Jan 29

CME Intros ASX Advanced Synthesis Expansion - A Synth On A Card

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CME introduced the ASX, a DSP board which goes into the expansion slot of UF and VX series keyboards and provides a flexible synthesis engine, turning the CME MIDI controller keyboard into a stand-alone synthesizer.

Yep – it’s a $369 synth on a card.

The ASX offers sufficient DSP power to run dedicated synth modelling plug-ins. Four plug-ins are included with the ASX, which can be dynamically loaded one at a time:

Minimax – a polyphinic replica of the Minimoog

LightWave – a wavetable based virtual analog synth

B4000 organ – a model of the Hammond tonewheel organ, and

Vocodizer – a vocoder controlled via a dedicated microphone input.

Next to the microphone input, the ASX provides stereo line out, stereo headphone out and a USB port to connect to the ASX Editor Software. The Editor provides graphic interfaces to each plug-in and allows access to all settings of the plub-in.  Sounds can be managed, exchanged via an online server and uploaded to the ASX.

Jan 29

Robert Schroeder - SphereWare

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German electronic music artis Robert Schroeder has been producing music since 1979. He was discovered by Klaus Schulze, and to this day, his music bears a Schulze/Berlin School influence. Schroeder’s music on SphereWare is in the classic synth music vein of 70’s synth artists, but with enough modern touches to make it appeal not only to fans of vintage synth and space music, but also to fans of modern ambient and chill-out music.  Throughout the album Schroeder makes great use of synth sequences and echo effects to create constatnly changing hypnotic effects. 

While Schroeder’s music on Sphereware is clearly influenced by classic synth tracks of the 70’s, he doesn’t fall into the trap of being too reverential to his influences or of just sounding dated. For example, on 100% Synthetic, Schroeder uses many of the elements of Klaus Schulze’s most influential tracks, including sequences, Mellotron-style chorus effects, spacey echo and reverberation effects and Minimoog-style solos.  But Schroeder gives his track a modern edge through his choice of sounds, current drum sounds and metallic digital sounds that swirl across the stereo space. 

Jan 29

Garritan Intros 64-Bit ARIA Sample Engine

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Garritan introduced ARIA, a new 64–bit Sampler/Synthesis Engine, developed in collaboration with Plogue ARt et TEchnologie. Gary Garritan says, “We are very excited about ARIA. This revolutionary new sound engine will provide us with utmost flexibility to achieve our creative potential in developing software instruments.” 

Jan 24

SoundToys Adds Logic 8, Leopard, ProTools 7.4 Compatibility

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SoundToys announced the release of V3.02 of their entire software line.  This is a free update for current users and features compatibility with Logic 8, Apple’s Leopard OS, and DigiDesign Pro Tools 7.4 on Mac and Windows.  In addition to the compatibility testing, v3.02 also includes improvements in DSP efficiency for native applications. 

Jan 24

Spectrasonics Previews Omnisphere Virtual Instrument

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2008 NAMM Show:  Spectrasonics previewed their brand new flagship virtual instrument Omnisphere, and kicked off what looks like it will be a massive hype campaign for a synth that’s not due until September.  Omnisphere combines a wide variety of hybrid realtime synthesis techniques, an epic library of ‘Psychoacoustic’ sounds, and many innovative features.

Jan 18

Euphonix Intros Great MC Control And MC Mix Control Surfaces

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     Euphonix has announced the MC Control and MC Mix professional control surfaces for its new Artist Series line of products. The MC Control and MC Mix integrate into any studio, fitting between a computer keyboard and screen, and up to four units can be connected to create a larger, integrated control surface.

Jan 18

Free Effects Plugin For Mac & Windows

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LFX-1310 is a free plug-in multi-effector that includes 24 types of effects and 3 serial slots.
Effectors :
- S’Filter 12 / S’Filter 24 / 3-band EQ
- Peak Compressor / RMS Compressor
- Overdrive / Distortion / Amp Distortion
- Crusher / LP Noise / Stereo Image
- Chorus / Flanger / Phaser / Auto Wah / Tremolo / Auto

Jan 18

Steinberg and its Updates on Virtual Instrument Standard

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     Steinberg has announced the release of the Software Development Kit (SDK) for VST3, the latest generation of its VST platform.  VST3 offers new capabilities to developers of host applications, audio plug-ins and virtual instruments.  The SDK can be used under free license, and is available for download at the Steinberg website.

Jan 18

Funk Style Loop

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     Bandmate Loops made known its most recent content partner Inspiration Sounds releasing few brand new Funk Style loop collections.  The Inspiration Sounds – Funked Up loop collection is partitioned into five ultra-expressive instrument sets.  They include Guitar, Bass Guitar, Horn, Vocals and Percussion.  All five sets may be purchesed.

 

Jan 17

58th Berlin Film Festival opens with the Rolling Stones documentary

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     Berlin Film Festival 2008 will open with Martin Scorsese’s documentary about Rolling Stones, Shine a Light.  This festival demonstration shall be the premiere of this work.

     Originally it was planned that a movie will hit the audience in September last year, but the release date was posponed.  Shine a Light includes various materials recorded during two 2006 concerts at Beacon Theater, New York City.  Jack White (White Stripes), Christina Aguilera and Buddy Guy took part in that show.  Also movie includes footages and interviews with the band.  Fifty Eighth Berlin Film Festival will take place from 7th to 17th of February, 2008.  The jury is going to be led by the French/Greek director Constantin Costa-Gavras. 

by Alex K