Όλα τα τελευταία νέα για τη Μουσική Τεχνολογία και την Ακουστική, κατευθείαν από τις επίσημες ιστοσελίδες των εταιρειών, συγκεντρωμένα σε ένα blog!

Product Presentation: Cakewalk Sonar X2a Touch

How does it integrate?


We had a visit from UK tech support for Cakewalk Oliver Davis this week - he's been working Sonar X2a on a Lenovo Thinkpad Twist.

Cakewalk's programmers are amongst the first to actually code touch functionallity into the DAW, rather than just have replace th mouse/trackpad with the finger and it shows.

Oliver Davis ran us through some of the operations you can use touch for which not only shows off the touch functions but was pretty rockin on the Lenovo - a compact touchscreen laptop running Windows 8.

Touch integration is available on all flavours of Sonar X2a (Producer, Studio and Essential)

More Information
Cakewalk.com

Strange Piano For Ableton Live

AfroDjMac releases Mom's Piano free Live Pack


AfroDjMac has released free Live Pack 73 - Mom's Piano. He told us, "It's a trippy piano sound with lots of character. I recorded samples of my mother's beautiful piano, that I mangled into a dreamy, glitchy, yet useful instrument for Ableton Live."

Pricing and Availability:
Free download

More information:
AfroDJmac

Learn Guitar, Bass, Drums And Vocals In Wales

The Institute launches new partnership in Cardiff with the University of Glamorgan


Having delivered cutting edge contemporary music education for 25 years, the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance has announced the launch of a new partnership with the University of Glamorgan. Here's the press release that they have sent us...

From September 2013, the Institute is extending its superior music education experience to Cardiff, the Welsh capital, and in partnership with the University will be creating and offering a new and exciting Bachelor of Music Degree in guitar, bass, vocals and drums.

This new venture will not only provide musicians with a fantastic opportunity to study contemporary music to the highest standards in Wales, it will also allow them access to the University's inspiring facilities and environment. The programme will be delivered at the custom-built ATRiuM campus situated in the heart of Cardiff city centre, allowing students unrivalled access to work alongside fellow music production undergraduates and access to industry standard recording facilities.

Students on the BMus Contemporary Music Performance will also benefit from the opportunity to take an optional Rockschool Licentiate during their final year, allowing them to graduate with an additional and accredited teaching qualification.

Pete Whittard, Operations Director at the Institute, commented "this is a wonderful opportunity for the Institute to partner with the University of Glamorgan in creating a new and exciting degree in Contemporary Music Performance. We know that it will offer a professional pathway into a career in the industry for aspiring musicians and an outstanding undergraduate experience in Cardiff, one of the UK's most exciting cities."

Cardiff offers a diversity of cultural opportunities, is built on a heritage of music and is home to such musical successes as Manic Street Preachers, Tom Jones, The Stereophonics, The Alarm, Bonnie Tyler and Feeder who all continue to inspire generations of music makers.

Professor Peter Robertson, Dean of Faculty for the Cardiff School of Creative and Cultural Industries stated that"it is appropriate that we are launching in collaboration with the Institute, a flagship contemporary music performance course during this year when Cardiff plays host to the international WOMEX 2013 music expo and showcase event".

Institute alumni have been playing and performing successfully across the UK for many years with artists such as The Vaccines, Jessie J and Radiohead. The Institute in London boasts an outstanding teaching Faculty with a wealth of music industry experience, and is thrilled to partner with the University of Glamorgan to expand its renowned teaching methods into another important music capital.

More information:
www.icmp.co.uk
www.glam.ac.uk/cci

Easier Way Of Getting A Neve Desk

GC Pro Offers Financing Package and Custom Patch Bay for Neve Genesys Console


Guitar Center Professional (GC Pro), the outside sales division of Guitar Center that focuses on the needs of professional users, has announced, along with AMS Neve, the latest news regarding the Neve Genesys, a custom-crafted, expandable digitally controlled analog recording console that incorporates digital workstation control.

First, GC Pro, the exclusive Genesys distributor in the U.S., is offering a new aggressive financing package on the console, making it easier than ever for users to make the Genesys the centerpiece of their recording studio. All Media Capital will offer 100% financing plus any applicable sales tax, and the customer will only have to make two advance payments upon execution of the loan documents.

Second, GC Pro is offering a new custom patchbay system for the Genesys, created by Horacio Malvicino of Malvicino Design Group, a GC Pro Affiliate Program member. The system, which includes seven TT-96 point and two sixteen-input mic panels/foldback as well as one tie line Interface, provides maximum flexibility and full connectivity for all analog inputs and outputs available on the console frame, plus basic user connections for added outboard and external gear.

The system uses digital-ready patchbay kits from Audio Accessories with five contacts jacks for normalizing, along with oxygen-free analog ultra-flexible multipair audio cables and Neutrik connectors. All parts are hand crafted, by the Malvicino Design Group staff, in their facilities; all connections are made with silver solder for enhanced connectivity, reduced signal degradation and low noise while increasing durability; and all cables and snakes are clearly labeled for easy identification and easy installation. Every system is individually tested at the Malvicino Design Group facility in New York City. A complete engineering handbook with schematics will be provided with each system. Additionally, services offered by the Malvicino Design Group include providing Neve Genesys customers with a "one on one" system engineering and integration service. On site installation and commissioning will be available.

About the Neve Genesys
With its unmistakable Neve qualities of exquisite design, peerless craftsmanship and legendary Neve sound, the Genesys is a comprehensive, cost-effective solution to the challenges of audio in the digital age. The base configuration offers 16 channels of mic/line preamps, 16-channel DAW monitoring, 32-channel analog summing at mixdown, Total Reset, DAW control for Pro Tools, Logic, Nuendo and more, 8 auxiliary buses, 8 group buses, 2 main outputs, 4 effects returns, comprehensive metering, 5.1 mixing on each channel strip, 5.1 monitoring, 2 cue mixes, talkback services and an internal power supply. What sets the Genesys apart is its remarkable combination of features and affordability -- an affordable Neve analog console with Neve's legendary sound and digital control at a cost of less than $50,000 enables the widest possible range of professionals to make a genuine Neve console the heart of their studios. Furthermore, the Genesys has the ability to upgrade as studio owners' requirements change -- it can be expanded to over 60 channels in a straight or articulated frame, with options including motorized fader automation, recall, mastering-grade A/D and D/A converters, digitally controlled EQ and dynamics, remote mic amp control and much more.

Pricing and Availability:
See website.

More information:
www.gcpro.com/genesys

Tip-Top Audio vs Serge

TTA announce a collaboration with Serge, bringing serge modular to eurorack format


So some of you may not know who Serge Tcherepnin is, and I certainly hadn't even heard the name Serge until i started investigating modulars. And even then it just kind of popped up in a post and I didn't know what people were talking about. But Serge modular systems started production in 1974 with the premise of creating a powerful, musical and great sounding analog modular system that could be smaller, more compact and most importantly cost less than the Buchla's, Arps and Moogs of the day.

This new collaboration Tip-Top Audio marks a big step in the eurorack format, as they will be working directly with Serge himself

"It is going to be his system and his ideas."

There is lots of fuss about this over at Muffwigglers, so go and check it out.

More Information
Muffwiggler

Edd Butterworth
Eddbutterworth.co.uk

IK Multimedia Updates SampleTank App For iPhone 5

User interface enhanced and polyphony increased


IK Multimedia has announced the release of SampleTank 1.4, the latest version of its sound-and-groove-module app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. They tell us that the app is now fully optimised to support the larger screen of both iPhone 5 and the new iPod touch while providing eye-catching graphics that showcase amazingly on the Retina display.

SampleTank now also sports increased polyphony - up to 64 simultaneous voices are now available. IK says that this expanded note capacity gives users even more freedom to produce complex, professional-calibre arrangements in SampleTank's 4-track recorder, right on their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. Here's more of what they have to say...

Lots in the Tank
SampleTank comes loaded with hundreds of world-class sample-based sounds and patterns, giving users a broad sonic palette for producing professional-sounding tracks and beats, or for use as a sound module for live performance.

SampleTank features 16 instrument categories and includes over 500 sounds, from drums to pianos to basses to synths to guitars and many more. Users can customize the sounds through editable parameters such as volume, attack, and filter; and with insert effects and a master reverb. Thanks to a newly streamlined user interface, navigation through Sample Tank's powerful features is now even easier and faster.

Get More for Less
Additional instruments, patterns and grooves are available in convenient instrument-specific expansion sound packs, making it easy for users to add the specific sound types they need.

IK offers two great options for controlling SampleTank externally: iRig KEYS is a 37-mini-key, bus-powered, ultra-portable keyboard; and iRig MIDI is an iOS MIDI interface that makes it possible to plug any external controller into an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

Pricing and Availability:
The SampleTank App is available for €17.99 from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or a twww.AppStore.com/SampleTank. The app includes over 130 sounds and 1000 MIDI patterns that can further be expanded via In-App Purchase. The update is free for existing users.

A free version of the app, SampleTank FREE, is also available, which includes 20 instrument sounds and can be expanded with the optional sound packs via In-App Purchase.

More information:
www.sampletank.com/ios

Nuendo 6 Is With Us

Steinberg releases major update to post and audio production software


Steinberg has released Nuendo 6, the latest version of their state-of-the-art production environment tailored to post and audio production studios.

Timo Wildenhain, product marketing manager at Steinberg, told us, "Nuendo 6 has undergone intensive development, and we are proud to make this solution available to our customers."

Here's more details direct from Steinberg...

Nuendo 6 provides new mixing facilities featuring full-screen mode and scalability, Insert View for displaying activated insert slots, plug-in and channel search and integrated Control Room. The brand-new channel strip comprises high-pass and low-pass filters, a noise gate with sidechain support, various compressors and a brickwall limiter while the overhauled Channel Settings window provides immediate access to channel parameters.

Further highlights of Nuendo 6 are the EBU R128 standard compliant loudness metering with RMS metering scales, the Loudness Lane for tracking and editing loudness efficiently and the new ADR taker system including on-screen dialog for dialog recording and language dubbing.

Prominent plug-ins are MixConvert v6 for individual downmixing, Voxengo's 64-band CurveEQ and IOSONO's Anymix Pro 1.3 for automatic EQ and loudness adjustments to surround sound signal panning and upmixing up to 8.1 surround sound.

MemZap stores and recalls zoom settings and positions within the project, VST Connect SE plug-in allows for online collaboration and the Remote Control Editor is utilized for easy mapping of effect and instrument parameters to external controllers.

Other newly implemented features include a redesigned user interface, VariAudio 2.0, ASIO-Guard with drop-out prevention algorithms, a 1.5 GB library by Pro Sound Effects and 90 minutes of free online video tutorials.

The optional Nuendo 6 Expansion Kit (NEK) comprises features that turn Nuendo into a fully fledged composing application. Included are the new Chord Track, which detects and modifies the harmony structure of MIDI and audio tracks edited in VariAudio, and Chord Assistant, newly introduced to bridge chords and generate harmonic chord progressions. The feature set is complemented by Hermode tuning for dynamic retuning in real time, 300 new instrument sounds for HALion Sonic SE as well as the Retrologue virtual-analog and Padshop granular synthesizers.

Nuendo 6 features at a glance

  • The world's most efficient audio post-production environment, featuring industry-proven tools for TV, film, advertising, games and multimedia productions as well as full integration with the Nuage pro-audio hardware
  • Groundbreaking new mixing console follows the single-window concept and includes numerous functions that speed up your workflow
  • Nuendo 6 ADR taker solution for voice recording and language dubbing makes external ADR systems redundant
  • Fully integrated loudness measurement, featuring EBU-compliant metering plus a large choice of RMS metering scales and a dedicated loudness lane
  • Nuendo 6 channel strip upgrades your mix by offering direct access to studio-grade plug-ins 
  • Anymix Pro from IOSONO for state-of-the-art surround productions, highlighting the world's most flexible surround panner as well as quality upmixing algorithms
  • Voxengo CurveEQ with sound-matching technology for transferring the sound characteristics from one track to another
  • Redesigned user interface with lightning-fast parameter access, new channel settings window and MemZap quick-jump technology
  • Steinberg ASIO-Guard with intelligent dropout-prevention algorithms for an even more reliable playback
  • Remote Control Editor allows you to easily assign individual effect and instrument parameters to your hardware controller
  • Pro Sound Effects post-production library with 1.5 GB of sound material from animal noises to foley to warfare sounds in 24-bit quality

Nuendo 6 Expansion Kit features at a glance

  • More musical than ever thanks to the new Chord Track that helps you detecting the harmony structure of your song
  • Intelligent composing assistant helps you with the creation of simple pop to complex jazz chord sequences 
  • Pure tuning -- thanks to the Hermode technology the intonation of your synthesized notes are changed dynamically on the fly
  • Create your harmonies with VariAudio 2.0 and pitch them correctly all time
  • Retrologue lets you create fat and funky lead and bass sounds and offers those old-school analog synth sounds and biting sonic blocks
  • Padshop boasts granular synthesis at its finest to create fantastic-sounding spheres that expand your sound universe
  • Go hybrid with HALion Sonic SE and benefit from 300 pristine and rich-sounding instrument sounds
  • More plug-ins: Beat Designer, LoopMash 2, Groove Agent ONE, Mystic, Spector and Monologue

Pricing and Availability:

Nuendo 6 is available at authorized Yamaha resellers and through the Steinberg Online Shop. The Nuendo 6 Expansion Kit add-on is available through the Steinberg Online Shop.

The suggested retail price for Nuendo 6 is 1,699 euros, including German VAT. The suggested retail price for the Nuendo 6 Expansion Kit is 249 euros, including German VAT.

Various boxed and downloadable updates are also available from resellers and through the Steinberg Online Shop.

Customers who have activated Nuendo 5 since November 14, 2012, are eligible for a free, downloadable Grace Period update to the latest version. Restrictions may apply.

More information:
Steinberg

Tony Maserati Talks Mixing

New Sonnox video series shows multi-Grammy winning engineer in the studio


Sonnox has announced a new six-part video series that shows multi-Grammy winning engineer Tony Maserati in the studio talking about mixing-related topics.

A spokesperson told us, "On a recent trip to LA, we dropped in to Mirrorball Entertainment, to chat with multi-Grammy winning mix engineer Tony Maserati. Fortunately we had a camera with us, so we filmed it! In the six videos, Tony discusses some really interesting subjects such as Subtractive Equalisation, and how mixing for today's music consumer is very different to what it was 10 years ago. 'Like' our Facebook Page, where we will post each of the six parts of this great interview over the coming weeks."

Pricing and Availability:
Just like Sonnox on Facebook to get access.

More information:
www.facebook.com/sonnoxplugins

New Soundcraft Digital Consoles Are Now Available

Sound Technology announces UK shipping of the Si Expression series


Sound Technology Ltd, Soundcraft distributor in the UK/ROI, has announces UK shipping of the new Si Expression series digital consoles.

A spokesperson told us, "Drawing on more than a decade of experience in the field of digital audio mixing, the Soundcraft Si Expression exploits some of the newest DSP, component technology and manufacturing techniques to deliver our most powerful cost effective digital console ever! Each console in the range is identical in its feature set so your only choice is how many faders and local mic amps you want. With a range covering the super portable 19" rack mount Expression 1 to the mighty Si Expression 3 with its 30+2 faders and 32 mic/line inputs there is a model to meet all needs."

Here's more details in Soundcraft's own words...

Taking the Si Expression 2 as a typical example, it features 24 recallable mic pre amps (32 on Si Expression 3 and 16 on Si Expression 1) plus 4 line inputs, 4 internal stereo FX returns, AES in, and a 64x64 expansion slot offering more than enough scope to use every one of the 66 input processing channels. Every input processing channel has dedicated processing for high pass filter, input delay, gate, compressor and four band EQ whilst keeping it under control is a comprehensive automation system augmented with four mute groups and FaderGlow™ to light the way so you are never lost.

All Si Expression consoles have busses, output processing and connectivity to match the versatility of the inputs; the 14 aux/group mixes can be configured as 14 mono mixes, 8 mono plus 6 stereo mixes or almost anything in between, whilst the 4 matrix mixes can be mono or stereo as needed. The bus and matrix mixes are complemented with four more mix busses dedicated to the internal Lexicon FX processors all in addition to the left, right and centre busses. Each bus mix features a compressor, 4 band EQ, BSS graphic EQ and delay always available all of the time. Output connectivity is comprehensive with all models featuring 16 balanced line outputs, headphone monitor out, AES out and of course the 64x64 option slot.

To complement the channel and bus processing all Si Expression consoles integrate four stereo Lexicon FX processors based on the MX400 providing a wealth of sounds, user adjustable parameters and dedicated tap-tempo keys. As the FX are hardware based, use of all the effects, even on the most demanding programmes does not affect other processing in any way and all dynamics, EQs, filters, delays, and GEQs remain available regardless what you are doing.

Flexible onboard and expansion I/O options ensure your Si Expression integrates effortlessly with other system components utilising any of the existing or upcoming Si series option cards including AES, Firewire/USB/ADAT, AVIOM™, CobraNet™, BSS Digital Audio Bus (BLU Link), Dante™ CAT5 or optical MADI.

The MADI card, as well as being an interface to multi-track recording systems or plug-in systems like Waves, enables linking the Si Expression to any of the Soundcraft or Studer stage boxes - including new Mini Stageboxes - to extend the I/O power and flexibility. Adding a stagebox to an Si Expression actually increases the number of channels you can mix at once not just how many inputs you have available to choose from!

It is said 'Power is nothing without control' and here the Si Expression excels with a comprehensive but 'simple to use' control surface incorporating a dedicated control for every parameter, a row of global mode encoders and colour touch screen ensuring operation is quick and easy.

As you would expect from any Soundcraft digital mixer the facilities are extensive and include legendary audio quality courtesy of the latest generation EMMA™ DSP processor, the same DSP platform that has helped propel previous Soundcraft Si series consoles to fame. All this power united with reliability, flexibility and usability puts the Si Expression in a class of its own.


Pricing and Availability:

Si Expression 1 - 16 mic pres, 14 + 2 faders - £2299 RRP inc VAT
Si Expression 2 - 24 mic pres, 22 + 2 faders - £2799 RRP inc VAT
Si Expression 3 - 32 mic pres, 30 + 2 faders - £3399 RRP inc VAT
All models are available now.

More information:
www.soundcraft.com
www.soundtech.co.uk

Korg Legacy Collection Gets 64-bit Support

Five software synths now work with 64-bit Mac and PC operating systems


Based on popular user request, Korg's Legacy Collection now provides support for 64-bit system architecture, to work in conjunction with 64-bit operating systems on both PC and Mac platforms.

The Legacy Collection is a complete software recreation of five legendary KORG Synthesizers - the MS-20, Polysix, Mono/Poly, M1 and WAVESTATION - complemented by the included MDE-X Effects Suite, which boasts 19 different effects algorithms.

Pricing and Availability:
Currently registered users of the Legacy Collection can update their software at no charge by logging in to their existing account at www.korguser.net. New users can purchase Legacy plugins at: www.korguser.net/shop/software.

More information:
www.korg.com/Legacy

Learn Ableton

macProVideo.com announces new Live 9 training videos


macProVideo.com tells us that they have been working hard behind the scenes with their partners atAbleton to create the world's largest and most comprehensive selection of Live 9 training. They say that, starting today, their Live 9 courses are hitting the Library, and there will be close to a dozen new titles released in the next month. Here's how macProVideo.com describes some of the courses:

Live 9 100 - What's New In Live 9
Live 9 is here and so is our FREE "What's New" course. Hang out with GW Childs and see the cool new features in Ableton's latest DAW masterpiece...

Live 9 101 - Go Live With Live 9
There's a reason why Ableton calls it "Live". Dive into this course and get all the inspiration you need to go live with Live 9...

Live 9 404 - Producing Techno and House
Join producer and Certified Trainer Noah Pred on a production journey as he creates a House & Techno track from start to finish in just two hours with Live 9! Come along for the ride...

Live 9 405 - DJing Techno and House
The future of DJing is here! House & Techno producer Noah Pred shows you all the ins and outs in this DJ-centric Live 9 course....

Pricing and Availability:
See website.

More information:
macprovideo.com

Two Limited-Edition Rob Papen Synth Bundles

EDM Synth Bundle and Urban Synth Bundle feature three instruments each


Rob Papen has announced availability of two limited-edition synth plug-in bundles, EDM Synth Bundle andUrban Synth Bundle, each comprising three carefully-chosen Rob Papen virtual instruments with combined savings of around 45%. Here's the details in Rob Papen's own words...

The aptly-named EDM Synth Bundle is a highly-flexible, Herculean offering, with masses of diverse sounds for EDM (electronic dance music) producers and DJs alike. As such, it comprises Predator -- a 'phat'- sounding killer soft synth that combines inspiring presets and first-class features to create the perfect 'go-to' synth for contemporary music production; Punch -- a speaker-rattling, body-shaking software instrument that delivers synthesized drums in the finest audio quality with breathtaking features for the contemporary music producer; and Blade -- a cutting-edge additive synthesis powerhouse with a human touch that all adds up to an amazingly flexible and useful virtual instrument with an able arpeggiator and an array of pitch, modulation, and effects parameters.

Likewise, Urban Synth Bundle has been especially created to cater to the thumping needs of urban music producers of dubstep, drum and bass, garage, and grime genres where bass is the place. This time, the perfect Predator and Punch pairing join musical forces with SubBoomBass, a dedicated virtual bass synth filled to the brim with excessive amounts of low-end ammunition to detonate tracks to the dance floor and beyond! Unsurprisingly, Urban Synth Bundle will also seamlessly fit the workflows of those creating hip-hop, rap, and R&B tracks.

So why not take advantage of this opportunity to save some money and add some superb-sounding Rob Papen virtual instruments to your EDM or urban music productions to raise their game? From big, warm, powerful, and funky to rugged, spangly, soaring, and tearing, those award-winning virtual instruments will well and truly have you covered. But best be quick... the limited-edition bundles will soon sell out!

Pricing and Availability:
Limited quantities of EDM Synth Bundle and Urban Synth Bundle serial downloads are available to purchase online from authorised Rob Papen dealers worldwide for €199.00 EUR/$239.00 USD/£169.00 GBP each. Alternatively, they can be purchased online directly from Rob Papen.

More information:
www.robpapen.com

Win Elysia Plug-Ins

alpha compressor and mpressor are up for grabs


Elysia tells us that they have created a new Facebook page for you to stay in touch with them and share your impressions and thoughts with other users. THey say that they are very much looking forward to interesting discussions, comments and questions.

In order to celebrate this new page, the company are giving away one alpha compressor plugin and onempressor plugin bundle to one winner drawn out of every new 1,000 fans. Just LIKE their page to take part in the drawing:

This promotion is valid until March 31th, 2013. Each new winner will be announced on Elysia's Facebook page and personally notified by them.

No purchase is required to take part. Winners will receive vouchers for free plugins. Payments of prizes in cash are not possible. Prizes will be distributed as software download versions.

Pricing and Availability:
The promotion is valid until March 31th, 2013.

More information:
Facebook

Seaboard Grand - Touchy, Feely, Multi-Dimensional Controller

Ribbed for extra expression


Here's something a little different, the ROLI Seaboard GRAND - its a controller with note, polyphonic pressure,polyphonic X and Y position control ouput too. The look is a monolithic design with a sort of spongy, single piece, ribbed keyboard layout.

We had a preview of it yesterday, where we were shown how expressive it can be. London based ROLI are making some bold claims about the Seaboard and have grand plans - but it does have a familiar theme - its not dissimilar to the Haken Continuum in that it outputs massive amounts of expressive data. And we've seen this concept before albeit in a more bizzarre form - remember the Eigenharp anyone?


The Seaboard however does have a more familiar keyboard layout and is therefore easier to play - although it does take a little getting used to - the left right pitch modulation means sloppy playing will be rewarded with sloppy pitching as I found to my embarrassment in a short hands on session yesterday. But it is possible to get the feel for it with a little practice as we were shown by the demonstrator.

The 88 note Seaboard GRAND gets its first public outing at SXSW where it will get no doubt get a jolly good poking from Mr J Rudess - we know he is a massive fan of the Continuum so is no stranger to the dark arts of poly pitch bend. But there is an interesting question - what exactly can you play with the Seaboard? Not many instruments are able to accept poly aftertouch, let alone poly pitch bend and other data. ROLI are working on that, the solution is threefold:

They are working with big name software instrument developers to enable multi-instance voicing - some plugs have the ability to be multi-timbral this would give you voices all on the same sound (or not if you prefer) to allow individual pitch bend manipulation of individual voices etc.

Additionally, they are working on a custom translation layer that will let you interface the Seaboard with your own software instrument choices. Thirdly there are plans to include an on board synthesis engine to allow stand alone operation. Details are not forthcoming though so we can't guess at the DSP power or synthesis types we are likely to see.

What we witnessed was certainly expressive and while mainly limited to acoustic type emulation - I can see a great potential there for expressive playing of electronic instruments too - indeed it would be great to see a CV interface for this to control modular analog gear - the resolution and expression could be put to good use there.

The first run of Seaboard GRAND models are available to preorder from April 2013 - we understand that there are a few of the electronic glitterati showing interest - but you'll have to be quick, there are only 88 being made of this flagship model.

We hope that for the rest of us, this technology will filter down to a more mainstream, affordable version.

More Information
http://www.weareroli.com/

London Electronic Music Event News

LEME announces 2013 dates and line-up


The London Electronic Music Event (LEME) has announced the dates and line-up for its 2013 Event with sessions from Goldie, Radio Slave, SoundCloud, Andi Durrant, Your Army, Mr Bongo, Sharooz and more...

LEME is a weekend of production workshops, business sessions, keynote panels and networking events bringing together artists, labels, entrepreneurs and like-minded electronic music lovers from around the world.

Now in its second year, LEME will take place 13-14 April, 2013 in Rich Mix, a state-of-the-art creative space spread across five floors in Shoreditch, London.

LEME gives 200 delegates the chance to custom-build their own timetable from 22 sessions led by expert speakers from all sectors of the electronic music industry.

Highlights of the 2013 programme include:

  • An Audience with Goldie
  • Music in the marketplace: How to shift more records
  • Running a Label; How To Break Through
  • Business Basics for the Freelance Musician
  • Making Your Mix Slam
  • The Perfect Arrangement
  • Mastering Alchemy: the Gold Standard
  • What Goes Where? The EQ Masterclass

Pricing and Availability:
Weekend tickets are availabe for the earlybird price of £120 with a discount of 20%.

More information:
www.londonelectronicmusicevent.com

SSL Offer

Special price on Mynx desktop box and Stereo Bus Compressor module bundle


SSL and UK distributor Sound Technology Ltd have announced a special offer on a bundle of a Mynx with the legendary G-Series Super-Analogue Stereo Bus Compressor module. Here's how they describe the gear...

Mynx is a simple, elegant and cost effective way to get the depth, clarity and characteristic sound of SSL SuperAnalogue processing into your recordings. Mynx is a cool desktop mini X-Rack that allows you to load your choice from the X-Rack module range into a simple two module slot desktop box.

The centre section compressor from the 1980's G-Series analogue console is an audio production legend. It is a simple unit with a simple purpose; it makes complete mixes sound bigger, with more power, punch and drive. It brings cohesion and strength to your mix without compromising clarity. The Stereo Bus Compressor Module brings this classic 'audio glue' to you with spectacular SuperAnalogue™ audio performance.

Pricing and Availability:
This promotional bundle which has a standard list price of £1658 ex VAT is available until 31 March for just £1399 ex VAT

More information:
SSL bundle

Vocal Samples For Trap Music

Prime Loops releases Official Trap Vocals sample pack


Prime Loops has released their Official Trap Vocals sample pack. Here's their press release:

"Everyone's talking Trap music but the burning question on most lips is 'What is Trap music?' Professional sample pack producers Prime Loops must have some idea as they're making a lot of noise about this genre as it emerges from the underground! Their latest release 'OFFICIAL TRAP VOCALS' takes the oracular elements of Trap and epitomises them in a sample pack that producers on every level can use to strengthen their trap tunes!

At the epicentre of every trap production is an audacious vocal or chant that propels an abundance of attitude and swagger into the mix! OFFICIAL TRAP VOCALS offers a vast selection of brazen phrases that not only encapsulate the attitude of trap, but also push the benchmark for trap vocal samples, allowing you to shower your mixes with the freshest, funniest chants on the scene!

OFFICIAL TRAP VOCALS will arrive on your machine via direct download, instantly allowing you to browse over 39MB of samples! Each vocal sample comes in a variety of alternative finishes, allowing you to find the right phrase to make your tune speak volumes above the rest! You can add any of these samples to any major software with a sample drag and drop and this 24-bit sample pack is yours 100% royalty free! If you're taken by trap, have a go on OFFICIAL TRAP VOCALS and see if Prime Loops are talking your language!"

Pricing and Availability:
£19.95

More information:
Prime Loops