yizzle

MFB Tanzbar Analog Drum Machine MFB are a manufacturer that may have not come to your attention before, perhaps they occupy the boutique end of the market in your mind and are therefore overlooked as a possibility. Given the focus on retro drum voices brought on by the Roland AIRA TR-8 drum machine, the Tanzbar Drum machine (or Dancing Bear) - which offers a similar A/B pattern approach to analog 808 and 909 type voicing together with CV and Gate plus Parameter Sequencing - something I felt was missing from the TR-8. So if you are looking at an analog drum machine in the high end in price, you could give this serious consideration. Features: • immediate control, integration of MIDI and CV/Gate • different step-lengths per instrument • programmable accent- and pitch-bend-functions • 144 patterns with A/B-variations, fill-function to chain various patterns • 3 CV- and 2 Gate channels • roll- and flam-recording • individual and global swing-quantization • recording of control-value per step • 12 individual outputs, stereo output • MIDI- and clock-sync, MIDI-dump • metal chassis with wood side panels MBF Tanzbar is available now at around $840 AUD Source: synthtopia.com / sonicstate.com

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microGranny 2.0 is a New Handmade Granular Sampler from the Czech Republic “Bastl” is Czech slang that’s roughly equivalent to the maker culture or DIY. And now, from the makers of the glitchy, odd, and wonderful world of Standuino, comes a new granular sampler, a follow-up to a terrific earlier kit. The Bastl crew are showing off the microGranny 2.0 among lots of other new gear here at Musikmesse. They’ve added some functionality to the instrument (copy/paste, more presets), and put it in a very attractive housing. But as before, you get a hackable, happily lo-fi sample mangler. Load up your sounds on SD card, then manipulate them with hands-on controls or via MIDI. You can loop, change the sample rate, crush, and add envelopes. And check out the code; it’s built from open libraries. The whole project is made in the Czech Republic: "Most of the components we get are from local distributor, PCBs are produced in small town Blansko 20km north from Brno, laser cut parts are made by our friends in Razzia in Brno. All of this comes to our tiny “factory” office, gets sorted into kits and the assembled instruments are made by locals who are partly from the Bastl generation (50+)." And with that in mind, the very short first run (just thirty units) will have some special Czech touches. You get vintage knob caps – the orange models look strikingly modern and stylish – plus a sample bank from 80s pop music, each salvaged from the former Czechoslovakia. Future Music paid the creators a visit and shot some lovely video: Full specs: • monophonic mono sampler • microSD card (storing + recording samples, storing presets) • 6 sounds with full adjustments storable in a preset at once • 60 presets in 10 banks (6 preset per bank), stored as .txt files on microSD card • wav sample playback from microSD card (mono, 22050 Hz, 8 or 16 bit, two letter file name) • 8-bit 22050Hz wav recording via line input or onboard microphone • hold button • sample rate (tuned or free run) • crush • start, end position with repeat, instant loop • granular settings: grain size and shift speed (positive or negative) • amplitude envelope attack and release • MIDI Input – responds to note, cc and clock (synchronize loop and grains) • MIDI side chain envelope restart • copy, paste • input & output volume knob • power switch – plug / battery • hackable – arduino based Source: createdigitalmusic.com

The organizers of the Future Music Festival (FMFA) abruptly ended the festival on its third day Saturday following the death of partygoers from a suspected drug overdose. The reputed festival, Southeast Asia's biggest electronic dance music (EDM) event, began Thursday at Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. "In the interest of public safety we have heeded the authority's advice to [end the event]," said Live Scape Sdn Bhd. in a statement. "This is also to help in the ongoing investigation." As reported by The Star, Kuala Lumpur Police chief senior deputy Comm. Datuk Mohmad Salleh said 9 people aged between 21 to 28, collapsed during the second day after consuming drugs at around 1.30 a.m. Friday was the legendary State of Trance: 600 day, featuring Armin Van Buuren, and a host of internationally acclaimed trance DJs including Andrew Rayel, Markus Schulz and Paul Van Dyk. Mohammad Saleh said one person died at Bukit Jalil while another on the way to the hospital. Three others died at hospital. The five deceased were three Malays, one Chinese and one Indian, The Star reported. Four others are currently in a critical condition, they are two locals and two Singaporeans. Throughout the two-days of the festival, police also arrested 22 people for possession of narcotics. Live Scape, however, said that as of 5:00 p.m. Saturday it could only confirm that one death, not five, took place at the festival ground on the event’s second day. "A police report has been filed and we are working very closely with all relevant authorities in examining and determining the cause of this very unfortunate incident," said Live Scape. Around 85,000 partygoers attended the event, Grammy winner Pharell Williams was on the line up for Saturday. The main stage played host to the likes of Eric Prydz, Sweden’s top House music producer, making his first appearance in Asia. Source: thejakartapost.com

19 year-old Kekai Wachi, a dub/trap music producer better known as Kai Wachi, was one of eleven people federally indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and heroin and distribution of both oxycodone and heroin. The allegations estimate 160,000 oxycodone pills and an undisclosed amount of heroin were sold, totaling $6 million and dating as far back as September of 2012! Based out of Boise, Idaho, Kai Wachi is currently represented by Kannibalen Records. Circle Talent Agency recently picked him up due to his growing expansion into the electronic music scene. A trial date has not been set as of yet. Source: edmsauce.com

In an age where everyone is glued to their cellphones and spamming the internet with their selfies, the new generation has been busy on all fronts of social media giving rise to sites like Facebook and Twitter. Now a study has surfaced from the SXSW (South by Southwest) festival that dwells on the social activity of electronic dance music fans over the web. It tallies over 70 million posts related to EDM over the course of 2013. This study was conducted by the online ticketing company for event organizers and promoters called Eventbrite and partnered with a social media analysis firm called Mashwork. Together, the two companies have gone into great depth on the booming relationship between EDM and its rising success. This study also gives a huge advantage to brands and other companies where to focus their products and how to do so towards the EDM social-media-philes. One such advantage is the usage of visuals or images to sell or advertise an event or product. The study says: “brands that emphasize visuals trends in their marketing and on their social channels can leverage this behavior to drive greater engagement with EDM Fans.” Check out the full study here or check out the visual conclusion Eventbrite put together below. Source: youredm.com

Earlier this afternoon, American rapper Tyler, The Creator was arrested at an airport in Texas after the police issued a warrant for his arrest for “inciting a riot” at SXSW. Police say the 23-year-old Los Angeles-based rapper encouraged a large crowd of fans at the show to push their way past venue employees into the venue, which was already at full capacity. Officers who were at the scene said that Tyler yelled for his fans to push their way inside, and that a bartender had to protect a woman from getting trampled in the process. You may recall Porter Robinson going through a similar situation at Matador Music Festival in April of last year, when he was accused of “inciting a riot” and was nearly arrested, which was clearly nonsense. In Tyler the Creator’s case, it’s obvious that he was at fault. Tyler is still in custody on a $3,500 bond. Check out the video of the “riot” below. Source: youredm.com

Nektar Announces Deep Integration Between Panorama Controller & Bitwig Studio Nektar Technology has announced “deep integration” between the Nektar Panorama line of MIDI controllers and Bitwig Studio. Here’s what they have to say about it: "From day one, Bitwig Studio will benefit from the extensive and transparent Panorama workflow integration that allows for controlling the Bitwig Studio mixer, instruments, effects, transport plus clip and scene launching right from Panorama P1, P4 or P6. Building on Panorama’s workflow concept developed first for Reason and Cubase, additional functionality has been added to take full advantage of the Bitwig Studio controller API. This includes the ability to browse the instrument and effects device libraries of patches by category or creator, right from Panorama. A step sequencer has also been included using the 8 LED buttons to program any of the up to 32 steps in a sequence. Panorama creates the events directly in Bitwig Studio so they are instantly part of a song and ready for further manipulation. Taking advantage of the pads on the Panorama P4 and P6, it’s possible to trigger, create and record clips and scenes in absolute real-time. The Panorama display provides constant updates to show which clips are currently active, including the name of the clips available on the current track. All things considered and also taking into account the compatibility of BitWig Studio with VST plug-ins, full navigation of all devices and their parameters, complete mixer control including motorized fader – the Panorama/Bitwig Studio combination may well be the most advanced hardware/software combination to date." Here’s the official preview video: Registered owners of Panorama will be able to download the Panorama Bitwig Studio installer from the Nektar site on March 26, 2014, the release date for Bitwig Studio.

RELOOP BEATMIX 4 + BEATMIX 2 Reloop’s been rolling out new controllers steadily for the last two years, at a rate that’s become hard to keep up with. The Beatmix 2 and Beatmix 4 join the older Reloop Beatmix for Virtual DJ (launched back at Messe 2012), and are both entry-level controllers that were designed collaboration with Serato. The aim is to become the most budget-friendly controllers for Serato DJ on the market – and the Beatmix 4 even comes with a full version of Serato DJ included (apparently a “limited introductory offer”). Worth noting that the full version of Serato DJ is required if you want to take advantage of 4-deck mixing – Serato DJ Intro is limited to channels. The controllers have the expected set of transport, effects, mixing, cue, and volume controls, along with master outs and a headphone cue. The Beatmix 4 is priced at €299 (~$415) and the Beatmix 2 at €219 (~$303), and both are expected to be in stores soon. Source: djtechtools.com

Mixvibes Introduces Cross DVS In January 2014, Mixvibes introduced Cross 3, its new flagship Mac/PC software bringing major video features, frequency colored waveforms, rekordbox sync & more. Cross DVS is a convenient package letting users switch to Cross without changing hardware. Cross DVS includes 2 timecode records and a licence key to Cross. It fits in any existing setups seamlessly, since Cross works with any soundcard. Digital mixing with the feel of records: • Works with any soundcard • Advanced collection: playlists, search and iTunes integration • Keylock: no more tone changes • Use quantized loops, hot cues and smart seek to reedit tracks live • Add effects, samples and video to the mix Rock solid, plug & play system: • Simple, nofuss user interface • Plug & play with your audio interface • Ultra stable system based on Mixvibes' 10year experience in DVS technology Including all Cross main features: • 4 full featured decks • Full Video mixing (2 video decks, video sampler) • Two 8pad samplers • Key detection and control • Frequency colored waveforms • 14 effects • iTunes integration and advanced music collection • 2 player timecode control (vinyl or CD) • Pioneer CDJ control (HID) • MIDI control with 80+ mappings included • iOS remote control Pricing and Availability: MSRP 149€ / $149 Source: sonicstate.com

Allen & Heath’s Xone:23C Mixer With USB Soundcard Allen & Heath are launching a “sister product” to their just-announced Xone:23 at NAMM earlier this year. The new Xone:23C is being added to the range with all the same features as the Xone:23, as well as the addition of three items: • 96kHz 24bit 4 stereo channel USB soundcard • Mixvibes Cross LE bundled (allows 2-deck DVS control in combo with the soundcard) • X:Link connector to allow for easy connection of Allen & Heath Xone:K series controllers (like the Xone:K2) The 23:C also is rocking a familiar orange design around the controls that mirrors the look and feel of the Xone:DB2/4 flagship mixers. It’s a nice touch and certainly makes the EQ, filer, and fader controls pop quite a bit more than the original 23. If you’re looking for a really high quality 2-channel mixer with USB I/O, this could be right for you – although it’s highly unlikely to get Traktor or Serato certification. We’re a bit disappointed that a few of the design issues like filter/FX out weren’t sorted out in this edition as well, since they were the only major draw back in the 23 model that launched at NAMM. The Xone:23C is expected to cost about $580 MSRP (the Xone:23 has $299 street price) and will ship in June 2014. Source: djtechtools.com

i dont really care if he turns up or not tbh

Akai EWI 5000 Electronic Wind Instrument Offers Wireless Connectivity Akai Professional is showing the EWI 5000, their new electronic wind instrument. The EWI 5000 includes an array of advanced features, including digital 2.4GHz ultra-low-latency wireless connectivity, a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts up to 12 hours, and more than 3GB of built-in traditional and progressive sounds from SONiVOX. Here’s a demo of the EWI 5000 in action: The EWI 5000 comes with more than 3GB of top-quality sounds, including traditional horn, brass, woodwind, and string sounds, plus progressive synths, leads, and other non-traditional sounds. The EWI 5000 includes 12 touch-sensitive metal keys on its top and an eight-wheel thumb- controlled octave roller on the bottom. An EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument) Mode is included for brass players, and EWI 5000 also includes eight control knobs for tweaking Filter, Reverb, Chorus, LFO, Breath Amount, Bite Amount, Semitone Tuning, and Fine Tuning. Both USB MIDI and 5-pin MIDI are onboard for controlling software synths or traditional MIDI modules. A 1/4- inch output to connect to an amplifier or PA and an 1/8-inch headphone output for silent practice are included. EWI 5000 charges via USB or wall power and also includes a USB cable, wall adapter, wireless receiver, and a neck strap. The EWI 5000 has a street price of about US $800.

StudioBlade, Music Computing Intros Gen 4 ControlBlade Workstations Music Computing has announced the Gen 4 versions of the StudioBLADE and ControlBLADE line of all-in-one music keyboard production stations. StudioBLADEs and ControlBLADEs are all-in-on-workstations, designed to let you compose; record, mix, and master songs. Here’s what’s new: • New for the StudioBLADE 4 are the addition of GPU processors, 2GB video capabilities and HyperDrive systems, a fusion of SSD and 7200 rpm hard drives that offer four times (4X) higher performance. The StudioBlade 4 can utilize up to dual Xeon 6-core processors for a total of 12-cores and 192GB of RAM. • New for the ControlBLADE 4 are the addition of GPU processors, 1GB video capabilities, HyperDrives, higher RAM capacity and four (4) open PCIe low-profile slots. The ControlBLADE 4 can utilize the latest 4th generation i5 and i7 processors and 32GB of RAM. • New SSD options are now available for all models, further increasing the performance of the systems.

Arturia Intros Vox Continental-V Virtual Organ Arturia has introduced VOX Continental-V, a new virtual instrument for Mac & Windows that recreates the sound of the classic Vox Continental 300. The Vox Continental 300 transistor-based organ was used on some of the most famous songs of the 60′s, 70′s, 80′s and beyond. It was prominently featured on many hit records of the time, including The Animals’ House Of The Rising Sun in 1964 and, a little later, Light My Fire by The Doors. It also featured prominently in The Beatle’s 1965 performance at New York’s Shea Stadium. Features: • Dual manual Vox 300 emulation • Jennings J70 voice engine mode • Classic red/orange Vox skin or UK Vox/Jennings grey skin • Upper manual, lower manual and bass pedal sections • Complete MIDI mapping • Multiple output effects processors • Supports MIDI splits or independent channels per manual • Tight integration with Arturia Keylab MIDI Controller keyboards • VST, VST3, AU, AAX and standalone versions. Expanded mode: •· Adds a full compliment of drawbars for each harmonic •· Adds a new waveform drawbar on each section •· Vibrato, tremolo, reverb, overdrive and more effects •· Leslie and guitar amp simulator outputs •· Expanded percussion section with short and long decay times Services mode: • Allows for individual tuning of each pitch like a real Vox • Increase or decrease the key contact timing (simulates older key contacts) • Switch between the Vox 300 circuit emulation and the updated Jennings J70 engine. • Increase or decrease the background noise bleed that older Vox/Jennings have. Pricing and Availability: VOX Continental-V will be available for purchase and direct download from the Arturia online store in late-April for 119.00 EUR/$129.00 USD.

Arturia Debuts KeyLab 88 Controller Keyboard French gear-maker Arturia today announced the latest (and largest) in its KeyLab series, KeyLab 88, its 88-note MIDI keyboard controller and hybrid synthesizer solution. KeyLab 88 is a MIDI keyboard controller with a hammer-action Fatar keybed, which comes with Arturia’s Analog Lab software synth (for Mac and PC), which has over 5,000 TAE (True Analog Emulation) presets. KeyLab 88′s keyboard is complemented with a “feature-packed” panel with a selection of knobs and sliders, 16 back-lit pressure-sensitive pads, and LED screen. KeyLab 88 also acts as a controller which is compatible with any third-party software or hardware. Customizable MIDI assignments are accessible via the LED screen or the included MIDI Control Center software. The library of 5,000+ presets included in the Analog Lab software are taken from Arturia’s TAE synthesis-powered Mini V, Modular V, CS-80V, ARP2600 V, Jupiter-8V, Prophet V, and Oberheim SEM V soft synths, together with Wurlitzer V (based on the classic ‘Wurly’ electric piano). Two hundred adjustable multi patches are also included, organized by genre. Pricing and Availability: Arturia’s KeyLab 88 keyboard controller will be available to purchase by late summer from the Arturia online store and other retailers. Price is still to be determined.

Akai MPX16 Akai Professional has introduced the MPX16, an advanced sample player with onboard sound recording. Samples are saved to an SD card, and can be played back using either the unit’s MPC-style pads or via external MIDI device, via USB-MIDI and 3.5mm (1/4-inch) MIDI inputs. Samples are captured at CD-quality, via dual 6.3mm (1/4-inch) inputs or the on-board stereo microphone. The user may assign audio clips to the pads and apply tuning, filters, envelopes and ‘choke’ grouping for creative, dynamic performances. An LCD screen and illuminated trigger pads provide visual feedback during use, and the MPX16 may be powered from a USB port or the included power supply. You can load existing sound files onto an SD card or use the MPX16 as an SD card reader for drag-and-drop convenience on a Mac or PC. Features: • Plays and records stereo samples using SD cards • 16 velocity-sensitive, illuminated pads • Balanced 6.3mm (1/4-inch) inputs let you capture audio from a wide variety of sources • Built-in stereo microphone lets you capture sounds on-the-fly • USB-MIDI as well as MIDI Input and MIDI Output jacks for integration into virtually any MIDI setup for use as a pad controller, sample bank or both • Onboard sound processing – tune samples, adjust ADSR envelopes and filters • USB or wall powered (adapter included) for use virtually anywhere The MPX16 will be available in Summer 2014 with a US $199.99 street price.

M-Audio Launches New Oxygen Controller Models Today gear maker M-Audio introduced a new series of Oxygen controllers. The Oxygen series, available in 25-, 49- or 61-key models, combines a velocity-sensitive keybed with a series of 8 trigger pads for launching audio clips, triggering percussion sounds and more. Control capabilities expand with 8 assignable knobs for adjusting plugin parameters and mixing tasks. The Oxygen 25 (pictured, 1st) features an assignable master fader, while the Oxygen 49 (pictured, 2nd) and Oxygen 61 (pictured, 3rd) provide 9 total faders for “virtually limitless” MIDI manipulation. Each keyboard in the series features an LCD screen and transport controls for seamless operation with digital audio software. A 6.3mm (1/4-inch) sustain input jack is built in for expressive performances. Every keyboard in the Oxygen series includes a powerful software package for creating music right away, including Ableton Live Lite, and spectral-morphing soft synth Twist from SONiVOX. Oxygen Series Highlights: • 25, 49 or 61 full size, synth-action velocity-sensitive keys • 8 velocity-sensitive trigger pads for beat production, clip launching and more • 8 assignable knobs for mixing and tweaking plugins • 9 assignable faders on the Oxygen 49 (pictured, right), and Oxygen 61 • Transport controls allow the user to operate their DAW without reaching for the mouse • Auto-maps to popular DAWs: Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase • LCD screen for instant parameter feedback • USB powered: a single cable provides power and MIDI connectivity • Works with Apple’s iPad Camera Connection Kit (not included) for use with iOS devices • Includes Ableton Live Lite • Includes SONiVOX Twist spectral morphing synthesizer Pricing and Availability: The new M-Audio Oxygen 25, Oxygen 49, and Oxygen 61 controller keyboards will be available later this summer with a “street” price of $99, $149, and $199 USD, respectively. More information can be found on the M-Audio website.

Akai Pro Debuts Rhythm Wolf: Drum Machine & Bass Synth, With “Howl” Akai Professional today announced the Rhythm Wolf, an analog drum machine and bass synthesizer module with built-in sequencing. The Rhythm Wolf is an authentic analog instrument that incorporates the sounds of early electronic and hip-hop music into the Akai Professional workflow, enabling musicians to harness “iconic” analog sounds for music production and performance. The drum machine consists of five “tweakable” drum sounds and includes a kick, snare, open and closed hi-hat, and metallic percussion. On-board controls allow users to separately customize the tuning, amplitude envelopes, and volume of each drum voice for precise real-time adjustment. The bass synthesizer features a selectable oscillator (sawtooth or square wave), classic filter design, a filter envelope with variable decay, and is capable of creating powerful bass sounds and “squelchy” leads. The Rhythm Wolf is also outfitted with six MPC pads and a built-in 32-step sequencer, for a responsive interface with a familiar drum machine layout. Drum patterns can be fine-tuned with Swing function, pattern select, and tempo control knobs. A custom distortion signal path is activated by the Rhythm Wolf’s whimsically named “Howl” knob. It also has USB-MIDI, MIDI In/Out, a gate trigger, and the Rhythm Wolf integrates easily with both modern and vintage equipment. Rhythm Wolf Highlights: • 5-voice analog drum machine and synth-authentic analog design that references classic rhythm machines and synthesizers • Legendary analog drum sounds: kick, snare, open and closed hi-hat, and metallic percussion • Synth bass module: selectable square or sawtooth wave • Onboard 32-step sequencer • Six genuine MPC pads for sequencing and finger drumming • “Howl” knob: custom distortion circuit for additional sound design • MIDI connectivity: USB-MIDI and MIDI In/Out • Gate Trigger: for triggering via modular synths, vintage sequencers, or external sound sources • Independent audio outputs: dedicated outputs for the drum machine and synth bass module for more precise mixing • Dedicated outputs for the drum machine and synth-bass Pricing and Availability: Akai Pro’s Rhythm Wolf will be available worldwide later this summer, with a “street” price of US $199.99. For more information, check out the Akai Professional website.

Akai Announces Three New APC Controllers Akai Professional announced three new additions to its APC line of Ableton Live controllers: the re-imagined APC40 mkII, along with two compact controllers, APC Key 25, and the APC mini. APC40 mkII: Features a 5×8 RGB LED clip-launching matrix, assignable A/B cross-fader, 8 rotary knobs, 8 channel faders, and a send button for quick access to send busses. Included with the APC40 mkII is a suite of software, samples, and loops for out-of-the-box electronic music production: Toolroom artist launch packs, Prime Loops sample packs, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Technology, and SONiVOX Twist. APC mini: The most portable all-in-one Ableton controller from Akai Pro, engineered for the mobile musician or producer. APC mini concentrates the essential features of the APC40 mkII into a compact design. It boasts an expanded 8×8 multicolor clip-launching grid, 8 channel faders, and a diminutive but tough chassis for hands-on control over Ableton Live with a small footprint. The APC mini is also USB-powered and supports plug-and-play APC Key 25: Akai’s APC Key 25 is the first controller designed for Ableton Live that is equipped with a “high-performance” keyboard, combining a clip-launching panel with a keyboard interface. The APC Key 25 controller includes 25 synth-action mini keys, a 5×8 clip-launch matrix with tri-color visual feedback, 8 control knobs, USB power, and plug-and-play connectivity. The APC Key 25 comes mapped to Ableton, but can also be used as an all-purpose MIDI controller. APC Series Highlights: • Ableton Live integration: seamlessly integrates 1-to-1 with Ableton Live • USB-powered and class compliant: no power adapter required • Ableton Live Lite: music creation software from Ableton included Pricing and Availability Akai Professional’s new additions to their APC line, the APC40 mkII, APC Key 25 and APC mini, will be available worldwide later this summer, with street prices as follows: • APC40 mkII ($399.99 USD) • APC Key 25 ($129.99 USD), and • APC mini ($99.99 USD). For additional information, see the Akai Professional website.

Nord Lead A1R Synthesizer Module Introduced Clavia has announced the Nord Lead A1R - a desktop or rack-mountable version of the Lead A1 analog-modeling synthesizer, introduced earlier this year at the Winter NAMM Show. All of the features of the Lead A1 synth are carried over to the A1R, with the exception of the keyboard. The waveform engine generates 47 different waveforms from classic analog to digital harmonic and inharmonic waves. Filters include Low Pass, High Pass and Band Pass, along with the newly modeled Ladder M and Ladder TB filters. The A1′s effects section offers vintage Chorus and Ensemble models. Delay, Reverb, Drive, Phaser and Flanger, with independent settings for each of the four slots. Nord’s Morph function, via Velocity or the Mod Wheel, is also included, allowing multiple parameters to be morphed in real time. Other features include an independent arpeggiator for each of the four slots, Master Clock sync of the LFO, delay and Arpeggiator, MIDI over USB, and four independent outputs. Several updates have been made to the Lead A1/A1R design since it was announced at NAMM: • ‘Like’ button – ‘Like’ up to 50 versions of a patch as you design it, scroll between them to choose your favorite to save to actual memory, or go back to an earlier version to edit in a different way. • Mutator - The Lead A1 and A1R also include the Mutator function introduced in the Lead 4, which creates a variation of an existing patch by adjusting certain parameters by set rules, and a full ‘Randomize’ function to create an entirely new patch with all parameters randomized. • Unison - A newly-designed Unison Mode lets the Lead A1 ‘challenge any vintage analogue instrument.’ Here’s the short promotional video Nord has released: The Nord Lead is expected to be available in April, while the A1R is expected to be available in June. See the Nord site for details.

Rob Papen Intros Blue II First released in 2005, BLUE offered FM and subtractive synthesis, combined with Phase Distortion and wave shaping synthesis. Papen called it ‘Cross-fusion synthesis’, since it covered so much musical ground. BLUE-II offers even more options, starting with six oscillators. These can be connected in various ways, together with two analogue-style modeled stereo filters with 27 different filter types, an enormous range of processing and modulation options, sequencer, and an incredibly powerful arpeggiator. A new range of specially selected waveforms based on samples have been fashioned for creating ‘fresh-sounding’ synth sounds. BLUE-II takes the XY pad features from its virtual instrument sibling Blade, perfect for time-based sound movements and vector pad-type sounds. All this is complemented by four FX processors, each offering 35 FX types. Blue II is available now. See Papen’s site for details.