Free cross-platform looping software – Mobius
Circular Labs has announced a major update to its cross-platform looping software, Mobius.
Mobius is a free application for Mac & WIndows that was inspired by the hardware loopers of the past. But Mobius offers 8 synchronized stereo loopers that can be used in any combination with extensive MIDI and computer keyboard control.
Here’s what’s new in Mobius 2.0:
- Redesigned synchronization engine for improved sync.
- Support for Audio Units host sync (Logic, Garageband).
- Support for other sample rates besides 44100.
- Redesigned UI button window that works like other binding windows.
- Improved OSC support.
Mobius is available now as a free download for Mac & Windows.
Propellerhead unveils it all – Rack Extensions and Figure App Technology Preview
Here’s the background details:
We couldn’t hold back anymore. We were too excited about what we’ve got in the works that we flew down to the Musikmesse Convention in Frankfurt, invited a room full of our friends in the press and development community, and lifted the curtain on some groundbreaking new technology we’re working on.
In this presentation we’ll introduce you to Figure, our new mobile adaptation of actual Reason devices running on your phone and Rack Extensions, our new technology which will allow third party developers to create fully functional Reason rack devices complete with CV, cable routing, combinator patch creation, and everything else that makes Reason so versatile and creative.
To learn more and to find out about getting started with our SDK, visit: http://www.propellerheads.se
Yamaha launches the all new CL-series for digital mixing
25 years after first setting the standards in digital mixing, Yamaha has taken digital consoles to another evolutionary level with the launch of the three-model CL series at ProLight + Sound 2012.
Retaining essential features and functionality that have become standards over the past quarter of a century, the CL series of digital mixing consoles offers an evolved experience in accessible mixing. Combined with sonic purity and advanced sound shaping capabilities, the new range gives the most imaginative artists and engineers unprecedented creative freedom.
Yamaha CL series:
Combining a tactile, ergonomic user interface with elegant and contemporary design, the CL series comprises three models – the CL1, CL3 and CL5. Ranging in mix capacity from 48 to 72 mono plus eight stereo inputs, all models feature 16 DCAs, 24 mix and eight matrix busses, plus stereo and mono output busses.
User interface
At the heart of the CL series is Yamaha’s acclaimed Centralogic user interface, ensuring that the consoles will be immediately familiar to many thousands of live sound engineers.
It has evolved considerably on the new consoles, incorporating a new generation, highly responsive colour touch screen and an array of user definable rotary encoders and buttons. Newly designed faders offer optimum feel, visibility and accuracy and are freely configurable to allow control of any combination of inputs, outputs or the 16 DCA faders. The control surface also provides editable, backlit channel name displays above each fader, with assignable colour bars. The CL1 and CL3 also feature the option of an external meter bridge.
Audio quality
Audio quality and character were top priorities in the development of the new consoles. In addition to featuring newly-designed mic preamps and delays on every input channel and output port, the range debuts a prestigious line up of studio quality processing.
The Effects Rack provides the equivalent of eight SPX2000 effects processors, along with a range of VCM EQs and dynamics, while two further virtual racks provide access to up to 32 channels of graphic EQs.
However, probably the most exciting sonic innovation is the introduction of the Premium Rack concept. Developed by Yamaha’s Dr K (Toshi Kunimoto) and his team, the Premium Rack provides a range of extremely high quality, dynamic processors and EQs. Yamaha is particularly proud and pleased to have collaborated closely with Rupert Neve to incorporate the highly acclaimed Portico 5033 EQ and 5043 Compressor as key elements in this new concept. These processors are included as standard in the CL series, eliminating the need for any plug-in management.
“For the first time we have the capability of bringing Rupert Neve sound into the live audio field, entirely due to Yamaha VCM technology. I believe that it is indistinguishable from the original analogue sound,” says Neve.
Scalable solution
A key factor in making the CL series so flexible is the pair of accompanying I/O racks, the Rio3224-R and Rio1608-D, and the fact that consoles are the first to feature built-in Dante networking as a standard feature.
A scalable system is easily constructed by simultaneously attaching up to eight I/O racks via Dante, providing up to 256 input sources. Pairs of CL series consoles can also be cascaded to handle larger mixing requirements.
Connection of basic systems is easy, using the console’s auto-configuration facility. Two or more consoles can share the inputs from one set of I/O racks without fear of unexpected level changes due to the inclusion of Auto Gain Compensation within the I/O racks themselves. With the new Dante 32-bit mode of operation, gain compensation can be provided without audibly affecting the dynamic range.
“We are extremely excited to be collaborating with Yamaha on the extraordinary new CL series and I/O racks,” notes Audinate CEO Lee Ellison. “Dante provides a flexible, low latency, highly scalable, plug and play networking solution to connect Yamaha networked systems, Dante Virtual Soundcards or any other Dante networked device. We believe the combination of technologies integrated in this new platform will provide an unsurpassed digital experience.”
The Rio3224 also includes four stereo AES-EBU outputs, keeping signals in the digital domain right through to the amplifier. The new consoles feature three MY card slots on the rear panel, maintaining compatibility with every existing audio format as well as newer cards like the MY8-Lake speaker processing card and the MY16-Dugan auto mixing card.
The three card slots also allow for additional i/o alongside the consoles’ onboard eight mic inputs and eight line outputs.
Software control
CL Editor is a new standalone online / offline editor which runs on both Macs and Windows PCs. Featuring all the functionality that users will be familiar with from other Yamaha Editor software, it does not require Yamaha Studio Manager as a host.
Further new software applications include a new version of StageMix for iPad, which offers comprehensive wireless remote control and has been expanded to include new features such as channel naming, DCA fader control and tap tempo. Crucially, both CL Editor and StageMix can be run simultaneously, allowing very flexible options for engineers, sound designers and system technicians alike.
Meanwhile, Yamaha’s new File Converter software has been upgraded to allow straightforward exchange of console files between the CL series, PM5D, M7CL and LS9.
Recording
Every CL console customer will receive a copy of the new Steinberg Nuendo Live recording software, which has been designed specifically for live recording applications. Available from July, it includes unique features not found in any other live recording software and will be tightly integrated with CL consoles to provide optimum ease of use.
When combined with Audinate’s Dante Virtual Soundcard (also included with every CL console) engineers can easily use the Dante network to record up to 64 tracks of audio to either a Mac or Windows PC.
“Nuendo Live is not only ultra stable and easy to use, but it integrates seamlessly with the latest generation of Yamaha live consoles,” says Steinberg Managing Director, Andreas Stelling. “This is another successful example of the strong ongoing relationship between Yamaha and Steinberg.”
In addition, basic stereo recordings can be done via a convenient two track USB recording and playback function.
Setting the standards
Having worked very closely with engineers and rental companies for a quarter of a century, Yamaha knows that the key requirements from digital consoles are flexibility, audio quality, ease of use and, of course, the company’s well known standards of reliability.
With the advent of the CL Series, the company is confident these products strike the perfect balance between innovative functionality and sound investment potential.
“The CL series ideally answers today’s needs using today’s technology” says Kazunori Kobayashi, General Manager of Yamaha’s Pro Audio Division. “The collaboration between Yamaha, Rupert Neve Designs, Audinate and Steinberg has made it possible to deliver a sublime balance of sound, performance, and features that results in uncompromised overall mixing capability and quality. After a quarter century of evolution, the CL series represents a momentous new chapter in the history of Yamaha digital mixing.”
The CL5 and Rio3224-D are scheduled to be released in the spring of 2012, with the CL1, CL3 and Rio1608-D available in the summer.
Musikmesse 2012: Roland Jupiter-50 synth announced
A year has passed since the Jupiter-80 was announced, now its little brother Jupiter-50 makes its entrance: Designed to combine “the supreme expression of the Jupiter-80 with the portability of the Juno series,” this 76-note keyboard promises all the SuperNatural acoustic sounds from the Jupiter-80, 1,500 SuperNatural synthesizer tones, a fast user-interface, performance controllers and lots more besides
Read on for all the details…
Roland Jupiter-50 official information
With its unprecedented fusion of synthesis and acoustic instruments, the new-generation Roland JUPITER has changed the way we play, react to, andfeela keyboard. By combining the supreme expression of the JUPITER-80 with the portability of the JUNO series, the new JUPITER-50 brings SuperNATURAL sound and pro performance to every stage and studio.
- Stunning SuperNATURAL sounds powered by Roland’s most advanced sound engine
- Portable design, 76-note weighted keyboard
- Fast, friendly user interface with intuitive colour-coded buttons and sliders
- Registration function for saving and selecting sounds instantly
- Pro-quality multi-effects and high-quality reverb
- Expressive performance controllers, including D-Beam, pitch/mod lever, and control input jacks
- USB Song Player/Recorder
- USB audio/MIDI functionality; bundled with SONAR LE and JUPITER-50 Control Surface plug-in for SONAR
SuperNATURAL Power
The JUPITER-50 houses all of the SuperNATURAL acoustic sounds found in the flagship JUPITER-80 (with Behaviour Modelling) as well as many of the JUPITER-80’s SuperNATURAL synthesizer tones and Live Sets. You can conveniently import the JUPITER-80’s Live Sets and Synth Tones into the JUPITER-50 via USB memory key. To achieve the same supreme quality as the JUPITER-80, the JUPITER-50 employs the identical analogue components as its big brother, including the D/A converter.
Essential Sounds Onboard
The JUPITER-50 is packed with over 1,500 SuperNATURAL synthesizer tones, plus over 70 SuperNATURAL acoustic instruments, each with its own dedicated sound engine. Chose, stack, and edit any combination of four Tones to create custom Live Sets.
• For stage performers — A treasure trove of essential stage sounds is packed into the JUPITER-50, anchored by Roland’s famous SuperNATURAL piano and electric pianos. Authentic organs are included as well, derived from the acclaimed VK organ sound engine. A dedicated button provides instant access to rotary effects.
• For synth lovers — Choose from over 1,500 SuperNATURALsynthesizer tones and stack four of them to create a powerful Live Set. Classic synthesizer tones are onboard the JUPITER-50, including analoguefavourites such as the Roland SH and JUPITER brass, plus digital sounds from the D-50, JD-800, and the Fantom. Combine these synthesizer tones with the SuperNATURAL acoustic instruments to create your own expressive, modern sounds.
• For film composers — Expressive classical and ethnic instruments are at your immediate access including erhu, sitar, flamenco guitar, timpani and oboe. Thanks to the BehaviourModelling technology, the JUPITER-50 translates your keyboard performance into the unique musical nuances of each modelled instrument.
Easy Sound Creation
Complex sounds don’t have to be complicated to program. The JUPITER-50 simplifies the sound-design process with its colour-coded front panel, fast-access buttons and sliders, and Registration/Live Set architecture (128 Registrations, 2,560 Live Sets) logically categorised and instantly available.
Travel Friendly
Tipping the scales at just 11 kg (24 lbs 5 oz), the JUPITER-50 is one of the lightest professional instruments in its class while still offering a top-quality 76-note weighted keyboard. With its powerhouse features and sounds, and its travel-friendly design, the JUPITER-50 is a dream for gigging musicians on the go.
USB Functionality
The JUPITER-50’s built-in audio recorder lets you capture your phrase sketches or performances instantly to USB memory. Conversely, you can pre-load a USB stick with WAV, AIFF, and MP3 files and control them from the JUPITER-50 as live backing tracks onstage. You can even record your performances on the JUPITER-50 simultaneously with audio-file playback from USB.
High-Performance Effects
The JUPITER-50 boasts an advanced effects engine that will take your sounds into another dimension. There are five types of pro-grade reverb algorithms onboard, plus dozens of other special effects (MFX). And we’re only scratching the surface, as many other expressive performance tools are built into this powerful synth. You can select MFX structures that let you place up to four effects in parallel and/or serial paths. By using these five MFX structures, you can take full advantage of the JUPITER-50’s powerful collection of effects to create intense electro synth sounds, intricate ambient synth textures, and beyond.
Roland announces TD-15 and TD-11 drum sound modules with SuperNATURAL
Roland has introduced the <>TD-15 and TD-11 Drum Sound Modules, two new sound engines for V-Drums electronic percussion products featuring all new SuperNATURAL sounds with Behavior Modeling Technology. The company says that these modules offer V-Drums players an unmatched level of playability and dynamic expression.
The flagship TD-30 Drum Sound Module, released in January 2012, was the first V-Drums sound engine equipped with SuperNATURAL sounds produced by Behavior Modeling Technology. Originally developed for their synthesizers and pianos, Roland says that these leading-edge technologies deliver a quantum leap in realism in both sound and expression for emulating drums, percussion, and other traditional instruments.
With the TD-15 and TD-11, SuperNATURAL sounds are now available in mid- and entry-level V-Drums models. In addition to the ultra-expressive sounds, these modules include an enhanced Ambience feature, plus Coach and Quick REC functions for building drumming skills and capturing drumming performances.
Roland tells us that each new module has a large LCD and the intuitive V-Drums interface for easy navigation and sound customization. Two different USB ports allow users to play audio files from convenient flash media and connect directly to computers for MIDI/Audio over USB.
- The TD-15, available standalone and as part of the new TD-15KV and TD-15K V-Tour Series V-Drums sets, features 500 instruments and 100 user-customizable drum kits. Ten multi-effects are provided for processing drum sounds, and the front panel offers dedicated buttons for tuning, muffling, and effects. There are 11 trigger inputs, plus a click output that can be assigned to the headphone or master outputs.
- The TD-11, available standalone and as part of the new TD-11KV and TD-11K V-Compact Series V-Drums sets, features 190 instruments, 50 user-customizable drum kits, and 10 trigger inputs.
Pricing and Availability:
The TD-15 and TD-11 Drum Sound Modules will be available in late spring.
More information:
FXpansion announces the Etch
FXpansion’s Etch is a versatile filtering effect based on DCAM circuit-modelled technology. Etch’s dual filters let you switch between 4 models for all manner of fat, warm subtractive tone-shaping, with a comb filter type providing mind-bending psychedelic effects.
Additional distortion and compressor stages are provided for beefing up signals, and FXpansion’s TransMod modulation system lets you animate Etch’s circuits over time. Use inter-modulating LFOs, envelopes and more to drive the filter cutoffs, distortion level, compression amount or any other parameters. Etch does amazing things to all kinds of audio material and is great for subtle warming, deep tone sculpting, wild sweeps, special effects and experimental sonics.
Availability & Pricing
Etch is available as a download-only product from the FXpansion web shop!
Pricing is USD $99.00, EUR €79.00, GBP £69.00 inc VAT where applicable
Introductory Offer: Etch is USD $70, EUR €55, GBP £48 inc VAT for all registered owners of Geist, DCAM: Synth Squad, Tremor, BFD2 and BFD Eco (and customers purchasing Etch at the same time any of these products) until 30 April 2012.
Cascadr 2.04 Demo
This video shows off the new feature of Cascadr which is the ability to save sequences to one of eight slots. It’s possible to switch slots and tweak ‘on the fly’ while Cascadr is playing music. This now means it’s pretty easy to make a simple song with Cascadr now, albeit with some live dodging about!
I’ll be exploring this slot idea further for sure!
Rack Extensions for Reason Interview with the CEO of Propellerheads + their new iOS app
The CEO of Propellerheads tells us all about the big news from the House of Propellerheads and why they decided to develop a completely new technology, with the manufacturer to create the devices for the Reason rack.
Reason has for a long time resisted plug-in formats as a way of extending its production environment. At the moment, plug-ins have been dominate largely by Avid (RTAS), Apple (AU), and Steinberg (VST), as open source alternatives have failed to gain wide commercial traction. Those formats apparently didn’t make the cut with Reason.
That changed officially tonight. Reason’s rack is open to third parties, via something called Rack Extensions, previewed and available by summer for all Reason users. What you’re getting is not so much a new plug-in format as a new set of ideas about what a plug-in should be, in the form of a way of making add-ons for Reason alone.
The ability to get more out of Reason’s rack will clearly mean more for lovers of Reason, who at last will get some favorite sonic toys and tools without switching hosts.
But there is more – here’s a new iOS from Propellerhead’s:
World’s First Review of Fxpansion Tremor
Take a look at the cool new Tremor synth based drum machine from Fxpansion.
Tremor: a software drum machine with powerful synthesis, effects, modulation and step-sequencing. DCAM circuit-modelled sound generation is fused with new ideas to produce original sounds with the punch and extreme sound pressure of old-school analogue. Tremor’s dance drums, funky beatscapes, abstract machines and undiscovered sonic terrain are suited to all kinds of electronic, urban and experimental music.
Mobile DAW for Android
Audio Evolution Mobile for Android has been released! Multi-track audio with non-linear editing, mixing, real-time effects and much more is now available for your Android phone or tablet. Use as a stand-alone app or in combination with AE5 for Windows/OSX!
This first release includes
- Multitrack audio playback
- Audio recording (while playing back other tracks)
- Import of wav, aiff, flac, Ogg/Vorbis audio files
- Import of mp3 (requires an optional download due to patents on mp3 if applicable to your country)
- Mastering to stereo file
- Each track has controls for volume, panning, mute, solo, arm, 4-band EQ, 3 insert effects and output bus selection
- Unlimited number of tracks (*)
- Unlimited number of groups (*)
- Real-time effects include: chorus, delay, dual delay, reverse delay, reverb, bandpass, highpass, lowpass, flanger, noisegate and tremolo (*)
- Non-linear non-destructive editing with move, trim, split, cut/copy/paste, remove, range editing
- Unlimited undo/redo for editing facilities
- Several grid options for aligning your samples (with tempo and time signature settings)
- Repeat samples with several options to create loops
- Add markers and quickly jump to them
- Load/Save projects including loading projects from Audio Evolution 5 projects
- Buffer size preferences
(*) = depending on the speed of your hardware
Planned for next releases
- Cross-fades
- Metronome
- Automation of most parameters
- MIDI sequencing
- Upload to SoundCloud
- Your ideas are welcome!
- …
Requirements
- Android 2.2 or higher
- 800×480 screen resolution (both phones and tablets are supported if the resolution requirement is met)
DATAMASKIN
