MATRIXSYNTH

Thursday, January 14, 2010

NAMM: Waldorf Largo v1.5

Announced here and previously, but thought it was worth a note for NAMM.

Waldorf Largo v1.5 is on the homepage for NAMM.

Update: A second "unofficial" demo added to this post.

NAMM: ROLAND ANNOUNCES VP-7 VOCAL PROCESSOR

"Los Angeles, CA, January 14, 2010 — Now every keyboardist, regardless of vocal ability, can sing with the new VP-7 Vocal Processor from Roland. This portable processor sets up quickly on top of keyboards with free panel space and creates ensemble vocal sounds with a variety of PCM-based vocal sounds, or with Roland’s superior Vocal Designer® technology.

For keyboardists who want lush vocal backing tracks without singing into a microphone, the compact VP-7 includes four rich and expressive human voice sounds — Female Choir, Boys Choir, Gregorian Choirs and Jazz Scat — just by playing the keyboard.

Utilizing Vocal Designer technology derived from Roland’s Vocal & Ensemble keyboards, the VP-7 has three Vocal Designer algorithms that can automatically generate multi-voice backing harmonies that sing the same lyrics as a performer sings into the included DR-HS5 headset microphone. Keyboardists that sing lead vocals can blend the VP-7’s sounds with their own voice to create impressive backing. Or, when harmonizing with a lead vocalist, the VP-7’s sound can be blended with the live vocal harmony or used with 100% processing. The Vocoder button also lets you instantly switch to a vintage vocoder.

The VP-7’s super-simple interface features large, quick-access buttons and knobs, so it’s easy to call up preset sounds and adjust blends on the fly. Onboard ambience effects sweeten the sound with the twist of a knob, while a handy mute switch lets the user bring the VP-7’s processing in and out with the push of a button.

The VP-7 is scheduled to ship in May. For more information, please visit www.RolandConnect.com."

NAMM: ROLAND PRESENTS V-COMBO VR-700

"Los Angeles, CA, January 14, 2010 – Roland is proud to announce the V-Combo VR-700. Featuring the best of Roland’s acclaimed Virtual Tonewheel organ, full key multi-sampled piano, and pro synthesizer sounds, the V-Combo is perfect for players who need an all-in-one keyboard for a variety of musical settings, including houses of worship, stage performances, and rehearsal studios. The V-Combo offers powerful real-time performance capabilities in a simple-to-use-interface.

The V-Combo provides an authentic sound and feel to satisfy any organ player. Using Roland’s Virtual Tonewheel engine, the V-Combo simulates the unique structure and distinctive sound of vintage organs. The new amplifier and rotary simulator faithfully reproduces the sound needed for jazz, rock, funk or gospel, while the 76-key waterfall action captures the feel of a vintage organ. Add an optional PK-25 or PK-7A pedalboard for a more console-organ type feel.

The V-Combo takes its lead from Roland’s popular instruments, including everything from expressive full key multi-sampled acoustic grand pianos, classic electric pianos, to realistic strings, brass, bass and guitar sounds. With tone remain capability onboard, the 76 keys can easily layer two ensemble tones together, or layer and split with the organ tones.

In addition to the ten harmonic bars on the front panel, the V-Combo also incorporates a variety of expressive controllers for even more exhilarating performances. The red harmonic bard allows players to control the volume of the Ensemble tones. With the D Beam, players can create authentic organ-specific effects, such as wheel braking, or perform filter and level tone shaping on ensemble tones using an infrared light beam.

XLR and ¼" outputs make the V-Combo ready for any stage, while the USB port and Song Player function enables direct playback and control of backing tracks from USB memory. Keyboardists can also back up and recall Favorites and system settings from USB memory, making the V-Combo easy to share at rehearsal studios.

The V-Combo VR-700 is scheduled to ship in March with a suggested retail price of $2,329.00. For more information, please visit www.RolandConnect.com."

NAMM: Cakewalk® Announces New Mobile Studio Canvas

"New Portable Music Production Package for Mac and PC Features Next-Gen Roland Sound Module, Audio/MIDI Interface, SONAR 8.5 LE Recording Software, and Much More —

Anaheim, CA, Winter NAMM, Hall A, Booth 6700 (January 14, 2010) — Cakewalk, the world's leading developer of powerful and easy to use products for music creation and recording, announces the new Mobile Studio Canvas.

The Mobile Studio Canvas for Mac, PC, and standalone performance is the first such product in the Cakewalk hardware family. Capable of producing over 1,000 sounds, the Mobile Studio Canvas includes the Roland SD-50 Sound Module, redesigned GM (General MIDI) 2, and Roland’s Solo Tones sounds. The unit’s USB memory drive can playback MP3, WAV, AIFF, and MIDI files without a computer. It is also a 2-in/2-out audio interface as well as a 1x1 MIDI interface, and ships with SONAR 8.5 LE recording software for use with a computer (for Windows only).

The Mobile Studio Canvas is ideal for a wide range of users, including musicians looking for a great, general purpose sound source, karaoke and bar DJs, hobbyists and non-musicians who need portable MP3 and SMF playback, and any musician who needs instrument accompaniment for live sets.

Main Features
* Compact, portable USB Bus powered Audio & MIDI solution, perfect for laptop and mobile use
* Up to 128 voice polyphony
* 1,125 total sounds, including GM2, GS and three of Roland’s hyper-realistic Solo Tones, including Shakuhachi, Violin, and Trombone, as well as 32 drum sets great for a variety of styles
* 2-in/2-out, 24-bit/44.1 kHz audio interface with XLR/¼” inputs/Phantom Power/Hi-Z input, 1 x 1 MIDI interface, and V-Link support
* Built-in hardware DSP FX for Reverb, Chorus, and Mastering
* USB port for quick playback of MP3/WAV/AIFF/SMF (MIDI) files from a USB memory drive
* Enhanced Transport Controls for file playback including the ability to change keys, tempos, A/B Loop, Repeat, Center Cancel (for Karaoke) and more
* Powered by AC adapter, USB bus power, or batteries (6 x AA)
* Compatible with Mac and Windows computers — Includes SONAR 8.5 LE recording software (Windows only)
* Play List editor for Mac and Windows

”The Mobile Studio Canvas represents a new high watermark in Cakewalk’s continued efforts to bring leading-edge, ‘functional’ hardware to our customers,” said Michael Hoover, Cakewalk’s executive vice president of products. “It’s a perfect fit for a wide variety of music producers and consumers alike.”

Availability
The Mobile Studio Canvas will be available at select music and sound retailers worldwide in late April, 2010. For more information on Cakewalk's complete line of USB MIDI controllers and keyboard products, interfaces, studio hardware, and more, please visit http://www.cakewalk.com/hardware. Local prices may vary, please check with your local Cakewalk distributor, or your local retailer for more details."

NAMM: Cakewalk® Announces Free SONAR 8.5.2 Update for SONAR 8.5 Producer, Studio, and V-Studio 700 Customers

"New features, enhancements, and optimizations in a timely update continue company's mission to provide the best support for our customers —

Boston, MA (December 15, 2009) — Cakewalk, the world's leading developer of powerful and easy to use products for music creation and recording, today announces a free update for SONAR 8.5 Producer and SONAR 8.5 Studio. Registered SONAR 8.5 Producer, SONAR 8.5 Studio, and V-Studio 700 customers can download the 8.5.2 update for free here.

The SONAR 8.5.2 update provides over one hundred usability enhancements, plug-in/component optimizations, and new features. These enhancements also address various performance issues across the entire application reported by customers after SONAR 8.5's initial release.

New SONAR 8.5.2 Features include:

Arpeggiator: The Arpeggiator now features automatable controls and a Per-arpeggiator swing control slider.

Matrix View: SONAR 8.5's flexible cell-based, non-linear audio/MIDI arranging and triggering view adds new functionality including:

o Record mutes and solos
o Per-cell "one-shot" mode
o New option to automatically Groove Clip audio and MIDI clips when dragged into the Matrix View
o Cell content can now be dragged into the Track View
o Support for Step Sequencer patterns containing probabilities
o Accessibility and QWERTY keyboard support
o Support for clips of up to 30 minutes in length
o Import files directly from cells

Media Browser: SONAR's hub for content access adds a new mode to now preview all audio/MIDI content in sync with project tempo. The Media Browser also now supports Step Sequencer Patterns containing probabilities.

Perfect Space: 70+ new impulse responses added, provided by Acousticas.

Step Sequencer 2.0: Improved parameter controls for Dimension LE, Dimension Pro, DropZone, Pentagon I, Rapture, Rapture LE, PSYN, and Z3TA+. Also includes 35 new Step Sequencer patterns.

Optimized multiprocessor load balancing: Even more efficient handling of multithread processing for improved CPU utilization and better overall performance.

All of the new and exciting features found in the SONAR 8.5.2 update are a direct result of active dialog with our users. Cakewalk's delivery of timely product updates is an extension of Cakewalk's commitment in providing the very best in product support for our customers.

A comprehensive list of what is included in the SONAR 8.5.2 update can be found at: http://www.cakewalk.com/support/kb/reader.aspx?ID=20091119.

Availability
The 8.5.2 Update for Windows XP, Vista, and, Windows 7 (32-bit & 64-bit) versions of SONAR 8.5 is available as a free download to all registered SONAR 8.5 and V-Studio 700 customers at www.cakewalk.com."

NAMM: Cakewalk® Announces New Line of Keyboard Controllers

"Anaheim, CA, Winter NAMM, Hall A, Booth 6700 (January 14, 2010) — Cakewalk, the world's leading developer of powerful and easy to use products for music creation and recording, announces the launch of the A-PRO Series of USB MIDI Controllers for Mac and PC. The A-300 Pro, A-500 Pro and A-800 Pro are a brand new line of keyboard controllers developed in conjunction with Roland.

The A-PRO series focuses on intuitive real-time performance and ergonomic playability, making it a must-have controller for soft synths in a live or studio setting. This new line combines the best of both worlds: Cakewalk’s legendary ease of use and Roland’s world-class engineering and keyboard expertise. The respective keyboards are:

A-300 Pro — A 32-key USB MIDI keyboard [pictured]
A-500 Pro — A 49-key USB MIDI keyboard
A-800 Pro — A 61-key USB MIDI keyboard

All A-PRO series keyboard controllers feature:

The feel of a Roland-quality Instrument
· A superior key mechanism providing aftertouch and increased sensitivity for a wide range of expressive dynamics
· Rounded key assemblies for smooth and comfortable glissando
· Selectable velocity curves to fine tune the A-PRO to your playing style
· Roland's proprietary FPT (Fast Processing Technology) USB driver provides ultra-low latency and ensures subtleties of performances are captured

Eight Dynamic Pads
· Precise velocity sensitivity makes the A-PRO a formidable controller for finger drumming
· Hold function is perfect for triggering loops and sequences

Ergonomic design puts everything at your fingertips

· Ultra-bright, backlit LED display makes it easy to monitor settings, especially when on stage
· Controls and onboard settings are easily accessible and intelligently laid out
· Over 45 fully assignable controls, including knobs, sliders, and buttons
· Dedicated Transport section
· Sure-grip Pitch Bend/Modulation Stick offers expressive control of both parameters simultaneously
· Easy and streamlined connection with side panel ports

Total control
· A-300PRO Editor for Mac and PC makes it a breeze to customize the controller for use with your favorite synth or DAW
· When working in ACT (Active Controller Technology) mode, DAWs like the included SONAR LE will remap parameters automatically
· Trigger clips, video effects and transitions from your A-PRO musical performance using any video hardware with V-LINK support
· Expand playability with Sustain & Expression Pedals (available separately)

The Production Plus Pack
· Three inspiring virtual instruments for Mac & PC:
o Rapture LE
o Cakewalk Sound Center
o Studio Instruments Drums
· SONAR 8.5 LE, a special version of Cakewalk’s professional recording software for Windows

”The new A-PRO series MIDI controllers have everything the Mac or PC-based keyboardist needs,” said Brian Desmond, Cakewalk’s product manager for the A-PRO series. “Their dynamic pads, ergonomic layout, brightly-lit display and intuitive menu make these keyboards ideal for the pro-level player who performs live.”

Also making its debut is the A-500S, an inexpensive 49-key USB MIDI keyboard that shares many of the same design elements as the A-PRO series keyboards. The A-500S comes with the Production Pack Plus 3 software bundle. It has three power options — USB, AC and also battery (4 x AA) — and features a 3-digit, 7-segment LED screen to easily monitor settings. Compact and portable, the A-500S is perfect for anyone making music at home or in a project studio with a computer, academic settings needing great sound at low cost, or live performances and mobile recording applications.

Availability
The A-PRO series and A-500S will be available at select music and sound retailers worldwide in late April, 2010. For more information on Cakewalk's complete line of USB MIDI controllers and keyboard products, interfaces, studio hardware, and more, please visit http://www.cakewalk.com/hardware. Local prices may vary, please check with your local Cakewalk distributor, or your local retailer for more details."

NOT NAMM: Synthwerks Interview

"Interview conducted via Google Wave between Paul Clark and Synthwerks founders James Husted and Steve Turnidge, January 2010 "

excerpt:
"electronicmusic.com: I know it's very early days for Synthwerks, but what's on the drawing board for future releases?

James Husted: We have three main families of modules. Controllers, Utility, and Audio modules. In the controller family there will be a few more FSR modules. A single larger FSR module, and possibly a XYZ controller, and a poorman's version of the Buchla 222e Multi-dimentional Kinesthetic Input Port, a 4x4 programmer, and a performance desktop cabinet to put these all in since the typical vertical cabinet is harder to use. In the utility space maybe some switching and patching modules.

In the audio space we plan on a limiter module (essential in saving your speakers if you do noise/bug music), Headphone Monitor, a new filter we call a Plateau Valley filter, and maybe a Mic preamp. Basically as many things as we can make - each new product funded by the last."

You can find the full interview on electronicmusic.com here.

Bob Moog Interview from 1997

"Interview conducted via email between Paul Clark and Robert Moog, March 1997

electronicmusic.com: Was there one defining moment while developing your first synthesizer that you realized it had the potential to radically change the way music is made?

Bob Moog: No, there was no one defining moment. I got into designing electronic music composition equipment because I liked working with creative musicians, people who were always looking for new ways of making music. I worked with a lot of musicians, and each one made his or her own contribution to our synthesizer design technology."

You can find the full interview on electronicmusic.com here.

NAMM: SONiVOX ® Announces NEMESYNTH™ Music Technology Research & Development Group

"Premier provider of virtual instrument technology teams up with industry legend to form new research and development arm.

SONiVOX ®, the Boston based virtual instrument manufacturer, today announced the formation of NEMESYNTH™ Research & Development Group, SONiVOX’s new research and development arm dedicated solely to the exploration and innovation of new audio technologies.

To lead this new group, SONiVOX has hired Jim Van Buskirk as Chief R&D Technologist. Van Buskirk, a co-inventor of the very first computer hosted virtual instrument, is a legendary figure in the music software industry. Inventor, creator, and publisher of Gigastudio™, GigaSampler™, GigaViolin™, GigaPiano™, and GigaPulse™, Van Buskirk has invented and co-invented many music and audio related US patents, including the patent for low-latency direct from disc sample streaming.

'Joining the SONiVOX team is much like coming home to an innovation-driven atmosphere,” said Van Buskirk. “Now we are in the process of brining the first of many significant new technologies to the table and have a dream team assembled to bring them out. Our vision is that SONiVOX’s NemeSynth™ technology will do for the next generation of instruments what disk-based streaming did for sampling, blowing it wide open with 100 times the potential.'

Under Jim Van Buskirk’s leadership the NEMESYNTH™ R&D group will focus solely on the development of new enabling technologies for computer based musicians. These technologies will be integrated into SONiVOX’ premier line of end-user software products as well as its OEM offerings. The first of these products will be previewed and released in early/mid 2010.

To find out more about the NEMESYNTH™ Research and Development Group, come meet Jim Van Buskirk at SOONiVOX’s NAMM Booth #6828 or visit www.sonivoxmi.com

About SONiVOX
SONiVOX ® provides a multi-tiered suite of premier sound products that give voice to consumers ranging from professional musicians to over 100 million cellular users worldwide.

For years, SONiVOX ®, formerly Sonic Implants, has provided leading musicians and composers in the film and television industries with the tools needed to create world-class audio content for chart-topping movie, music and television projects.

Whether it’s high-end sound libraries & virtual instruments for leading Hollywood film composers, home-studio musicians, or millions of cell phone users, SONiVOX ® enjoys a worldwide reputation as a company producing "sound that rocks." For review copies and more information please contact SONiVOX at 617 718-0202 | info@sonivoxrocks.com. Follow SONiVOX ® on Twitter www.twitter.com/SONiVOX"