Struggling to figure out the latest software/controller/update?

Then watch your back – because there’s a new generation coming. Check out this drum and bass improv by an 11-year old kid, if you have any doubt.

via strrrangemen:

brother playing around with ableton live He took the whole afternoon to learn Ableton Live Basics, now

i’m proud of him

He’s 11 and decided suddenly to play with my stuff

Here’s another Sunday Synth Jam for you, hamageddon’s Nostromo – an audiovisual synth jam featuring Edirol CG8 Visual Synthesizer visuals and music by Klankombinat

Musikmesse 2009: Sound On Sound takes a look at the Cakewalk V-Studio 100.

via soundonsoundvideo

At the Winter NAMM Show, Edirol released another portable recording unit. The Edirol R-44 4-Channel Portable Recorder is a 2 lbs. device that offers professional recording options, up to 24-bit and 192kHz, and uses SDHC cards to store the audio recorded.

The Edirol R-44 features

• 4 channels
• XLR (with phantom power) & balanced/unbalanced TRS combo inputs
• digital RCA and headphones outputs
• 20Hz to 40kHz frequency response
• built-in effects (limiter, low cut filter, 3-band EQ, 6-band GEQ, Enhancer and DeEsser)
• built-in stereo mic and speaker
• pre-record function (captures the sound from few seconds before you press the rec button),
• level control per channel
• transport controls
• OLED display
• USB and control sync mini jack connections.

The device can be powered by DC adapter, external battery and six AA batteries and with the sync connection you can use 2 recorders at the same time – offering 8 channels controlled by one device.

The Edirol R-44 4-Channel Portable Recorder price and availability have to be announced yet.

Roland has announced that it’s shipping the new EDIROL M-16DX Digital Mixer.
The M-16DX is a new-generation mixer comprising two modules: the Mix Controller for your desktop, and the I/O Module, which can be mounted in a rack. Together, these two components provide a wide assortment of connection and processing features, while leaving your desktop uncluttered. The M-16DX contains a powerful 24-bit/96kHz digital signal processing engine that provides a transparent, noiseless mixing foundation.

A full-featured DSP effects processor is built into the M-16DX, with insert effects (Power Compressor, Vocal/Narration Enhancers, and Voice Change), spatial effects (Echo, Space Echo, and multi-format Reverb), and mastering tools (Noise Suppressor, Enhancer, and Multiband Compressor-Limiter). In addition, each channel strip is equipped with Low-Cut Filter, 3-Band Sweepable EQ, Pan, Aux 1&2, Select, Solo/Mute, and Level controls. Onboard Scene memories, that only a digital mixer can offer, allow for instant recall of channel and effect parameters, USB switch, and the dual 16-band graphic EQ settings.

Together with powerful effects onboard, an intelligent Room Acoustic Control function, and loads of digital and analog connectivity, the M-16DX signals a new era in digital mixing. With the release of an optional 23 ft/7 meter cable (model name: DXC-7), Roland adds portable convenience to the sweet mix of this new mixer’s features.

“The optional DXC-7 allows users to move the console away from the processor to give them the flexibility to control the mix from a convenient location, away from the many cables that may be plugged into the I/O processor. Anyone wishing to streamline their studio, or chase the sweet spot with mixer in hand, can benefit from this simple option. Live bands, keyboard players, drummers, project studio engineers, audio/video production facilities, and more will appreciate the convenience and the many features that this full digital mixer offers,” said EDIROL product manager Michael Barrett.

In a portable mixing first, the M-16DX features a high-contrast, backlit LCD that lets you to see the effects in operation, as well a spectrum analysis of your mix! Also onboard is the intelligent Room Acoustic Control function, which automatically analyzes and compensates for the frequency response of your studio. It’s fast, easy, and effective.

Digital and analog connectivity—it’s all here, and more. Channels 1–4 contain quality mic preamps with phantom power; channels 1 and 2 also offer Hi-Z switches for directly connecting guitar and bass. Channels 11 and 12 provide direct digital input via S/PDIF optical or coaxial connections. And most impressively, the USB 2.0 port allows the mixer to work as a powerful 18-in/2-out 24-bit/96kHz audio interface for computer recording. Eighteen discrete audio channels (16 inputs + Main Mix) that can be recorded on individual tracks within the complimentary Cakewalk SONARL LE recording software or to most any DAW software of your choice. Macintosh and Windows operating systems fully supported.

Edirol has introduced the M-10DX 10-channel digital mixer, which features a 24-bit/96kHz processing engine and a backlit LCD so you can see the effects in operation as well a graphical spectrum analysis. The new mixer offers built-in pro-quality FX, including insert effects, reverb/echo and finalize effects, flexible analog and digital I/O, Room Acoustic Control for instant automatic room compensation.

Based on the same high-resolution processing engine as the flagship M-16DX, the M-10DX provides full 24-bit/96kHz processing for the ultimate in transparent, noise-free digital mixing. Mixing is made simple, with dedicated channel controls for 3-Band EQ, Pan, Aux, Select and Level. Scene memories allow instant recall of channel and effect parameters.

For maximum portability, the M-10DX condenses almost all of the M-16DX’s functions into a compact tabletop package for easy portability and use anywhere. It even retains the backlit LCD from its big brother, so you can see the effects in operation as well a graphical spectrum analysis.

AC adaptor comes included.

Winter NAMM Show Update: Roland announced the new EDIROL M-16DX Digital Mixer.

The M-16DX is a new-generation mixer comprising two modules: the Mix Controller for your desktop, and the I/O Module, which can be mounted in a rack. Together, these two components provide a wide assortment of connection and processing features, while leaving your desktop uncluttered.

A full-featured DSP effects processor is built into the M-16DX, with insert effects (Power Compressor, Vocal/Narration Enhancers, and Voice Change), spatial effects (Echo, Space Echo, and multi-format Reverb), and mastering tools (Noise Suppressor, Enhancer, and Multiband Compressor-Limiter). In addition, each channel strip is equipped with Low-Cut Filter, 3-Band EQ, Pan, Aux, Select, Solo/Mute, and Level controls. Scene memories, allow for instant recall of channel and effect parameters.

In a portable mixing first, the M-16DX features a high-contrast, backlit LCD that lets you to see the effects in operation, as well a spectrum analysis of your mix! Also onboard is the intelligent Room Acoustic Control function, which automatically analyzes and compensates for the frequency response of your studio. It’s fast, easy, and effective.

Digital and analog connectivity — it’s all here, and more. Channels 1-4 contain quality mic preamps with phantom power; channels 1 and 2 also offer Hi-Z switches for directly connecting guitar and bass. Channels 11 and 12 provide direct digital input via S/PDIF optical. And most impressively, USB 2.0 port allows the mixer to work as a powerful 18-in/2-out 24-bit/96kHz audio interface for computer recording.

AC or battery power, take your choice. The M-10MX comes with an AC adaptor, but it can also operate on battery power (four AA batteries). Thanks to its compact body and battery operation, the M-10MX is an excellent tool for podcasting, location video and/or field recording and mixing.

Connect a wide range of audio devices to the M-10MX, including dynamic microphones, musical instruments, consumer audio devices, video equipment, and audio interfaces for computer audio. The M-10MX’s versatile back panel offers 1/4″ and RCA input and output ports, plus a dedicated plug-in powered, stereo electret condenser microphone jack, suitable for use with mics such as the EDIROL CS-15. For outputs, two TRS balanced 1/4″ phone jacks are provided.

The M-10MX is equipped with both coaxial and optical S/PDIF 24-bit/96kHz digital audio outputs, which allows it to supply digital audio directly to your computer and products such as EDIROL MA-series digital speakers or Roland DS-series monitors with S/PDIF digital inputs . The M-10MX can also be connected to audio interfaces such as EDIROL’s UA or FA-series units for recording and mixing entirely in the digital domain.

At the Winter NAMM Show, the MIDI keyboard controllers introduced were uniformly more powerful and more affordable than ever.

Edirol introduced the PCR-300/-500/-800 line, which all offer more controls than previous models, including an array of sliders and even a DJ-style crossfader.

The new keyboards provide a wider dynamic range under the player’s fingertips, while new aftertouch sensors allow the keyboardist to play more expressively. Smooth key action, keys shaped for comfortable glissando playing, silent operation, and stable key mounting all contribute to the enhanced playability of these keyboards.

The new PCR series has all the existing controls of the previous range, but adds exciting new features, such as velocity pads — perfect for playing drums and triggering sampler phrases. These precision pads can operate as buttons or velocity pads, and the handy LED indicators identify if they are velocity or fixed-velocity.

The new Crossfader allows you to control two parameters at the same time, and can work as a DAW software control for zooming screen views, as well as for synthesizer filters and DJ gestures. The new longer-throw sliders can control eight track faders and one master fader, or function as organ drawbars.

Dynamic Mapping allows the PCR to automatically assign its physical controls to the most important parameters in the current window of the software being used. Fifteen user memories are provided for storing your favorite setups. When using software that’s not compatible with Dynamic Mapping, you can manually configure the Control Map settings from the PCR itself or the included PCR Editor Software (Mac or Win).

Based on the same high-resolution processing engine as the flagship M-16DX, the M-10DX provides full 24-bit/96kHz processing for the ultimate in transparent, noise-free digital mixing. Mixing is made simple, with dedicated channel controls for 3-Band EQ, Pan, Aux, Select and Level. Scene memories allow instant recall of channel and effect parameters.

For maximum portability, the M-10DX condenses almost all of the M-16DX’s functions into a compact tabletop package for easy portability and use anywhere. It even retains the backlit LCD from its big brother, so you can see the effects in operation as well a graphical spectrum analysis.

Features:

• 10-channel full digital mixer with M-16DX flagship features
• 3-band EQ controls (Q & Freq.) with graphic LCD for precise tone shaping
• Portable, all-in-one design
• “Room Acoustic Control” for instant automatic room compensation
• Built-in pro-quality effects, including COSM® insert effects, reverb effects and finalize effects
• Flexible analog I/O and digital output, including two high-quality mic preamps
• AC adaptor included

Route audio in and out of the UA-4FX via analog I/O or take advantage of its S/PDIF optical output. Windows XP users can use the optical output for Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1 Surround output as well. With built in COSM tube mic-preamp simulator, multi-band compressor/limiter for mastering, amp simulator and distortion/chorus/delay for guitar, center cancel, reverb, noise suppressor and more, the Edirol UA-4FX is an irresistible package for computer-recording enthusiasts on a budget.

User can connect synths, modules, and controllers via MIDI. A single USB cable provides both the MIDI and audio links between your computer and the UA-4FX.

The UA-4FX is Mac/PC cross-platform compatible. It supports WDM, ASIO 2.0, and Mac OS X Core Audio formats.

Cakewalk’s SONAR LE recording software and Edirol’s Virtual Sound Canvas plug-in (PC) are bundled with the UA-4FX, making it a true all-in-one recording solution at an incredibly low price.

More information is available at the Edirol site.

Edirol’s “motion dive .tokyo performance package” consists of the visual software “motion dive .tokyo” bundled with Edirol’s MD-P1, a dedicated control console that connects via USB. Together, this package takes visual performances to the next level using intuitive DJ mixer-like controls such as a crossfader and knobs.

Just like taking two musical tracks and fading them back and forth, scratching or adding effects, the idea is the same with motion dive. Use the smooth A/B Fader to alternate between channel A and B, scratch the clips rhythmically with the Scratch controls, and use the front-panel knobs to control color-EQ effects and BPM. Select video clips quickly by dragging and dropping them into the A and B output channels, or by using the large dial and Channel buttons on the controller.

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With motion dive, the visuals can played and remixed in real time along with the music. The performances can be recorded and played back as one piece of artwork. Motion dive receives MIDI messages, therefore MIDI-compatible instruments can be connected to the controller unit for live video triggering. Images can be automatically generated from note and velocity information input via external MIDI device, such as Roland’s V-Drums. Create performances that synchronize music with images for stunning visual effects.

Motion dive accepts QuickTime movies and most picture formats from digital cameras, as well as AVI and MPEG files, and Macromedia Flash content. To get started right away, motion dive comes with a video library created by top professional VJ artists. Motion dive is compatible with Mac and PC.

More information is available at the Edirol site.

Edirol describes the R-09 as “a serious, top-quality professional recorder with time-stamp capability.” It can record stereo audio at 24-bit resolution with either 44.1 or 48kHz sample rates. It can record and play back in MP3 format, also (up to 320kbps).

Files can be monitored through the R-09’s headphone jack or exported to a computer via USB.

A stereo microphone is built into the unit, complete with a dedicated input control, mono/stereo selector, low-cut filter, and gain boost. The R-09 also offers a 1/4″ mic input.

The R-09 is designed for recording live music events, recording lectures and replacing cassette field recorders.

Source: Edirol

The introduction of 64-bit drivers allows EDIROL’s existing user base to take full advantage of their 64-bit hardware. While most 32-bit software applications will operate on a 64-bit computing system, a true 64-bit driver is required for all hardware peripherals including audio and MIDI interfaces

With the introduction of fully-supported 64-bit drivers for existing interface products, EDIROL continues to support its position as the leader in audio interface driver technology for both the Widows and the Macintosh platforms. EDIROL recently introduced the world’s first USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Drivers for Mac OS X Tiger for the EDIROL UA-101 USB 2.0 Audio Interface.

Kim Nunney, president of EDIROL North America comments: “We are very excited to once again be on the forefront of delivering the next evolution in computer-based music and multimedia production with the introduction of fully supported 64-bit drivers for our interfaces. The potential performance gains of 64-bit computer systems and the extension of the amount of useable physical RAM from 2 Gigabytes to 128 Gigabytes will provide users with a newfound potential for working with CPU and RAM intensive projects.” He continues: “We are proud to be able to support our existing and future EDIROL users with the option of experiencing 64-bit computing using their current EDIROL interface.”

64-bit drivers are available for the following EDIROL Interfaces:

UA-1000, UA-101, UA-25, UA-20, UA-5, UA-3FX, UA-1EX, UA-700, UM-880, UM-550, UM-3, UM-2EX/2, UM-1EX/1SX/1X/1S/1, PCR-M1/M30/M50/M80/30/50/80, PC-50, PCR-A30, PCR-1,

SD-90/80/20 and M-100FX

64-bit drivers are available for download from the Edirol site.

Eleven new drivers have been released to ensure support for Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger. This includes the complete complement of Edirol’s current USB audio and audio+MIDI devices, as well as some legacy devices.

Edirol’s current OS X MIDI drivers require no update to function fully on Tiger allowing USB MIDI Keyboards, USB MIDI Interfaces, Sound Modules, and Hardware Synthesizers (23 models in all) to function with previously compiled drivers.

In addition, a number of Edirol Audio Devices are supported natively in Mac OS X so therefore require no driver update with Tiger, namely FA-101, FA-66, UA-1X, UA-1D and UA-3D.

About Tiger’s improvements for audio:

64-bit audio file support

Tiger improves on the robust audio capabilities of Panther by adding 64-bit audio file support, which effectively removes the 2GB limit on the size of an audio file. This allows a single audio file to contain up to a thousand tracks of PCM or compressed audio in a single file of indeterminate size.

Device Aggregation

Mac OS X Tiger now allows you to use multiple audio devices together to increase the number of input and output channels. You can combine devices of like sampling rate together, whether via FireWire, PCI or built-in, into a single aggregated device. Set up is easy via Audio MIDI Setup and your new “virtual” device will automatically show up in all applications on the system.

The latest Edirol drivers are located here: http://www.edirol.com/support/drivers.html

A great selection of Edirol USB Audio products, such as the popular UA-25 as well as the newly released UA-101 (USB 2.0) audio interface and the renewed PCR-M series of USB controllers, will soon benefit from value-added SONAR LE music production software, shipping right out of the box.

SONAR LE is modeled on world-renowned SONAR 4, Cakewalk’s flagship product, and provides a cutting edge music production studio environment, offering powerful features such as 64-Audio/256-MIDI track editing, up to 24-bit/192 kHz resolution, and unique Direct X and VST plug-in software synthesizers and effects.

The combination of Edirol USB Audio products with SONAR LE will offer everything musicians and audio producers need to create music on the move with professional results. For more details about SONAR LE visit www.cakewalk.com.

Extremely powerful yet exceptionally user-friendly, the new Edirol SONAR LE bundles are perfectly suited for new users and their first experience with music creation using a PC.

Edirol

In a musical context, a sampling synthesizer takes audio in or regenerates it from a wave generator and then modulates it with filters and amplifiers before outputting the sound. In a similar fashion the CG-8 can take in still images, create motion pictures from these and then modulate them with Modifiers and Fade Controllers. Designed to enhance live performance in today’s merging world of audio and visual, the CG-8 will allow DJ’s, musicians and visual artists to create stunning visual patches by easily operating knobs and controllers, just like synthesizers.

Starting from simple Picture files (JPEG’s) as the prime source, Stamp files (PNG) for overlays and then using built-in Computer Graphics effects, all stored on the internal 40GB hard drive, the CG-8 can add over 200 dramatic motion effects, plus a further 60 overlay effects, before sending the output signal to the Image Modifiers which will let you add further motion along X/Y/Z axes and control background color/hue shifting. The final modulation can also be set for rate, depth and waveform just like the LFO in a music synthesizer.

Capture of the initial Picture and Stamp files is straightforward via USB Compact Flash card reader, making the CG-8 a very powerful visual and motion processor of static images.

The users can choose to operate the CG-8 from twin D-beam controllers, an assignable X-Y pad, optional foot controllers, individual control knobs, and the 16 onboard trigger pads (also capable of storing patches).

Seamless connection with audio sources is also a key component of the CG-8 to unleash the creativity of musicians and visual performers. The CG-8 audio input, with adjustable frequency-selectable peak detection, will allow your visuals to modulate based on the incoming signal with several effects especially designed to respond to audio cues.

The CG-8 is fully MIDI compatible and will support Edirol and Roland V-LINK enabled instruments.

Both the PC-50 and PC-80 models use the same high quality keyboard mechanism that makes the Edirol PCR-M series of USB keyboards such a pleasure to play. With low mechanical noise, 12 selectable velocity curves and excellent build-quality, the playability of the two new USB keyboards is their distinguishing feature.

The PC-50 is a true “use anywhere” MIDI keyboard that can instantly be powered via USB as well as battery (4xAA) or an optional AC adaptor. All connections are mounted on the left side panel making the keyboard fit easily in front of a computer monitor or where space is constrained. Suggested retail price is $185.

The PC-80 is equipped with a built-in USB Audio Interface and a speaker system for a complete audio & MIDI solution, making it ideal for the education market.

By offering 24-bit/96kHz USB Audio capability, low-latency driver support for Core Audio, WDM, ASIO 2.0 and OS standard drivers, and onboard 2W+2W stereo powered speakers, the PC-80 and your computer is all you need to practice and to create music. To complete the package a premium GM2 software synthesizer, developed with genuine Roland sounds, is also included. Key-splitting and Layering in the PC-80 offers an easy way to play multiple instruments on different sections of the keyboard. A dedicated “Software Synthesizer” button on the PC-80 allows you to instantly call it up on your computer screen where you can start playing immediately. Suggested retail price for the PC-80 is $495.

Edirol

Building on technology development achieved through a series of successful USB Audio products, the UA-101 represents Edirol’s very latest compact audio solution for PC, providing 10-in / 10-out, 24-bit/96kHz full duplex audio with MIDI I/O in a compact half rack unit. Powerful, low-latency drivers with WDM and ASIO 2.0 support complete the package.

The Edirol UA-101 allows simultaneous recording of 10 channels of audio at 24-bit, 96kHz, or up to 6 channels of audio at 24-bit/192kHz. Two high quality mic pre-amps allow you to record directly into the UA-101 through the XLR/TRS combo jacks. One XLR/TRS combo jack is equipped with a Hi-Z input to easily connect a guitar or bass without the need of a direct box. To ensure that your input signals stay within acceptable levels there is an analogue limiter letting you get the maximum from the inputs yet still record without clipping. A further 6 TRS jacks provide balanced inputs that are switchable between +4 or -10 dBu, allowing matched input from any line level source. Finally there are optical S/PDIF in and out ports for your digitally-equipped audio devices.

For outputs there are 8 TRS balanced jack, the S/PDIF outs plus an extra L + R monitor output – great for separating a cue mix from the main output mix. You can monitor directly from the inputs via the included software mixer and router for true zero latency monitoring or switch to monitor via your audio software. All settings and routing can be made through the Control Panel software for amazing routing freedom.

The USB port is switchable between USB 2 and 1 so that the UA-101 can even be used as a stereo audio interface with Mac and Windows computers not equipped with USB 2 ports.

Suggested retail price for the UA-101 is $695 with availability in early June.

Edirol

When a Project File is set to BWF on the R-4, the audio file written to the hard disk contains information about the recording time and the recording device in addition to the audio data. The resulting file can be loaded into a playback device or audio editor just like any conventional .wav file.

About the R-4

The R-4 is uniquely designed to offer sound professionals a cost-effective, high-quality solution to multi-channel field recording. The R-4 can record at audio resolutions up to 24-bit/96kHz on all four channels for complete high-resolution multi-channel performance. The unit features a built-in limiter and 5 different dynamics processors – 3-Band Parametric EQ, 6-Band Graphic EQ, Noise Gate, Enhancer, and Compressor / Desser. The R-4 records directly to an internal 40GB hard drive providing storage capacity for 58 hours of 16-bit/44.1kHz stereo recording or over 17 hours at 24-bit/96kHz. The R-4 includes a powerful array of input and output options including 4 XLR/TRS combo microphone jacks with phantom power, RCA analog output, S/PDIF Coaxial Input and Output, built-in stereo microphones, built-in speakers, and a USB2.0 connection for Drag & Drop access via a computer. Alternatively users can use CompactFlash(tm) memory to backup and transport data.

The R-4 has a large LCD display and features a Wave-Form Editor with a variety of functions for precision editing including trim, combine, split, and merge. The R-4 can drop markers anywhere within an audio file to quickly jump to important points in the file. The R-4 also offers an A-B Repeat allowing users to quickly and easily loop any section of audio.

The R-4 includes a “Pre-Record Function” which can capture as much as 29 seconds of audio to the record buffer before the record button is pressed. This allows users to press record AFTER they hear what they want and still capture the material they really wanted. The R-4 also includes an L connector to allow any compatible video camera to sync start and stop with the R-4. The R-4 runs on either the included AC Adapter or 8 AA batteries and includes a Carrying Case with shoulder strap.

The R-4 joins the extremely popular R-1 – a handheld, solid-state MP3/WAVE Recorder/Player – in clearly establishing EDIROL’s strength in the portable/field recording market. These two units satisfy many application areas including broadcast, location, and concert recording.