PC and Music News

Native Instruments announces the new TRAKTOR generation, which establishes the next level of power and ease-of-use with its TRAKTOR PRO 2 software and TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 digital vinyl system. Based on versatile new software features and a revised audio interface line, the new product generation expands the lead of Native Instruments' TRAKTOR range and gives DJs even more creative possibilities.

The new TRAKTOR generation is based on a revised high-visibility GUI for intuitive operation under all conditions, and now offers up to four powerful Sample Decks as well as the unique Loop Recorder. While each Sample Deck can add up to four simultaneous samples or loops to the mix, the Loop Recorder allows DJs to capture audio from various sources on the fly and drop it back into the mix at any time, opening up creative techniques far beyond conventional DJing.

Microtron XL bundles together all 3 tapes from Puremagnetik's popular Microtron series into a unique and affordable package of sounds quite unlike any other Mellotron library currently available. All of the original imperfections, vintage analog quality and performance nuances of the Mellotron M400 have been immaculately captured through a Neumann U47 Microphone and Reeves Custom 50 Amplifier.

Microtron XL integrates seamlessly into Ableton Live 8, Kontakt 3.5/4 and Logic 8/9. It comes packed with a palette of 9 expertly recorded instruments and over 1 Gigabyte of multisample content.

UVI Electric Piano is the easiest way to turn your Mac into a soullful electric piano : simply plug a MIDI keyboard in your computer and you're ready to play one of the best electric keyboard ever made: a wonderful Rhodes Electric Piano manufactured in 1979.

UVI Electric Piano features :
- Super easy to use and great sounding instrument
- Featuring a classic Rhodes manufactured in 1979
- Recorded in a world class studio with the best gear
- Deeply multi-sampled (sustain, release, pedal noise...)
- Expertly edited and scripted using the latest UVI Engine
- Onboard great sounding FX : Speaker Cabinet, Drive, Tremolo, Autopan, Chorus & Flanger, Spring Reverb
- Ultra low latency
Available now at the Apple App Store for a special introductory price of $29.99 / € 23.99

Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH is elated to announce the release of the newest software development kit (SDK) for the integrative standard of virtual instruments and effects, Virtual Studio Technology (VST), now available as version 3.5.

VST 3.5 also provides a new, XML-based controller interface for exporting and grouping plug-in parameters, while allowing VST modules to add individual context menu entries for customized configuration.

With 6 respectively 10 analog inputs and outputs, the AUDIO 6 and AUDIO 10 both offer two additional channels over the previous AUDIO 4 and AUDIO 8 models. Even when all decks of the TRAKTOR software are routed to individual channels for external mixing, a further stereo I/O remains available – for potential use with the Loop Recorder and Sample Decks, as a dedicated effect send/return, to record an externally mixed set back into TRAKTOR, or for other creative routing purposes.

With their 24bit/96Khz Cirrus Logic converters and powerful +12 dBu output volume, the AUDIO 6 and AUDIO 10 maintain DJ-specific audio characteristics, with signal quality further enhanced through improved electrical engineering. The improved high-visibility LED indicators also allow for clearer and more intuitive monitoring of the signal chain even in low-light club environments.
AUDIO 6 and AUDIO 10 also include TRAKTOR LE 2.

DUBSTEP comprises 75 (with 600 variations) wobbly basslines,twisted soundscapes, and deep sub-basses — tightly-focused and highly usable dubstep sounds all, ranging from sparse minimalism to mashed-up mayhem, with much in-between, including squelchy synths, heavyweight drum sounds, plus punchy effects — perfect for builds, drops, and transitions. Leading sound designers (Andre Ettema, biomechanoid, Gareth L Devlin, Himalaya, Christian Kjeldsen, Bryan Lee, Stephan Romer, and Yuroun) deliver over 150MB of new sampled content, including comprehensive punchy drum kits, rich new pad sounds, reverberant soundscapes, and glitchy effects, categorised as follows: Bass (5 Distorted, 6 Sweep, 4 Sub, and 25 Wobble); Drums (4); Sound Effects (11); Soundscapes (12); and Synth (8). Crank up the tempo to 140bpm and let the inspiration flow forth!
Price: £25/€29/$35.