Playlist:
Voltage Modular | Polymode
Voltage Modular | Polymode Module Overview
Voltage Modular Tutorial | Creating Layered Sounds with Polymode
"The new polymode module is here! Based on one of the earliest and most iconic polysynths of all time, Polymode has been precisely recreated and adds more features than ever before."
"Explore thousands of years of musical culture and traverse the most secluded corners of the world for inspiration with 369 instruments browsable by region and type, and over 10,000 authentically performed loops and phrases."
Video Credits: Anthony Hak
Music Credits: Louis Couka
"Version 2 adds 48 instruments and over 2,000 loops and phrases including new Georgian vocal phrases (male and female), a new and exclusive Oriental Strings Ensemble with dozens of Arabic, Turkish and Persian multi-sampled phrases recorded in 12 keys with percussions, and 3 new Traveler instruments.
New instruments:
Africa: - Kalimba
Asia: - Erhu, GuQin
Australia: - Didgeridoo
Eastern Europe: - Chonguri, Contrabass Panduri, Duduk, Panduri, Salamuri, Weltmeister Accordion
India: - Dhol, Shaji Baaja
Middle East Mediterranean: - Electric Saz, Kemence, Kloo Mandolin, Oriental Ensemble, Pku, Qanun, Saz, Tar, Turkish Percussions (5)
Occidental: - Alphorn, Cabinet Organ, Cavaco, Dulcimer, Folk Recorders (5), German Accordion, German Psalter, Gothenburg Organ, Portuguese Fado Guitar, Recorders (5), Triple String Zither, Viola Da Gamba
South America: - Bajo Quinto, Charango, Guitarron, Keyboard Recorder, Mexican Vihuela, Peru Flute, Ronroco, UBass
West Indies: - Garrahand, Handpan Ayasa, Handpan Bells (2), Handpan BPSH, Opsilon, Steel Pan, Ukulele
New Loops and Phrases:
Eastern Europe: - Chonguri, Georgian Male, Georgian Female, Panduri, Georgian Traveler
India: - Dhol
Middle East: - Middle East Strings, Tar, Turkish and Arabic Percussions, Middle Eastern 2 Traveler
Occidental: - Cavaco
South America: - Bajo Quinto, Mexican Vihuela, Ronroco, South-American Traveler"
UVI is a developer of software instruments, effects and soundware. We leverage leading-edge synthesis, DSP research and design to provide unique and expressive tools for musicians and audio professionals.
Our goal is to help you achieve the highest-quality sound possible with innovative and reliable solutions. You can hear our work around the world at live shows, on hit-records, in blockbuster films and AAA games.
We're a small but spirited team with a global footprint, music and sound lovers eager to share our passion. We're honored to be a part of your creative journey and thankful to you for sharing ours."
"Friktion Modeled Strings is a physical modeling string instrument from Reason Studios that pairs realistic strings with the sound design potential of a synthesizer. Adjust the bow pressure, the sustain articulation and player’s technique – even the size and shape of the instrument itself. Whether it’s an authentic violin or an imaginary space harp, Friktion is highly expressive and simply a joy to play."
Friktion Modeled Strings: Getting Started in the Reason Rack
"Few things can compare to the sound of a real instrument. The vibration of a string, the pressure of a finger and even the wood used for the body all makes it come alive. We built Friktion to capture the all those nuances and put them in your rack, under your fingertips. It adds that special something to any piece of music, but you don't need years of practice to play it.
With its synthesizer workflow, Friktion can sound like the string instruments you love or entirely new ones yet to be invented. All the important aspects of sculpting a realistic string sound are within reach, but the controls go beyond what's possible in the real world. With a few clicks you change the instrument shape and size, or make the strings buzzy and metallic—creating a new instrument that still sounds decidedly real and is expressive to play.
Controlling Friktion is remarkably easy. An octave of control keys changes how the instrument is played in real time. Bowing, plucking, vibrato, tremolo, gliding up and down the strings and even harmonic overtones are just a key press away. Add in the mod wheel for articulation and you'll have an expressive string performance all your own.
Features
- Advanced physical modeling string synthesizer
- Way beyond samples—full control over every aspect of the sound and performance
- Control keys for realistic expression using just a MIDI keyboard
- Comprehensive articulation including bowing, pluck, tremolo, legato, vibrato and much more
- Tweak your sound to perfection, or go beyond what a real instrument could
- Comes with 140+ patches, from classic instruments to brand new sounds
Please note: Friktion Modeled Strings requires Reason 10.1 or later and is not included in Reason 11 Suite."
The following is some info on the upcoming synth. You can download a beta and try it for yourself on their website here.
OSCILLATORS
Two wavetable analog emulation that reproduce the same harmonics as the classical Model-D square and triangle, while keeping the sharpness of a digital sawtooth. The inverse sawtooth and note-sync allows you to combine both oscillators to recreate a PWM.
FILTER
The synth includes a faithful recreation of the 4 poles 24db "ladder" filter to carve the sound. In addition to the cutoff and resonance there's an extra "spacing" parameter to move the cutoff frequency between the stereo channels.
"12 moons orbiting around the four giant gas planets as modulation sources? Yes! Orbital data from Jan 1 2020 to Jan 1 2030 (hour by hour) are used in the forthcoming Quadrivium synthesizer to modulate oscillators, filters, delay and create incredible spacey soundscapes.
Did I mention that you can also use the moons' orbits to modulate your MIDI gear? :D
Soon available at https://www.giorgiosancristoforo.net"
Giorgio Sancristoforo is the man behind the Gleetchplug line of software synthesizers and sound machines.
A complete orchestral library of over 60 high-quality instruments with sophisticated controls, outstanding performance and a stunningly natural and pristine sound quality.
Orchestral Suite has everything today's composers and producers need from strings to brass, woodwinds, pitched and atonal percussions, a full choir, and many complimentary instruments such as a cathedral organ, harpsichord, celesta, classical guitar and a harp. Intuitive key-switching, multiple articulations, and instrument-specific controls allow for unprecedented ease-of-use and nuanced, expressive performances. Top it off with a state-of-the-art convolution reverb and an ultra-efficient engine and you've got a rock-solid, world-class suite at an outstanding price.
Next-generation instrument, combining massive cinematic percussion with unique and inspiring found sounds
Enhanced new user interface offers high performance workflow for composers and producers
Over 50GB of audio, recorded at Lucasfilms’ Skywalker Sound in California using a unique array of more than 70 microphones
THE ICON RETURNS
Give your compositions big screen impact with this thrilling sequel to Heavyocity’s legendary percussive production tool. Damage 2 delivers flat-out epic percussion, combining the highest quality of sampled drums with a signature dose of Heavyocity’s DAMAGED brand of sound design. The newly-designed user interface offers immediate access to over 1600 sources, allowing you to quickly and easily select from a wide range of Organic, Hybrid, and Damaged percussion, tweaking and blending the five discrete mic positions to your taste. The result is the first next-generation cinematic percussion tool: a vast array of huge, blockbuster-style impact sounds, rolled into one creative instrument."
Refractor is a precision macro device, allowing you to control complex interactions with a Modular Synthesiser, Hardware or Ableton Live/Max MSP. This can be controlled through a specific sensor that you choose to implement to suit your particular area of expertise. Visit www.kinesotronic.com for more info
10% discount code for MATRIXSYNTH readers: kine001_matrixsynth :)
Press Release:
REFRACTOR by Kinesotronic: Prismatic Controller Processing
Refractor is a new Max for Live device for performing with modular synthesisers and CV/MIDI hardware and software. Designed by Chris Pratt (Ableton Certified Trainer) and Matt Ward (dBs Music Electronic Music Production Programme Leader) to offer Ableton Live users expressive control, modulation and transformation via CV and MIDI.
Refractor can be used with a DC coupled soundcard or the Expert Sleepers range. Designed for performance by performers to bridge the gap between the complexity of modular sound design and the immediacy of expressive control over your hardware. With the flexibility of being able to convert MIDI inputs into 8 shapeable channels of CV, MIDI or internal mapping within Live.
Refractor - A Sensor Input Shaping and Distribution Device for gesture based control of musical parameters allowing you to control complex interactions with modular synthesisers, MIDI hardware or Ableton Live. This can be controlled through a specific sensor that you choose to implement to suit your particular area of expertise and style of performance.
- Precision macro control of musical parameters (any hardware capable of accepting control voltage signals or MIDI CCs, Ableton Live devices, virtual instruments and effects)
- Distribution for a range of input sensors (MIDI mappable) to 8 x CV destinations
- Gesture Recorder
- Full customisable envelope based control of output shapes via function editor
- Visual feedback via three output monitors
- CV output routing
- Preset management for instant recall and MIDI triggering of settings
- Direct/convergent mapping mode
- Internal parameter mapping
- Customisable interface
- Modular: Expandable to 64 simultaneous (individually shapeable) control signals
Pricing and availability:
Refractor (+ Free MIDI expander) will be available at an introductory price of £15.00 (Value £20.00)
This one is in via Paul Grenfell, the creator of ZXAV, who had the following to say about it:
"ZXAV is a tiny audio/visual DJing/VJing app for the 1980's home computer, the Sinclair ZX Spectrum. Intended for live performance, ZXAV uses the Spectrum’s 3 channel AY sound chip for audio output and the bitmap display for visual output.
The app features four independent sequencers:
1) Visual effects
2) Melody/arpeggio synth
3) 303-style bass synth
4) Drums and sounds effects
You can run the sequencers together in tight sync, or set them up with different speeds and lengths to create complex polyrhythms. All sequences and instruments can be edited live in real-time - ZXAV is built for jamming and is always in play mode.
The entire app is written in exactly 4 kilobytes (4096 bytes) of code - that's the equivelent of around 23 milliseconds of CD quality audio.
The RC-808 “Re-Create the 808” Windows and Mac VST/AU plug-in, from the creators of the original Roland x0x series mentioned in this post, is now available for download at https://rc-808.com/download/.
Some details from the page for the archives:
"The RC-808 “Re-Create the 808” emulates the original TR-808 sound with analog manner synthesis. As the name implies, it is with respect to the original 808 sounds which is a criterion for sound synthesis as a vintage. Starting from this criterion, explore the multiverse of sounds, stretch out your vectors, to find out new criterion of your own. Yes, it can take you to the new sonic worlds that are completely different and yet so close and familiar to you.
Hence it is not a drum machine but is a drum synthesizer. No samples nor effects processing are being used, just genuine synthesis only, all in analog manner.
The sound source employs DCO which is in this case Down Chirp Oscillator, combined with a noise source that outputs various kinds of noises including metallic noises. There is also a infinite point wave shaper, a variable filter bank, infinite point envelope generators etc. With maximum 8 partials per voice, it allows sound designing in subtractive synthesis manner which is familiar to all, and yet still with vast outer space beckoning to be discovered.
Thanks to this flexible architecture, all instruments can have Open and Close variations just like Hi-Hats or cymbal choke performance. Coupled with piano-roll sequencer utility this brings new expressions with gate time programming, that you don’t see on a drum sequencer.
However, please note that this is a conceptual model.
We fully understand that, although we continue developing and updating this conceptual offspring of ours, it is still in its very preliminary phase, and thus is full of bugs. Then why we are releasing it globally? Because it is our hope to spread our original intention on making the TR-808 to everybody in the world, to be shared by everybody in the world, and have our memes to be passed on through ages to come. Even if it is not perfect yet, the essence of our spirit will expand its horizon and will exist ubiquitously throughout this planet.
Therefore, please note that because the RC-808 “Re-Create the 808” is merely a conceptual model to show the originally intended architecture of the TR-808, it is not fully developed as an instrument for actual usage. We do not bear any responsibility for any possible inconvenience or damages caused by this. We cannot answer to any inquiries for this product as well.
Finally, please allow us to mention that we are independent from Roland Corporation, and therefore they also cannot answer to any inquiries.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding on above all. Thank you again, indeed."
"Introduced in 1984 as an affordable polysynth for the masses, the JUNO-106 has risen from humble beginnings to become a favorite of synth lovers everywhere. It delivers gut-punching basses, delicate plucked sounds, and shimmering pads that sit perfectly in a mix, and its built-in chorus is the stuff of legend. With the JUNO-106 Model Expansion, the authentic sound of this essential ‘80s classic is now available for your DAW and compatible ZEN-Core hardware.
• Model Expansion for ZENOLOGY and compatible ZEN-Core hardware
• Authentic JUNO-106 sound and behavior
• Clear, intuitive interface for free-flowing production
• Expanded polyphony versus the original hardware
• Swap Model Expansions and load sounds instantly
• Set the condition of your virtual JUNO-106 to ultra-vintage or pristine"
"NOISS COKO have released some awesome MaxforLive devices since they joined the Isotonik Collective a couple of years ago. It made sense as they work on their next release to bring together all their output to ate in one giant pack!
So here it is the Make NOISS Bundle consisting of :
Repeat PRO
Sempler PRO
Modulation Pack
Control Pack
Each device within the pack follows the distinctive NOISS COKO styling and is so simple to drop on a track and get results within minutes.
CONTROL PACK
Repeat Pro is a Max for Live MIDI effect, designed to easily program rhythmic and melodic patterns step by step, then played by synthesizers, samplers and other instruments, both inside and outside Live.
"Yay I'm back with a new freeware! :D
The Synsonics was launched by Mattel in 1981 as a really low cost alternative to Simmons or MPC Electronics (Before Akai bought them in 84')
It provides 5 sounds: 2 toms, a snare, a cymbal (Close/Open) and a metronome click.
Legends say Kraftwerk used one, but no one knows how, or on which album!
But anyway, loads of musicians used it as a real instrument despite the fact Mattel was often associated with kids toys.
On the actual machine, none of the sounds are editable and the background noise is so important the Synsonics is hard to record.
That's why I decided to develop this small program :D
The free version contains 2 toms, the snare and the cymbals but not the metronome click.
All the sounds are still editable and automatable.
The sound quality is retained on professional level in wide range of tones / octaves from C3 to C7 or more."
"Eplex7 DSP has released Hitech lasers 1, is a VSTi & AU plug-in instrument with 10 multi octave banks for Windows and macOS. It works in the Free Eplex7 Player plug-in or can be used also as expanding library in other Eplex7 DSP's plug-in instruments.
This multi-octave banks instrument includes laser and gun sound effects like hitech lasers and space guns designed mainly for hitech, psycore, darkpsy, darkprog, tech trance, progressive, fullon psytrance as well as almost all electronic music styles to name a few: trance, rave, electro, techno.
Hitech lasers 1 is modern and easy to use plug-in instrument with multi-octaved / multi-sampled sounds, instruments, waveforms and synths.
The sound quality is retained on professional level in wide range of tones / octaves from C3 to C7 or more.
All sounds can be modified by internal parameters like LFO rate/depth (Triangle, Sinus, Saw, Square, Exponent) with Pitch, Expression and Pan modulation. Low pass / High pass filter with cutoff, Reverb/Space, Amplitude envelope, Pan. You can play in various modes: polyphonic, Monophonic or Legato with Glide function. You can use external VST plug-in effects from Eplex7 or other manufacturer to significantly modify all included instruments and create brand new sounds fast and easy.
"Outer Space is a faithful emulation plugin of a famous vintage tape echo made in the early seventies.
As the original unit, Outer Space features a tape echo section with three playback heads and a spring reverb tank.
We have modelled three different tape frequency responses and saturations, along with all the analog imperfections of tape recording/playback.
We have also modelled the ballistic response of the delay rate (repeat rate) which can create eerie pitch shifts (due to the Doppler effect), one of the classic tape echo-based sound effects."
A charactered and introspective collection, LoFi Dreams delivers both classic and modern aesthetics of early '00s lo-fi chill and hip-hop sounds. Explore lo-fi drums, acoustic pianos, vibey keys, guitars, bass, pads, textures and more.
Video Credits: Anthony Hak
Music Credits: Vincenzo Bellanova"
"A boutique collection of stylized instruments, drums and textures perfectly suited for the more chill and introspective sides of hip-hop, lo-fi, and downtempo music production. Covering all the hallmark sounds and taking it further, LoFi Dreams delivers smooth acoustic pianos, soulful guitars, vibey keys, charactered drums, lo-fi textures and more.
Inspired by the sounds of early '00s lo-fi chill and hip-hop, LoFi Dreams offers a wide range of expressive instruments delivering both classic and modern aesthetics. Paired with the extensive sound-shaping capabilities of Falcon, musical inspiration awaits for producers and musicians of any background.
Each of the instruments in LoFi Dreams is designed to be expressive and playable, providing helpful controls and macros allowing you to sculpt your sound and create dynamic, expressive performances. As with all Falcon expansions, you have the ability to dig beneath the surface into each sounds patch structure, to manipulate and reshape it in any way you see fit.
The extraordinary sound quality of Falcon is evident throughout this collection, utilizing numerous synthesis and sound design techniques and a robust use of effects and modulators. Sounds can all be quickly previewed, edited, layered or performed with nearly limitless variation thanks to Falcon's semi-modular architecture."
______________
About UVI
UVI is a developer of software instruments, effects and soundware. We leverage leading-edge synthesis, DSP research and design to provide unique and expressive tools for musicians and audio professionals.
Our goal is to help you achieve the highest-quality sound possible with innovative and reliable solutions. You can hear our work around the world at live shows, on hit-records, in blockbuster films and AAA games.
We're a small but spirited team with a global footprint, music and sound lovers eager to share our passion. We're honored to be a part of your creative journey and thankful to you for sharing ours.
Polygon 2.0 is a hybrid sampler plugin designed to facilitate the creation of mind-bending composite sound effects and unusual instrument patches.
Polygon 2.0 features a fully re-designed scalable user interface and we have completely revamped nearly every aspect of the plugin. Polygon’s new granular mode will catapult your samples into uncharted realms while its clean and logical interface, extensive modulation options and powerful new dual oscillator make it an invaluable tool for music production and creative sound design.
"The RATCHETEER generates MIDI note patterns easily, working in sync with Ableton Live's transport with options for numerous time divisions and the ability to be performed using external MIDI controllers.
Assign a MIDI Note to ratchet and choose from 5 types of time division to hear the note re-triggered from a steady pace to rapid fire mayhem. Select an output velocity with fixed, random between a range or LFO controls.
Turn the knob or play your keyboard to play the ratcheteer at different speeds. It'll output expressive MIDI notes which can be recorded as clips and stored in your track.
The Ratcheteer is ideal for Trap Hi Hat petterns, but can be used on any drum or synth hit. It can also be used on multiple channels for entire rhythm track making.
Time divisions include triplets, whole notes, dotted notes, all combined and free (unclocked).
Use the MIDI Map function to change the ratchet using MIDI controller movements, from knobs, faders, mod wheels or pitchbend. You can also automate numerous elements to store within your track.
Send ratcheted MIDI notes to VSTs, Drum Racks or external MIDI Hardware using Ableton's extensive MIDI routings. Say goodbye to meticulous MIDI finessing and start performing hi-octane hi-hat patterns!
Please Note: Ableton Live 10 Suite is required to run this device."
"Introducing MPC Beats, the new DAW from Akai Pro. MPC Beats includes everything you need to start making great sounding beats from drum samples, loops, MPC Plugins and more. Visit akaipro.com/mpc-beats to learn more and download MPC Beats today."
MPC Beats | Introduction & Overview
And the press release:
AKAI PROFESSIONAL® INTRODUCES MPC BEATS SOFTWARE – THE BEST BEAT MAKING DAW FOR BEGINNERS
An expansive 2GB content library, 3 built-in MPC plugins, and MIDI hardware controller compatibility make MPC Beats the choice for the entry-level beat maker
Ft Lauderdale, FL USA (July 21, 2020) – Akai Professional, a leading manufacturer of music equipment for performers and producers, today announced the latest addition to their DAW software lineup, MPC Beats. Built on the legacy of the legendary MPC hardware and innovative MPC2 desktop software, MPC Beats is available to anyone as a free download from the Akai Professional website and empowers new beat makers with all the tools to create excellent sounding beats.
Intuitive MPC Workflow
Aspiring beat-makers ready to delve into the world of music production will find MPC Beats an ultra-intuitive, inspiring entry-point for producing professional sounding music. Underpinned by the renowned MPC workflow, MPC Beats offers an easily accessible 4 x 4 drum sample grid, a piano roll, sample library browser and sample edit window. Users can seamlessly switch between these workspaces to discover, create, and edit their beats to perfection. For immediate accessibility, MPC Beats includes smart layouts from the included beat templates–the ideal starting point for new users looking to master the MPC workflow.
Samples & Sounds for Success
MPC Beats comes with a 2GB content library with selections from the most popular MPC Expansion Pack sound libraries. The carefully curated selection gives beat makers the freshest in-demand sounds for modern beat-making. From drum kits with punchy kicks and crispy claps, to 3 plugin instruments (Bassline, Tubesynth & Electric) from MPC, everything needed to create great sounding beats is here. Adding the final pro polish to tracks couldn’t be simpler with over 80 FX plugins from the AIR Effects collection–a premium selection of mixdown and mastering tools–giving beat makers everything they need to finish tracks and get them ready to share on any streaming platform.
Controller Connection
Get even more out of MPC Beats with integrated hardware control. MIDI keyboards like the venerable Akai Pro MPK mini, 4x4 and 8x8 pads, or even standalone MPC hardware all work seamlessly with MPC Beats so beat makers can connect their
devices and elevate their workflow to greater heights with immersive tactile control of the software. For complete setup simplicity, MPC Beats comes auto-mapped to some of the world’s most popular controllers from numerous brands. So whether it’s an Akai Pro MPK mini, Alesis V-Mini or M-Audio Keystation, there are no setup headaches and roadblocks to your creativity.
More Power Packed Tools
MPC Beats features 2 stereo audio tracks to sample your vocals, instruments, sound design elements and more. MPC Beats also supports AU/VST plugin instruments and audio effects, allowing beat makers to continue to expand their instrument collections. For complete integration with existing systems, MPC Beats opens as a plugin in all mainstream DAWs to merge the best of all DAW worlds. With MPC Beats, the power and performance the modern beat maker demands is there for any workflow imaginable.
MPC Beats Highlights
• Free software based on the legendary MPC workflow
• 2 Audio, 8 Midi/Instrument Tracks
• 16 Pads, Sample Editing, VST/AU support
• Ready to create right away - sample/sound content, effects, and virtual
instruments built-in
• Can be mapped to any MIDI controller, including MPC and MPK mini
• Easy, unified software, plugins, and virtual instruments installer
• Special Affordable MPC Beats version of Expansions (starting at $9.99)
Of MPC Beats, senior product manager Dan Gill said “We’re always looking to better understand and identify the evolving profile of music makers. With MPC Beats, we’ve created a powerful platform for a rapidly growing demographic, equipping them with every tool to eliminate barriers between their ideas and their creations. We’ve paired the best of the MPC history with comprehensive and intuitive workflows to give the next generation the best possible start to their music journey.”
MPC Beats will be available as a free download on July 21, 2020 from akaipro.com. ###
About Akai Professional The world’s most influential manufacturer of music production gear, Akai Professional develops creative technologies to empower music makers with tools that are unmatched in expressive capability. Akai Professional is best known for creating the legendary MPC, an instrument that has inspired generations of producers and performers and spawned entirely new genres of music. Akai Professional is a part of the inMusic family of premiere music brands.
"Factorsynth is a one-of-its-kind device that uses machine learning to deconstruct any sound into elements. After 2 years of the initial release comes Factorsynth 2, the first major update. Following many user suggestions and requests, version 2 is an even more versatile yet easier to use device, with a simplified workflow and numerous new features. It is now possible to individually pan the components, allowing to do things such as upmixing a mono clip to stereo. Another powerful new feature is the quantized shifting of the components, which allows changing the rhythmic structure of riffs and drum loops. A second, alternative decomposition algorithm is available, as well as a more detailed control of the playback region."
With its synthesizer workflow, Friktion can sound like the string instruments you love or entirely new ones yet to be invented. All the important aspects of sculpting a realistic string sound are within reach, but the controls go beyond what's possible in the real world. With a few clicks you change the instrument shape and size, or make the strings buzzy and metallic—creating a new instrument that still sounds decidedly real and is expressive to play.
The following is some info on the upcoming synth. You can download a beta and try it for yourself on their website here.
"A boutique collection of stylized instruments, drums and textures perfectly suited for the more chill and introspective sides of hip-hop, lo-fi, and downtempo music production. Covering all the hallmark sounds and taking it further, LoFi Dreams delivers smooth acoustic pianos, soulful guitars, vibey keys, charactered drums, lo-fi textures and more.
AKAI PROFESSIONAL® INTRODUCES MPC BEATS SOFTWARE – THE BEST BEAT MAKING DAW FOR BEGINNERS
