NAMM: A whole new load of bugs...

via the BugBrand mailing list:

"Hello and warm greets for 2009!

I am very happy to announce some big changes to all-things-bug...
- a completely redesigned website - http://www.bugbrand.co.uk
- announcement of the new BugBrand Modular system
- and an initial release of the BoardWeevil

***
*New Website *
Many thanks to Both Design for taking the open-source ZenCart framework and putting together a wonderful new system for BugBrand.
It should make orders and organisation a load easier!
Please have a browse and let me know what you think
(and inform me if you identify any weird behaviour / problems)
There's still quite a lot of info to be ported across from the old site - this will take some time..

***
*New Modular
*Oh boy - I'm excited! This is the main thing I've been hinting at over the last few bug-mails -- development over the last 6months has been an amazing experience (and learning curve) and I am so happy to now be able to present the first details.
This is a compact, powerful and pretty unique modular system using banana plugs (I love them) and based on the Frac-rack sizing.
It is a 'complete' system - I have designed a custom rack enclosure, an external PSU and offer banana cables!
There is an exciting range of modules already developed with more to follow over the next months.

The actual building up of systems is still going to be a gradual affair -- I will begin by offering up to 12 systems for purchase. These will be completed gradually over the course of 4-6 months depending on individual spec.
If you are interested in being one of the 12, please let me know before Feb 9th - my choice of people will be somewhat selective -> long-time supporters of BugBrand will get some extra consideration as will people I deem to be working in particularly interesting ways, sharing somewhat similar methods of approach. (ie - collectors are not welcome!)
>From that point, the 12 will receive a rack-frame and a psu along with an initial (small) number of modules. We will then work closely together to tailor each system!

I'm quite aware that my system stands somewhat apart from other current systems - largely due to the banana format. As there are a large number of people using Frac systems with 1/8" jacks, certain modules will be produced in 1/8" versions (limited quantities - banana is my real focus) - I am starting a 2nd mailing list specifically for Modular news, so please let me know if you'd like to subscribe to this (the current mailing list will continue to announce general devices and happenings)

Please have a browse through the new Modular pages - there is quite a lot of info and more to be added over the next weeks.
There are a number of audio and video demos up so have a listen/watch.

***
*Board Weevil
*I announced initial details of the BoardWeevil just before Christmas and now the first few are available. I'm actually changing things slightly for the full-production version, so there are a limited number of the 1st version now available at a reduced price. Basically, the screen-print-labeling will be Yellow on the production versions (the initial version has red printing which doesn't show up too well) and I have slightly tweaked the layout to give some more space to some dials. The production versions will also feature a custom cardboard box!
Its like a souped-up Postcard - with many more features and much better control -> nice compact dials (improved from the Postcard) and a good 1/4" jack output.
I hope to make these a regularly stocked item through the year - the main production runs should start to appear early in February.

***
Ok - many thanks to everyone who has supported my bug-efforts!

And do please let me know what you think of the new bits...

My best,
Tom"

NAMM: Numark Stealth Control

"NUMARK INTRODUCES STEALTH CONTROL

DJ SOFTWARE CONTROLLER; AVAILABLE NOW

New Control Surface is Stage Ready, Rugged and Reliable

Cumberland, R.I. (Jan. 15, 2009) – Numark, the world’s leading manufacturer of DJ technology, announces STEALTH CONTROL, a new professional DJ controller that comes with Native Instruments Traktor LE and MixMeister Fusion Live software. STEALTH CONTROL will be on display at the 2009 NAMM Show in Anaheim, Calif., January 15 – 18, 2009 at the Numark booth, number 6400.

STEALTH CONTROL is professional DJ performance in a sleek, heavy-duty metal chassis. Club DJs and remix artists alike will find STEALTH CONTROL enables them to spend less time with their keyboard and trackpad and more time focused on the music. STEALTH CONTROL’s design is based around Numark’s other popular control surfaces, such as Total Control and OMNI CONTROL. Its intuitive layout mirrors traditional "two decks and a mixer" setups, so DJs immediately feel at home using the controller.

All of STEALTH CONTROL's knobs, faders and buttons feature pinpoint performance. STEALTH CONTROL is housed in a rugged and heavyweight metal casing that is built for years of gigs and transports. Its heavy weight ensures that STEALTH CONTROL stays in place on virtually any surface.

STEALTH CONTROL ships with Native Instruments Traktor LE 3 and MixMeister Fusion Live DJ software. Traktor LE is one of the most popular dual-deck DJ applications, providing DJs a familiar turntable/mixer paradigm with which to mix their music. MixMeister Fusion Live delivers a completely different approach to DJ performance, with a timeline-based mixing environment that allows the DJ to think in terms of their performance over time. It is capable of handling many of the technical tasks, such as beat matching, automatically, enabling the DJ to focus on their performance. Combined, STEALTH CONTROL's software suite gives DJs all the tools they need.

“STEALTH CONTROL is the controller DJs have been begging us for,” said Chris Roman, Product Development Manager, Numark. “It puts our best-selling Total Control layout into a heavy duty form factor, capable of handling some serious abuse.”

STEALTH CONTROL is available from DJ and pro audio retailers at an MSRP of $399.99 and an estimated street price of $299.99."

http://www.numark.com/stealthcontrol

NAMM: ALESIS MASTERCONTROL

Update: larger images added. Click on them.

ALESIS MASTERCONTROL AUDIO INTERFACE

AND CONTROL SURFACE NOW AVAILABLE

High-Quality All-In-One Studio-Control Device Now In Stores

Cumberland, R.I. (Jan. 15, 2009) – Alesis, the world’s leading manufacturer of professional audio equipment and studio electronics, announces that the MasterControl audio interface and control surface is now shipping. MasterControl will be on display at the 2009 NAMM Show in Anaheim, Calif., January 15 – 18, 2009 at the Alesis booth, number 6400.

MasterControl is a professional audio interface and recording control surface, providing engineers with 44.1 – 192kHz-recording capability via ultra-fast, low latency FireWire and full-featured control of HUI-compatible DAWs and external MIDI devices.

MasterControl contains a broad swath of input and output connectivity, empowering studio owners and producers to connect nearly any source, processing or monitoring equipment. The input section consists of two XLR inputs with phantom power and channel inserts, six TRS line inputs and extensive expansion capability. Twenty six simultaneous inputs are possible with the optional S/PDIF and dual S/MUX ADAT Lightpipe inputs. Six analog outputs are configurable for use with 5.1 surround, three sets of stereo pairs or six discrete outputs. MasterControl offers dedicated speaker switching, enabling mix engineers to dynamically select between multiple monitors to check their mixes on different speakers or in different rooms. A stereo headphone output is also provided for an additional mix reference.

Each channel contains dedicated Solo, Record Enable, Mute and Select buttons for instant access to the most essential channel functions. The large, multifunction jog wheel can be used to shuttle, zoom and enter data. Nine 100mm-motorized faders and a dedicated transport-control section provide guess-free access to the most crucial recording operations. Two banks of eight assignable buttons enable users to customize functionality for commonly used actions such as markers, loop points and automation modes.

Eight 360-degree assignable virtual potentiometers with three banks each enable engineers to control 24 different parameters for extensive control of nearly any DAW. Removable, customizable templates provide a visual overview of all preset operations. All presets are fully editable and configurable.

Designed as a complete solution for studios’ recording and mixing needs, MasterControl contains a talkback microphone, a complete MIDI interface and a Preview button enabling review of knob, button and fader settings before sending them to the DAW software.

MasterControl comes bundled with two award-winning software applications for recording and sequencing. Steinberg Cubase LE 4 and Ableton Live Lite 7 handle all recording, editing and performance tasks and are compatible with most other popular music software.

“MasterControl is the missing link for professional and home studios alike,” said Jim Norman, Product Manager. “It’s quite simple in concept: you plug it into your computer, plug in your sources and monitoring system and you’re ready to record. We are even including two of the most popular software products to truly complete the system.”

MasterControl is available from pro audio and musical instrument retailers. It has an MSRP of $1,299 and a street price of $899.99."

http://alesis.com/mastercontrol
New Products from Alesis

NAMM: Waldorf Largo Software Synthesizer

"Many producers and synthesizer enthusiasts asked for a full-blown Waldorf Synthesizer for their virtual rack. We listened, and now we proudly present Largo. Largo is the first pure software synthesizer with Waldorf DNA. And again – it is the cutting edge sound that makes the big difference.

No wonder, as Largo mirrors the technology used in Blofeld and Q hardware synthesizers. As for every Waldorf instrument, ergonomics are a core feature on screen as well. Your eyes will be pleased with a clearly structured, graphical user interface that supports your workflow intuitively.

Largo offers three fat oscillators, two of them with sub oscillators. These oscillators include models of classic analog waveforms as well as a selection of waves from the PPG and Waldorf Wave stored in two Wavetables. All these run through two Waldorf multimode filters with steep cutoff, resonance up to self-oscillation and a drive stage to add even more punch and grainyness to the sound. Ultra-fast envelope generators and flexible LFOs as well as an easy to understand, yet extremely versatile modulation matrix make for a sound designer's dream.

The filters have always been a core part of any Waldorf instrument. With outstanding expertise in both analog and digital synthesis, our developers took utmost care in developing the filters. And you can hear a significant difference when working with a Waldorf filter - they just sound right! Use the comb filters for plucked, stringed or blown sounds. Band pass, high pass, low pass and notch filters are all available with 12 dB and 24 dB slope. All of them sound extremely accurate and add pure sonic quality to the sound of your music.

Largo contains a flexible arpeggiator with 16 freely programmable steps as known from the exclusive Q synthesizer line plus an array of high quality effects such as Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Overdrive, Delay and Reverb.

The clearly arranged user interface helps you to create your own powerful synthesizer sounds in a breeze. Oscillators and filters are always in direct access while the submodules are only a mouse click away. It has the same exclusive voice architecture as the Q and Blofeld synthesizer line, fully integrated into the total recall system of your Digital Audio Workstation.

Largo works as a VST and AudioUnit instrument.
General Features"

http://www.waldorfmusic.de/en/products/largo

NAMM: Waldorf Blofeld Keyboard

And the official announcement.
"The little villain grows up

Not only on the outside did he gain weight, also his inner qualities have seen a remarkable step-up: besides the virtual-analog synthesis and the classic wavetables it now sports a whopping 60 megabytes of sample memory.

Just imagine to add a vocal-like noise spectrum to a typical Wavetable pad, spice-up a virtual-analog solo sound with a strong attack sample or just process any other sample with the countless oscillator and filter modulations.

Play your sound creations on the high-quality keyboard with velocity and aftertouch. Pitchbend and modulation wheel are at your disposal and, as a matter of course, you can connect a sustain pedal.

All this is packaged in a sleek metal enclosure with a big graphic display, endless stainless steel rotaries and an internal power supply.

And although it comes for an unbeatable price tag, we add something very special. It comes:

From Waldorf with Love!"

Full specs and details: http://waldorfmusic.de/en/products/blofeld-keyboard

NAMM: Blofeld - Very Nice Indeed

follow-up to this post
Pictures taken by three crazy Waldorf betatesters: Dr. Georg Müller, Till "keep on turning these knobs" Kopper and Boele "SCD" Gerkes.

http://www.waldorfmusic.de
Note: Waldorf stated that they have NO part in this and may consider looking out for more sane beta-testers... :)

Note this is the last in the series of the unofficial Blofeld teasers from the three blomigos. :) Waldorf is one lucky company to have such support like this. They did a fantastic job! I have never seen this level of support and enthusiasm for a synth company before. I'm an old Waldorfian myself actually. They are a great company. The official release is coming up next. :)

NAMM: Metasonix

http://metasonix.com/

If anyone has images and/or more info feel fee to share.

New products of course are the KV-100 and R-51.

via Dave who does the classy artwork for Metasonix.

NAMM: Roland ARX-03 for the Fantom G

"Powered by Roland’s unique SuperNATURAL engine, ARX-03 is packed with high-quality brass instruments under the control of a custom graphic-editing interface. ARX-03 enables authentic performance never before achieved with conventional keyboards. The card is loaded with solo instruments and ensembles, including trumpets, flugelhorns, trombones, saxophones, and more.

Essential brass instruments and ensembles onboard
Visual editing interface; 50 user memory locations
Customize every instrument with unique features such as Growl, Noise
High-quality effects onboard: EQ (6 systems), reverb (8 types), multi-effects (15 types)"
http://www.roland.com/products/en/ARX-03/index.html
http://www.roland.com/synth/Fantom/

NAMM: Roland V-Synth GT V2.0

"V-Synth GT System Program Version 2.0 now available!
One year after its triumphant debut, the world’s most expressive synthesizer evolves with a Version 2.0 software update. Features include a recharged cutting-edge sound set, dozens of newly enhanced effects, an Import Files feature, an enhanced user interface, and more. These new features strongly support sound design and live performance. Version 2.0 is available to all V-Synth® GT owners via free download.

New Features
- Recharged cutting-edge sounds
- Newly enhanced effects: 22 tone effects and 5 reverbs
- Chromatic-scale pitch bender function
- High-resolution knob response and tonal control
- Import Files function (Patch/Tone/Wave/Sample)
- Enhanced user interface
- Enhanced USB functionality
- Available to all V-Synth GT owners via free download

Multiple forms of advanced synthesis under the control of a friendly, icon-driven interface
New AP (Articulative Phrase) SYNTHESIS technology models the performance behavior and nuance of musical instruments
Includes Roland’s proprietary Elastic Audio Synthesis engine plus Vocal Designer, playable simultaneously
Sound Shaper II offers incredibly easy and efficient user programming
Futuristic, high-quality industrial design
Color Touch-screen Display with wide viewing angle"


http://www.roland.com/V-Synth/
http://www.roland.com/products/en/V-Synth_GT/index.html

NAMM: Akai APC40

"Ableton Live performance, perfected.

The APC40 is the world’s finest Ableton Live control surface. Ableton and Akai Professional worked in a joint partnership to make the APC40 the perfect Ableton Live control surface. Whether you are an electronic-music performance artist and Live is your canvass, a DJ using Live to mix tracks, or a traditional musician using Live on stage or in the studio, the APC40 is designed for intuitive, powerful control.

DIRECT DESIGN
Because Akai Professional and Ableton designed the APC40 for Live, you don’t need to map its controls to talk to the software. Just connect your laptop to the APC40 with its USB cable and you're ready to make magic. The APC40 is class compliant, so you don't even need to install drivers. And if you’re an advanced Live user, the APC40 gives you the ability to remap every one of its controls to suit your own style.

VIRTUAL VIEW
The APC40 talks directly to Live and Live talks directly to the APC40. This exclusive bidirectional communication makes the APC40 an advanced controller in that it can receive feedback from the software and display it on its clip matrix of 40 triggers and on LED rings surrounding each knob. The clip matrix gives you an instant view of clip status: what's loaded, what's playing, and what's being recorded. Each state displays on the matrix in a different color so you can get a quick picture of clip state. You can shift your clip focus and get an overview of the clips you have loaded for your set. The APC40 has 16 knobs, each surrounded by a ring of LEDs. These LED rings make seeing your settings a breeze on dark stages, indicating the currently selected parameters’ values. This advanced visual feedback makes performing with the APC40 focused more on the music and less on squinting at the computer screen. In fact, you might even forget that the computer is there!

PREMIUM CONTROLS
Ableton selected Akai Professional as a partner because of its leadership position in great-feeling controllers that are rock solid, rugged, and precise. From the legendary MPC series that changed the way music is made to the industry-standard MPD and MPK controllers, Akai Professional is revered by musicians, DJs, and producers everywhere for creating the feel that powers their creativity. The APC40 is built with a rugged, metal chassis and slip-proof rubber detailing. Knobs and faders are solid and precise for pinpoint performance. It even features a high quality, replaceable crossfader.

CREATIVE CONTROL
The APC40 comes with a special edition of Ableton Live Lite so you can use it out of the box even if you’re new to Live. There's also a free patch that upgrades full versions of Live so if you're already a Live user, you can take full advantage of the APC40.

The APC40 has two banks of eight knobs. The first set controls Global parameters so you’ll always have instant access to your main sends, pans, and other essentials. The second bank of eight knobs is dynamically reassigned to the Track you select. You can control eight track parameters at a time, and as you switch channels, the Track knobs follow your focus. You also get special clip-status views and feedback that only the APC40's matrix can display. The matrix is not limited to only 40 clips: you can scroll and shift, enabling access to an unlimited number of cells.

The APC40 has a wide range of controllers. The eight Global knobs can access four banks of controls; the eight Track knobs control nine different track parameters each. This gives you a massive total of 72 controllers that are dynamically reassigned. Channel faders, bus faders, and a crossfader give you smooth control of key values. You have even more control power with special controls including Tap Tempo, Tempo Nudge, record enables, solo/cues and two assignable footswitch inputs.

Designed in partnership with Ableton, the APC40 is the most advanced Live controller for the most advanced performers.

Ableton and Ableton Live are trademarks of Ableton AG."

http://www.akaipro.com/apc40