. BloXpander should not need multiple authorizations anymore.
- A new button has been added to easily clear the search box (Plugins Case).
- Subscenes can now optionally store and call plugins’ state.
- More anti-virus friendly loading procedures.
- Checks for Scene Control Configuration validity on start-up.
- Using the same MIDI input port for both “Scene Control” and “Main Controller”, it is now possible to assign Basic Control elements via MIDI learn (as prior 1.2.0).
- Fixed Unicode typo issues (‘Rename Preset’ input box).
eaReckon has also announced EAReverb, a true stereo VST reverb for Windows.
EAReverb stands for “Earthy Algorithmic Reverb”. This reverb is 100% algorithmic and does not use any IR files. Early reflections are built “on-the-fly” depending on your own settings. The main “Size” parameter has an impact on both early reflections and late reverb… Switching from a size to another will immediately put your music and/or sounds in a place that matches your choice.
Then you can tweak early reflections using 5 easy parameters + 15 advanced but still comprehensive settings. Finally, you can set the late reverb so it matches your needs. “BNC” and “Warp” settings will add the extra randomness your late reverb deserves. For even more realism, you can inject some of the early reflections into the late reverb.
Most of all, EAReverb provides a natural sounding, “earthy” reverb effect. It is able to simulate the subtle reflections of a very small room as well as very large spaces. It is suitable for music and sound design.
EAReverb has been designed and “fine tuned by ear” to sound the most possible natural… Though, the plethora of parameters should be enough to place your music in a twisted environment if you really want it!
EAReverb will be available by end of 2010. A 3-part teaser is progressively uploaded to Youtube. Parts 1 and 2 are already available.
More information: eaReckon
Mille Plateaux’s Kabutogani
Black and White Glitch
Analog synthersizers in space – in Stockholm
If you happen to be in Stockholm this weekend you can meet up with some 30 analog synthesizer enthusiasts at the museum of technology. The event will take place on Saturday 6 November 12-4 pm in the same venue as the space exhibition.
Ricochet Gathering in Berlin
Here’s some videos from the Ricochet Gathering that took place in Berlin the 15 – 18 October.
DATAMASKIN
