HOLLYWOOD — EASTWEST, exclusive U.S. distributor of Best Service products, is helping to make producers dance tracks “a fuego” with Best Service’s latest sample library—Reggaeton meets Dancehall.
Reggaeton meets Dancehall, produced by $ir. Martin & BlackBoxx for Audio Bomb, connects the unmistakable style of club music with the sounds of modern Reggaeton and Dancehall. Engineered and mixed to perfection, this powerful “Radio Ready” sound library comes packed with 30 ground breaking construction kits. To further add island flavor to their productions, users have access to Reggaeton meets Dancehall’s huge collection of amazing loops and impressive samples which includes hard hitting drums, warm basses, unique claps, excellent percussion, hi-hats, cymbals, groovy acoustic and electric guitars; keyboards, orchestral instruments, pop brass, ethnic instruments, new age ensembles, morphing atmospheres, club-synths, synth leads and effect drops. more
iZotope brings serious beat-making tools to iPhone and iPod touch
Cambridge, MA (August 11, 2008) – iZotope, Inc., a leading developer of tools for musicians and audio professionals, today announced that iDrum, its beat creation application for the Apple iPhone and iPod touch is now available on the Apple App Store. The new application makes beat-making available to everyone with its simple interface and professionally produced content.
“iZotope sees the iPhone platform as a perfect opportunity to bring mobile music making to everyone,” says Jeremy Todd, CTO of iZotope, Inc. “With iDrum for the iPhone and iPod touch, we’ve created a unique music-making application that is fun for everyone from complete beginners to professional beat-makers.”
iDrum allows users to combine professional sound content and patterns to create their own music. The iDrum application takes advantage of unique features of the iPhone platform—users can tap virtual pads to create rhythms, shake the handset to clear patterns, and use slide and flick gestures to navigate the application’s interface. Immersive, colorful visuals show the relationship between different sounds in the beat, allowing users to create new rhythms by creating visual patterns. Using a special companion application, beats can even be turned into ringtones for iPhone.
The original iZotope iDrum application for Mac and PC is already a favorite tool of both home musicians and GRAMMY-winning producers for its ease of use and versatility. The iPhone adaptation of iDrum combines the power and professional sound of the original iDrum with a completely new interface designed to let even users with no musical experience create original beats.
The first two versions of iDrum, Hip Hop Edition and Club Edition, are now available for US$4.99 each from Apple’s App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/ iZotope plans to release different genre-based editions of iDrum in the coming months.
Brings professional quality to multimedia and mobile applications
Westlake Village, CA (July 15, 2008) – ADAM Audio is now shipping the new A5 Powered Monitor in the US market. Built on the heritage of ADAM’s professional studio monitors, the A5 is designed for multimedia listening, mobile recording, broadcast, and surround applications. It features a compact size, three attractive finishes, and an affordable price point of $699 per pair.
Powered by 2×25W on-board amplifiers, the A5 combines ADAM’s renowned ART (Accelerated Ribbon Technology) folded ribbon tweeter with a 5” woofer constructed of a carbon fiber and Rohacell® sandwich. The front of the A5 sports dual ports for surprising low frequency response down to 55Hz (can be extended to 31Hz with the addition of the new compact Sub7 subwoofer), metal grills for added durability, as well as power and gain controls. The rear panel includes balanced XLR jacks, unbalanced RCA jacks, and a new development by ADAM called Stereolink. This new technology connects speakers with input and output jacks allowing the user the option to control the overall volume of the system from any one speaker’s gain control, making the A5 a flexible desktop audio system.
The A5 comes in a choice of traditional ADAM matte black ($699 pr) or new glossy “piano” finishes in black or white ($769 pr). Optional wedge-like stands enhance desktop use by allowing the A5 to be positioned at an upward angle. In addition to desktop audio recording applications, the A5 is well suited to mobile and broadcast applications, surround set-ups, and multimedia uses such as gaming and home audio.
For more information visit ADAM Audio at www.adam-audio.com
HOLLYWOOD, JUNE 5, 2008 — Harmonization of both vocals and brass has been made easier with Best Service’s Vielklang harmonization instrument, created by Z.Plane Development. EASTWEST, exclusive U.S. distributor of Best Service products, is helping to bring this cutting-edge harmonization technology to musicians, songwriters and producers. more
CME, makers of the BitStream 3X MIDI Controller, have released version 1.8 firmware for the unit, adding new features and enhancing its functionality.
As the world’ s first 3 axis MIDI controller, CME Bitstream 3X is a completely new direction in MIDI controllers and is perfect for controlling Virtual Instruments, DAWs, and even other MIDI hardware. This compact desktop unit includes 35 knobs, 8 sliders, 16 buttons, a joystick, a cross-fader and controller.
The new version 1.8 firmware update adds the ability of the Bitstream 3X to generate SMPTE Sync at 24, 25, 30 dropped and 30 frames per second, 64 new Arppegiator Scenes independent from the 100 existing Snapshot Scenes, and an enhanced Switch (Jump/Toggle) Mode.
Workflow improvements include independent enabling/disabling of Hook Mode, Scenes can now be changed via incoming program changes (0-99), the Arppegiator is now initialized in Automatic Mode after a factory reset, and Start/Stop/Pause bitmaps are now updated when the unit is synchronized from external source.
The Bitstream 3x is fully programmable and includes more than 13,000 presets for popular samplers, synthesizers, and software including Propellerheads Reason and Rebirth, Steinberg Cubase, Ableton Live, Native Instruments Reaktor, Traktor, Kontakt, and Absynth, Fruity Loops and more. An 8 track motion sampler, transport functions, and a large LCD display round out this versatile unit.
Version 1.8 Firmware for the CME Bitstream 3X can be downloaded free of charge for registered users at http://www.waveidea.com/en/products/bitstream_3x/download_fw.php.
For more information, please visit www.cme-pro.com.
LAS VEGAS, NV - How many times have you reached for a cable only to find it has the wrong XLR connector on the other end? In direct response to high professional and consumer demand, Neutrik, designer and manufacturer of the XX series XLR cable connector, introduces the world’s first unisex 3-pin XLR connector, ConvertCon®, at InfoComm 2008 (Booth C3657).
ConvertCon (NC3FM-C) is a new 3-pin male and female cable connector in a single housing. ConvertCon is also available with black chrome housing and gold contacts (NC3FM-C-B). By simply sliding the housing back and forth, ConvertCon is transformed from a male to female connector. This new male/female cable end XLR allows for use of one connector, as it can mate with either a male or female 3-pin XLR. more
New music-making concept delivers sound in the palm of your hand
ANAHEIM, Calif.–Yamaha Corporation of America is set to reveal their award-winning new music-making technology, Tenori-on, for the first time in the United States with launch events for the public and press in NEW YORK on April 16 and SAN FRANCISCO on April 18, 2008.
Recently earning PC World Magazine‘s 25 Most Innovative Products Award at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Tenori-on literally means “sound in the palm of your hand” and is a twenty-first century digital musical instrument that is part art-piece, part must-have music gadget for the iPhone generation. The brainchild of Japanese Media Artist Toshio Iwai, Tenori-on emanates from his experiments with light shows and musical boxes, resulting in a hand-held, burnished magnesium-encased matrix of 256 LED buttons that glow as you access different sounds and textures (‘Layers‘) over an infinitely repeating sequence of notes.
Sound images are literally drawn with Tenori-on using a host of internal sounds as well as samples loaded from external sources. With an interface where sight and touch are every bit as integral as sound, the Tenori-on music making possibilities are as endless as they are addictive.
Iwai has teamed with Yamaha, the world‘s largest and longest-established musical instrument company, forming an unusual partnership of old and new, art and music, light and sound, to bring Tenori-on to market. This first generation Tenori-on product will be selectively marketed as an introduction to this cutting edge technology as more products are planned over time. This will be welcome news to the nearly one million curious consumers that have viewed Yamaha‘s demo of the product on YouTube.
“The beauty of Tenori-on is that it offers a fresh approach to music creation no matter what your musical background and experience are,” said Athan Billias of Yamaha. “It’s exciting that Yamaha , a company known mostly for making traditional musical instruments is investing in cutting-edge technologies that will expand the market for music making.”
Launch events for the media and the public will take place in New York (Southpaw in Brooklyn on April 16th) and San Francisco (1015 Folsom on April 18th). The events will not only feature Toshio Iwai himself, explaining this new musical paradigm, but also a host of edgy new electronic artists such as Sutekh, Safety Scissors, Pole, and I Am Robot And Proud, who have already incorporated Tenori-on into their stage shows. The events are free to enter and will feature Demo Stations for an interactive experience.
Public registration for a launch event is free at www.tenori-on-tour.com. Press area passes can be obtained through RSVP to Brian McConnon at mtech marketing communications: brian@mtechmarketing.com or 610-480-8360.
LEGENDARY PRODUCTION TEAM BOMB SQUAD PREPARES FOR UPCOMING PROJECT & WORLD TOUR - DEBUT AT WINTER MUSIC CONFERENCE SATURDAY MARCH 29
“In their dub mixes, the bomb squad invent sampladelic electronics at the heart of hiphop that turns up the volume of the world.” - Boomnoise, Dubstep Forum
“The Bomb Squad–the Hank Shocklee-led production team responsible for Public Enemy‘s dystopian sound (is) arguably one of dubstep‘s precursors, in vibe if not in exact ancestral lineage.” - Time Out New York
“I’m well excited to hear what bomb squad have got in store…bomb squad sounds is the most exciting prospect I’ve heard for a long time.” - Thomas E. Griffin, Dubstep Forum
For the first time in their legendary 20+ year career, production team the BOMB SQUAD (Hank Shocklee & Keith Shocklee) are preparing to perform live in concert in anticipation of their upcoming debut project & world tour.
The BOMB SQUAD and their trademark multi-layered, innovative sonic masterpieces have been at the forefront of electronic music production techniques and they have been heralded as one of the most influential production teams in contemporary music history.
The force behind Public Enemy and some of most significant albums of all time, including It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back and also Ice Cube‘s AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, albums which regularly rank as two of the greatest and influential recordings of all time in various publications such as Rolling Stone and Spin, the BOMB SQUAD is also credited with creating seminal recordings for a variety of other highly regarded artists such as Madonna, Janet Jackson, Slick Rick, Bell Biv Devoe, LL Cool J, & Run DMC.
After many successful years in the studio, the BOMB SQUAD is now gearing up for their debut solo album this time with Hank Shocklee and Keith Shocklee serving as the front men for an album that will feature a combination of futuristic live electronics, visuals and vocals. Hank Shocklee describes this new venture by saying, “I want to be a hybrid of man and machine as opposed to being a performer that uses machines.”
BOMB SQUAD will be headlining the DESTRUCTION outdoor poolside concert event on Saturday March 29th from 12 noon - 6pm at the Miami Beach Resort & Spa, 4833 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, 33140. For more info: http://www.wintermusicconference.com
VirSyn updates Matrix Vocoder to v1.1 with native VST3 support for enhanced integration with Steinberg‘s VST3-ready host applications Cubase and Nuendo
Hamburg, Germany (February 11, 2008) - Leading German software synthesizer and virtual effect manufacturer VirSyn has announced the worldwide first update for VST3 compatibility for a commercially available third party plug-in. With the update to version 1.1, Matrix Vocoder is now available as a native VST3 version for Mac OS X 10.4 and Windows XP through the VirSyn website.
Harry Gohs, VirSyn‘s founder and lead developer commented on the release: “Developing the update for VST3 was problem-free, and it was a very easy transition. We‘re looking forward to releasing updates to other VirSyn products for VST3, as it offers us new features which will be very useful for our products like multi-channel processing for surround. Another aspect of VST3 is that it‘s ready for the future, meaning that it appears to be very extendable and easily updatable. That‘s very important to us,” Gohs continues.
Steinberg‘s Marketing Director Frank Simmerlein comments: “We‘re very pleased that VirSyn have started updating their excellent plug-ins to take advantage of the new capabilities of VST3. This marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the audio industry with VST-3 powered effects, instruments and host applications,” Simmerlein continues.
VirSyn‘s Matrix Vocoder 1.1 utilizes the new native sidechaining ability of VST3 to improve handling and routing when used with all of Steinberg‘s latest generation of VST3-ready Cubase and Nuendo production environments.
Released in January 2008, VST3 is a next-generation audio interface standard that offers third party plug-in and host application manufacturers new capabilities and tools for developing virtual instruments, effects and DAWs. VST3 introduces a new dynamic I/O and bussing system, enhanced CPU efficiency, sample-accurate automation and much more.
For more information about the advantages of VST3, please visit Steinberg‘s website.
For more information about Matrix, access to the Matrix demo version as well as audio examples, please visit the VirSyn website.
About Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH
Steinberg is known the world over for its professional media solutions. The company has been developing, manufacturing and selling software products for musicians and producers in the music, film, post production, and multimedia industries since 1984. Steinberg products are used by Grammy® and Oscar® award winning composers, engineers, and producers. For more information, please visit www.steinberg.net.
All trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective owners.
A compact pure passive volume control to help get the best from any system!
Let’s get small - the iNano is a super compact desktop sized passive volume attenuator. Building on the success of the original SM Pro Audio Nano Patch, the iNano has been designed for use with a variety of consumer based systems. It enters the market as one of the smallest passive problem solvers on the market.
A great way to passively attenuate stereo signals from computers, soundcards, CD players, pre-amps, and mixers, the iNano allows precise level adjustment to analog audio source material. Featuring balanced combo XLR/TRS and 3.5mm input jacks and TRS and 3.5mm outputs, mute switch, and a good sized rotary volume encoder, the iNano is simply one of the most affordable improvements you could ever make to your desktop studio.
The iNano passive series does not have any active elements, thereby allowing audio signals to be attenuated and mixed together transparently and without coloration.
The iNano really comes into its own when connected between your computer audio interface/soundcard master outputs and a pair of active (powered) monitor speakers. One of the benefits of passive volume attenuation is that you no longer have to control volumes with your software‘s master volume fader. Reducing levels from your software only reduces the audio bit depth. It is much more appropriate to keep your software masters at unity and attenuate the audio to your active monitors with a passive controller like the iNano. This way you can maintain maximum audio resolution and attenuate your monitoring volume with the confidence that the sonic integrity of your audio is not compromised.
No active circuitry, buffers, transistors, batteries, or power supply of any kind can interfere with the main passive output of the iNano. It simply delivers attenuated signal. Pure, simple, transparent.
The iNano is set for release at a list price of USD $69.00
More information on the iNano including high resolution images, technical details, and operational manuals can be found at the SM Pro Audio website here: http://www.smproaudio.com
