Cubase – New book covers tracking audio, MIDI, and virtual instruments
Hal Leonard Books has published ThePower in Cubase by Matthew Loel T. Hepworth. They say that it’s a comprehensive, thoughtful, and engaging guide, written to help the new user master the ins and outs of Cubase. Here’s what they have to say:
Consider this: Cubase is a program that will turn your computer into a complete recording studio. That is, Cubase can create virtually every button, knob, switch, and fader found in a “real” studio, including a few components that don’t exist in the hardware realm. Imagine the challenge of sitting at a large mixing desk and being expected to use all that technology to produce professional recordings. Well, by installing Cubase on your computer, that’s exactly what you’ve expected of yourself. Knowing how daunting that task sounds, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, if not disillusioned.
The Power in Cubase: Tracking Audio, MIDI, and Virtual Instruments will help you get started so that you can use Cubase to your full benefit. It is specifically written to allow a new user to quickly get started with Cubase while avoiding a myriad of pitfalls. First, you’ll learn the process of installation and proper studio configuration. Next, you’ll learn the foundations of rudimentary Cubase operations. You’ll also learn how to avoid common mistakes that can ruin a recording. Finally, you’ll learn how to properly record MIDI, instrument, and audio tracks. Whether they’re your own tracks or those of a client, you’ll achieve recordings in your own home or project studio that were recently considered unobtainable without a big studio. And you’ll discover Cubase is easier to learn than you may have expected.
QuickPro Guides
If you want to quickly start implementing professional techniques into your audio recordings and productions, the Hal Leonard Books Quick Pro Guides are designed for you. These straightforward, task-driven, and easy-to-understand books cover music industry topics in a way that gets to the point and helps maximize your creative and technical accomplishments. The Quick Pro Guides are efficient and accessible, and the included DVD-ROM provides audio and video demonstrations of key QuickPro topics.
About the Author:
Matthew Loel T. Hepworth has been teaching music technology since 1984. He authors how-to videos on Cubase and Waveloab for macProVideo.com. He has also written Wavelab7 Power! for Course Technology PTR. He records, mixes, and masters audio projects for clients including Air Supply, FranklinCovery, Jonni Lightfoot, and many more. Hepworth also consults with several pro audio manufacturers like Steinberg North America, Yamaha Corporation of America, Lexicon, and Tascam. He is a video producer and photographer, and in his spare time, he plays bass guitar and Theremin in his band, ZenTherStick. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Pricing and Availability:
$16.99
More information:
Mesh – new virtual synthesizer instrument for Windows
Homegrown Sounds has announced Mesh, a virtual synthesizer instrument for Windows.
The idea behind Mesh was to create a Virtual Analogue mono synth in the style of the Minimoog with the addition of 5 Tempo based LFOs for exploring rhythmic potential. In comparison to previous Homegrown Synths, Mesh is very simple using 3 Oscillators and a Sub Oscillator to shape the sound, a single oversampled Low Pass Moog style filter, and 3 Envelopes. The LFOs can modulate most parameters, and there are several quantized pitch destinations to enable complex one finger sequences to be constructed. Add to this a compact effects section comprising of a Modulator, a Delay and SoundScaper and Finally an Arpeggiator which all adds up to a simple lightweight sonic playground.
The Oscillators provide the usual suspect waveforms such as Sine, Saw, Ramp, Triangle and Square, but also add a large selection of Digital Waveforms to expand it’s sonic capabilities. The filter can be oversampled up to 8 times which improves the quality of the sound as well as providing a different character for each of the modes.
Although Mesh is designed as a non velocity based Mono Synth, it can be used as a Polyphonic instrument, and velocity can also be enabled. There are also a set of modulation parameters for assigning Velocity, Aftertouch, Mod Wheel and Pitch to a wide selection of destinations.
Mesh for Windows (VST) is available to purchase for the introductory price of $20 USD for a limited time (regular $40 USD).
SynthStation 3.0 – major update to the virtual studio for iOS
Akai has released SynthStation 3.0, a major update to their virtual studio for iOS.
Here’s what Akai has to say about the update:
SynthStation v3.0 is all about streamlined workflow. You’ll find a totally refreshed user interface that’s easy to navigate and instinctual to use. Optimized for the larger screen of your iPad, the new UI spreads out the controls, dramatically reduces the need to shuffle through menus, and lays out all the synth parameters on a single screen. The leading music production app just got more powerful.
Features:
- Three virtual-analog synthesizers, each with three oscillators
- More than 50 drum kits, plus a built-in sequencer
- Create melodic and accompaniment parts using arpeggiator with preset patterns
- Core MIDI-compatible: works with any Core MIDI device as a synth module on your iOS device
- Real-time recording
- Unlimited creativity with effects and filters
- Compatible with iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch
Akai SynthStation 3.0 is currently $1.99 in the App Store.
Slate Digital has released Virtual Tape Machines
Slate Digital has released Virtual Tape Machines tape emulation plug-in. It is designed to add the big, fat, warm, deep, rich, sound of Analog Tape Machines to DAW mixes.
To capture the sound of tape is to capture a living, breathing sound that dynamically reacts to the music going on to it. Slate Digital has utilized their electrical engineering resources as a foundation for a comprehensive study of the physical processes that occur when recording to analog tape through a tape machine.
Two industry-standard machines were precisely modeled including a 2 inch 16 track from NRG Recording, and a ½ inch 2 track machine from Howie Weinberg Mastering. The VTM is designed to give mixes an authentic analog vibe with dimension, fatness, depth, and warmth.
Features:
- Two tape machine types:
- 2″ 16 track.
- 1/2″ mastering deck.
- Two tape formulations.
- Two speeds: 15 ips and 30 ips.
- Noise reduction control and auto mute.
- Wow & Flutter control.
- Bass alignment control.
- Normal, Low & High Bias settings.
- Level Calibration.
- VU ballistics.
- Grouping control.
- Settings global or per channel.
- Tape reels start and stop in sync with DAW transport.
Price: $249 ($199 with customer loyalty voucher).
Formats: 32- / 64-bit Windows and Mac OS X; VST, AU and RTAS.
New video review of the Fairlight clone – UVI Darklight IIx
A review of UVI’s Darklight IIx library, compatible with their UVI Workstation application (VST/AU/RTAS/MAS) and available from www.uvi.net for $199.
Check out the full written review, along with audio demos at http://www.failedmuso.com/blog/?p=2864
Purchase the library at http://www.uvisoundsource.com/all-products/darklight-iix/product_info.php/cPa…
Here’s the pitch:
Costing upwards of $100.000, the dream machine of the 80′s was unattainable by most. Used by countless prominent artists including: Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Kate Bush, Herbie Hancock, Jean Michel Jarre, Thomas Dolby and many more, it remains a highly regarded and sought after instrument.
We took our obsession to the next level, creating a complete set of instruments, sounds and sonic tools deeply inspired by the original digital monster. A unique, hybrid process of exhaustive multi-sampling, analysis, and advanced audio processing allowed us to not only capture the original character of this machine but to enhance its ability with a host of today’s most powerful analog modeled filters, LFOs, envelopes and effects–packaged beautifully in an old-school interface.
Darklight IIx – The virtual Fairlight synth
Yesterday we all had the chance to grab a free virtual version of the VERY expensive MiniMoog via Arturia’s website. Another expensive piece of equipment is the Fairlight, and although not free in its virtual version now you have the chance to discover this classic synth:
UVI Darklight IIx is the latest UVI product, inspired by the most mythical Computer Music Instrument of the 80′s.
Costing upwards of $100 000, the dream machine of the 80′s was unattainable by most. Used by countless prominent artists including: Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Kate Bush, Herbie Hancock, Jean Michel Jarre, Thomas Dolby and many more, it remains a highly regarded and sought after instrument.
Nearly thirty years later, no one has accurately captured the essence of this digital monster.
Today, UVI is proud to say all of that is about to change… Introducing UVI Darklight IIx.
We took our obsession to the next level, creating a complete set of instruments, sounds and sonic tools deeply inspired by the original digital monster. A unique, hybrid process of exhaustive multi-sampling, analysis, and advanced audio processing allowed us to not only capture the original character of this machine but to enhance its ability with a host of today’s most powerful analog modeled filters, LFOs, envelopes and effects–packaged beautifully in an old-school interface.
Darklight IIx offers several ‘Pages’, each an instrument on its own :
PAGE P – “Organic” Digital Sound
• Immediate access to hundreds of sounds and instruments including: Bass, Brass, Bells, Strings, Guitar, Orchestral Hits, Synth, Drums, Percussion, FX, Keys, Piano, Organs, Winds, Reeds and Voices
• Efficient and versatile control set allows for everything from quick tweaks to deep sonic exploration
• Accurate reproduction of aliasing characteristics
• More than 250 ready-to-play presets
• A multitude of effects, including the new UVI SparkVerb™, allow you to create sounds like the original machine and process them to sound like your favorite cult records from the 80′s or something totally new!
PAGE B – Digital Drum Machine
• 80′s-style beatbox with step sequencer
• Hundreds of authentic vintage drums and percussion sounds
PAGE U – Creative Multi-Phraser
• UVI exclusive multi-phraser; 3 parts with 3 sounds and 3 smart step sequencers
• Create 3-track arrangements or moving drones, let your imagination run!
All of these combine to present you with the authentic sound and soul of this mythical machine. Packaged in an easy-to-use interface with modern controls for enhanced expression and musicality, Darklight IIx gives you control over one of the most coveted computer musical instruments ever.
Download • http://bit.ly/darklight-iix_download
Buy DVD • http://bit.ly/darklight-iix_DVD
Further info, artwork & audio demo • http://bit.ly/uvi-darklight-iix
MAGMA – Virtual Studio Rack (Overview)
Nomad Factory has released MAGMA, described as ‘next generation’ audio effects processing plugins for Windows and Mac. Taylor Martyr takes you through a tour of the innovative new features and effects of Nomad Factory’s new MAGMA plug-in host.
Features:
- MAGMA is a Virtual Studio Rack host that allows you to combine an infinite number of audio effects all in four racks.
- Includes 65 custom plug-ins that each have their own unique flavor.
- Drag & Drop the effects to any rack position in MAGMA by clicking and holding.
- 4 Virtual Racks.
- Flexible Routing Matrix.
- Presets Browser Window.
- 600+ Factory Presets Included.
- Serial Number Autorization (Up to Five Computers, NO Challenge/Response, NO dongle).
- Effects Categories include:
- Amplifier
- Analysis
- Cabinet
- Delays
- Distortion
- Dynamics
- EQs
- Filters
- Generator
- Harmonic
- Modulation
- Reverbs
- Special
- Utility
- Interchange racks freely
- Flexible routing matrix
The Magma suite for Windows and Mac (VST/AU/RTAS, AAX coming) is available now for US $199.
Get the Arturia miniMoog for free on the 21st of June
Arturia has told us that they will be giving away for free a special version of Minimoog-V on June 21st Only.
Arturia’s agreement with Moog Music to sell a Moog-branded virtual instrument is ending, so they’re going to update and rename Moog Modular V and Minimoog V as Modular V and Mini-V.
The free version of Minimoog-V Original offers 1,000 presets and features from the latest Minimoog- V update (Version 2.5), but without the additional functionality accessible behind the ‘hinged’ front panel — just like the original Minimoog.
WebModular – free browser-based modular synthesizer
g200kg has released WebModular, a free browser-based modular synthesizer:
WebModular is a simple modular software synthesizer, written in HTML 5 + Javascript. Realtime sound generation with javascript While an interesting proof of concept, WebModular suffers from limitations that plague most browser-based music software. Most notably, it runs like your hardware is a lot older than it really is.
Rhythm Studio gets a powerful update
Pulse Code has announced an update Rhythm Studio, its virtual studio for the iOS:
The fourth update includes the addition of a powerful three operator FM (frequency modulation) synthesizer, the FM-3.
The FM-3 has been designed to allow maximum results with minimal effort. The complexities of FM synthesis have been simplified to allow you to create great sounds right from the start.
In addition, we are adding a help link within the app to a full set of online tutorial videos. The video tutorials touch on all the major aspects of Rhythm Studio. From navigating the song browser and its options to interacting with all of the virtual synthesizers and other audio gear in the workspace, the video tutorials will help you learn Rhythm Studio faster.
Rhythm Studio is $4.99 in the 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- Morten Harket (A-ha) performs 'Take on me' on Billboard Music Awards
- Aesthetische launch free track for reaching 1000 fans on Facebook
- Sunday Times features house Alan Wilder (ex-Depeche Mode) as 'Celebrity Home of the Week'
- Nine Inch Nails bassist Eric Avery quits band
- Leftfield returns with new material for the first time in 15 years
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
