Samplers

The Korg MicroSampler may have only been announced a couple of weeks ago, but Sonic State’s Nick Batt has already run the MicroSampler through its paces.

His overview video, above, offers a good look at the hardware itself and how the MicroSampler works.

Batt says:

The microSAMPLER is not going to be a sampling workhorse for you if you require large string libraries or hours of storage, but as a simple loop replay device or maybe sound effects trigger for a theatre production, it could really fit the bill. Where the microSAMPLER’s strength lies is in the ability to quickly set up loops or phrases. With some careful planning and arrangement, I dont see why it couldn’t run the show, negating the need for a laptop – assuming you dont need to run a LOT of audio and backing vocals etc.

If you’re interested in the Korg MicroSampler, don’t miss Batt’s full review.

And if you’ve used the MicroSampler, leave a comment and let us know what you think of it!

Roland has announced the SP-404SX, an update to the Roland SP-404.

The new model offers enhanced sound quality with 16-bit linear sampling, improved DSP effects, smooth FX switching, a more versatile pattern sequencer (with a new shuffle feature), and easier data management with SD-card compatibility.

SP-404SX features

• Sample anytime, anywhere with the built-in mic and battery power.
• 29 DSP effects, including filter, delay, unique voice effects, subsonic, and looper.
• 3 control knobs, 12 trigger pads, and Sub Pad for rapid repeat triggering.
• Seamless effects switching for smooth, perfect performance.
• Pattern sequencer with quantize mode and new shuffle feels.
• 1GB SD card included; expand sample storage up to 32GB with SDHC.
• Import audio files from computer, assign samples to pads with bundled software (Mac/PC).

Details below.

If you’ve used the Roland SP-404SX Performance Sampler, leave a comment with your thoughts!

Read more…

Cluster Sound has released Minus Morph, a massive sound tool designed for Minimal music productions and based on morphing techniques.

Description:

Minus Morph is a massive sound tool designed for Minimal music productions and based on morphing techniques. The library consists of 930 Mb of worldclass construction loops, incisive basslines, compact percussive loops, dark and mysterious pads, sparkling hi-frequencies, crispy glitches and much much more.

In addition to the 1000 Wav loops and samples you will get also 450 Rex2 loops, 790 instruments for Kontakt and Rason and 1500 Live Devices and Clips. Minus Morph elements can be combined to create every kind of Minimal styles with the best audio quality and in the simplest way. Just select few loops and you are ready to build hypnotic, gloomy, genuine Minimal tracks.

Minus Morph is available for download now for 39.95 EUR.   Download the Free Pack (Loops + MP3 + PDF) for a preview.

Musikmesse 2009: TASCAM, and Garritan Corporation announced the completion of the sale of technology assets relating to GigaStudio, Gigasampler, GVI, GigaPulse and all Giga products.

Gigasampler revolutionized the music industry when it was introduced in 1999 and its importance in the music world cannot be overstated. Giga products enjoy exclusive rights to Endless Wave technology, a patented system which allows large samples to be streamed directly from the hard drive with low latency. Giga became the professional’s sampler of choice for many film, game and television composers, including many high-profile musicians.

The technology looked like it was stuck in a dead-end, though, when Tascam announced it was ceasing development. Read more…

Overview

The Sequential Circuits Studio 440 is a classic music production center from 1986 that combines the best features of drum machines and samplers, and has a crunchy 12-bit sound that people still respect:

If you combine a high quality digital sampler featuring individual outputs with a 50,000 note SMPTE/MIDI based sequencer, all you need to create a superior drum machine is velocity and pressure-sensitive pads. The 440 has eight, organizing its 32 sound samples into four kits and four banks over these eight sound pads. In addition, every sound has two sets of sound parameters that include sample play back direction, pitch-bend envelope, loop types, loop points, start point modulation, and the familiar VCA VCF controls.

The four programmable kits allow for infinite variations of the same sound by editing only the performance parameters. Performance parameters can be assigned to any pad and include sound number, pan, pitch, volume, and a choice of one of the two sound parameter sets. These performance parameters are easily edited in real-time, and settings for all eight pads can be stored and recalled instantaneously from any one of the kits. And since the alternate parameters can have individual start/end points for each sound, there are actually up to 64 “different sounds” available at one time.

Sequential’s factory library includes over 300 sounds, and is immediately available. In addition, any Prophet 2000 or 2002 sample can be loaded directly into the 440, so the actual number of sounds now available is too numerous to list. The STUDIO 440 is the ultimate drum machine. 

The highlights of the Studio 440 are probably the analog lowpass filter and the 8 track sequencer, which can be used to drive external MIDI instruments. The biggest limitation, on the other hand, is the 440’s paltry 520kb of sample memory! 

While these sold for 5K originally, these now sell for around $1,000. 

Specifications:

• 8 track sequencer
• LCD display
• 8 sound pads
• Selectable sampling rates of up to 41.667 kHz
• Computer assisted looping functions (including cross-fade looping)
• Multiple sample locations for storing up to 32 different samples in memory at one time.
• True stereo outputs (2) plus separate audio outputs per voice (8) for individual processing of each.
• 32 levels of programmable panning per voice.
• Separate analog and digital controls per voice, including fully sweepable filters and VCAs for modifying any sample.
• 768K bytes on board memory with access to hard disks or CD-ROMs via the built-in Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI).
• A 3 1/2 inch double sided disk drive
• Real-time sample monitoring. 

Resources:

• Wine Country offers Studio 440 sample disks, parts and repair
• The unofficial guide to the Studio 440
• Studio 440 information at VintageSynth