PC and Music News

Devine Machine has developed OTR88, an electric piano physical emulation which offers in a few drags and clicks what used to take hours with a screwdriver on a real electric piano.

Unlike sample based instruments, OTR88 physical synthesis provides seamless dynamics and virtually unlimited electric piano models sounds, for less than 10Mb hard drive space and moderate CPU usage. OTR88 gives access to 17 physical parameters fully editable for each 88 key individually (Pickup position, tine harmonic content, tine decay, oldness, tuning, pan among others) through a user-friendly interface. Scala microtonal file import feature has been implemented to complete sound flexibility. It also features 8 MIDI-Learnable FX pedals (Chorus, Delay, Distortion, Flanger, Phaser, Reverb, Tremolo, and Wah) set in an intuitive pedal board.

Near 100 piano presets and 80 global presets have been carefully set by hand to let you access a large variety of lively sounds out of the box. In early development stages Devine Machine received advices from Herbie Handcock himself !

OTR88 costs €229 and is available in VST, RTAS, AU and standalone versions for both Mac and PC. A fully functional demo is also available.

Learn more...

Attention all DJs and producers ! On 11 April 2009, 365Mag, SAE and Media Satellite will be organizing the official Dutch launch of the long-awaited Ableton Live 8 and Suite 8 at the Sugar Factory in Amsterdam! Expect another full-feature workshop, special guests, free goodies... and Lee Burridge !

Ableton Live 8 and Suite 8 incorporate a plethora of ace new features as well as a white-hot, brand new addition titled Virtual Instruments which includes Collision, Operator and Latin Percussion. German DJ/producer and Ableton specialist Dankmar Klein will be hosting a highly exclusive and in-depth workshop as well as giving a performance during which he will be showcasing the many jaw-dropping features of this innovating piece of gear. Next to the official launch of Ableton 8, the programme features a second exclusivity in the form of a 30-minute demo session of the revolutionary Resolume Avenue 3 VJ software... one of the very few VJ tools to sync perfectly well with Ableton.

The french company Two Notes Audio Engineering announces the release of the new firmware 1.26 for their hardware speaker simulator Torpedo VB-101. This new version include three new features :

- Improvement of the audio engine : Load Compensation is now accessible from the "SETUP/audio" menu. This option improve the bass register when using the VB-101 after the power stage of guitar amplifier. This allows a better transparency.

- The Torpedo Remote has undergo few changes, including a faster Loading/Save zone and the possibility to exchange several files simultaneously between VB-101 and the Remote.

- The Torpedo Capture software allows you to "capture" the sound signature of your own speaker cab + microphone and to store it with the numerous other cabinets available.

Two Notes will be at the MusikMesse. If you have the chance to be around, drop a visit to their stand to see "The Beast" you won't regret it !

Antelope Audio will unveil 3 new products at the upcoming MusikMesse : the Zodiac DA series and the Rubicon Atomic clock.

Follow the link bellow to find out more about the specs of these new units :

Brainworx has just released just released bx_dynEQ, a set of 3 plugins containing of bx_dynEQ mono, bx_dynEQ stereo and bx_boom! The concept of the bx_dynEQ is described as a truely new approach to dynamic EQ-ing, using innovative M/S features to allow for results not possible with any other EQ.

bx_dynEQ is not only an EQ, not even only a dynamic EQ, but it also is a true dynamics processor and an EQ system – at the same time. The stereo version introduces Brainworx unique "cross-feed" M/S feature, which allows M & S signals to actually "trigger" each other. An impressive selection of filter types including their new band-pass filters and their trademark Bass-Shift and Presence Shift filters make this EQ an engineers swiss knife. Preset knobs in the GUI enable the engineer to find good starting points fast and easy despite of the complexity of this new monster...

bx_boom! is actually the one bx_dynEQ preset demonstrating the superior M/S features of this EQ best. Stripped down to only 2 parameters and an intuitive graphic design this tools enables you to attenuate or boost the impact of your bass drum sound - in a final mix (!) or a complete stereo drum-loop. bx_boom! is only availble as a true stereo plug-in due to the M/S nature of the beast.

bx_dynEQ & bx_boom! can be used to help you in many different situations :

- De-Essing (individual tracks, subgroups and master channel)
- dynamic EQing of mono-, stereo- and M/S signals
- bass-drum tuning in final mixes(!) and drum groups
- dynamic stereo-widening using the internal M/S features
- M/S compression and limiting
- Sound-Design

Priced at €349, this bundle is available now for both Mac and PC in VST, AU and RTAS formats. Note that a 14-days trial version is alaos available (ilok required).

Wacom unveils Nextbeat, a fully integrated professional DJ system, incorporating intuitive touch sensor controls and innovative live performance functions. This wireless portable control unit enables performers to move free from the main device, resulting in more dynamic and energetic live performances, contrasting to the traditional style of DJs performing inside booths.

Wacom is approaching the music industry using its extensive experience of introducing award-winning products to creative professionals in the design and digital imaging areas. Nextbeat is the first product developed by Wacom that is based on its understanding of these creative customers, and the company is using its expertise in interface technology to diversify into a new sector.

Features :

- Nextbeat supports digital formats such as MP3, WAV and AIFF, AAC-LC.
- Nextbeat is a stand-alone DJ device.
- Transfer your favorite sounds - by track or by music folder - into a Compact Flash card by a simple drag and drop.
- One single nextbeat is offering you the performing features of two digital turntables, one mixer, one effector and one sampler.
- It is a 30cm X 30cm record jacket size and weighs approximately 2.7kg.

Nextbeat will be available at the end of summer 2009 with pricing TBA.