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Synthtopia


 

 Sunday July 6, 2008. 05:22 AM 
Akai MPD24 Controller Gets Firmware Update Akai MPD24 Controller Gets Firmware Update
05:22 AM 
Akai Professional has released updated firmware for the MPD24 USB/MIDI Pad Controller. Offering improved transport functionality, v1.09 is the second update to the original release of MPD24 firmware. A complete document of release notes is also available for review at www.AkaiPro.com. Owners can update their MPD24 firmware by selecting the Docs & Downloads section of the MPD24 product page on the company?s website. Users may download the 44 kb zip file at no charge. The firmware is installed to MPD24 via a USB-connected Mac running OS X or later, or a PC running Windows XP or later. Designed for use with Digital Audio Workstations (DAW), sequencing, and other software applications, MPD24 is a velocity sensitive USB/MIDI pad controller. The MPD24 allows users to program drum parts in a much more intuitive and natural way than by simply playing them on a keyboard. With its array of knobs and sliders, the MPD24 allows users to control parameters on their favorite DAW or software synths, offering incredible real-time control.
Electron Updates Monomachine OS Electron Updates Monomachine OS
02:30 AM 
Electron has announced an update to the Monomachine OS: Good people around the globe, the hydra just got two extra heads. In other words - Monomachine OS 1.20 is here! Two new machines have been added in this magnificent update, allowing you to use your own customized waveforms. Read all about it in the updated Monomachine and C6 manuals (you’ll find them in the support section). The added waveform functionality is for MKII units only.
Akai MPD32 Software Pad Controller Now Shipping Akai MPD32 Software Pad Controller Now Shipping
02:19 AM 
Akai Professional is now shipping the MPD32 pad controller. MPD32 is Akai Professional’s flagship pad controller for musicians and DJs. Using a USB cable to connect to a Mac or PC, MPD32 is designed for hardware control of apps like Reason, Ableton Live and GarageBand. MPD32 also features transport controls for interfacing with DAW/sequencing applications like Sonar, Cubase and Logic. MPD32 is a fully programmable controller and multifunctional control surface that fits perfectly within any production or performance environment. Features: MIDI-synced note-repeat with MPC swing Sixteen full-sized, genuine MPC pads with velocity and pressure-sensitive response Three banks of eight assignable switches, sliders and endless knobs for a total of 72 controllers Two assignable Foot Switches One assignable Foot Pedal controller Large, easy-to-read backlit LCD Thirty user-definable presets for use with software applications MMC/MIDI Start/Stop transport buttons Ableton Live Akai Edition software included BFD Lite software included MPD32 is available now, with an MSRP of $499.00.
Motion Samples Intros 5 New Sample Libraries Motion Samples Intros 5 New Sample Libraries
02:13 AM 
Motion Samples has released five new downloadable sample libraries. Here are their descriptions: Sequential Synths - over 400 loops of pumpin? analog fx and synth rhythms for producing various styles of minimal house and techno. Inside you?ll find tons of useful loops of pad sweeps, ambient fx, sequenced modular synths, phat bass grooves, screeching oscillators and endless ideas for starting off beats. R&B Soul Delite Keys - collection of R&B?s finest ep, rhodes, piano and keyboard melodies with over 200 extended loops mixed down with Eventide processors for the perfect reverbs, delays and fx. Big Boss Sounds - over 250 colossal multi-samples of stab chords, horns, orchestra hits, retro synth hooks, piano licks, dirty organs and tons more. DeepHaus Synth Loops - over 200 loops of synths and ambient pads for producing chilled and zoney club beats. Inside you?ll find tons of mid-range synth fills recorded from modern and classic 80?s synths for that warm resonating tone. Cinematic Hip Hop Intros - collection of 80 cinematic intros of orchestrated scenes, violent effects and epic soundscapes played in moods of fury, suspense, sadness, champion, war and many more. Included are fully mixed 6-40sec wave files of ?movie like? scores that feature compositions of orchestra melodies, guns & weapons, crime scenes and ambient soundscapes. Prices range from $25 to $40. Details and demos at the Motion Samples site.
Art Work Uses Bone Conduction To Send You Back In Time Art Work Uses Bone Conduction To Send You Back In Time
02:10 AM 
touched echo is an electroacoustic artwork that uses bone conduction to take people back in time: The visitors of the Brühl’s Terrace (Dresden, Germany) are taken back in time to the night of the terrible air raid on 13th February 1945. In their role as a performer they put themselves into the place of the people who shut their ears away from the noise of the explosions. While leaning on the balustrade the sound of airplanes and explosions is transmitted from the swinging balustrade through their arm directly into into the inner ear (bone conduction). It’s a very interesting use of bone conduction to enable a private art experience in a public space. via Todayandtomorrow

 

 Saturday July 5, 2008 
ReasonBanks Releases Analogue Monsters Sound Library ReasonBanks Releases Analogue Monsters Sound Library
05:22 PM 
ReasonBanks has released Analogue Monsters 3, a ReFill based on 5 GB multisamples of these analog synths: Alesis Andromeda A6 Korg MonoPoly Korg MS-20 Korg Poly800 MKII Moog Prodigy Oberheim Matrix-1000 Roland Juno-60 Roland Jupiter 4 Studio Electronics SE-1X Waldorf Microwave XT Analogue Monsters 3 Features: Combinator bank: 200 patches in 9 categories. NN-XT Bank: 1243 patches in 11 categories. NN-19 Bank: 606 patches, for compability reason. Redrum Kits: 12 ReDrum patches. Multisamples: 6927 perfectly looped wav files - Alesis Andromeda A6, Korg MonoPoly, Korg MS-20, Korg Poly800 MKII, Moog Prodigy, Oberheim Matrix-1000 (new in v3), Roland Juno-60, Roland Jupiter 4, Studio Electronics SE-1X, Waldorf Microwave XT. Rex loops: 72 sequenced loops in Recycle2 format. Analogue Monters 3 is available for download for ?81 EUR (96 EUR for DVD). Version 3 is a free upgrade for existing users.
DanceFuel.dj Like iTunes Store For DJs DanceFuel.dj Like iTunes Store For DJs
05:17 PM 
DanceFuel (www.dancefuel.dj) is a digital music store that’s sort of like the iTunes Store for DJs. What makes the site unique is that they offer mp3 downloads of electronic music with Key and Code info designed to make the tracks Harmonic Mixing Ready”. ?Harmonic Mixing Ready? tracks are now available in the Top 100 and in the Category?s Top 10, and is planned to be available for the full 110,000 tack catalog. About Harmonic Mixing Harmonic mixing is the natural evolution after beat matching/mixing, consisting of mixing in compatible keys (notes). With the latest audio analysing software like Mixed in Key or using dedicated DJ mixing software with harmonic classification such as MixMeister, you can avoid sour mixes caused by clashing melodies, as the ?master key note? is previewed on the track info. When used properly, this info can help the DJ mix long overlays (on any DJ setup or software) without relying on percussion or “free beats?. Key and Code classification facilitate choosing tracks for a set, if you’re interested in limiting your search to tracks in related keys and tempos.
NeoSynth, Synth-On-A-Card For CME Keyboard Controllers NeoSynth, Synth-On-A-Card For CME Keyboard Controllers
05:09 PM 
WaveIdea has introduced NeoSynth24, an synth-on-a-card expansion board for CME keyboards (UF and VX series). NeoSynth24 features a built in sound bank (64 MBytes/256 Mbits) that can be updated at your convenience. Various sound banks are available (General MIDI standard instruments set, Grand Piano style, Hip Hop style, Techno/House style, R&B style, etc). Multiple sound banks are available on SD Cards that can be ordered separately. These SD Cards are then used to upgrade the on board instruments, once upgraded the SD Card can be removed from its slot. Features: All available sound banks are high quality sampled instruments, from 16 to 24 bits resolution, up to 96 kHz sampling frequency. NeoSynth24 on board powerful DSP allows up to 124 voices of polyphony MIDI /USB expander Up to 124 voices of polyphony Built-in FX engines Up to 64 MB sound bank Updatable sound banks from SD Card Various music styles available USB MIDI class compliant (no driver) 24 bits / 48 kHz audio paths Main stereo audio output (24bits D/A) Auxiliary stereo audio output (24bits D/A) Headphones output Analog stereo audio input (24bits A/D) S/PDIF stereo audio input/output Available for both UF & VX keyboards Large MIDI implementation Pricing is TBA. More information is available at the WaveIdea site.
GenoQs Nemo Sequencer Now Available GenoQs Nemo Sequencer Now Available
01:47 AM 
genoQs Machines has released Nemo, a new hardware MIDI sequencer. Nemo builds on the tradition of real-time MIDI sequencing of GenoQs’ Octopus. Features: 90+ Tactile switches and 9 endless encoders for interactive access 93 LEDs (tri-color) used to display both numeric and quantitative data 64 pages (i.e. “patterns”) 4 tracks per page, 16 steps each 4 concurrent pages, i.e. 16 concurrent tracks Page tracks freely chain-able to structures of up to 64 steps Per track velocity, pitch, length and start factors, MIDI channel and CC Individual clock multiplier/divisor per track Individual and editable runtime directions per track Polyphonic steps, of up to 7 notes (chords or multi-trigger) Track self modulation, via step events Cross modulation of tracks (via the Effector) MIDI note and CC recording and playback per track 32 MIDI channels via 2 dedicated MIDI ports Nemo is available now for ?1399.
New Synth Explores Friction Synthesis New Synth Explores Friction Synthesis
01:40 AM 
Xoxox has released Friction, a new VST designed to synthesizer friction effects: The friction algorithm is combined with a 2nd order mass-spring and two waveguide resonances for flexible emulative application. Presets include squealing tires, squeaky hinges and axles, ww2 bombs, swingsets, etc. The license is $15 (or $10 for current customers). The demo removes some parameters. Preview friction below. Note: it’s pretty painful:

 

 Friday July 4, 2008 
Kylie Honored By Prince Charles For Being Scorchingly Hot Dance Diva Kylie Honored By Prince Charles For Being Scorchingly Hot Dance Diva
07:04 PM 
OT: Australian dance Diva Kylie Minogue became an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) Thursday, receiving the award from heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles at a ceremony in London. “It is an incredible honour for me to receive this award,” said Kylie. “It makes me feel both humble and proud to be recognized for doing a job that I love so much.” Speaking after the ceremony to the waiting press Kylie admitted to feeling a little nervous but added “I was very excited and to have my family here was magical… I do feel very proud. I think my job, aside from making music, is about communication and this symbolizes my communication with my audience around the world.” Of her medal, Kylie said: “I’ll admire it for a while, and then keep it safe in its box!” I’m not sure why Kylie was singled out for honor by Prince Charles, but I’m guessing it’s because he’s a fan of this great Kylie/New Order mashup - Can’t Get Blue Monday Out Of My Head:
Free Experimental DJ Game Explores Accessibility Issues Free Experimental DJ Game Explores Accessibility Issues
06:48 PM 
AudiOdyssey is a free experimental computer game designed to be accessible to both the visually impaired community and mainstream gamers. AudiOdyssey was developed with four research goals: The visually-impaired and the sighted can enjoy the same level and quality of gameplay Navigate game’s menus with ease and efficiency approaching that of conventional user-interfaces (UIs) Create a fun and natural control scheme using the Wiimote An engaging game that relies more on high quality audio than visuals Description: The user stars as Vinyl Scorcher, an up-and-coming DJ, on his quest to get club patrons dancing. Swinging the Nintendo Wii controller to the beat, Vinyl lays down the various component tracks of a song, and keeps the party jumping. If he does an especially good job, he can even freestyle! via AudioPornCentral
The Sound Design Of Wall-E The Sound Design Of Wall-E
06:19 AM 
This is a Pixar promo - but it takes an interesting look at the sound design of Wall-E. Andrew Stanton, Jim Morris, and Ben Burtt share their process for creating the sound of a sci-fi animated feature.
Bleep Labs Intros DIY Thingamakit Bleep Labs Intros DIY Thingamakit
06:11 AM 
Bleep Labs has introduced the Thingamakit - a DIY project that lets you build your own anthropomorphic noise maker. According to Bleep Labs, the Thingamakit features “all the sounds of Thingamagoop plus triangle wave LEDacle with shape and speed control. Second photocell patchable to modulator and photocell rate. Square and Triangle wave output. The satisfaction for making an noise monster with your own soldering iron! Comes with: detailed instructions fully labeled components simply layed out circuit board with minimal hand wiring. 2 ready to blink LEDacles control panel and face stickers Bleep Labs is also doing a fun marketing twist, creating a Thingamakit Flickr group.

 

 Thursday July 3, 2008 
Ueberschall Intros New Trance Construction Kit Ueberschall Intros New Trance Construction Kit
11:38 PM 
Ueberschall has announced Trance ID 2, a new Elastik Soundbank sound library focusing on trance music. Description: Trance ID2 incorporates the latest trends in the genre such as Neo-, Electro-, and Tech-Trance, as well as elements from Progressive and Minimal. The construction kits on Trance ID 2?powered by the Elastik Loop Player?offer cutting-edge drum loops, synth patterns, bass lines, chord progressions, atmospheres, air and rumble, percussion and fx-sounds which can be combined with each other. BPM information and root key (key signatures) are embedded in all loop file names, simplifying selection and direct use. Trance ID 2 was created by Mike Koglin - Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Marc Steinmeier - Time Unlimited label boss Mark Pledger - Anjunabeats superstar Darren Tate - famed for his many top40 hits under his DT8 Project, Jürgen Vries and Angelic guises. Contents: 2 GB, 30 construction kits, 1000 loops and single sounds Elastik Soundbank for Mac/PC/AU/VST/RTAS Elastik Player included - no sampler require Trance ID 2 retails for $119 USD / 99 Euro / 17.800 Yen / £69 GBP
Turn Your Coffee Cup Into A Theremug Turn Your Coffee Cup Into A Theremug
08:28 PM 
Here’s something fun I saw highlighted at the Califaudio blog - the Theremug, a DIY project that turns your cup of coffee or tea into a theremin, of sorts. Here’s Kyle McDonald’s explanation of the Theremug: 1 Prepare some tea 2 Expose the L/R leads on an 1/8″ cable 3 Immerse leads in tea 4 Plug cable into audio input 5 Start up max/pd/processing/etc. and average every 735 samples (882 if you’re in Europe/running on 50Hz) 6 Scale value and drive oscillator (The tea should not be neglected, be sure to drink it once you’re done making noise.) See the Max patch for a more in-depth explanation: flickr.com/photos/kylemcdonald/212649409
Sasha Announces New CD, Invol2ver Sasha Announces New CD, Invol2ver
08:23 PM 
Here’s something for Sasha fans/trance fans: Sasha’s announced a new CD, Invol2ver, that promises to take a visit to the same territory he explored on the Involver CD. The CD features twelve heavily worked-over tracks, including tunes from Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, synth pop stars Ladytron, indie troubadour Ray La Montagne and Telefon Tel Aviv. Limited edition copies will include a second CD of Sasha remix exclusives. Tracks: 01. Intro - Sasha 02. Telefon Tel Aviv - You Are the Worst Thing in the World 03. Rone - Flesh 04. Sasha - Untitled (with Ray LaMontagne vocal sample) 05. Sasha - Lowlife (with Adam Parker Vocal sample) 06. Sasha - Midnight (with Adam Parker vocal sample) 07. Apparat - Arcadia 08. Home Video - That You Might 09. Ladytron - Destroy Everything You Touch 10. M83 - Couleurs 11. Thom Yorke - The Eraser 12. Sasha - 3 Little Pigs 13. Engineers - Sometime I Realise Sasha releases Involver2 on Global Underground on September 8th 2008.
Steinberg Drops Prices On Cubase & Wavelab Steinberg Drops Prices On Cubase & Wavelab
03:40 PM 
Steinberg has announced price drops for Cubase & Wavelab: We would like to inform you about an adjustment in the pricing structure for Cubase 4 and WaveLab 6. We have decided to lower the prices of both products* as of July 1st, 2008 to ?599.00**. The pricing for several upgrades to Cubase 4 has also been reduced, so that the upgrade path from Cubase Studio 4 and Cubase SL versions to Cubase 4 is now only ?199.00**. Upgrades to WaveLab 6 from WaveLab Studio 6 have also been lowered in price. Please visit the Steinberg Online-Shop for more information. We know that this comes unexpectedly for customers who have recently purchased Cubase 4 at the old recommended retail price. This is why we will be offering these customers a special rebate on a future purchase. Is this the Logic Pro effect? Details on the new pricing are available at the Steinberg site.
Moby Announces Live:Remixed Dates Moby Announces Live:Remixed Dates
03:38 PM 
Moby has announced live dates for his Last Night tour: The energetic set showcases new material from ?Last Night?, but also takes you on a journey through Moby?s eclectic musical history ? taking a nostalgic look back at his deep roots in the rave scene, whilst making reference to albums Play, 18, and Hotel, and embracing the future with cutting edge remix material. You can catch Live: Remixed at the following festivals this summer: 04th July Belgium, Werchter Festival 06th July France, Belfort, Eurockeenes Festival 25th July UK, Global Gathering 08th Aug Germany, Saalburg, SMS Festival
The Vinyl Revolution, Rough Cut The Vinyl Revolution, Rough Cut
03:34 PM 
This is a rough cut of a new documentary, the Vinyl Revolution. The video captures some wonderful characters that represent a disappearing world. via Crate Kings
Free Psychedelic Culture Magazine Free Psychedelic Culture Magazine
05:49 AM 
Scientist have found that people who took magic mushrooms in a study looked back at the experience, up to 14 month later, as one of the top five spiritual and meaningful experiences of their lives. “It’s one thing to have a dramatic experience you say is impressive,” says neuroscientist Roland Griffiths of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, who led the research. “It’s another thing to say you consider it as meaningful 14 months later. There’s something about the saliency of these experiences that’s stunning.” Either there’s more to psychedelics than people thought, or John Hopkins just gets some impressive mushrooms. For a lot of people, though, music is their drug of choice, especially trance music. If you’re into psychedelic trance music and culture, check out the latest issue of Goagadar, a free psychedelic culture web magazine. It features interviews, music news, trance reviews and even an interview with Hawkwind’s Dave Brock. via moleirinho in the forum

 

 Wednesday July 2, 2008 
Modular Sound Toys Modular Sound Toys
11:25 PM 
PKNTS has designed an interesting modular sound toy for kids: AMK is a modular sound toy designed for preschool children. In combination with a computer, single sounds and sound sets can be transfered to sound blocks, called ‘Klangbausteine.’ Childrend can play independently with each module, or combine the sounds by plugging blocks together. Only one sound per block, and age-based limited possibilies of sound modification, makes the toy easy to learn and understand. These look pretty interesting, and look like they are ripe for bending. If you’ve had a chance to check these out, let me know what you think.
New Site Offers Nothing But Noise New Site Offers Nothing But Noise
11:11 PM 
SimplyNoise is a site that offers nothing but noise; it’s a noise generator for the Web. The only control is a slider that controls a low-pass filter. According to the site, noise can help you block distractions, sleep and “find your zen”.
Muse Intros Nice Rack Workstation Muse Intros Nice Rack Workstation
03:33 PM 
IK Multimedia and Muse Research have teamed up to offer the Total Workstation Rack, powered by SampleTank and Receptor. The Total Workstation Rack is a combination of Muse Research?s unique Receptor hardware plug-in player with IK?s Total Workstation line of Powered By SampleTank instruments: SampleTank 2.5, Sonik Synth 2, Miroslav Philharmonik, SampleMoog and SampleTron. These IK products come pre-installed and authorized within Receptor, allowing immediate access to make music live and in the studio. The Total Workstation Rack is available for  $1,999.99/?1,599.99.
Free Album Download Features 8-Bit Music Free Album Download Features 8-Bit Music
03:26 PM 
Heartcode is the name of the latest free music download from net label iimusic. It features 10 8-bit style tracks, including: 01 Temp Sound Solutions - The Menu for Today 02 Alex Mauer - Ikea Shopper Credits 03 Disasterpeace - Ensis 04 Animal Style - Stalactite 05 Phlogiston - Crystal Waves (feat. Shnabubula) 06 Alex Mauer - Monstrox 07 Shnabubula - Get Pumped 08 Xoc - Rubles from Heaven 09 Norrin Radd - Four Lights 10 Temp Sound Solutions - Heart Pitches
The Sonic Picnic Set The Sonic Picnic Set
06:43 AM 
If you need any more proof that interesting synths can be made from just about anything, for very little money, check out the Sonic Picnic Set: the sonic picnic set is a low tech modular system connections are made as needed using crocodile clips these pictures show some of the boxes You gotta love this 4-joystick panner, too: Check out all the modules.
Free Sample Library Features Moog’s Worst Synth Free Sample Library Features Moog’s Worst Synth
06:26 AM 
Goldbaby Productions has released a fun new sample pack that features arguably Moog’s worst synth, the Realistic Concermate (Radio Shack) Moog MG-1. There are a lot of reasons the MG-1 was so cheesy, starting with the fact that it’s got the Radio Shack stamp all over it, moving on to the flawed construction to the dumbed-down control panel. Despite the fact that it was a pretty cheesy little synth, it was a Moog with a real Moog filter, and if the sound wasn’t f’d up enough, Goldbaby ran it through a bunch of Audio Damage effects. Download URL. Don’t miss the rest of the free goodies at Goldbaby’s site. Image: Kriton Visuals

 

 Tuesday July 1, 2008 
Native Instruments Releases URBAN ARSENAL Collection Native Instruments Releases URBAN ARSENAL Collection
09:58 PM 
Native Instruments today released Urban Arsenal, a collection of production-ready sound material for contemporary hip-hop and similar music styles. Created in collaboration with established urban music producers and sound designers, the latest entry in the Kore Soundpack range provides an assortment of hip-hop grooves, drum kits and instrument sounds for use in Kore 2 and the free Kore PLAYER software instrument. Description: At the heart of Urban Arsenal is a comprehensive collection of authentic hip-hop grooves and drum kits, which can be easily tweaked and transformed through the sound shaping and control features of the Kore platform. Over 1,000 sampled drum sounds form the basis for 40 groove sets and 32 drum kits, including a “human beatbox” kit from beatboxing champion Mando. With over 15,000 overall groove variations, an “Instant Remix” function and many other creative features, Urban Arsenal is designed to make it easy to create the sonic foundation for contemporary hip-hop tracks. The groove material of Urban Arsenal is complemented by 50 sample-based instrument sounds that use the Kontakt engine integrated in Kore, offering an assortment of typical brass, strings, bass and leads sounds as well as a collection of mini-scratches. Additionally, the sound pack includes 70 new synthesizer sounds that take advantage of the integrated engine of the powerful Massive synthesizer, with a range of inspiring leads, sub basses, pads, bells and mallets specifically designed for urban music styles. All instrument sounds can be adjusted, tweaked and even morphed using the intuitive macro controls and Sound Variation features of Kore 2 and Kore Player. Urban Arsenal is available for download purchase in the NI Online Shop for a suggested retail price of $119 / ?99.
New Sound Libraries For The Alesis Fusion New Sound Libraries For The Alesis Fusion
07:05 PM 
Back In Time Records has released several new sound libraries for the Alesis Fusion Workstation. You can preview a couple of the new sound libraries below: 11 Titles Are Available Fusion Presets by kpr Fusion SYNTH Presets by kpr Fusion ULTRA SYNTH Presets by kpr Fusion ULTRA SYNTH II Presets by kpr Fusion OTHERWORLD Presets by kpr Fusion SAMPLES by kpr Fusion SAMPLES 2 by kpr Fusion SAMPLES 3 by kpr Fusion ORGAN by kpr Fusion GRAND PIANO by kpr Fusion MyMoog by kpr
Ohm Force OhmBoyz Screencast Ohm Force OhmBoyz Screencast
06:24 PM 
Wire to the Ear’s Oliver Chesler put together a nice screencast that shows the features of Ohm Force’s OhmBoyz plug in: I really think OhmBoyz is the best delay I own. After watching the video I encourage you to head over to the Ohm Force website and download the demo. This screencast covers: Installation, Presets, Multiple Knob Control, LFO, Automation and Sustained Loop. He hits testing this out in live at about 1 minute in. If you liked this screencast check out the other Wire to the Ear videos.
Tweakbench Updates Free VST Instruments And Effects Tweakbench Updates Free VST Instruments And Effects
04:24 PM 
Aaron Rutledge, the guy behind Tweakbench synths, has announced that he’s updated all of his free VST synths and effects: all the plugins have a point release, updating many little things, and keeping things up to date. all of the cycler series, and everything using any granular processes should perform a bit better now, and i’m just a few days away from the newest addition to the family If you’re a PC user and you’re not familar with the Tweakbench line up, this could be a great time to check out the nearly two dozen free synths and effects that Rutledge has put together.
Akai Shipping MPC 5000 Akai Shipping MPC 5000
04:18 PM 
Akai has announced that they are now shipping the MPC5000. Akai’s MPC5000 is the first MPC to permit eight-track streaming hard disk recording for real-time capture of individual tracks or even entire songs. A 20-voice, three-oscillator analog synthesizer with arpeggiator, a new sequencing engine with 960 PPQ resolution, pad and track muting and mixing, 64 continuous sample tracks and 12 Q-Link controllers highlight just some of the features that make MPC5000 Akai’s most advanced MPC ever. An optional CD/DVD drive permits usage of audio on CD or DVD in songs, and also records compositions. 650MB of sounds from Loopmasters are included with the MPC5000, so it’s ready to go straight out of the box. Best of all, it’s got an “old-school” mode, for that vintage sampler sound! The MPC5000 lists $3,499.00. Features: Sixty four-voice drum/phrase sampler with 64MB memory built-in; expandable up to 192MB RAM Three-oscillator virtual analog synth engine with arpeggiator More than 300 Virtual Analog synths including Eight-track direct-to-hard disk recording More than 40 unique effects within a modular four-bus effects processor Master equalizer and compressor ?Old school? mode provides vintage sampler sound Built-in 80GB hard drive Optional CD-R/DVD drive USB 2.0 port for computer connectivity CF Type-2 card slot (up to 2GB) Chop-Shop 2.0 software included - slices stereo loops into individual samples and automatically assigns to pads Patched Phrases - creates multiple splits in looped samples to ensure proper tempo sync without changing pitch Continuous Sample Track - ensures samples play in perfect sync no matter where you start the beat in a loop 12 Q-link controllers for internal automation, external MIDI control and quick parameter editing. 240 x 128 hinged backlit LCD is double the size of previous MPC displays Ten analog outputs, eight ADAT-optical outputs, and stereo S/PDIF I/O Powerful new multimode filter Two MIDI inputs and four MIDI outputs Turntable phono inputs with RIAA preamp XLR + 1/4-inch combination inputs, selectable mic/line for use with any input source MPC5000 is also the first MPC with Random and Cycle sample playback added to the Zone play. A turntable input with preamp and XLR + 1/4-inch inputs provide a wide range of options for connecting any source equipment for production and performance.
Arp 2500 Synthesizer Arp 2500 Synthesizer
03:58 PM 
Jooris Benny has shared some great pictures of an ARP 2500 synthesizer. The ARP 2500 is a synth classic, and it was the first synth I ever used, at the University of Kansas, before I could afford my own! It uses a combination of patch chords and matrix switches to create connections. Each module’s panel has signal path lines that make it easy to identify how to patch things together. This makes patching fairly clean, but as you can see from the picture, it takes up an unholy amount of space. The ARP 2500 was also the synth used to communicate with the aliens in the movie Close Encounters Of The Third Kind!
Puremagnetik Releases Metalsphere Micropak Collection Puremagnetik Releases Metalsphere Micropak Collection
03:14 PM 
Puremagnetik has released Metalsphere, a sound design toolbox of intense soundscapes, suspenseful textures and horrific environments. Description: Metalsphere contains a huge array of sonic possiilities. With up to four individual distorted and layered sound sources, users can easily tailor their individual textures and signal levels. Sound designers, film composers and producers alike can each find something in this colorful palette of ambiences. The Ableton Live and Kontakt versions contain easy sound shaping controls to morph between signal sources. The Kontakt version includes customized KSP menus for easy access to filters and amplitude envelopes. The Ableton Live version is preprogrammed with effect macros and advanced Live Rack controls. Modular Components Metalsphere for Ableton Live and Logic contains individual “modules” for layering sounds. Each module comes from a completely different sound source and can be layered together or individually. Load up only the needed modules or combine multiple modules for a huge sound. System Requirements: Requires Ableton Live 7, Logic 8 or Kontakt 3 ‘500 MB of physical RAM 1 GigaByte (GB) of free hard disk space
New Documentary Takes Look At Electronic Music Pioneer Raymond Scott New Documentary Takes Look At Electronic Music Pioneer Raymond Scott
07:31 AM 
Trailer for the work in progress RAYMOND SCOTT: ON TO SOMETHING, a biographical documentary by his son, filmmaker Stan Warnow, about the 20th century musician, composer, and inventor whose musical career included the swing era, electronica, and everything in between, including use of his music in Warner Brothers Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies. For more info go to scottdoc.wordpress.com/ via StudioNebula
Is Sustainable Clubbing Legit? Is Sustainable Clubbing Legit?
07:05 AM 
Dr. Earth’s plan to save the world with sex, hedonism and clubbing seems a bit out there, so I did a little digging to find out more about sustainable clubbing. I came across this YouTube video that looks at the Sustainable Dance Club in Rotterdam (NL): While the video is a promo for Toyota as much as the idea of sustainability, it at least highlights some of the concepts behind sustainable dance clubs. This would be even more interesting if the motion of dancers was used to directly influece lighting and effects within the club. For example, if people move faster, it would generate more energy, making lights brighter or making them flash more frequently. If people on one side of the club were dancing, but not the people on the other side of the club, you could play a harder mix on the side of the club with the dancers, and a more chilled out version of the track on the side with no dancers. If you know anything more about the idea of sustainable clubbing, let me know in the comments.
Fixed Noise Releases Kreate By Speedy J Fixed Noise Releases Kreate By Speedy J
06:52 AM 
Fixed Noise has announced the release of Kreate, a new sound library designed and produced by techno, dance, minimal artist Speedy J, aka Jochem Paap. Description: This personal collection of Speedy J’s sounds includes the dance and minimal electronic rhythms for which he is notorious as well as fluid pads that offer an atmospheric sensibility. The library is composed of drum kits, individual hits/tones, loops, sequencer-based instruments, fx and konstrukt instruments. The library is made up of over 500 instruments mapped out in Native Instruments’ Kontakt Player 2. The Kontakt Player allows the user to create with the powerful and popular Kontakt interface without necessarily owning the full version. “My intention was to design a collection of sounds that is fun to play with and inspires the creation of music. The goal is to provide a broad set of carefully sculpted distinctive elements which can be used in many ways,” says Jochem Paap. “In my own productions I always try to use sounds in unexpected ways by pushing the limits of my tools. Kreate is designed to provide an organized and easily accessible collection of tools which will inspire users to take the same approach but make it less of a hassle.” Kreate will be released in late July, 2008, and will retail for $199. Kreate is Fixed Noise’s second software instrument. “We are thrilled to release Kreate,” says Fixed Noise founder, Jo Ardalan. “The pressure was on after OTTO [the debut product] to create something as sonically distinctive. Jochem succeeded in creating an instrument that not only stands alone sonically but feels endlessly creative.” Paap released his debut album, “Ginger,” on Warp Records. He has since released many records like “Public Energy No 1 [Mute],” “A Shocking Hobby [Mute],” “Loudboxer [Mute],” and also collaborated with artists such as Chris Liebing, Depeche Mode, Bjork, the Shamen, Mike Paradinas, Pete Namlook, George Issakidis, and Adam Beyer. In February, 2008 Paap and visual artist, Scott Pagano, released ‘Umfeld’ an audiovisual production designed specifically for 5.1 surround with rave reviews. His is currently releasing his records digitally through his own digital label Electric Deluxe.
Free Mac Editor For The Roland Alpha Juno Synth Free Mac Editor For The Roland Alpha Juno Synth
04:44 AM 
Alpha Juno Control is a free, open source Mac OS X patch editor for the Alpha Juno. It will let owners of Roland’s Alpha Juno keyboard control patch parameters via MIDI from their Mac. via Moogulator

 

 Monday June 30, 2008 
Dr. Earth Launches Plan To Use Sex & Hedonism, And Some Uri... Dr. Earth Launches Plan To Use Sex & Hedonism, And Some Uri...
09:23 PM 
Dr. Earth has launched a plan to use hedonism, sex and dance music to save the world. To forward this goal, Dr. Earth’s first step has been to launch a sustainable clubbing initiative: Working on the basis that a club should be self sufficient and not a drain on the environment, Club4Climate has come up with the varied and interesting ways to be eco-friendly. The strangest of which have been reported in the UK press, whereby Amy Winehouse is set to headline at Watt nightclub, Rotterdam in September. Energy will come from urine and sweat from clubbers and toilets will be flushed by rainwater. Projects Abroad, the gap year organisation recently endorsed by BBC Dragon?s Den star James Caan for their forward thinking initiatives, are working with Club4Climate to send young people to create sustainable dance clubs in New York, Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro. Once Dr. Earth achieves his goal of sustainable clubbing through urine and sweat powered clubs, he plans to create Club4Climate Island, a sexy eco-friendly holiday destination, where “you can save the world lying down drinking cocktails by the pool. Call me old-fashioned, but I’m a little skeptical about the idea that clubbing is going to save the world. And Dr. Earth makes me think that Mini-Earth has to be hiding somewhere. But if Dr Earth can save the earth with clubbing, sex and hedonism, count me in.
DSK Releases New Free Virtual Instrument; Looking For Donations DSK Releases New Free Virtual Instrument; Looking For Donations
09:00 PM 
DSK has released another free Windows virtual instrument, DSK Virtuoso. With DSK Virtuoso you can play combinations of 6 instruments, or play a composition up to 6 different parts, through the MIDI channels selectors. Features: 6 Instrument layers Midi channel assignable to each one ADSR, level and Pan control for each layer 40 instruments in 6 categories 2 Send Fx (Chours & delay) 1 Master reverb Fx Velocity response DSK releases free virtual instruments, but is having trouble paying his hosting bills as a result. If you use DSK instruments, considering using the PayPal link on his site!
Documentary Looks At Why We Collect Vinyl Documentary Looks At Why We Collect Vinyl
04:32 PM 
Wax Museum is a documentary view of the art of collecting vinyl. Featuring DJ Capsize as he interviews friends and strangers on a search for the answer to “what is the future of records?” via CrateKings
Yuri Suzuki Explores Physical Value Of Sound Yuri Suzuki Explores Physical Value Of Sound
04:24 PM 
Yuri Suzuki is an artist and musician interested in “revamping and giving new forms and meanings to the turntable, a device which very few of us still have in their house. Music is become more and more digital and abstract, and Suzuki is interested in exploring the physical, tangible representation of sound. The Prepared Turntable, above, is an analog answer to the digitalized DJ. The turntable has 5 tone arms, each of which can have its volume controlled by its own fader. Users can make or play music with special loop groove records. More examples of his work are available at We Make Money Not Art.
24 Nintendo DS Music Programs 24 Nintendo DS Music Programs
04:18 PM 
Remain Calm has put together a list of its top 24 music apps for the Nintendo DS: bliptracker - a drum machine & sequencer dsmcu - MCU-compatible mix controller Protein[DS] - sample looper, scratcher, glitcher nitrotracker kaosDS - converts touchscreen data into midi over wifi sampling keyboard dstep v2 - a visual sequencer glitchDS - a cellular automation sequencer repeaterDS - stuttering sample player midipad - a DS Kaoss pad clone toypiano - a sampled piano dstar - MIDI sequencer monome ds - an open-source Monome emulation soundcells - cool looking virtual synthesizer ukulele - a virtual ukulele dssynth - an open source DS synth MIDI Jammer - a graphical MIDI tool AXE - move the stylus around on the touch screen to create simplistic music pulse dsi - a MIDI synth drummers v2 FUDI Kaos DS knobs and sliders drum me - virtual drum kit strum me - a virtual guitar Check out the Remain Calm site for screenshots and more info. If you’ve tried these or other DS music apps, let me know what you think in the comments.
Chemical Brothers Announce New Best-Of Album, Brotherhood Chemical Brothers Announce New Best-Of Album, Brotherhood
03:39 PM 
The Chemical Brothers have announced a new best-of album, Brotherhood, that will be released Sept 2. Brotherhood comprises 2 discs, the first is a collection of 13 undeniable benchmark singles from the band’s immense back catalogue and new track Keep My Composure which features the shimmering flow of Baltimore?s Spank Rock. The 2nd disc will feature exclusively Electronic Battle Weapons 1-10. Since 1996, Electronic Battle Weapons have acted as the laboratories for The Chem’s musical experiments and laid the rhythmic and melodic foundations for numerous tracks. Until now, Electronic Battle Weapons 1-9 have only been available on various limited formats. This is the first time they have been widely available. Brotherhood will be preceded by the digital single Midnight Madness, the full-length of which will be included on Disc 2. Tracks: Disc 1 01.     Galvanize 02.     Hey Boy Hey Girl 03.     Block Rockin’ Beats 04.     Do It Again 05.     Believe 06.     Star Guitar 07.     Let Forever Be (Featuring Noel Gallagher) 08.     Leave Home 09.     Keep My Composure (Featuring Spank Rock) 10.     Saturate 11.     Out Of Control 12.     The Golden Path ? (Featuring The Flaming Lips) 13.     Setting Sun ? (Featuring Noel Gallagher) 14.     Chemical Beats Disc 2 1-10    Electronic Battle Weapons

 

 Sunday June 29, 2008 
Weepr - A Software Alternative To The Tenori-On Weepr - A Software Alternative To The Tenori-On
08:21 PM 
Weepr is a new free music application that is sort of like a software Tenori-On. Not much information is available yet, and the site is in Italian, but you can download and try Weepr out here. Adobe’s Air is required. It’s limited in terms of what sounds are available, and timing is a little shaky, but it’s free, and it’s distributed under a Creative Commons license, so you can change it and build on it, if you like.
Devo Sues McDonalds Over “New Wave Nigel” Happy Meal Toy Devo Sues McDonalds Over “New Wave Nigel” Happy Meal Toy
08:08 PM 
Post-punk pioneers Devo are suing McDonald’s over a Happy Meal doll that sports the band’s signature red flower pot hat. In April, McDonald’s introduced a series of American Idol Happy Meal toys based on a range of music styles, including Disco Dave, Country Clay, Rockin’ Riley and Soulful Selma. Devo’s complaint is that the toy “New Wave Nigel” is based on the band’s image, and that the doll plays a Devo-esque song. Bass player Gerald Casale said the band were taking legal action against McDonald’s for using their copyrighted hat without permission. “We are in the midst of suing them,” Casale told AAP. “This New Wave Nigel doll that they’ve created is just a complete Devo rip-off,” said Devo bassist Gerald Casale, “The red hat is exactly the red hat that I designed, and it’s copyrighted and trademarked.” “They didn’t ask us anything. Plus, we don’t like McDonald’s, and we don’t like American Idol, so we’re doubly offended.” While it’s clear that this toy was derived from Devo’s trademark image, you have to wonder if Devo itself has devolved, when it’s suing McDonalds over appropriating the band’s 25-year old image, instead of doing something new.
Beautiful Steampunk Synths Beautiful Steampunk Synths
03:37 PM 
Sonofcastille has published a set of videos demonstrating beautiful steampunk-style synths and noise generators. Here are a few of the coolest: WSG This is Ray Wilson’s Weird Sound Generator circuit off of musicfromouterspace.com, plus audio amp scavenged out of a Radio Shack amp. The case was an old telephone from the 70s. Captain Nemo’s Beat Box This is a circuit bent Realistic/Radio Shack drum machine from the 80s. Radio Free Mars
Digidesign Transfuser Now Available Digidesign Transfuser Now Available
06:24 AM 
Digidesign has announced the immediate availability of its Transfuser virtual instrument for Pro Tools. Transfuser comes with nearly 2 GB of loops and phrases to get users started quickly. By combining a series of modular drum machine/sound generators, dedicated sequencers, loop manipulation tools, and effects with an intuitive drag-and-drop composition/editing interface, users can easily create, manipulate and perform loop- and rhythm-based music on the fly. ?Transfuser is an incredibly fun and creative way to quickly make and manipulate music right in Pro Tools,? says Digidesign?s Dusty DiMercurio. ?Many people today rely on audio loops and phrases to create music. Transfuser offers user-friendly tools and a simple workflow that enables anyone to easily remix grooves and create original music from these building blockss.? Transfuser is available now in RTAS format for both Mac OS X and Windows at a price of $295 / ?282.
Kitaro Explains Why He Uses Synthesizers As He Does Kitaro Explains Why He Uses Synthesizers As He Does
04:47 AM 
In this video, new age artist Kitaro explains how and why he uses the synthesizer as he does. He also offers some criticism about the “wrong” use of that instrument.
Crystal Method Remix Contest Crystal Method Remix Contest
04:37 AM 
Digidesign has teamed with The Crystal Method, artist community Fuzz.com, and Remix magazine on a remix contest using a new track from The Crystal Method?s upcoming studio album, due in stores this fall. By visiting www.fuzz.com/remixingprotools, you can download The Crystal Method song session, create a remix, and then upload an MP3, by September 30, 2008. The Fuzz.com user community will vote for their favorite remixes, with The Crystal Method, Digidesign, Remix, and Fuzz.com staff reviewing the top voted remixes and selecting one winner and one runner-up to each receive a studio prize package. ?We are so excited to be a part of this remix contest. This will be the first time anyone has heard anything from our new album and now you have the opportunity to remix it,” said The Crystal Method?s Ken Jordan in a statement. Grand Prize Digidesign 003 Factory Digidesign Transfuser M-Audio Studiophile BX8a M-Audio Axiom 49 1 Year Subscription to Remix Magazine Runner-Up Prize Digidesign Mbox 2 Micro Digidesign Transfuser M-Audio KeyRig 25 M-Audio IE 20 XB In-ear Monitors iLok USB Smart Key 1 Year Subscription to Remix Magazine

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