Category Archives: Music Hardware

New version of Spire brings new Filter, Chorus, Vowel Osc and more

Reveal Sound continue improving Spire – one of the best sounding virtual synths available.
Today they announced new update with exciting new features:

  • Vowel Oscillator
  • J8 Chorus – Roland Juno chorus
  • Filter Mode/Shaper
  • Click Removal – a cool feature that removes clicks from your sounds

Watch the video to learn more:

Get Spire Today and be among the first ones to get updated version.

Check also: Vengeance Production Suite Avenger Synth

5 Fresh Sample Sources For Maschine

Okay, so you’re a new Maschine user waiting for your new Mk3 to arrive. Or, maybe you’re an experienced user who never really tapped into all the sampling options available to you in Maschine.

Well, today is your lucky day!

👉 CHECK OUT THE LATEST DEALS AND DISCOUNTS ON VST PLUGINS AND DAWS

In this article we’ll explore different sample sources you can use to get audio into Maschine.

Mobile phones, hardware synths, or field recorders

If you’re planning on purchasing NI’s soon to be released Maschine Mk3 hardware, you’ll be able to plug any ¼” cable into the new studio grade audio interface. This is a 96 kHz, 24-bit audio interface with 2 x ¼” TRS line inputs and a ¼” mic input for use with a dynamic microphone.

Being able to sample directly into the Mk3 hardware should be the easiest and fastest way to get external audio into Maschine and onto a pad for further editing.

 

Youtube, Vimeo (and virtually anything that plays audio from the internet)

Windows users, the word for today is Voicemeeter.

Voicemeeter is a virtual audio mixer and virtual audio interface offered as donationware from software developers, VB-Audio. It’s available for Windows XP, Vista, 7/8/8.1/10 in 32/64 bits and is similar to a program for Mac users called Loopback, which I think used to be called Soundflower. In a nutshell, this program allows you to bring audio into Maschine from any source that plays through it including other audio applications on your computer. It does require some configuration, but nothing too difficult. Once installed and configured:

– Go to your audio properties and select Voicemeeter as your main audio device
– Make sure Voicemeeter ASIO is selected in Maschine’s audio preferences
– Go to Maschine’s Sampler page and get to sampling!That’s it!

Keep in mind that this covers you for any and all audio that plays from any website as well as audio playing from other applications on your computer. Have fun with that!

And for Mac users there’s another cool app that allows you sampling other apps like Spotify, iTunes, Safari (soundcloud, youtube etc). The app is called Audio Hijack Pro. It’s been around for many years and recently they’ve release an update with clean modern UI:

Loopcloud

A few months back, the good people at Loopmasters released a free application they named, Loopcloud. You’re probably saying to yourself, “not another cloud-based sample storage platform”. Yes, but this is one of the best free options available to my knowledge at least.

It runs as a standalone application for Windows and Mac in both 32/64 bit format, comes with 1GB of free sample content and you get 150mb of new free samples every week. But, it really shines when you use it as a plug-in inside your DAW of choice.

The Loopcloud plug-in syncs to your host tempo so you can audition samples that will already be in sync with your song. What’s even cooler than that is you can drag n drop samples from Loopcloud directly into your session and keep it moving.

You can search for samples by instrument, genre, label, file format, content type, key and bpm. My only gripe is that you can’t add samples from your hard drive, but Loopmasters have stated that this will come in a future update.

Splice

Certainly everybody in the audio community knows about Splice by now.

For those that don’t, Splice is one of the more popular online platforms for audio enthusiast, producers and musicians. Among other things, Splice also a great resource for samples, boasting 1 million samples from a plethora of sound providers.

However, Splice is subscription based and there’s a fee of $8 per month. The good news is you can try it for free, so why not give it a go?

The good thing is that the fee covers any amount of samples you download during that time. With 1 million samples available and most likely more by this time, you can image that there are plenty of genres to choose from.

There’s an application you have to download to your computer to be able to preview and download content. If you don’t want to buy in to the subscription service, you can still purchase samples individually directly from the Splice application without having to purchase an entire sound pack.

Vinyl Record Youtube Channels

There’s a healthy amount of Youtube channels that are based on obscure vinyl records that haven’t been overused or maybe even haven’t been used at all. I’m subscribed to quite a few and found these channels to be a source of inspiration whenever I have beat block.

I’ll list a few channels here for you to check out, but also remember that if you install Voicemeeter (PC users) or Loopback (Mac users), you’ll be able to sample right into Maschine immediately. I hope you all get lost in the fun of building your own unique sample libraries. Enjoy!

Soulhawk
Vinylforsale
SoulOnYourSide

Funkdigger91
TheNada73

ProvocativeEducative
Vinyl – crate digging
hitmusicsingles

5 cool iOS apps to sample

Sampling iOS apps to Maschine is easy, just connect your iPhone/iPad to Maschine MK3 or another audio interface or just use USB cable if you use Mac (yes, it can transfer audio via USB as well).

Maschine as well as many iOS apps support Ableton Link – so you can easily play in sync.

[appstore id=511269223]

[appstore id=791077159]

[appstore id=976690555]

[appstore id=408709785]

[appstore id=561369733]

Will Maschine MK3 audio interface work with iOS?

I got my Maschine MK3 last week and while playing with it (it is amazing controller, huge improvements, very well made) was trying to connect it to iPad (iPad Pro) to see if it works as audio interface and MIDI controller for iOS apps.

So even NI claims it is class-compatible audio interface and all class-compatible interfaces I got my hands on were working with iOS – this one doesn’t work as it requires USB power even when connected to power adapter.

It shows this message:

 

I hope NI fix it in future updates and it can be used as audio-interface/midi controller for iPad…

The Best iOS Audio Interfaces – An Overview and Comparison

With iPads and iPhones getting better and more capable of supporting various DAWs, no wonder so many people decide not only to record but mix and master on these portable devices.

But, in order to get the most out of your tablet, you need a good audio interface. While there are many to choose from, some just perform better than others.

Let’s take a look at the best iOS audio interfaces you can get today.

Focusrite iTrack Solo

 

Focusrite has already proven that they know their business so far, with many amazing audio interfaces. But how does their iTrack Solo perform?

In terms of build quality, this interface feels quite premium. The aluminum unibody case isn’t just sturdy but will look nice on your desk as well.

There are 2 inputs on the front. An XLR for the mic, with its respective gain knob, and one for the instrument with a gain knob as well. Apart from that, the front stays pretty simple. Just a big monitor volume knob, a headphone output, and a direct monitor switch.

A neat feature Focusrite included are the LED halos around the gain knobs. The color of these halos tells you if the signal is clipping, and whether the levels are too high.

The back sports USB 2.0 and Device link connectors alongside stereo line outputs.

If you need a simple yet effective audio interface to use with your iPad, the Focusrite iTrack Solo is a great option, especially when considering it costs around $100.

Learn more about Focusrite iTrack Solo

Roland Duo- Capture EX

 

If you have any experience with music and instruments, Roland should be a familiar name by now. Their Duo- Capture EX is their take on mobile audio interfaces.

At first glance, this interface looks very sleek, but durable as well. The build quality is on point, and will definitely make this device last you a long time.

With two combined inputs, having both XLR and standard instrument option, you are free to simultaneously record two instruments, an instrument and vocals, or with two microphones. As this feature gives you a lot more freedom, we’re not sure why this isn’t a standard when it comes to audio interfaces.

Two phantom- powered VS preamps are a great addition, especially if you use condenser microphones in your setup. The front, though relatively minimalistic, gives you a headphone output as well as sensitivity and output controls.

Besides standard stereo output, the Duo- Capture offers both MIDI input and output option as well.

For less than $200, the Roland Duo- Capture EX is a good investment, with musicians who use MIDI devices besides mics and instruments on mind.

Learn more about Roland Duo Capture EX

 

Apogee Duet

 

That’s my personal favorite!

Marketed as the first professional stereo audio interface for iPads, the Apogee Duet takes a slightly different approach than the other models we’ve mentioned so far.

While the device itself may boast a smaller form factor, it can certainly take up numerous different input sources.

The whole idea is to have a single input to which you can connect a cable that offers multiple connectors. It supports standard instrument cable jacks as well as XLR for connecting microphones.

The input/ output count goes up to four, with 2 combined XLR/ instrument inputs, and 2 standard speaker outputs.

The interface on the device is made up of an OLED screen which delivers visual feedback of the levels of the instruments you’re recording. All of the controls are combined in a single multi- function knob on the top, so in order to adjust different parameters, you simply tap a button to cycle through them and turn the knob to set the level.

If you don’t mind the adapter cable setup and the around $600 price tag, definitely consider the Apogee Duet.

Learn more about Apogee Duet

 

Tascam iXZ

 

Switching things up from a relatively expensive option to a very budget- friendly one, the Tascam iXZ is an awesome alternative for connecting your instruments to your iPad, and for less than $50.

When designing the iXZ, Tascam wanted to save as much space as possible. The result was the interface being very slim, with only the input fraction of the device having a slight bulge.

Other than that, the iXZ does feel kind of cheap. But hey, it doesn’t have to look good in order to perform good, right?

A simple switch allows you to toggle between the instrument and XLR input, and a similar switch turns the phantom power on and off. The volume wheel is the same kind you would find on the old cd and cassette tape players.

Performance- wise, it was surprisingly good. The outside looks definitely don’t reflect the audio quality.

So, if you’re looking for a pocket- sized audio interface with a low price and slightly above average performance, the iXZ by Tascam is the way to go.

Learn more about Tascam iXZ

Alesis iO Dock II

 

 

Don’t just buy an audio interface to connect your iPad to it. Make your iPad a mini mobile studio with the iO Dock II by Alesis!

The rather unique design which makes the iO Dock II essentially a sleeve over your iPad not only makes your desk more organized but also keeps everything in your reach at all times.

Both the stereo speaker outputs and the 2 combined XLR/ instrument inputs are placed on the upper side of the device. Guitar/ mic line toggles are featured as well as a phantom power switch.

You can even use a footswitch with this interface, gaining even more control.

The sides utilize output level controls, as well as MIDI in and out. Cable management and general I/O design are done in a very ergonomic way.

With a price ranging from $250 to $300, the iO Dock II by Alesis features a great value for the money.

Learn more about Alesis iO Dock II

See also: Alesis iO Mix – 4 channel mixer for iPad

As there are fairly different options you could go for, now it’s up to you to see which one of the mentioned audio interfaces works best for your needs.

We hope that you found this overview of the best iOS audio interfaces helpful. Thank you very much for reading!

Best Laptop for Music Production in 2017

Please check updated version here: Best Laptop for Music Production in 2018

Producing music isn’t what it used to be just a couple of decades ago. No longer are we limited to a whole bunch of large, heavy analog equipment and specialized music production studios. These days you can do a lot of the same work from your own laptop. That being said, a laptop that is adequate for serious music production needs to meet several requirements. Two of the most important aspects are by far the CPU power and the amount of RAM you have at your disposal. Everything else comes more or less as secondary. Since the laptop market is rather extensive, we have done the footwork for you and selected the best laptops for music production you can find at the moment. With that said, let’s dig right in!

Minitaur 2.2 update: access LFO shapes, OSC hard-sync and more

Moog has announced free software update to Moog Minitaur synth:

The new Minitaur v2.2 update expands this powerful analog bass synthesizer with a host of new performance elements and user requested features, including front-panel access to new LFO wave-shapes, oscillator hard-sync and much more–and Minitaur’s new Librarian/Editor Software makes DAW integration seamless between your synthesizer and Mac or Windows machine.

Learn more at moogmusic.com

Roland new boutique models: TR-808 and SH-101

Roland is about to release two new boutique models: TR-08 – boutique format model of original TR-808 with some additional features (compressor and new sequencer features).

New SH-101 model called SH-01A is based on software emulation previously available as the Plug-out for System-1 and VST3 VA synth. Comparing to original SH-101, new boutique model features unison, 4-voice polyphony, CV-enabled sequencer and of course complete MIDI support (via MIDI and USB).

Using Serum Wavetables in Reaktor Blocks (FREE)

If you already have Reaktor Blocks you can start using Serum Wavetables (as well as other wav-files as a wavetables) in a Reaktor modular Blocks environment with a new free module called Serum Wavetable Block. You can download it free from the Reakror User Library

To start using it add this block to a new Reaktor ensemble or replace oscillator in one of the pre-built Reaktor Blocks ensembles.

Then just drag’n’drop wav file (wavetable) from your Serum library (on MacOS found at /Library/Audio/Presets/Xfer Records/Serum Presets/Tables/…)

Modulate WTP (Wavetable Position) with one of the LFOs or modulators – works great with recently added Kodiak Curve Sequencer modulator:

Best Guitar Pedals For Synths and Keyboards

It is no secret that guitar effects pedals have completely changed the way we see music today. The impact this instrument made on music is obvious.

However, these effects pedals are not only limited to guitars.

On the contrary, they can be used with a variety of different instruments, including synths and keyboards. As long as your instrument uses a 1/4 inch TRS cable, chances are that an effects pedal will work just fine. 

The reasons to use these pedals with synths or even keyboards are numerous.

Analog synths don’t come packed with a wide array of effects like their modern counterparts do.

If live performance is important, you will have to add all of your effects there on the spot.

With that in mind, we wanted to find out what are the best guitar pedals for synths and keyboards you can get right now. As you are about to see, options are plentiful.

For a summarized version, check out the table below:

Product Name
Effects
Our Rating

Boss RE-20 Space Echo.
Echo, Reverb, Delay. 4.6/5
CHECK OFFER

MXR M101 Phase 90
Phaser 4.6/5
CHECK OFFER

Electro-Harmonix POG2
Octave Pedal 4.7/5
CHECK OFFER

Electro-Harmonix Lester G
Rotary Speaker Emulator 4.5/5
CHECK OFFER

Eventide Space
Reverb 4.9/5 CHECK OFFER

Elektron Analog Drive
Filter / Saturator 4.7/5 CHECK OFFER

API TranZformer GT Guitar Pedal
Reverb 4.5/5 CHECK OFFER

 

Boss RE-20 Space Echo Pedal

 

One of the first effects pedals we have to mention is the Boss RE-20 Space Echo.

To those who don’t know the history of this model, it probably looks just like another digital box.

However, it is so much more than that.

Roland RE-201 Space Echo used to be, and for the most part still is, the pinnacle of analog echo effect.

It offered the perfect tape echo, very subtle details that only a masterpiece analog unit could and everyone loved it. 

However, getting one of these is just borderline impossible these days due to its cost and scarcity.

Enter the Boss RE-20 Space Echo.

Roland and Boss worked together to revamp the original RE-201 in all of its glory. Even though it is fully digital, the quality of tone is literally identical to the model it was inspired by.

As impressive as it is though, the Boss RE-20 Space Echo will forever remain a studio queen. The device’s clunky nature makes it extremely hard to use in a live setting.

With that said, if you are looking for the best of the best, Boss RE-20 Space Echo is the way to go. 

For a quick demo of this pedal, check out the video below:

MXR M101 Phase 90

Here’s a complete change of pace.

From a high dollar legend to an affordable orange stompbox.

MXR’s Phase 90 used to be one of the best, if not the best phaser pedal available at the time.

The instrument’s simple analog circuitry made it a reliable piece of gear that many guitar players use to this day. As such, it wasn’t long before Phase 90 found its application with keyboards and synths. 

It essentially brought that vintage, organic sounding phase effect to a largely digitized world of keyboards.

Easy to use and very competitively priced, MXR M101 Phase 90 is one of those effects pedals that you can get without feeling the impact on your bank account.

With that said, it is also the type of pedal that can completely change the dynamic of your tone, whether you are using a keyboard or a synth. 

Electro-Harmonix POG2

Octave pedals are a must-have piece of gear.

They have been allowing guitar players to enrich various sections of their music with girth and range.

One of the best pedals of this type that works with keyboards and synths is the Electro-Harmonix POG2. One quick look at the control panel and you immediately know what you are dealing with here. It’s no ordinary octave pedal, that’s for sure. 

This one comes with an FX section as well.

In terms of pure performance, you are looking at the range of two octaves above and below the nominal value.

Effects available come in form of an attack control, a two-pole resonant LP filter and an enhanced detune. Pushing the functionality even further, Electro-Harmonix designed this pedal in a way that allows you to save presets for later use.

Have a look at the POG2 in action:

POG2 is among the most rugged and natural sounding octave pedals out there, definitely the one you’d want to use with a keyboard. 

Electro-Harmonix Lester G

Up next, we have another great creation from Electro-Harmonix. This time around we are looking at their legendary Lester G.

Why is it legendary?

Because this is one of the best rotary speaker emulators on the market right now. Leslie rotary speakers are a pretty niche piece of gear that was used extensively only a few decades ago.

These days it is considered an exotic. Since using the original version of this device meant that you had to get a clunky, cabinet sized speaker itself, another solution had to be devised. Electro-Harmonix is one of the few companies to even attempt to recreate this effect in a digital pedal. 

Unlike most of its competition, Lester G brings you the absolute control over the effect it offers.

You can dial in everything from acceleration to sustain. Even though it was designed to be used in a guitar signal chain, keyboard and synth applications are too good to be ignored. Especially considering that it comes with both stereo and mono I/O options

Eventide Space

This pedal has any reverb model you may need for guitar, keyboard, synth or even drums and percussion.

I’ve seen many Eurorack-based setups that use this pedal for adding reverb.

And it can go from classic algorithmic room and halls to plates and weird granular processing.

Blackhole mode is my favorite mode for synths – beautiful for pads. And Eventide even released Blackhole algorithm as a stand alone VST plugin. 

Interested in seeing it in action? Click play:

Elektron Analog Drive

Elektron is well-known for any electronic musician or keyboard player for their synths (A4 and Analog Keys), drum machines and one of the best samplers (Octatrack). But they also have one pedal called Analog Drive.

It was remade from the Analog Heat desktop device (filter/saturator), and it has 8 different analog saturation circuits. From subtle saturation to crazy distortion – this pedal is a must-have for keyboard/synth players. 

API TranZformer GT Guitar Pedal

Most of us don’t have ability to record using large consoles primarily because of their costs of tens of thousands of dollars.

But if you are looking for a signature sound of API consoles – Tranzformer GT is the way to go.

It has fully discrete signature API circuit design, compressor, 3-band EQ and input gain with up to 30db to overdrive the circuit. 

Fulltone OCD Obsessive Compulsive Drive

Last but not least, let’s talk dirt. Overdrives are not the type of effect that you often see used with synths or keyboard.

However, a good vintage OD pedal can really add some grit to your tone.

Fulltone OCD comes to mind as the perfect candidate. T

his thing was designed to bring the tube sound in a compact package, and boy does it deliver. It also meets one of the more important requirements for overdrive pedals used with a synth, and that is tone control.

OCD allows you to be as subtle or as aggressive as you need to, without completely drowning your signal. It infuses the tone with sweet sounding dirt while retaining definition.

Final Thoughts

Pedals we’ve shown you above are by far some of the best guitar pedals for synth and keyboard use.

Some are more affordable than others, but most of these have been tried and tested many times in this particular application.

Sometimes, in music production, even the cheapest pieces of gear can open up a universe of sound and completely redefine your music, so we urge to keep exploring and keep re-inventing your sound.

If you are just starting to consider effects pedals as a possible tool, we strongly suggest that you start with these pedals.

Elektron introduces Octatrack MK II

Elektron has introduced its new version of Octatrack sampler. As a happy owner of original I have not seen many of the features that I would expect in a new version CV in/outs, Overbridge support, new effects/more effect options per track… From the specifications point of it looks like Octatrack with slightly different knobs and better screen. Which might be good news for MK I owners as those features would barely convince anyone to upgrade for a high price of $1349.