[BLOK] is a new modular synthesizer for Windows, originally designed as a platform for teaching audio synthesis to students.

Features:

• Classic synthesizer modules such as Oscillators, Filters, Envelopes and Effects
• Easy to use interface. Blok was originally created as an educational program to teach audiodesign principles. This means that each module is simple to understand.
• Connect everything. There are no limits on connecting blocks together.. if a block generates a signal, connect it up!
• Versatile DSP engine. Additive, Subtractive and FM synthesis are all possible. Let Blok be your synthesis swiss army-knife.
• Full undo/redo. Dont like what you have done? Go back to a time when you did!
• Low in cpu. Blok was made to run well even on low-end computers. On today’s machines, it tears up the track! This will let you make more complicated setups and get more bang for your synthesis buck.

[BLOK] is currently a free download, but the developer notes “only the buzz version is officially supported at this point! the standalone and VST versions are under heavy construction, use at your own risk.”

WOK has announced ClockWOrK, a MIDI step sequencer plug-in for Windows that promises to let you create hypnotic sequences like Klaus Schulze or Tangerine Dream.

Here’s an audio demo:

ClockWOrK Features:

• Clear and easy interface
• Number of steps selectable (up to 16)
• Note per step selectable from 3 octaves with display
• Additional row for velocity or MIDI CC
• Each step can be muted or skipped (!)
• Sequence transpose by MIDI input
• Selectable speed (clock divide)
• Manual step thru the sequence with button or MIDI key
• Reset to a specific step manually or on bar start
• Play only when MIDI key is pressed
• Random play
• Supports automation by your host (like “Learn” in Reaper or Energy or Novation Automap)
• MIDI-ouput; any plugin or synthesizer can be used as sound source

ClockWOrK will be available as a VST instrument plug-in for Windows PC. No release date has been announced.

via rekkerd

How strange?

Try MeowSynth for strange:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Or maybe BeatVox:

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Knobster Bundle Includes:

• Seven instrument plug-ins:
  • MeowSynth
  • Lo-Fi Plastic Piano
  • Organaut
  • KeyWriter
  • BeatVox
  • Slitch
  • MelloFAN
• Two sample packs:
  • LO-FI Cinematic Grooves vol.1
  • LO-FI Cinematic Grooves vol.2

The Knobster Bundle is a free download.

Mac users are out of luck on this one.

DSK Music has released a new free software synth for Windows, DSK Synthopia 2.

DSK Synthopia 2 features:

• 3 layers with 128 sounds featuring bass, synths, keys, pads…
• Midi channel selector for each layer
• Amp. envelope, detune and panorama control
• 3 advanced filter with ADSR control
• 3 advanced LFO, with route option
• 2 send Fx (Chours & Delay)
• 1 Master Fx (Reverb)
• Midi automation
• Velocity response

Download page

PS: See this earlier post on how to tell the difference between Synthopia & Synthtopia.

The free Rapture 1.2 Update will include:

• New Envelope Generator functionality including the ability to retrigger envelopes using the Step Generator, Saving and Loading EG presets, Drag and Drop EG presets, an alternate Zoom mode, and auto-scroll when programming, a useful feature when working with extended or zoomed in waveforms
• New Internal Tempo option, with a built-in Tap Tempo—use this option to create syncopated rhythmic effects when using Rapture in a host DAW, or use it in stand-alone mode to ensure that Rapture’s tempo-based effects and modulations are in time with the music you are performing
• DC offset blocker to remove unwanted DC offset distortion that can occur when loading some waveforms
• Extended Vista x64 support including the ability for both the 64-bit and 32-bit versions of Rapture to be installed on the Windows Vista x64 operating system ensuring access within 32-bit DAWs that may be running on the 64-bit OS
• Selectors added to multiple parameters for quicker access to desired settings
• Knobs Focus Indicator to help the user identify which knob is currently in focus

The Dreammachine is a self-running Windows software synthesizer which can be used to create complex athmospheres and soundscapes for live performances.

The concept of the Dreammachine is based on very slow running LFO being used for wavesequencing and sound modulations. Thus, realtime editing is not as one might expect it – this is a machine for slow flowing motion of sounds.

There are three dedicated parts: Bottom (Bass), Back/Pad and Sparkles providing quite complex athmospheres and soundscapes which is mostly determined by the sequence of waves. Each part has got a 24 step sequencer for waves each with it’s own tempo setting to get more variations among the three parts.

Here’s a demo of the Dreammachine in action:

Click here to view the embedded video.

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

Pricing:

• 1st month the registration will be 79Euro
• after that til Dec. 31st ‘08 it will be 99Euro
• from Jan. 1st 09 it will be the regular price of 119Euro.

The registered version comes with 100 waves at each part and is capable to load other sf2 files. Of course the sproken phrases of the demo are in the registered version.

This is a visual demo of Future Audio Workshop’s Circle Synthesizer, a software synth for Windows and Mac.

A demo is available here

This demo video introduces SONAR 8’s TS64-Transient Shaper and the effects it has on various instrument loops.

An overview of what’s new in Cakewalk’s Sonar 8, including, exclusive solo mode, aim assist, new transport controls, and dynamic aiming.

Odo Synths has released a new “donationware” software synth, Double Six version 2.

It’s a 6-operator FM synth for Windows with 32 DX7 algorithms and 16 4-operator algorithms.

Changes in this version:

• Operators have 11 different waveforms
• Every operator has a clipper
• 2 octave sequencers
• 3 envelopes with retrigger mode on BPM rates.
• 3 LFOs with 19 different waveforms .with 16 different BPM speeds And free rate mode.
• Midilearn
• Velocity controls for volume filter and phasemodulation depth
• One bug is fixed.There was some problems in the DoubleSix V1.0 algorithms view.
• Envelope stage looping
• gater effect
• the delay it has now 32 bpm rates

Bill from Gearwire demos Sugar Bytes’ Robotronic.

Robotronic is a vocoder which can process mono and stereo input signals, includes sampler and synthesizer and offers Frequency Focussing and Formantshifting.

Robotronic is available in Mac VST and AU, and PC VST for 79€ / 99$.

Mixed in Key is Windows and Mac OS X software which analyses MP3 and WAV files. It identifies the musical key of every track, and highlights which other tracks are harmonically compatible. Designed to quickly analyze music files, Mixed In Key shows which tracks can be mixed together without a key clash.

Pricing is $58.00 USD.

New features:

• Improved algorithm to find the key of every track
• Improved graphic design
• A fast way to create playlists in “Browse Collection” to organize music files
• New quality-control feature: While scanning music files, Mixed In Key detects if the volume is too loud, the song is off-key or there are too many clipped peaks. Version 4.0 suggests how to improve those audio files to make them sound better for a live DJ performance
• Ability to add custom keywords to each track for quick searching

Mixed In Key software users include Pete Tong from BBC Radio 1, Dubfire from Deep Dish, Nick Warren, David Guetta, High Contrast, BT and Kaskade.

Version 4.0 is available in two styles: The original theme and Allen & Heath XONE theme. The original theme is available from http://www.MixedInKey.com. The Allen & Heath theme is available from http://Xone.MixedInKey.com.

Composer, musician and synth designer Erik Wøllo has introduced a new VST plug-in instrument for VST compatible systems, Wollo Voyager. 

The Wollo Voyager is a virtual analog synthesizer designed for use in a VST sequenzer host for PC. Also the synth is available as a standalone version. The synthesizer combines analog style sounds with onboard effect processors and EQ. Delay, Flanger and an advanced Reverb section.

Wollo Voyager is dedicated to produce sounds that is especially useful in modern electronic ambient and
space music styles. 

Main features:

• Advanced analog-modelling synthesis with 2 Oscillators
• ADSR
• Filter with ADSR and Amount
• LFO with Speed and Depth
• 16 Step LFO with host time sync
• Panning Delay with host time sync
• Flanger
• Sophisticated Reverb section with EQ
• 4 band Equalizer for total overall sound
• Mouse Controlled Device for live use (not yet finished)
• Virtual animated mouse Keyboard and MIDI monitor
• Preset Manager with one bank of 64 presets

Here’s what’s new in Acid Pro 7:

• Audio and MIDI mixing console
• Audio, MIDI, and Bus Track Meters
• Input busses
• Real-time rendering
• MIDI track freeze
• Enhanced timestretch and pitch shifting with élastique Pro
• Enhanced Beatmappeing for tracks with tempo changes
• Tempo curves
• Metronome countoff
• Cross-track event drag and drop
• Switches including Normalize, Invert Phase, and Lock
• External control surface channel tracking
• Custom labels for ASIO™ devices and ports
• Enhanced plug-in management
• Optimized plug-in scanning via the Plug-in Manager
• Interactive Tutorials
• FLAC, AAC, AC-3 Studio, and MPEG-2, format support
• Includes over 3,000 loops in multiple genres
• ACID Pro 7 includes software ($500 value) for professional music production and editing, including ACID Pro Effects Rack, powered by iZotope, Garritan Aria for ACID Pro Player, Submersible Music KitCore, and Native Instruments Guitar Combos.

ACID Pro 7 will be available in early November for a MSRP of $399.95 USD.

Tanager AudioWorks has announced the availability of SongFrame Songwriter’s Toolkit, a new Windows program that they call “the most comprehensive songwriting application available for songwriters and recording musicians”.

SongFrame is designed to provide expert help in developing interesting chord progressions, melodies, lyrics, rhythm, and overall song structure.

Songs are built with musical tools which focus on each aspect of the song. Chords, progressions, scales and rhythms can be auditioned and dragged onto tracks built specifically to hold this information.

An Audio Track provides fast capture of ideas, and a Lyric Track organizes the songwriter’s developed lyrics in a musical context. The user can listen to the song as it is being written, drag and drop new ideas, and create alternate versions of any portion.

When songwriting is finished, an export function creates audio and MIDI file data that can be imported into any DAW recording application, complete with the final versions of all chord, melody, rhythm and audio tracks. In addition, markers for every song section and chord change will appear in the DAW’s session file timeline.

SongFrame is available for $179.99 as a download or a packaged DVD?ROM, either from company’s webstore or a variety of music equipment retailers worldwide.

SongFrame currently runs on the Microsoft XP and Vista. 32-bit operation in Mac version is slated for release at the end of calendar 2008.