Roland’s new Octapad released
Featuring eight trigger pads, built-in sounds, multi-effects, and external trigger inputs, the OCTAPAD SPD-30 is the perfect portable electronic percussion instrument for any playing application.
Using the latest trigger technology from Roland’s industry-leading V-Drums®, the pads on the OCTAPAD SPD-30 feature an extremely natural and responsive playing feel. The eight separate trigger surfaces provide superior dynamic response, trigger consistency over a pad’s entire surface, and the elimination of crosstalk.
The OCTAPAD SPD-30 includes 50 kits and hundreds of cutting-edge drum and percussion sounds. Powerful onboard effects include 30 types of multi-effects that can be used on individual kits, and Ambience with an Equalizer and Limiter that can be applied to the overall OCTAPAD SPD-30 sound. The Phrase Loop recording feature allows the player to loop recorded sounds in real time, and then overdub additional parts or sounds. With the ability to record three parts per phrase, Phrase Loop is a powerful creative tool for live performance and recording.
The external trigger/control inputs allow players to connect additional pads, and a hi-hat controller to create a powerful yet portable mini-electronic kit. The OCTAPAD SPD-30 is also compatible with Roland RT-Series acoustic drum triggers, creating additional options for drummers who want to add electronics to their acoustic drum set.
With its large backlit LCD and intuitive interface, navigating menus and editing parameters on the OCTAPAD SPD-30 is extremely easy. The pads also feature illuminated LEDs, helpful for performing in low-light settings. In addition, the OCTAPAD SPD-30 has USB connectivity for both data backup and MIDI allowing players to expand their recording capabilities with personal computers. Standard MIDI connections are also included, allowing connection to external sound modules, samplers and other MIDI devices.
DX7 is back – on the iPhone :-)
Yet another revival, last week we had Propellerhead’s ReBirth, this week the old classic DX7 makes its way into the realms of Apple, however this one looks pretty slick I must say, judging from the videos below:
This is a sneak preview of DXi – an FM synthesizer for the Apple iPhone.
It’s officially “coming soon”.
Parts 2 & 3 of the preview below.
DXi is a big hit once in the early 80 FM synthesizer in a compact, easy to play and enjoy making music with FM source application.
FM then you are not full-featured synthesizer, but the parameters are selected enjoy the fun of making music. Makes FM sound system, there are little quirks, if you get hold of the unique timbre only trick.
Free Roland TR-808 emulation
Tactile Sounds has updated TS-808 to v1.0.0.2. There are now Mono and Stereo versions.
Changes: Both Versions
- Standard GM Voice Mapping.
- New GUI, designed by Limeflavour.
- LEDs indicating Voice Activity.
- Voice Mute Buttons.
- Compiled with the latest version of SynthEdit, reducing CPU consumption.
Changes: Stereo Version
- Panning for each voice.
TS-808 is a free software emulation of the Roland TR-808 hardware drum machine. It was created by reference to the TR-808 service notes and extensive analysis of samples.
Re-birth of the SH101 or
Roland invites you to meet the GAIA SH-01, a 37-key compact synthesizer which combines a classic panel layout reminiscent of vintage Roland synthesizers with the latest in Roland’s analog-modeling technology.
Finally Roland has picked up the charm of the 1950s
In this great promotional video you cannot but smile, who wouldn´t want to buy this, LOL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUI02gkTiQ&feature=player_embedded
Who says keyboardists need to hide behind their gear? Liberate yourself and roam free with the Lucina AX-09 Synthesizer. Lucina is compact, lightweight, and loaded with great sounds, all easily selectable with the onboard Category buttons. Plug in a USB stick and add backing tracks to your performances with the Audio Player function, or plug in an MP3/CD player and jam along with your favorite songs. This ultra-light synth is designed to fit all musicians — even kids. Its super easy to use yet it packs a heavyweight musical punch with its stellar sounds and expressive controls.
Let´s go retro:
MusikMesse: New synth from Roland
Although does not appear to be in the high-end user segment, LOL
Wonder how much the old SH 101 has been an inspiration, or not….
With its massive sound, hands-on ease, and affordable price, the GAIA SH-01 is a high-performance value with old-school charm. The triple-stacked engine puts potent virtual analog synthesis under your fingertips, yet the control panel is so fun, friendly, and inviting, even first-timers can create great sounds. The signal flow is simple to grasp, with logically arranged knobs, sliders, and buttons. Hands-on control and fat sound make this little powerhouse a joy for music students, songwriters, session players, and live performers of all styles and skill levels.
- Huge sound with three virtual analog engines onboard, each with a dedicated oscillator, filter, amplifier, envelope, and LFO
- Layer up to five simultaneous effects, including distortion, flanger, delay, reverb, low boost, and more
- 64-voice polyphony for massive sounds without note drop-out
- Fun, hands-on control panel that’s great for instant gratification, and for learning synthesis
- Lightweight, compact body with 37 full-size keys
- Runs on AC or battery power for portable convenience
- D Beam, arpeggiator, and Phrase Recorder onboard
- USB ports for saving user patches to USB flash drives, and for audio/MIDI connection to computers
606 and bliptronic – nice
Little improvised thing with the 606 and the bliptronic. You can run the trigger outputs on the 606 to the “link” input port on the 5000 to trigger it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJDZ31F2SF8&feature=player_embedded
Bliptronic Philosophy… in Regards to Music
In the world of the Bliptronic, creating a song revolves around an ever evolving 4-beat pattern. Each row of vertical buttons represents the notes in one octave. Push a button to turn on a note, push the button again to turn off a note. Push multiple buttons in one vertical row to make a chord. The Bliptronic plays whatever you have selected in sequence horizontally across the display. When it reaches the end of the pattern, it repeats. The genius comes as you modify the pattern by turning notes on and off while the pattern is still looping to create evolving electronic melodies.
xoxbox synth
This is a slightly obsessive shootout between the classic Roland TB-303 Computer Controlled Bassline Synthesizer and the Adafruit x0xb0x synthesizer.
For some, the x0xb0x is cheaper, more reliable and more powerful. For others, the x0xb0x is close but not close enough to replace the TB-303.
“I hope you have your flame resistant suits on because here we have it, the definitive Roland TB-303 vs Adafruit x0xb0x shootout.”
Cheers Ola
Chip Collection releases V-synth patch library
Reignite your Roland with 50+ patches handcrafted for the V-synth. Designed over a period of months, it features: A better TB-303 recreation, Real 909s, classic dance sounds, super dark analog leads, and drum loop setups. From bizarre to extremely useful the V-synth patches set by Chip Collection also contains two fully sampled stratocaster guitars with multiple patches for each style (including real distortion).
Need classic techno/dance sounds? Included are emulated sounds like those used in the production of Bambee, Alice DJ, and Dr. Bombay just to name a few. Rippin drum n bass patches like F8ghter+, and Whoa_Log will get the dance floor moving. If thats not your thing, the 80s space sounds, killer analog leads, and pads will re-ignite your collection of V-synth patches.
LISTEN TO THE DEMO! (MP3, 5.4MB, 4 Minutes)
50+ V-synth 2.0 Patches for $25, paypal & credit cards.
Designed over a period of months, it features:
A better TB-303 recreation w/909 thats fully controllable, and arpeggiated.
Analog Leads
2 Sampled Statocaster Guitars on multiple patches (one with real distortion, 80s style)
Pads, Eery Combinations
FX & Drums
+More!
Link to V-synth Patches in our store http://www.chipcollection.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=51
New gear from Roland
Pretty cool I must say 
Roland has announced the AX-Synth Shoulder Synthesizer, the first of the legendary AX-Series to offer an onboard sound engine featuring a collection of the best of Roland’s cutting-edge synth sounds.
Created with the art of performance in mind, the AX-Synth allows keyboardists to connect with their audience as guitarists and singers do. Real-time controls such as the Ribbon, Modulation Bar, D BEAM, and aftertouch knob controllers give musicians the ability to perform memorable and expressive solos. When wearing the battery-powered and wireless AX-Synth, keyboardists can create kinetic musical performances, moving freely around the stage without any encumbering wires or cables.
The AX-Synth features 49 velocity-sensitive keys and is the first shoulder keyboard to include a 128-voice polyphonic sound engine with 256 distinct tones accessible from eight bank buttons, plus a collection of ultra-expressive sounds generated by Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine. The AX-Synth also includes an easy-to-use software editor/librarian for designing and storing user-created sounds.
“We have been looking forward to bringing back the AX-Series in style, and the AX-Synth is it,” says Vince LaDuca, Product Marketing Manager. “Not only will the keyboardist be able to get out from behind their rack onstage, they will also have the finest Roland sounds at their fingertips with the onboard sound engine.”
DATAMASKIN
