November, 2004 archive

SonicBytes has announced that its ERA Step-Sequencer has been updated to 1.21, along with price reductions across the SonicBytes line.
New:

Many presets (mainly drumloops), examples and drummaps
GUI improvements and visual feedback
Midi Echo on all tracks
Tap recording with mouse
Midi import (Drumloop and Melody Extractor)
Useful commands (Autochain, Unchain, Apply drummap to track etc.)

Fixed/Changed:

Full MFX support, especially in Sonar4 […]

Propellerhead Software has announced version 3.0 of Reason. The update focuses on live playing and helps take Reason from the studio realm to the stage. Reason 3 comes with unique features that help make it a strong alternative to the hardware workstation synthesizer, whether for composing, producing or live playing.
Reason 3 introduces a new module, […]

ElectroKraft has announced an experimental effects unit/theremin synthesizer, The Space Box.
2 Devices In One Box
The Space Box can be used to process guitar, bass, keyboard, synthesizer or microphone, or used as a stand-alone photocell-controlled theremin synthesizer. A photocell is contained inside a lens on top of the unit that reacts to light and shadow. Waving […]

Disruptive Technology Channels has announced that it is distributing the Solio, a portable charger and battery back-up for the iPod that charges its internal battery from ergonomically designed solar panels.
Tom Dudderidge, managing director, Disruptive Technology Channels, commented: “The Solio is a fantastic accessory for any serious iPod user. Using its solar panels or mains adaptor, […]

Costa Rica’s electronica scene is heating up. Rogelio Jimenez reports on the hot-as-hell S.U.N Project Halloween bash at Club 360.
The doors opened at 10:30 pm. Some people were waiting since 9:30 pm for the opening to enter in to the club. Lots of fans have been waiting three years since the last visit of S.U.N […]

Behringer is offering rebates on some of its most popular gear. Rebates of up to $75 are available.
Rebates are available for these items:

B300 - Active 2-Way Loudspeaker System with 2-Band EQ and Mic Preamp
CABLE TESTER CT100 - Microprocessor-Controlled Cable Tester
SUPER-X PRO CX2310 - 2-Way Stereo/3-Way Mono Frequency Crossover with Subwoofer Out
ULTRACURVE PRO DEQ2496 - Ultra […]

MacMice has announced that the GarageKey USB-MIDI keyboard for Apple GarageBand users is available for order, with shipping guaranteed in time for Christmas.
The GarageKey USB-MIDI keyboard is the only keyboard on the market designed exclusively for use by Apple GarageBand software users who want a small, elegantly styled keyboard. The GarageKey has 37 full-size, professional […]

Sounds Online is offering a free sample-based virtual instrument with 650MB of content.
EastWest is giving you the chance to get your own copy of Native Instruments Intakt and Kompakt virtual instruments for Windows and Mac, along with 650MB of content from Zero-G to get you started, all for free. It’s all on their latest sampler […]

While the use of synthesizers has become routine in many types of music, they continue to be controversial when used as a replacement for a traditional orchestra. Kiku Enomoto and her six colleagues at the Opera Company of Brooklyn, members of the local musician’ union, refused to play with the OCB last February when it […]

Analogflux is a suite of PC VST audio processing plug-ins designed to deliver sounds of analog days. These processors use convolution processing to match the response of the original analog gear. The suite consists of TapeBus, Delay, Impulse, Insert and Chorus plug-ins.
The TapeBus plug-in recreates characteristic elements of the reel-to-reel tape sound. This includes saturation, […]

Ultimate Sound Bank and its North American distributor ILIO have announced the release of X-treme FX. The sample-based plug-in is the first virtual instrument solely dedicated to musical soundscapes, sound effects, foleys and atmospheric sounds. The plug-in’s versatile 8 GB sound library allows for fast and easy construction of complex textures. Its powerful UVI engine […]

Sonoma Wire Works has released a collection of seven new effects available in one convenient VST plug-in called Sonoma 7 VST. Included are effects like auto-wah, multiband compression, modulation, delay, reverb, and parametric EQ.
By combining all seven effects into one plug-in, musicians get convenient access to multi-effect presets, and the ability to instantiate more effects […]

Kid Nepro is now producing sample libraries for Native Instruments Kontakt Software Sampler. The second release for Kontakt is the Kid Nepro Vintage Synthesizer CD-ROM. All Sounds are also compatible with Native Instruments Intakt, Kompakt and Battery Samplers.
Vintage Synths - New samples in Native Kontakt format from the most popular vintage synths ever made. Classic […]

ASKVideo Interactive Media are shipping the first in a new series of interactive tutorial DVDs for Cubase SX 3.
Cubase SX 3, the new version of Steinberg’s line of music production systems, takes computer music technology to a new level by adding more than 70 new features including powerful Audio Warp real-time time stretching, an intuitive […]

Open Labs has introduced their latest keyboard/studio instrument, the NeKo LE. Based on the company’s NeKo OpenSynth platform, the NeKo LE incorporates a full personal computer, powered by the Intel Pentium 4 processor and is targeted at songwriters, music producers, and hobbyists that want to play, record, mix, master, and burn their music in a […]