M-Audio has announced a redesigned Oxygen series of USB MIDI keyboard controllers.

Available in 25-, 49- and 61-key models, the Oxygen keyboards feature full-size velocity-sensitive keys along with sliders, knobs and buttons for tweaking and performing with software instruments.

With DirectLink, these same controls instantly map to a DAW’s mixer, pan, and transport functions, providing real time control with a variety of DAWs including Pro Tools, Cubase, Reason, Live, Logic and Garageband.

The Oxygen 25, 49, and 61 are currently shipping and carry an MSRP of $149.95/€87, $189.95/€107, and $249.95/€141 respectively.

This tutorial looks at setting tempo anchors with M-Audio Torq 1.5 DJ Software.

via eangolden:

Full article at: DJTechTools.com. Tempo Anchors in Torq 1.5 help you sync up songs that have a fluctuating tempo or that have a complex beat the automatic tempo anaysis can’t read.

Sunday Synth Jam: In this video, Motherbrain (AKA Marc Osborn) creates a complete track in Ableton Live – from a ringtone sample.

No canned loops (except the ringtone of course) were harmed in the creation of this track, it’s all improvised live looping in Ableton Live. The Live template starts completely blank.

via motherbrain2000:

Using:
Ableton live 7
Steinberg Hypersonic for Bass, Rhodes, Drums, and Pad
Ableton ‘Sampler’ for blips and stabs (custom patches)
Native Instruments Pro-53 for lead synth
CamelSpace for processing
Ableton Live’s included effects ‘AutoFilter’ and ‘FilterDelay’
MAudio Keystation 88es
Presonus Firepod (audio interface)
Zoom H4 (to record the output- it’s clearly clipping. I cranked the main volume without thinking)
custom painted qwerty keyboard

yes there are 3 seconds or so in the begining edited out while I adjusted the loop borders for the ringtone, then 4 bars in the middle of the jam and 2 or so bars near the end.

kanukanakina – one of the odder electronic music videos we’ve seen lately, features the circuit bent sounds ‘of comemelinhos‘ hacked noise machines, including some sort of torso-tron and a crawling baby synth.

Pelican Case MOD – Live Setup

This video demos a custom live electronic music rig designed to need minimal floor space and a single power outlet.

via autoflavour:

The setup consists of a modified pelican case that enables the rack mounting of equipment. This means I can be setup and ready to play in under 4 minutes. Hardware includes Virus Snow, Virus C, M-Audio Audiophile, Numark CM200USB 5 Channel Mixer, Novation SL25 Compact, iPod + TouchOSC.

The custom patch bay includes XLR Lamp XLR & RCA OUT, RCA IN to Channel 5 fader, RCA IN to input on Virus C, RCA IN to line in on m-audio.

I decided to use the M-Audio Audiophile as the primary sound device over the the inbuilt USB audio in the Numark CM200USB. The reasoning for this was purely down recording latency and routing configurations.

I do however have the CM200USB and the M-Audio set up as a aggregate device in OSX, enabling me to speak to both devices from Ableton.

The TouchOSC patch is a custom one built using the beta TouchOSC editor.

A quick explanation of the Audio routing page in the TouchOSC template.
This page was created only yesterday as a way to easily route audio to the Atomizer on the fly. I simply created 2 Sends channels and routed all Audio to SENDS ONLY in Ableton. Then assigned the individual SENDS dials to each button, effectively creating on off switched. This enables me to easily select the output I would like a track to take.

Not shown in this video, Controlling the Virus C.
Basically I have split the Novation into 2 zones. The first zone (1 Octave) controls the Atomizer via direct MIDI cable between the devices, where as the second zone (rest of the octaves) are routed to the USB cable which is then passed through Ableton to the Virus C via the M-Audio. To switch between keyboard control of either device, I simply shift octaves.

For those interested, the case weighs approx 16kg and due to the bolts in the sides, it is no longer water proof, however the rubber washers do protect it from most water (It is just not submersible anymore)

via znshn:

Cutting oriental percussion samples on the TENORI-ON w/ analog filters.

Material in this video:
- TENORI-ON
- Korg Kaoss Pad 3
- Benfox Filthy Fuzz
- MI Audio Pollyanna Octave Synth
- Moog Low Pass Filter (MF-101)
- Moog Ring Modulator (MF-102)
- Space Echo (Boss RE-20)
- Denon DN S-1200
- Vestax PMC-05 Pro III
- Boss FV-500L (as expression pedal for LPF Resonance)
- Boss FV-500L (as expression pedal for RM Frequency)
- Boss EV-5 for Space Echo volume

2009 NAMM Show: MOTU introduced Volta, a virtual instrument plug-in that lets you play and automate modular synthesizers—or any hardware equipped with control voltage (CV) inputs—from your favorite host audio workstation software.

Volta receives conventional virtual instrument input such as MIDI notes, MIDI controller data or even high-resolution audio track ramp automation and responds by outputting a corresponding control voltage signal, which the host software then routes to the outputs of any DC-coupled audio interface connected to the computer. The resulting DC voltage can then drive a standard CV input, such as those found on classic modular synthesizers, modern analog mono synths and even popular effects processors such as Moogerfoogers.

“If you have CV-controlled analog gear that you’ve been dying to incorporate into your computer-based studio, it’s time plug it in and let it rip because now you can use it with same level of convenience and control as a virtual instrument,” said Jim Cooper, Director of Marketing at MOTU. “Volta represents a major breakthrough in operating CV gear from Digital Performer, Logic, Live, Reason or any other Audio Unit host software.”

Check out this video demo of Volta to see it in action.

This looks like it could be a great tool for vintage and analog synth gear fans. If you’ve had a chance to try out Volta, leave a comment!

MIDI sequencing

Volta allows users to play CV-controlled oscillators with MIDI notes by simply “playing” Volta as they would any other virtual instrument via either MIDI track data or live input from their MIDI controller. Volta converts the MIDI note data to control voltage signals, which then trigger the external hardware. Because host software can pre-buffer MIDI data during playback, the timing between the external hardware audio output and the host software timeline can be sample-accurate (with hosts that support sample-level precision).

Analog oscillators are notorious for being difficult to get in tune and keep in tune. In addition, not all oscillators adhere to the tuning standard of 1 volt per octave. But if the oscillator has a CV output, Volta can take care of these issues with one click of its Calibration button. By sending voltages and measuring the pitch response, Volta automatically creates a complete profile that addresses any non-linearities in both the audio interface voltage output and the oscillator. Volta can even tune self-oscillating filters using this closed-loop system. Users can click the calibration button at any time to instantly bring all external gear back in tune.

Virtual instrument operation

As an instrument plug-in, Volta produces mono or stereo audio output to the host software, just like any other virtual instrument plug-in. Volta’s output consists of the audio signal returned from the external hardware synth. This means that external hardware, which is already sample-accurate with (and tempo-synced to) the host software timeline, can then be mixed and processed with all of the powerful features of the host software’s mixing and effects environment. For example, the host software could be used to arpeggiate the MIDI notes going to Volta (and the external oscillator), and then Volta’s resulting audio output could be processed with the host’s tempo-synced delay, phaser and reverb effects.

Track freezing

Because Volta operates as a standard virtual instrument plug-in, all external hardware oscillator output playing through Volta can be bounced to disk using the host software’s track freezing features. This means you can conveniently “print” external synth audio output at any time for archiving, mastering or future reference.

Complete automation

Volta allows users to automate continuously variable, CV-controlled parameters on their analog hardware (such as filter cutoff frequency, filter resonance or envelope depth) using MIDI CC data (sequenced in a MIDI track or played live from their MIDI controller). If users wish to achieve much higher resolution to avoid possible “zipper noise” and other pitfalls of MIDI resolution, they can instead control Volta using the audio track automation features in their host software. Audio track ramp automation can generate smooth, precise voltage changes at the resolution of digital audio.

In addition to these external automation sources, the Volta plug-in itself provides LFOs, a pattern sequencer, a trigger sequencer and even MIDI beat clocks. These automation sources can be freely applied to any Volta CV outputs, and they can of course be synced to the host tempo and timeline.

A simple user interface

The Volta plug-in window displays 24 sockets at the top of the window that represent audio outputs on the audio interface(s). Control sources (MIDI notes, MIDI CC’s, ramp automation, LFOs, etc.) are displayed as icons across the bottom of the window. Users then drag any desired control source icon onto any output socket they wish to control with it. Users can access settings for each control source simply by clicking it.

Each instance of Volta supports up to 24 output slots, and users can invoke as many instances of Volta as their hardware allows. For example, a MOTU PCI-424 system with four 24io interfaces provides 96 channels of output.

Summary of advantages

• Volta now makes it easy to use CV-controlled analog gear in today’s computer-based studio.
• Familiar virtual instrument operation—Volta operates within the host software as a standard Audio Unit (AU) plug-in.
• Total recall—all Volta-controlled parameters are saved with the host session.
• Automated tuning and pitch calibration—Volta tunes and calibrates the pitch of external hardware oscillators at any time with the click of a button.
• Sample-accurate precision—the timing between the external hardware and the host timeline can be sample-accurate (with a supporting host).
• Tempo sync—all parameters such as LFOs, etc. can be tempo-synced to the host software.
• Track freezing—through Volta, external hardware oscillator output can be captured as digital audio using the host software’s standard track freezing features.
• MIDI CC control and automation—play or sequence MIDI CC data to control your exteral hardware.
• Very high resolution automation—use host ramp automation for smooth changes without “zipper noise”.
• Built-in control sources—the Volta plug-in itself provides tempo-synced LFOs, pattern sequencers, trigger sequencers and even MIDI clock as control sources.

Volta will ship as an Audio Unit plug-in instrument compatible with any AU host on Mac OS X.

Volta can be used with any MOTU audio interface with quarter-inch outputs, as all MOTU quarter-inch outputs are DC-coupled. This includes MOTU’s PCI-424, Firewire and USB audio interfaces. Compatibility with third-party DC-coupled audio interfaces is also planned.

Volta is expected to ship Q1 of 2009. Pricing TBA.

M-Audio introduced a new series of USB MIDI keyboard controllers at the 2009 NAMM Show. The Axiom Pro family builds on M-Audio’s line of USB MIDI keyboards, but is designed provide musicians with a more responsive playing experience as well as deeper tactile control to mimic the feel of playing a real piano.

Available in 25-, 49- and 61-key models, the Axiom Pro series features software integration to digital audio workstations (DAW) including Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic and Reason, using M-Audio’s HyperControl technology, which automatically maps keyboard controls to commonly accessed parameters in software instruments and DAWs. The constant two-way link with the host DAW means that the Axiom Pro series keyboards are always in sync with the software’s active parameters.

The graphic LCD constantly updates the current values, to ensure seamless editing and prevent parameter jumps—even when plug-ins are closed. Users can also easily toggle between Mixer and Instrument control modes, making the music creation process much more seamless.

Axiom Pro series keyboard controllers are also the first to combine MIDI control with ASCII keystrokes, allowing users to assign any button to send QWERTY key commands like cut/paste or undo directly to the host software. The controllers offer M-Audio’s premium TruTouch semi-weighted keyboard action for a more tactile and responsive playing experience.

They are also equipped with eight velocity-sensitive trigger pads with M-Audio’s exclusive Trigger Finger technology for triggering loops and samples.

The Axiom Pro 49 is currently shipping and carries a USMSRP of $599.95. The Axiom Pro 61 is expected to ship in the first quarter of 2009 and will carry a USMSRP of $699.95. Pricing and availability for the Axiom Pro 25 will be announced at a later date.

• Zune Owners Everywhere Cursing That They Cheaped Out
  Posted on Wednesday, December 31st, 2008 in iPods & Portable Media Players – Comments: (4)
  Zune owners everywhere are cursing the day that they cheaped out and bought a Microsoft portable media player, because Zunes around the world today are dying.
• Deadmau5 at Bleu
  Posted on Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 in Music Videos – Comments: (4)
  

  Click here to view the embedded video.

  
  Saturday mau5 porn: A promo video for Deadmau5 when they showed up to Bleu in Detroit.Deadmau5 eye candy courtesy of Natalie – one of Detroit’s top Go Go Dancers. She showed up in style with her very own mau5 head.
• M-Audio Tweaks Torq DJ Software
  Posted on Monday, December 29th, 2008 in DJ – Comments: (2)
  M-Audio has released Torq 1.5 DJ software for Mac OS X and Windows.
• Depeche Mode Do Joan Rivers, But It Looks Like They Were Faking It|Posted on Tuesday, December 30th, 2008 in Electronic Musicians – Comments: (2)
  

  Click here to view the embedded video.

  
  Here’s a vintage Depeche Mode performance on the Joan Rivers Show from 1986. We’ve been giving Dali grief for a couple of weeks over her faked performances – is this Depeche Mode performance just as bogus?
• The Strangest Music Video Of 2008
  Posted on Tuesday, December 30th, 2008 in Music Videos – Comments: (2)

  Click here to view the embedded video.

  
  I’ve been easy on Synthtopia readers lately, carefully avoiding posting videos that could scorch your eyeballs, give you nightmares and even warp your unborn progeny. This video, Thriller in the Nude, merits your attention, though, as it may be the strangest music video of 2008. 

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M-Audio has released Torq 1.5 DJ software for Mac OS X and Windows.

New features in Torq 1.5 software include:

• Tempo Anchors
• Tempo Master
• zplane élastique time stretching
• Send/receive MIDI Clock
• A new toolbar and a variety of workflow enhancements

Torq 1.5 DJ software is available immediately from the M-Audio webstore. The cost of upgrading from any previous version of Torq is USD$49.95. Customers who purchased and registered their Torq Conectiv or Xponent hardware after January 17th, 2008 are eligible for a no-charge upgrade to Torq 1.5 software.

Here are the details on the update:

The software’s new Tempo Anchors allow users to set the phase grid exactly on the beats of the song, even if the song changes tempo. Tempo Anchors make it possible for Torq to remove tempo variations from songs so you can easily blend old styles and new. For example, if you have an old ‘70s funk song that was recorded without a click, Tempo Anchors enable you to perfectly match that song with the steady beat of today’s computer-driven productions. You can also assign a track you’re spinning to serve as the Tempo Master for everything in Torq, so looped samples and other tempo-based features will automatically match the natural tempo changes in the song. These new features are enhanced by the addition of zplane élastique time-compression/expansion technology, a powerful new algorithm designed for stretching full music tracks without rhythmic anomalies.

Torq 1.5 software allows performers to incorporate outboard MIDI hardware into their audio production setups. Torq 1.5 software can send and receive MIDI Clock for total synchronization with drum machines, effects boxes and other computers. Multiple DJs can connect with each other and share the same tempo across systems, which improves collaboration between artists.

“The initial release of Torq changed the definition of DJ software by combining studio production tools with a robust DJ performance solution, blurring the line between DJs and producers,” said Adam Castillo, marketing director at M-Audio. “Torq 1.5 goes even further by delivering a host of innovative new features. With a compatible hardware interface like Conectiv or Xponent, Torq 1.5 DJ software becomes a powerful performance rig that enables DJs and producers to explore new creative directions.”

Here are some holiday deals on electronic music gear & software that you may want to check out:

1. Ableton has announced a 25% discount for anyone purchasing Live 7, Live 7 LE or Suite before the 31st December 2008. The 25% off deal also applies to users who wish to upgrade to the full version from Lite or LE versions of the software.
2. Open Labs is featuring its MiKo LX at $700 off.
3. de la Mancha has announced a special offer for bathtub, a stereo compressor VST plug-in for Windows PC.
4. MOTM is having a 10 year anniversary sale, with 15% off all assembled modules & 10% off blank pc boards.
5. Vienna Symphonic Library has a variety of holiday offers.
6. LinPlug has three special offers, including a buy one, get one free synth deal on Albino 3 & Blue.
7. M-Audio has the scoop on a deal for 25% off Namba Gear backpacks
8. McDSP is celebrating their 10th anniversary with a winter special on the HD and Native Emerald Pack Bundles, including upgrades. Emerald Pack HD will be offered for $2495 and the Native bundle will be offered for $1345. They’ve also got a special for December on Classic Pack HD.
9. Lennar Digital is offering a group buy deal on Sylenth1. The more buyers the`more discount, so make sure you spread the news about this great deal and sign up.
10. FabFilter has launched a holiday special – until December 31, there is a 25% discound on all FabFilter bundles.



11. VirSyn has several specials for December.
12. Moda2rt has a 20% Christmas discount on Pianoteq.
13. The2e’s a group buy ‘oing on at d16. (via Mateo)

J

14. Native Instruments is offering 50% off upgrades through the end of the year. (via Jim Thaxton)
15. MHC is offering a holiday season discount of 50% on all products, valid until December 31.
16. SonicCouture has a Buy 1 Get 1 Free Christmas Offer. Buy any SC download product before 23rd Dec and get 1 free for each product purchased.
17. Image Line is offering a fee copy of Gross Beat with orders of $99 or more, and discounted prices on selected products. 

If you know of other deals, leave a note about it in the comments!

Image: obi1kenobi1

Axiom Keyboard / RTAS Instrument Special

Purchase an Axiom® 61, 49, or 25 keyboard controller between November 15 and December 15, 2008 and receive the FREE A.I.R. RTAS® instrument of your choice (Transfuser, Velvet or Hybrid).Download coupon.

Pro Tools M-Powered / RTAS Instrument Special

Buy a copy of Pro Tools® M-Powered™ software, or any Pro Tools LE® system, between November 15 and December 24, 2008 and receive the FREE A.I.R. RTAS instrument of your choice (Transfuser, Velvet or Hybrid). Download coupon.

ProjectMix I/O / Studiophile BX5a Deluxe Special

Purchase the ProjectMix I/O control surface between November 15 and December 15, 2008 and receive a free pair of Studiophile® BX5a studio reference monitors.

MicroTrack II / Studiophile Q40 Special

Purchase a MicroTrack® II handheld recorder between November 15 and December 15, 2008 and receive a free pair of Studiophile® Q40 professional reference headphones. Download coupon.

KeyStudio 49i
Driver version 1.7.2-4 offers several bug fixes and performance enhancements, as well as support for Mac OS X 10.5.4. The update is available immediately for PPC-based and Intel-based Mac computers running OS X 10.5.4 and 10.4.11.

Please note: Although KeyStudio 49i will function as a class-compliant device, driver installation provides advanced functionality such as multi-client operation, low-latency audio and compatibility with Pro Tools M-Powered 7.4.

MobilePre USB
The latest MobilePre USB Windows driver now officially supports Windows XP SP3 and Windows Vista 32-bit SP1.

Visit the driver download page

Unfortunately, to watch this “on-demand” webinar, you have to give them permission spam you, and let all their buddies spam you.

Check out the form you have to fill out to watch this webinar:

What you can’t see is the fine print. Here you go:

The participation of our sponsors in this webinar enables us to provide this event free of charge to you. Part of the value we are able to provide our sponsors is information they can use to more effectively market their products and services. Accordingly, by agreeing to register for this event, you agree that we may share your registration information with our sponsors. We do not permit these companies to use your personally identifiable information without your permission for any purpose other than to send you information about their own products and services.

Sorry, M-Audio and Remix – but people can come to Synthtopia, and Create Digital Music and Wire To The Ear and Sonic State and YouTube and Audio Cookbook and Sound On Sound and Livepa and get information about new gear and what people are doing with it.

I like Remix magazine and M-Audio makes some great gear – but nobody wants to watch your webinar and get spammed for life by you and your spam buddies.

It’s time to get with that Internet thing, don’t you think?

Thinking about getting a MIDI drum pad controller?

DJ Tech Tools has a great smackdown between the Korg PadKontrol, the M-Audio Trigger Finger and the Akai MPD 24

They compared the MIDI drum pad controller 8 ways:

• features
• build quality
• ergonomics
• what’s in the box
• ease of MIDI configuration
• looks
• price
• mixing challenge

The bottom line:

“The Akai MPD24 kicked ass in every round that mattered in this smack down (6 our of 8). OK, it’s a bit more pricey than the Trigger Finger and it doesn’t have as much software as either of the other two but it’s built like a tank and really has a pro feel to it.”

See the full smackdown for the details.

The Public Enemy Remix Contest challenges musicians to create an original remix of an a cappella version of the group’s track “Harder Than You Think,” from their current album How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul.

Chuck D and Johnny Juice of Public Enemy will judge entries uploaded to the M-Audio website, and the winner will receive a complete home studio setup from M-Audio.

The winning remix will also be released on 12-inch vinyl by Obey Records. Backed with an exclusive unreleased Public Enemy track, the vinyl release will feature unique artwork created by graphic artist Shepard Fairey. All profits from the vinyl sale will be donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

The contest will run until September 30, 2008, with the grand-prize winner announced in late October.

If you win the contest, don’t forget where you read about this!

M-Audio has introduced Overdub – a new series of comic book style guides to audio studio production.

Volume One: A Guide to Studio Monitors details everything you need to know when setting up a reference monitor system.
Topics include:

• How to select the right monitors
• Guidelines for monitor placement
• Dealing with room acoustics
• Using acoustical treatment
• Testing your system

There’s an M-Audio bent, but there’s actually a lot of good info in this issue. (pdf)

M-Audio has updated Torq DJ software to v1.0.7 for Windows XP SP2, Vista (32-bit) and Mac OS X, including support for Mac OS X Leopard.

This latest update delivers several enhancements such as improved database searching, better browser performance and new dialog boxes for quick access to important information.

Changes:

• Windows Support for both XP Service Pack 2 and Vista (32bit)
• Mac (Leopard) OSX 10.5.3 and 10.5.4 support added.
• General increases in performance and application stability under load and over time.
• Improvements made to Database searching and browser handling.
• New Dialog Boxes added to indicate when Adding Files to the Database.
• Added support of Y/Enter keys and N/Esc keys will answer all Yes / No option dialogs.
• Effects gain preferences are now customizable.
• Each effect now has an individual makeup gain setting in the TorqEngine.prefs file. A few effects, such as Flanger, Phaser, and Band-Pass filter, have louder default levels in this version. If you prefer to keep the original volumes, set all levels to 1.0 in the prefs file. Each effect should be loaded in Torq, before the setting will appear in the preference file.
• Tempo sensitive effect parameters now respond under External Control.
• Tempo-sensitive effects now follow the tempo of songs under external control. Note: In order to full realize this improvement with the Repeater Effect, you must keep the song’s tempo constant for the first 2 bars after engaging the Repeater, after which the effect will follow any tempo changes you make via external control (i.e. Vinyl or CD timecode).
• Run-out Protection on CD Timecode accuracy improved.
• PTMP and Torq ReWire implementation improved.

This driver update is available immediately for the following devices :

• FireWire 1814
• FireWire 410
• FireWire Audiophile
• FireWire Solo
• NRV10
• Ozonic

This driver does not support ProjectMix I/O or ProFire Lightbridge.

At the 2008 Winter NAMM Show, M-Audio announced Torq 1.5 DJ software.

New features in Torq 1.5 software include:

• Tempo Anchors
• Tempo Master
• zplane élastique time stretching
• send/receive MIDI clock
• a new toolbar and a variety of workflow enhancements

The software’s new Tempo Anchors allow users to set the phase grid exactly on the beats of the song, even if the song changes tempo. The new Tempo Master function assigns a playing track to serve as the master BPM for everything in Torq, so looped samples, VST effects and other tempo-based features will follow in perfect sync. These new features are enhanced by the addition of zPlane Elastique time-compression/expansion technology, a powerful new algorithm designed for stretching full music tracks without rhythmic anomalies.

Torq 1.5 software allows performers to incorporate outboard MIDI hardware into their audio production setups. Torq 1.5 software can send and receive MIDI beat clock for total synchronization with drum machines, effects boxes and other computers. Multiple DJs can connect with each other and share the same tempo across systems, which improves collaboration between artists.

The initial release of Torq software revolutionized digital DJ performance and production by introducing a broad assortment of cutting-edge effects. Torq 1.5 goes even further by adding new features that improve effects processing and inspire creativity. The built-in effects can now be formed into Effects Chains, facilitating greater innovation than ever before. Torq 1.5 also supports VST Tempo so external effects can be automatically synchronized to the playing track.

In addition, Torq 1.5 incorporates several refinements to the user interface. The Hide Mixer option conserves screen space by removing the mixer from the user interface and expanding the file browser window. The Browser Preview function allows DJs to preview songs in their headphones before loading them into a deck. Torq 1.5 also displays a warning message when exiting the program or loading a song onto a deck that is already playing in order to prevent accidental set interruption during a live performance.

“The initial release of Torq changed the definition of DJ software by combining studio production tools with a robust DJ performance solution, blurring the line between DJs and producers,” said Adam Castillo, marketing director at M-Audio. “Torq 1.5 goes even further by delivering a host of innovative new features. With a compatible hardware interface like Conectiv or Xponent, Torq 1.5 DJ software becomes a powerful performance rig that enables DJs and producers to explore new creative directions.”

Torq 1.5 Key Features:

• Tempo Anchors allow marking tracks with varying tempos—Torq’s effects and samples follow the tempo changes in the song
• Tempo Master assigns a playing track to serve as the master tempo source for all tempo-related functions
• zPlane Elastique time-stretching/compression technology for sophisticated beat matching and pitch alteration
• Transmit/receive MIDI beat clock for sync with other hardware/software and easy switching between DJs
• Hide Mixer option conserves screen space
• Preview songs in headphones before loading to deck
• New Toolbar buttons and MIDI/tempo indicators
• Skip Protection keeps the music playing even if the Control Vinyl or CD skips
• True Key Lock keeps the pitch constant when adjusting external turntable speed
• Internal effects can be grouped into Effects Chains
• VST effects synchronize with tempo of playing deck
• Auto Gain feature matches the gain levels between decks
• Additional workflow and interface refinements enhance user experience

Pricing and Availability

Torq 1.5 DJ software is currently expected to be available for Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X-based systems in the first quarter of 2008. The cost of upgrading from any previous version of Torq is USD$50.