AudioBus Demo With Loopy HD And Sunrizer

Convincing example of integration

If any of you needed some hard evidence of what AudioBus - the new inter-app audio streaming protocol on iOS can do, this video should give you an idea of what is possible at a basic, one-app-records-another way.

The two apps being Loopy HD from a Tasty Pixel (co-founders of AudioBus) and Sunrizer from Beepstreet (also Impaktor - winners of the Sonic Touch Gold Award) - a great synthesizer for iOS.

AudioBus can also be used (theoretically) to process one applications audio in realtime through another - which will mean a whole bunch of new and exciting ways to route and process.

It is yet to be tested in the wild to any great degree, so we dont know who much CPU is eaten up, but its looking good.

More Information

Audiob.us

Atastypixel.com

Beepstreet.com

Dangerous Source Monitor Controller Released

Portable desktop unit is now shipping

Dangerous Music tells us that Dangerous Source, which we previewed in a video from the NAMM show is shipping and available in the US and internationally. The Source is a portable and desktop unit designed for the engineer on the go or to fit a limited space on the desktop. Here's what Dangerous Music has to say in their own words...

The new sleekly designed Dangerous Source builds on the Company's sterling reputation as a perfectly tuned complement to any DAW for its centralized control of speakers, headphones, and more. The Source fits comfortably beneath a 13" laptop computer, but it can also sit unobtrusively on the desktop within arms reach to provide easy control of volume, input selection, speaker switching, and headphone control. An input for USB audio simplifies a traveling mix rig even further. Although the Dangerous Source is the company's first non-rack mount product, an optional 1RU user-installable front panel option is also available.

Dangerous Music is one of the industry leaders in dedicated monitor controllers and helped usher in the product category over 10 years ago with the Dangerous Monitor - widely regarded as a benchmark of quality by top engineers in mastering and mixing. Dangerous Music monitoring products have been nominated and won many prestigious industry awards including Pro Audio Review magazine's PAR Excellence Award, TEC Award, EM Editors Choice, MIX Magazine's Certified Hit, and Future Music Magazine's ACE award among others.

Tape Op Magazine recently praised Dangerous Music for: "...taking their history and experience with high-end gear and making something that is affordable, putting this kind of quality into a mobile monitor controller that's well within reach of most people....the Dangerous Source is a great box for just about any setup that needs a reliable high quality monitoring router.... the Source is a killer deal and an investment that will pay off handsomely over time."

Sporting many of the key professional features of the company's award-winning Dangerous D-Box, the Dangerous Source monitor controller offers speaker switching for two sets of speakers, speaker volume, AES/SPDIF digital IN, 2 Stereo Analog IN, dual headphone out with a separate level control, and in addition, it can connect directly to a computer for monitoring of digital audio over USB. Dangerous Source is capable of up to 24-bit 192kHz on both digital inputs.

Highlights

Designed for portability
Desktop form factor sits comfortably under a 13" laptop
Optional 1RU front panel available
Speaker volume control
Two 1/4-inch headphone outs
Supports 2 pairs of speakers
Alternatively select both speaker outputs simultaneously for speakers and subwoofer combination
Layering of multiple inputs in both the speaker and headphone outputs
2 Analog IN: unbalanced 1/8" mini stereo at -10 dBv, balanced XLR/1/4" combo jack at +4 dBu
AES/SPDIF digital IN, up to 24-bit/192 kHz
USB IN, up to 24-bit/192kHz for Windows and Mac
Line-level pass-thru for Control Room output
Buffered digital thru output for AES/SPDIF input

About Dangerous Music
Dangerous Music, Inc. designs and builds products that are indispensable to any DAW-based recording environment. Dangerous Music electronics designer Chris Muth has spent over 20 years working in and designing custom equipment for top recording and mastering studios. Muth and company founder Bob Muller pioneered the concept of the dedicated analog summing buss for digital audio workstations with the Dangerous 2-Bus in 2001. Today the company offers a wide range of products for recording, mastering, mixing and post-production facilities, all designed and built with mastering-quality standards and a practical aesthetic. Key products include the Dangerous 2-Bus and 2-Bus LT, Dangerous Monitor ST-SR and its Additional Switching System expansion units, Dangerous D-Box, Dangerous Master, Dangerous Liaison, Dangerous Monitor, Dangerous Source and Dangerous Bax EQ.

Pricing and Availability:
The Dangerous Source has a US street price of $899, and in Europe a street price of 999€ Euro including VAT.

More information:

www.dangerousmusic.com

Plug In For That Leslie Sound

XILS-lab releases LX122 and LX122 Premium rotary speaker emulation plug-ins

XILS-lab has announced the availability of its LX122 and LX122 Premium rotary speaker effects plug-ins. LX122 and LX122 Premium are Mac OS X 10.4 (32-bit PowerPC and Intel) and OS X 10.6 (32- and 64-bit Intel) or later- compatible (VST, AU, RTAS -- Pro Tools 7.0 or later) and Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7-compatible (VST, RTAS Pro Tools 7.0 or later) rotary speaker emulation plug-ins, both featuring XILS-lab's proprietary True Stereo Dynamic Engine (TSDE), which the company says offers a whole new way to record rotary speaker effects. Here's what XILS-lab has to say...

LX122 and LX122 Premium are the perfect partner for present-day organists and keyboardists everywhere -- or, indeed, anyone seeking that still-sought-after sound, so first... a little history: the instantly recognisable tone of a Hammond organ/Leslie speaker combo remains a staple of many musical genres -- think Procol Harum's psychedelic multi-million-selling single 'A Whiter Shade Of Pale', one of the standout anthems of 1967's so-called Summer Of Love. Yet there was little love lost back in 1937 when Leslie speaker inventor Donald Leslie bought a Hammond, hoping it would prove to be a suitable substitute for a pipe organ. Disappointed with its sound at his home compared to the spacious showroom where he had originally heard it in action, Leslie sought to improve things somewhat by experimenting with his own moving speaker designs, finally settling on the now-familiar form of a rotating drum and horn for bass and treble frequencies, respectively.

Until now, a classic rotary speaker system simply comprised a stationary treble unit with spinning horns and a stationary woofer with spinning rotor (or drum), together with two filters to divide the frequency spectrum between the horn and woofer; both the horns and the sound baffle for the bass are rotated to create Doppler effect-based vibrato, tremolo, and chorus effects, while the rotating elements can be stopped, switched between slow (chorale) and fast (tremolo), or transitioned between the two settings. All are effortlessly emulated in LX122's core modules alongside an authentic recreation of tube-based amplification -- one of the most important characteristics of the original concept, which inadvertently paved the way for the heavier rock tones pioneered by the likes of Deep Purple's Jon Lord, together with three reverb types, and MIDI-controllable SLOW and FAST mode buttons (for individually controlling the horn, drum, or both by keyboard inertia) for added flexibility.

Remaining in the computer-centric 21st Century, XILS-lab recognise that the true sound of a rotating speaker rests principally in how it reacts to the room in which it resides; to that end, the TSDE algorithm adeptly evokes this physical phenomenon. Moreover, the angle of the two 'recording' microphones can be tweaked within LX122 and LX122 Premium to allow varying amounts of room effects into the resultant mix, while internal cabinet reflections are also emulated to faithfully capture that much-loved mellowing side effect. It is even possible to increase or decrease speaker positioning from far away to directly within the cabinet itself -- impossible with real rotary speakers, of course!

As implied by name, LX122 Premium is fundamentally the same as its LX122 software sibling, yet offers much more sonic scope to the discerning user, including control over microphone movement, room choice, room size, cabinet speed, horn diameter, diffuser removal, speaker configuration, ribbon age, horn and drum balance, rotation direction, and more besides. Digging deeper, its additional Studio Panel allows users to position the microphones anywhere within five different room models, for example, while different cabinet configurations can be chosen within the Cabinet Panel, as well as randomly rotating the horn and drum. Don't be afraid to experiment; LX122 Premium is even better than the real thing, capable of rotary speaker effects hitherto unheard of in the real world!

LX122 features 14 factory presets to get users started, while LX122 Premium boosts that magic number to 75 by way of ably demonstrating its increased sonic scope. So why wait to rotate?

Pricing and Availability:
LX122 and LX122 Premium are available to purchase from the dedicated XILS-lab online Store for a special introductory price of €29 EURO/ $37.00 USD (LX122) and €45 EURO/$58.00 USD (LX122 Premium) until December 5 (respectively rising to €39 EURO/$49.00 USD and €69 EURO/$89.00 USD thereafter). Note: these are serial number-protected products -- no iLok required.

More information:

LX122

Native Instruments DJ Mixer Ships

TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 now in stores worldwide

Native Instruments has announced that the world's first 2+2 channel control mixer TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 is now available in stores worldwide and at the NI Online Shop. They tell us that TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 is constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum and provides two stand-alone channels with two full Remix channels, a high-quality soundcard, and a host of new features that offer DJs top-of-the line performance coupled with tour-ready reliability. NI says that these hardware and software advancements make TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 the first professional club mixer from Native Instruments. Watch 5 x DMC World Champion DJ Craze perform an impressive turntablism routine on the TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 in the video above and read the full details in NI's own words:
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2's aircraft-grade aluminum chassis forms the foundation of the KONTROL Z2's state-of-the-art design. Two stand-alone channels are each equipped with premium Innofaders™ and dedicated EQ and filter knobs. The KONTROL Z2's installation height is optimized for integration into standard club setups for the best possible ergonomics during performance. Club sound systems receive pristine audio thanks to 24-bit Cirrus Logic converters and balanced XLR outputs while a separate booth output and microphone input ensure accurate monitoring inside the DJ booth.

The KONTROL Z2's 2+2 design unites analog and digital DJing techniques. Rear panel inputs provide connectivity for both turntables and CDJs, offering connectivity for both purely analog as well as timecode-based setups. Multi-colored LED cue point controls placed next to the KONTROL Z2's intuitive master section and two additional TRAKTOR Remix Deck™ rotary knobs provide side-by-side control of TRAKTOR PRO software and analog sources, and a built-in USB hub allows direct connectivity to controller hardware. With TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2, DJs now have access to all aspects of their workflows with one powerful command center.

Purchase of TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 includes download of TRAKTOR PRO 2.6 – the latest version of NI's flagship DJ software. The KONTROL Z2 integrates perfectly with the new features in the 2.6 update including the new Flux Mode and Macro FX. Flux Mode tracks the time during complicated scratch and effect performances, allowing for creative loop rolls or effects while returning the song accurately to the beat.

The 11 Macro FX – specifically created for TRAKTOR – have been designed according to classic DJ workflows, and condense complex effect performances onto a single control knob on the hardware. Wormhole, Bass-o-Matic, and Zzzurp give DJs new ways to create exciting buildups and breakdowns. Flight Test, LaserSlicer, and Event Horizon offer DJs extra impact for punch-ins, and mixing effects such as Polar Wind, Dark Matter, and Strrretch give DJs more expressive control over track transitions.

TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 also includes TRAKTOR SCRATCH timecode vinyl and CDs* – rounding out this powerful control mixer with scratch capability. The KONTROL Z2 package is designed to provide options for all popular club workflows, setups, and controller configurations.

Pricing and Availability:

TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 is now available at retailers worldwide and at the NI Online Shop.

$899 / 799 € / 83800 ¥

More information:

www.native-instruments.com/z2-dj-mixer

Loops At 160BPM

Soundtrack Loops releases DnB Dark Speed for producing IDM and Drum 'n' Bass

Soundtrack Loops has released a new set of royalty free loops that they say is for producing IDM and Drum n Bass. They tell us that it contains 23 bass-lines, 84 mixed beats, 33 SFX (hits and risers), 11 percussions, and 51 synth licks - 202 loops in total.

Each loop is tempo synced to 160 BPM, created with the idea of producing IDM, Glitch, Drum n Bass, and Dubstep. Files contain BPM and Key information as well as metadata for popular DAWs on both Windows and Mac.

Formats (24 bit 44.1kHz Stereo.):ACIDized WAV, Ableton Alp, Apple-looped Aiff.

Pricing and Availability:
DnB Dark Speed is available to download for $24.95 from the Soundtrack Loops website.

More information:

soundtrackloops.com

Tricky Restoration Job Of 134 Year Old Recording

Cylinder covered in foil brought to life

Deep in the Berkley Research Facility Labs in California, a team of audio experts and scientists have been working on a restoration project made with recording materials dating back to 1878.

The recording medium originally designed by Thomas Edison consists of a cylinder and some tin foil onto which the signal was scratched with a stylus.

This early technology was not designed for more than a couple of playbacks before it deteriorated, but the team have cunningly created a 3D computer model of the grooves then recreated the sound in software.

What did they find? Well I admit, its not the most spellbinding content, but a tune played on a horn, followed by a chap called Thomas Mason reciting a couple of nursery rhymes.

Challenging stuff, whats your most ricky restoration job?

>>Recommended playback version:

Full length filtered playback of the tinfoil Tinfoil_filesfoil_top_ewc-DC-FIRFoil1CH.wav

The foil is easier to listen to if broken into distinct sections.

The sections are from the filtered version.

Section 1: Quiet lead-in with only the sound of the folds (see image above) Tinfoil_filesLeadin-filter.wav

Section 2: Brass instruments Tinfoil_filesMusic-filter.wav

Section 3: Mary Had a Little Lamb Tinfoil_filesMary-filter.wav

Section 4: Laughter Tinfoil_filesLaugher-filter.wav

Section 5: Old Mother Hubbard Tinfoil_filesOld-Mother-Hubbard-filter.wav

Section 6: Laughter and more speaking Tinfoil_filesMore-laughter.wavFull length raw playback of the tinfoil Tinfoil_filesfoil_top_ewc.wav

More Information

http://websnap08.lbl.gov/Tinfoil.html

Diginoiz Releases Young&Fresh 2

Sample collection is designed to let you produce better tracks than your favorite rap stars

Diginoiz says that, if you want to produce better tracks than your favorite rap stars like Khalifa, BoB, Diddy, Kid Ink, MMG and others, you need the help of their new product called Young&Fresh 2 which they tell us contains 8 highest quality, fresh, great sounding, catchy and melodic construction kits.

A spokesperson told us, "Young&Fresh 2 contains 8 construction kits, 110 loops, 1,32 Gb, multi-format material (24-bit WAV, REX, 24-bit Acid, 24-bit AIFF, 24-bit Apple Loops, 24-bit Reason 4.0 ReFill and 16-bit WAV) ready to use in your favorite sampler or sequencer, both hardware and software, including: Logic, GarageBand, Soundtrack, Digital Performer, Sony Acid, Ableton Live, Adobe Audition, Cakewalk Sonar, Pro Tools, Stylus Rmx, Emagic EXS24 and many more."

Pricing and Availability:
€22.00 EUR

More information:

Young&Fresh 2

Learn About The X32

Behringer hosts free webinars about their digital mixer

Behringer has announced a new series of webinars centered around the X32 Digital Mixer. Hosted by senior Behringer product specialists, these webinars are designed to unleash the immense functionality of the X32 by highlighting actual use-case applications. The series of presentations will also cover other key elements of the X32 eco-system. Behringer says that the webinars are perfect for beginning and intermediate X32 users or those who are interested in improving their audio setup with the X32.

A Behringer spokesperson told Sonic State, "Since it's introduction the BEHRINGER X32 has become the most favored component in the setup of thousands of musicians and sound engineers, like Matt Breunig (Monitoring Mixer of The Killers), who are thrilled with the superior sound of the built-in MIDAS-designed Mic Preamps, the expandability and the intuitive workflow. Embedded into an eco-system with S16 and P16, plus extensive remote control opportunities via PC and iPad, the X32 allows everyone to mix on a professional level at just a fraction of the cost of comparable systems."

Users can subscribe to the following webinars:

X32 & Logic In-Depth :Saturday, November 10, 2012
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST

X32 Busses: DCA's, Subgroups, Matrices, and Mix Busses :Monday, November 12, 2012
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM PST

Pricing and Availability:
Since space is limited, Behringer recommend reserving seats immediately.

More information:

X32

Grand Piano On Your iPhone

IK Multimedia releases iGrand Piano for iPhone and iPod touch

IK Multimedia has announced the release of iGrand Piano for iPhone and iPod touch, which they describe as a concert quality, highly playable, and extremely expressive app, offering 17 gorgeous sounding stereo pianos that rival the best virtual pianos for Mac and PC. Here' the details in IK's own words:

The app's stunning graphics are native to iPhone 4, iPhone 5,and the new iPod touch, meaning that its display utilizes the full screen size of the new devices, but is also optimized for previous models.

iGrand Piano for iPhone and iPod touch provides the same features, sound quality and piano lineup as the recently released iGrand Piano for iPad. Users get a virtual gallery of pianos including grands, baby grands, uprights, and even specialty pianos. The app includes a collection of 8 pianos, which can be expanded up to 17 via in-app purchase.

The pianos get their incredibly accurate sound from high-definition stereo samples, recorded across multiple velocities. The ultra-low latency sound engine provides a natural feel that allows for expressive and nuanced playing. Additionally iGrand Piano offers very high polyphony (up to 64 notes can be played simultaneously on the latest devices) allowing for the most demanding performances to be played flawlessly.

Each of iGrand Piano's instruments can be adjusted with any of seven performance parameters. These include Volume, Ambience, Lid (positioning), Brightness, Transpose, Tuning and Release. All of the parameters can be easily assigned to a MIDI controller number for external control. In addition, iGrand Piano supports MIDI program change and Virtual MIDI.

Besides its stunning piano sounds, the app has a built-in recorder, which offers overdubbing; quantizing; and audio file export using file sharing, e-mail and the copy function. Also included is a large audio/visual metronome with a tap tempo function.

The app provides two different views for onscreen playing, but the best playing experience is obtained when using iGrand Piano for iPhone with an external keyboard. IK offers two excellent options in this regard: iRig MIDI lets you connect any MIDI keyboard to your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, and control Core MIDI apps; and the new iRig KEYS, an ultra-portable, 37 mini-key controller loaded with performance features, is compatible with Apple's mobile devices as well as Mac/PC; and is bus powered on both platforms.

Pricing and Availability:

iGrand Piano is available for $19.99/€17.99 from the App Store

IK say that purchasers of iGrand Piano get a selection of eight top-quality pianos and can add the other nine through the Piano Expansion Pack available via in-app purchase.

iGrand Piano is also available in a FREE version which comes with two 4-octave, range-limited pianos, and users have the option to add more pianos via in-app purchase.

More information:

www.igrandpiano.com

Roland Announces BK-3 Backing Keyboard

Compact, affordable keyboard with auto-accompaniment

Roland has announced the BK-3 Backing Keyboard, the latest member of its lineup of BK-series instruments with intelligent backing track technology. They tell us that the BK-3 delivers exceptional sound quality and a large selection of music styles from around the world, providing full-ensemble backing at the touch of a button. Roland believes that, with its affordable price, ease of use, and premium features, the BK-3 is perfect for a wide range of users, from hobbyists and home players to one-man bands and pro entertainers. Here's the details in their own words...

Completely self contained, the BK-3 features a 61-note keyboard, a global array of intelligent music and rhythm accompaniments, and a built-in stereo sound system. Master programmers from around the world have created special rhythms for the BK-3, putting a wide range of colorful, authentic music under the user's fingertips.

The BK-3 is outfitted with a top-level Roland sound engine (compatible with GM2, GS, and XG Lite formats), which provides over 800 great sounds and dozens of drum and percussion kits to choose from. A friendly and intuitive front panel makes navigation easy, with clearly labeled buttons, dedicated controls, and a LCD display.

Users can play a variety of external backing formats via convenient USB memory, including WAV and MP3 audio, SMF, and Roland rhythms (BK, E, G, and VA series). The playback tempo can easily be adjusted with all formats, including audio. A Center Cancel function reduces the volume of vocals in commercial WAV/MP3 audio files, ideal for karaoke singing and minus-one playing. It's also easy for players to record their performances directly to USB memory.

The BK-3 is compatible with Roland Wireless Connect, which allows users to communicate with an Apple iPhone or iPad over a wireless network via the optional WNA1100-RL Wireless USB Adapter. The free app for iPhone/iPad offers fun and useful integration with the BK-3, including Air Recorder, music sharing on social networks, and a lyrics display for SMF songs (with embedded lyrics) played on the BK-3.

The BK-3 comes in two different finishes: black (BK-3-BK) and white (BK-3-WH). For more information, please visit.

Pricing and Availability:
TBC

More information:

BK-3

Dream Desk For Keyboardists

UNTERLASS Studio Furniture introduces the DUODESK KEY 60

Austrian high-end studio furniture-maker UNTERLASS Studio Furniture has announced availability of DUODESK KEY 60, hot on the heels of the company's successful DUODESK 60 launch product -- billed as being a one-man media production workspace for recording, mastering, and mixing.

Company founder Arno Unterlass, told Sonic State, "The DUODESK 60 was the first furniture I designed and built; the next step was to integrate a keyboard shelf capable of handling heavy master keyboards. After a lot of research and prototype-building, the DUODESK KEY 60 was born. Its pull-out drawer enables composers and songwriters to work with large master keyboards, which can be rolled out from underneath the desk surface. An industrial- engineered guidance system ensures the necessary stability and strength required to handle the static and dynamic loads imposed at very low installation heights."

Here's the full lowdown in the company's own words...

The DUODESK KEY 60 is available as standard in a silk matt black lacquered finish for €2,225.00 EURO (excluding VAT). Featuring a cleverly-concealed cable management system, its two 10-degree-angled desktop-mounted side racks (10HE each), two front-facing floor-level vertical side racks (12HE each), and two rear-mounted horizontal racks (4HE each) all amount to a lot of rack space -- surely enough to satisfy most recording requirements, while its ergonomic shape, look, and feel simplifies workflow. The height- adjustable keyboard drawer can comfortably accommodate master keyboards up to 170cm wide and 16cm high -- including the likes of Doepfer Musikelektronik's monstrous, heavy-duty flight-cased, 88-note LMK4+ example, with the front of the desk's armrest panel being custom profiled to exactly match the purchaser's master keyboard.

Various configuration options enhance the look, feel, and functionality of the DUODESK KEY 60: deluxe (alternative 'Zebrano' wooden finish); flexi (extends the desk width by 20cm or 50cm); white (alternative colour finish). Pricing upon request.

Production time is approximately four weeks from order placement, and shipping is available from €100.00 EURO (excluding VAT), depending on destination. All desks are securely supplied flat-packed in a wooden crate with instructions for relatively simple self-assembly. No need to widen any doors!

Pricing and Availability:
€2,225.00 (see main text)

More information:

www.unterlass.info

Hellish Dubstep

Prime Loops releases Dubstep Reaper sample collection

Prime Loops has released the Dubstep Reaper sample collection. We can't be bothered to edit the press release they have sent us so we'll just let their publicist describe it in his own inimitable fashion...

Welcome to the Prime Loops dungeon of devious, dastardly and dangerous noise! We held our breath, raced in and gathered as many sounds as we could before getting too scared and running straight out of there - the result is far creepier than any of us could have possibly imagined! It's as if the black spirit of the grim reaper himself was behind the mixing desk for this one, bringing you a whole new brand of Dubstep terror in the form of "Dubstep Reaper"!

Should you dare to look inside you'll find blood-curdling drums, basslines darker than the misty night air, scything synths sharp enough to chop off your ears and horrifying sound effects that'll chill you to your very core. With everything blasting along at Bpm140, these loops will leave dark trails of delicious Dubstep mayhem all over your tracks!

Join the dark forces of the night and find yourself in possession of a powerful new weapon - just don't complain when you find out "Dubstep Reaper" has an evil mind of its own!

Toughen yourself up before trying these loops and one-shots - you're going to need all the strength you can muster to keep these hellish sounds under control!

At 323MB in size, there's enough ammunition in "Dubstep Reaper" to keep your music pulsing with evil energy for millenia - the Reaper has spoken, it's time to turn up the terror!

Pricing and Availability:
£17.95

More information:

Prime Loops

Golden Moog

10th Anniversary Minimoog Voyager announced

Moog has announced the 10th Anniversary Minimoog Voyager with a 24 Karat gold dipped chassis among other features. There's a limited edition of 31, one of which is to be given away. Here's Moog's statement:

"We'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our exceptional customers for allowing our small company to thrive while staying true to our ideals. Ten years ago Bob Moog combined modern engineering and detailed craftsmanship to realize his dream of reimagining the Minimoog. The release of the Minimoog Voyager allowed us to realize another dream: that our dedicated employees would be able to provide for their families through their work at Moog. The decade long success of the Minimoog Voyager has enabled us to continue handcrafting analog synthesizers in Asheville, NC today. To show our gratitude all registered Minimoog Voyager owners will receive a small gift for joining us on our ten year voyage. And...one very lucky Moog enthusiast will win the gift of a lifetime, the 10th Anniversary Minimoog Voyager--created with the finest materials, it stands as a testament to American craftsmanship. Thirty proud owners, one lucky winner."

Pricing and Availability:
10th Anniversary Minimoog Voyager costs $15,000

More information:

www.moogmusic.com

Four-Piece Horn Section For Kontakt

Native Instruments introduces Session Horns Kontakt instrument

Native Instruments has introduced Session Horns, a new Kontakt instrument that features the sound of a four-piece horn section. They say that, notable for its pristine and authentic sound, Session Horns is designed to allow producers of all levels access to high quality horns, and includes a number of features that make it a highly creative and usable tool for a large variety of musical styles. Here's the details in NI's own words:

SESSION HORNS is based on four meticulously sampled instruments: a tenor sax, a trombone and two trumpets, playable either as a standard instrument or using the included musical phrases. All instruments were sampled in a wide range of articulations, including specific samples to reproduce the authentic sound of typical legato horn lines. Furthermore, the unique Smart Voice Split automatically allocates each note of a chord to the corresponding brass instrument, just as an arranger would. This results in a realistic, professional sound that avoids the 'cluster' effect that plagues many software-based horn productions.

The detailed sample base was used to construct over 170 ultra-flexible playable phrases, which draw their inspiration from contemporary pop, funk, reggae, indie, and neo soul productions, and are suited for use in a variety of production contexts. The Animator in SESSION HORNS provides producers with an inventive tool for jamming ideas and coming up with musical phrases. Using one hand to play a chord and selecting phrases with the other will generate harmonic horn accompaniments in real time, without the need for advanced production or composition experience.

Developed by renowned sampling specialists e-instruments, SESSION HORNS is a KONTAKT Instrument that can be used either in KONTAKT 5 or the free KONTAKT 5 Player. It joins SESSION STRINGS and SESSION STRINGS PRO in offering professional sounding studio ensembles that put usability first.

Pricing and Availability:
SESSION HORNS is available at the NI Online Shop for $119 / 99 EUR / 998 JPY.

More information:

www.native-instruments.com/sessionhorns

Remix Snow Patrol And Win Prizes

Shure announces contest to to remix the lead track from the latest Fallen Empires album

Snow Patrol are giving you the chance to remix the title track from their new album 'Fallen Empires'. All of the stems are available for you to download once you've signed up. Just follow the following three steps to participate:

1. Sign up and download the stems of Fallen Empires
2. Upload your remix
3. Win Shure products

Once the competition is over, Shure will select a long list of entrants. Snow Patrol will then judge from this group all of the winners.

The best 3 tracks chosen by Snow Patrol will win vouchers for Shure products with a value of up to 1500 €. The best three tracks will win vouchers for Shure products:
First prize: 1500 Euros
Second prize: 1000 Euros
Third prize: 500 Euros

Snow Patrol said, "Welcome to the Fallen Empires remix competition. We are looking for you to use some of these parts and create something new and original. We won't be favouring any particular type of entry. Everyone will be judged on the same level, whether your entry transforms Fallen Empires into anything from an acoustic track to a techno track. We wish you the best of luck!"

Pricing and Availability:
The competition will be open until December 14

More information:

SHURE REMIX COMPETITION

More Korg MS-20 And Moog Source Sounds

Precisionsound releases Analog Performer 2: Downtempo sample set

Precisionsound has released Analog Performer 2: Downtempo, in ACID wav, Apple Loops, Stylus RMX, and REX formats. Featuring 140 multitrack performance loops, they tell us that this sound library showcases the unique analog sounds of the Korg MS-20 and Moog Source synthesisers.

Analog Performer is the creation of synth expert and best-selling ambient musician Phil Thornton (credits include Sinéad O'Connor, Arthur Brown, Hossam Ramzy, Expandis).

Precisionsound founder Lars Westin, says: "High-quality downtempo loops can be hard to find, so Analog Performer 2: Downtempo is an invaluable collection of laidback and ambient grooves for electronic music production. Using Phil's personal collection of vintage gear, Analog Performer 2: Downtempo is a sonic exploration of the MS-20's dual filter, through intricate rhythms and live performances. Driven by a Korg SQ-10 analog sequencer and MS-50 modular expander, the sound of the MS-20 is complemented by powerful Moog tones, Korg Electribe drum machines, and a Korg Wavestation synthesiser. As an added bonus, 40 fully-produced demonstration mixes can be used as royalty-free music beds."

Analog Performer 2: Downtempo contains 10 suites of eight-bar loops, at tempos from 65-90bpm:
140 ACID wav format loops (543MB total)
Sliced versions of 111 loops in Apple Loops, Spectrasonics Stylus RMX, and REX formats
40 demonstration mixes in ACID wav format (257MB total)
44.1kHz/24-bit audio throughout

All loop formats are included when you buy Analog Performer 2: Downtempo. You do not need a software sampler to use this sound library.

Pricing and Availability:
Analog Performer 2 Downtempo costs $39 (+$11 if you want it on DVD)

More information:

Precisionsound

Kenton Announces Active DIN Sync Splitter Box

SYNC-5 connects several DIN Sync devices to one DIN Sync controlling device

MIDI utilities specialist Kenton has announced availability of its new SYNC-5 Active DIN Sync Splitter. As implied by name, the SYNC-5 Active DIN Sync Splitter has one DIN Sync input and five DIN Sync output ports to enable users to easily connect several DIN Sync devices to one DIN Sync controlling device -- without the usual problems often associated with daisy-chaining devices. Here's the details directly from Kenton...

Since Roland popularised the DIN Sync interfacing standard -- otherwise known as SYNC 24 -- on the likes of its classic TR-808 and TR-606 drum machines, legendary 'acidic' TB-303 Bass Line, and early digital sequencers (such as the MC-4 and MC-202 MicroComposers), the SYNC-5 is primarily intended for use with such suitably-equipped, pre-MIDI Roland equipment -- all of which work at 24 clocks-per-quarter note. The SYNC-5 can also work with any appropriate Korg devices at 48 clocks-per-quarter note. It cannot convert between the two, however.

Housed in an attractively finished, brushed aluminum box with black screen print, the SYNC-5 ships with an energy-efficient, switch-mode PSU appropriate to the destination country -- UK, EU, US, and Australian types are available, so no battery changes required. Simply connect... and forget!

Operation couldn't be simpler: plug the supplied PSU into the SYNC-5 (which will illuminate its 'active' LED), connect the DIN Sync output port of an appropriate drum machine or sequencer to the single DIN Sync input port, and connect one or more of the DIN Sync output ports to the DIN Sync inputs of any devices to be synchronised; start the DIN Sync controlling device and any connected DIN Sync devices will play along in perfect tempo, as indicated by speed of the now- flashing LED.

It's just like being back in the Eighties again! And that's no bad thing, surely, since those still-sought-after DIN Sync devices sound better than ever in today's software-swamped musical climate. (Just remember: the SYNC-5 is not a MIDI device; neither its input or outputs are capable of handling MIDI data.)

Pricing and Availability:
SYNC-5 can be purchased directly from Kenton for £52.80 GBP (including VAT)

More information:

SYNC-5

New Approach To Synthesis Unveiled

Tone2's new Rayblaster features Impulse Modeling Synthesis (IMS)

Tone2 tells us that Impulse Modeling Synthesis (IMS) is a radically new and different approach to synthetic sound generation, based on the latest research in psychoacoustics. It's first exponent, Rayblaster creates its characterful sound from many short bursts of energy, then combined to form a more complex sound.

Tone2 says that this innovative and unique approach to synthesis is very close to what happens within the human inner ear, sounds more authentic and gives you access to a wide range of sounds.

Features

Revolutionary new synthesis method
Access completely new sonic territory
High-end sound quality
Create professional sounds with character and impossible with any other synthesizer
Lets your music stand out from the crowd!
Professional sound quality that is never muddy and fits well into the mix
Sounds more detailed, pleasant, fat and louder than conventional synths
Independent control over pitch, timing and timbre
Filter import: Mimic filters of other synthesizers or create your own fantasy filters.
Resynthesis allows easy import & manipulation of your own sounds
Huge sonic range and very flexible
Easy to use & fun to play
Over 500 ready-to-use sounds by professional designers
Psychoacoustic processing
Expandability
Low CPU
Fair price

Pricing and Availability:
Rayblaster will out for Mac & PC in December 2012

More information:

Tone2 RayBlaster

Mac Wave Editor Redefined And Renamed

Audiofile Engineering launches Triumph with new interface, features and functionality

Audiofile Engineering has announced Triumph, the sequel to their Wave Editor audio editing application. Audiofile tells us that, available as an app for Mac OS X, they have redefined audio editing with Triumph as an "audio designer", sporting a newly redesigned interface and a host of new features and functionality.

Triumph is much more than just a new version of Wave Editor, which is also the reason for the new name. Matthew Foust, founder of Audiofile Engineering, explains, "Our goal is to always be on the cutting edge of technology and interface design. We completely rewrote Wave Editor. We rethought everything, not only how to improve on what we built in Wave Editor, but how we could bring the concept of an audio editor forward. Triumph takes full advantage of all of the latest technologies Mac OS X has to offer."

Here's more details in the company's own words:

Musicians and audio professionals who are already fans of Audiofile Engineering's Wave Editor will be delighted in seeing the new Triumph's single window and full screen support, experiencing the completely rewritten audio system and the significantly improved arrangement & mastering features, all fully 64-bit.

Less guess work and more speed
Triumph features a unique and patented method for editing audio: Layers. It's similar to image editing in technique, but is specifically tailored for audio. The Layers method is an innovative way to create combinations of sounds. It saves time by keeping everything live and editable until the final product and results in less guesswork and more speed.

Spacious, natural sounds thanks to FHX
The new FHX™ effect in Triumph solves a number of the issues often associated with listening to music on headphones. FHX creates a more spacious, natural sound stage over headphones -- enabling an exceptional listening experience that will truly inspire and engage.

Audiofile Engineering has teamed up with iZotope and now includes iZotope Restore & Restoration as well as the advanced iZotope MBIT+ and 64-bit SRC options for disc burning in Triumph.

Key new features include:
Redesigned Meters inspired by the beautiful UI from the Spectre, Audiofile's real-time analysis application
Auto Save & Versions - automatically save your projects with browse history
Multi-Touch Gestures
Full Apple Script Support for complex workflows, automation and interacting with other applications
Actions for a clean, uncluttered interface and intuitive workflow
Effects Groups - save a group of Effects including their settings for use on future projects
Effects Automation – new Shapes feature can automate the parameters of an effect
High performance scrubbing and innovative FHX™ headphone listening plug-in
Hardware Output & Channel Mapping for greatly improved system configuration
Full Support for iXML
Support for Retina displays
Analog Simulation

Triumph is the go-to solution for sound design, editing, mastering, and CD layout. A unique application that fulfills a real need, allowing users to work with Layers, SmartEdits, all within a beautiful and clean user interface. When it comes to mastering in Triumph, audio professionals can streamline their workflow with greatly improved layout tools, DDP 2.0, and Red Book CD burning.

About Audiofile Engineering
Developing applications exclusively for Mac OS X and iOS, Audiofile Engineering is redefining the standards for Mac-based audio software. Its growing catalog of essential audio tools makes full use of the core technologies available in the latest Apple platforms. Audiofile Engineering products include FiRe 2 - Field Recorder, Sample Manager, Spectre, Quiztones, Rax and Fidelia.

Pricing and Availability:
Triumph requires Mac OS 10.7.0 or higher (10.7.5 recommended). It is available via Audiofile Engineering's online store and is on sale for $59.99, 25% off the regular price of $79.99,through November 16th. Users who purchased Wave Editor 1.5 on or after May 1st, 2012 may request a license key for Triumph 2.0 at no charge.

More information:

Triumph