MOTU has finally released Digital Performer 6
Digital Performer 6 offers new features, enhanced operation and improved performance at all levels, from hundreds of small enhancements driven by user requests to major new features and plug-ins that add unprecedented value. Features like track comping will transform your everyday work, while industry-leading features like DP6’s new Final Cut Pro integration could very well transform the way film scoring is done. If you are an existing DP user, upgrade today to discover the many enhancements you’ve been waiting for. If you are new to Digital Performer, there has never been a better time to try DP.
MOTU has finally released Digital Performer 6 which is a a major upgrade to the company’s flagship digital audio sequencer. DP 6 features a redesigned user interface, which includes the ability to zoom in the Track window.
Two new signal processing plug-ins are included: Pro Verb, a convolution reverb that MOTU says is very CPU efficient, and Masterworks Leveler, a dynamics processor that models the classic LA-2A. A new, and very flexible track comping feature is also included. It gives you plenty of control for comping takes, and it even lets you comp your comps.
DP 6 will also include support for Broadcast WAV files, which means your sequence’s audio files no longer need to be in Sound Designer II format. Also included is support for Final Cut Pro XML files, allowing you easily edit your video’s audio track in DP. Another key addition is the ability to burn CDs directly from DP.
Collapsing New (Sweden) People
Well I know this is a music blogg, BUT I must comment on the horrible collapse of the Swedish National Soccer Team in the European Championships, it was a disaster and I didn’t think the Swedish should fall to such a low level in quality and loose with o-2 to Russia (of all teams) – it’s a shame 
Team of failures in the Swedish team (guys that need to go, in that order):
1. Johan Elmander
2. Fredrik Ljungberg
3. Henrik Larsson
4. Lagerbäck (coach)
5. Stoor
I made me associate to an old Fad Gadget fav of mine – Collapsing New People – which logically will be this week’s weekend treat, enjoy!
[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=xGXBjwifubI]
I sure hope to see some major changes well in advance before the world cup in 2009. Well now it’s time to get ready for midsummer holidays here in Sweden, have a great weekend.
Ciao
Cool VSTs for Linux
Create music today, rather than tomorrow…
With features such as no loading-time, all-in-one synth, fx and sequencer, drum machine track, high quality time-stretching/pitch-shifting, REX2 and VST plugin support…you just can’t go wrong with energyXT2.
<!– downloads
| » no loading time » all-in-one synth, fx and sequencer » HQ time-stretching & pitch-shifting |
» clip-based automation » runs on Linux, out-of-the-box! » great user community |
–>
» 100% re-worked workflow
» elastique time-stretching and pitch-shifting
» drag & drop REX2 groove support, with slice editing
» non-destructive audio reverse
» shuffle/swing on midi, audio and drum tracks
» clip based automation embedded into midi, audio and drum clips
» warm and clean sounding phase modulation synthesizer with sample support
» multi-fx processor
» drum track with sample support
» main mixer with unlimited sends, inserts and group channels
» searchable browser with sample preview
» midi, audio and drum clips can be saved as self-containing library clips
» enhanced controller maps
» Works out-of-the box on Linux
Sequencer
The sequencer in energyXT2 works the same way as in Cubase and Logic and offers audio recording, different track types, clip based automation of mixer/EQ and VST plugins. It also has some unique features like drum-machine track, per audio clip resample & elastique time-stretching and modeless editing. Tracks can be arranged into folders to save screen space and VST plugin editors can be docked into separate tabs.
Synth/sampler
The built-in synth/sampler is a phase modulation synthesizer and sample player in one. You can layer and split synthesized and sampled sounds anyway you want. There are all the standard features like multi-mode filter, LFO’s, vibrato and glide. Add per sound phaser/chorus/flanger and per program reverb and delay send effects and you have yourself a workstation. The sound is very “Warm and clean” : bass/pads | bass/lead | synth pad | filter | bass sweep | fm synth | detuned bass | feedback synth
Drum track
The new drum track in energyXT2 works like an audio track with a built in drum sampler. The drum editor looks like a real drum machine and samples can be dropped right into it for quick drum set construction. Drumsets can be saved as presets. To create a new drum track, simply drag a drumset preset or just a wav file into the sequencer, and the drum track will be created for you automatically.
Mixer
All settings in the main mixer cam be automated from the sequencer, including volume, pan, mute, EQ and effect parameters. There are no limit to how many insert and send effects you can use in a project, well except for your CPU that is. Group channels are available for sub mixing, and can be automated just like normal mixer channels and supports insert and send effects as well. The mixer is dockable, and presets for different mixer views can be customized.
Browser
VST plugins, samples and presets can be dragged into the sequencer tracks and mixer effect slots. energyXT2 will autodetect if you drop a VST instrument into the sequencer, create a new MIDI track and connect it to the instruments automatically. Same if you drop a drum sample, a drum track will be created for you, ready to play!
Modular environmnet
energyXT2 offers a modular design, but its up to you if you want to use its features or not. The “Comps” view visualizes all the VST plugins, sequencers and audio inputs/outputs used in your project. In the comps view, you can easely set up energyXT2 as a standalone effect processor. Drop a few effetcs into the comps view, route audio input thru the effect plugins and then to the master out.
DAF plays M'era Luna, announces European tour
Legendary German electro-pop outfit DAF will perform August 10 at the M’era Luna festival in Hildesheim, Germany as a prelude to a European tour set to begin in January 2009. Tour dates include January 7 in Berlin, Germany, January 11 in Zurich, Switzerland and January 24 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Visit DAF’s MySpace page for the band’s current tour itinerary.
[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=0-L2AHAbUNw]
In the early 1980’s, Deutsch-Amerikanische Freundschaft was the highly controversial electro-punk bank heading up the roster of the “New German Wave” of politically-motivated rock bands.
The first two D.A.F. albums featured the original four-piece line-up and a range of styles. Some songs on Die Kleinen und die Bösen (The Small Ones and the Evil Ones), featured thrashed guitars, electronic screeching, and hammered drums while Gabi screamed and ululated. The record was widely lauded by the British Music press, and earned the group an early cult following in the UK.
As their sound crystallized into a more rhythmically intense and minimalistic style, Gabi and Robert ejected the other members, who had become superfluous both musically and in terms of the chemistry within the band. On the later albums recorded by the remaining duo, the arrangements were sparse and heavily electronic, the singing evolved from abstract screams and mumbles to a very direct, rhythmic vocal style, and their live performances were delivered with such intensity that a 1980 concert in Düsseldorf had to be stormed by the police to bring the crowd under control.
Korg introduces its NanoSeries of MIDI Controllers :-)
Korg has introduced the new nanoSeries line of MIDI control surfaces, designed for mobile music-making.
The lineup includes three products: nanoKEY, nanoPAD and nanoKONTROL:
- nanoKEY is a 25-note, velocity-sensitive model. It will ship with a download code for the full version of Korg’s M1Le – a cutdown version of the synth that forms part of the Legacy Collection Digital Edition bundle.
- The nanoPAD looks set to appeal to laptop DJs – an X/Y pad is also included – though the roll and flam functions suggest that it’ll also be useful for drum programming. Toontrack’s EZDrummer Lite will be freely available to owners of this one.
- The nanoKONTROL offers nine faders, nine knobs, 18 switches and a transport section. A discount code for Ableton Live will come in the box.
All the nanoSeries controllers are bus-powered and connect over USB.
No word on pricing yet – but these look like fun and my guess is that they’ll be priced cheap enough to be bite-sized.
New fat Reason Refill from Sonic
Massive Progressive is out! Extremely big considering its relatively low price: 250+ combinators, 130+ Thor patches, 130+ Malstrom patches, 100+ ReQuencerish patches, stunning swells and stabs and much more!
Massive Progressive is for Reason 4 and higher versions.
- Over 250 combinators subdivided in 7 categories: Arpeggios, Bass,
FX Stabs & Swells, Leads, LFO Synths & Pads, Thor Sequences, Pads. - 100+ ReQuencer style patches!
- Over 130 Malström patches.
- Over 130 Thor patches.
- 150 new and unique drum samples (kicks, snares and claps).
- Over 90 Rex loops.
Some Tips and Tricks
While using the arpeggiator combinators don’t play chords all the time. Two notes at a time often give the hottest results. Don’t forget to tweak the knobs or to use the modulation wheel. A lot of sonic secrets are hidden there.
Most rexes are meant to be used as back beats/ghost beats. Most times you wanna use the high pass filter to make them sound thinner. Also try to lower the decay values of the amp envelope and please don’t forget to tune and transpose the loops!
There are more FX samples in the refill than you can find in the combinator section. Of course you can find those in the sample section of Massive Progressive. Load them into your sampler or drum machine and tweak the sample length, the sample start and tunings for crazy results. Most FX are great for percussion purposes as well.
The LFO pads are set to get that typically progressive moving downbeat sound. Many producers use the side chain compression trick with kickdrums triggering what’s happening to the pads. This may cause dull sounding results that can’t be corrected by using extra EQ or even more compression. Try our LFO pads instead and let the end-maximizer do its job in the end (use the 4ms look ahead function). Please check the 12 RNS-demos to get an idea of what we are talking about.
There are 50 Pad combinators. All of them were programmed while a loop and a ReQuencer were running and while there were already some mastering devices set to active. We did this to come to maximum mingling results. The pads might sound less impressive compared to our Mystic Dream Pads when they’re played stand alone. They will sit perfectly in every progressive trance mix though. That is why we did it this way this time!
A great sound is often the result of tuning your samples in the right way. The root note is very safe of course, but don’t emphasize the root note too much! The kick drum gets the root note most of the times. The fifth (G in C) is a great choice for hi percussion and for claps. The fourth (F in C) is also a strong one. We call this one the sub dominant. The minor 7 (Bflat in C) works great for snares! The minor and major 3 (Eflat and E in C) are interesting but tricky ones, be carefull with those and if you use them, don’t hide them but put them upfront! Perfect tuning will make your mixes sound more transparent and stronger. You’ll need less EQing and compression when you do it like this.
Japanese synthpop weekend treat
Should I laugh or cry, judge for yourself – I think I like it though
Aural Vampire (yes, it’s a play on “oral”) is a Tokyo duo that churns out the most scrumptious Electropop/Darkwave. Think 80s-influenced female-fronted synth (Ladytron, Metric) with a bite of dark/glam industrial (Rammstein).
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9loRRdMVtBk]
| Band Website | auralvampire.com |
| Band Members |  EXO-CHIKA(Vocal/Lyrics)  RAVEMAN(Sound / DJ) |
Roland announce the GW-8 workstation with intelligent backing-track functionality
Roland announced several new products at the London International Music Show. Amongst others they unveiled the new GW-8 Workstation and the revival of an oldie, the Juno in a stage version.
Let’s try it out
Roland’s GW-8 is the next generation of their GW-series workstations with intelligent backing-track functionality. Roland say that with their world-leading sound technology at its core, the GW-8 rivals any workstation on the planet with its rich, expressive sound. It features a wide variety of contemporary sounds, intelligent backing styles, and additional banks of ethnic sounds and styles from around the world.
A multi-format USB Memory Player feature allows direct playback of MP3, WAV, AIFF, and SMF files from USB key, while the Centre Cancel feature for audio files enables karaoke-style sing-along.
Here’s the details
Features
- Contemporary music workstation with high-quality 128-voice sound engine derived from Roland’s renowned sound-module lineup
- Wide variety of contemporary sounds and intelligent backing styles, plus additional banks of ethnic sounds and styles from around the world
- USB Memory Player feature allows direct playback of MP3, WAV, AIFF, and SMF files from USB key; Centre Cancel feature for audio files enables karaoke-style sing-along
- Newly designed graphical display, plus Style Select button, Analogue Modify knob, and D-BEAM
- Style Converter and Playlist Editor software included
- Onboard 16-track sequencer for saving your interactive performances
Flagship Sound Engine with Easy User Interface
With Roland’s world-leading sound technology at its core, the GW-8 rivals any workstation on the planet with its rich, expressive sound. The GW-8 comes loaded with hundreds of the freshest and most essential sounds culled from Roland’s top sound modules. In addition to its authentic sound set, the GW-8 is equipped with many user-friendly control devices, such as the expressive D-BEAM and the Analogue Modify knob, which instantly adjusts sounds to suit your taste. The GW-8 is perfect for live entertainers who play multiple roles in their performances.
Intelligent Backing Styles
The GW-8 is packed with a huge collection of styles, representing a broad range of music genres, from contemporary rock, pop, dance, jazz and beyond. In addition to the excellent library of contemporary sounds and styles, the GW-8 is equipped with ethnic instrument sounds and authentic regional musical styles.* Each backing style has four intros, four main patterns, and four ending progressions for you to craft your own arrangements live
Want to try out some old drum machines??
Than check this page out, it is really nice. It is not new but if you haven´t seen it before 
They have recreated some of the Drum Machines from the Audio Playground Museum. The virtual machines run with Shockwave/Flash so if don’t have the flash plugin for your web browser you will not be able to see and run the drum machines.
The machines are as close to the real thing as they could get them (so far). Some are large files and can take a few minuets to download others are smaller and only take a few seconds to download.
Here is one sample of what you can find:
The Eletro-Harmonix Rhythm 12 Virtual Drum Machine Ver. 1.0
Weird stuff – e-scape
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsLGlZJp6QM]
Haven’t got a clue what it is all about, but it sounds cool, LOL
DATAMASKIN
