iPhone music software: This is a demo of SoundFields (App Store link), a new iPhone music app that’s designed to make it easy for people that don’t have a good ear for music to play tunes.

Not sure if that’s a good thing or not, though.

If you’ve used SoundFields, leave a comment with your thoughts!

via NightRadio2007:

Code and music by NightRadio.

Background tracks composed in SunVox. tu

This is a demonstration of a kid-powered “Drum Panel/Synthesizer” for playgrounds:

“Buttons” are simple regions of plastic shaped in circles with vibration sensors. A wavelet analysis bank is used to separate “hits” in a specific location from random structural vibrations and hits that may have happened elsewhere.

It also has a cool voice/rhythm record mode. After the first demo of the voice record/ playback the unit runs out of juice. One gets anywhere from 45-seconds to 3 minutes depending on how the unit is used.

This is more of a sample playback device than a synth, but the hand-cranked kid-powered action is pretty sweet.

via emh203

OT, but fun: Numark and Genius, Inc. has announced the Scratch Deck – a videogame controller for the upcoming Scratch: The Ultimate DJ for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3.

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ combines free-form DJ tricks with rhythm game play similar to top-selling rhythm games, and is expected to be available in Fall 2009.

Description:

Scratch Deck combines two essential elements of the DJ and hip-hop experience – a free-spinning, touch sensitive turntable with a crossfader and 5 Akai Pro MPC-style drum pads. The turntable allows players to add their own style and manipulate the songs in real time, while the MPC-style drum pads give players the opportunity to perform and customize tracks by triggering samples. Samples can either be pre-loaded into the game using 60 unique battle records that will ship with the software, or players can record and upload their own samples using a compatible USB microphone.

In addition to the features created by Numark, Scratch Deck also contains standard game controls found in music rhythm games. The turntable features a realistic surface that feels remarkably similar to a vinyl record. The drum pads and the crossfader also deliver an authentic and realistic music production experience. Left-handed DJs will appreciate that Scratch Deck is designed for use in right or left-handed configurations.

Trailer for Scratch: The Ultimate DJ video game.

via djsemantik

In his latest email newsletter, Dutch trance superstar DJ Tiesto let slip that he’s involved in the development of a DJing version of Guitar Hero, DJ Hero.

“I am very excited about this!” says Tiësto. “I think this is a great way to introduce people into DJing”.

While DJ Hero is just a video game – it’s sure to have a significant influence on the world of electronic dance music. 

“I am sure this brings new fans to the scene,” says Tiesto. “Hopefully the music I have composed appeals to all kinds of fans!”

In February 2008, Activision filed to trademark the name DJ Hero.

The original MS-10 (price 53,500 yen in 1978; US$300 then) was a monophonic, single oscillator job. DS-10 simulator works as two synthesizers (each of them, dual-oscillator affair), since Nintendo DS has dual-screen, upper and lower.

Adding to this two tracks (or two synthesizers), four tracks of drum machine sounds have been built-in. Altogether, DS-10 can be treated as six tracks, 16-step synthesizer/sequencer. Maximum, tune of 99 phrases long can be produced.

Three ways of note entry input: Touch-control screen, keyboard screen, and X-Y matrix screen. All three of them controlled by DS stylus.

Variable resistor nobs and patch panel wiring, too, are easily controlled by a stylus. Sound effect modification has three modes: Delay, chorus, and flanger. Controllable on mixer screen. Only drag is the sound output. DS’ line output is rather feeble and full of noise, but no midi-in/out are possible. Sure, restriction from the DS platform, a revenge of hardware!

Already, thousands of DTM freaks have queued up in Japan to get Korg DS-10. Their waiting will be rather long. Release date, July 24, 2008, and only at Amazon Japan (amazon.co.jp). Only consolation would be its price tag, just 4,800 yen (US$46), very much affordable for everybody with Nintendo DS already in his hand.

No word still on a US or European release date.

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