New free synth for Windows
L-Day Synth has released LPX-S1, a free synthesizer instrument for Windows.
A new combination of Linear Phase Modulation and Virtual Analog/Subtractive Synthesis.
Midieingang mit Velocity Aftertouch.
Sneak preview: Pioneer Exclusive ‘nexus’ – new DJ platform
Here´s what Pioneer has to say about this teaser:
In this exclusive preview, catch a glimpse of what’s to come from our latest in a new range of ‘nexus’ professional club products, which take the Pioneer ProDJ Link and rekordbox concept to the next level.
Our full introduction video will be available on the global press launch on the 17th February 2011. Subscribe to our channel or join the conversation at:
www.pioneerdj.com
REVIEW: Soundcells’ Analog Signatures v3
Analog Signature v3 – Trigger your music creativity
We have had the pleasure of reviewing the latest Reason Refill from Soundcells, based out of Germany. Soundcells definitely belongs among our absolute favorite providers of high-quality Reason refills, and for other formats as well for that matter. The nice thing about Soundcells’ Refills is the variety and complexity provided covering everything from chip tunes to ambient to synthpop music.
This time we have taken a closer look at the recently released Analog Signature v 3, which is a follow up version 1 and 2 containing some 40 nicely crafted Combinator patches (CMBs) and an additional set of Thor, REX, Scream modules. Being slightly biased, based on the type of music Steelberry Clones are making we must say that the real treat is the MS20 Combinator patches included, all perfectly balanced and with that right low-bass “knorrrr” sound typically for the MS20. The sounds of the Waldorf Microwave and Pulse are so genuine in their sound structure that you can even spot the original pre-sets and inaccuracies that portrayed the original hardware synthesizers. I have added some sample snapshots in the SoundCloud player below, so that you really can see what we mean:
Reason refill sound demo – Analog Signatures v3 by Stereoklang Produktion
So based on the type of music you are in to, and judging from the fact that you are reading this blog, probably indicates that you enjoy the same type of music as we do, this Reason Refill will add those vintage sounds that often are fairly hard to come by. KORG MS20, Waldorf Microwave and Moog are all in there and perfect for punchy bass lines, leads and pads. The Combinator section is probably the one you will use the most, but there is more…
Another thing we really like about the Refills from Soundcells is the fact that they also put in some time to work with some of the effect modules in Reason, such as the Scream Sound Destruction unit, which in our personal view is something often neglected by other Refill providers and even by Propellerhead themselves (judging from the quite poor sets provided with the off-the-shelf Reason package). Soundcells offer smooth and beat enhancing capabilities to your music through the Scream unit that we have not come across anywhere else.
So is everything but glory in this Reason Refill? Well the only part of this Reason Refill that we possibly would have hoped more for is the REX loop section, which in our mind is fairly basic and not so inspiring. If you are looking for standard vintage drumbeats to accompany your tracks, then you will definitely find what you are looking for, but if you are hoping to spice up your tracks with something unique, then you need to look elsewhere.
Overall verdict
Soundcells has done it again, that is delivering a high-quality product that triggers your music creation process
NOTE: We hope to be able to feature the creators behind Soundcells in a later post, so stay tuned
Computer chronicles – from the past till now
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Btg_1kV3-4E
A look at the new role of personal computers in making music. Products demonstrated include Super Jam from Blue Ribbon Soundworks, Encore for Windows from Passport Designs, EZ Vision and Studio Vision from Opcode Systems, and the Miracle Piano. The show incudes visits to the Stanford Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics and the annual National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) convention is Los Angeles. Originally broadcast in 1992.
Synthi R demo 2
EMS Synthi A / VCS3 clone in Eurorack format.
Phantom of the Floppera
This is a really cool video
Test run of my (d)iskette (O)rgan doing Toccata & Fugue.
People have made floppy drives sing before, but this is my personal take on it.
Features two 3 1/2″ drives and two 5 1/4″ drives connected to a PIC18f14k50 microcontroller. It interfaces to any MIDI source via MIDI over USB. Straight MIDI would also be possible with an additional small circuit and some minor firmware changes. This initial version can respond to all 128 MIDI notes, and pitch bends +/- 2 semitones.
As it can produce only four simultaneous notes, and each drive has a different range and tonal characteristics, best results are obtained by arranging compositions by hand. However, it features two modes of operation: in one mode, MIDI channels 1 through 4 are played directly on floppy drives 1 through 4. In the other mode, all 16 MIDI channels are read, and notes are “intelligently” divvied out on a first-come, first-serve basis. “Note stealing” ensures that melody lines sound, but chords are often cut short. One or the other produces acceptable results for many unmodified MIDI files straight out of your favorite media player.
I apologize for the poor video quality.
The next generation of Traktor software
Here a couple of videos from native featuring the new Traktor
See the new generation of Traktor DJ software in action in this video, now powered by “Traktor 2 Technology Inside” for absolutely intuitive ease of use and unlimited creative possibilities.
The brand-new user interface with enhanced TruWave colored waveforms with 4 different color schemes to choose from lets you differentiate kicks, hi-hats, snares as well as the track’s energy level at a glance.
Used with Traktor Kontrol X1 controllers as you can see in this video, the power over using Traktor’s hotcues, loops and effects is literally at your fingertips.
The new Sample Decks in Traktor Duo 2 and Traktor Pro 2 provide perfectly integrated control over loops and one-shots. With the additional Loop Recorder, 4 new tempo-syncable effects (more than 30 in total) and expanded customization options, Traktor Pro 2 is the new flagship software that also powers the Traktor Scratch Pro 2 digital vinyl system and the Traktor Kontrol S4 all-in-one DJ system by Native Instruments.
For more info on Traktor generation 2 with “Traktor 2 Technology Inside”, check out http://www.native-instruments.com/tra…
Granular synthesizer written in Max/MSP
Grout is a granular synthesizer written in Max/MSP.
It uses step sequencing to route individual grains through different effects and create complex textures.
Features:
- Four granulation modules, each with 128 voices and dedicated lowpass filters
- MIDI control of all parameters
- Step sequencers for each module, for routing grains through built in delay, flange and overdrive effects
- Select parts of audio files to play grains from, with variable lengths and playback rates
- Linear fades applicable to individual grains, useful for removing popping noises and smoothing out textures.
- ReWire compatible
It’s a free download at 52 Patches.
Playmobil Stop Motion – Joy Division – Transmission
Joy Division live. My first try to create a stop motion film. Hope you like it.
Via softwareDR
A pure Mellotron M400 treat
Puremagnetik has released Microtron™ XL, a bundle of 3 tapes from Puremagnetik’s popular Microtron series.
All of the original performance nuances of the Mellotron M400 have been immaculately captured through a Neumann U47 Microphone and Reeves Custom 50 Amplifier.
Microtron XL integrates seamlessly into Ableton Live 8, Kontakt 3/4 and Logic 8/9. It comes packed with a palette of 9 expertly recorded instruments and over 1 Gigabyte of multisample content.
The Ableton Live version contains 9 individual multisampled instruments and a full “tape” instrument that has similar sound blending functionality as found on the original M400. Microtron XL also comes packed with over 150 professionally performed phrases complete with Macro and effects integration.
Microtron XL for Kontakt includes all 9 multisampled instruments complete with effects and a custom KSP user interface. Logic and Kontakt versions both come with a collection of over 150 professionally performed Apple Loops in SIAL format.
Microtron XL includes the following instruments as programmed from the original tapes.
- MK II Flute – Undoubtedly the sound that defines Mellotron, the MKII flute instantly conjures images of 1967 Abbey Road. Not only the most famous Mellotron sound, but perhaps the eeriest, the MKII flute’s dubious pitching has been in question throughout the decades. The change in timbre (they say two flutes were used) and odd intonation only adds to the haunting and mesmerizing character of this timeless sound.
- Octave Recorders – The Octave Recorder is a newer sound composed of soprano, alto and tenor recorders. Playing fast staccato chords on this one can make it sound a bit like a harmonium. It has a solid woody tone with breathy articulations and is definitely a contender to fill up the mix with some organic elements.
- Cello – Renown for its melancholy timbre and described by some as “wheezing and groaning” the Cello sound was originally recorded in the 1960s. A double bassist was used for the lower registers. Apparently the original session cellist did not wish to detune his cello for fear of damaging the instrument. Nonetheless, the Microtron Cello recording is undoubtedly a unique character in the tape library.
- Clarinet – The original Mk1 Clarinet that was discontinued but re- introduced for Puremagnetik’s Microtron series. Warm and woody, the Microtron clarinet has an authentic sound that captures a vintage flavor all its own. The Microtron clarinet patch is programmed an octave higher for quick harmonic layering with other Microtron sounds.
- French Horn – Big and brassy, the Microtron French Horn is a uniquely expressive addition to the Microtron collection.
- Glenn Miller – Glenn Miller disappeared from the radar in 1944, but now he has returned for one last swingin’ arrangement in your DAW!
Glenn Miller inspires hours of fun and creativity with layered brass sounds, warped, flanged and mangled in the classic Mellotron tape style. - Brass – The recorded combined output of two saxophones, two trumpets and a trombone, this is a powerful and punchy sound much beloved of King Crimson, Rick Wakeman, The Moody Blues and even John Lennon who thoughtfully recorded most of a demo of ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ using the black Mellotron Mk II he kept on his half landing. Never fails to impress. Never fails to scare small children either.
- 8 Voice Choir – Certainly one of the major ‘classic’ Mellotron sounds, and perhaps the most arresting, this recording of four females and four males was first used in the early 1970s with the advent of the M400 and was widely used by rock groups who found that the sound of a Mellotron was a bit better than the sound of their chronic off-key harmonising.
- String Section – A combination of violins, viola and cello, these multisampled strings are pre-arranged to sound huge! Layer them together in chords or clusters for some outlandish string effects.
Microtron XL is available to purchase for $29 USD
More information: Puremagnetik / Microtron XL
DATAMASKIN
