Native Instruments today announced MASCHINE MIKRO. Combining the full-featured MASCHINE software with a streamlined and compact controller, MASCHINE MIKRO makes the tactile and intuitive music creation approach of MASCHINE available at a significantly reduced physical footprint and price.

MASCHINE MIKRO is based on a highly portable controller that provides hands-on control of the central MASCHINE features at two-thirds of the size and weight of the full-sized hardware. Utilizing a single display and a dynamically assigned high-resolution master encoder to enable its compact footprint, the bus-powered MIKRO controller retains the distinctive full-sized 4×4 matrix of pressure-sensitive, dynamically backlit MASCHINE drum pads with their acclaimed response and feel.

MASCHINE MIKRO includes the full-featured MASCHINE software with its versatile pattern-based live and step sequencing, VST and AU plug-in hosting, real-time audio recording, sample editing and advanced multi- effects. The MIKRO version also contains the full 6 GB MASCHINE sound library, expandable with the series of MASCHINE EXPANSIONS, as well as the free KOMPLETE ELEMENTS sound collection.

Hardware Specifications:

• Width: 320 mm / 12.6″
• Height: 195 mm / 7.7″
• Depth: 55 mm / 2.2″
• Weight: 1.2 Kgs / 2.6 lbs
• One high-contrast black and white display, 64 x 128 pixels
• 16 high-quality, illuminated pads with velocity and aftertouch
• One master knob for controlling numerous functions
• 28 back-lit buttons
• USB 2.0
• Kensington Lock

With the new 1.7 software version, both MASCHINE and MASCHINE MIKRO now also benefit from advanced integration with KOMPLETE 8 and KOMPLETE 8 ULTIMATE, providing advanced sound browsing and parameter mapping for all instruments and effects contained in the bundle.

To further complement the growing MASCHINE product range, Native Instruments is also about to release iMASCHINE, an iOS app that brings intuitive groove creation to the iPhone and iPod touch platform. With four tracks, audio sampling, high-quality effects and an expandable arsenal of professional instruments and drum sounds from the regular MASCHINE library, iMASCHINE allows users to sketch grooves on the go, and later transfer them into the full MASCHINE software for detailed editing and arrangement. iMASCHINE is planned for release through the Apple App Store in October.

On the Mac, MASCHINE MIKRO requires OS X 10.5 or 10.6 (latest update, 32/64 Bit), an Intel Core Duo processor, 2 GB of available RAM, a USB 2.0 Port and 11 GB free disk space for complete installation. The MASCHINE software runs stand-alone, or as an AU, VST or RTAS (Pro Tools 8 and higher) plug-in.

MASCHINE MIKRO will be available in October for a suggested retail price of $399 / €349.

www.native-instruments.com/maschinemikro

Native Instruments has released two new products that expand its recently established range of GUITAR RIG-based studio effects. The new SOLID MIX SERIES emulates the distinctive EQ and dynamics sections of one of the most revered mixing consoles of all time, while TRANSIENT MASTER recreates a popular hardware processor that provides highly efficient transient processing.

Based on sophisticated component modeling, the SOLID MIX SERIES recreates the essential components of a classic mixing desk whose sonic signature has shaped popular music. The series consists of three individual modules that provide the tools to create a polished and professional-sounding mix. “Solid EQ” emulates the legendary equalizer section of the console with its 4 parametric bands as well as the adjustable low-cut and high-cut filters, which allows for especially musical and transparent sound shaping of all signal types. Switchable EQ types also offer the selection between two distinctive generations of the original hardware with their specific sound characteristics.

“Solid Bus Comp” is an authentic emulation of the sought-after bus compressor, renowned for the way that it “glues” mixes together and singlehandedly creates a “finished” studio production sound. Taking advantage of the new features of the GUITAR RIG 5 generation, it also provides a sidechain input as well as a dry/wet control for parallel compression. As the third component, “Solid Dynamics” provides a combined dynamics section with stereo compressor, expander and gate that lends itself to the precise dynamics processing of individual tracks.

TRANSIENT MASTER is inspired by a highly popular modern studio processor, and provides a unique and especially efficient method to treat drums and percussive instrument sounds by directly reshaping the envelope of the signal. Through the “Attack” and “Sustain” parameters of the software, TRANSIENT MASTER can both add natural punch and definition, or blend individual instruments further back into the mix, without any of the sonic artifacts associated with regular compression methods.

Both products can used be used with the free GUITAR RIG PLAYER software, or expand the arsenal of the upcoming new GUITAR RIG 5. On the Mac, GUITAR RIG PLAYER requires OS X 10.6 (latest update), an Intel Core Duo processor and 2 GB of RAM. It can run stand-alone or as an AU, VST or RTAS plug-in.

The SOLID MIX SERIES is available for $229 / €199, with the individual components available for $119 / €99 each. TRANSIENT MASTER is $119 / €99. Both products are also included in the new KOMPLETE 8 ULTIMATE, with TRANSIENT MASTER also being included in the new KOMPLETE 8.

www.native-instruments.com/solidmixseries

www.native-instruments.com/transientmaster

Native Instruments today released STUDIO DRUMMER, a new instrument for the efficient creation of studio-quality acoustic drum tracks. By combining premium sampled drum kits and a comprehensive studio-grade mixing environment with a wide assortment of professional grooves, the KONTAKT-based instrument provides a highly versatile and easy-to-use “virtual drummer” that gives authentic and fast results for pop, rock, metal, jazz and related music styles.

For use with the full KONTAKT version and the free KONTAKT PLAYER, STUDIO DRUMMER makes extensive use of the advanced features of the KONTAKT 5 generation to provide all necessary components for a first- class studio drums production. At the heart of the instrument are three premium drum kits from Pearl, Sonor and Yamaha that have been sampled with painstaking precision in the renowned Teldex Studios in Berlin, using selected outboard gear and an especially sophisticated array of up to 18 microphones. The resulting 17 GB of sample material incorporate up to 25 velocity layers with up to 6 variation samples for individual instruments, and contain over a dozen distinct articulations for snare and hi-hats as well as an alternative snare option for each kit.

The array of individual drum sounds in STUDIO DRUMMER is complemented by its extensive groove library, which includes over 3,500 rhythm patterns organized by 11 specific music styles. All patterns including fills and variations were recorded directly from a professional session drummer, and converted into MIDI files for flexible usage in the KONTAKT engine. All grooves can be adjusted for swing and tightness, and can be transferred into a host sequencer via drag & drop for detailed editing and arrangement. In order to play the individual instruments in STUDIO DRUMMER directly, the software also offers a practical assortment of MIDI templates for various electronic drum sets and third- party drum software, combined with flexible custom mapping functions.

The comprehensive mixer section of STUDIO DRUMMER gives full control over all relevant aspects of the sound, allowing users to specifically tailor each drum kit to the individual musical context. Detailed microphone settings with adjustable snare bleed, auxiliary mics and specific room and overhead controls can be either set by hand, or through the several carefully designed mix presets per drum kit that each represent a distinctive sound asthetic. By utilizing the classic EQ and compressor models derived from the new SOLID MIX SERIES as well as the integrated TRANSIENT MASTER and Tape Saturator algorithms, STUDIO DRUMMER enables studio-grade sound processing with genuinely professional sound quality and flexibility.

On the Mac, KONTAKT PLAYER 5 requires OS X 10.6 (latest update), an Intel Core Duo processor and 2 GB of RAM. A full installation of STUDIO DRUMMER requires 17 GB of available hard disk space.

STUDIO DRUMMER is available now for $169 / €149. It is also included in the new KOMPLETE 8 and KOMPLETE 8 ULTIMATE bundles.

www.native-instruments.com/studiodrummer

Native Instruments has announced GUITAR RIG 5 PRO, the next generation of its versatile effects studio. The new version expands the comprehensive feature set of the software with additional amplifiers and effects, advanced speaker emulation, and various new creative features that make GUITAR RIG even more powerful both for studio production and live performance.

In a further addition to its carefully selected arsenal of authentically modeled guitar amplifiers, GUITAR RIG 5 introduces the new “Van51” and “HotSolo+” models, adding two distinctive flavors of heavily overdriven amplification for intense solos and heavy riffs. The comprehensive collection of effects in GUITAR RIG is expanded with six new components – including an additional classic compressor model, the versatile “vintage verb” with various plate and spring emulations, a compact studio-grade convolution reverb based on the acclaimed REFLEKTOR, an analog-modeled 8-band filterbank, the new “stereo tune” chorus, and the unique “Resochord” harmonizer.

GUITAR RIG 5 also introduces the ultimate facility for flexible and intricate speaker emulation with its new convolution-based “Control Room Pro” module. From a comprehensive collection of 27 cabinets and 16 microphones, up to eight cabinets can be combined at a time, each with individual mic placement and room sound controls, enabling an unlimited array of guitar tones for sophisticated studio productions.

The new sidechaining function in GUITAR RIG 5 opens up the world of advanced studio-level dynamic processing, and also perfectly complements the new range of GUITAR RIG-based studio processors such as VINTAGE COMPRESSORS and SOLID MIX SERIES. The sidechain can be assigned to any stereo input of the software, and can be utilized for all compressor modules in GUITAR RIG 5 as well as in several of the Modifier modules, allowing for more refined dynamic processing and a wide range of creative techniques.

The performance features of GUITAR RIG 5 are further enhanced through the new “Container”, which allows users to easily create, control and recall encapsulated effect chains. With up to sixteen flexible macro controls, it also provides extremely powerful and intuitive real-time tone shaping both for guitarists and electronic live performers.

On the Mac, GUITAR RIG 5 requires OS X 10.6 (latest update), an Intel Core Duo processor, and 2 GB of RAM. It can run stand-alone or as an AU, VST or RTAS (Pro Tools 8 and higher) plug-in.

GUITAR RIG 5 PRO will be available in September 2011 for a $199 / €179, and will also be included in the new KOMPLETE 8 and KOMPLETE 8 ULTIMATE bundles. The software will also be available in combination with the RIG KONTROL pedalboard controller as GUITAR RIG 5 KONTROL for a suggested retail price of $449 / €399. A software update for owners of previous GUITAR RIG versions will be available for $79 / €69.

www.native-instruments.com/guitarrig5pro

Native Instruments has announced KONTAKT 5, the next generation of its leading software sampler. The new version offers profoundly enhanced sound shaping through a host of new high-quality filters and studio-grade effect algorithms, superior time- stretching, vintage sampling modes, and more.

KONTAKT 5 introduces a completely new suite of high-quality filters, developed by the creative mastermind behind the acclaimed MASSIVE synthesizer. Ranging from classic analog-style ladder and state-variable models to modern formant filters, some of the 37 new filters also employ the unique new “Adaptive Resonance” concept, which automatically manages the filter characteristics to prevent unpleasant sonic artifacts from excessive resonance peaks. At the same time, the superior new “TimeMachine Pro” time-stretching algorithm in KONTAKT 5 enables unprecedented sound quality for harmonic solo instruments and similar demanding source material.

The comprehensive effect assortment in KONTAKT has been extended with several key additions that focus on studio-style sound processing. The new “Solid G-EQ” and “Solid Bus Comp” algorithms – derived from the upcoming SOLID MIX SERIES – enable studio-grade equalization and compression, while the separately available TRANSIENT DESIGNER has been integrated into the effect arsenal of KONTAKT in its original form. Additionally, a new analog-modeled Tape Saturator can add natural compression and subtle organic overdrive, while the acclaimed vintage sampling modes from Native Instruments‘ groove-production system MASCHINE have been integrated into the feature set of KONTAKT 5 as well to provide additional flavors of charismatic “vintage dirt”.

For ambitious sound designers and professional sample instrument creators, KONTAKT 5 introduces both a powerful new “instrument bus” system as well as KSP-based MIDI file support. While the 16 internal stereo busses with their separate insert chains open up greatly increased routing flexibility, the MIDI file functions in the Kontakt Script Processor enable the creation of advanced types of KONTAKT-based instruments with versatile integrated MIDI playback features, as demonstrated in the upcoming separate KONTAKT-based STUDIO DRUMMER instrument.

On top of its acclaimed 43 GB factory library with its eight separate instrument collections, KONTAKT 5 also includes a free download of the new KONTAKT-based RETRO MACHINES MK2 instrument, which offers an assortment of highly sought-after classic synthesizers complete with vintage-style arpeggiator and chord player, and also takes advantage of the new analog-type filter models.

On the Mac, KONTAKT 5 requires OS X 10.6 (latest update), an Intel Core Duo processor, 2 GB of RAM and 48 GB of hard disk space to install all included libraries. It can run stand-alone or as an AU, VST or RTAS (Pro Tools 8 and higher) plug-in.

KONTAKT 5 will be available in September 2011 for $399 / €379, and will also be included in the new KOMPLETE 8 and KOMPLETE 8 ULTIMATE bundles. An update for owners of previous KONTAKT versions will be available for $119 / €99.

www.native-instruments.com/kontakt5

Native Instruments today announced new versions of its studio-standard software bundle. While KOMPLETE 8 has been further expanded to include 27 individual products at an unchanged price, the new KOMPLETE 8 ULTIMATE for the first time combines the full arsenal of Native Instruments’ KOMPLETE Instruments and Effects range at the same substantial discount, with 50 individual products conveniently provided on a dedicated external hard drive.

Further expanding its versatile sonic arsenal, the new KOMPLETE 8 includes the latest KONTAKT 5 and GUITAR RIG 5 versions, and adds the charismatic WEST AFRICA percussion instrument. It also incorporates the versatile new STUDIO DRUMMER drum production instrument and the upcoming TRANSIENT MASTER dynamic processing effect. Furthermore, KOMPLETE 8 includes over 1,300 additional presets for ABSYNTH, FM8 and MASSIVE, derived from several acclaimed soundpacks previously available as individual products.

The new KOMPLETE 8 ULTIMATE includes the full content of the regular KOMPLETE 8 bundle and much more, combining the full range of all currently available KOMPLETE Instruments and Effects on a dedicated USB 2.0 hard drive. The resulting collection comprises 50 individual products with over 13,000 sounds and 240 GB of sample content, at an effective discount of over 80% compared to the individual prices. The hard drive enables a fast and convenient installation process, and also constitutes a compact and robust backup medium for the software.

Both new KOMPLETE versions are optimized for Native Instruments’ groove production system MASCHINE, offering direct browser integration with attribute-based preset search as well as convenient automatic parameter mapping for the rotary knobs on the hardware controller.

On the Mac, KOMPLETE 8 requires OS X 10.6 (latest update), an Intel Core Duo processor, 2 GB of RAM and 5 GB free hard disk space. 85 GB of hard disk space is necessary for a complete installation of KOMPLETE 8 with sample libraries. The individual instruments can run stand-alone or as AU, VST or RTAS (Pro Tools 8 and higher) plug-ins.

KOMPLETE 8 will be available in September 2011 for a suggested retail price of $559 / €499, with an update for owners of KOMPLETE versions 2-7 available for $229 / €199.

www.native-instruments.com/komplete

KOMPLETE 8 ULTIMATE will be available on the same date for $1099 / €999, with an upgrade for owners of any version of the regular KOMPLETE bundle available for $559 / €499.

www.native-instruments.com/ultimate

Gospel Musicians are proud to announce the release of the Neo-Soul Suitcase Fender Rhodes plug-in, a very specific urban-sounding Rhodes that is designed to reproduce the exact sound, feel, and playability of a real Fender Rhodes Suitcase with the detail and expressiveness of the fender cabinet and, of course, a beautiful vibrato.

The primary goal was to make sure that if you were not able to take a real Rhodes to your gig or studio, this plug-in would be the next best thing. The Neo-Soul Suitcase sound is a combination of Rhodes samples (2.6 gigabytes!), physical modeling, and complex impulse response algorithms that will give you the grit of Hip-Hop, the silkiness of R&B, and the soul in Neo-Soul.

The absolute number one objective was realism. And with vintage modeled effects, complex impulse response algorithms, and tweak-able knobs for ultimate control, you will have the best Rhodes experience ever produced in a plug-in. With all of this, Gospel Musicians promise that you can leave your Rhodes at home and replace it with the Neo-Soul Suitcase!

• Dedicated 2.6 GB of sample data (44.1 kHz, 24-bit)
• 12-Velocity layers of sustain, release, and staccato (bark) notes
• Bass and Treble Boost
• Tine/Bell controls
• Pedal Noise and Resonance sounds when sustain pedal is pressed
• Key release noises, emulating a real Rhodes
• Velocity layered release samples
• Dedicated Bark samples, for more aggressive sounds
• Vintage modeled Vibrato
• Impulse Response amp modeling of Vintage Amps
• Warm Phat Chorus for a Thick Layered Sound
• Special EFX Section: Phaser, Flanger, Distortion, Delay
• Vintage modeled Spring Reverb
• Kontakt 4 Advanced Scripting
• Disk Streaming to reduce memory usage
• Easy MIDI Learn function for all knobs, sliders, and buttons
• Real-Time MIDI controls that can be saved in a patch
• Clean/Original Switch for raw samples or cleaned-up sounds

Neo-Soul Suitcase requires Kontakt 4.2.3 Retail Paid Version (Neo-Soul Suitcase does not yet work with Kontakt Free Player), UnrarX to decompress the downloaded files and 2.6 GB of available hard disk space. On the Mac, Kontakt 4.2.3 requires OS X 10.5 or later (32/64-bit), an Intel Core Duo processor, and 2 GB of RAM (4 GB is highly recommended). Kontakt can run stand-alone, and as an AU, VST, or RTAS (Pro Tools 8 and higher) plug-in.

Neo-Soul Suitcase is available via direct download (1.23 GB compressed) from Gospel Musicians for $99.99. An introductory price of $79.99 is available at the time of this writing. If you purchase “The Fundamentals of Neo-Soul Keyboard” DVD ($49.99), the price of Neo-Soul Suitcase drops to $49.99. If you have already purchased the DVD, you may use the UPC code on the back of the DVD or in the downloads as the coupon code for the same discount.

http://neosoulsuitcase.com/

Native Instruments has just introduced VINTAGE COMPRESSORS, a set of faithfully modeled classic dynamic processors for use in GUITAR RIG 4 and in the free GUITAR RIG PLAYER. Produced in collaboration with DSP experts Softube, the collection comprises three of the most distinctive and revered high-end studio compressors, and can be used to creatively treat a comprehensive range of instruments and sounds with the highest level of sonic fidelity and profound vintage charm.

VINTAGE COMPRESSORS is the first release in a new range of professional studio effects based on the GUITAR RIG effects framework. Developed in collaboration with acclaimed Swedish DSP developers Softube, known for their highly sophisticated emulations of analog audio hardware, VINTAGE COMPRESSORS comprises three different models designated as the VC 76, VC 2A and VC 160. While the VC 76 excels at drums and vocals, the VC 2A is popular for vocals, bass and guitar, with the VC 160 being a common choice for string instruments and individual drum sounds as well.

All three emulations offer the full feature set of their analog hardware counterparts, with their sonic characteristics and intricacies authentically replicated through advanced analog component modeling. The GUITAR RIG framework also provides an additional sidechain input with adjustable high-pass filter as well as a wet/dry control for parallel compression, opening up a wide array of advanced techniques. All three emulations are also available separately, and integrate seamlessly with any existing arsenal of effects in the GUITAR RIG 4 or the GUITAR RIG PLAYER software.

On the Mac, the GUITAR RIG PLAYER 4.2 framework requires OS X 10.5 or 10.6, an Intel Core Duo processor, and 2 GB of available RAM. It will run stand-alone and as an Audio Unit, VST or RTAS (Pro Tools 8 and higher) plug-in.

VINTAGE COMPRESSORS is available as a download in the NI Online Shop for $229 / €199, with the individual models being available for $119 / €99 each.

www.native-instruments.com/vintagecompressors

Discuss VINTAGE COMPRESSORS on our Effects forum.

Native Instruments today introduced RAZOR, an innovative and highly distinctive software synthesizer designed together with forward-thinking electronic artist Errorsmith. For use in REAKTOR 5 and in the free REAKTOR PLAYER, RAZOR uses powerful additive synthesis to create intense and profoundly modern sounds for contemporary electronic music production.

Berlin-based producer and renowned REAKTOR instrument designer Errorsmith is dedicated to the “expansion of the sonic horizon through digital sound synthesis”. RAZOR realizes this credo through the additive synthesis capabilities of the latest REAKTOR 5.5 generation, which were used to develop a high-resolution synthesis engine with unconventional sound shaping features and a unique real-time 3D spectrum display. The pristine and extremely dynamic sonic character of additive synthesis allows RAZOR to generate a wide and very distinctive array of energetic, hypermodern sounds, ranging from expressive basses and leads to complex, futuristic soundscapes.

RAZOR utilizes up to 320 partials for its sophisticated sound shaping algorithms. The dual oscillator section provides a wide arsenal of timbres, ranging from typical analog-style waveforms to unconventional models like “Primes”, “Sick Pitchbend” and “Hoover Sync”. The two filter sections offers 20 different filter types including innovative formant, vowel and waterbed models. A further section provides an arsenal of unique “Dissonance Effects” that further contribute to the unmistakable, charismatic sonic footprint of the instrument. RAZOR even integrates a high-performance 34-band vocoder that can also be used to process external audio signals of any type.

NI Razor screenshot: Dissonance (click to zoom)

The user interface of RAZOR builds on familiar concepts of subtractive synthesizers, providing especially efficient and intuitive control for the underlying highly sophisticated synthesis engine. RAZOR also includes a library of 350 carefully selected presets with a focus on cutting-edge electronic sound aesthetics, accommodating both contemporary club music genres like Dubstep and Techno as well as modern film and game scoring applications.

REAKTOR 5.5 or the free REAKTOR 5 PLAYER are required to use RAZOR. On the Mac, this currently requires OS X 10.5 or 10.6, an Intel Core Duo processor, 2 GB of available RAM and 1 GB of free hard drive space. REAKTOR will run stand-alone or as an AU, VST or RTAS (Pro Tools 8 and higher) plug-in.

RAZOR is available for download purchase in the NI Online Shop for $79 / €69.

www.native-instruments.com/razor

Discuss RAZOR on our Instruments forum.

Native Instruments today announced KOMPLETE 7, a significantly expanded version of its studio-standard software bundle. The next generation of KOMPLETE now combines 24 instruments and effects – including five entirely new products – with over 10,000 sounds and 90 GByte of samples, resulting in a comprehensive suite with unparalleled versatility for music production and performance.

KOMPLETE 7 includes the latest versions of Native Instruments’ acclaimed full-featured instruments and effects, ranging from ABSYNTH 5, BATTERY 3.1, FM8, GUITAR RIG 4.1, KONTAKT 4.1 and MASSIVE to the upcoming REAKTOR 5.5. As the next generation of the legendary modular synthesis studio, the new REAKTOR version adds powerful modal and additive synthesis, a revised user interface, the unique “Lazerbass” synthesizer and many enhancements for both instrument builders and musicians.

KOMPLETE 7 also integrates a wealth of instruments and effects based on KONTAKT, KORE, REAKTOR and GUITAR RIG. Products added to the bundle include the acclaimed ABBEY ROAD 60s DRUMS vintage drum library, the radical performance effect THE FINGER by Tim Exile, the sampled electric bass SCARBEE MM-BASS and all four electric pianos from the SCARBEE VINTAGE KEYS series by sampling mastermind Thomas Scarbee, all four acoustic pianos of the CLASSIC PIANO COLLECTION, the cinematic ACOUSTIC REFRACTIONS instrument and the distinctive REAKTOR SPARK synthesizer.

KOMPLETE 7 also incorporates five completely new products that further expand the creative potential of the bundle: The powerful studio reverb REFLEKTOR with its advanced zero-latency convolution engine; the highly expressive REAKTOR PRISM modal synthesizer designed by NI founder Stephan Schmitt; the performance effects suite TRAKTOR’S 12, derived from Native Instruments’ leading DJ software; the new VINTAGE ORGANS instrument with its comprehensive arsenal of painstakingly sampled electromagnetic organs; and the new RAMMFIRE amp emulation that was developed in close collaboration with one of Rammstein’s guitarists, Richard Z. Kruspe.

On the Mac, KOMPLETE 7 requires OS X 10.5 or later, an Intel Core Duo 1.66 GHz processor or faster, 1 GB RAM, 16 GB free hard drive space, and a DVD drive.

KOMPLETE 7 will be available in September 2010 for a suggested retail price of $559 / 499 EUR. An update for owners of KOMPLETE 2/3/4/5/6 will be available for $229 / 199 EUR. Every copy of KOMPLETE 7 also includes an NI Online Shop voucher worth $60 / 50 EUR, valid towards any product from the KOMPLETE Instruments and Effects range that is not included in the bundle.

www.native-instruments.com/komplete

Discuss KOMPLETE 7 in our Instruments forum.

Native Instruments today introduced THE FINGER, a unique keyboard-controlled performance effects processor developed together with forward-thinking electronic music artist Tim Exile of Warp Records. Based on advanced REAKTOR technology, THE FINGER provides musicians, producers and DJs with an inspirational and truly musical tool for intuitive sound mangling and live remixing in the studio and on stage.

“I’ve always been into the idea of playing electronics like you play acoustic instruments.” says Tim Exile, designer of THE FINGER. “I used to sit at the back of class at school tapping out jungle breaks and edits. That’s when I fell in love with my fingers. I want to go on sound adventures by finger alone. I love it when sounds end up somewhere completely different from where they start off. I want to be able to play these transitions with my fingers and keep wandering with the sound.”

THE FINGER draws upon more than 40 high-quality effects algorithms, including real-time samplers, transformers, filters, gaters, delays, reverbs, distortion, wave shapers, ring modulation and many others, complete with advanced tempo-sync functionality. The outstanding performance capabilities of THE FINGER result from the unique control concept, with every key on a connected MIDI keyboard representing a different effect type and setting. By playing the keyboard, individual effect algorithms are activated and consecutively combined into custom chains of up to six effect units at a time, similar to a continuously changing array of interconnected stomp box units. This intuitive concept makes it possible to literally play THE FINGER like an instrument, with exceptional potential for improvisation and experimentation. When used in a sequencer host, controlling THE FINGER from a MIDI track allows for intricate and precisely fine-tuned effects sequences.

THE FINGER utilizes the free KORE PLAYER to operate both as a standalone effects software and as a plug-in within any host sequencer, and can also be used within the full-featured KORE 2 system. With two parameters per effect being controlled by velocity and modulation wheel, the eight Macro Controls of the KORE interface provide further sound tweaking options. Owners of REAKTOR 5 can also access an advanced user interface to set additional parameters and set up individual custom effects.

The introduction of THE FINGER is complemented with the release of Tim Exile’s “The Finger EP”, a four-track album derived from live performances that utilize the software. The tracks are available for free download via “The Now Wave“, a new blog established by Tim Exile and dedicated to live electronic music performance.

THE FINGER is available for download purchase in the NI Online Shop for $79 / 69 €, and requires the free KORE PLAYER, KORE 2 or REAKTOR 5. KORE PLAYER on the Mac requires OS X 10.4 or 10.5, a G5 1.8 GHz or Intel Core Duo 1.66 GHz, and 1 GB RAM.

www.native-instruments.com/thefinger.info

Discuss THE FINGER in our Effects forum.

Native Instruments today announced availability of the AUDIO 2 DJ, the world’s smallest USB audio interface for DJs. Delivering the exact same audio quality and performance as the acclaimed AUDIO 8 DJ and AUDIO 4 DJ interfaces that are used by professional club DJs worldwide, the AUDIO 2 DJ offers users of TRAKTOR and other DJ software a unique new balance of quality, size and price.

With a footprint no larger than a deck of cards, the bus-powered AUDIO 2 DJ literally fits in a pocket. At the same time, it can accommodate the most demanding club systems due to its studio-grade 24bit/96kHz Cirrus Logic converters and its special high-power output amplifiers capable of delivering a pristine +9.7dBu audio signal. Robust low-latency drivers for Windows and Mac OS X enable the responsiveness that DJs need for tight mixing.

The dual stereo outputs of the AUDIO 2 DJ provide the necessary connectivity to route two decks separately into an external DJ mixer, or to output independent master and cue signals when mixing in software. Two included RCA break-out cables make set-up fast and convenient, making AUDIO 2 DJ the ideal audio interface for travelling DJs who don‘t want to compromise on performance and quality.

AUDIO 2 DJ is now available for a suggested retail price of $119 / 99 € at authorized dealers and in the NI Online Shop. The Mac version requires OS X 10.4 or later, a G4 1.4 GHz or Intel Core Duo 1.66 GHz or faster, 512 MB RAM, and a USB 2.0 port capable of providing 5V 500mA bus power. No additional power supply or battery is needed.

www.native-instruments.com/audio2dj.info

Discuss the AUDIO 2 DJ in our Hardware forum.