PC and Music News

The Impressor by Mutronics is a dual mono/ stereo switchable VCA compressor.

The Impressor uses two different operational modes : 'Feedforward' and 'Feedback'. 'Feedforward' mode gives a firm, punchy feel akin to compressors such as the Dbx 160, while 'Feedback' mode gives the user opportunity to take a softer vintage approach calling to mind compressors of yore.

It also features a unique Time Constant control which pertains to its RMS detector circuit. It enables the user to vary attack and release characteristics in a ballpark fashion, which can then be honed with the individual Attack and Release controls.

The Impressor is available at a price of £2000 + VAT.

Clavia has just released the Nord Wave Super Sounds, free programs created by some of the best synthesizer programmers.

Clavia hand picked some of the planet's best synthesizer sound programmers and asked them to create their individual - and ultimate - Nord Wave sound banks. The mission was to bring out the big, bad synthesizer in the Nord Wave, and to exploit its unique sonic character to the limit. The banks reflect the musical heritage and sound preferences of each and every programmer with plenty of personality.

Further descriptions, sound clips and the actual Banks themselves are available in the Nord Wave Program Library area at :

Focusrite announces that 21 new compressor emulations and one new EQ emulation are available to download for free for all Liquid Mix users (including Liquid Mix HD).

The 15 compression emulations are based on two compressors. The API 2500 Stereo Compressor (serial number 001475), provides feed-back or feed-forward options and variations on 'knee' and 'thrust'. The Millenia STT-1 (serial number 0-166), provides the sound of variable input stages, with valve or solid-state compression circuits. Finally, the EQ emulations are based on the original Mk1 Chandler Limited Edition EMI/Abbey Road Passive TG Channel. This uses the same circuit as the Abbey Road mastering console, providing the signature Beatles sound.

For more details, please visit the link below :

Roland announces that the VP-770 Vocal & Ensemble Keyboard is now shipping, featuring newly developed vocal designer effects and high-quality ensemble sounds powered by Roland's exclusive SuperNATURAL technology.

With a solid wood construction and metal chassis, the VP-770 features a newly enhanced interface, plus expressive onboard sounds applicable across a vast array of musical genres. A high-quality headset microphone comes standard and provides the best signal path possible in combination with the VP-770's pristine onboard microphone preamp.

Performers will especially love how inviting and inspiring the VP-770 is to use onstage. It's ideal for musicians who perform alone or in small groups, and for those who need an interactive, real-time backing chorus. Film and TV music composers who are challenged with time and budget can use the VP-770 to generate high-impact choral, string, and brass arrangements on the spot. Churches in need of a choir (or choir enhancer) will love the VP-770 as well.

The VP-770 is also equipped with high-resolution vocoder modeling, which can be used to generate signature vocal effects for the dance music, pop, R&B, and hip-hop genres without the hassle and expense of a separate vocoder or processor.

The VP-770 has an MSRP of $2199.

Granelli Audio Labs unveils the G5790, a real SM57 modified to turn 90 degrees.

Granelli Audio Labs uses brand new Shure® SM57s and inserts a custom-made aluminum part with an acoustically-engineered internal sound path. The result is a microphone that maintains the SM57's renowned durability and familiar tone while increasing functionality.

Well, this G5790 seems to be a winner for snare recordings !

The G5790 is available now at a price of $149.99.

MFB announces that the Schlagzwerg is now shipping.

Schlagzwerg combines the power of analogue drum and percussion sounds with modular versatility in a convenient and compact desktop unit. Schlagzwerg fusions CV-controllable percussion modules and a six-track CV/Gate-sequencer into a unique drum-machine for live and studio applications.

Thanks to its semi-modular concept, Schlagzwerg is ready to go without any need for patch-connections. Its internal pre-wiring comprises trigger-assignments for the gate-tracks of five (of six) drum-sounds as well as hihat decay-control. The additional CV-tracks can freely be patched to any of the modules' functions. Naturally, the available CV-inputs can also be addressed by external control sources like LFOs, envelope generators or a Theremin-controller.

Features :

• semi-modular drum-machine
• true analogue sound sources
• kick, snare and tom (DRUM-04/-05/-06)
• cymbal and hihat (DRUM-07)
• step-sequencer with 16 steps and 16 A/B-patterns
• 6 gate- and 6 CV-tracks
• separate CV/Gate-tracks, e.g. for use with Kraftzwerg
• integrated MIDI/CV-interface
• integrated stereo-mixer with panning


Schlagzwerg is available now at a price of €680.