KORG “GADGET” iPad App – DETAILED REVIEW / DEMONSTRATION
DETAILED REVIEW / DEMO of this amazing new App from KORG, which features 15 Virtual Synthesizer “Gadgets” that make composing new EDM, Hip Hop, etc. tracks fun! At the same time, this could be considered the most powerful app yet from KORG, because there is so much variety in possible sound design. “It’s as simple or as complicated as you want to make it.” Watch as I show the construction of multiple styles of music. Subscribe to VJ Franz K for more reviews of Apps and Hardware, on YT, FB, Twitter and other social media sites!
All music featured in this video are my original compositions, played with the synthesizer app I am reviewing.
Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 Module: Powerful Desktop Synthesizer
At the NAMM 2014, wecaught up with pioneer synthesizer design and engineer Dave Smith of Dave Smith Instruments. He was generous enough to give us a rundown of his latest electronic music equipment, the Prophet 12 Module, a powerful desktop version of the Prophet 12. It’s one of the best sounding synths we have heard in recent years.
Waldorf Pulse 2 at NAMM 2014
Frédéric Meslin of Waldorf Music gives us an overview of the Pulse 2. The second part of this video features direct audio in from the Pulse 2
Schmidt Synthesizer at NAMM 2014
This is the ultimate analog polysynth. Eight voices, four oscillators per voice, all discrete point-to-point circuitry. It costs the price of a new economy car (literally, it’s $20,000), and you know what? We’ll walk to work.
Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer (1985)
Vintage gear demo, details below:
The sample based Roland TR-707 from the year 1985 was my first drummachine and I really love the crisp 8bit sound.
– 15 sounds (kick 1, kick 2, snare 1, snare 2, low tom, mid tom, high tom, rim-shot, cow bell, hand clap, tambourine, open and closed high-hat, crash/ ride cymbals)
– 64 pattern
TR-707 review written by me for the german amazona music magazine:
http://www.amazona.de/black-box-rolan…
Cuckoo jams on prepared piano and Analog 4
Cuckoo jaming away.
Elektron Analog Keys NAMM 2014
The Elektron Keys builds on the already superb Elektron Analog Four and gives it 61 keys making an already amazing classic a solid performance tool.
Pittsburgh Modular System 10 and 90 at NAMM
Richard Nicol of Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers introduces us to the new System 10 synthesizer, which is housed in Pittsburgh Modular’s Cell [48] Case and includes the new Synthesizer Box module along with Mix Mult, MIDI2 and Outs utility modules. The Synthesizer Box module incorporates Pittsburgh’s new Waveforms oscillator and Lopass Gate
The System 90 is a complete, standalone, fully modular synthesizer that bridges the gap between classic east coast synthesis and west coast experimentation. At it heart lie Pittsburgh Modular’s new Symbiotic Waves, Waveforms and Lopass Gate modules.
Housed in Pittsburgh’s new 104hp Move [104] Case, the Foundation 3 is their new flagship standalone fully modular monosynth. Among its many modules are two of Pittsburgh new Waveforms oscillator modules and two of their new Envelope modules as well as the new Lopass Gate coupled with their classic Filter multi-mode filter module.
Radikal Technologies Accelerator Poly Synth
Recent advances in DSP performance and the designer’s relentless perfectionism in the development of sound synthesis algorithms have taken things up yet another level. The result is this brand new polyphonic instrument sporting a sound quality never heard before from digital synthesizers.
Each voice consists of three oscillators, two multimode filters, 6 envelope generators, three voice LFOs and one section LFO. Phasemodulation, time linearity modulation, oscillator synchronisation, ringmodulation, sweepable waveforms and a unique modulation and audio matrix allow for a much bigger spectrum fexibility than the analog subtractive synthesizer counterpart. An additional noise source with independent multimode filtering and variable signal routing has been added for more sonic flexibility. A three band full parametric EQ per voice is a perfect addition to the engine to place that instrument right into the mix. A very nice balanced lightweight keyboard with 61 keys, keyboard split option, aftertouch and velocity sensitivity completes the new synthesizer.
The Accelerator is perfectly prepared for Live performances. A lot of synthesizers nowadays do not offer direct patch selection anymore. Instead of using direct access push buttons one has to dial in the desired patch and press enter. The Accelerator makes sound selection instantly available at your fingertips with dedicated patch select buttons.
Additionally the unique program chain feature allows for programming a chain of programs that selects the correct patch automatically for you. Another stunning new feature is the the built in acceleration sensor. Movements of the keyboard are converted into modulation data. This brilliant addition allows for controlling parameters like pitch, the filter frequency or modulation depths by lifting up or shaking the keyboard.
How about step sequencers and arpeggiators? The Accelerator would certainly not be a Radikal Technologies synthesizer if the designers had not integrated some sequencing goodies. You can enter some notes into the step sequencer, transpose the sequences with the left hand while performing a solo at the upper end of the split keyboard. Piece of cake! The powerfully warm and crispy sound of this new flagship synthesizer is destined to become the centerpiece of any keyboard setup. For anyone wishing to expand the Accelerators sonic power even more additional voices with up to 2 DSP expansion modules are available. The DSP expansions not only add extra polyphony to the Accelerator, they will also allow the use up to eight independent synthesizer sounds at a time with the integrated multimode feature.
NAMM 2014: Alesis New Drum Modules Sample
Alesis New Drum Modules Sample Updated DM-4 and Pads add sample playback
The DM Pro Expandable 20 Bit Drum Module is the most advanced electronic drum and percussion device available today. It surpasses the capabilities of what you expect in a drum module by offering features like 64 voice polyphony, a massive drum and percussion library that includes over 1,000 sounds, and open-ended expandability that lets you bring in new sounds whenever you need them. For composers who need a dedicated MIDI module for drums, or drummers looking for the professional solution for triggered electronic drum performances, the DM Pro represents the most powerful tool for creative inspiration. Designed to accommodate nearly any musical style, the DM Pro offers 1,024 different kick, snare, tom, cymbal, hi-hat, percussion and special effect samples. You can create and store up to 32 virtual drumkits, and each kit can contain up to 64 different drum sounds so the right drum is always available when you need it.
The DM Pro has 16 fast trigger inputs for drummers using electronic pads or triggered acoustic drums, and provides six independent audio outputs so that processing of levels and effects for discrete sounds is easier than on any other Alesis drum device. Plus, the DM Pro’s customizable onboard multieffects use the same processing engine as our top-of-the-line multieffects device, the Q20. Its expansion slot lets you pull in new sounds anytime you need them. Since the PCMCIA-format cards store up to 8MB of memory, you can simultaneously access a massive collection of 24MB of sounds. Plus, the DM Pro is compatible with Alesis’ Sound Bridge sample management software, so you can burn your own sounds and samples to a card for customized sounds. Also, the DM Pro’s stereo audio inputs on RCA connectors allow external audio sources, like CD Players or tape decks, to be routed through an audio system so drummers can practice along with recorded music.

