News From Kong Audio

ChineeXun updated, QIN RV 2.0 engine released for free ChineeGuZheng Classic

Kong Audio has released an update for the freeware ChineeGuZheng Classic featuring the new QIN RV 2.0 engine, and an update for ChineeXun.

ChineeGuZheng Classic has an extensive sampleset which contains various types of tremolo, slide, Glissando, and strumming. It is the predecessor of the brand new ChineeGuZheng II. The free ChineeGuzheng Classic powered by the brand new QIN RV 2.0 engine is now available for download.

ChineeXun, the Chinese ocarina, has had the sampleset updated with fixes and modifications. This update is free for existing customers.

QIN RV 2.0 engine sports 16 MIDI and Audio channels with multi-timbral capability and can load multiple KAI instruments for easier project and resource management. Some features of standard QIN RV instruments are disabled in the free GuZheng Classic:

• Velocity Mapping in Keymaps Editor disabled.
• Keywsitch 2 and Keyswitch 3 Extenders disabled.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENT:
Windows XP/Vista/7/8 (32/64 bit). 2 GB RAM. 6 GB disk space.
32/64 bit VST host sequencers

Pricing and Availability:
Free download

More information:
www.chineekong.com

Free Remote App For Vienna Instruments PRO

Vienna Symphonic Library releases free updates for all of their software products

The Vienna Symphonic Library has updated their complete range of software products, making them compatible with Avid's new plug-in format AAX Native. In addition, the new version of Vienna Instruments PRO comes with a brand new Remote App that converts iOS and Android tablet PCs into external MIDI controllers for Vienna's proprietary sample player. Registered users have access to the updated versions at the company's User Area, free of charge. New users may order full-fledged 30-day demo versions at the Vienna Symphonic Library web shop. Here's the details in VSL's own words:

Tablet PC as Customized MIDI Controller
The latest version of Vienna Instruments PRO comes with a customized, wireless touch-pad remote control app for both iOS and Android tablet PCs. Articulation switches and fader movements for various parameters such as Master Volume, Velocity Crossfade, Expression, Tuning, etc. can be controlled and recorded instantly in real-time, and even multiple faders can be moved simultaneously. Customers may send key switch commands and controller data for Vienna Instrument PRO instances to multiple computers from just one tablet – the Automatic Activation Mode displays the Vienna Instruments PRO instance that is being
performed via MIDI. When the APP Sequencer (Vienna Instruments PRO's internal Auto-Playback and Pattern Sequencer) is activated, additional control options for switching chords, voicings and patterns become available.

AAX Support for all Software Products
In addition to general improvements, all software products of the Viennese company such as Vienna Instruments, Vienna Instruments PRO, Vienna Ensemble, Vienna Ensemble PRO, Vienna MIR PRO / MIR PRO 24, Vienna Suite and Vienna Imperial now support AAX Native, Avid's new plug-in format for Pro Tools systems.

About the Vienna Symphonic Library
The Vienna Symphonic Library is an innovative, research-driven music software and sample library developer based in Vienna, Austria. The team continually strives to improve virtual orchestral music production with a special emphasis on authenticity and ease-of-use. Vienna Instruments, the company's multi-award-winning virtual instruments in AU/VST/AAX Native/RTAS formats, encompass an exhaustive range of solo instruments and ensembles, from their flagship Symphonic Cube to special instruments such as the Vienna Konzerthaus Organ, the Vienna Imperial grand piano, saxophones, upright bass, and even distorted guitar. Vienna Instruments PRO is the most powerful software sample player on the market, providing Auto Humanization, Polyphonic Legato, Enveloped Time Stretching, Adjustable Tuning Scales as well as an internal Auto-Playback and Pattern Sequencer. Vienna MIR PRO and Vienna MIR PRO 24 are network-capable mixing and reverberation solutions for Macs and PCs, based on Multi-Impulse Response convolution. Vienna Ensemble PRO 5 is a universal mixing-host for stand-alone and cross-platform network
applications with full parameter automation and 3rd party plug-in support. The Vienna Suite audio plug-ins encompass eleven high-end mixing and mastering tools, such as convolution reverb, hybrid reverb, equalizer and master equalizer, limiter and multiband limiter, compressor, exciter and others.

Pricing and Availability:
Free update

More information:
www.vsl.co.at

Polysix For The iPad

Korg releases the iPolysix polyphonic synth studio with an introductory sale

Today sees the release of the KORG iPolysix polyphonic synth studio for the iPad mini & iPad at a special introductory 50% price until the end of the year. Here's all the details in Korg's own words...

iPolysix is an analog polyphonic synthesizer that's been carefully designed to take full advantage of the 7.9-inch display of the new iPad mini as well as the iPad. Bringing together a sequencer, drum machine, and even a mixer, it transforms your iPad or iPad mini into the ultimate analog synth studio. Pack an amazing set of early-'80s analog equipment into your iPad, and time-travel back to the dawn of polyphonic synthesizers!

Features

• The world-wide best-selling Polysix polyphonic synthesizer, fully replicated on your iPad
• Use the newly developed Polyseq polyphonic step sequencer to control the Polysix
• A music production environment including two Polysix units, a drum machine, and a mixer
• Dual Kaoss Pads with chordal support make it easy for anyone to play analog synth sounds
• Polyshare powered by SoundCloud lets you publish, share, and remix songs with iPolysix users

The world-wide best-selling Polysix polyphonic synthesizer
Korg's Polysix, a six-voice analog polyphonic synthesizer, went on sale in 1981. While a popular synthesizer of that time was able to produce only five notes simultaneously, the Polysix had six-note polyphony, and its name was an expression of its designers' pride. iPolysix uses Korg's proprietary "CMT" (Component Modeling Technology) to simulate the actual electronic circuits of the original unit, perfectly reproducing the original Polysix.

The newly developed Polyseq polyphonic step sequencer
Polyseq is a polyphonic step sequencer that provides up to 64 steps, newly developed in order to take full advantage of the Polysix's capabilities. Polyseq provides a different operating feel than a conventional piano-roll sequencer or even a step sequencer; it's a new yet somehow familiar experience, as if you were retracing the evolution of electronic musical instruments. Don't miss the opportunity to try out this perfect match; the Polysix+Polyseq.

A music production environment including two Polysix units, a drum machine, and a mixer
iPolysix has been created as a professional music production tool. In addition to two Polysix units, it provides a six-part drum machine, and an analog mixer that's reminiscent of the KMX-8 mixer. You'll have everything you need to produce great sounding music. Surrounded by analog equipment, you'll imagine that you've time-traveled back to the early '80s.

Dual Kaoss Pads with chordal support
The large multi-touch display shows two Kaoss Pads which you can control using both hands to perform music. This enables creative performance even for those who have no musical knowledge. These Kaoss Pads have been customized for iPolysix to allow not only single-note performance, but also chordal playing with just one finger; a new experience made possible only by a combination of new and old technology, the Polysix+Kaoss Pad.

Polyshare powered by SoundCloud lets you publish, share, and remix songs with iPolysix users around the world
Polyshare is a function for iPolysix users to share their songs. It's based on SoundCloud, the song sharing service favored by music creators. You can make your song available to iPolysix users around the world simply by uploading the song directly from the app. You can download and upload remixable tracks. It's easy to enjoy remixing and collaboration with users around the world.

*You'll need a SoundCloud account to use Polyshare.

Compatibility
iPad mini or iPad series (iPad 2 or later is recommended).
iPolysix is a dedicated iPad app.

Pricing and Availability:
$14.99

More information:
App Store

Three Free Synths For Windows

Acrobatics releases the VST Minisynth series

Acrobatic's Minisynth series collection consist of three instruments: FRET, GRIT and PEAK.

A spokesperson told us, "As an overall concept, Acrobatics simplified controls and packed implementations to the highest grade to push-up users creativity first and give steady look and maximum usability to the three polyphonic synthesizers. A common look and feel and standardized location of knobs and switches goes in the direction of helping musician when in a busy musical work, when certainly requires fast access to basic synthesis controls and settings to fit in the mix. The Minisynth series collection is also suitable for educational purpuses for its separate interpretations of most important synthesis methods and applications."

Pricing and Availability:
Free download

More information:
Acrobatics

Sonic LAB: Korg Krome Presentation

New affordable workstation range

Product specialist Luke Edwards paid a visit to Sonic Towers and gave us a good look at the new Korg Krome Workstation - Korg's budget full-size workstation range. Available as 61, 73 and 88 keys - this one features a weighted keyboard based on the SP170 piano.

With a touchscreen and a selection of sounds from the Kronos, it has a good range of meat and potato sounds - due to a large PCM wave ROM memory (4GB) 2.8GB of which is dedicated to the German Piano with 8 velocity layers per note.

Those expecting a fully synth'ed up machine will be sad to hear that it doesn't feature any of the 13 synth engines the Kronos boasts, but has the more standard Korg M3 engine. Although you do get access to the usual synth parameters via the touch screen interface. Osc (x2), LFO (x3), ADSR (x3) plus five insert effects and 2 send effects.

I'll let Luke take over from here.

UK Street Prices:
Krome 61 £799, 76 £949, 88 £1249

More Information
Korg.co.uk