Avalon Zone

It is not really new for me but I had to keep this secret
ARTURIA will release his first genuine ANALOG Synth and he’s called MINIBRUTE…

Globaly the MINIBRUTE make me remember the ROLAND SH-101 :

One button, one function ! Simple and damn efficient ! Back to the roots !
Here is an audio example coming from Amazona.de : MiniBrute

The price gonna be arround $550 which is pretty fair I think

I’ve just ordered a MIDI Input Interface for KORG MONOTRIBE.
The “MIDITribe” from Amazing Machines is a “Mod kit” which add “MIDI IN” support to the KORG MONOTRIBE.

Currently there is a special offer : 12% OFF discount in the Amazing Machines Web Store from December 4 to December 25 !

Here is a small video about this mod :

KORG released a major system update for the Monotribe !

System Version 2

Announcing a major update for the monotribe!
Version 2 provides many new features to take your playing to a new dimension!

Announcing a major update to the monotribe analog ribbon station — the full-fledged analog synth and rhythm unit with a step sequencer inherited from the Electribe! The monotribe Version 2 adds a plethora of new features, allowing you to create sequences that are even more elaborate, or to layer complex musical developments for extended performances.

Surely one of the most exciting additions is a new synchronized performance mode that allows for new type of performance using multiple monotribe units. Whether you’ve never touched a monotribe or whether you’re an expert who is thoroughly familiar with all of the current features, this new update guarantees that your analog groove-making will be more intense than ever before!

Highlights

Sequencer:

Synth part resolution has been doubled to 16 Steps
Volume Automation has been added to the synth part.
Active Step can be specified for each part.
Drum Roll capability has been added.
Gate Time Hold function has been added.

Synthesizer:

Sample and Hold (S&H) function added to LFO.

Sync:

Connected sequences allow multiple monotribe units to play in rotation.
Half Tempo function has been added.

Short Cut Keys:

Four convenient shortcuts for creating patterns quickly

16-Step Synth parts
As with drum parts, the synth part now provides timing information in between the steps in a sequence, allowing a pattern to achieve a total of 16 steps.

Synth Part Volume Automation
Volume Automation allows the synth volume to be recorded during playback to create more detailed sequences. The left side of the ribbon controller keyboard decreases the volume, and the right side increases it. This Volume Automation can even be controlled when if Flux mode is on.

Set individual Active Steps for each Part.
The Active Step function lets you specify which steps are played or jumped when playing back the step sequencer. Now, the Active Step can be set individually for each of the SYNTH, BD, SD, and HH parts. By specifying a different number of steps for each part, you can create complex polyrhythms.

Sample & Hold (S & H) added to the LFO
The newly added S&H function is indispensible for creating mysterious analog synth sound effects. The RATE knob adjusts the frequency of change, and the INT. knob adjusts the depth of change.

“What is Sample & Hold?”
Unlike traditional LFO waveshapes that provide a constantly changing signal, the Sample & Hold feature takes a “sample” of the LFO signal and holds that level for a specific duration of time. The results are the highly popular and slightly random stepped-filter effects so famously used in analog synthesizers. By using noise as the input signal, the monotribe version 2 lets you create effects that change in a distinctively random manner.

Drum Roll capability
A roll can now be added to the desired drum part. The speed of the roll can be controlled using the ribbon controller keyboard; moving toward the right will increase the number of strikes. You can also record the drum roll using the sequencer to intuitively create subtle and dynamic drum patterns.

Linked Sequences play multiple monotribes in rotation
The Link Sequence feature is a completely new sync method that vastly expands the scope of the monotribe, to deliver even more fun. When sequence playback reaches step 8, the sequence will automatically stop and the next monotribe unit will start playing. By loop-connecting the SYNC jacks, the playback can keep cycling through multiple units – in true modular fashion!

New Additions
The Gate Time Hold function lets you use the ribbon controller keyboard to play and record new pitch information while retaining the gate times recorded in the sequencer. Also new is the Half Tempo function, which cuts the tempo in half when synchronizing to an external input from the SYNC IN jack. In addition, there are now four shortcut keys that instantly initialize various types of sequence data or active step settings.

Updating Procedure
Thinking of monotribe as an analog synthesizer, the procedure of for updating the Operating System is also a very old-school, analog-style method, reminiscent of loading data via the playback of analog cassette tape. Simply download the system data which Korg has encoded as an audio (WAV) file from www.korg.com or from the website of your local Korg distributor. Then, play back the file using a WAV file player like a Smartphone or using PC application software, directly in to the monotribe’s SYNC IN jack. When the audio (WAV) file finished playing, your monotribe has been updated. It’s a traditional procedure revived for a new generation!

WARNING!
Do not playback the system update file on any speaker or headphone system as this could lead to damage to equipment and/or hearing loss. Neither Korg nor any of its affiliates will accept responsibility for any damages, personal loss or injury that may result from playback of the file.

Here is a short video about the upgrade procedure :

Have a nice day !

Here is the new synth from “U-He”, I’ve already tryed the beta and my conclusion is that this Synth rocks a lot even if it’s only a Virtual Analog Synth

Here is some info also available on the “U-He” web site :

We’ve been dropping hints about this synth for a good while, and now it has finally arrived. As public beta, at a special introductory price.

The oscillators, filters and envelopes closely model components found in some of the great monophonic and polyphonic synthesizers of yesteryear. Modules can be mixed and matched so you can build hybrids, but what sets DIVA apart is the sheer authenticity of the analogue sound. This comes at the cost of quite a high CPU-hit, but we think it was worth it: Diva is the first native software synth that applies methods from industrial circuit simulators (e.g. PSpice) in realtime. The behaviour of zero-delay-feedback filters when pushed to the limit clearly demonstrates the advantages of this groundbreaking approach.

The beta version works without restriction until December 31st. Become an early adopter, play an active role in development as we nurture this baby to perfection over the next few weeks…

Check this site often, subscribe to us on Twitter or Facebook as we unveil more details, post audio demos and offer more insight into the making of Diva.

The latest builds are always available in our support forum: click to go there

Important: Patches made using this public beta may not sound exactly the same in the official release versions.

Normal price: 179$ (+19% VAT in EU)
Introductory price: 119$ (+19% VAT in EU) until December 31st, 2011

Have a nice day !

Phutura is a virtual synthesizer inspired by 80′s hardware synth Alpha Juno, best known for the Hoover sound. Its edgy and futuristic feel makes it perfect choice for Lead and Chord Stab type of sounds, suitable for use in dark & energetic styles of music, i.e.: Techno, Rave, Drum&Bass, Electro, Hardstyle, Dubstep.

Polyphony: 8 Voices (+ 8 release reserve).
Oscillators: 3 Oscillators (Sawtooth, Pulse and Sub, with 4-6 subtypes each) and White Noise Waveform.
Filters: Non-resonant High Pass Filter (4 modes) and Resonant Low Pass Filter.
Modulators: LFO, ADSR Envelope, Pitch Bender, Mod Wheel and Key Tracking.
Effects: Chorus.
MIDI: Automation of all interface controls is possible.
Patches: 128 Patches (80 presets in Hoover, Bass, Lead, Pad, Polyphonic, Synth & Sound FX categories; and 48 blank User Patches).
System: Windows with 32-bit host.

More info here : Phutura VSTi VST instrument plugin for Windows

A few days ago I’ve started to test the new Z3TA+ so I going to tell you about this long awaited beast !

Z3TA+

Z3TA+2

First thing you’ll notice, is the change occurred in the design. The size of the interface is bigger and cleaner than the old one but the general organization remain intact so you wont get lost If you were familiar with the previous one.

Z3TA+ Oscillators

Z3TA+ Shaper

The Oscillator panel remains globally the same but there are some great improvement in term of usability. For example, the Shaper panel is now directly integrated to the oscillator panel and all the options are now selectable via a context menu.

Z3TA+2 Oscillators

Z3TA+2 Perform

There is now a new panel called “Perform” which contains, a joystick modulator and a small but interesting panel named “Analog”. In the analog panel you’ll be able to control oscillator drift and burst Last but not least, it is now possible to select and load the “user waveforms” from the wave context menu… Even if there are no real astonishing improvements, changes were made and well made !

Z3TA+ Filters

Z3TA+2 Filters

The filters panel remains the same but with 3 new filter types which are “Formant”, “Reso” and “Comb”.

Z3TA+ Enveloppes

Z3TA+2 Enveloppes

The envelope panel is more visual and more usable but globally there is no real changes at all.

Z3TA+ LFO

Z3TA+2 LFO

The low frequency section offer more waveforms and is also more visual, no much to say.

Z3TA+ Modulation Matrix

Z3TA+2 Modulation Matrix

The modulation matrix is pretty much the same one, with a 16 slots routing table. Now the modulation matrix share the same location with the arpegiator panel.

Z3TA+ Arpegiator

Z3TA+2 Arpegiator

The arpegiator has very few modes available but it allow you to load midi files directly and the default soundbank already contains tons of midi sequences. It is possible to use the arpegiator as a “trance gate”.
The parameters available to control the arpegiator are the same but you have now an “humanize” and a “swing” parameter.

As you can see, even if there were improvement made for the “Synth” part, these are ergonomic changes and finally, 80% the functionality remains the same as in version 1.5 but I have to admit that the basis was already very good, so, cakewalk is forgiven

Z3TA+ Effects

Z3TA+2 Effects

The “Effects” part of Z3ta+2 allow you to chain all effects as wanted but again, this is mainly the only modification.

In conclusion, even if Z3ta+2 is very good, it is more an “ergonomy” update than a technically improved version of the first one and I think that’s a bit light for a “10 years later” upgrade

Pro :

• Great Sound !
• New “Analog” features
• Very usable interface
• Nicely designed
• Effect routing
• Old presets are still compatible
• Large set of quality presets

Cons :

• No arpegiator editor, only presets and/or midi file
• Lack of apegiator modes (Only 5 modes available)
• Preset/category management is outdated
• Bugs

The first version of Z3TA+ was very impressive and nowadays Z3TA+ still remains an high ranked VSTi wich fairly good for a nine years old VSTi…
Even if Z3TA+ is still a good Synth, it was clear for everyone that a new major version wouldn’t be a bad idea at all !

After a long while, finally, the dream comes true !

Just have a look to the promotional video

Enjoy !

Spiceflow is a new soundset for the Dune virtual synthesizer by Synapse Audio.

Consisting of 128 brand new presets for Synapse Audio’s DUNE synth. Packed with musically useful sounds perfect for electrohouse, trance, dubstep, EBM and more. Thundering basses, scorching leads, widescreen pads, evolving arps, wavetable and wave sequenced sounds, useful effects, punchy drums – this is a soundset that covers all the bases for electronic musicians looking for inspiring new sounds. Includes full documentation, and 128 sounds both as a bank (‘fxb format) and as single sounds (.fxp format)

DUNE Spiceflow is available to purchase for $9.99 USD.

More information: Waveformless-Soundware

Professional recording engineer and regular Mix Rescue author Mike Senior has just written his first book, Mixing Secrets For The Small Studio. The book is published by Focal Press — the same publisher that brought us Bob Katz’s highly regarded Mastering Audio and Eddy Brixen’s Audio Metering, which we reviewed last month and was written with the aim of helping small‑studio owners achieve professional‑sounding results using affordable equipment.

In the book, Mike shares his own numerous tips, as well as tricks he’s learnt from some of the industry’s top engineers, including Michael Brauer, Chris and Tom Lord‑Alge, Tony Maserati, Andy Wallace and many more. At well over 300 pages, there’s plenty of information to digest, and it’s all been helpfully categorised and split into easily navigable chapters. The book covers topics such as monitoring, including speaker types and room acoustics; mix preparation, from fixing timing and tuning errors to modifying a song’s arrangement; effects and processing, including the use of reverb, delay, EQ and compression; and finishing a mix, as well as dealing with revision requests made by the client. At the end of each chapter is a section titled Cut To The Chase, which summarises all the points made therein.

As well as providing all this information, Mike has produced over 350 audio files to accompany the chapters in the book, provided in both MP3 and uncompressed WAV formats. He’s also sought out bands and producers kind enough to agree to make unmixed multitracks of their recordings available for budding mix engineers to practice mixing with. These are available to everyone, for free, at www.cambridge‑mt.com/ms‑ch15.htm#audio.

A copy of the book has been doing the rounds at SOS HQ, and everyone who’s seen it has been very impressed by the quality and range of information. Available now, Mixing Secrets For The Small Studio can be bought for around £20. For more information, check out the web site below.

Cambridge Music Technology

The guys of Wave Alchemy, have recently released a new free sample pack and here is a summary of what is said on their web site.

Tape KPR-77 by Wave Alchemy serves up over 280 free drum samples (recorded directly to 1/4″ analogue tape) from the Korg KPR-77 drum machine.

Tape KPR-77 contains three pre-mapped drum kit patches for use with Kontakt 2, 3, & 4 and Battery 3. Each kit makes use of extensive velocity layering, round robin sample playback and choke groups which in turn capture the quirkiness and expressiveness of the original unit.

If you want to learn more about this release, just follow this link !

Tape KPR-77 – Free drum sample pack

Enjoy !