PC and Music News

Yamaha has introduced the DTX-Multi 12 electronic percussion pad, a new electronic percussion pad that offers 12 on-board pads and a built-in sound module. The unit is designed to easily integrate into an existing acoustic set up or act as a stand alone unit.

TThe DTX-Multi 12 boasts over 1200 voices, covering drums, percussion and keyboard sounds, many drawn from Yamaha's Motif synthesizer range and many completely new. Up to 200 custom set ups can be created and stored using all internal sounds and 42 types of effects.

Alternatively additional sounds can be loaded and stored into the onboard 64MB of memory and allocated to any pad for total customization

The unit is designed to easily integrate into an existing acoustic set up or act as a stand alone unit. DTX- Multi 12 comes wi ...

The VOG analog bass resonance tool is the latest creation from Little Labs, and is Little Labs first entry in the popular API 500-Series module format.

The VOG was originally designed to capture the chest resonance of vocalists or voice over artists, enabling them to still have a proximity type effect without having to be so close to the mic, hence the name, VOG, or Voice of God. However, when I heard it on kick drum and bass, it became clear this would be the go to device to make these instruments sound huge.

The VOG lets users sweep a sharp peak resonance from 20 to 300 Hz, while anything below the peak is rolled off at a steep -24dB per octave. This lets users focus on the low end they want, while eliminating low-end mush and unnecessary woofer excursion.

A subharmonic can be the focus, or the fundamental, or upper harmonics. On a kick drum, for example, the overall effect of turning VOGs frequency knob sounds like someone is tightening or loosening the drumhead. In a mix, VOG allows users to place the bass spectrum instruments so they do not interfere or get in the way of each other.

The VOG should be shipping in December 2009 and will have a suggested retail price of $420.

Dave Smith Instruments has released an updated version of its flagship synthesizer keyboard, the Poly Evolver.

The new version boasts 60 potentiometers among its complement of 78 rotary controls. "The response to the pot edition of the Prophet '08 has been overwhelmingly positive," said company founder Dave Smith, "so we decided to extend that functionality to the Poly Evolver, as well." Unlike endless rotary encoders, potentiometers allow the full range of a knob's values to be accessed in a single turn of about 300 degrees. That simplifies filter sweeps and other more performance-oriented gestures. A kit with potentiometer-equipped panel boards is available to convert older Poly Evolvers.

There have also been some cosmetic changes. "We needed both lined and unlined knobs to distinguish between the pots and encoders, so we're using Prophet-style knobs," said DSI's Andrew McGowan. "And we've updated the panel graphics a bit without changing them significantly." The wood end panels are now made from bubinga.

The updated Poly Evolver Keyboard is available now with an MSRP of $2,899.00 and an MAP of $2,599.00. The conversion kit requires nothing more than a screwdriver for installation and is available directly from DSI for $399.00 or factory installed for $449.00.

Miktek , LLC debuted at AES 2009 with an innovative line of precision condenser microphones. Revisiting classic microphone designs and technologies, founder Michael Ketchell — in partnership with legendary engineers — unveiled the first offerings of a line of new condenser microphones designed for advanced and professional recordists.

Not all new companies arrive with considerable fanfare, but Miktek did; garnering a Pro Audio Review Excellence Award for the CV4 large-diaphragm multi-pattern tube condenser microphone.

Premiering products also included the C5 pencil condenser as a single or matched-pair, and C7 dual large-diaphragm FET condenser.

Miktek microphone components are sourced from top manufacturers in the US, Europe and Asia and hand-assembled at their factory in Nashvil ...

TeamDNR Collaborative Designs announces the release of Synplantation Volume 1.

Synplantation Volume 1 for Sonic Charge Synplant is a package of 32 unique and usable sounds, as well as a bank of the same sounds with all FX removed. This first bank focuses on punchy basses, dynamic plucked/emulative sounds, and dark, emotive pads.

Available now for $5. Audio examples are available at :

Novation has annonced that the Launchpad is now shipping worldwide.

Launchpad is a compact controller designed to give electronic music makers of today the most interactive experience possible in Ableton Live. It communicates bi-directionally with the software to give users real-time session feedback: now you really can Play Live.

Launchpad has been jointly designed by Novation and Ableton, to bring the features of Live to the fingertips of the modern musician. The 8x8 grid of backlit buttons addresses a multitude of functions, with the help of mode selectors that transport the user around the Live interface.

Flip from launching clips to tweaking mixer settings in a stroke. Launch your song into a heavy build-up, then switch to a synth or a drum machine for an impromptu solo at the touch of a button.

The device itself is bus-powered from a single USB connection, and has a ten-inch square desktop footprint. Rubber feet ensure Launchpad stays secure on the surface on which it's placed, and an optional padded neoprene travel sleeve is available. It ships with a USB cable, plus a DVD ROM with Mac and PC installers for a special 'Launchpad Version' of Ableton Live 8, as well as 1GB of sample content from Loopmasters and Mike The Drummer. It also comes Automap enabled.

Available now at a price of $199.