Audio-Technica’s new addition to their highly-acclaimed M-Series of headphones – the M60x on-ear professional monitor headphones, which has been designed for studio, mobile and broadcast. Read on for the full info about this fantastic looking set of ‘phones…

Official Info – M60x

Audio-Technica (Hall 3.1, stand E51) is to show the new ATH-M60x on-ear professional monitor headphones – the latest addition to the company’s critically acclaimed M-Series line – for the first time in Europe at Prolight+Sound 2018. Designed for studio, broadcast and mobile applications, the ATH-M60x is a low-profile, on-ear professional headphone model that utilises the same proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers found in the ATH-M50x (with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminium wire voice coils), delivering exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range with accurate bass response.

The ATH-M60x’s low-profile, closed-back, on-ear design provides excellent sound isolation and a great fit, which is enhanced by the exceptional comfort and durability of the memory foam earpads and headband. The headphones come with three interchangeable cables (1.2 m – 3.0 m coiled, 3.0 m straight, and 1.2 m straight – each with a 3.5 mm (1/8″) mini-plug), a 6.3 mm (1/4″) screw-on adapter, and a protective carrying pouch.

ATH-M60x features:

Low-profile, closed-back, on-ear design provides excellent isolation and fit
Proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers (the same used in the critically acclaimed ATH-M50x) with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminium wire voice coils
Carefully crafted using key metal components for lasting durability
Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range with accurate bass response
Low-impedance design delivers high output level from any headphone output
Premium, memory foam earpads and headband allow headphones to be worn comfortably for hours on end
Earpads and headband detach for easy replacement
Ideal for studio, broadcast and mobile applications
Detachable cables (includes 1.2 m – 3.0 m coiled cable, 3.0 m straight cable and 1.2 m straight cable)

Audio-Technica’s ATH-M60x On-Ear Professional Monitor Headphones will be available Summer 2018 at £179 including VAT.

For more information, please visit www.eu.audio-technica.com

Propellerhead have released a new Rack Extension that provides users with the sound of the legendary Waldorf Wave synthesiser in a contemporary shell. Here’s all the official info from the ‘Props…

Official Info: Layers Wave Edition

Propellerhead Software today released Layers Wave Edition Reason Rack Extension. Layers Wave Edition offers the sound of the mighty Waldorf Wave synthesizer in a modern, easy to use sample Reason Rack Extension instrument. Four layers of unique samples from the Waldorf Wave, combined with effects, unique sequencing capabilities and comprehensive modulation, adds up to a powerful performance instrument, ready to evoke the futuristic sounds of a bygone era.

“With four separate layers of pristine audio samples featuring the sounds of the legendary Waldorf Wave synthesizer, Layers Wave Edition is designed to inspire musicians,” stated Lukas Lyrestam, Propellerhead Product Manager. “Layers Wave Edition offers the flexibility to sculpt your own sound or instantly access hundreds of patches that were designed by expert sound designers.”

Layers Wave Edition’s straightforward user interface and top-notch sample-set also invites you to experiment on your own and create presets from scratch that sound just the way you want them to. Synthetic, evolving, dreamy, soft or rock hard – Layers Wave Edition has you covered.

To learn more about Layers Wave Edition, visit www.propellerheads.se for further details.

About the Waldorf Wave
The Waldorf Wave premiered in the early 90s as the most advanced wavetable synthesizer to date. Despite its deep synthesis features, it was remarkably easy to use with its generous offering of knobs, buttons and faders to tweak just about every parameter it had to offer. A truly digital instrument, it still featured a set of analog filters that gave it a warmer sound than what is normally associated with Wavetable instruments. And people loved it. It was found in many well-funded studios of the era, since the initial price was close to $10,000.

Watch the Layers Wave Edition video here.

Pricing and Availability
Layers Wave Edition is available for immediate download via the Propellerhead store and will retail for $99 USD / €99 EUR.

Visit www.propellerheads.se for further details.

Miloco Studios has announced a new Pro Audio Showcase, which ups the ante in every way and comes with a very alluring Digital Goodie Bag worth £250 and £2,500 worth of studio gear up for grabs…

Following the success of November’s event Miloco Studios are once again inviting the public into the iconic Pool, Red Room and Bridge studios for more gear shoot outs, masterclasses with top producers, gear demos and more competitions.

Taking place on 3rd May 2018 the event costs just £20. Included in admission is a Digital Goodie Bag, which includes pro audio plug-ins and software worth £250 from Eventide, SSL, Focusrite, and Presonus, plus a free digital edition of MusicTech magazine and a subscription discount.

There’s also a chance to win a pair of Quested S7 monitors (worth £1500); a pair of Adam T7 monitors (worth £350); an Audient iD22 interface (worth around £350); and a Warm Audio WA-4 Jnr mic (worth over £300), as well as a day’s recording/ mixing in a Miloco Studio and a Miloco audio training course. Also included is a wallet of AudioCoin, which can be used against purchases on the day including gear discounts, food and drink.

There will be World and European product announcements (TBC) and Grammy Award winner Matt Lawrence is just one of the top producers on hand and he will be running a special Mix Masterclass. Many leading UK manufacturers and distributors will be exhibiting on the day including Antelope Audio, Audient, API, Augspurger, Chandler, Moog, Eventide, Sony, Quaested, Genelec, Focusrite, Warm Audio, DPA and many more.

Confrimed Shoot Outs

• Shoot Out 1 – Mic Pre’s
  • Vintage vs Modern
    • In the vintage corner : Neve 1066, 1073, 1079, 1272. Api 512c, Telefunken V76 , Lomo Tube Pre
  • And fighting for modernity : Great River, Chandler, Warm Audio, Buzz Audio, Show Hills ,Focusrite
  • Plus some wild card and mystery pre’s revealed on the night
• Shoot Out 2 – Monitors Sub £2k
  • PMC, Genelec, PSI, Adam ,KRK, Unity Audio
  • Plus some wild cards and classics (NS10, Genelec 1031)
• Shoot Out 3 – Tracking compressors
  • Vintage
    • 1176 Black and silver, Universal 175, Fairchild Ficom, Neve 2254, Altec 436, Urei La3a
  • Modern
    • Chandler, Warm, Lisson Grove, Empirical Labs, Tube Tech

Lots more guests, product announcements, goodie bag extras TBC

Reserve your ticket now. Open to over 18s only. Full itinerary to be announced nearer the time.

Point Blank Music School and Defected Records have teamed up to offer one lucky winner the chance to perform a DJ set at Defected Croatia 2018…

Calling all DJs! Is 2018 the year you see yourself sharing a bill with some of the biggest stars in dance music? Point Blank Music School and Defected have teamed up for a very special competition which gives you the chance to land a dream DJ gig, looking for the freshest DJ talent to submit their best mix efforts in the form of a one hour mix. The prize up for grabs? A slot on the Pontoon Stage at Defected Croatia 2018!

The winner will see themselves featuring alongside some of the most illustrious names in house music, including Basement Jaxx, Derrick Carter, Masters at Work, Todd Terry and many more! See below for full details on how to enter. The deadline for entry is 15th May.

The lucky winner will play at Defected Croatia 2018, happening 9th-14th August. Flights and accommodation for two nights will be supplied, so all you have to worry about is getting your set together and enjoying the sunshine.

Note that you must be 18 or over to enter – take a look at the full Competition Terms and Conditions before entering. You will also need to register to Point Blank’s social media platform Plugged In. The deadline for entries is 15th May 2018, and the winner will be announced by 28th May 2018. Happy mixing and good luck!

HOW TO ENTER

Step One: Record and upload your mix to Mixcloud

• Prepare and record a 60-minute mix. Musically this should fit with Defected’s ethos of high quality house music.
• Upload your mix to Mixcloud, adding the full tracklist and using the cover art provided at Plugged in.
• Name the mix “Defected x Point Blank Mix Competition: Your Artist Name“
• Tag your mix ‘Defected x Point Blank Mix Competition’.

Step Two: Share your mix on Plugged In

• Note that you will need to be registered in order to submit your mix. You can do so via this page.
• Once you’ve recorded your mix and are ready to share it from Mixcloud, head to the Tracks page of Plugged In, then select Add Track to get started.
• On the Add Track page, simply paste the URL of your mix into the ‘track URL’ field, and name the mix accordingly. You must also select ‘Competition’ under the ‘select category’ field for your entry to be eligible.
• Once you submit your track, it will now be visible when you filter in the ‘competition’ category within the Tracks channel. You’re all set!

JUDGING

All entries will be listened to and judged by the Defected and Point Blank listening panel. Entrants are encouraged to promote through their social media channels to maximise the chances of them proceeding to the shortlist stage. The panel will then judge the shortlisted mixes based on:

• Votes and listens on Plugged In
• Track selection and curation
• Technical ability
• Originality
• Flair and creativity

Remember, the deadline for entries is 15th May 2018, and the winners will be announced by 28th May 2018. Check out the full line-up below and don’t forget you can buy tickets at defected.com/croatia.

If you wanted to try out Roland’s virtual recreations of the iconic 808 and 909 without subscribing to Roland Cloud you can now try each of them out in your DAW for free…

Roland tells us that anyone can take advantage of this offer, which allows users a 30-day free trial to play with the VST/AU versions. Best of all, there’s no credit card required. Here’s Roland with all the reasons why you should give it a go:

The TR-808 Software Rhythm Composer

Few instruments have influenced modern music like the TR-808. Renowned for its big, booming bass drum, the ‘808 is a force of nature that can be felt and heard. Add a robotic clap, brash cowbell and crisp cymbals and you’ve got the raw materials for musical mayhem – maybe it’s no coincidence that ‘808’ is the penal code used by the US police for ‘disturbing the peace’. Ever present, always relevant – the TR-808 is undeniably, indisputably, the biggest sound on the planet.

Introducing the TR-909 Software Rhythm Composer

While the TR-808 is all about warmth and width, the ‘909 is all about precision and power, with clattering, metallic hi-hats, pummelling tom drums and a rib-cracking kick drum that became the beating heart of house and techno. The ‘909 is a cornerstone of electronic music, an integral part of the dancefloor’s DNA. To some, it’s just a drum machine – for others, it’s the pulse of youth culture; the only sound you hear when the lights go down.

New TR-8S integration

The TR-808 and TR-909 plugins also work with the new AIRA TR-8S Rhythm Performer. It’s now possible to send patterns, variations and names from the TR-8S hardware directly to the 808/909 plug in. Or, you can create patterns on your computer and send them back to the TR-8S for performance or further production. You can even control the parameters of the 808/909 plugins, including volume, tune and decay, via the hands-on controls of the TR-8S.

Check out the Roland Cloud page for further information.

Brighton Music Conference 2018 is here and boasts a plethora of fantastic talks, seminars and showcases, so we thought we’d collate everything in one place for your ease. Tickets are still available so if you’ve got the chance to be there then don’t miss out.

Here’s the full story from BMC:

Brighton Music Conference (BMC18) has announced the full programme schedule for its 5th Anniversary year taking place Wednesday 25th to Saturday 28th April 2018.

The UK’s foremost conference will host its biggest ever event with over 200 speakers in 8 theatres from across the music, nightlife, tech and digital industries during the conference at Brighton Dome on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th April. This as well as 5 days of networking parties and club events across the city.

BMC has announced programme additions including Felix Burton from Basement Jaxx speaking on ‘Universal Sound and the Power of Frequency, Vibration and Resonance’; a SoundCloud panel presented by its Directors with artist DNMO; Olly Burke from Loopmasters discussing the release of their new sample platform at BMC18, and Tristan Hunt from AFEM moderating the topical panel of Mental Health & Music In The Mix.

Aside from the specialised DJ and music tech exhibition hall and Focusrite/Novation inflatable theatre, Pioneer and ableton will be hosting workshops, andthere are new product launches at BMC18 including Loopmasters’ Loopcloud 2.0 producer platform at 5pm on Thursday in Seminar Area 3, and Steinberg’s UR-RT2 & UR-RT4 audio interfaces with switchable Rupert Neve Design transformers.

Also new for 2018, the Women in Dance Music Collective (WDM) will host their launch event at Brighton Music Conference on Thursday 26th April. Sponsored by Native Instruments, the first of 4 events in 2018 is an invite only event at Hotel Pelirocco providing an opportunity for the first members of the Collective to meet and network. The Women in Dance Music Collective was founded by Jude Thompson of Indigo Talent and Sacha Wall from Data Transmission.

Organisations and individuals confirmed to speak at BMC18 include Irvine Welsh, Eats Everything, Friction, Felix Burton (Basement Jaxx), Sam Divine “PRS For Music”, BPI, AIM, Association For Electronic Music (AFEM), AIF, ACS, LNADJ, Help Musicians, BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat, Fabric, SoundCloud, Steinberg, Virgin/EMI, Believe, SW4, Defected, Toolroom, Hospital Records, Ram Records, Tru Thoughts, Beatport, Women Produce Music, BIMM, DJ Mag, MusicTech, AEI, Funktion One, Pioneer, Label Worx, This Is Global, Boiler Room, KRPT, Horus Music, Decoded Magazine, Data Transmission, Skiddle, SharpStream, KRPT, GRM Daily, LWE, Fuse, Mark Knight, Waze & Odyssey, Luke Solomon, London Elektricity, Illyus & Barrientos, Dean Marsh, Jules O’ Riordan, and many more.

Academy Theatre – Thursday 26^th April

• 11:00: Getting Paid For Your Creativity (in association with PRS for Music)
  • Moderator: Ashley Howard (PRS for Music)
    • Adrienne Bookbinder (Defected Records)
    • Soraya Sobh (The Bakery)
    • Adam Woolf (Critical Recordings)
    • Sam Heerey (PPL)

• 11:45: How to get your music signed to the right label
  • Moderator – Timo Garcia, Timo Garcia (aka Nolan)
    • Luke Solomon A&R for Defected & Classic Music
    • Matt Tolfrey (Leftroom Records)
    • Just Her (Crosstown Rebels, Constant Circles)
    • Sophia Margerison (Virgin/EMI)

• 12:30: Label Q&A with Tru Thoughts
  • Robert Luis (Label Co-Owner and A&R)
  • Jonny Halliday (Label Manager)
  • Trevor Heath (Full Thought Publishing)
  • Hannah Petter (Press Officer)

• 13:20: Uplifting Audio Experiences Workshop with Tony Andrews – Founder of loudspeaker manufacturer, Funktion-One

• 14:15: BIMM Institute Modular Synthesis Masterclass hosted by the (BA Hons) in Music Production Course Leader, Matthew Hodson.

• 15:00: Sharpstream – Sharing your creation with the world. The access and benefits of internet radio
  • Moderator Dane Streeter (Sharpsteam)
    • Nats Spada (Totally Radio / Platform B)
    • Ben Liebrand
    • Dom Robinson (id3as media)

• 15:50: DJ Q&A
  • Moderator Chad Jackson (DMC World champion)
    • Sam Divine (Defected)
    • Rich Wakely (Drum Code)
    • Mark Knight (Toolroom Records)

• 16:35: BPI Presents – Music Piracy and content protection strategies
  • Kiaron Whitehead (BPI General Council)
  • Claire Miller (BPI Content Protection Team)
  • Chris Sheehan (BPI Content Protection Team)
  • Christian Ivanoski-Nichol (BPI Content Protection Team)
  • Alex Baker (BPI Content Protection Team)
  • Kate Whitmarsh (BPI Content Protection Team)

• 17:20: How much is your hearing worth?
  • Moderator: DJ RAE
    • Oli Katz (All Ears campaign)
    • Jono Hale (ACS)
    • Gladys Akinseye (Harley Street Hearing)
    • Aiden Culley (HMUK)

Academy Theatre – Friday 27^th April

• 11:00: Gizza job… A chance to get yourself an internship with a leading UK label

• 11:45: Label Q&A with RAM Records
  • Moderator Sarah Cole
    • Speakers TBC

• 12:30 – 13:10: (40 mins) – Education – is college really worth it?
  • Moderator Inder Phull (CEO at KRPT)
    • Lauren Pavan (COO at GRM Daily)
    • Alice Favre (Co-Owner at Ticket Tannoy, Head of Operations at LWE)
    • Archie Hamilton (Producer, DJ & Label Owner Moscow Records // Moss Co. // Arkityp)
    • Toby Oxnam (Creative Director – Netil Radio, Head Booker at Joshua Brookes, Ossia Music)

• 13:15: Producer Q&A
  • Moderator – Katia Isakoff – Women Produce Music
    • London Elektricity (Hospital Records)
    • Illyus & Barrientos (Toolroom Records)
    • Luke Solomon (Defected/Classic)
    • Rachel K Collier (Ableton)

• 14:10: Horus Music Presents “Letting it Sync In, Why Music Supervisors love Electronic Music”
  • Moderator Deborah Smith (Anara Publishing)
    • Rupert Hollier (Music Supervisor
    • Luke Jackson (Composer)
    • Rachel Menzies (Music Supervisor)
    • John Meredith (Owner of Production Music Library ‘Arms Production Music’)

• 14:55: Multi-tasking in the music business
  • Moderator tbc
    • Friction (Shogun Audio)

• 15:50: AEI / BEC panel – Creating & Maintaining Online Communities
  • Moderator Sarah Cole (Director of Talent at AEI Group)
    • Tom Dunn (AEI Special Projects Manager)
    • Kate Osler (AEI Festival Director / Weird Science)
    • Nick Sadler (Manager)
    • Lewis Sinclair (CEO Cygnus Music)

Professional Theatre – Thursday 26^th April

• 11:00: DJ Mag presents Times up for sexual harassment
  • Moderator: Carl Loben
    • Speakers TBC

• 11:55: SoundCloud Presents TBC

• 12:50: Diversity Is a Reality, Inclusivity Is The Goal in association with PRS for Music)
  • Moderator: Fiona McGugan (Music Managers Forum)
    • Amanda Maxwell (SheSaid.So / Boiler Room)
    • Steven Braines (The Weird & The Wonderful / He.She.They)
    • Natalie Wade (Small Green Shoots)
    • Claire Rose (PRS for Music)

• 13:45: Is the underground underground anymore?
  • Moderator Sammy Verghese, (The Arch Club)
    • Judy Griffith (Fabric)
    • Firas Waez & Serge Santiago (Producers, Waze & Odyssey)
    • Jack Bridges (Beatport)

• 14:40: AFEM Presents – Mental Health & Music In The Mix
  • Christine Brown (Director, Help Musicians UK)
  • Mike Hollingbury (Owner, Bozboz)
  • Dan Tait (Pioneer DJ)

• 15:35: A Journey in Sound with Tony and Ann Andrews from Funktion-One

• 16:30: LNADJ Presents Social and Corporate responsibility in the dance music industry
  • Moderated by Ellie Talebian (Juice Radio)
    • Eats Everything (DJ/Producer)
    • Jim McNulty (LNADJ)
    • Nico De Transilvania (DJ/Producer)
    • Ann Andrews (Funktion-One)

• 17:20: AIF presents How best to get your artist on the stage
  • Moderator Jim Mawdsley
    • Ami Lord (General Manager & Laundry Meadows Stage Booker Standon Calling)
    • Emma Zillman (Programme Director, From the Fields Festival)

Professional Theatre – Friday 27^th April

• 11:00: Brands in Music
  • James Sutcliffe (Relentless Brand Manager)
  • Jack Thomas (Global A&R Manager, Focusrite / Novation)
  • Sandira Blas (Partnership / Brand Culture Marketing Denon DJ & Akai Pro)
  • More speakers TBC

• 11:45: Creative Law presents – How not to get into hot water when re-making music
  • Moderator Dean Marsh (MD – Creative Law & Business)
    • Andrew Sharland (Leading Partner Clintons)
    • Peter Oxendale (Forensic Musicologist Peter Oxendale Musical Services)
    • Alison Hook (Head of Sampling & Copyright Infringement Sony/ATV Publishing)
    • Jules O’Riordan (AKA Judge Jules Global DJ / Lawyer at Sound Advice)
    • Saranne Reid (General Manager Crown Management. MD Sample Clearance Services)

• 12:30: BPI Presents Sync Licensing For Electronic Music
  • Moderator – Vanessa Higgins (Regent Street records / BPI Council Member)
    • Gary Welch (EyeHear Music)
    • Rachel Menzies (Native Music)
    • Megan Bean (Hospital Records)

• 13:15: Streaming, Best practises and how to make it work for you
  • Sam Lee (Songular)
  • Leigh Morgan (Believe)
  • Achille Nanopoulos (Artist Marketing Manager, Independents/Deezer)
  • Dominic Kerley (Label Worx)

• 14:10: DJ Mag presents an interview with Irvine Welsh

• 14:55: SharpStream presents Monetize your content in ways you haven’t heard of
  • Moderator: Dane Streeter(Managing Director – SharpStream)
    • Katie Sedler (Head of DAX Partnerships – This is Global)
    • Nick Pitts (Commercial Director – Jazz FM)

• 15:50: Trial by social media: dealing with a PR disaster
  • Moderator Lee Smith (Leak Delete)
    • Anna Wall (PR, /DJ Mag)
    • George Hull (Bloc)
    • Angie Towse (The Rest is Noise)

Mezzanine level

BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat panel – 17:00 – 18:00 (17:45 show goes out)

BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra’s Newsbeat will be hosting a discussion and broadcasting from BMC and discussing topics including Brexit and drug testing at venues and events in the UK. – hosted by Newsbeat’s politics and music team. Speakers include Jimmy Blake – Newsbeat, Mark Lawrence – CEO AFEM, Fiona Measham – Loop, Danny Howard – BBC Radio 1, Judy Griffith – Fabric

Seminar area 3 – Thursday the 26^th

• 13.00 – 13.50: So you want to be a DJ?
  • Speakers include:
    • Pete Gooding
    • Pete Gooding Management
    • Graham Farmer – Data Transmission
    • Anna Wall – DJ
• 14.00 – 14.50: AudioLock subject TBC
• 15.00 – 15.50: Beatport Annual report, Invite only
• 16.00 – 16.50: Beatport access all area’s

Friday the 27^th

• 11:30AM – 12:30PM – Sound Healing Workshop
• 12.30: Pioneer DJ Workshop: Dave Smith Toraiz SP-16 and AS1
• 13.30: Pioneer DJ workshop: DJS-1000
• 14.30 – 15.20: Ableton workshop: Rachel K Collier, From the Studio to the Stage using Ableton Live 10
• 15.30 – 16.30: Ableton Workshop: Ableton Live 10 and Push – Capture, Create and Manipulate

Focusrite/Novation Sessions – Thursday 26^th April

• Seminar 1: Hitting the Stage – performing your studio-based productions on the live stage
•  Seminar 2: Composition and processing technique with James Dymond
•  Seminar 3: TBC
• Seminar 4: State of the Art Synthesis with East End Dubs
•  Seminar 5: Mix & Arrangement Exploration with James Dymond
• Seminar 6: Standing out from the crowd – Mashup technique with South of the Stars

Friday 27^th April

• Seminar 1: Live by design with Alex Jann 
• Seminar 2: TBC
• Seminar 3: Create, Capture and Arrange with Alex Arnout
•  Seminar 4: Standing out from the crowd – Mashup technique with South of the Stars

Deadwax Social Theatre – Thursday the 26^th of April

Toolroom Academy production and DJ classes

• 10-11: Demo Drop
• 11-12.30: Ben Remember
• 12.45-13.45: Mark Knight
• 14.00-15.30: Tuff London
• 15.45-17.15: Illyus & Barrientos
• 17.30-18.30: A&R Feedback

Friday the 27^th of April

Hospital Records Sonic Surgery

• 10.00-11.00: Meet The Team / Demo Drop
• 11.00-12.00: London Elektricity : Obsessive Sound Collecting
• 12.00-13.00: Nu:Tone : Words & Pictures – The Vocal 1, 2, 3
• 13.00-14.00: Demo Drop / Lunch
• 14.00-15.00: Keeno : Strings & Shimmering Things
• 15.00-16.00: Danny Byrd : MPC vs DNB
• 16.00-17.00: A&R Feedback

Loopcloud 2.0 is out now and promises to build on the original’s strong foundations with some major new developments. Here’s Loopcloud with all the details…

Loopcloud, the cloud-connected application for browsing, streaming and importing your samples, loops and sounds effortlessly into your DAW just got better.

Audition Millions of Sounds

Loopcloud 2.0 is out now, and it lets you audition the award-winning Loopmasters catalogue in your DAW, in perfect sync with your projects, for free! Now you can preview millions of sounds made by the world’s top artists – whether you own them or not – straight from the cloud. Only pay for what you need when you’re ready to commit and drag directly into your project.

Buy Individual Samples, Selections or Whole Packs

The world of music is changing, and so is Loopmasters. Loopcloud 2.0 makes it possible to buy just the individual samples you’ve auditioned, as well as full packs or folders of sounds. You can now preview sounds right inside the app – no need to open a browser or download and unzip.

Auto Keymatch and Better Tagging

With comprehensive updates to tagging and navigation, Loopcloud 2.0 makes it even easier to find the sounds you’re looking for. With the new Auto Keymatch function, any sample can be automatically transposed, making it fit your host project whatever its original key.

Works Better and Quicker

Loopcloud 2.0 now connects to your DAW automatically, updates on its own and works 4x faster. Improved optimisations across the board make Loopcloud more intuitive, inspirational and speed up your workflow.

Free Sounds for Everyone

Every week, each user gets a healthy dose of track-making material added to their collection, just by launching Loopcloud.

Pricing and Availability:
No subscription required – individual sounds, folders and packs are purchased with credits. All users will be given 500 free credits to get started. Until August 1st, all users will receive double credits on their first purchase.

New and existing users can download Loopcloud 2.0 for free from loopcloud.net.

Rob Papen has revealed the new Go2 synth, which is aimed at attracting entry-level users to the world of synthesisers, though promises applications in experienced users setups looking for a quick/easy synth…

‘Highly-affordable’ and boasting an easy-to-use one interface, the Go2 packs all the controls onto a single screen, not to mention a series of ‘unique’ features and a variety of sounds that cover a range of genres and styles.

Go2 key features:

• Oscillator Section – The heart of Go2 is the morph oscillator, this oscillator allows you to morph (using Go2’s various morph modes) between two different waveforms.
• XY Pad – A combination of a live, interactive control and also an automated programmable modulation source.
• Play Mode – Arranges how Go2 plays its synth engine plus additional features and settings
• Arpeggiator section – Classic style Arpeggiator with some unique features, like sequencer mode and unison/chord control per step.
• Free LFO Section – Generates modulation signals to be used as sources in a modulation path.
• Modulation Matrix Section – The 8-way modulation matrix allows you to dynamically alter parameters using both internal modules such as envelopes and LFOs, and external MIDI Controllers such as Pitch Bend, Aftertouch and other control messages defined in the MIDI-standard.

Pricing and Availability:
Go2 is out now for £41.95. For further information head to the product page.

Hearing tracks tape recorded tracks from several decades ago can have one of two possible effects: 1) a grimace, followed by thankfulness for the clarity of digital recording or 2) a longing for the imperfections. If you find yourself in camp two, then take a look at Klevgrand’s new DAW Cassette…

DAW Cassette key features:

• Choose between three different tape types (Normal, Chrome, Metal)
• Control the noise level with noise emulation (including a noise-free option).
• Tape-, head- and motor quality knobs for dialling in the perfect sound.
• Additional input gain, output gain and dry/wet mix parameters.

“DAW Cassette brings back the magic era of the 1980s by emulating the sound of a tape deck,” says Klevgrand. Utilising saturation, distortion, noise and wobble, your productions should be imbued with a sound colour that will send “chills down the spines, (or it might be the mullet haircut that tickles).” Tailor how much cassette sound you want to come through using input/output gain, tape/motor/head quality and tape/noise type.

Pricing and Availability:
DAW Cassette is available to purchase now in AU/VST/AAX for $19.99 (usually $39.99) and on iOS for $7.99 (38.5% intro offer).

With Superbooth a mere two days away, Dave Smith Instruments has set our hype levels to overload with a teaser video of the Sequential Prophet X, a new hybrid synth and sampler…

Showcasing an unorthodox, but incredibly exciting fusion of unusual piano sounds and choral samples, the Prophet X looks like a serious piece of kit, featuring a multitude of sleek knobs, 3 screens, modulation strips and pitch wheels.

You can see in the image below that sample library production company 8DIO’s logo can be seen on the top right, so it’s safe to assume they’re behind all those samples we’re hearing.

Other than what we can see in the video and product photo the X remains a mysterious entity, though we know it will make an appearance at Superbooth, where we hope to see it in action. Watch this space.

Korg has begun celebrations for the 30th anniversary of its M1 keyboard with a series of special promotions lined up to commemorate it. Here’s Korg with the full details…

In 1988 KORG released the legendary M1. Unlike any other keyboard of that time, it featured a ground-breaking combination of cutting edge synthesis, digital effects, drums and an onboard sequencer. The M1 defined a whole new product category known as the “Workstation”, which has remained to this day with products such as the industry-leading KRONOS.

Thirty years since the release of the M1, the legacy lives on with its iconic sounds still being used on many recordings. In recognition of the 30th anniversary, we have decided that 1st May will be designated as M1 day, triggering the start of our celebrations. Production of the M1 ceased in 1995 at which point it was the best-selling synthesizer of all time. Today, the heritage of the KORG M1 lives on in our software synths, iOS apps and free expansions for the KROME Workstation.

The anniversary celebrations commence on the 1st May – M1 Day, with a special sale of KORG’s software versions of M1, and will run for 30 days. The Korg Collection M1 is now available for $24.99 and the Korg iM1 for iPad is just $14.99. Other activities are also planned in the coming months acknowledging 30th years of this very special product. For further information head here.

Roland has added four new modules to their System-500 Eurorack range: the SYS-510 Synth, SYS-555 LAG/S&H, SYS-531 MIX, SYS-505 VCF…

Originally launched 3 years ago, the System-500 range was Roland’s initial bid to capitalise on the exploding modular scene. Created in collaboration with US boutique company Malekko and built in Japan, Roland have sought to rekindle the magic of the System 100m and System-700 modulars from the 70s. Here’s the full story in their own words.

With the SYSTEM-500 510 module, designing your first modular setup or integrating classic Roland sound into your existing modular rig has never been easier. Based on the vintage SYSTEM-100m’s 110 VCO, VCF, and VCA module, the SYSTEM-500 510 module brings together the best aspects of the SYSTEM-500 into a single voice module. It contains three pristine oscillator waveforms, classic Roland low pass filter with hi-pass switches, and a VCA with multiple outputs. It has inputs for external signals and modulation, and output jacks for both Eurorack and line-level audio. At 20hp and internally normalled for cable-less operation, the SYS-510 is an essential building block, whether you’re an experienced user or just diving into modular synthesis.

Inject the sound of the Roland SH-5’s revered filter section into your modular rig with the SYSTEM-500 555 module. The Roland SH-5 is one of the most sought after monosynths in history with one of the most distinguished filters of any monosynth in history. Combining a multi-mode filter with a band-pass filter, it produced a sound that has propelled it to “favourite filter ever” territory for many. It maintains its bass response with a meaty resonance growl. With switchable outputs, built-in VCAs, and CV control of cutoff, resonance, this dual filter gives you two different vintage filter characters in a flexible and compact 16hp module.

Channeling inspiration from the Roland SYSTEM-100m’s 150 and 165 modules, the 555 module is a five-in-one powerhouse that brings core utility functions to your modular setup, but with some new and interesting twists. With ring modulation, versatile sample and hold with seven waveforms and internal LPF, pink and white noise modes, LFO with internal ENV and VCA, and two CV controlled portamento circuits, your tonal shaping and modulation options are near infinite.

Inspired by the SYSTEM-100m’s 131 output module, the SYSTEM-500 531 module brings six high-quality inputs, each with level slider, pan knob, and performance-friendly mute button. It has high-fidelity sound with low noise, ensuring that your modular rig sounds its best. The six pan knobs are CV controlled and there’s even a boutique-quality stereo preamp, so you can bring in mic or line level signals–or get overdriven tones. The headphone section has an easy-to-reach, dedicated volume knob as does the multi-format output section that lets you use both 1/4″ and 1/8” cables. There’s even an LED level indicator for visual feedback.

Pricing and Availability:
There’s no information yet regarding pricing or a release date, however you can find further information on the Roland website.

IK Multimedia has finally pulled back the curtain to reveal the UNO Synth, a new true-analog, portable monophonic synth promising a wide array of sonic capabilities for an affordable price…

IK says that the UNO has been designed for those who wish to create rich, true analog sound with the freedom to create on the move. Boasting a weight of only 400g and a battery-powered (4xAA) or USB power-supply format, the UNO can be both mobile music maker and live performance and studio counterpart.

Designed alongside Italian boutique synthesiser maker Soundmachines and IK’s Erik Norlander (one of the minds behind the Alesis Andromeda amongst many others) they believe they’ve create a “no-compromise instrument that delivers massive analog sound along with hands-on programmability and advanced features.”

Including 100 presets, 80 of which are fully rewritable, users will be able to play straight out of the box and experiment with a variety of classic and modern sounds to work with. Additionally, each preset features an associated arpeggio and sequence, as well as over 40 onboard controls that give real-time access to synth engine parameters. A Mac/PC editor is also available.

Whilst the UNO can be used as a standalone synth, the built-in audio input can be used to daisy chain other external devices like drum machines. MIDI IN and OUT allows for connection to a master keyboard or any MIDI gear for use in a live or studio rig as a sound module and can also easily integrate with desktop and mobile DAWs via USB MIDI without the need for additional hardware interfaces.

UNO Synth key features:

• An all-analog audio path with 2 VCOs, noise generator, resonant multimode VCF and VCA
• 2 independent VCOs with Saw, Triangle and Pulse waveforms with continuously variable shape including PWM of the square wave plus a separate white noise generator
• A 2-pole OTA-based analog resonant sweepable multimode filter (LP/HP/BP) with overdrive
• 7 LFO waveforms (Sine, Triangle, Square, Up Saw, Down Saw, Random and Sample-and-Hold) to modulate Pitch, Filter, Amp and continuous oscillator wave shapes including PWM

Pricing and Availability:
UNO Synth is available now for pre-order with free shipping from the IK Multimedia online store and from IK authorised dealers worldwide for $/€199.99 (excl. tax), with shipping scheduled for July 2018. For further information head to the IK Multimedia website.

After getting a teasing glance (and listen!) of the Sequential Prophet X, Dave Smith Instruments has formally announced the new hybrid synth along with all its features. We’ll pass you over to them for the full story…

Dave Smith Instruments today announced the Sequential Prophet X, a new, bi-timbral, 8-voice-stereo (16-voice mono) synthesizer that combines samples and synthesis. At the heart of its sound is a newly developed engine that powers two simultaneous 16-bit, 48kHz sample-based instruments plus two high-resolution digital oscillators with waveshape modulation — all processed through analog filters.

Dave Smith commented: “The Prophet X is a powerful evolution of the Prophet series. Musicians have been asking for samples through real analog flters for a long time. We’ve given them not only that, but also all of the synthesis capabilites and awesome sound you’d expect from a Prophet.”

For sample content, Dave Smith turned to acclaimed sound developers 8Dio, known for pioneering “deep sampling,” a detailed approach to sampling that aims to capture all of the nuances and idiosyncracies of a particular sound or instrument. 8Dio co-founder Troels Folmann put it this way: “We’re known for going anywhere and everywhere with sounds. We embrace all sounds as music and feel that if you can capture the musical soul of a sound, you can make it into an instrument. The Prophet X gives musicians a very immediate and responsive way to access this expressiveness.”

The 150 GB sample library in the Prophet X includes numerous acoustic and electronic instruments as well as an extensive collection of ambient and cinematic effects. Users can shape the samples through loop manipulation, sample stretching, and the synthesizer’s many sound-sculpting functions which include 4 envelope generators, 4 LFOs, a deep modulation matrix, and other tools. The Prophet X also provides 50 gigabytes of internal storage for importing additional samples. Several sample libraries will be available from 8Dio at launch. Support for user-created sample content is planned for December, 2018.

A dual-effects engine provides multiple reverbs, two delays (standard and BBD), a chorus, flanger, phase shifter, rotating speaker, high-pass filter, and distortion. In stacked or split voice mode, you can apply two different effects to each layer. Effects parameters can be modulated through the mod matrix as can the samples themselves. A polyphonic step sequencer allows up to 64 steps and up to 6 notes per step, per layer. The Prophet X features a premium-quality, five-octave, semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch, an integrated power supply, USB support, and three OLED displays.

Dave Smith summed up the new instrument: “Composers will love the Prophet X for soundtracks and synth geeks will love it for its sound mangling potential. But it’s really for everyone because it covers such a wide range of sounds. The new analog filter design we’re using is not only fantastic for synth sounds, but also does something special for the samples.” Added 8Dio co-founder Tawnia Knox: “The Prophet X has almost infinite possibilites. But more importantly, it has a soul. It’s alive. You can touch your sounds in a different way than you ever could.”

Pricing and Availability:
The Sequential Prophet X will be available in the second quarter of 2018 with a projected MAP of $3,999. For further information head here.

Spectrasonics has kicked off Superbooth with a bang as flagship soft synth Omnisphere receives a major update that now allows for the integration of hardware synthesiser…

Here’s Spectrasonics with all the details:

Hardware Synth Integration

The innovative new feature bridges the physical experience gap between software and hardware, allowing users intuitive control and the ability to easily create/modify Omnisphere sounds by using the familiar layout of their supported hardware synth with minimal setup. The initial release will officially support over 20 popular hardware synthesizers from Moog®, Dave Smith Instruments®, Roland®, Korg®, Behringer®, Novation®, Sequential® and more to come. The supported hardware synths cover a wide range of types and price ranges for different types of users.

On the technical side, the new Hardware Synth Integration feature in v2.5 goes far beyond the typical “MIDI Learn” approaches that most software synthesizers employ. Under the hood, Spectrasonics development team has carefully designed unique “Hardware Profiles” for each supported hardware synthesizer, to make the special features of that hardware work seamlessly with Omnisphere by translating MIDI messages from the hardware into satisfying sonic results in Omnisphere.

This new system allows Spectrasonics to enable sophisticated interactions from a single touch of a knob, including the ability for Omnisphere to automatically recall entire FX racks, assign multiple scaled parameters and even instantly create complex modulation matrix routings on-the-fly. The new development system also allows Spectrasonics to add new profiles for new hardware synths in the future. Most importantly, it’s easy for musicians to use – simply by selecting the hardware synth from the drop-down HW menu!

Expanded Synthesis Capabilities

The new version 2.5 vastly expands the synthesis capabilities of Omnisphere by doubling Omnisphere’s voice architecture to Four Layers per patch! Each patch can now utilize up to 12 envelopes, 8 LFOs and the Modulation Matrix has been doubled to 48 modulation routings. Newly designed State Variable Filters are included, which were specially created for the OB-6 hardware profile and can seamlessly blend between lowpass, notch and hipass filter modes. Over 50 New “Analog” Oscillator Wavetables are included and featured in the new hardware profiles.

New Hardware Sound Library

Omnisphere 2.5 includes a new “Hardware Library” with hundreds of new patches created by Eric Persing and the renowned Spectrasonics Sound Development team using the Hardware Synth Integration feature. Each hardware profile has a corresponding set of sounds in the Hardware Library which were specially designed using that hardware synth as an Omnisphere controller. The new sounds feature a wide range of categories and many have a distinctly ‘classic analog’ flavor! Best of all, the new sounds are available for ALL users, regardless of if they use hardware or not!

“Since the beginning of computer-based music, the biggest limitation of software synthesizers has been the lack of physical interaction. It’s hard to beat the immediacy of a physical synthesizer that you can touch! We are very excited to be able to finally eliminate that problem by utilizing the world’s finest hardware synthesizers to fully control Omnisphere.” said Eric Persing, Creative Director of Spectrasonics. “We’ve never felt that the worlds of software and hardware synths should be segregated into different ‘camps’. Our virtual instrument users can now experience the joy of the hardware synth workflow and hardware synth users can now fully expand their capabilities into the vast sonic world of Omnisphere!”

Omnisphere v2.5 features:

• Hardware Synth Integration!
• New Hardware Library adds hundreds of new patches for all users:
  • Over 13,000 Sounds total now included
• Vastly Expanded Synthesis:
  • Four Layers per patch
  • Doubled Mod Matrix
  • New State Variable Filters
  • 8 LFOs, 12 Envelopes
• FREE for all Omnisphere 2 users!

Hardware Synths supported include:

• Sequential Prophet 6
• DSI OB-6
• DSI Rev 2
• Moog Voyager
• Moog Little Phatty
• Moog Sub Phatty
• Moog Sub 37
• Moog Subsequent 37
• Korg Minilogue
• Roland System 8
• Roland System 1
• Roland SE-02
• Roland SH-01A
• Roland JP-08
• Roland JU-06
• Roland JX-03
• Roland VP-03
• Novation Bassstation II
• Novation Peak
• Behringer Deepmind

*complete list of new features and supported synths will be announced upon the official release in mid-Summer 2018.

Public Beta

The 2.5 update will initially be released in May 2018 as a Public Beta. All registered Omnisphere 2 users with Standard licenses are eligible to sign up to join the Public Beta test. Spectrasonics is encouraging end users to participate and provide feedback in the Public Beta test. The company says that users who give high quality testing/feedback reports in the Public Beta will be eligible to join the official Spectrasonics Beta Team for future products!

Eligible users can sign up for the 2.5 Public Beta program through their Spectrasonics User Account.

Pricing and Availability:

Omnisphere 2.5 is a free update to all registered Omnisphere 2 users! Public Beta starts in May with the official release due mid-summer. For further information head to the Spectrasonics website.

This year’s Ableton Loop is leaving Berlin behind for the first time and jetting off to Los Angeles to set up shop for three days of talks, performances and hands-on workshops…

Taking place between 9th-11th November, this year’s Loop will spread itself across a series of neighbouring venues. Already confirmed are the legendary EastWest Studios and the Montalbán Theatre, a 100-year old theatre that has been transformed into a hub for aspiring artists.

Though there’s limited-capacity, you can apply for tickets starting from 13th June.

Highlights from Loop 2017

Some highlights include: Susan Rogers in conversation about her career in engineering, producing Prince, and her academic work on musical perception; educator Adam Neely’s eye-opening talk on the connections between synaesthesia, Isaac Newton, pitch and polyrhythms; and brother- sister duo Tennyson’s performative presentation showing the detailed preparation behind their spontaneous live performances.

After showcasing it Winter NAMM this year, Ehrlund Microphones has announced that the EHR-H handheld condenser microphone is now available to buy. Here’s Ehrlund with all the details…

Ventura, California (May 8, 2018) – The EHR-H is a handheld condenser microphone that is optimized for live performance. This new mic utilizes the same unique triangular Ehrlund membrane found in their studio microphones combined with their patented phase and frequency linear electronics. The result is a pure and clean sound on stage that Ehrlund microphones have become known for in the studio.

The triangular shape of the Ehrlund membrane dissipates resonances faster than a traditional round membrane, preventing the buildup of sound impulses that lead to a “muddy” sound. Once amplified by Ehrlund’s proprietary ultra-low-noise amplification electronics, the result is a very open, transparent and real sound, without altering the phase or frequency and without added noise.

EHR-H features and specifications:

• Handheld Condenser Microphone for live performance
• Patented triangular capsule design
• Transparent and natural sound
• Ultra-low-noise performance
• Natural reproduction of fast transients
• Frequency range of 7Hz-87kHz
• Sensitivity @1kHz: -42dBV/Pa (8 mV/Pa)
• Equivalent noise level: <9 dBA
• Signal to noise: 85 dBA
• Dynamic range: 127 dB
• Max SPL: 155 dB
• Low power consumption: ~2.0 mA

The EHR-H is housed in a road-ready aircraft-grade aluminum body that is insulated to effectively suppress handling noise on stage while a hardened nickel-plated stainless-steel grill and windscreen protect the sensitive triangular membrane.

Pricing and Availability:
The Ehrlund EHR-H is available now for $/€799 MSRP. For further information head to Ehrlund’s website.

Reason 10.1 is here, bringing with it an updated Europa synth, a new generation of Rack Extensions and a free Drum Sequencer…

Users can now load any sample into Europa’s engine to use as their waveform. There’s also the ability to load a sample into the Spectral Filter section and use the sample as the filter’s spectral multiplier, which Reason says will bring endless sound possibilities. 10.1 now also supports Rack Extension SDK 3, opening the doors for developers to create new Player devices. One of these new Players available on the Propellerhead store is the new Drum Sequence that, for a limited time, can be downloaded for free. See it in action below:

“Reason 10.1 is an exciting update for both music makers and Rack Extension developers,” stated Mattias Häggström Gerdt, Propellerhead Product Manager. “For Reason owners, loading samples in Europa greatly expands its already wide palette of sounds and the new Drum Sequencer is the perfect partner for sequencing Kong or your favorite drum plug-in. For developers, they can now create Rack Extension Players, adding new creative ways to perform, sequence and create with the instruments you already have.”

Pricing and Availability:
Reason 10.1 is a free update for all Reason 10 owners and is currently available for free through Reason’s auto update. Drum Sequencer Player is available for free for Reason 10 owners and can be downloaded from Propellerhead’s shop (offer ends May 31, 2018). For further information head to the Propellerhead website.

AIR Studios, one of the most highly-regarded recording destinations in the world, has been put on sale by its owners…

Founded by George Martin in 1969, AIR Studios has become a legendary institution. Initially starting life in Central London, it relocated to Lyndhurst Hall in 1991. Since its inception AIR Studios has been a home to the likes of Paul McCartney, U2, Adele, George Michael and Coldplay, to name a few. Thanks to the enormous hexagonal shaped live room its also proved to be a popular destination for Hollywood’s film composers, including the recent soundtracks for Dunkirk, Alien Covenant and Wonder Woman.

Co-owner Paul Woolf announced in a statement that, “The sale of Air Studios is a significant moment in the history of the music industry. Some of the most legendary soundtracks and records of the 20th and 21st century have been recorded at Air Studios and we know that there is still scope to expand and grow the business further. Air Studios and those who work at the studios are hugely important to me and I am sure that this will lead to an exciting new future for the facility.”

In a statement to Billboard Woolf explains that whilst not an easy step, the sale is a necessary one. “We’re a pair of old farts, basically.”

iZotope has announced the imminent arrival of VocalSynth 2 and Creative Suite, which can be pre-ordered for a special discounted price…

VocalSynth 2 introduces Biovox, a brand new module that models the physics and sounds of the human vocal tract, promising to bring character, breathiness and shape. Additionally, Chorus and Ring Mod effects will also be included for further experimentation. VocalSynth2 will also join Ozone 8 and Neutron 2 in iZotope’s inter-plugin communication, meaning users can now see it in Neutron 2’s Masking Meter, Visual Mixer and Tonal Balance Control.

Creative Suite is the next step from iZotope’s Creative Bundle, featuring VocalSynth 2, Iris 2, Trash 2 Expanded, BreakTweaker Expanded, Stutter Edit, DDLY, and Mobius Filter.

Pricing and Availability:
Creative Suite and VocalSynth 2 are coming soon. You can currently buy the Creative Bundle for the reduced price of $349, which can be upgraded to Suite for free and similarly purchase VocalSynth for the reduced price of $149 and upgrade to 2 for free.