Sound Alchemy w/ Ableton Live: ‘The Singing Dunes’
More info: http://bit.ly/LIs3KB
Dubspot instructor, composer, and producer Raz Mesinai kicks off a brand new Ableton Live video tutorial series, focusing on creating Effect and Instrument Racks in Live based on natural sonic phenomena. In the first installment, Raz explains and demonstrates how to create an advanced Instrument Rack inspired by the Singing Dunes.
I heard about the Singing Dune phenomenon years ago from several friends, all from the Middle East. After searching online I found a few recordings, but none really clear enough to capture the experience. Later, I contacted Chris Watson (formerly of Cabaret Voltaire), who is now one of the most exquisite field recording artists I’ve ever come across. (I highly recommend his recordings on the UK-based Touch label). He told me that he had been trying to record the dunes but had had no luck as of yet (this may have changed since then). After more digging I eventually discovered this site which has some very good recordings of the phenomenon (http://www.fonik.dk/works/oman.html). I suggest you check them out prior to watching this tutorial, but use headphones or speakers with plenty of sub — you won’t hear a thing on your laptop speakers.
From there I set off to experiment in a little sound alchemy. Using Operator and Analog, I first focused on the main elements of the ‘landscape’ where this is taking place. There is a base drone, representing the dune, a layer of noise, representing the sand moving, and modulation as a way to make the sand ‘blow’ in the wind at different rates.
From there I looked for a story to latch onto. The story is based off of the description that Marco Polo wrote down in the 13th century during a stay in the Gobi Desert. He described this phenomenon as being the voices of evil spirits which “at times filled the air with the sounds of all kinds of instruments, and also the drums of clashing arms.” This image of Marco Polo, perhaps sleeping in a tent in the desert, suddenly being woken up by these strange sounds, which to him were completely mysterious as his quote suggests, conjures two things for me. Firstly, it allows a lot of freedom for me to conceptualize this Instrument Rack, and secondly, it affirms my beliefs that bad things happen when white people go to the desert.
The intention of this tutorial is not to imitate the Singing Dune phenomenon, rather, it is to use these sounds from the earth as a source of inspiration, allowing me to conceptualize a soundscape that goes with an imaginary story that is seen through sound.
Bronto Scorpio Music releases Future Retro soundset for Diva
Bronto Scorpio Music has announced Future Retro, a collection of 64 presets for the Diva software synthesizer by u-he.
Diva is famous for the ability to authentically recreate the great synthesizers of the past. However, I tried to go a different direction with this set. Many sounds are inspired by the past, and use Diva’s great sound design potential to go way beyond vintage sounds into the future!
You can listen to an audio demo of this soundbank below. I only used sounds from the new Future Retro bank, and no external processing for the demo.
The soundset is available to purchase for 10 EUR. A free demo bank (10 presets) is available to download right here >>
VJAY App used with BOOM BIP DJ Set at Tripnotic Lounge
First, Boom Bip’s DJ Set with me projecting visuals, then a view of the Vjay App which I am running on my iPad to control the central visual element.
VJ’s control view, and then club view. Controlling Vjay app with iPad multitouch, plugged in to Edirol V4 mixer and Macbook Pro ( not seen ) “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!”
Teaser preview: Endorphin.es Furthrrrr Generator
Background information:
With our good friend Marko Ciciliani we recorded short overview video of the module with main features described.
You can see some scope images to understand what’s going on with the waves.
p.s.: video has a bit crappy youtube quality and related sync/chorus bug however that will be fixed in subsequent presentations.
http://endorphin.es
info@endorphin.es
HelloTheremin + Changeling
http://ios-music.homewoke.net/
Oh!
Control is difficult before a performance!
Hello theremin can be found here >>
Changeling is the super easy, flexible, diatonic chord sequencer.
It’s purpose is to help people enjoy composing music by providing the basic tools to improvise!
Improvisation is a skill that can normally only be obtained by investing a lot of discipline and time in to studying music theory and practice.
Changeling does not generate compositions for you, you remain in full creative control over your music.
All recorded musical notes remain relative, and can be changed in various ways during playback.
JayB’s sounds for Roland V-Synth III
DOWNLOAD SOUNDBANK HERE: http://www.jaybmusic.net/
“Aaaand a new one. New trance and progressive sounds for Roland V-Synth / XT / GT, inspired by the Trance Around The World and A State Of Trance series. Different camera angle this time and I think this video is somewhat less awesome than usual… Anyway, enjoy this. =) For question, just ask.”
Raw Voltage – new Maschine Expansion featuring sounds of a huge modular synthesizer system
Native Instruments today introduced Raw Voltage – a new Maschine Expansion which features the sound of a huge modular synthesizer system. Raw Voltage contains kits, instruments and patterns based on the organic sound characteristics of analog synthesis.
Here are all the details from NI:
Sampled from a one-of-a-kind analog modular system, RAW VOLTAGE has a wide sonic scope, inspired in part by experimental and avant-garde electronica. The drum and percussion sounds are punchy, loud and direct, while the sampled basses, leads, pads and soundscapes are rich in detail and analog atmosphere.
The expansion also includes 140 expertly-programmed patterns, providing a wide selection of styles from broken, jagged rhythms to steady, flowing grooves.
Raw Voltage is based on a unique custom modular system used and created by Norwegian synthesist Roger Grønberg (Frodebeats). The system includes modules from Modcan, MOTM, Oakley, CGS, STG, Encore, Buchla plus many unique custom and DIY modules, as well as analog synthesizers like Arp Odyssey/2600 and Korg MiniKorg 700s.
A compact version of Raw Voltage is also available for iMaschine for iPhone.
Raw Voltage is available at the NI Online Shop for $59/49 EUR. For owners of iMASCHINE, the compact version of Raw Voltage is available via in-app purchase for $0.99/0,79 EUR.
Liquid Modulat
Ebotronix has released another nice modular video, check it out, details and specs can be found below:
4ms Peg
Alesis Metavox Vocoder TSM & Uncle
Analogue Systems RS 110 RS 360
Arp Odyssey 2811& 2821
Doepfer 4xA 134 pan by Moog MP 201
Flame Chord Machine # 1 (Uncle) chords by Roland 104 Sequencer
Chord Machine # 2 (AO) Bass, Unisono mode (cv by CM 2arp out)
Talking Synth Modul to MetaVox
Make Noise Maths Moddemix QMMG Wogglebug
Malekko 4 x A O (CM # 2) 4x Uncle ( CM # 1 )
Roland System 104 Sequencer
SSL Modulation Orgy
Toppobrillo Sportmodulator
Master Clock Logic via Kenton Pro 2000 II and 2x 4ms RCD
Drums Logic Ultrabeat and Korg Micro X 6/4
Getting Started with The Beatdown
Getting started with The Beatdown guides you through the basic operations of the this new virtual DRUM MACHINE for Ableton Live.
DROP THE BEAT >>>
The Beatdown includes 10 meticulously sampled kits, all included in one Ableton Live drum rack. It’s unique design allows you to mix and match sounds from each kit on the fly. The Beatdown is designed to be instantly playable as soon as you load it onto a track. It’s thunderous kick drums and beefy snares will give you maximum impact on the dance floor.
TWEAK OUT >>>
The Beatdown is designed to be playable right out of the box, but if you want to get deeper into sound design then that’s when it’s power is unleashed. At the twist of a knob, you can manipulate each sound’s most useful parameters like pitch, decay and FX. The tweakability of The Beatdown is unrivaled, allowing you to sculpt entirely new drum sounds.
TAKE CONTROL >>>
The Beatdown includes a free Max for Live Step Sequencer for Launchpad and APC40. This custom device frees you from the mouse and gives you hands-on control like never before. Program beats and note velocities with ease while saving and recalling patterns in realtime. It also features realtime looping, FX and groove manipulation for killer live performances.
Get The Beatdown NOW at http://sonicfaction.com/Beatdown.html
Rickard from Dupont having fun with the synthesizers.com
Rickard Svensson from Dupont having fun with the .COM.
The duo Dupont has since their debut in 1998 moved from classic EBM to darker electronica. As one of the initiators of the second old school EBM wave they have toured Europe several times and also supported Covenant in the early years of the millennium. Dupont has become known as a dynamic live act now with a broader audience than ever.
The latest album “Entering the ice age” has received excellent reviews and reached top positions at the alternative charts as for example no. 1 on GEWC in Germany.
“I’m afraid the audio-input on the camera got overloaded a few times during but I think it sounds ok.”
DATAMASKIN
