spectre (live)

YouTube via modulogeek
"Live version of my submitted track for the Monome Community Remix Project v2. Also features the sexy monome 64 grayscale edition which I am very excited about!

Did many takes before arriving with a satisfactory version... even then I didn't know how to properly end the damn thing!

As usual, played using MLRV rewired to Ableton Live 8. Effects triggered via Akai LPD8 (off-camera).

An mp3 of the "studio version" of this tune can be found here:
http://soundcloud.com/modulogeek/spectre"

the beginning of a beautiful friendship (monome pages jam)

"New tune (November 01, 2009) and first time jammed with my recently acquired monome 40h (see http://monome.org/series ). This live jam uses Ableton Live and the monome pages patch.

All loops and samples created and recorded into Ableton Live.

This tune can be played and downloaded from my soundcloud page:

http://soundcloud.com/modulogeek/"

Evolver Drums Kit for Radikal Technologies Spectralis

via Complexsystems on the Radikal Technologies forum

NAMM: KORG KAOSSILATOR PRO

"KORG KAOSSILATOR PRO

Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer/Loop Recorder

Announcing the KAOSSILATOR PRO – a supercharged version of the palm-sized KAOSSILATOR, reborn as a powerful track-making tool and loaded with live performance power.

As a trailblazer among the "instrumental gadgets" that allowed anyone to easily create melodies and phrases, the KAOSSILATOR gained a strong and dedicated user base, even among those without any performing experience. Today, the KAOSSILATOR continues to be enormously popular. Retaining these revolutionary features – while adding a wide variety of new ones as well – is the new KAOSSILATOR PRO. With 200 sound programs, a new Electribe-inspired gate arpeggiator, and four loop recording banks that can even record external audio sources, the KAOSSILATOR PRO is packed with features that make it ideal for both live performance and premium productions. In addition, USB connectivity with your computer and SD card memory storage allow the KAOSSILATOR PRO to be used not just for improvised performances, but also as a superbly intuitive, track-making music production tool.

Main features
* KAOSS X-Y touchpad offers intuitive, realtime control
* 200 sounds covering modern synth sounds such as lead and bass, and diverse acoustic sounds from piano to trumpet and beyond
* PCM samples provide dramatic drum kits and ready to rock percussion patterns
* Vocoder programs deliver scintillating vocal effects
* Access up to eight of your favorite sounds instantly using the assignable Program Memory buttons
* Loop Recording can layer both internal Program sounds and external audio overdubs
* Four Loop Record Banks each allow up to four measures of loop recording, with easy muting that allows expressive realtime layering and DJ-Style re-mixing – ideal for live performance.
* Gate Arpeggiator repeatedly triggers sounds in sync with the tempo. The slider controls either the gate time or gate speed.
* Choose a key and select one of 31 musical scales to easily create musical phrases. Limit the X-Y pad's note range for even more control
* Loop data, user settings and Program Memories can be stored on SD card
* Dedicated software lets you manage loop data, MIDI assignments, and user settings from your computer
* Performs double-duty as a MIDI controller for external equipment or software applications

CLICK FOR MORE »

NAMM: Keyboard Magazine Flickr Shots

flickr set by keyboardmag
(click for more)

Pitcured here:
New Moog Taurus Pedals
Infinite Response VAX77 Red and Yellow folded
"Ernie Rideout and Stephen Fortner pal around with Alicia Keys at a Yamaha event."

Also see http://keyboardmag.com/

NAMM: Virus TI OS 4

Full details and samples now up on the Access site.

Press release previously posted here.

NAMM: History of Moog at NAMM 2010

YouTube via nsputnik
"Here is a display at NAMM 2010 with various historical documents and hardware relating to Moog. Music: "Minimoog's Heart" by LoCut. http://www.jamendo.com/en/a..."

NAMM: Update to Yamaha Tenori-On Firmware

Not sure if this one actually is NAMM, but I haven't posted the details so here they are. Previous post mentioning an update was coming posted back on Nov 5 here.

"Content of Update
1 - Tighter operation
Through internal software refinements the Yamaha engineers have successfully improved the overall processing performance, giving the Tenori-On player the experience of a ‘tighter’ and more instantaneous real-time performance instrument.
2 - Improved MIDI sync
A high percentage of Tenori-On owners use their instrument in conjunction with a computer-based DAW. This combination gives maximum sonic versatility. The new Version 2.0 firmware now responds to the F2 MIDI Song Position Pointer message allowing it to be seamlessly integrated into all popular DAW systems.
3 - Global Mute
Its now simple to Globally Mute the Tenori-On audio output for all tracks by using R4 and L1 top panel buttons. This allows performers, especially when using the Tenori-On with a DAW, to create dramatic mutes (and unmutes) via shortcut keys, without having to enter the deeper menu architecture of the Tenori-On.
4 - Reset Loop Timing
When changing loop speeds and accessing the unique Tenori-On layer loop points, its possible to have different tracks running out of sync with each other. This can create a unique musical feel however, at some musical moment, its good to be able to reset all loop points. In the original Tenori-On firmware this feature was buried deep within the menu structures however, with Version 2.0, this is now available from the top panel buttons. Simply by hitting the combination of L4 and R1 all tracks will reset to their original loop timing points.
5 - User Scale
A feature that has been highly requested by the Tenori-On enthusiasts is the ability to expand and edit the instruments global note scaling. Rather than being confined to a range of 16 consecutive notes per layer, its now possible to create a global ‘User Scale’ allowing different notes from different octaves to be accessed and sequenced within one single layer. This new function will open up many new musical dimensions for the Tenori-On player as any note can now be assigned to a layer.
6 - Swing
With a new ‘Swing’ function implemented in Version 2.0 its now possible to give the entire instrument a new level of musical ‘feel’. With a -23/+23 swing parameter its also possible to fine tune this ‘feel’ using the jog wheel in real-time. The new Swing feature is especially creative when Slaved to an external DAW as it allows the Tenori-On to swing while the DAW remains rigid."

NAMM: New Dave Smith Instruments Mopho Keyboard

Looks like Russ got it right in the comments of this post. Image is sure to come. If you have one, send it in. Nothing on the Dave Smith Instruments site yet.

Update: image via Keyboard Magazine's flickr set

via jabrockson in the comments.

http://keyboardmag.com/

Update: another image below. This one via Peff's Photos on FB.

Update more pics via Synchro1

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."