Regular Posting Commencing

We are through the first round of NAMM posts. I'll be putting up the non NAMM posts now. I added a NAMM link on the top right column. Click on it to get back to the NAMM posts throughout the day, and to see what people are saying in the comments. Only new NAMM items (pics, videos, etc) will go up. All NAMM related posts will have NAMM in the title and labels. As always if you see something interesting out there that I haven't posted yet, send it it. Synth content only of course.

NAMM: MOOG Etherwave® Plus

"Debuting at the NAMM Show - The World's Oldest Electronic Musical Instrument Is Now The World's Newest Controller

Control your gear with a wave of your hand!

The newest member of the Moog Etherwave Theremin family is also the newest member of our Controller family. The Etherwave Plus extends the Theremin’s gestural playing technique to the world of analog synthesis and beyond. Control synthesizers and effects while playing the Theremin or use as a stand-alone CV (Control Voltage) controller.

Already have our Standard Etherwave Theremin? Upgrades are available!

The Etherwave Plus has all the great features and tone of our standard Etherwave theremin.

The “Plus” makes it an ideal controller and performance instrument:

Pitch & Volume CV Outputs - control a different CV parameter with each hand

Gate Output - trigger envelopes and other events

Pitch Preview/Headphone Output - with volume control, lets you hear your note before the audience does.

Power LED - instant visual power status on dark stages

The CV outputs control signals are proportional to the pitch and volume of the Theremin’s audio signal. Connect to the pitch and volume CV inputs of a Little Phatty, Voyager or other analog synthesizer for a completely new way to play your synth. These CV signals are not limited to pitch and volume control. Route them to any CV destination and create a new world of expression. Control anything from the cutoff frequency of a Moog Ladder Filter or the LFO Amount on a Moogerfooger Ring Modulator to the stereo panning on a Minimoog Voyager."

http://www.moogmusic.com/theremin/?section=product&product_id=21301

NAMM: METASONIX - KEYBOARD CONTROLLER

"A special keyboard for special musicians.

The Metasonix WHKB is a Wicki-Hayden keyboard intended for use with the Doepfer (tm) CTM-64 MIDI keyboard interface. It is a partial DIY kit, requiring some skill in assembly; an enclosure is at the discretion of the user.

Because MIDI controllers that do not have the commonplace piano-keyboard design are very rare, Metasonix decided to offer this keyboard to the synthesizer community. The Wicki-Hayden layout, or variations of it, have been used on accordions and concertinas for more than 100 years. Those who learn it have often said it is far easier to play than the piano black-white key arrangement, involving far smaller stretches and less finger motion. It is especially suitable for beginning electronic musicians. Three octaves of control range are provided.

Row layout for each octave is:
F# G# A# C D E A# G# F#
C# D# F G A B C# D#

It is possible to rewire the keys for a different layout, by cutting one trace per key and soldering jumpers to connect that key to a different circuit. The keys are 160-gram tact switches with removable/ exchangeable keycaps of various colors. Connectors on the WHKB plug directly into the CTM64 I/O sockets and plug. A small joystick at lower left can be connected to control any two of the CTM64's four analog potentiometer inputs (#1 being for pitch bend and #2 being for modulation MIDI outputs). The CTM64 interface is sold separately.

The WHKB is exclusively available from Analogue Haven (www.analoguehaven.com).
USA retail price $299 finished keyboard assembly, $90 bare board.
Note: this is a DIY partial kit, requiring some skill to assemble and use."
http://www.metasonix.com

NAMM: METASONIX - THE EURORACK SERIES

"Tube your modular synthesizer.

The Metasonix R-series of vacuum-tube modules is intended for use in any "Eurorack" standard modular synthesizer system. All R-series modules are 22HP (112mm) wide and fit in any Doepfer(tm), Analogue Systems(tm), or other compatible cabinet. They are powered entirely from the cabinet's internal +-12v dc power supplies, using Doepfer compatible 16-pin power connectors. Their circuits protrude behind the panel less than 25mm (1 inch). All vacuum tubes are NOS (new old stock) types from classic American and European manufacturers that are run very conservatively for long life, and are readily available from distributors. The tubes protrude from the panel for visibility and cooling, less than 38mm (1.5 inches), and should fit inside a Doepfer A-100 suitcase cabinet lid or into a Doepfer mini case. All audio inputs and outputs and CV inputs/outputs are 100% compatible with other synthesizer modules. Plate voltage is provided by a tiny switching supply producing clean 48v regulated at low current, which is very safe and will not injure the user. Potentiometers are top-quality Alpha RK12L types, and 3.5mm phone jacks are special Kobiconn vertical-mount types, much better quality than the cheap ones usually seen in Euro modules. Each R-module is fully protected against reverse supply voltage, overvoltage, undervoltage, or incorrect hookup to external equipment. As with all our products, the R series is totally handcrafted in Northern California, USA.

There is no longer any excuse to keep vacuum tubes out of your synthesis arsenal!

R-51
Vacuum-Tube Voltage-Controllable Distortion/VCA
The R-51 is unique and never before available in any form. It uses two remote-cutoff pentodes, type 26A6. Two CV inputs are available for controlling circuit distortion from less than 2% up to more than 40% (varies with individual tubes). Two CV inputs also allow use of the R-51 as a conventional synthesizer VCA, with gain variable from less than -75dB to +5dB (typical). Both distortion and VCA features can be used
simultaneously. This allows true vacuum-tube asymmetrical soft clipping to be applied to any waveform. With suitable CV processing, the R-51 can be configured as a true "variable mu" limiter or expander. Power requirement: +-12v dc, 150 mA.

R-52 (avail June 2009)
Vacuum-Tube Voltage-Controllable Multimode Filter
The R-52 uses two pentodes, type 12AU6. The circuit is derived directly from our award-winning TM-2 filter, but with all the features of our TM-6 filter. A pair of bandpass filters is swept with a Vactrol(tm) control element, a resonant treble filter and a less-resonant bass filter, giving a 4-pole lowpass response. Filter sweep range (approx): bass-only 80-200 Hz, bandpass/lowpass LOW setting 300-1000 Hz, HIGH setting 800-1900 Hz. Filter peaking from Q less than 1 to oscillation. Voltage gain approx. 2 with RESONANCE set to 10 o'clock position and INPUT LEVEL set to maximum. Both filters, or one at a time, may be selected and mixed in desired amounts using the front-panel RESPONSE control. This allows for a wide range of equalization and special sound effects. CV inputs are available for sweeping the cutoff frequency and for affecting the treble filter's resonance. Circuit distortion is less than 0.5% typical. Power requirement: +-12v dc, 150 mA.

R-53 (avail June 2009)
Vacuum-Tube Waveshaper and Ring Modulator
The R-53 is directly derived from our legendary TM-1 device. It uses a 12AF6/BD6 remote-cutoff pentode and a 12AV7 dual triode. Waveshaping is provided by a vacuum-tube "pulser" circuit that spits irregular pulses onto the input waveform. They synchronize erratically with the input pitch (if a waveform with sharp transitions is used). Combined with true vacuum-tube circuit distortion, this can provide a vast range of complex, aggressive distortion effects, utterly unique in
the world. A basic ring-modulation function is also available in the unit--applying a carrier pitch from an external oscillator to the screen grid of the pentode, this allows making inharmonic sum-and-difference pitch sound effects, with a unique vacuum tube pentode sound. Power requirement: +-12v dc, 200 mA.

See them at Winter NAMM, booth 6735 (Big City Music)."
http://www.metasonix.com

NAMM: PRESENTING THE METASONIX KV-100

"LET IT BLAST YOUR RECTUM CLEAN.

The Metasonix KV-100 is not called the "Assblaster" for nothing. We've
taken all of our knowledge of extreme vacuum-tube audio processing and
combined it into a single convenient, easy-to-use package.

Complete with disgusting and juvenile cartoon art by Dave Lovelace, of
Retarded Animal Babies fame.

The KV-100 contains the following:

--the basic preamp stage of our TM-7 Scrotum Smasher, driving:
--the waveshaping (pulser) and ring modulation functions of our TM-1,
minus the ring-modulator carrier oscillator, which then drives;
--a VCO derived from our TM-3 (it is NOT intended for use as a
synthesizer pitch source, only as a special effect for signal
degradation), leading to;
--an all-new wide-sweeping bandpass filter,
with envelope filter function;
--plus it has an envelope follower, which also makes a gate signal;
--and a noise gate on the output, which is always active and
is driven by said gate signal.

Plus relay-based true bypass for the main circuit, plus relay controlled
activation of the VCO and pulser. Controllable with manual switches or
optional external footswitches.

Only 8 knobs allow for vast ranges of distortion and effects, from
subtle to flaming-enema. It's for those filthy, nutsack-sucking
guitarists. Because they deserve, and love, flaming enemas.
Feel free to gnaw the crust off my taint, Tiny Worm Guitar Dude.

Specifications:
Audio input accepts unbalanced guitar, microphone or line signals.
Output 600 ohms unbalanced. 1/4" jacks for all I/O.
Extra inputs: carrier audio input for ring modulator, CV inputs for VCO
pitch and filter sweep.
Extra outputs: envelope CV out, VCO waveform out, pulser waveform out.
Frequency response: yes. Distortion: yee-haw. Filter sweep range: <100hz>12 kHz.
Enclosed in rugged, moisture-resistant ABS utility box with hinged lid,
carrying handle and latch.
Size with lid closed 12.25"x7.4"x6.5" (314mmx186mmx168mm), weight (minus
AC adapter) approx 2 lbs (1.4 kg).
Power: 12 volts AC, 50/60 Hz, 1.5 amps. Uses Jameco 167151 AC adapter
for power in 120v countries. Power inlet: 2.1mm coaxial jack.

USA retail price $995.

The KV100, plus more new Metasonix products, will be visible at
the 2009 Winter NAMM (opening today), booth 6735 (Big City Music)."
http://www.metasonix.com

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