Berlin, March 18, 2025 – Native Instruments today announced the release of Maschine 3.1, a free update to the latest software version of the iconic groove-box platform for beat-making and sampling. Maschine 3.1 delivers the highly anticipated and community requested user chords feature, alongside fullscreen mode in the standalone app.
Custom User Chords
Maschine 3.1 introduces user chords, enabling users to create, save, and share their own banks of chord progressions. Custom chords make it easy to explore new harmonic structures and design progressions tailored to different genres.
Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.
VEMIA is Peter Forrest's auction house. He is the author of The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizer Books.
Yamaha TX-816 FM Rack Synthesizer (8 DX-7s in a rack) with Beetle PR-7 Programmer The Yamaha TX816 is a monster of DX and FM digital synthesis. It is a unique system in that it is a rack unit that could take up to eight TF1 modules. A TF1 module is basically a DX7 condensed down to a single circuit board with almost no front panel controls. Definitely designed for use with external hardware and software controllers, the TX816 allows you to easily carry around up to eight DX7s! Software such as MOTU Unisyn, Emagic SounDiver, or even another DX7 can be used to program the sounds in each module via MIDI. This unit contains eight TF1 modules. A TF1 module is basically a DX7 condensed down to a single circuit board. Each TF1 module consists of a 16-voice, 6-operator digital FM synth engine. So this complete TX816 with all eight TF1 modules offers up to 128 voices and 48 operators! Each TF1 also features an independent audio out (XLR) and MIDI I/O for a total of eight audio outputs and MIDI I/O's. It also has one global MIDI in/out port with 8-part multitimbrality, but no common stereo or mix output. The TX816 is fully compatible with all other DX synthesizers including Native Instruments FM7 software-based plug-in. You can use the TX816 like it's eight seperate DX7s or mix and pan each module together to layer your sounds into one monstrous DX powerhouse!
"I spent a part of the day rearranging my room... as I often do when I have the time. And when I was rearranging I realized just how little sense anything would make. I finally just set it up to explore 'How does the Spectralis fare compared to the Cirklon with sequencing.' And - well, I still think I prefer the Spectralis. I just write stuff faster. That doesn't mean this track sounds better than my last one (Crashing down) [posted here], but it was just a little more organic for me to write and quicker. It's hard to explain, although I suppose it's easy to explain when I think about the 14 years I've spent with the Spectralis. Of course, it's not perfect, it doesn't easily assign MSB/LSB for program changes (you can use cc's but it's a little awkward) and it can't do polyphonic step sequencing (which is actually awkward to do on the Cirklon).
Anyway - here it is. And listening a day after writing it, it’s too repetitive. I don’t like it. But I’ll share it anyway.
Spectralis 2: Sequencing and piano
Minimoog: Bass
Sequential Prophet 10: lead
DSI Prophet 12: Bells
Clavia Nord Drum 2: Drums
Native Instruments Raum: reverb"
"I was considering selling the Minimoog. Kept talking to friends about how I just didn't like it. I don't know why, I guess maybe it was like with the Prophet 10, where it's just a lot of money and it doesn't really seem to do anything that much better than what I already have. One of my friends said 'Well, have you tried sequencing it?' And no... I hadn't. I got the Minimoog when one of my cats died, then I rehomed my dog, and then my mom died. The whole next year (2024) I spent scanning photos in of my parent's. Only now have I started to get back into things. Well, I decided to try it out and wow, I really enjoyed it - the Minimoog sounds pretty amazing. So this is my first track with it sequenced.
I'm also working on trying to get more proficient with the Cirklon, and I've gotten a little hold on using it.
Spitfire Audio crafts carefully curated collection of evocative ensemble patches from acclaimed ALBION range as THE ALBIONS ORCHESTRAL SELECTS
LONDON, UK: leading sounds and sample libraries creator Spitfire Audio is proud to announce availability of THE ALBIONS ORCHESTRAL SELECTS — shipping as a carefully curated collection of the most inspiring and evocative ensemble patches brought together from across its acclaimed ALBION range to offer a rich tapestry of hand-picked orchestral sounds that let the individual character of the orchestra shine, supplying composers with a wide range of expressive possibilities to bring any cinematic moment to life — as of March 6…
It is fair to say that THE ALBIONS ORCHESTRAL SELECTS is testament to the power, versatility, and, indeed, longevity of the ALBION range — after all, the original ALBION, which was effectively re-released by popular demand as ALBION LEGACY in 2023, kick-started a whole range of all-in- one composer tools for cinematic inspiration, its collection of orchestral ensembles featuring strings, brass, woodwind, and percussion, as well as loops, synths, and atmospheres, all creatively captured in the beautiful resonance of the hallowed (Lyndhurst) Hall at London’s legendary AIR Studios way back in 2011.
The exceptional collection that is THE ALBIONS ORCHESTRAL SELECTS duly draws from six distinct ALBION libraries — namely, ALBION COLOSSUS, a gargantuan, all-in-one toolkit that pushes contrast, dynamism and intensity to eleven, elevating scores to breathtaking new heights in a new blockbuster era; ALBION NEO, a modern cinematic collection centred around a chamber-sized orchestra with a super-intimate string section split by divisi across all articulations to offer anyone access to the incredible definition and expression of classic and progressive techniques, accompanied by an encyclopaedic range of progressive synths, loops, and textures; ALBION TUNDRA, taking a 100-piece orchestra playing never-before-sampled techniques at the very edge of silence to capture a characteristically Scandinavian sound; ALBION ONE, a renowned, industry-standard orchestral sample library that provides everything needed to make film music, comprising a 109-piece orchestra accompanied by a thunderous cinematic percussion section, plus warp-able loops designed by award-winning engineers and an enormous steam synthesiser; ALBION ICENI, an award- winning package boasting epic low-end brass and electrifying woodwinds, harmonised with a string ensemble encompassing an extensive range of cellos and basses alongside an extraordinary collection of thick, deep synth sounds and loops as an apocalyptic low-end orchestra; ALBION LOEGRIA, an expertly sampled chamber-sized orchestra, featuring strings, woods, brass, and cinematic drums alongside eclectic loops and an inspiring organic synth as the perfect starting point for independent films, period dramas, or more cerebral and intimate music; and last, but by no means least, the aforesaid ALBION LEGACY — as a carefully curated selection of sounds designed to blend seamlessly into any scoring project.
Painting vivid sonic landscapes to bring musical visions to life is even easier using THE ALBIONS ORCHESTRAL SELECTS’ inspiring and evocative ensemble patches... think Epic Strings, selections played by larger string ensembles including the full dynamic range of ALBION ONE’s strings and the soaring highs and powerful lows of ALBION ICENI and ALBION TUNDRA that range from delicate textures to thunderous power, providing everything needed to create truly unforgettable string passages; Intimate Strings, showcasing the nuanced detail of ALBION NEO and the emotive beauty of ALBION LOEGRIA, capturing intimacy with exceptional clarity and expression; Epic Brass, bringing together the enormous cinematic brass patches from ALBION ONE’s full brass range, the majesty of ALBION TUNDRA, and the colossal low-end of ALBION ICENI to provide the tools needed to create brass arrangements that resonate with power and emotion; Intimate Brass, a more intimate and nuanced approach to brass scoring, achieved through the focused intensity of ALBION NEO’s brass, with long and short staccatissimo articulations; Epic Woodwinds, harnessing the soaring melodies of ALBION ONE’s woodwinds, the haunting textures of ALBION TUNDRA, and the rich depths of ALBION ICENI to provide a wide range of woodwind colours and textures; Intimate Woodwinds, providing the warmth, intimacy, and nuance needed for delicate woodwind passages, courtesy of ALBION NEO; and Albion Percussion, unleashing the thunderous power of the DARWIN percussion ensemble from ALBION TUNDRA, the cinematic impact of ALBION ONE’s XXL percussion, ALBION LEGACY’s CYMBALS, and the nuanced detail of ALBION LOEGRIA’s FINE DRUMS LOOSE and FINE DRUMS TIGHT as a diverse collection providing a rhythmic foundation for any scoring project.
Paul Thomson — company co-founder, and an accomplished composer in his own right — remains enamoured with Spitfire Audio’s acclaimed ALBION range, resulting in THE ALBIONS ORCHESTRAL SELECTS, stating: “There are so many sounds in these collections that are instant cue-starters, giving you a film score sound for any genre right out of the box; for this selection, I’ve pulled out my favourite patches from the orchestral sections recorded in Lyndhurst Hall at AIR Studios, locking together beautifully but allowing a huge range of expression and style, so this is the perfect introduction to the ALBION series — my source of instant inspiration!”
Presented in Native Instruments’ KONTAKT 7 virtual instrument platform, the NKS (NATIVE KONTROL STANDARD®)-ready/AAX-, AU-, VST2-, and VST3-compatible, 26.3 GB download-sized THE ALBIONS ORCHESTRAL SELECTS library is available for MacOS 11, 12, or 13 (latest update) and Windows 10 or 11 (latest Service Pack) at a 20%-discounted, time-limited promo price of £119.00 GBP (inc. VAT)/$159.00 USD/€143.00 EUR (inc. VAT) until March 13, 2025 — rising thereafter to its regular price of £149.00 GBP (inc. VAT)/$199.00 USD/€179.00 EUR — from here: https://www.spitfireaudio.com/the-albions-orchestral-selects (Crossgrade pricing is available to existing owners of any library from the ALBION range.)
Anyone who does not already own KONTAKT 7 is invited to download KONTAKT 7 PLAYER for free; though SPITFIRE SYMPHONIC EXTRAS will work with both KONTAKT 8 variations, it does not need either.
"'Berlin Legacy; – truly first of its kind soundset for ASM Hydrasynth!
We are thrilled to introduce 'Berlin Legacy' – a groundbreaking soundset for the ASM Hydrasynth, bringing the modern view of the iconic Berlin School sound to the Hydrasynth, blending futuristic and retro vibes into 40 exclusive presets! The Berlin School sound has always been about emotion, movement, and exploration. With the Hydrasynth’s unparalleled modulation capabilities, we’ve pushed these presets to new heights, offering you a soundset that’s both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
'Berlin School' is carefully crafted by Otto K. Schwarz, the well-known sound designer with over 12 years of experience, having worked officially with Access Music, Modal Instruments, Native Instruments, and others. His goal is to create sounds that inspire and push boundaries. And in this soundset you will find multi-layered sequences, pads, plucks and leads, that pulse, evolve, and transport you to another dimension. All the presets are modulation wheel-assinged, as well as up to 8 modulation knobs.
The soundset is the first of its kind: the only soundset to bring complex Berlin School-inspired step sequences to the Hydrasynth. Made with passion for fans of classical electonic music (Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze, Jean-Michel Jarre). This soundset is a love letter to the Berlin School – but with a modern twist. If you’ve ever dreamed of creating music that feels both nostalgic and futuristic, this is for you!
Specifications
♫ 40 exclusive presets are available: multi-layered sequences and arpeggios, pads, leads and plucks.
♫ All presets are royalty-free!
♫ Installation instructions are included (please check the official video instructions inserted into the product pack).
"Berlin Legacy: A Cosmic Journey Through Time! Step into the heart of the 1970s electronic revolution with Berlin Legacy—a meticulously crafted soundset for Synapse Audio Dune 3, designed to channel the hypnotic pulse and ethereal textures of the iconic Berlin School. This collection of 50 exclusive presets is a love letter to the pioneers like Klaus Schulze and Tangerine Dream, blending vintage analog warmth with cutting-edge digital precision. Whether you’re looking for pulsating sequences, soaring leads, or otherworldly pads, Berlin Legacy offers the tools to recreate the magic of retro-futurism—or forge entirely new cosmic pathways!
🎹 What’s Inside? 50 wonderful multi-layered royalty-free presets - carefully crafted by OttO K. Schwarz, an experienced sound designer worked with Access Music, Modal Electronics, Native Instruments, etc.: Sequences That Breathe: Driving arpeggios, hypnotic step patterns, and evolving sequencers that capture the soul of analog modular systems mixed with modern capabilities; Leads With Character: From warm and cosmic character to gritty, oscillator-driven solos—every sound tells a story; Pads With Warmth: Lush, cinematic textures designed to add depth and motion to your tracks; Plucks In Neon Color: 70s and 80s-style plucks and synths with a fresh view.
🎹 Why Berlin Legacy? Instant Inspiration: Ready-to-use sequences and presets for film scoring, ambient productions, or Berlin School revival projects; Authentic Retro-Futurism: Every preset is dialed in to mirror the raw, organic imperfections of vintage gear, while leveraging Dune 3’s modern power; Flexible Modulation: Velocity, Modwheel and Expression are assigned in each preset! So you can morph sounds on the fly; Cosmic Versatility: Perfect for sci-fi atmospheres, meditative journeys, or rhythmic electronica.
🎹 For Whom? The soundset is perfect for producers craving the timeless vibe of 70s/80s electronica; sound designers seeking ready-made textures with a retro soul; or nostalgic explorers who want to lose themselves in swirling analog galaxies! Unleash the Legacy—where the past and future collide in a symphony of light and shadow. Berlin Legacy isn’t just a soundset—it’s a time machine both into past and the future!
"Meet Lotus, the latest installment in the Scene series – a collection of lightweight, cinematic tools crafted for media composers. Featuring over 100 expressive presets and premium sound sources, Lotus blends lush synth pads, orchestral textures, and traditional Japanese instruments to create evocative soundscapes. From delicate koto plucks to deep, atmospheric drones, it’s designed for effortless sonic storytelling."
Press release follows:
Berlin, February 20, 2024 – Native Instruments today announced Scene: Lotus, a compact and inspiring cinematic instrument. From the breathy shakuhachi and hichiriki to the delicate plucks of the koto, this hybrid scoring palette brings to life timeless instruments from Japan, blending them with orchestral swells and radiant synths. The central XY pad morphs between textures and effects for evolving soundscapes that transition from serene to intense.
With Scene: Lotus, each voice tells a story. Quickly translate from sound to emotion and streamline your scoring process.
Key Features
Hybrid Sound Design — Explore the captivating fusion of authentic Japanese instruments, rich synth pads, and orchestral textures.
Streamlined Interface — Seamlessly blend 16 hybrid sound layers, effects, and controls using the XY pad.
Tuning modes — Stay perfectly in key with an extensive selection of scales and modes.
Versatile palette — Perfect ambiences for film scoring, game soundtracks, or music production.
Designed with media composers in mind, the Scene series offers premium cinematic sounds in a simple and easy-to-use interface. Centered around an XY pad, each instrument comes loaded with carefully-designed presets and streamlined controls, enabling you to quickly blend, layer, and shape the perfect sound for on-screen moments.
Learn more
Get all the details at www.native-instruments.com
Pricing and availability
Scene: Lotus is available for $29 / €29."
Experience discoDSP Bliss, the ultimate sampler. Record VST and AU instruments as SFZ files without quality loss. Customize your sound with a scalable GUI, wave editor, 7 effects, and versatile modulation. Enjoy up to 64 voices, 4X oversampling, and full MIDI control. Bliss offers exceptional playback and creative possibilities for any production. Elevate your music with the powerful and intuitive Bliss sampler.
Native Apple Silicon compatibility (M1 or higher). 64-bit AAX / VST / VST3 / Audio Units / Standalone compatibility. 32-bit Windows Standalone for legacy plugin sampling. The integrated VST / VST3 / AU host features a sampling functionality to record from your preferred virtual instrument.1 Built-in wave editor. Scalable and themeable GUI. Morphable scheme / automatable zone parameters. 128 Programs with unlimited zones. 32-bit floating point based wavetables. Full MIDI Input triggering control. 1 Virtual instrument sampling does not encompass all third-party plugins, as some may include offline sampling protection, custom preset management, or other features that could affect compatibility with the Bliss host. It is recommended to test the trial version first to ensure compatibility. The trial version allows exporting SFZ files in 16-bit WAV format, while the registered version supports saving and sampling instruments in 24-bit.
"Melbourne Instruments Roto-Control video manual and guide for firmware version 1.1.0. This video will guide you through the basic operation of Roto-Control's main modes and the Roto-Setup App."
00:00 Getting Started
01:47 MIX Mode
04:56 Track Focus
05:35 Transport Controls
05:55 PLUGIN Mode
06:24 Devices (native Ableton plugins)
09:37 Third-party plugin workflow
12:03 Navigating plugins on Roto-Control
12:55 LOCK a plugin on Roto-Control
13:55 Working with automation - take over and re-arming
15:51 Working with macros and instrument/effect racks
19:27 MIDI Mode
22:45 Motion Recorder
25:39 Roto-Setup App"
The legendary German synthesizer brand PPG is making a comeback, thanks to the collaboration between Cornel Hecht (Hell Modular) and the Liquid Sky Artistcollective (Liquid Sky d-vices).
The first release in this revival is the W2.2x4 Eurorack module, a 3U dual wavetable oscillator featuring all the original wavetables from the iconic PPG Wave 2.2. Each oscillator is equipped with a sub-bass generator, overdrive, and a built-in VCA, delivering the classic PPG sound in a modern modular format.
The PPG W2.2x4 can sound extremely true to the original or introduce new sonic nuances through its VCA/overdrive section.
It is suitable for all genres of electronic music, including Techno, Synth Pop, Ambient, Industrial, Noise, Berliner Schule, and more.
The W2.2x4 module will be available in two editions:
Limited Edition: Black front panel, strictly limited to 127 units. Shipping begins this month.
Standard Edition: Blue front panel, unlimited production. Shipping starts before Superbooth.
Additionally, the Liquid Sky D-Vices GLITHc ExpendR is compatible with the PPG W2.2x4, transforming it into an experimental mini glitch/noise/wavetable remix lab.
With its unique sonic character and heritage, the W2.2x4 brings the spirit of PPG into the contemporary Eurorack world. Be among the first to experience this modern classic!
"PPG® is a trademark of the Native Instruments Group, used under license."
"Spitfire Audio announces update to significant SPITFIRE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA release recorded at AIR, adding three stunning-sounding soloists
LONDON, UK: Spitfire Audio is proud to announce availability of an update to its significant SPITFIRE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA release — relatively recently relaunched with reviewed content and an updated UI (User Interface) in a single more user-friendly package that became last year’s bestseller as a set of flagship virtual instruments featuring full SYMPHONIC STRINGS, SYMPHONIC BRASS, and SYMPHONIC WOODWINDS sections (including solo instruments, plus harp, piano, and all core elements of percussion needed to complete the band), beautifully performed by top-tier musicians who have featured on some of the top film scores of the last decade, duly captured in Lyndhurst Hall’s hallowed acoustic at London’s legendary AIR Studios as some of the leading sounds and sample libraries creator’s best, most classic recordings, readily realised as a definitive selection of blockbuster sounds that have already made their musical mark in hundreds of AAA film, game, and TV score productions by the world’s top composers and music- makers — with the welcomed addition of SOLO STRINGS, featuring three stunning-sounding soloists, as of February 6…
A bold new unique instrument playground for composers, sound designers, and sonic adventurers Ocean Swift Synthesis proudly presents Dystopia Diary, a groundbreaking cinematic sound design tool for Kontakt 8 Player. Built for composers, producers, and sound designers working in film, games, ambient and techno music, this instrument redefines what a sample library can be—an immersive sound platform where tension, chaos, and atmosphere collide.
From the eerie crackle of shortwave transmissions to the roar of factories, military signals, and urban noise, Dystopia Diary delivers a dark, evolving sound palette designed to shape cinematic soundscapes with depth and emotion.
A Universe of Sound Awaits With over 1800 meticulously curated samples, Dystopia Diary delivers a vast sonic arsenal—ranging from industrial clatter and military transmissions to shortwave radio artifacts, environmental textures, and cinematic drones. Whether shaping evolving backdrops, layering raw machine noise, or harnessing surreal radio magic, this instrument offers the tools to craft immersive, otherworldly soundscapes.
A Fully Integrated Experience Unlike many sample libraries, Dystopia Diary’s samples are non-encoded, meaning they can be used freely both inside and outside Kontakt. The instrument is also fully NKS2 compatible, bringing seamless integration, visual feedback, and deep control for users of Kontrol Mk3 keyboards.
Sonic Manipulation at Its Finest With a powerful dual filter system, creative modulation, and an extensive effects section, users can shape, morph, and transform sounds with endless customization options, from subtle ambient washes to raw industrial textures.
Pricing & Availability Dystopia Diary is available now for €60 MSRP, with a special introductory price of €40 for a limited time. It is fully compatible with Kontakt 8 Player, ensuring accessibility for all users. Simply activate, download, and install via Native Access to explore this sonic dystopia.
About Ocean Swift Synthesis Ocean Swift Synthesis is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of sound design and synthesis, crafting innovative instruments and sample libraries that inspire musicians, composers, and sound designers worldwide. With a commitment to creative exploration, Ocean Swift continues to redefine the landscape of cinematic and electronic sound design."
"::| TO HEAR THE FULL RANGE OF FREQUENCIES AND STEREO EFFECTS, A GOOD PAIR OF HEADPHONES IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |::
This is my first test of the Native Instruments MPC Series Plugins and Expansion Packs for my AKAI MPC Live II Retro Edition. In this example, I am using the "Cloud Supply" plugin and the "Lone Forest" expansion pack and nothing else. If you are interested in downloading this song, you can find it on my jido-genshi Bandcamp page titled as "Lost Nostalgia" here -"
"Too many things to describe. Too many things pointing to a future of horrors.
Rhodes Electric Piano with Fractal Audio FM3 + looping
Moog Minimoog with Strymon El Cap
Native Instruments Raum for reverb
KDEnlive for video editing
Reaper DAW for audio editing
Moved over to Linux"
"Pequena amostra dos novos sons dos plugins Native Instruments para os MPCs da Akai e da nova interface arranger.
Toda a linha de MPCs da Akai, a partir do MPC One, recebeu a atualização de software MPC 3, trazendo nova interface e recursos. Na minha opinião, a atualização deixa melhor o que já era ótimo! Principalmente, por conta da nova compatibilidade com plugins da Native Instruments e da nova interface Arranger, que permite trabalhar com áudio e midi de forma linear, da maneira como fazemos nos DAWs."
Googlish:
"A small sample of the new sounds from Native Instruments plugins for Akai MPCs and the new arranger interface.
Akai's entire MPC line, starting with the MPC One, has received the MPC 3 software update, bringing a new interface and features. In my opinion, the update makes what was already great even better! Mainly because of the new compatibility with Native Instruments plugins and the new Arranger interface, which allows you to work with audio and MIDI in a linear way, the way we do in DAWs."
"At this year's NAMM, Native Instruments made waves with their collaboration with Akai*, creating a seamless way for you to access NI sounds on MPC devices. We caught up with *Simon from Native Instruments who detailed this initiative. This partnership debuted with the release of five Play Series instruments and five expansions compatible with MPC, making NI's renowned sounds more accessible. Simon further explained that the integration process is straightforward--you purchase Native Instruments content online and activate it with a serial number on the MPC.
Additionally, Simon introduced the Tools and Leap SDKs for *Kontakt 8*, allowing developers to build compositional assistance tools in the same way you would build instruments. The conversation also delved into the broader adoption of NKS integration, expanding to devices from Akai, M-Audio, Nektar, Novation, and Korg. By mapping MIDI CC parameters, existing hardware can now utilize the vast NKS ecosystem, with further integrations planned, paving the way for deeper collaboration in the future."
"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with Tim from NeKtar, who introduced us to the new Impact LXP+ MK3 series. Building on the success of its predecessor, the LXP+ MK3 boasts expanded Cubase integration while retaining all its original DAW capabilities. One of the standout additions is the scale and chord feature, allowing for more dynamic musical exploration.
Nectar has significantly improved user convenience with timeline control, making loop-based recording more intuitive. The introduction of a loop record button enables seamless looping and editing. The MK3 now features endless rotaries with high resolution, replacing the older pots, allowing for smoother controls. Additionally, the MK3 offers NKS compatibility through a partnership with Native Instruments, enabling integration with their complete control system.
The series is available in several key sizes, including a 25-key version. It's offered at competitive prices, notably $199 for the 49-key variant."
