Features:

• 3 oscillators offering 8 waveforms: Saw, Triangle, Square, Pitched noise, and combinations of them.
• Oscillators special features: ring, sync, phase sync, Sqr PW, level.
• Selectable 6581-8580 D/A distortion.
• 3 Amp envelopes ADSR.
• 12 dB (LP & HP), 6 dB BP SID modeled Filter.
• Best matched Exponential-fitted curves for 6581-8580 filter frequencies.
• Simulating 6581 half wave filter distortion.
• 1 Filter envelope + key track for filter freq.
• 2 LFOs each with 4 simultaneous outputs offering sync and retriggering option.
• 1 Mod envelope.
• Versatile Modulation matrix.
• Bug-generator module for reproducing famous bugs: oscillator leakage, ex-input noise.
• Bit Cruncher with pre and post filter route option.
• Advanced 8 step C64 like arpeggiator.
• Master: Pitch and Mod wheel, Porta, Spread, Reverb, Delay.
• Easy to use GUI.
• Factory soundbank created by Torben Hansen (aka Metal of Vibrants).

Native Instruments has released Reaktor 5.5 - a free update that adds a number of improvements and additions.

New in Reaktor 5.5:

• Fully reworked, streamlined user interface: A complete overhaul of REAKTOR’s interface delivers a new level in usability and improved workflow. The changes make REAKTOR 5.5’s iconic creative potential easier to tap than ever before.
• Two new synthesis modules:
  • Additive Synthesis - The additive synthesis technology in REAKTOR 5.5 allows instrument builders to create sound in a new way. This elaborate module allows instrument designers to realize additive synthesis beyond the CPU limitations of previous REAKTOR versions, as it has been radically optimized to handle large number of partials in a more efficient way. For ensemble users, instruments can now be created that allow accesses to sound parameters that were not possible before. The included Lazerbass instrument is a ready-made example of this technology in action.
  • Modal Synthesis - The Modal Module is a synthesis method made up of an exciter signal and a resonator, and is great for synthesizing percussive sounds ranging from mallets to vibraphones, as well as sustained sounds like woodwinds. The physical modeling algorithms used in modal synthesis simulate the behavior of real instruments, allowing for highly expressive and playable results. The first synth to utilize this technology is REAKTOR PRISM*, created by Native Instruments founder and father of REAKTOR, Stephan Schmitt.

‘Vermona Perfourmer Drum Synthesis’ is the sort of headline that only a true synth freak could enjoy.

None of this ’sexy’, ‘free’ or ‘iPad’ stuff to distract you.

http://cl516.blogspot.com/2010/08/perfourmer-as-drum-machine.html

The LFO Expander Modulation Processor is a € 375 stand-alone add-on for your analog synthesizer, designed to give extra functionality while performing your music.

Its main feature is an LFO generator that lets you control LFO depth and LFO speed.

Features:

• external analog LFO processor
• generates an LFO and bend signal that can be mixed together
• LFO and bends controlled by hand, by foot pedal (active/passive) or by control-voltage
• for Moog minimoog, Yamaha CS80, CS60, CS50, ARP 2600 and all other synthesizers having external inputs for vco, vcf or vca control.
• LFO depth and rate can be controlled at the same time by one single movement
• adds vibrato, wah-wah, tremolo, pitch bends or other modulations to your synthesizer
• allows mixing of a sequencer-cv with your synth’s keyboard-cv so you can transpose sequences in real-time
• allows attenuation and mixing of cv’s. Control the filter cut-off frequency of your ARP 2600 with a knob that’s just in front of you or add variable keyboard-tracking to your ARP 2600
• fits on top of your ARP 2600 keyboard, minimoog keyboard etc.
• LFO range from 0,2 Hz up to 275Hz
• selectable triangle- or square waveform
• runs on batteries (2x 9V) or dc-transformer

Detune – an application development startup created by the developers of Korg DS-10 – have announced Korg M01, a new music workstation for the Nintendo DS based on the classic Korg M1.

The  Korg M1, released in 1988, sold for over $2,000. Korg M01 is designed to emulate the Korg M1 – at least many of its features and sounds – as a $60 app that runs on a $130 handheld computer.

DSK Music has introduced TechSynth, a free software synthesizer for Windows.

Features:

• 2 Osc with 5 waveforms
• Amp. envelope and detune control
• Advanced filter with ADSR and LFO
• Delay filter
• Pitch / poly control
• +60 patches
• Velocity response

If you give TechSynth a try, let us know what you think of it.

Download

 

Folktek has introduced Folktek Collection Volume 1, a collection of bizarro virtual instruments for Native Instruments Kontakt.Features:

• 64 virtual instruments, 1.74 GB content.
• 16-24 bit 44.1khz Sounds.
• Over $30,000 worth of Folktek instruments sampled.
• Includes Abstract, Ambient, Noise, Percussive & Synth.

Folktek Collection Volume 1 for Kontakt is available now for US $149.79 .

Basic 64 is a free software synth inspired by the 8-bit sounds of the classic Commodore 64.

According to creator De La Mancha, “It’s not a straight emulation but is based around the SID chip with some extras for that 8-bit retro game sound, lofi gritty noises or just plain oddness.”

Features:

• 16, 8 or 6 bit sound quality.
• 3 oscs, each with their own ADSR envelope.
• Oscillators can be sync’d and ring modulated by each other.
• Pitch envelope modulation.
• Pitch wobble option, for subtle instability.
• 2 tempo-sync LFOs to modulate pitch, cut-off and pulse width.
• LFOs have attack/release curves.
• Tempo-sync arpeggiator.
• Flexible routing to state variable filter (LP, HP & BP).
• Envelopes can be reset or continuous at retrigger.
• Monophonic or polyphonic option.
• MIDI learn / MIDI CC support.
• 128 presets by sinkmusic & WhiskeyPriest.

Basic 64 is available now as a free VST synthesizer download for Windows.

Propellerhead Software has released the updated Record 1.5 and Reason 5, which add new instruments, effects, sequencing, sounds, patches and more.

New Features:

• Kong Drum Designer (Reason) – Load, sculpt, build and tweak your sounds with your choice of drum synthesis, sampling, REX loops, physical modeling and custom-made effect modules for percussion on Kong’s 16 pads.
• Dr. REX octuples into Dr. Octo Rex Loop Player (Reason) – No matter how you use it—as a pattern sequencer for loops, or to completely mangle your REX’ed audio – it is guaranteed to inspire.
• New Neptune Pitch Adjuster and Voice Synth Device (Record) – Super flexible high-quality processor to correct and shift pitches, create backing harmonies, formant shift or take your vocals into outer space.
• Block based pattern sequencing mode makes song creation fast and flexible (Both) – Go from pattern-based arrangements to linear—to patterns again. Take your music beyond the eight bar loop.
• Vastly expanded Factory Sound Bank with Signature patches (Reason) – Reason’s sound bank more than doubles in size, thanks in large part to signature contributors: Printz Board, Bomb Squad, Jason McGerr, Sharooz, Adam Beyer, Keith LeBlanc, Cari Lekebusch & others.
• Live sampling (Reason) – Re-explore the lost art (and fun) of sampling. Every sample player becomes a sampler; record with a single click — further tweak with the built-in editor.
• Other updates – A number of other additions that guarantee to make your music making more fun – Multi-core optimization, on-screen keyboard and scaling audio and MIDI clips, interface enhancements and many more too numerous to name.

 

Kent Sandvik has released a collection of free Apple loop libraries that come with the best licensing agreement ever: LICENSING AGREEMENTYou are not allowed to make crappy music with these loops.