Free Karl Bartos (ex Kraftwerk) iPhone app available
Karl Bartos (ex-Kraftwerk) and Masayuki Akamatsu (media artist and author of various iPhone apps such as Banner, Oscillator, Echochops) have created an iPhone app, ‘The Mini-Composer’, which is actually a 16-step music sequencer (you can get it for free right here). Executive producer for the app is Jean-Marc Lederman (The Weatherman + partner in Sushi crime in Brussels with our chief editor Bernard Van Isacker).
In a reaction Karl Bartos says: “We have created this simple music app for fun: it implements the basic waves of a synthesizer with a 16-step sequencer. This app is totally free of charge but we would be very glad if, as a relief to people’s suffering following the earthquake and tsunami, you would consider a donation to lend a helping hand to Japan. Please enjoy our music and think Japan.”
The application has the following functions:
- 16 steps sequencer
- Start/stop sequence
- Multi-touch note input
- 32 polyphonic tones + 1 drum track
- 4 waves (saw, triangular, square, sine)
- 4 drumbeat loops
- Drums on/off
- Random notes
- Clear notes
- Additional information
Snoop Dog takes on Yazoo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN4HrmXQuMY
Snoop Dogg (Feat. T-Pain) – Boom
Can we enjoy it?
Teenage Engineering OP-1 VS TB-303
Demo of the Teenage Engineering acclaimed synth
Novation Twitch Overview – ultimate DJ experience, maybe
Overview of Novation TWITCH with Serato ITCH DJ software.
The Novation Twitch DJ controller comes with Serato ITCH and it has unique Touchstrip controls that are designed to work with ITCH’s new performance tools. It can also be MIDI-mapped to other DJ software such as Traktor or Ableton Live.
Key Features:
- Comes With Serato ITCH Professional, comprehensive DJ software.
- Touchstrips – Tactile, multi-function control.
- Slicer Mode – Chop up beats and create new grooves on the fly.
- 1-to-1 Control In ITCH – Dedicated controls for all ITCH performance functions.
- Solid case with Aluminium top plate.
- 2-in 4-out Audio Interface
- High-quality, loud headphones output.
- Balanced master connections.
- High-quality Cross-fader – Hard-wearing, sensitive and replaceable.
- Software Effect Control – Blend per-channel Fader FX with assignable master effects.
- Bus-powered USB connection provides all the power needed.
- Mic/Aux Input – Route a mic and an external audio device through the effects and master outputs.
- Switchable Booth Outputs – Choose between master and cue feeds.
- MIDI Compatible – To control any DJ software, such as Traktor or Ableton Live.
Dark Matter Audio’s CEO Jon Stuart Introduces the DMA1 Smart Audio Hub
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ug-9Wz2E_vo
Dark Matter Audio release the DMA1. This incredible audio device is anything you want it to be — guitar effects processor, high quality studio tool or performance instrument — thanks to its open architecture and Online Store that lets you wirelessly update DMA1 with a growing range of pro audio apps.
The DMA-1 is basically designed to be the iPad of audio interfaces.
It’s a software-powered audio interface with a touch-screen interface. Because it’s software-powered, the DMA-1 can be a guitar effects processor, a multi-FX processor, a digital multitrack recorder, MP3/4 player, MIDI interface, a 5.1 digital mixing desk and whatever else developers imagine.
According to Dark Matter Audio, you’ll be able to wirelessly download applications to make DMA1 into a drum machine, sampler, loop recorder, digital patchbay, video tutorial device, chord and scale matcher, database of transcribed music, lyric organizer or a composition sketch tool.
But unlike iPhones or iPads, DMA1 is built from the ground up for music making.
Main features:
- 7-inch Touchscreen
- Studio Quality Processing
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet
- 3 x USB, 2 x Analogue and 2 x SPDIF connections
- HDMI support
- 5.1 Surround Sound Mixer
- 4 Channel Architecture
- Battery and Mains powered
- Open Developer Community
All the details on the new Korg Monotribe
The Monotribe shares the Monotron’s analog DNA, but delves deeper into the rich, organic, and often chaotic world of analog synthesis. In addition to analog synthesis, Monotribe offers ease of use, a three-part discrete analog rhythm section and Electribe-style sequencing.
Features/Specifications:
- The powerful sound of true analog synthesis
- 3-part analog drums, using discrete analog circuitry
- Popular Electribe-style sequencing.
- Active Step and Flux features for realtime dynamic loop manipulation
- Advanced multi-function ribbon keyboard; Chromatic, Continuous, & Wide modes
- Auto-tuning provides stable pitch for accurate chromatic playability
- Selectable oscillator waveform, noise generator, and versatile LFO
- Uses the same VCF (filter) circuit as the classic MS-10/MS-20
- Sync In & Out jacks allows synchronized integration with multiple units
- Battery operation, built-in speaker and compact size deliver on-the-go groove-making
Here’s Korg’s official description for the Monotribe:
True Analog Synthesis
The monotribe’s sound engine uses technology old and new, merging the powerful sound of analog synthesis with the dexterity and playability required in today’s groove making environments. Analog technology is essential for fast and responsive control, and delivers the full sonic spectrum from warm and easy-going to full-throttle rampage.
Three-Part Analog Drums
The monotribe provides a three-part rhythm section powered by discrete analog circuitry; bass drum, snare, and hi-hat. These three sounds were the key elements in a generation of analog beat making, and are still in demand today. Use these powerful drum sounds to generate distinctive beats attainable only from the monotribe.
Electribe-Style Groove Creation
For over a decade, Korg Electribes have served as the standard tools for dance music and DJ work, and has earned outstanding popularity, even appearing recently as a top-selling iPad app. The fantastic step key interface lives on in monotribe, with a dedicated button for each of the eight steps. This allows realtime, hands-on step editing of not only the drum parts, but also for any synth part sequence played on the ribbon keyboard.
Active Step and Flux Mode
Active Step editing lets you remove or re-insert individual steps, creating short loop-like effects or off-beat patterns that weave in and out of complex rhythms. The step buttons provide this Active Step control during playback, and also provide an instant return to the original 8-step sequence if needed. Flux Mode allows the creation of sequenced synth parts that are not rigidly tied to the step grid, providing more musical versatility. The creation and morphing of edgy beats and stuttering rhythms has never been easier.
Auto-Tuning Analog
Analog synthesizers of yesteryear were prone to drift in pitch. But no more! The monotribe?s auto-tuning circuitry provides stable chromatic playability, and will not go out of tune. This auto-tuning technology also means no warm-up time, no servicing for pitch calibration, no sensitivity to temperature changes – just the great sound of analog VCO.
Multi-Mode Ribbon Keyboard
The ribbon controller keyboard provides three selectable playing modes/ranges. The chromatic mode (KEY) is ideal for playing melodies and bass lines, and stepping smoothly from note to note. Switch to the continuous mode (NARROW) for glides and bends – just as on the monotron. Also available is the wide continuous mode (WIDE) with a six-fold pitch range for dramatic synth zaps and screams. In addition, pressing the Gate Time button will allow the gate time to be sequenced as the ribbon controller keyboard is played.
Classic Analog Components – VCO, LFO, VCA
The VCO offers a choice between sawtooth, triangle and square wave. White noise can mixed in to the oscillator signal in any amount. The Octave selector covers a broad range, from deep bass to piercing lead-lines. Three EG (Envelope Generator) presets provide the VCA with impressive versatility and dexterity. The LFO can be patched to the VCO and/or the VCF, creating impressive dynamic effects. The Range switch allows the LFO to deliver stirring cyclic changes over tens of seconds (SLOW) or superfast (FAST) audio-range FM ringing. Switching the LFO Mode to the 1-shot setting allows the LFO behave as a second envelope generator – a truly powerful addition!
Vintage MS-10/MS-20 Filter
The monotribe features the same VCF circuit found on Korg’s classic MS-10 and MS-20 analog semi-patchable synthesizers. Distinctively analog, this sharp and powerful filter adds dramatic change to the sound, imparting the uniquely memorable character of Korg’s early analog synthesizers. Using the audio input, any audio source can be enhanced by passing through the filter section. Process an instrument, a voice, or a complete mix form CD or MP3 and create larger than life filter effects!
Sync Jacks: A Return To Modular
The monotribe provides both Sync In and Sync Out jacks, empowering multiple monotribe units to play and work together for a synchronized performance. Not just other monotribes, either. Audio line level pulses can trigger the Sync Input so the monotribe can be synchronized to a DAW system, for example. In addition, the polarity of the pulse waveform can be changed for both the input and output, so you can enjoy synchronized performance with a variety of equipment equipped with Sync connections.
On-The-Go Groove Making
Light, compact, and portable, monotribe is great on the go. Equipped with a built-in speaker and powered by six AA batteries, it is completely self-contained and ready to deliver hours of enjoyment wherever you take it.
The monotribe Analog Ribbon Station – bringing responsive realtime control to analog groove making.
Nintendo MAX Synth
Nintendo MAX controller square-wave synth with TURBO modulation.
http://www.HandmadeElectronicInstruments.com
‘Kosmonaut’ a swiss handmade analog synthesizer
Elektrokosmos is a small swiss firm specialized in the production of analog synthesizers. We update the principles of the last century with today’s technology and optimize them for high expectations. Every component is diligently selected and assembled by hand – every synth is unique. Elektrokosmos stands for robust machines and convincing sound. The user-friendly layout guarantees an exceptional playing experience.”
“Today at musikmesse frankfurt 2011(@schneiders superbooth) we will release our new & first product called ‘Kosmonaut’ a swiss handmade analog synthesizer.”
You can hear demos of the Kosmonaut here.
Roland Jupiter 80 Sounds & Demo Video from Musikmesse 2011
Listen to the new sounds of the Jupiter 80 and below are some additional screen shots, enjoy
Supernatural engine explained:
Unlike a conventional PCM synth, you also avoid issues like sample looping and phase issues. Vince DaLuca, Product Manager, Keyboards for Roland US, explains the concept:
What happens when a keyboardist is trying to reproduce sounds other than a traditional keyboard instrument on the synthesizer? This is where synthesizers today really fall short because the typical sound engine inside cannot truly “interpret” an expressive keyboard performance done on keys into an authentic guitar, trumpet, or violin performance – a guitarist plucks or strums strings, a trumpet player uses his breath, lips and trumpet valves, and a violinist plucks or uses a bow on strings. All the keyboardist can do is trigger a static digital sonic picture of sound he is trying to recreate, and each time a key is pressed, the same sonic picture is repeated, but at different pitches as played on the keyboard.
The Jupiter-80 solves this problem by using Roland’s newly developed Behavior Modeling technology. It takes care of the “interpretation” by constantly analyzing the keyboardist normal, natural keyboard performance, and instructs the ultra-realistic SuperNATURAL sound engines inside the Jupiter-80 to “play” and constantly “articulate” the reproduced sound just as the “real” performer would based on the keyboardists timing and interval between notes, the strength at which the various keys are struck, or if the keyboardist is pressing a pedal to sustain notes. These actions, among others available to the keyboardist, are translated by the behavior model for the selected sound being reproduced into an authentic plucked or strummed performance in the case of a guitar, aggressive or smooth bowing in the case of a violin, and the sharp or smooth pitch changes created by the valves on a trumpet and the pressure of the trumpet player’s breath. These are but a few of the articulations possible with Behavior Modeling.
More fresh Swedish synthpop from Page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLEoxsSa_kQ
From the album Nu, with Eddie & Marina
film photo – carlmagnus
production – Jasper Johnsson
DATAMASKIN
