Breadandbuttersounds has released a free online Roland Boutique JP-08 Editor/Patch librarian. The editor uses the Web MIDI API, so it requires a web browser that supports it. Chrome is recommended.
This set of videos takes a look at LA composer & instrument builder Chas Smith, who translated his experience with construction welding construction into making unique instruments. It’s a little off topic, but will be of interest to anyone fascinated by unique instruments and sound design. Along the way, Smith shares his story of getting burned out on his construction… Read More The Amazing Instruments Of Chas Smith
Herr Schneider, owner of SchneidersBuero in Berlin, shared this set of videos, which feature Bob Williams and Steve Gay of UK synth manufacturer Analogue Systems.
AudioThing has introduced Bowed Harp – a new virtual instrument, based on samples from an autoharp played with a pick and an EBow. Here’s an audio preview:
Electro-Harmonix has introduced a pair of new ‘Lester‘ effects pedals, that they describe as ‘The Ultimate Rotary Speaker Emulator’: The Lester G was designed with guitarists in mind, and includes a dedicated compressor that maximizes the rotary speaker effect on guitar; and The Lester K is tailored to the needs of keyboardists looking for Leslie-style rotary speaker effects.… Read More Electro-Harmonix Lester ‘The Ultimate Rotary Speaker Emulator’
VST4Free has released SH-it Bass – a free bass virtual instrument for OS X & Windows, based on samples from the Roland SH-101 synthesizer. Description: 25 notes were carefully tuned and recorded from 3 layers for a total of 55 samples. You can make your own sound by mixing between the main oscillator (osc 1+2 from the SH-101),… Read More Free Bass Soft Synth Is SH-IT
Tracktion Corporation has launched BioTek Organic Synthesizer – a new virtual instrument for Linux, Mac & Windows that combines an advanced synthesis engine with an array of sampled sounds from natural, urban and mechanical environments. BioTek is designed, according to the company, to create ‘weird, wonderful and inspirational’ sounds. Here’s the official video preview:
P-Funk keyboard guru Bernie Worrell, above, has Stage 4 cancer. A Stage 4 diagnosis means that cancer is diagnosed to have spread to distant areas of the body. The news was shared via Worrell’s Facebook page:
In this brief video, Brian Eno tells the origin story for his concept of Ambient Music.
Panasonic today announced the return of the Technics SL-1200 turntable – long the standard for DJs. With the new turntables, their goal is to “is to redefine the direct-drive turntable reference.”
