PC and Music News

GenoQs Machines has released the Octopus BlackSea, a special edition of their high end Midi Control Sequencer. This version also brings the brand new OS 1.40.

Pre-installed on all BlackSea, and of course installable on all Octopus machines, OS 1.40 adds several features with focus on live play.

Some of the new features :

- Step Length multiplier, to have steps play up to 8 full notes at normal track speed
- Increased resolution of the MIDI CC stream, with CC messages sent in-between steps
- Page EDIT mode - a toy in itself
- Step selection stores, to quickly switch between groups of selected steps
- Step selection inverse editing - you just have to try this

Primacoustic has announced the Stratus, an attractive 'above-console' acoustic cloud intended to absorb unwanted early reflections, flutter echo and control resonance in the critical mix position.

Designed to be quickly constructed on site, the Stratus comes as a complete kit with a 2" thick, 24" x 48" high-density 6lb per cubic foot acoustic fiberglass panel that is encapsulated in a micromesh and then resin treated around the edges. The panel is then covered in an acoustically transparent fabric. Two light-weight aluminum outer rails are bridged together with 'L' shaped beams and the device is suspended using wire above the console. Stratus clouds are meant to be clustered in groups to span the width of the console to create 'cloud formations' and angled to vary the air space between ...

Puremagnetik has released Clapbox, a free add-on pack for Ableton Live 7. Clapbox is a sample-based Live Pack directly modeled after the Simmons Electronics Clap Trap. Puremagnetik has meticulously sampled every parameter of the original to deliver an accurate recreation of this 1980's classic. To further the authenticity of the original Clap Trap, Puremagnetik has intuitively programmed these sounds in four dimensions across Ableton's Sampler delivering realistic control of parameters such as pitch and amplitude envelope.

Clapbox is available for download at :

The Musicrow Group unveils Magic Vox, an "innovative playable and expressive musical" virtual instrument which uses guitar harmonics as a basis for the creation of new sounds.

Twelve of the best sounding guitars were selected for this mission and carefully sampled the harmonics that each guitar produces. Each guitar brings its own harmonic character and enables the creation of new different sounds. You can layer two guitar sources jointly for hybrid sounds and richer evolving tones. The advanced synthesis engine enables interesting sound sculpting options, and the noise-shaper section brings the vintage analog scent when it is needed.

Magic Vox expanded effects section is an integral part of the sound design process. This section includes traditional effects such as Delay and reverb, along with special effects like the Granular and magic effects.

Also, Magic Vox has a multimode resonant filter section (Lowpass, Bandpass, Highpass and Notch), two equalizers (one for each sound source), and two VU meters for volume monitoring.

Magic Vox is expected to be released during January 2008, and will cost €79/$99. Audio demos are already available.

Db Audioware has just released Flying Haggis, a new virtual guitar amp. The Flying Haggis is a mythical, magical Scottish creature said to bring great happiness to those lucky enough to encounter it. Flying Haggis (the amp, not the legend) was designed like a traditional analogue amp to have a unique sound with a no-nonsense intuitive interface. By refining the sound and response by ear, and not following the current trend of analysing and simulating existing hardware, db audioware has produced an amp with a character all of its own.

Features :

- ultra low latency for responsive live playing
- irresistible user interface
- flexible preset management in standalone player and plug-ins
- optimised for live performances
- full MIDI control, with easy to use MIDI Learn
- plug-ins for PC Windows (VST) and Mac OS X (VST, Audio Units)
- standalone player for PC and Mac (Universal Binary)

Flying Haggis virtual guitar amp retails at USD 99 | EUR 74 | GBP 49 and is available for immediate purchase and download. Note that Flying Haggis is free of charge to registered owners of any previous db audioware guitar amps (including Quantum FX), who can download the software by logging into their personal support page.

Keytosound has started to post video tutorials on Youtube. Latest addition to the video is the 'NetNotes Tutorial with NexSyn'.

Other videos :

- Hard sync tutorial with Nexsyn
- LFO Tutorial with Nexsyn
- Stereo oscillator tutorial with Nexsyn
- Pulse Width Tutorial with Nexsyn
- AM tutorial with Nexsyn
- FM bass tutorial