NAMM 2023 - Audio Modeling - SWAM Instruments

video upload by sonicstate

"Audio Modeling, a company that specializes in physical modeling instruments, showcased their SWAM range of instruments at NAMM 2023. John Gilutin gave us a demonstration of a physically modelled flute and delved into what physical modeling is and how it differs from sampling. Physical modeling instruments use algorithms and mathematical snapshots, which are smaller and have faster load times than samples. He added that these instruments offer more expression.

The SWAM range of instruments works as audio units or VST plugins, and the host interface, Camelot, is another platform that Audio Modeling offers. Joh also showed us some different models of saxophones and violins using a pedal for expression, and the velocity was programmed for notes, which allowed him to get all sorts of movements that a regular violin player would have.

More information about the SWAM range of instruments and Camelot can be found on Audio Modeling's website.

SWAM Full Bundle Price: 750 USD / Euro

Individual instrument Price: 120 - 250 USD / Euro

https://audiomodeling.com/swam-engine/"

"SWAM (Synchronous Waves Acoustic Modeling) is a new-generation, sophisticated proprietary technology that enables musicians, performers, and composers to overcome the classic limitations of traditional samplers. Conceived by Stefano Lucato and developed in collaboration with Emanuele Parravicini, the SWAM engine combines concepts of Physical Modeling and Behavioral Modeling with the Multi-Vector/Phase-Synchronous Sample-Morphing technique.

Perfect for multi-vector expressive acoustic instruments such as woodwinds, brass and bowed strings, the SWAM engine is currently available in 3 different versions: SWAM-B, SWAM-W and SWAM-S for modeling Brass, Woodwinds, and Bowed Strings."

NAMM 2023 U-he Filterscape Bundle First Look

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2023, Sonic State caught up with Urs Heckmann, founder of U-he, to discuss the new FilterScape plugin. Although an older plugin, U-he has updated it to give it a whole new breath of life. FilterScape is a form band EQ with eight snapshots where each snapshot can have a different EQ setting, making it useful for different song sections. There are also modulations for the frequency, queue, and gain for each band separately and separately for each snapshot. The EQ section also has filters and parallel bandpass filters and can be dependent on the stereo field. The plugin has a mixer section with two mixers, allowing for different configurations, and modulation for envelope followers and filters. The plugin also includes step sequences, LFOs, and a delay that can sit in various parts of the mix.

FilterScape is part of a plugin bundle consisting of three plugins, which includes the U-he MFM2. Although the concept behind FilterScape is simple, the new design and layout make it more accessible and user-friendly. For more information on the FilterScape plugin and U-he's other products, visit their website."

Note Filterscape was mentioned back in 2013 here.

Filterscape sculpts your audio with style and ease. A tool for all occasions—transform and reconstruct audio into crazy soundscapes, or make surgical cuts to remove unwanted frequencies. Advanced options and high-quality results make Filterscape an adventurous choice for rhythmic filtering and audio processing.

Filterscape comes with two companion plug-ins: the FilterscapeVA synthesizer and the FilterscapeQ6 6-band dynamic EQ.

Modulation options for each EQ band
2 host-syncable LFOs with 8 waveforms
4 envelope followers
Scalable UI from 70% to 200%
Skinnable UI
Easy MIDI learn for remote control
Over 100 presets

NAMM 2023 - Sound Particles - Skydust 3D

video upload by sonicstate

"Sound Particles, a company that specializes in 3D sound and immersive audio, showcased its latest product at NAMM 2023. Nuno from Sound Particles introduced the 3D synthesizer Skydust 3D, which allows musicians to play notes and instantly hear them in a three-dimensional space. The synthesizer supports more than 30 output formats, including 7.1.4, and has eight oscillators, each with a position in space. Musicians can use envelope generators, LFOs, and sequencers to create 3D arpeggios and other spatial effects.

The synthesizer comes in two versions: a stereo version and the more advanced version called SkyDust 3D and can be purchased from SoundParticles' website or other plugin stores. The aim of the 3D synthesizer is to provide musicians with a tool that allows them to think about space and use it in the same way as they use melody, rhythm, and harmony.

Skydust Price: 149 USD
Skydust 3D Price: 299 USD

More info:
Sound Particles website: https://www.soundparticles.com/

Try Sound Particles for free: https://www.soundparticles.com/produc..."

Introducing SkyDust 3D - Spatial Synthesizer

video upload by Sound Particles

SkyDust 3D Overview

video upload by Sound Particles

"Here's the overview of our groundbreaking product SkyDust 3D - the first 3D Synth in the World. It's fantastic for stereo and exceptional in 3D, making it the ideal choice for music producers, composers, keyboardists, DJs, and all professionals working with music.

Try SkyDust 3D for free: https://www.soundparticles.com/produc..."

"SkyDust 3D is the first spatial synthesizer plugin in the world, which allows you to play a note and get instant 3D sound in any immersive format. It’s fantastic for stereo and exceptional in 3D."

"Sound Particles 2

Sound Particles is an immersive audio software capable of generating thousands (even millions) of sounds in a virtual 3D audio world. Creating highly complex sounds has never been this quick."

NAMM 2023 - Odisei Music - Travel Sax 2

video upload by sonicstate

"NAMM 2023 has brought us yet another innovative product from Odisei Music, the smallest and lightest electronic saxophone in the world, the Travel Sax. In an interview with Ramon, Sonic State got the chance to learn more about this portable tool designed for saxophone players. With the Travel Sax, saxophonists can practice silently by plugging their headphones into the mini jack input or play out loud using the small built-in speaker. This tool is ideal for practicing anywhere and everywhere, as it replicates all the keys and mouthpiece of a regular saxophone.

The Travel Sax comes with an app that allows users to switch between different instrument sounds, and it can be versatile MIDI controller as well sending MIDI volume and expression over a mini USB-C cable. The Trouble Sax is currently on sale at $600 or 650 euros, with an option to customize the key colors. Check out the Odisei Music website for more information.

Travel Sax Price: 650 USD / Euros

https://odiseimusic.com/"

Travel Sax 2

The smallest and lightest saxophone midi controller in the market. It will become the perfect companion when travelling, enabling you the possibility of practicing at anytime, anywhere.

Built-in synthesizer

Practice and play with 0 latency.

New stainless steel key mechanism

Mimicking the feeling of pressing real sax keys.

Plug & Play silently

Connect your headphones through the Aux-In input.

MIDI Controller

Use your Travel Sax 2 as a powerful MIDI controller and reach the next level of expression. Easily plug it into your computer and unleash your creativity by playing with any standard DAW.

NAMM 2023 - SOMA Laboratory - Terra

video upload by sonicstate

"Cari Flynn gave us a demonstration of the SOMA Terra, the highly expressive and lovely instrument that aims to cross the boundary between nature and technology. Behind the extremely simple interface is a complex polyphonic, microtonal synthesizer with a broad and flexible sound palette capable of beautiful tones, complex atonal noise, and everything in between.

Cari took us through some of the different banks and presets available, starting with the gentle and expressive preset in bank one sound one, and finishing by demonstrating the arpeggiator sounds in bank 4.

Available soon. Price: TBC"

NAMM 2023 - Modbap - Meridian Filter Array

video upload by sonicstate

"Corry from Modbap has unveiled their latest product, the Meridian. This 14HP filter module comes equipped with a dual multi-mode filter array, allowing users to adjust the filter and mode on either side of the stereo input. The module boasts four filter options: ladder, OTA, comb, formant with color-coded buttons allowing users to switch between them effortlessly. The Meridian also features a macro that controls the two separate cutoff types, allowing for individual control and simultaneous adjustments. In addition, the module has a drive circuit, a phase shifter, and ping capabilities, which can be adjusted with CV, LFOs, and envelopes.

The Meridian's white knobs are all modulatable, and users can choose between serial or parallel filter routing, as well as adjust the mix to create a stereo or dual mono filter effect, offering a wide range of possibilities for sound experimentation.

The Meridian is on sale for pre-order from Modbap for $449 and will start shipping next month.

https://www.modbap.com/"

NAMM 2023 - Playtime Engineering - Blipblox SK2

video upload by sonicstate

"Playtime Engineering's Troy spoke with Sonic State about their latest release, the Blipblox SK2. The SK2 is a synthesizer that features the same synthesis engine as the Blipblox after dark, including wave tables, resonant multi-mode filters, and sample drums. However, the SK2 has been designed to be more kid-friendly, with a new label design, label controls, and signal flow diagram.

Troy demonstrated the SK2's sound capabilities, showcasing built-in sequences and the MIDI input that allows users to play their own sequences. Playtime Engineering has already tested the SK2 with kids and received positive feedback, with parents reporting that their children continue to play with the Blipblox after years of use.

Blipblox SK2 Available now. Price: 199 USD"

NAMM 2023 - Studiologic - Numa X Piano & PSound - Gran Coda

video upload by sonicstate

"Paulo introduced us to Studiologic's Numa X Piano GT. The Numa X range comes in three versions: the 73 note, 88, and the flagship GT, with an easy to use interface and based on three concepts: colour, where the interface assumes the color of the selected zone, long press, where a musician can modify sound parameters or edit the split point, and navigation icons, which guide users through available pages.

The Max Piano GT is designed for stage or studio and is dedicated to acoustic and electric piano, employing physical modelling to give flexible control over sympathetic resonance, tone, damper noise and more. The FX section is an big part of the X-Piano, with up to two instant effects for each part and two master effects.

Studiologic Numa-X piano GT available now. Price: around £1,800

The lighter 88 and 73 key around £1,000 - £1,400"

NAMM 2023 - PSound - Gran Coda


"Paolo from PSound introduced us to Gran Coda, which is a recreation of the Fazioli Piano. The instrument was recorded inside the Fazioli Concerto Hall in collaboration with the Fazioli technicians to reproduce the real natural sound of the acoustic piano, and it's the only virtual instrument authorized by Fazioli.

Paola's new virtual instrument has three different sounds: the close mic position, the side position, and Binaural Recording. The Binaural Recording simulates the position of the pianist inside the Fazioli Concert Hall. The virtual instrument has up to 14 velocity layers and layers for staccato and resonance, and a total of 10 gigabytes of memory sounds. Paolo added controls, such as the release, the volume of the release of the sound, the pedal noise, and resonance, to reproduce the real natural sound of the acoustic piano.

Gran Coda: Available soon

Price: 200 USD / Euros

More info:

https://www.psound.it/"

NAMM 2023 - 4ms - Sampler - Looping Delay

video upload by sonicstate

"4MS showcases four new modules at NAMM 2023 and Dan gave us an overview of two of the new modules - the Sampler and the Looping Delay. Both modules can be purchased as DIY kits or fully assembled units. The Sampler allows users to play wave files from an SD card with simple controls for pitch, length, start position, and recording. It can also play super long samples up to several days long.

The Looping Delay sets the delay time by clock and has super low jitter clock so you can feed it out to other devices. Users can change the timing to all divisions or multiples of the clock and can make loops up to a minute and a half long at 48 kilohertz 24 bit. The Looping Delay also has a CV input and a feedback knob that can go up to 100%.

Available: Late June 2023

Sampler Price: 299 USD - Kit Price: 199 USD

Looping Delay Price: 275 USD - Kit Price: 175 USD"

Update:

NAMM 2023 - 4ms - Sampler - Looping Delay

video upload by sonicstate

"4MS showcases four new modules at NAMM 2023 and Dan gave us an overview of two of the new modules - the Sampler and the Looping Delay. Both modules can be purchased as DIY kits or fully assembled units. The Sampler allows users to play wave files from an SD card with simple controls for pitch, length, start position, and recording. It can also play super long samples up to several days long.

The Looping Delay sets the delay time by clock and has super low jitter clock so you can feed it out to other devices. Users can change the timing to all divisions or multiples of the clock and can make loops up to a minute and a half long at 48 kilohertz 24 bit. The Looping Delay also has a CV input and a feedback knob that can go up to 100%.

Available: Late June 2023"

NAMM 2023 - Embodme - Erae Touch MIDI Controller

video upload by sonicstate

"Edgar Hemery introduced us to Embodme's beautiful MIDI controller Erae Touch. These surfaces allow for flexible layouts which users can freely configure themselves. They feature about 1000 LEDs and force sensors, which make them sensitive to touch, including after touch, continuous gestures, and release velocity. They are also durable enough to be used with drumsticks.

These surfaces are connected via USB-C or MIDI 2.0 via mini-jack, and the configuration of the layouts is done through the Eerie Lab Editor, which allows users to drag and drop elements, change colors, and create custom objects. Up to 16 layouts can be saved and recalled for each channel.

Erae Touch MIDI Controller Price: around 850 USD / Euros

https://www.embodme.com/erae-touch"