Image Line releases FL Studio 12.4 with new Transistor Bass plugin that is Image Line take on Roland TB-303 (though I can’t say it sounds authentic – it has more flat digital sound comparing to original or D16 plugin version – which is probably closest software emulation of 303 synth).
What’s more important new version comes with FLM – FL Mobile plugin which is exact copy or Android/iOS/Win mobile apps. iOS and Win are not yet released and will be available soon.
FLM brings smooth workflow for musicians that are using Android and iOS devices for music production. It’s a pretty comprehensive studio app that has several intstruments (Mini-synth, Transistor Bass, Direct Wave sampler and GMS instrument) as well as comprehensive set of effects. With easy synchronization process you can get your mobile production right in FL Studio desktop so you can further tweak your project or add FL/VST instruments and further evolve your tracks.
More plugins were updated with Vectorial graphics – so you can scale them and those look nice on any resolution (including retina displays and Surface Pro/new Surface Studio).
Updated are: FPC, Harmles, Ogun, Parametric EQ 2, Slicex, Vocodex.
FL Studio update download (including free trial) is available on Image-Line website
ehDirtDelay has a number of unusual if not novel features:
Outside the feedback loop:
– A pre-delay for expanded rhytmic potential.
– Two syncable LFOs with per stereo channel phase settings.
In the feedback loop:
– Unipolar amplitude modulation, for adding dirt, noise and glitch.
– A basic reverb for diffusing the signal or “metalizing” it.
– Three choices for overdrive / distortion.
– Samplerate / bitdepth reduction.
Convenient signal routing options:
– Stereo or mono input.
– Mute left or right input.
– Swap left and right input.
– Feedback stereo balance.
– Invert feedback phase.
ROLI – developer of innovative Seabord and Seabord RISE keyboards has introduced new controllers for their iOS music app – Blocks. And today they have updated their iOS app NOISE with the support of Blocks. And actually updated app looks like complete rebuild with the whole new concept of Blocks in mind.
Here’s how previous version looked like:
And here’s new version:
So it is a complete redesign – I don’t know why but ROLI has decided to take out old keyboard that had few modulation dimensions and few faders – and leave only new “Blocks” interface without much control over sound…
UPDATE from ROLI: “We’ve redeveloped NOISE from the ground up, and that’s why we’ve had to temporarily disable Seaboard View and other features. Not to worry, though! We will reintroduce them within a month. We apologize for any inconvenience that the temporary removal of these features may have caused.”
If you liked previous version and had some IAPs – don’t update – wait while they fix it.
The new version is more like Scram or Figure. It is very simple – you just touch the screen and music plays. No IAA, no AU, no Audiobus.
So the app is really basic though it sounds pretty good. All embed sounds (there are not many) are pretty playable especially while modulating them by moving your finger.
And new controllers are amazing I think. Watch these videos:
It is really cool set of modules. Really small but still playable. And with several modules you can create your own unique layout. I just wish ROLI either develop NOISE app to give more control over sound or open MIDI interface to control other apps.
Another great update from KORG – after announcement of release of ARP Odissey for iOS – KORG has announced Monologue – their new mono synth that will be available in January for just $299.
It is available in 5 colors – so you’ll need to think a lot which one you prefer.
The keyboard has 25 keys – from E to E (not your regular C to C keyboard) – pretty reasonable decision for a synth focused on bass sound. Front panel is pretty typical for a 2 oscillators synth (except advanced sequencer and tiny display showing waveforms or menu). To build Monologue KORG took the best from Minilogue and added new sound sculpting abilities – “completely new filter, modulation, drive, and LFO can generate powerful basses and sharp leads, creating awesome mono sounds that showcase its single-voice design”.
From what we can hear on the sound demos – synth sounds amazing! Check out the video:
What stands this synth apart from others is advanced sequencer, waveform display and advanced microtuning developed in partnership with Aphex Twin.
In essence:
Analog synthesizer with all-new synthesis structure optimized for amazing monophonic sounds and sequences
Fully programmable, with 100 program memories (80 presets included)
16-step sequencer with extensive motion sequence technology to make your sound move
Microtuning lets you freely create scales and alternate tonalities\
Oscilloscope function helps visualize the waveform in real time
Battery-powered for portability
Rugged and stylish with aluminum top panel, chassis-mounted pots, rubber-coated knobs, and real wood back panel
MIDI, USB MIDI, and Audio Sync for all types of in-studio and live connectivity, including direct sync with minilogue, SQ1, volca, electribe, and more
Five color variations that will shine on stage or in the studio
Kilohearts developers of one of my favorites and best sounding Rack Extension synths kHs ONE has released FX bundle that consists of 23!!! Rack Extension.
Reason is unique platform in its modularity and ability to modulate almost anything. But for the last 5-6 years Propellerhead was not updating built-in effects so most of the Reason stock effects look really outdated in 2016. kiloHearts brings nice alternative to stock effects and much more…
And new kiloHearts bundle is definitely brings Reason to the next-level in terms of effect plugins – starting from classic delay, reverb, distortion, filters to the creative trance gate, tape stop and other effects.
All those effects were taken from kiloHearts Multipass VST/AU plugin. But having all these effects in Reason environment gives way more flexibility. First – you can modulate effect parameters from CV outs of other devices (Pulsar LFO, Martix Pattern Sequencer, Synchronous and many-many others). Second – some effects have modulation outputs: Trance Gate – has gate and envelopes CV, Formant Filter’s X/Y CV outs – connect those to modulate your synths or other effects. Next – with free Mid/Side and Multiband splitters from other developers you can start building your own crazy effect chains – multiband distortion, delay, compression or even more creative multiband resonator and trance gate.
FREE Rack Extensions
Start with Kilohearts effects is really easy. Apart from 30-day free trial you can get 5 free rack extensions:
– Gain – nice tool for gain control in complex patches with great visual signal level monitoring
– Classic effects: Chorus, Delay
– And couple of effects that may be good alternative to MClass Reason devices: Limiter and Stereo Width where you can CV control all the parameters!!!
Unique Effects
Some of the effects are truly unique for Reason and can change your sound dramatically.
My favorite from the whole bundle is Resonator – it adds harmonic resonance and sounds really good. Connect Pitch CV – and resonance frequency follows notes you’re playing.
Another gem in the collection is Trance Gate that is gating your signal based on the pattern that you setup on a nice circled sequencer. The user interface is really well thought-out and really easy and intuitive to use. It sounds great on anything and shines on any static sounds – it could bring to life even simplest one-note pad.
Comb and Formant filters – those two are another amazing additions to the Reason rack. Similar to Resonator – Comb Filter has Pitch CV in so it can follow notes you’re playing – it is also nice to connect it to sequencer and play some random sequence.
Formant Filter is really easy to use with X/Y pads controlling how you transform you sound into vowels (as I mention before – you can use X/Y as a CV source).
Tape Stop – is another unique device which obviously does slowing/stopping and starting playing tape effect. And of course you can trigger it from any CV-gate source.
Toolbox Bundle
Each of the new devices mentioned is really worth its price of $19 per device. But they are really shine in combination with others. With all these effects you can take any simple synth (even SubTractor) and transform it into the ultimate up-to-date sound. All the parameters are CV controllable – it makes the bundle great experimental toolbox. But course you can just make subtle processing of your audio adding coloration and movement.
And it is great to see all those devices combined in a bundle for just $149. Less than $10 per device!
– New SAMPLER engine, with sample pitch, reverse, envelope, and a genuine looper function !!!
– Sample import via iTunes, eMail or AudioShare after purchasing the “sample import” option
– Record your microphone input after purchasing the “sample import” option
– Velocity/Automate edit view on iPad, via longtap velocity/automat button
– top navigation: swipe to prev/next pattern works the other way round now
– Copy instr + seq in Instr option sub screen
– Limited master tempo X (multiplication) as it did not work properly after the Ableton Link rebuild
– fixed badly working Midi Sync out start/stop behavior
– doubleTap on instr parameters will set knob to default
– button/solo labels on instr. buttons
– selecting + longtap on an instruments preset or user sample will open a delete overlay
– warning, if you really want to change to another preset, if you made edits to the current one
– updated to newest libPD version 0.10
– version info in info overlay screen
A brilliant video on movie soundtracks composition. Raising questions of soundtrack music originality and showing how it is evolved from recording back-tracks with orchestra to the complete digital studios.
We definitely don’t see soundtracks like Ennio Morricone expcept in Quentin Tarantino’s movies. But just to remind you – in 70s and 80 soundtrack could sound like this:
And the evolution of music technology, electronic music genres that are focused on sound and rhythm rather than melody changed soundtrack purpose into textures and rhythms that support picture (which is not a bad thing of course).
The following improvements are included in Maschine 2.5.0:
Support for MASCHINE JAM and it’s associated features
Perform FX effects
Maschine Factory Library update (available in Native Access)
Fixed Velocity is now unified between Pad and Step entry modes
A detailed list of missing plug-ins is now presented when trying to load content which requires plug-ins that MASCHINE cannot find.
Fixed Issues:
REPLIKA is embedded correctly in MASCHINE’s plugin strip
Improved Loop behaviour when deleting and moving scenes
Numerous bug fixes
Perform FX description
PERFORM FX
Enliven your sounds with MASCHINE 2.5 software’s advanced Perform FX. Designed for spontaneous, tactile control in recording or live performance, these eight complex multi-effects alter motion, space, dynamics, and more for added expression.
FILTER
An analog-modeled High, Low, and Band-pass filter capable of yielding raw, natural-sounding results using saturation and resonance. Roll off the highs for a thick, murky veil, or use the resonance to create sounds that float into self-oscillation infinity.
FLANGER
A comb filter effect with more than a few tricks up its sleeve. Get performance-ready flanger or phaser effects, or expose its wild side – setting higher decay and frequency values unleashes ping-pong delay-like flutter effects.
BURST ECHO
A warm, versatile echo with plenty of character, designed for spontaneous splashes of echo. Strong, responsive attacks that taper off into hazy trails are perfect for dub and can also be tweaked for more extreme sound design.
RESO ECHO
A complex resonant echo with advanced feedback and saturation that verge on psychedelic tendencies. Echoes range from a tight, punchy resonant hum to ambiguous howling sounds from another dimension.
RING
Built on a carefully selected bank of ring modulators, Ring adds a bell-like quality to melodic sound sources. Using the additional plate reverb, tweak a knob or Smart Strip to hand-pick individual notes and keep them ringing into the stratosphere.
STUTTER
Turn the intensity up, and down again with Stutter. This beat-mangling effect adds creative dynamics like glitches, fills, and expressive pitch-bending crescendos to drum patterns and more.
TREMOLO
A no-frills tremolo and vibrato effect that’s perfect for creating motion and wobble on the fly. Instantly add expression with multiple modes, Rate, and Depth ranges, and use the Stereo knob to create auto-pan motion effects.
SCRATCHER
Scratcher warps your sounds with turntable motion effects that can get other-worldly. Apply a ‘brake’ to a sound, then scratch with it – just like on vinyl. Or use the pitch shifter delay to thicken the sound and create alien-sounding sweeps.
Steinberg has updated Cubasis to 2.0 bringing lots of new features for both professional musicians and beginners.
First of all time-stretch – long waited feature requested by many users. There’s manual and auto mode.
Pitch shift is another requested feature.
New channel strip makes Cubasis more suitable for professional use. Great to have saturator on each channel.
Though it is great update and great intro price for new users there are still some important features missing: Ableton Link support and 12″ iPad Pro interface – it is still scaled version of 9″ ipad.
Cubasis 2 special price valid from September 22 to October 06, 2016: € ($) 24.99 (regular price: € ($) 49.99). Special price for FX Pack 1 and FX Pack 2 (exclusively available through in-app purchase) valid until October 06, 2016: € ($) 3.99 (regular price: € ($) 6.99).
[appstore id=583976519]
What’s new in Cubasis 2
• A Refreshed User Interface – Enjoy profound usability by straightforward workflows
• Real-time Time-Stretch – Tempo match audio loops to your song’s tempo in a snap
• Pitch shift with formant correction – Easily change keys of any tracks and tune them to perfection
• A studio-grade channel strip – Reach true sound perfection for all channels
• Spin FX – Tweak and mash-up your tracks with DJ-like breaks, stops and stutters
• MicroSonic TAPE instruments – Perfectly recreate trademark sounds from the ’60s era
• 76 new Micrologue presets – Lay down your tracks with cutting-edge modern synth sounds
• Factory loops tempo match – Enjoy the freedom to use included audio loops at any tempo
• MIDI Auto Quantize – Sync MIDI tracks with the beat while recording
• Ready for iOS 10 – Cubasis 2.0 is fully tested and proven iOS 10 compatible
Cubasis 2 Improvements & Fixes
CB-335 Zooming behaviour in arrange window and editors has been reworked to provide enhanced precision and accuracy.
CB-3282 Response time has drastically been improved for menu bar and tool bar buttons.
CB-3081 Record mode tools have been added to tempo pop-up for improved usability.
CB-3145 Factory audio loop library has been converted to lossless FLAC format for improved quality.
CB-3273 Background color option has been added to the setup for the Arrange window.
CB-3209 Order of fixed insert slots can be swapped via corresponding icon.
CB-3289 Improves the cosmetic issue of iOS keyboard and text pop-ups overlapping.
CB-392 Overlapping events no longer flicker when zooming or scrolling.
CB-2947 Loading audio unit instances during playback no longer results in muted audio playback.
CB-3298 Releasing the pitch-bend wheel now correctly resets its value.
CB-3314 Fixes the graphical issue of overlaying event names and event lengths.
CB-3321 Fixes the problem of unreliable rendering of Cubasis when transferring a file via Air Drop.
CB-3341 Fixes the problem of unreliable rendering of Cubasis when deleting user files via WiFi.
CB-3063 Fixes a rare phenomenon where audio files can get lost after recording, renaming and reloading a project.
CB-3028 Solves a rare problem where undoing a track recording could lead to losing corresponding I/O track settings.
CB-3045 Fixes a rare issue where undoing a recording can lead to renaming of the corresponding track.
CB-3129 Fixes a problem where the user interface of Blamsoft Viking appears broken after being assigned as AU instrument.
CB-3127 Freezing an AU track that contains Moog Model 15 now leads to expected results.
CB-2919 Fixes a problem where loading a project that contains a NS1 AU instrument instance could lead to unreliable behaviour of Cubasis.
CB-2205 Swing quantize settings are now properly saved with the project.
CB-3046 Fixes a problem where activating cycle mode during pre-count can lead to loosing recordings.
CB-3062 Activating cycle mode during count-in no longer leads to unwanted results.
CB-3110 Fixes defective samples of Microsonic’s Mellow EP instrument.
CB-3159 Type parameter of filter effect plug-in can now be automated as expected.
CB-3145 Importing loops from the factory library no longer results in wrong audio event lengths.
CB-3170 Return to stop in record mode now works as expected when having roll/count enabled.
CB-3175 Solves a problem where importing 96 kHz samples could lead to broken MiniSampler instruments.
CB-3210 Deleting an effect no longer interacts with other effect or track automations.
CB-3162 Fixes a graphical issue where importing .wav files could lead to overlapping between waveform and event size.
