iRadio and more from WWDC – Apple crunch on Last.fm, Pandora & Spotify?
“Whether it’s an exclusive single from an up-and-coming band or a pre-release stream of an entire album, iTunes Radio has it all. iTunes Radio will also be home to special events including live streams direct from the iTunes Festival in London and other exclusive iTunes Sessions.”
So will this be the death sentence for the likes of Spotify, Pandora and Last.fm – perhaps / perhaps not. It will all boil down to the catalogues available, niche segmentation on music, ability to differentiate and size of user base, but it is clear that this will have an impact going forward. What may lie in favor of the existing players is that Apple will most likely not be an indie lover, as share holder profits come first and one may expect that there will be room for those who really differentiate on music – not just music for the masses. There’s reason to assume this may be a long game going forward. While musicians may well wind up being as impoverished as always, the companies serving up the streams might eventually want to profit – Spotify for one is still chasing growth rather than profit, something that might have to change now.
“It’s the music you love most and the music you’re going to love, and you can easily buy it from the iTunes Store with just one click.”
Apart from iRadio we were also treated with the all time fattest Mac Pro to date:
The next generation Mac Pro is architected around an ingenious unified thermal core that allows the desktop to efficiently share its entire thermal capacity across all the processors. The result is a pro desktop with breakthrough performance packed into a design that is one-eighth the volume of the current Mac Pro.
face-meltingNext generation Intel Xeon E5 processors with up to 12 core configurations deliver double the floating point performance. With two AMD FirePro workstation-class GPUs, the all-new Mac Pro is up to 2.5 times faster than the current Mac Pro and delivers up to an amazing 7 teraflops of compute power.
The new Mac Pro also features PCIe-based flash storage that is up to 10 times faster than conventional desktop hard drives and includes the latest four-channel ECC DDR3 memory running at 1866 MHz to deliver up to 60GBps of memory bandwidth. With all that power, the new Mac Pro lets you seamlessly edit full-resolution 4K video while simultaneously rendering effects in the background.
The next generation Mac Pro is the most expandable Mac® ever built. With six Thunderbolt 2 ports that can deliver up to 20Gbps of bandwidth to each external device, Mac Pro is perfect for connecting to external storage, multiple PCI expansion chassis, audio and video breakout boxes, and the latest external displays, including 4K desktop displays. Each of the six Thunderbolt 2 ports supports up to six daisy-chained devices, giving you the ability to connect up to 36 high-performance peripherals. Thunderbolt 2 is completely backwards compatible with existing Thunderbolt peripherals, and allows you to transfer data between Macs faster and easier than ever.
iOS 7:
Well of course iOS has gotten a well deserved and long awaited face lift, but looking specifically at it from a music creation perspective the news are meager, but three things stand out though -
- Multiple pages in folders
- Multitasking for all apps
- Automatic app updates will be a good thing
Audulus 2.1 is here
Subatomic Software has announced the release of Audulus 2.1 for iPad and Mac. This update to the modular music processing app adds support for JACK on iPad, as well as five new nodes for both iPad and Mac versions.
JACK for iOS is a free app that allows JACK-compatible apps such as Audulus to be connected in any way, with the only restriction being CPU power.
“JACK is a mature, powerful inter-app audio system,” explains Audulus developer W. Taylor Holliday. “It’s great to see it ported to iOS.”
Audulus 2.1 introduces the Poly Pack, an In-App-Purchase upgrade consisting of four new nodes which facilitate stereo and quadraphonic processing of audio input. Audulus nodes can process multiple channels of audio.
“Previously, the only way to generate a polyphonic signal in Audulus was via the Keyboard node in Poly Mode,” explains Holliday. “Now, you can do polyphonic processing of audio input. You can even use the QuadToMono node to apply separate processing chains to each voice of a synth.”
“I’m not aware of another app on iOS that gives you this fine-grained control of multi-channel processing,” adds Holliday.
Version 2.1 also adds a phasor node (not to be confused with the phaser effect), which outputs a phase angle suitable for driving custom oscillators.
Audulus development is user-driven, and these new features were requested by users on the Audulus forum.
Audulus for iPad is available on the App Store for $9.99, 30% off for the remainder of June to celebrate JACK support.
Audulus for Mac is available on the Mac App Store for $29.99.
Fingerlab’s DM1 – THE DRUM MACHINE – now available for MAC OSX
The Apple Design Award Winner DM1 is now available for Mac OSX !!!
DM1 is a full featured Drum machine designed for Mac OSX and iOS.
Download it now from the Mac App Store:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dm1-t…
DM1 for Mac OS Included 86 superb drum kits, a gorgeous fullscreen user interface for your desktop and laptop, an easy to use Duo FX Trackpads for real-time sonic destruction and multi-FX, DM1 for MAC OSX is fully compatible with DM1 for iPad, you can share files between them.
With Midi In & out, and separated tracks export, DM1 is ready to fit your digital audio workstation.
Specifications:
✔ Fullscreen Retina Display
✔ Smart ergonomy for fast creativity and fun
✔ 86 vintage and produced drum kits, mastered at in-house Fingerlab Sound Studios
✔ Samples Import
✔ Time signature
✔ 16 or 32 Steps per patterns
✔ Mixer page with pitch, length and level rotary controls, pan controls, and custom drum kit per channel
✔ Automation Panel for a precise and intuitive control of any Mixer parameter over time
✔ Duo FX Trackpads for real-time sonic destruction and multi-FX
✔ FX per track
✔ FX automation (FX parameters and FX per pattern)
✔ Quantized recording and pitch-bend ribbon
✔ Pitch-bend ribbon automation
✔ Mode song with intuitive editing
✔ High-quality export
✔ Separated tracks and AAC encoding export options
✔ The Randomizer tool
✔ Extra fast drum kit loading
✔ Playable pattern selection for extra creativity
✔ Import & Export your song project (From MAC or iPAD)
✔ Full Midi implementation
http://www.fingerlab.net
Follow us on twitter @Fingerlab
Sequential 2.0 – new version of Sinevibes multi-effect sequencer
Sinevibes today announced version 2.0 of Sequential, its multi-effect sequencer for OS X.
Sequential features a wide variety of algorithms designed to filter, distort and even synthesise sound. You can ‘add subtle spice or completely warp everything’.
Here’s what’s new in Sequential 2.0:
- Completely new user interface.
- Effect dry/wet balance control.
- Faster and smoother effect switching algorithm.
- Two new effects: phaser and frequency shifter.
- Fixed ring modulator effect losing quality after some time.
- Fixed synchronisation issue when host transport location is a negative number.
- Added required Audio Unit format changes for OS X 10.7 and 10.8.
- Removed support for Power PC processors and OS X 10.5.
- New preset patches.
Sequential works with Logic, GarageBand, Live, MainStage, Maschine, Studio One, ReNoise, Reaper, Bidule and other software that supports Audio Unit effect plugins. It comes in 32/64 bit format for Intel Macs running OS X 10.6 or later, and supports Retina screen resolution.
Sequential 2.0 is available for OS X for US $39.
Elecktroid drum machine – Fusion of drum synth and and drum sampler
Audio Spillage has released Elecktroid, a new drum machine for Mac that’s described as ‘a fusion of drum synth and and drum sampler with a custom designed rhythm sequencer.’ Elecktroid blends synthesis and sample playback in a single integrated package.
Here’s what they have to say about Elecktroid:
Pulsing away deep inside Elecktroid you’ll find 4 of our exclusive drum synthesis models: BassDrum, WoodDrum, HiHat and Snare. The drum synths are 100% algorithmic and utilise high quality DSP code for a deep, powerful and punchy sound. The synthesis algorithms can be used as the basis of an entire rhythm track on their own or layered with samples to add weight, depth and character to your existing sound sets and rhythms.
The backbone of Elecktroid is a high quality low CPU sample playback engine. Load up your favourite samples via the simple drag and drop interface. Refresh and re-animate your existing collection with the pitch envelope, modulation, distortion, filter and graphic loop editing capabilities. Elecktroid can velocity cross-fade between 2 samples per pad and accepts WAV, AIFF and CAF format files.
The new rhythm oriented step sequencer brings Elecktroid to life right inside your DAW. Forget about stale lifeless rhythms. Elecktroid features custom track lengths and step trigger probability controls opening the door to a world of non-repetitive poly-rhythmic beats. Inject groove and humanoid feel to suit. Elecktroid’s sequencer is a resolution-independent design so patterns play at the correct tempo regardless of step length (16th, 32nd etc). Elecktroid also features graphic velocity and parameter control graph editing.
Elecktroid is available now for $55. A demo version is available.
Sinevibes introduces Circuit for OS X
Multi-Band Waveshape Modelling Plug-In
Sinevibes has announced Circuit, its newest AudioUnit effect plug-in designed for multi-band waveshape modelling. Circuit splits the signal into three frequency bands, and passes each band through its own processing engine, which offers 12 different models – from sine-based transformers and foldback distortion, to circuit-bent filters, lo-fi and ring modulation. These models can be put in motion by an envelope follower, tempo-synchronized modulator or two-dimensional Lorenz chaos generator.
Sinevibes says that all of these features are wrapped into a fun and simple to use, yet stylish colour-coded interface, which features the company’s innovative new design language. Circuit is also based on a future-proof graphics engine that supports the Retina MacBook Pro and of course all forthcoming high-resolution Mac computers.
Pricing and Availability:
Circuit will be available in October 2012 as an AudioUnit plugin for OS X 10.5 or later (Intel 32/64 bit). It can be pre-ordered for just $19. Customers who purchase the Sinevibes’ Complete AudioUnit collection (and those who purchased it after 1st September 2012) will receive Circuit as a free bonus.
More information:
SKYLIFE – new updated cross platform version of the premier sampling suite
SKYLIFE has announced an updated cross platform version of their premier sampling suite, now available for both Mac OSX and for Windows OS. SampleRobot Pro and Multi-X are now upated to version 4.25 with optimized cross-platform support for Mac OS X and Windows 7. Furthermore an updated operation manual is included.
About SampleRobot 4:
With SampleRobot 4 Pro you can easily do automatic sampling of acoustic and electronic instruments. It does not matter what you would like to sample: orchestral instruments, choir, organs, electric guitars, ethnic percussion, adlips, sound scapes, noises, MIDI gear, virtual instruments, alpenhorns or whatever, SampleRobot makes your sampling as fast and as satisfying as possible. SampleRobot samples all sound nuances automatically and creates high-end sampled instruments in various formats. Seamless integrated WaveRobot software finds perfect loop points even for whole multi-samples with different velocity layers during recording. It was never easier to build professional-sounding software instruments.
Benefits of SampleRobot:
* Feed your compositions with inspiring samples from the world outside your studio
Create digital copies of your favorite instruments and sounds;
* Borrow instruments and keep a virtual copy (abiding by relevant copyright laws and license agreements of course);
* Build and sell/share your own sample libraries;
* Have all your sound hardware on your hard disk and travel with your laptop;
* Buy used gear and resell it after automatic sampling;
* Use all your software instruments cross-platform
* Work in other studios or on stage without carrying additional sound expanders;
* Play monophonic instruments polyphonically;
* Total recall for every session.
SampleRobot Multi-X is available as download alternatively with and without WaveRobot.
Learn more at: http://www.samplerobot.com/
Apogee introduces Quartet for desktop recording
Apogee Electronics has unveiled Quartet, which they describe as “The ultimate desktop audio interface and control center for Mac.” They say that, featuring four inputs, eight outputs, MIDI, top panel display and control, Quartet sets a new standard in performance and connectivity for the modern studio. Here’s the full details in Apogee’s own words…
With ample input and output connections, the signature single controller knob, QuickTouch pads, and Apogee’s conversion technology, Quartet delivers where it counts; sound, functionality and usability.
Quartet connects to any Mac via USB 2.0 high-speed for extremely low-latency and stellar performance. From MacBook Air to Mac Pro, Quartet easily connects at amazingly high-speeds no matter the machine or sample rate; 44.1-192kHz.
Quartet’s four combination inputs offer microphone, instrument and line input with an exceptional gain range of up to 75 dB, leaving plenty of headroom for demanding microphones and sound sources. For additional channels, Quartet’s eight digital inputs create the option of connecting an external interface, like the Apogee Ensemble.
Quartet’s six balanced outputs deliver options for the video producer to mix in surround, the live performer to send multiple mixes to monitors and front-of-house and the mixer to send a mix to outboard compressors and EQs. Using Apogee’s Maestro software, the outputs will also split into three stereo pairs for connecting three speaker sets for auditioning mixes across various types of studio monitors.
A first for an Apogee audio interface, Quartet includes a USB MIDI connection for connecting a keyboard, synth or DJ controller. This feature consolidates all gear connections away from the Mac, making Quartet the control center for any studio.
Apogee CEO and Co-Founder Betty Bennett, told SBC, “We are excited to announce Quartet. Quartet offers a highly requested I/O configuration, award-winning sound and sleek design, all at an affordable price. We have listened to our customers and have designed Quartet with their requests in mind. At Apogee, we are all about delivering the absolutely best in sound, design and functionality and believe Quartet is a winner on every front.”
Quartet Highlights:
- Best-in-class sound quality with Apogee AD/DA converters
- 4 Analog inputs with world-class mic preamps
- Monitor control – up to 3 speaker sets
- USB 2.0 High-speed Mac audio interface
- ADAT/SMUX digital inputs
- MIDI input (USB-A type connector)
- 8 Analog Outputs: 6 Balanced line outputs, +20 dBu maximum output level 1 independent 1/4″ stereo headphone output
- 2 top panel high-resolution OLED displays
- Controller knob
- 6 touchpads for direct selection of inputs and outputs
- 3 assignable touchpads
- Quartet works with any Core Audio compatible application including: Logic, Pro Tools 9 and 10, Final Cut, Ableton Live
- Made in the U.S.A.
Features & Specifications:
- 4 Analog Inputs: Combination line (balanced +20dBu max), Mic/Instrument (+20dBu/+14dBu max)
- 4 Microphone preamps with up to 75dB of gain
- 8 Digital Inputs: ADAT/SMUX Input, 2 Toslink connectors, 44.1kHz to 96kHz
- 8 Analog Outputs: 6 Balanced line outputs, +20 dBu maximum output level, 1 Independent 1/4″ stereo headphone output
- MIDI I/O (USB-A type connector)
- Word clock output
- USB 2.0 High-speed Mac audio interface
- A/D and D/A conversion: 24 bit/192kHz
- 2 top panel high resolution OLED displays
- Controller knob
- 6 touchpads for direct selection of inputs and outputs
- 3 assignable touchpads to control:
- Mute Outputs
- Dim Outputs
- Sum to Mono
- Clear Meters
- Engage Speaker Set (allows monitoring of up to 3 pairs of speakers)
Pricing and Availability:
Price: $1,295 US, €1,295 EUR
Worldwide Availability: September 2012
More information:
Video description:
Apogee Quartet
The ultimate desktop studio interface and control center for Mac
Apogee Quartet is a professional USB audio interface designed to deliver the ultimate desktop recording experience to the Mac-based studio. Featuring 4 inputs and 8 outputs of Apogee’s industry-leading AD/DA conversion technology as well as 4 world-class mic preamps, Quartet bridges the gap between the 2-channel Apogee Duet and the 8-channel Apogee Ensemble.
Complete Connections
All the I/O you need with room to grow
Connect up to 4 microphones, instruments, keyboards or line inputs. Plug in your MIDI controller or keyboard. Expand with up to 8 digital inputs. Monitor and mix it all in stereo, with up to 3 sets of speakers or in 5.1 surround. Quartet is the center of the modern studio and will help you take the performance and sound quality of your projects to the next level.
Total Creative Control
Simple, powerful and easy to work with
With its ergonomic, angular design and intuitive user interface, Quartet is inspiring, easy to use and in perfect harmony with your workspace. Dual full-color screens for critical input and output details, QuickTouch pads for easy I/O selection, and a single controller knob to conduct it all, make Quartet the perfect studio control center for your Mac.
Legendary Sound Quality
Why Apogee Quartet is the best choice for your studio
Apogee is an award-winning industry leader in digital recording technology with over 25 years of experience. Preferred by recording pros around the world, Apogee products like Duet, Ensemble and Symphony I/O have been instrumental in creating countless GRAMMY® and OSCAR® winning recordings and have set the industry standard in professional recording for over two decades. Quartet is built solidly on this reputation.
Highlights
Best-in-class sound quality with Apogee AD/DA converters
4 Analog Inputs with world-class mic preamps
Monitor control – up to 3 speaker sets
USB 2.0 High-speed Mac audio interface
ADAT/SMUX digital Inputs
MIDI input (USB-A type connector)
8 Analog Outputs: 6 Balanced line outputs, +20 dBu maximum output level
1 Independent 1/4″ stereo headphone output
2 top panel high resolution OLED displays
Controller knob
6 touchpads for direct selection of inputs and outputs
3 assignable touchpads
Quartet works with any Core Audio compatible application including: Logic, Pro Tools 9 and 10, Final Cut. Ableton Live
The revolution revealed – new version of Sound Forge Pro
“Coming soon to OS X.”
Sony has released a teaser for a new version of Sound Forge Pro, its digital audio editing software, and the new version is for Mac OS X. Details, including availability and pricing, are still to come – but it’s ‘coming soon’.
Popular iOS app NanoStudio now as a free version on Mac OS X
Blip Interactive has released a Mac OS X version of its popular iOS virtual studio, NanoStudio.
NanoStudio, the award winning music production app for iOS, is now available on the Mac App Store! Transfer your NanoStudio projects between iOS, OS X and Windows to make music wherever and whenever it suits you. Made a banging tune on your computer and need to go out? Email it to your phone and just carry on where you left off! NanoStudio has virtual analogue synths, sample trigger pads, a comprehensive sequencer, a sample editor, a mixer and multiple effects all integrated into a single application. Record your ideas in real time, mix synth layers with samples, compose and arrange your tune using the powerful sequencer and bring the mix alive with effects such as reverb, compression and EQ. Transfer projects between your computer and your iOS device, or use NanoStudio’s comprehensive audio mixdown options and export features to get your ideas over to your favourite desktop DAW.
Key Features:
- NanoStudio has virtual analogue synths, sample trigger pads, a comprehensive sequencer, a sample editor, a mixer and multiple effects all integrated into a single application.
- Record your ideas in real time, mix synth layers with samples, compose and arrange your tune using the sequencer and bring the mix alive with effects such as reverb, compression and EQ.
- You can transfer projects between your OS X or Windows computer and your iOS device, or use NanoStudio’s audio mixdown options and export features to get your ideas over to your favourite desktop DAW.
Other features:
- Eden synth (also plays samples) – single or dual keyboards, XY controllers, pitch bend and accelerometer control
- Sequencer with up to 64 tracks and a piano roll editor for note, velocity and controller events, all with undo/redo
- TRG-16 sample trigger pads
- Sampling and resampling, sample editor and effects processor with undo/redo
- Mixer with 4 inserts per channel, 2 global send busses and volume/pan automation on every channel
- Transfer samples, final mixes and individual track mixdowns to your Mac/PC using NanoSync or email
- MIDI input
- Built in help
It’s free - so check it out in the Mac App Store
Contact us
If you want to get in contact with us:
Mail to:steelberryclones(at)
hotmail(dot)com
Synth/EBM
Electro/Skweee
8bit music
Stereoklang Music
Steelberry Clones by Stereoklang Produktion
Purchase the new Bears in Nippon album here
Purchase the Zoo System - Collision Upstairs album here
Purchase the Steelberry Clones - Back to the 50's album here
Steelberry Clones - Digít, 2009 on iTunes
Electronic music news- Miss FD launches 3rd studio album 'Comfort for the Desolate'
- Psy'Aviah takes you behind the song 'Our Common Future' feat. Kyoko Baertsoen (ex-Hooverphonic, Lunascape)
- Mute announce a series of Cabaret Voltaire releases
- 80sObscurities presents: Shatoo - 'Overload'
- Essence Of Mind sees new single 'Escape' + complete back catalogue made available on Bandcamp
Music software we use
New stuff
LISTEN TO THE NEW STEELBERRY CLONES SINGLES ON SOUNDCLOUD (click the images below)
LISTEN TO THE NEW ELECTRONICALLY YOURS ALBUM ON SPOTIFY (click the image below)
MUSIC FROM OUR READERS
Promote your electronic music at Stereoklang by Stereoklang Produktion
Send us your soundsSTEREOKLANG HOME
Loops and more
Recommended free SW stuff
Camel Audio – Alchemy Player
U-He – TyrellN6
U-He – Zebralette
Applied Acoustics Systems – Swatches
IK Media – AmpliTube 3 Free
Reaper DAW
Partners
Magazines
