HC News

Raw Cutz (www.rawcutz.com) is the fresh sample label from Erik Svahn and Matt Pelling, the guys behind Loopmasters and Equipped Music – it’s a fresh look at the world of sampling through the eyes of those that have been involved with the sampling industry since its inception in the early 1990s. Equipped Music and E-Lab has been around since the first wave of sample companies launched into the market in the early 1990s, and has always impressed producers with their creative flair and inspirational sounds – first releasing the X-Static Goldmine series, and then moving onto releasing timeless classics which included Smokers Delight, Premier Beats and Tokyo Soundscapes amongst many others. Loopmasters from its inception in 2002 has marched in sync with the sudden explosion of popularity of the computer-based DAWs like Cubase, Logic, Propellerheads Reason and Ableton Live. Loopmasters populated the market of pro-quality sound design and was among the first to release samples from renowned performers, producers and DJs such as Deadmau5, Coldcut, Full Cycle, Mad Professor, Santé, Marshall Jefferson, Audiojack and many dance music icons. For the past 10 years, Loopmasters have provided customers with the best cutting edge samples and music software that money can buy… and the beat goes on! Now the guys behind these 2 great companies have come together with a concept that takes sampling back to its roots and invites all the producers of the world to join them in this musical journey to the root of sampling. Focusing on smaller collections of sounds which are jam packed full of inspiration, the Raw Cutz ethos is “all killer, no filler” when it comes to their packs and producer pool, and the collections all work perfectly on their own or when used together. Rather than huge banks full of endless loops and alternatives, the Raw Cutz sample packs feature smaller banks of Fat Kicks, Crisp Snares and large amounts of one shot inspirational Music sounds which typically include live instrument samples (Rhodes, Guitar, Horns, Flutes), Slamming Stabs, Ethereal FX, Vocals and Warm and Funky Bass tones. Vintage Instruments and recording methods have been used to capture the real vibe from “back in the day”, including Akai MPC’s, EMU SP1200, Rhodes Pianos, Technics 1200 Turntables, Vintage Mics, and Analogue Recording Desks. Using time honored techniques and equipment with limited sampling times has meant that every sample has been cut and dusted to ensure maximum usability and relevance. Raw Cutz sells Hip Hop samples, but as most producers know – the heart of most dance music comes from Hip Hop – and Raw Sounds can easily be used to inspire a much wider range of music including House, Drum and Bass, Downtempo, and other forms of Electronica and Experimental music. Raw Cutz sample packs are available at www.rawcutz.com and www.loopmasters.com exclusively : you also get a free sample pack when you register at the Raw Cutz website, and earn golden floppies for free products when you spend at the official site directly.

LickLibrary co-founder, singer, songwriter and session guitarist, Stuart Bull has just recorded the Jam with Stuart Bull DVD (RRP £19.99). Whereas other DVDs teach how to play along to the music of favorite artists, this DVD is the closest you can get to jamming with another person it actually teaches you how to Jam. This guitar lesson DVD contains three top quality backing tracks; a fast tempo, rock track in D minor, a medium tempo blues track in F minor and a slow ballad track in E major. For each track Stuart performs three solos; one for beginners, one for intermediate guitar player and one for more advanced students. All of the solos are fully transcribed and are available in pdf. form along with the tutorial. Guitar students can approach this tutorial in one of two ways, either jamming with the tracks, flying solo, experimenting with different concepts and licks or alternatively they can trade solos with Stuart drawing inspiration from the ideas and techniques that Stuart uses. For each track, Stuart plays the solo and then the student can join in following the on screen graphics with chords and scales. The aim is for guitar players of any level to learn and understand how to take licks and riffs and put what they have learnt into a musical situation. Designed to be a musical experience this guitar video teaches many techniques such as phrasing and bending, but the overriding skill to be learnt is how to jam in an exciting interaction with Stuart Bull. Stuart has taught tens of thousands of guitarists to play, so whether you want to learn shredding, soulful ballads or blues, you will find this guitar lesson both fun and inspiring. To find out more go to www.LickLibrary.com where you will also find other Stuart Bull guitar lessons. You can also check out his new Christmas single at .

Oxnard, CA – Lehle, known for its high quality professional signal processing technology, has released its latest signal buffer/booster and musicians are going to be well pleased! The brand new Lehle Julian is an advanced Lehle Sunday Driver SW with parametric mids and treble. It is a versatile booster with +/-15dB gain. The controls “Gain” “Freq” “Boost” & “Treble” allow settings which reproduce familiar sounds of established treble boosters. Fans of well known vintage treble boosters such as Dallas Rangemaster, and John Hornby Skews Treble Booster will love the sound of the Julian. The Lehle Julian features a switch that reduces the impedance from 1 MOhm to 10 kOhm. All settings from “muffled” to “edgy” are tonally excellent, there is no dull or piercing sound. The overdrive grade of the connected amp can be fine-tuned with the gain pot ranging from super clean to distorted. The Lehle Julian always delivers a clean output thanks to its JFET input stage. Its personal dynamic derives from the fact that the incoming current is rectified, stabilized and doubled to 18V right after the power socket. In OFF status, the Lehle Julian provides two different modes : TB (= True Bypass) or TS (= True Sound with active buffer) . The Bypass mode option enables the Lehle Julian to integrate ideally into any set-up, whether as a battery-operated stand-alone unit, or in an existing pedal board, either with vintage or modern equipment. Dana Teague of Dana B. Goods, says “The Lehle Julian is great with vintage pedals – it ensures they sound natural. At the same time, it may be the ultimate buffer/clean boost solution for any set up.” The Lehle Julian will be available in November 2013. List price USA: $369.- More info: http://lehle.com/EN/Lehle-Julian Distributor USA http://www.danabgoods.com

Scymtek Cymbals now offers three new splash cymbals within their Vented Series. Brian Spaun, President & CEO of both Scymtek and Spaun Drums has this to say about their newest B20 bronze beauties – “Given the popularity of our full sized Vented crash cymbals and the numerous requests to expand on that line, it seemed natural to bring out a selection of splash cymbals first. The airy and slightly trashy sound of these splashes makes a great addition to any setup.” The size of the vent holes are proportioned to each cymbal to create the best combination of both “splash and trash.” The 8” splash features six 1” vent holes, the 10” splash features six 1.25” vent holes, and the 12” splash features six 1.5” vent holes. Video demo- For more information please visit- www.scymtek.com

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA, October 3, 2013 — Guitar Center Professional (GC Pro), the outside sales division of Guitar Center that focuses on the needs of professional users, announces that, as part of its ongoing growth and expansion, it is now an authorized dealer of products from Martin® Professional, a premium lighting manufacturer headquartered in Denmark and recently acquired by HARMAN International. Rick Plushner, GC Pro Vice President, stated, “As we continue to expand into the commercial installation market sector, Martin Lighting is an important brand that helps us provide our customers and affiliate members with comprehensive solutions for their projects. Martin holds either the #1 or #2 market share in almost every product line position they participate in. They are truly a world-class leader in the touring, house-of-worship, cruise ship, night club, live events and television vertical markets. And now, through the strong partnership that Guitar Center has with HARMAN, we’re excited to announce that GC Pro is now an authorized Martin Professional dealer. We have been training our personnel on this product line so they can offer the same expertise here to our clients they bring with all the other brands we represent.” For more information, please visit www.gcpro.com.

'Future Pop Vol 5' is the fifth volume in this best-selling series of slick & professional Construction Kits created and produced exclusively for Producer Loops by Simon Rudd of "The Fliptones". Guaranteed to fuel your next dancefloor hit and packed full of expertly mixed loops and the usual feature set you've come to expect from Producer Loops, this is an unmissable product and includes some pop guitar riffs performed and recorded in LA. Within each of the five Construction Kits you'll find deep basslines, pounding drums and breathtaking sidechained pads all topped off with scatterings of dizzying FX, euphoric keys, sensational guitars and powerful leads. 'Future Pop Vol 5' combines all of this with accessible radio & dancefloor-ready progressions designed to inspire and fuel your creativity. As with most Producer Loops products, this pack also includes a number of features designed for professional producers. Read on to find out more. Dry Loops: All of the loops in 'Future Pop Vol 5' have been skillfully processed and effected, but for the more demanding producer dry versions have also been included allowing you to create your own FX mix and apply your favourite reverbs, delays and more. FX Tails: These files allow you to end a musical phrase with the natural decay of the FX applied to it meaning you don't have to abruptly end loops, use fadeouts, or consume DSP processing the dry takes. MIDI Files: For those that really like to get under the hood, MIDI files have been included for all melodic phrases allowing you to play them back through your favourite synth, or create new variations to further expand your arrangement. One-Shots: These non-looping percussive samples are ready to load into your favourite sampler or hardware device allowing you to program your own beats, loops and fills using the same sound set as found in the kits themselves. ACID/WAV & Apple Loops Support: All melodic and percussive loops have been tempo and key tagged meaning that they will conform to the speed and pitch of your project in just about any major DAW, including ACID, Apple Loops, Cubase, Garage Band, Logic and more. Technical Specifications: • 24-Bit/44.1kHz Audio • 5 Distinct Construction Kits • 400 MB of uncompressed content • One-Shot, FX Tail, Dry loops • MIDI included • ACID WAV, Apple Loops, REX and ReFill formats Price and Availability: Future Pop Vol 5 is available for instant download exclusively at ProducerLoops.com for £24.95 / 29,73 EUR / $33.65 USD. More information is available at: http://www.producerloops.com

Back by popular demand, Patchbanks presents another raw classic collection for all you crate diggin’ samplehead producers in search for more gems. Get busy with another batch of all-new original soul, motown, rare groove and retro compositions, essentially used for sampling and producing hardcore Hip Hop beats. Instrument sounds contained in this collection range from strings, guitars, harp, bass, keys, organs, vintage synths and other distinct sounds found in classic music. -Compositions: 25 Samples (Mixed Stereo) -File Type: Wav -Music Styles: Hip Hop, Classic, Retro -Price: $24.95

WILMINGTON, USA: American pro audio software company Plugin Alliance LLC is proud to announce availability of elysia museq — an eagerly-awaited software reincarnation of Plugin Alliance partner brand elysia’s award-winning flagship museq equalizer — together with four new bundles, as of October 3... Since its original release in eye-catching rack-mounting hardware form back in 2009 elysia’s museq has more than lived up to its tagline: THE MUSICAL EQUALIZER. For this ear-opening EQ promptly walked away with coveted industry awards befitting its musical name and nature from those in the know on both sides of the pond. Why? Well, put simply, this awesome analog equalizer is a combination of premium sound-shaping capabilities with optimally-matched parameters and the highest- quality components — 100\% discrete analog technology circuit design, permanent class-A mode signal processing using single transistors, and much more besides — enabling users to speedily achieve amazing-sounding musical results with the greatest of ease. Unsurprisingly, of course, audio and build quality such as this comes at a premium price. And rightly so. Today, though, thanks to Plugin Alliance, elysia museq makes that most musical of EQs’ sought-after sound come alive in your favourite DAW at a $249.00 USD pocket-friendly price point set to take it to the musical masses! Moreover, the impressive features found on the original hardware are all present and accounted for here, including the outstanding resonant high-pass and lowpass filters (switchable to high and low shelf types) and the Warm mode sound shaper (to bring transparency, coloration, or both to the mix). The elysia museq plug-in even brings some powerful extras to the musical table, such as MS Mode, an integrated M/S matrix for mid and side processing; Link, to link both channels for more convenient stereo operation; and dedicated output level controllers for adapting settings to the available headroom. Helpfully, the elysia museq license includes two plug-ins in one — a fully-fledged Master version with all the bells and whistles, plus a slightly simplified Mix version for easy, speedy setup. So there you have it... the virtual version of a very flexible and musical-sounding EQ with an extremely powerful feature set, shining through on any kind of audio material anyone cares to throw at it! Alternatively, it’s possible to purchase elysia museq as part of Plugin Alliance’s newly-introduced 100\% elysia bundle — which also includes the elysia alpha compressor, elysia mpressor, and elysia niveau filter software reincarnations — for $489.00 USD, representing another attractive three-figure, 35\% saving over purchasing the four plug-ins separately. Similarly, the newly-introduced 100\% BX Bundle (featuring all 14 currently-available brainworx bx\_ series plug-ins) and 100\% SPL Bundle (featuring all 11 currently-available plug-ins from Plugin Alliance partner brand SPL) also represent remarkable value — all the more so since those same three tempting 0\% finance schemes are also available at point of purchase. What’s more, as was the case with the original ALL Bundle, payment breaks are available when purchasing any of these Plugin Alliance bundles to further ease the financial burden — bundle plug-ins are automatically reactivated for another 30 days as soon as the next instalment is paid. Plugin Alliance has got you covered, then, whatever way you choose to pay! So what are you waiting for? Go grab yourself a tasty slice of that sought-after sound courtesy of elysia museq and let your ears do the talking... after all, it’s THE MUSICAL EQUALIZER! Available in 64- and 32-bit versions, elysia museq can be purchased and downloaded in various Mac and PC formats (AAX Native, AS, AU, RTAS, VST2.4, and VST 3) directly from Plugin Alliance for $249.00 USD

Railhammer has released the new Gnarly 90 pickup, which features P90 tone in a standard humbucker size box. The Gnarly 90 is designed to capture the tone of a vintage P90, and offer the advantages of Railhammer's rail/pole configuration. Using 44 gauge wire, and dual alnico 5 magnets, the tone has the signature lower mid whine, and raw attack typical of a classic P90. Available in bridge and neck versions designed for each position. The neck model features reduced windings to maintain note clarity, and is reverse wound/reverse polarity so it's hum-canceling when used with our bridge H90's. All models use a full metal cover which reduces hum levels below a standard P90. The Gnarly 90 is intended for blues, classic rock, old school punk, or for any player looking for a vintage vibe but wants the advantages of the Railhammer design. The patent pending Railhammers are designed by award winning guitar industry veteran Joe Naylor. Thin rails under the wound strings sense a narrow section of string, producing a tight, clear tone. Large poles under the plain strings sense a wide section of string, producing a fat, thick tone. This allows players to dial in a tight clear tone on the wound strings without the plain strings sounding thin or sterile. The result is improved clarity and tonal balance across all the strings. Touch sensitivity, sustain, and harmonic content are also enhanced by the extremely efficient magnetic structure, and the elimination of any moving parts. The strong magnetic field also prevents any dead spots when bending strings (including on the round pole side). Other features include: universal spacing, German silver baseplate, two-conductor wiring with independent ground (allows custom wiring such as phase, series/parallel, etc.) and a height tapered rail which contributes to consistent volume across all the strings. For more info please visit www.railhammer.com

If You are looking for high quality violin/string loops and one shots played by professional musicians - this package has been made specially for You! Divided into 3 parts (Live Strings, Hardware Strings and One Shots) produced with highest attention to details, in the Hip Hop and R&B genres. What more should we say! 78 loops and 62 one shots, 528 Mb multiformat material ready to be used in Your productions! AVAILABLE FORMATS “Beauty Strings 2” contains 78 violin/string loops and 62 violin/string one shots, 528 Mb multi-format material (24 bit WAV, 24 bit AIFF and 16 bit WAV) ready to use in your favorite sampler or sequencer, both hardware and software, including: Logic, GarageBand, Soundtrack, Digital Performer, Sony Acid, Ableton Live, Adobe Audition, Cakewalk Sonar, Pro Tools, Emagic EXS24 and many more. DOWNLOAD DETAILS Every purchase you make is containing 1 ZIP file (349 MB after .zip compression) with all format’s in it. Wav - 140 loops and one shot’s (24bit WAV) - 140 loops and one shot’s (16bit WAV duplicate) AIFF - 140 loops and one shot’s (24bit AIFF) INSTANT DOWNLOAD PRICE: €20.00 EUR More informations, free audio demo & demo pack visit: http://www.diginoiz.com/?q=urban-loops-line/beauty-strings-2

Shell Rock, IA – October 2013 … Chandler Limited, recognized globally for signal processing and related music and audio products that deliver the classic analog warmth recording and performing professional musicians seek, is pleased to announce the introduction of two speaker cabinets for the company’s highly acclaimed GAV19T Guitar Amplifier. Featuring a variety of available transducers from Celestion, recognized as one of the world's largest and most innovative manufacturers of loudspeakers, the new Chandler Limited speaker cabinets are ideally suited for use with the GAV19T Guitar Amplifier—effectively creating a one stop guitar amp solution for today’s most discriminating guitarist. Available by special order through authorized Chandler Limited dealers, the speaker cabinets are finished to perfectly match the look of the GAV19T guitar amp and will be available in two cabinet styles and four transducer options. Like the GAV19T Guitar Amplifier, the new speaker enclosures feature the red garnet tolex material and black piping so as to perfectly match the appearance of the amp head. The enclosures themselves are made with exceptional materials and painstaking attention to detail. The speaker cabinets are available in two configurations: a British style 2 x 12 slant cabinet or a British style 2 x 12 straight cabinet. Both enclosures are manufactured using Baltic Birch wood with ¼-inch finger joints—recognized industry-wide as the superior wood for premium loudspeaker enclosures—and include a small weave cane black grill cloth designed to aesthetically match the look of the GAV19T guitar amp. For easy transport, both enclosure models feature black casters. Customers will be able to choose from four available Celestion transducer options: Celestion’s Vintage 30, Heritage Series G12H (55 Hz), Alnico Gold, and the newly released favorite G12M-65 Creamback. Depending upon one’s preferences, these transducers offer a broad range of sonic palettes ranging from vintage tone quality to hard edged rock. In order to assist prospective customers in choosing the transducer complement that best suits their music, the Chandler Limited website offers video examples featuring Chandler Limited’s Wade Goeke and New Black 7’s Tory Stoffregen playing through the GAV19T Guitar Amplifier using the various Celestion speaker options. To access the video, please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ClWuPbxIes. Chandler Limited owner and chief product designer Wade Goeke commented on the company’s new Celestion-equipped speaker cabinets and the opportunities they offer guitarists. “I am extremely pleased to have reached agreement with Celestion to outfit our speaker cabinets with some of the finest transducers available anywhere,” says Goeke. “Celestion has a stellar reputation among guitarists and the fact that we are offering our cabinets with a choice of four different loudspeaker options affords our customers the best possible choices for their musical preferences. We’ve had tremendous success with our GAV19T guitar amp and I’m confident these new loudspeaker enclosures will take our guitar offerings to the next level.” Celestion’s John Sanchez, the company’s Boutique OEM Account Specialist, is equally enthusiastic about the new Celestion-equipped guitar cabinets. “Chandler Limited has been producing highly regarded creative tools that have been used in studios and on stages the world over for more than a decade. For Celestion drivers to be featured as a standard component in this exciting new endeavor is incredibly satisfying and we greatly look forward to growing with Chandler Limited as a valued supplier in the years ahead.” Pricing varies by the configuration of the selected speaker cabinet.

BURBANK, CA, October 1, 2013 — Aphex®, a leader in professional audio technology for more than 35 years, is now shipping the Microphone X, a high-quality cardioid condenser USB microphone that comes complete with integrated analog processing including optical compression and Aphex’s famous Aural Exciter® and Big Bottom®, and HeadPod 4™ technology. The Microphone X is configured to put all of the key analog processing used for recording the voice before the conversion to digital, thereby ensuring the best possible recording quality. And all of this processing power is controllable, with input trim, headphone output level and individual controls for the Aural Exciter and Big Bottom levels. Each of the processors has its own on/off control. Users record a perfectly optimized signal right into their DAW via USB. No other USB microphone combines this feature set. The Aphex Microphone X puts everything users need to make exceptional sounding spoken-word and vocal music recordings right at their fingertips.

Native Instruments releases updated TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 and S2 DJ systems, now also TRAKTOR DJ compatible Berlin, September 30, 2013 – Native Instruments today released new versions of both the industry-leading 4+1 channel DJ system TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 and its 2+1 channel counterpart, TRAKTOR KONTROL S2. The S4 and S2 perfectly combine a premium DJ mixing interface, built-in 24 bit/96 kHz soundcard, and an intuitive interface engineered for seamless control of TRAKTOR software. Both all-in-one DJ systems now offer an improved look and feel with added control over the latest TRAKTOR PRO 2 features. Furthermore, both the S4 and S2 are now plug-and-play with TRAKTOR DJ – the world’s most successful DJ app for iPad and iPhone. Trusted by countless professional DJs for unparalleled creative possibilities and supreme work flow, the sharply redesigned TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 and S2 now feature color-coded RGB buttons that trigger and identify loops, cue points, and samples for improved visual feedback. Also upgraded are the high resolution jog-wheels, which now feature aircraft-grade aluminum plates for increased durability and performance. The advanced Flux Mode feature is now instantly accessible on the S4 and S2 via dedicated buttons on each deck, and TRAKTOR PRO 2’s Remix Deck controls can now be accessed directly from the units. TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 introduces a new separate booth output on the main out section of the rear panel which can be switched between Main or Booth, allowing for separate booth output volume – essential for many pro DJs. In addition to offering all core TRAKTOR PRO 2 controls, the KONTROL S4 and S2 are now plug-and-play with TRAKTOR DJ – even more closely uniting hard and software. Both units deliver physical control for every function including cue points and Freeze Mode. Boasting a compact size, robust build, and innate TRAKTOR DJ integration, TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 is the ideal choice for iOS-based DJ setups. Both TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 and S2 include a full version of the flagship TRAKTOR PRO 2 with Remix Decks® software, opening up a wealth of creative possibilities. TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 and S2 are now available in stores worldwide and at the NI Online Shop. TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 is now available at retailers worldwide and at the NI Online Shop for $799 / 799 € / ¥ 83,800. TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 is now available at retailers worldwide and at the NI Online Shop for $499 / 499 € / ¥ 52,800.

Berlin, October 1, 2013 – Native Instruments today announced MASCHINE STUDIO and MASCHINE 2.0 – the new flagship groove production studio and next generation of MASCHINE software. Considerably bigger than the original hardware, MASCHINE STUDIO provides expanded tactile control and new hi-resolution color displays, setting a new precedent in intuitive, hands-on, computer-based beat production. As with the acclaimed MASCHINE and MASCHINE MIKRO, MASCHINE STUDIO is an integrated solution combining the latest software technology with a hardware-based workflow. MASCHINE 2.0 features a host of enhancements – including a new mixer page and dynamic drum synth plug-ins – designed to deliver more power and speed to all three MASCHINE production studios. MASCHINE STUDIO will be available at the NI Online Shop starting November 1, 2013. MASCHINE 2.0 is included with MASCHINE STUDIO and all MASCHINE and MASCHINE MIKRO products shipping on or after November 1, 2013. Providing complete hardware control over virtually all software functions, MASCHINE STUDIO's workflow is centered on 16 highly-responsive multi-color backlit pads, a new Edit Section with jog wheel, a Level Section and two hi-resolution color displays – a major hardware advancement. The displays enable producers to focus on MASCHINE's hardware workflow, providing detailed visual feedback of the software's powerful features. When editing samples or working in MASCHINE's clip-based pattern sequencer, the displays show an overview of the full selection on the left screen while the right screen allows for detailed fine-tuning when slicing, editing, and composing. When browsing, the displays provide easy navigation and selection of projects, groups, sounds, instruments, effects, and samples with KOMPLETE Instruments and Effects product icons visible directly from the hardware. A new Edit Section provides dedicated buttons and a jog wheel with LED indicators for visual feedback and enhanced functionality. The jog wheel allows quick adjustments to volume, tempo, and swing settings, and speeds up browsing and editing. The Level Section provides a convenient volume knob and a multi-purpose meter display for master, group, sound, and cue levels plus monitoring for up to four selectable input sources when a multi-channel audio interface is connected. Dedicated control buttons allow fast switching between MASCHINE STUDIO's sampler, arranger, mixer, and browser, and provide direct access to channel settings and an all-new plug-in strip. For producers already using external equipment, one MIDI input and three MIDI outputs allow MASCHINE STUDIO to function as a command hub, controlling all equipment from one comprehensive controller. On the underside of the unit, a highly sturdy, built-in collapsible stand provides the optimal angle for working with MASCHINE STUDIO. MASCHINE 2.0 presents a major revision of Native Instruments' groove production software, delivering a host of powerful features to MASCHINE STUDIO, and both generations of MASCHINE, and MASCHINE MIKRO. A tag-based attribute browser makes samples and presets easy to find while the new plug-in strip make MASCHINE's internal plug-ins much more accessible by displaying their individual user interfaces instead of generic buttons and knobs. A brand-new, dedicated mixer page provides detailed level adjustment and flexible routing of MASCHINE 2.0's aux sends, plug-ins, and unlimited groups and insert effects. A new audio engine with multi-core technology adds sidechaining and allows higher instrument, effect, and plug-in counts, faster load times and more. High-quality 32-bit float internal summing delivers the latest advancements in professional sound quality. Also new and exclusive to MASCHINE 2.0 are five drum synth plug-ins meticulously developed with Native Instruments' years of experience in software synthesis. Each instrument caters to a specific drum type, and delivers an easy-to-use interface. The plug-ins are capable of a wide range of sounds – from crisp and digital, to warm and analog, featuring accurate acoustic-sounding drums. Because they are based on synthesis, producers have a refined level of control over the sound of each drum. Not only are these plug-ins fully-adjustable and automatable directly from the MASCHINE hardware, they now add a signature sound aesthetic to the world of MASCHINE. In addition to hosting any VST or Audio Units plug-in, MASCHINE 2.0 comes with an 8+ GB sound library of professional, production-ready sounds. Also included are full versions of Native Instrument's acclaimed MASSIVE synthesizer, the unique synthesizer for percussive and mallet sounds PRISM, the powerful compressor SOLID BUS COMP, and the meticulously sampled vintage electric piano SCARBEE MARK I, providing a versatile setup ready for any production task. MASCHINE can be used as a standalone on either MAC or PC systems, but also loads as a VST, Audio Units or AAX plug-in in all major DAWs for seamless integration with existing production environments. MASCHINE 2.0 software features batch export of full songs, groups, and single sounds in lossless WAV or AIFF formats in up to 32-bit/192kHz quality. Import of older MASCHINE projects, iMASCHINE projects, REX files, and MPC programs is also fully supported. MASCHINE STUDIO is available for purchase at retailers worldwide and at the NI Online Shop from November 1, 2013 for $999 / 999 € / ¥ 104,800. MASCHINE 2.0 is included with MASCHINE STUDIO and all MASCHINE and MASCHINE MIKRO products shipping on or after November 1, 2013. Current MASCHINE users can purchase MASCHINE 2.0 on the NI Online Shop from November 1, 2013 for $99 / 99 € / ¥ 9,800. Customers who purchase MASCHINE or MASCHINE MIKRO between October 1, 2013 and November 1, 2013 will receive MASCHINE 1.8 with purchase and a free download for MASCHINE 2.0. They will be able to download the new software on November 1, 2013.

TONE2 Audiosoftware release Epic Pads for Rayblaster Epic pads kicks Rayblaster's Impulse Modelling a notch and provides a comprehensive collection of rich soundscapes. Capture the entire emotional palette, from dramatic strings, expressive vocals, uplifting pads, ambitious atmospherics, up to pure enigmatic textures. Deep, evolving and of course packed with sonic movement, Epic pads is the ideal companion to set the right mood for your next production Highlights * 100 superb new pad presets by professionals. * Unique sounds using the innovative IMS synthesis. * Comfortable installation. * Perfect integration into the user interface. The soundset is suitable for a wide range of styles, such as Electronica, Cinematic, Trance, Soundtrack, Ambient, Dance, Pop, IDM, HipHop and a wide variety of other music genres.

Voxengo TransGainer version 1.5 is now available for download. Voxengo TransGainer implements an audio signal envelope adjustment algorithm that reacts on transients rather than on a signal’s loudness level. TransGainer is available in AudioUnit, VST and VST3 plug-in formats (including native 64-bit support), for Mac OS X (v10.5 and later), and Windows computers. This updated version 1.5 introduces a new "Precise U" algorithm and now supports VST3. TransGainer allows you to specify positive or negative gain adjustment for a sound’s transient stage. You can also choose an expected average time between transients and transient threshold level so that the algorithm delivers you the most precise results possible. With the help of TransGainer you can pass the border from good to excellent audio recordings. TransGainer features: * Transient stage loudness adjustments * Three processing algorithms * 5 processing modes in the “legacy” algorithm * Transient-to-transient time control * Stereo and multi-channel processing * Internal channel routing * Channel grouping * Mid/side processing * Up to 8x oversampling * 64-bit floating point processing * Preset manager * Undo/redo history * A/B comparisons * Contextual hint messages * All sample rates support * Zero processing latency

Celemony GmbH/ Munich, September 30, 2013 (ictw) - Cakewalk's new Sonar X3 offers, thanks to Celemony's ARA technology, a particularly user-friendly Melodyne integration, so it's only fitting that Melodyne essential is included in the bundle. Through the application of ARA Audio Random Access technology, the Grammy-Award-winning audio tool Melodyne is integrated so seamlessly into Sonar X3 that it seems to be a part of the DAW. This makes using Melodyne much easier. The correction and optimization of recordings proceeds faster and is more fun. Sonar X3 Producer and Sonar X3 Studio are supplied in a bundle with Melodyne essential, which permits basic Melodyne editing of pitch and timing with monophonic audio material such as lead vocal, bass or flute tracks. But the latest version of Melodyne editor can also, thanks to ARA, be operated elegantly in Sonar X3 and offers, in addition to extended tools, the patented DNA Direct Note Access for polyphonic audio material – ideal for editing individual notes in piano or guitar recordings or for polyphonic audio-to-MIDI. "We are pleased and proud that, with Cakewalk, another important manufacturer is now supporting ARA," says Anselm Rößler, Managing Director of Celemony. "Users of ARA to date have given us very positive feedback and we are convinced that also Sonar users will be enthused by the Melodyne integration." ARA technology was developed by Celemony in cooperation with Presonus and is open to use by manufacturers of both DAWs and plug-ins. ARA opens an additional channel of communication so that DAW and plug-in can exchange information about the audio file, tempo, pitch and rhythm among many other things, and thereby work much more closely together. For more information about Melodyne and ARA, visit: http://www.celemony.com

LOS ANGELES – (For Immediate Release) – Take any party to the edge of electrifying excitement with the Micro Image RGB, a totally unique 3-color mini laser effect from ADJ. Just turn on this amazing little 4-lb./1.5 kg. unit, and it will project intense free-form geometric patterns in dazzling combinations of red, green and blue onto dance floors, walls and ceilings, instantly transforming any event into a thrilling and memorable experience. Equipped with three different color lasers – 80mW (650nm) Red, 30mW (532nm) Blue, and 60mW (532nm) Green – the Micro Image RGB can create each of its patterns in multi colors – one of the reasons why its effects are so striking and distinctive. Capable of producing 25 different geometric laser patterns, and equipped with 15 built-in programs, this little dynamo also offers everlasting variety, so its lightshow will always remain fresh, tantalizing and unpredictable. Unleashing this wave of laser excitement is as simple as plugging in the unit and flicking it on. The Micro Image RGB will run through its built-in programs in one of two selectable modes – Auto or Sound Active Mode. The laser even comes with its own convenient RF wireless remote controller, so you can be on the on the other side of the room and still tap into all its main functions at the press of a button, including: Auto/Sound control; Blackout; Pattern Change (R, R+G, G, G+B, R+B, R+G+B and Random); and Show (program selection). There are also controls on the unit itself, including a button for changing its built-in programs, an adjustable speed knob (slow to fast), and an adjustable microphone sensitivity knob. Great for bars, DJs, mobile entertainers, school dances, frat houses, home parties and special occasions of all types, the Micro Image RGB is not only a breeze to operate, it’s also very compact and easy to transport. The latest addition to ADJ’s Micro Series of mini lasers, it measures only 7.25”L x 5”W x 2.5”H / 179 x 125 x 62 mm, and weighs 4 lbs./ 1.5 kg. “For something so small, the Micro Image RGB can make a huge difference at any party, dance or event,” said Alfred Gonzales, national sales manager for ADJ. “This is no run-of-the-mill laser effect. With three different color lasers and 25 exciting patterns, it’s a great way to elevate your event beyond the ordinary with a spectacular lightshow -- even if you know nothing about lasers or visual effects.” Users won’t have to worry about the safety of the Micro Image RGB, either. The unit complies with all FDA standards, so it can be operated with confidence in homes, schools, clubs or any environment. The Micro Image RGB is equipped with a dual bracket yoke, which gives it the versatility to be hung from overhead or set on the ground. A fan-cooled effect, it includes a UL listed multi-voltage power supply: AC 100V-240V, 50/60 Hz. The MSRP of the Micro Image RGB is $349.95.

Future Loops has just released Dirty South Playaz, a collection of Hip Hop & Dirty South construction kits in WAV & REX format. Dirty South Playaz features 790 dirty south samples that fit in the 61BPM to 78BPM tempo range. With each construction kit you get full Drum Loops as well as all the separate instrument tracks for full mixing control. South Of Trap includes Drums, Synth, FX, Guitar, Pads, Pads, Brass, Bells, Arpeggios, Vocals, Drum One Shots and more, all 100\% Royalty-Free.

LIVONIA, MI – Reverend Guitar’s special run of the Gold Metal Flake Pete Anderson Series guitars was such a success, that the company decided to do a run of Silver Metal Flake! As with the Gold Metal Flake guitars, these are available on the Reverend Pete Anderson PA-1 RT and the Reverend Pete Anderson Eastsider. They are only available at Wildwood Guitars, Colorado’s premier guitar store. The Pete Anderson Signature Eastsider-T is in homage to vintage guitars, with a number of traditional features, while still maintaining the famed Reverend innovation. It has a chambered Korina body, a satin finish, and a compound-radius maple fretboard. With a push-pull phase switch, custom alnico pickups, stainless steel saddles, and a graphite nut, it adds up to the perfect old-meets-new guitar. The Pete Anderson Signature PA-1 RT is loaded with Reverend’s own Revtron pickups for extra midrange punch and twang on the PA-1 platform -- a large, Maple hollow-body with Reverend’s proprietary Uni-Brace system. The unique structure controls the feedback that you would normally expect in similar guitars, while adding sustain. The model also has a 3-piece Korina neck, a 15th fret neck and body joint for better access to the higher points on the neck, “R” embossed knobs, and an “R” logo pickguard. The exclusive Reverend Bass Contour, a variable bass roll-off that adjusts the pickup voicing, is featured on this model as well. All PA-1s come with a Bigsby B70. “It’s influenced by the classics. The look is very important – you wear it – but it’s also a musician’s tool, and everything has to work. Everything continues to evolve for Reverend, and that’s part of our philosophy. The last Reverend is the best Reverend.” – Joe Naylor, Founder of Reverend Guitars. For more information, please visit www.wildwoodguitars.com/electrics/reverend.htm or www.reverendguitars.com