Remember Calvin Harris’s Humanthesizer video?

It’s predictably going viral, moving towards 100,000 views since it was released yesterday.

And, just as predictably, Harris is getting criticized for being sexist for his use of bikini-clad models.

Computer Music magazine goes further, though, calling Harris a “synth pervert”:

We’re all for experimentation here at CM, but we can’t help feel that synth geek Calvin Harris had something more that technological innovation on his mind when he performed this suspiciously tight-sounding version of his latest single using what can most accurately be described as a workstation keyboard made out of young model types.

We’ve criticized companies in the past for advertisements that are blatantly sexist. For example, when Image Line introduced Deckadance with a shot of a woman’s butt in a thong, we asked if it was the most offensive gear ad ever.

Calling Harris a “synth pervert”, though, is over the top, to the point of being potentially libelous.

I’m not really a fan of Harris’s music, but his video is going to do more to expose Max/MSP, Arduinos, conductive ink & the idea of incorporating the human body into electronic music instruments than anything more “serious” artists have come up with.

What do you think? Does Harris’s video qualify him to be called a “synth pervert”? Or do some electronic music bloggers just need to get out a bit more?

Image-Line has updated Deckadance, a DJ mixing application for Windows and Mac, to version 1.5.

Changes in Deckadance v1.5:

• Batch analysis of songs.
• Added native support for Vestax VCI-300.
• New beatgrid move via mouse over the waveform (SHIFT+CLICK+MOVE).
• Improved DVS engine when elastique time-stretching is disabled.
• Improved loop/leap exit function (more smoother now).
• Improved cue jump when loop/leap is active (it will be disabled automatically).
• Fix a bug when unplug midi devices at runtime on windows computers.
• Fix several bugs and maintenance.

No word on whether they’ve updated their controversial marketing.

Visit Image-Line for more information.

2009 NAMM Show preview: Percussa has some goodies on tap for the upcoming NAMM show that look like they will dramatically expand the range of uses for their AudioCubes: AudioCubes VST Wrapper, AudioCubes Loop Shaper & AudioCubes DeckBridge for Deckadance.

AudioCubes VST Wrapper 1.0

Existing VST plugins or instruments in your DAW can be instantly used with AudioCubes through included VST wrappers from Percussa. The wrapper is compatible with popular DAW software such as IL FL Studio, Ableton Live, …

Plugins can be instantly mapped to cube sensors without MIDI Setup. Sensor info can be scaled, inverted and limited to plugin parameters and colours can be linked to incoming MIDI notes in the case of VST Instruments.

With just one cube and VST wrapper software, you can apply effects to your tracks very easily. The tiniest gestures of your hands and fingers are instantly audible.

AudioCubes Loop Shaper 1.0

Producing sounds or music directly with the cubes is possible through the included sound design software from Percussa.

VST plugins can be loaded and hosted directly in this application without running a DAW or other software.

With just one AudioCube, your gestures are captured and translated instantly into parameter changes for the VST plugins.

The results can be recorded into the built-in looping sequencer, and stored to disk as a WAV file, for reuse in your DAW or sequencer. Alternatively, audio can be streamed via Rewire to popular software such as IL FL Studio, Ableton Live, …

DeckaBridge 1.0

Deckadance, a popular professional digital DJ application by Image-Line, can easily be used with AudioCubes through included Deckabridge software from Percussa.

Real-time sensor signals from the cubes can be assigned to DJ effects without complicated MIDI setup.

Classic MIDI DJ controllers for transport control, cueing, loop setting, can be used simultaneously with AudioCubes without any problems.

Relooper sequencers in Deckadance can be easily controlled using multiple cubes for interesting loop slicing and reconstruction.

Deckadance template files are included for use with DeckaBridge.

2009 NAMM Show Preview

Here’s the latest from Image Line:

• FL Studio 8 - In the latest version, FL Studio 8, users have welcomed more than 100 new developments including an improved user interface, updated sound engine, revised mixer, addition of ‘event’ pattern clips to the playlist, new multi-link MIDI learn system and a suite of new and updated plugins. The XXL and Producer Editions come with FL SynthMaker, an FL Studio native version of the popular plugin development application, SynthMaker. Users can now create their own virtual instruments, effects and MIDI dashboards, use them in FL Studio and share them with other SynthMaker users without writing basic code.
• Deckadance. – the latest version (1.4) delivers many new features including a new sound engine with improved time-stretching/compression technology, new BPM setup panel and beatgrid system, new spectral waveform color feature, new pitch range selection, new equalization filters design with improved kill behavior and new autogain engine. Scratch and spinback native support have also been added to the following controlers: Hercules (MKII, MP3 Console, Rmx), Numark Total Control and Behringer BCD2000/BCD3000. Deckadance has matured into a stable cross-platform and, most importantly, has support for a wide range of controller types allowing DJ’s to use their existing controller & vinyl hardware.
• Edison - The wave editor/recorder comes in standalone, VST and FL Studio native versions. Edison loads into any mixer track (VST effects slot) and records or plays audio from that position. Users will be excited to learn that it is possible to load as many instances of Edison as their host can contain. Parallel or chained instances of Edison are all possible. The visually stunning and easy to use interface has more than enough features to satisfy even the most demanding musicians and sound engineers.
• Gross Beat - Gross Beat is a time manipulation effect designed for repetition and scratching effects. Gross beat is perfect for real-time or rendered gating, glitch, repeat, scratching and stutter performances. Gross Beat stores audio in a 2-bar rolling buffer under the control of 36 user definable time and volume envelopes, giving you unlimited creative control.
• Hardcore - Hardcore is a software simulation of the 10 most popular guitar effects pedals. Available for both PC and Mac users, Hardcore gives virtual access to Distortion, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Reverb, Delay, Noise Gate, Equalizer, Compressor and Modulator ’stomp-box’ style effects, each with a unique sonic character.
• Ogun - Named after the god of iron (according to the Haitian Vodou and Yoruba mythology), Ogun is a powerful synthesizer for creating realistic metallic sounds. Ogun’s distinctive synthesis engine can generate more than 32,000 harmonics, modulated by ‘harmonic mapping’ functions that hand tonal control over the vast number of harmonics directly to the user.
• Sounds of India - Sounds of India, the latest sample collection from Image Line Software, contains over 835 samples weighing in at 1.5 Gb and includes 36 instrument and 2 vocal categories. The collection covers the foundations of the classic Indian sound – Tabla, Sitar, Shenai, Harmonium and Bamboo Flute, but what makes it really unique is the collection of South Indian instruments as Veena, Ganjira, Maddalam, and rare Indian folk instruments (Edakka, Udukku, Darbuka, etc.) The diverse Indian spirit is further enhanced with the inclusion of sounds from many different temple bells and ethnic percussion instruments.

Earlier in the year, we highlighted a controversial ad for Deckadance DJ software, and asked for your thoughts on it.

The ad, shown above, is dominated by a large image of a woman’s rear, with second woman swooning in minimal bathing attire under the first woman’s crotch. 

The post, and the ad, inspired a lot of comments:

• Unless the females in the industry unite and complain against this, you can expect more from them since they’ll most likely see a sales increase from all the horny males. – Bluebrat
• I clipped the image from your site and used it as my desktop wallpaper. Maybe I’ll photo-shop out the Deckadance logo. – umourman
• I’m a girl and I was not offended at all by this. Girls who are offended by it are, in my opinion, a bit ridiculous. Advertisements are for selling things. - Kalilamae
• It is true that sex sells, but to throw two half naked women onto an ad rather than show off their product makes me skeptical about the quality of what they’re selling. – Trinisa
• What century do we live in? you would have to be blind to say this ad is not offensive. it portrays these women as sex objects and not people. it also reinforces many stereotypes that our society has about women. wow…all I can say is grow up, stop living in the dark ages, and learn to value women for more than their looks. – will
• Using this picture to sell anything other than bathing suits or some high price / low class resort is just puerile and lame.  - Jake
• When your first foray into the world of DJ software fails miserably, ou need some ass to sell the product. Seriously this is the most unfinished piece of crap software I have ever tried to use. Not for pro-djs stay away from decadance! – Yo
• If i was a dad i wouldnt want my young kids looking at this, it’s porn. – spikypunker
• As a female and a DJ I find such advertising alienating. And it might not have anything to do with my sex/gender: I too think that since the actual product is nowhere to be seen, it must be rubbish.  - Zt

Deckadance, the dj software with what some think is the most offensive gear ad ever, is coming to the Mac.

“Many professional DJs, producers and remixers use Macs as a preference platform, so the release of version 1.2 will make Deckadance a real proposition for them” commented Luis Serrano, the developer of Deckadance.

Here are highlights of version 1.2:

Open controller & timecode support: The Digital Vinyl System control panel has been redesigned and now comes with new and improved features, including an easy-to-use interface, a real-time signal spectroscope, and of course, the ‘learning’ feature that enables almost any timecode source (CD or Vinyl) to be used. There is also Vinyl timecoded control of decks inside Ableton Live and Live LE.

Improved Windows soundcard driver compatibility: Deckadance now supports DirectSound drivers in win32 platforms in addition to ASIO4ALL.

Native support: Deckadance 1.2 includes native support of the following controllers: Hercules Dj Console, Kontrol Dj KDJ500, EKS XP10, Behringer BCD2000/3000, M-Audio X-Session Pro, Allen&Heath Xone:3D, Vestax VCI-100 and Numark Total Control.

Editions: Deckadance 1.2 is available in two retail editions, Deckadance Club Edition (full) and Deckadance House Edition that drops the timecoded vinyl/CD transport control features. For hardware manufacturers that would like to bundle Deckadance with their DJ products there is a special LE Edition (contact Image Line Software for more details).

Download Deckadance 1.2 from http://demo.deckadance.com.

Price: Deckadance Club Edition is US $179 and House Edition US $99. Both versions can be ordered from the FL Studio Web shop http://shop.flstudio.com/.

Image Line Software, the creators of software such as FL Studio / Fruityloops, has been running this ad to promote its latest release, Deckadance. Deckadance is a new DJ mixing application.

We’re not sure, but this may rank as even more offensive than the ads that amp makers put in guitar magazines. If I were female, it might make me think twice about checking out Deckadance.

On the other hand, I’m not female, and the ad got my attention.

What do you think? Is the ad sexist and offensive, or is it about time that companies made electronic music software sexy?

Let me know what you think in the comments…

Image Line Software, the creators of software such as FL Studio / Fruityloops, has announced the release of Deckadance, a DJ mixing application in which creative DJ performance is the key design philosophy. Deckadance can be controlled using most (if not all) existing midi controllers and time-coded vinyl and CD systems.

Deckadance works either as a standalone program or as a VSTi plugin inside a VST host. Deckadance can also host any VST-compliant softsynth or effect.

Argu, the Deckadance lead developer says: “Being both a DJ and software developer has given me a unique perspective to the development of Deckadance and has included lots of real-world practical testing that influenced the design and development process. I believe this approach has resulted in sophisticated and user-friendly performance features that will satisfy the most demanding DJs.”

Deckadance is available through the end of May as a download for US $149. Regular retail pricing will be US $179. A demo version is available.

Features:

Mixing – Beat analysis, beat matching, time stretching, pitch shifting, bass x-fades, and user-assignable x-fade curves are all possible. Deckadance supports MP3, WAV and OGG formats.

Midi control – Deckadance comes with pre-configured setups for working with the Vestax VCI-100, Behringer (BCD2000 & 3000), Allen & Heath Xone:3D, M-Audio XSession, Hercules DJ Console (MP3 & MK II), EKS XP10 , Kontrol-DJ. All other controllers will work in Generic mode or via custom links which can be made with the MIDI learn feature and saved for future recall.

Vinyl control – The following Time Code Vinyls and CDs have been certified to work with Deckadance – Stanton FinalScratch, Serato Scratch Live, MixVibes, and msPinky. All other vinyls and timecode CDs can be ‘learnt’ using the inbuilt Deckadance Time Code calibration system.

Sampler – Eight integrated sampler banks can load or record 1, 2, 4 or 8 beat loops from one of the decks (freely assignable). Samples can be triggered on-the-fly or beat-synced with the associated deck.

ReLooping – The Deckadance Relooper features the ability to re-slice any beat-analyzed track and re-arrange the beat. The Relooper includes a set of master effects for added customization of the sound and can be used to create stutter effects, or to extend infinite parts of a track to create unique breaks, intros or outros. The Relooper also supports unique loop and leap features which allow the track to continue from the point it would have reached if no loop had occurred.

VST host – Deckadance can host eight VST instruments or effects. These can be assigned to either deck, and are located in the signal path between the decks and the master outputs. Instruments may be driven by MIDI sequences to create unique live sequenced tracks. Included with Deckadance are the Image-Line JuicePack effects including: Love Philter, Parametric EQ & EQ2, Wave Candy, Multiband Compressor, Delay, Delay Bank, WaveShaper, EQUO (graphic morphing EQ), Flangus, Vocoder, Spectroman and Stereo Enhancer plugins.

VSTi plugin – Deckadance can be loaded as a VST inside any VST-compliant host, such as FL Studio, Ableton Live, Sonar or Cubase.

Playlist – Working with the integrated file browser, the Playlist allows sets to be arranged and tested before the gig, including cue points, loops and beat-markers. Complete with ‘DJ-Style Automix’ function (using Bass crossfades) even the laziest of DJs, or those who need to visit the bathroom, are catered for!

DMX – Digital Multiplex lighting control standard is a communications protocol, similar to MIDI. However, DMX may be used to control lighting, dimmers and other DMX-enabled equipment such as fog-machines. The Deckadance DMX Sequencer is an optional module to be released soon.

Skins – Deckadance ships with a Dark and Light skin. The skin bitmaps are freely editable so users can create or customize their own. New skins will also be downloadable from the Deckadance website shortly.

Key DSP and Technical – ASIO-compliant, 64-bit DSP, pristine quality processing. Two decks loading MP3, WAV and OGG, aufTAKT Tempo analysis. Deckadance supports 12 freely assignable outputs and 6 freely assignable inputs. Crossfader curve shape is user adjustable, Pre-fader listener level adjustment, phone split (L/R), independent Monitor outputs assignable, Auto slave and Beat Sync, 3DP pitch control, 3 Band EQ with Killer buttons, Tempo Tracking, Torque simulation for realistic scratching and cueing effects, 7 inbuilt effect types…and much more!

System Requirements

• Processor: Intel Pentium III or equivalent processor, Athlon XP or Intel Mac with Bootcamp (running Windows XP or Vista). The native Mac OSX version is in development, please keep an eye on the Deckadance website for more details. Deckadance runs multiple threads (audio, graphics, beat analysis, file searching, native USB controller IO, preview monitoring etc) so large performance gains may be expected on multi-core systems.
• OS: Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista. The Mac version will be released shortly.
• Memory: 512Mb RAM
• Hard Disk Space: 200MB free space.
• Video Card: A more powerful video card will improve the Deckadance experience.
• Monitor: Minimum horizontal resolution of 1024 pixels.
• Sound Card: Windows-compatible soundcard with ASIO drivers or capable of working with the included generic ASIO4ALL drivers.