MOTU is now shipping MachFive 3, a major upgrade to their universal sampler for creative music production. Rebuilt from the ground up, version 3.0 includes a new user interface design, an extensive 45 GB sound library, seven signature instruments based on new scripting technology, a new hybrid synthesis engine, licensed algorithms from the IRCAM research institute, and many other new features and enhancements.

“With exciting new features and unified, cutting-edge technologies, MachFive 3 achieves our goal: to deliver an inspiring creative sampler and sound design tool for musicians, producers, engineers, DJs, remixers, and sound designers,” said Jim Cooper, MOTU Director of Marketing.

The MachFive 3 window displays a tabbed list on the left-hand side, main controls across the top, and a tabbed main area in the rest of the window for access to all other features. Sections can be resized, shown, or hidden as needed, to streamline operation for any task or workflow. MachFive’s window is designed to operate at various sizes, from a compact plug-in running inside host software to a full screen application taking full advantage of cinema-sized displays.

To load sounds into MachFive’s unlimited parts, a multi-column preset browser fills the MachFive window and remains open while loading multiple parts to save time. “Favorite” locations are listed along with hard drive volumes, frequently accessed folders, sound banks, and 3rd-party sampler disc images. Type a word or phrase into the new search field to instantly list all matching presets from all sound banks and libraries. Once sounds are loaded, users click any part to view basic settings in the Info tab, including a representative graphic of the sound currently loaded into the part, a virtual keyboard for playing the sound, several basic “macro” controls for tweaking the sound, and text hints for using the macro controls.

Most of MachFive’s thousands of factory-supplied presets provide macro controls for direct access to the sound’s most crucial and interesting parameters, from reverb time to filter cutoff frequency. This allows users to tweak sounds quickly, without having to dig through complicated screens full of controls. Some macros even adjust several parameters at once to completely transform the sound with a simple knob twist.

For deeper editing and sound design, additional tabs are available for the Oscillator Editor, Mapping Editor, Tree Editor, List Editor, Mixer view, Performance (multi) view, Effects Rack, Event Processor Rack, modulation settings panel, and other settings.

MachFive 3 includes 7 DVDs with 45 GB of multi-sampled instruments, synth patches, loops, phrases, sound design elements, and sound effects. The Universal Loops & Instruments sound bank is the most versatile, spanning a wide variety of acoustic and electric musical instruments, genres, eras, geographical regions, and cultural styles. The MachFive BiosphereTM sound bank provides hundreds of fresh, rich synth textures, including sweeping arpeggiations, enveloping atmospheres, soaring leads, anthem stacks, resonating pads and many other sounds developed by leading programmers. From car crashes to space storms, the 8 GB Xtreme FX bonus library developed by ultimatesoundbank.com provides 5000 creative sound effects, foley effects, and provocative sound textures that are ideal for music production and sound design alike.

All of these multi-sampled sounds can be used side by side — or even combined — with MachFive 3′s new synth engine, which produces twelve milestone forms of synthesis developed over the past 40 years, from classic additive and subtractive, to frequency modulation (FM), wavetable, and even granular synthesis. MachFive’s granular synthesizer has been licensed from the IRCAM institute in Paris and represents one of the most advanced, yet easy-to-use forms of this technology currently available. Users can load any sound and quickly transform it into completely new material. Further dynamic sound morphing can be be easily applied by simply automating or modulating granular synth controls such as speed, direction, density and grain size.

MachFive’s effects architecture has been redesigned to facilitate the use of effects processing both in sound design and in MachFive’s conventional mixer. 47 different effects, including convolution reverb, can be applied to sound design objects such as individual oscillators/keygroups, keygroup layers, and programs (presets), where they essentially become part of the sound itself. Alternately, effects can be applied throughout MachFive’s mixer as channel inserts, aux bus inserts, and even as master effects on the master fader, limited only by CPU resources.

MachFive 3 excels at audio time-stretching and pitch-shifting with algorithms licensed from the renowned IRCAM research institute. Audio material can be stretched as much as four to five times slower or faster with no noticeable or harmful artifacts, while maintaining stereo phase coherence and rhythmic accuracy. For example, a guitar pick can be heard slowly scraping across each string in the strum of a chord that has been slowed down to 25% of its original speed, with audio clarity akin to the vivid visual clarity of slow-motion high-definition video. Several modes are provided to produce optimum results for various types of audio material.

For professional sound designers with programming chops, MachFive provides a scripting engine to support custom scripted instruments written in MachFiveScriptTM, a straightforward programming API based on an industry-standard programming language (www.lua.org) used heavily in the gaming industry. Script processors perform advanced, customized transformations and analysis of MIDI data streams, as demonstrated by MachFive’s included signature instruments. For example, MachFive’s Telematic script, developed by acousticsamples.net, can generate authentic chord strumming.

Additional MachFive 3 Feature Highlights

• LoopLabTM — An advanced slice loop editor that supports REX, ACID, UFS, Apple Loops, and custom loops.
• Universal 3rd-party sample library support – Directly reads all major 3rd-party hardware/software sample formats and sample discs (Kontakt, Giga, EXS24, HALion, Kurzweil, Akai, Roland, Ensoniq, Sample Cell, and many others) with no conversion, for consolidated sound library management.
• Complete mixing – Graphic mixer with faders, FX inserts, and unlimited channels.
• New Xpander filter — Based on the venerable Oberheim Xpander, this new filter provides 37 modes, each a separate filter in its own right.
• IR VerbTM — A CPU-efficient convolution reverb processor that provides hundreds of presets for acoustic spaces, classic high-end studio reverbs, vintage plates and spring reverbs, plus eclectic impulse responses for sound design. Drag and drop your own IRs, and you can even edit IR waveforms directly.
• Drag and drop operation — Supports easy drag and drop importing of audio files, loops, and samples to and from the computer desktop or a host software application.
• Multi-sample import — Drag and drop multiple samples in one operation to map them intelligently into layers or splits. With straightforward sample-naming conventions, hundreds of samples can be precisely mapped in seconds with a single drag and drop operation.
• Multiple outputs – Submix to 17 stereo output pairs.
• Unlimited polyphony – Includes ultra-low software latency.

MachFive 3 supports Mac OS X (10.5 or later). It operates stand-alone or as a plug-in (AU, VST and RTAS). 64-bit operation is available for supporting systems and hosts.

MachFive 3 is now shipping. Price remains the same at $495. Registered version 1 and 2 users can upgrade to version 3 for $179. A competitive upgrade is also available, with proof of ownership, for $295.

http://www.motu.com/products/software/machfive

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 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 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

AMG today announced the release of their Beat Producer loop editing and percussion plug-in for musicians, producers, DJs and rappers. Beat Producer offers a range of powerful loop editing features to the computer musician, allows access to AMG’s huge, award-winning libraries and brings together industry standard formats, including REX files, Apple Loops and ACIDized WAV files, in one affordable package.

Key features of Beat Producer include:

• Imports Industry Standard Loop Formats — Access REX (.rex, .rx2), Apple Loops and ACIDized WAV files. Freely cross-fertilize groove DNA between loop formats. Switching sounds between grooves freely, extracting sounds or grooves and incorporating any samples within them or creating new beats using any of these resources from scratch. Complete flexibility.
• Instant control of tempo and pitch — Loops automatically tempo sync with your host and pitch can be controlled independently of tempo in real-time.
• Waveform Editor — Examine loop waveforms and edit slices individually within the loop’s groove using the additional groove- locked work track if desired. Reverse, mute, pan, mix and shuffle hits around freely within and between loops.
• Step Editor — 32-part TR-Style step sequencer is available on each rack. Create beats in step time using sounds selected from loops or your sample library.
• Real-time MIDI Control — Easily assignable MIDI control of most parameters for quick, easy real-time, interactive control.
• 8 Racks available — Each instance of Beat Producer offers two stereo groove tracks and 32 step sequencer tracks in each of it’s 8 racks, making 272 tracks per instance.
• Built-in Effects — Four 64-bit, fully editable audio effects processors, and three pages of synth processing per rack.
• Loop Browser — Fully customizable browser with multiple library locations and user definable filters.
• Huge High Quality Sample Libraries — Access AMG’s award-winning sample libraries and enjoy the featured offered by Beat Producer. Huge libraries at low prices and more scheduled for release.

Beat Producer uses AMG’s ONE engine previously described by MacUser as “the complete loop solution”, Sound On Sound said “for loop-heads everywhere, it is well worth checking out” and Future Music reported it “could be the creative and stable multi-timbral file player you’ve been looking for.”

AMG “have always been dedicated to producing inspiring sample libraries. Beat Producer not only provides an exciting range of tools in itself but also provides the perfect environment to host our sample libraries. Making more of our samples available to Beat Producer users and enhancing their use of them to previously unobtainable levels.”

On the Mac, Beat Producer requires OS X 10.4 or higher, a 1 GHz G4, G5 or Intel processor, and 1 GB of available RAM. It runs cross-platform as a stand-alone app, or as an Audio Units, VST or RTAS plug-in.

Beat Producer is available for instant download for just $49 with no library, or $99 with the 3500+ Loop Core Library. A downloadable demo version is also available.

BeatProducer.com

Steinberg is proud to announce the release of HALion 4. In its fourth incarnation, software sampler HALion 4 is now available in both VST and AU formats, and has transformed into an entirely new virtual instrument, combining premium sampling with a new mixing engine and virtual analog synthesis.

Employed as standalone version or alternatively as a VST or AU plug-in, HALion 4 is a true masterpiece of technological advancements, offering a fully-integrated sound design environment that exceeds professional demands by fusing sampler, synthesizer, mixing and an array of effects in one powerful VST instrument. Wrapped in a specifically optimized and eminently flexible interface, users can move, resize and group windows, create function tabs as well as save and restore entire window layouts.

HALion 4 not only features quality tools of the likes of its unique morphing filter and FlexPhraser arpeggiator for intricate patterns, but also holds a total of 44 studio-grade effects that include the acclaimed REVerence convolution reverb with its comprehensive response library and compressors for high-dynamic audio processing of the vast sound library with over 1,600 sounds, including the complete HALion Sonic library plus exclusive HALion 4 content. HALion’s state-of-the-art sampling, synthesis and mixing engine boasts pristine audio quality and equally introduces powerful signal routing options, such as an unlimited number of freely assignable buses per program and layer, 32 stereo output channels and 6-channel surround support. Another two of HALion’s many advantages over using any other sampler are the implementation of VST 3.5 with its innovative Note Expression for editing expression data polyphonically and the enhanced MegaTrig tool for programming instrument articulations, varying playing styles and complex conditional triggering modules without the need for page-filling scripting code.

HALion 4 is compatible with major sample formats and integrates perfectly into any VST software. Seamless importing and mapping of sounds means that key range, velocity and root key parameter are extracted directly from the file name while sounds are mapped automatically, directly through drag-and-drop or conveniently through the Mapping Editor. Due to its integrative approach, HALion now allows users to instantly access any sound and FX parameters by assigning Quick Controls for full automation in Cubase, and Steinberg hardware featuring Advanced Integration technology allows for control of HALion control elements.

Steinberg HALion 4 (click to zoom)

“HALion 4 is absolutely mind-blowing. Its amazing feature set together with its groundbreaking usability make HALion 4 the perfect choice for turning your creative vision into a reality. Said that, HALion may offer a deluge of tools, content and functionality, but we’ve seen to it that users will never lose the plot while working with it, thanks to the flexible GUI, rich and easily accessible features and its ultimate integration into VST software,” comments Matthias Quellmann, product marketing manager for HALion.

Running in both VST and AU plug-in hosts as well featuring cross-platform compatibility for 32 and 64-bit editions of Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.6 make HALion 4 the perfect tool for audio designers and music producers using different machines and systems. Providing true backward compatibility to HALion 3 means that all HALion 3 sound and effect parameters are preserved in this latest version.

HALion 4 will be available in June from the Steinberg Online Shop and authorized Steinberg resellers for €349 / £295. HALion 3 and HALion Sonic users will be able to upgrade to HALion 4 for €99.99 / £84.70.

http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/vst/preview_halion_4.html

Discuss HALion 4 on our Instruments forum.

Redmatica has announced the release of GBSamplerManager (GBSM), a Mac application for managing, creating and editing instruments for the Sampler Instrument in GarageBand for iPad. Transfer your GarageBand songs from the iPad using iTunes, then drag the songs to GBSamplerManager to manage/edit their Sampler instruments or add new ones. Once you are satisfied, drag your song back to iTunes and transfer to the iPad.

Sampler instruments and samples can be copied between songs or to the desktop, where you can use them in Logic or GarageBand for Mac, or simply build a library. Similarly, you can copy your (EXS) sampler instruments from Logic and GarageBand for Mac to your GB iPad songs.

Creating new sounds and adding them to your GarageBand for iPad songs is very easy: Drag a sample to GBSamplerManager, and it will create a sampler instrument automatically for you. There are literally tens of thousands of commercial and freely available EXS24 sounds available on the internet; drum loops, vintage analog synths, everything. With GBSamplerManager you can easily use them in your GarageBand iPad projects.

If you want to migrate your hardware and software synth sounds to GarageBand iPad you can purchase the simple one-click AutoSampler application on your Mac to create your own sampled sound library (Autosampler application available separately from Redmatica).

Redmatica GBSamplerManager (click to zoom)

The Sampler instruments from GarageBand iPad are compatible with GarageBand for Mac and Logic. With GBSamplerManager you just have to select the instruments you want to take to the Mac and drag and drop them to your Mac. GBSamplerManager also includes a basic, intuitive editor for simple (one sample) instruments, so that you can edit them with the full comfort of your large Mac screen. Add loops, set crossfades, set crossfades shape, change the envelope, fine tune your sample in the simplest possible way.

For more complex instruments, GBSamplerManager integrates with Keymap Pro and Keymap One (both Redmatica products available separately) order to give you direct access to the most advanced sampled instruments editors available today anywhere. And if you just want to browse your sounds on your Mac, click a button, and GBSamplerManager will let you play your instruments from a MIDI controller attached to your Mac.

GBSamplerManager requires a Mac running OS X 10.6 or later with at least 2GB of RAM.

You can purchase GBSamplerManager now via the Redmatica Online Store for $4.99 / €3.99.

http://www.redmatica.com/Redmatica/GBSamplerManager.html

Discuss GBSamplerManager on our official Redmatica forum.

Twisted Tools have released a brand new sample pack entitled Analogue Microcosm, by legendary sound designer Richard Devine. The sound pack features an intricate arsenal of unique analogue sounds, coupled with sampler presets for most major sample formats and a new Twisted Tools sampler, the MP16, for Native Instruments Reaktor 5.

Richard has “tried to make these sounds very fluid and expressive. Alien and and organic come to mind. I wanted to design these sounds without the use of computer software or plug-ins.  I hope it inspires everyone to make some cool music with it.”

Richard Devine’s Analog Microcosm Features:

• 570 handcrafted analogue sounds from Richard Devine’s fantastic hardware collection
• 40 kits in Kontakt, Battery, EXS24MKII, NNXT, Reaktor and Maschine formats
• Intuitive sample mapping
• A brand new Twisted Tools utility sampler, MP16

Twisted Tools MP16 Sampler Features:

• 16 Voice Polyphonic Sampler
• Pad style layout
• Unique parameter and modulation settings for per voice
• Grain delay effect per voice
• Note repeat effect
• Two LFOs per voice
• Kore and Maschine Template

System requirements:

• Approx. 400MB of disc space
• At least 150MB of RAM for most sampler instruments
• Internet connection for product download
• Any program that can read .WAV files
• Native Instruments Reaktor 5.15 for PC or MAC (compatible with Reaktor 5.5) if using the included MP16 Sampler
• Native Instruments Kore 2.1.2+ (if using included Kore 2 template)
• Native Instruments Maschine 1.5.1+ (if using included Maschine template)
• Ableton Live 7+ with ‘Simpler’ (if using Live presets kits)
• Reason 4+ (if using Reason NNXT kits)
• Native Instruments Battery 1, 2 or 3 (if using Battery kits)
• Native Instruments Kontakt 2.2+

Analog Microcosm is available as a direct download from Twisted Tools for $39.

http://twistedtools.com/shop/samplepacks/analogue-microcosm/

Discuss Analog Microcosm on our Instruments forum.

FXpansion has proudly announced the availability of Geist, a next-generation sampling drum machine designed to create evolved, custom beats and grooves, freeing you from the limits of pre-packaged loops and over-complicated DAWs.

Geist fuses creative sample-sculpting tools with fast pattern step-sequencing and arrangement. Browse through sounds with lightning speed, slice and assign loops to pads with a single click; sample, resample and build beats in a slick unified environment. Geist makes fiddly tasks with multiple apps a thing of the past.

Geist runs as a plug-in and as a standalone application, perfect for laptop beatmaking. Export creations as audio clips or load sessions back into the plug-in to resample, reslice, remix, rearrange and transform your beats even further. Geist is a complete, integrated rhythm production sandbox for the studio, the tour bus or the stage!

Feature Highlights Include:

• Sampling & resampling
• Dirac3 time-stretch / pitch-shift
• Powerful full-featured slicing & hit detection
• 30+ effect types inc. DCAM circuit modeled filters / dynamics / drive & Overloud Breverb
• Pattern sequencing
• Scene switching
• Integrated song mode
• Real-time record & retro capture
• Step-automation for parameters
• Intuitive and powerful browser
• Full MIDI and audio export
• Standalone / VST / AU / RTAS
• Exclusive sounds & presets from Armin van Buuren, D. Ramirez, Dom Kane, KJ Sawka, Goldbaby, Groove Criminals, Portion Control and more

On the Mac, Geist requires OS X 10.5.8, or OS X 10.6.2 and above, an Intel Core 2 Duo 1.86 GHz (2.53 GHz and higher recommended) and 2 GB RAM or more.

Geist is a download-only product and is available now from the FXpansion webshop for £157.00 / €189.00 / $249.00 plus VAT where applicable. Crossgrade offer for registered FXpansion GURU customers: £79.00 / €95.00 / $125.00 plus VAT where applicable.

www.fxpansion.com

Discuss Geist in our Instruments forum.

Propellerhead Software today released for sale worldwide the biggest overhaul to its Record and Reason application family to date. These highly anticipated upgrades to Reason 5 and Record 1.5 introduce new instruments, effects, sequencing, sounds, patches and more for composing, beatmaking, loop-mangling, vocal treatment, songwriting, remixing and music production.

The new Kong Drum Designer and Dr. Octo Rex loop player extend Reason’s instrument arsenal to help musicians get phenomenal sounding rhythms, drums tracks and beats. Reason 5 and Record 1.5 add a whole new take on sequencing: Blocks—build songs parts like patterns and string them together for lightening fast arranging with the ability to freely go back and forth between pattern and linear modes. Neptune, a pitch correction tool and amazing voice synthesizer, turns less than perfect performances into great ones in no time. Simply play new harmonies on a MIDI keyboard for instant backing vocals. Live sampling into all sample capable devices means any musician can use samples in a new and playful manner, discovering the lost art of creative sampling. The Expanded Factory Sound Bank, doubling in size, plus added signature sound designers’ patches, inspire new arrangements and compositions. Multi core optimization, an on-screen keyboard and tempo scaling of clips top the list of additional improvements.

The upgrades further solidify the Record Reason Duo as the mainstay tool for musical creation.

“I don’t put too many demands on (studio) engineers… except for them to have Reason on their system,” says Printz Board, Musical Director of the Black Eyed Peas. “That is one of the only demands.”

Introducing Kong Drum Designer (Reason). Load, sculpt, build and tweak your sounds with your choice of drum synthesis, sampling, REX loops, physical modeling and custom-made effect modules for percussion on Kong’s 16 pads.

Dr. REX octuples into Dr. Octo Rex Loop Player (Reason). No matter how you use it—as a pattern sequencer for loops, or to completely mangle your REX’ed audio – it is guaranteed to inspire.

New Neptune Pitch Adjuster and Voice Synth Device (Record). Super flexible high-quality processor to correct and shift pitches, create backing harmonies, formant shift or take your vocals into outer space

Block based pattern sequencing mode makes song creation fast and flexible (Both). Go from pattern-based arrangements to linear—to patterns again. Take your music beyond the eight bar loop.

Vastly expanded Factory Sound Bank with Signature patches (Reason). Reason’s sound bank more than doubles in size, thanks in large part to signature contributors: Printz Board, Bomb Squad, Jason McGerr, Sharooz, Adam Beyer, Keith LeBlanc, Cari Lekebusch & others.

Live sampling is back! In the rack! (Reason). Re-explore the lost art (and fun) of sampling. Every sample player becomes a sampler; record with a single click — further tweak with the built-in editor.

A number of other additions that guarantee to make your music making more fun: Multi-core optimization, on-screen keyboard and scaling audio and MIDI clips, interface enhancements and many more too numerous to name.

Signature patch artists and producers

• Bomb Squad, Hank and Keith Shocklee
• Printz Board, Musical Director of the Black Eyed Peas
• Jason McGerr
• Adam Beyer
• Sharooz
• Cari Lekebusch
• Keith LeBlanc
• The Salazar Brothers

All full versions and upgrades are available worldwide through authorized Propellerhead dealers and Propellerhead’s online store.

• Record for Reason Owners Sidegrade (includes Reason 5 upgrade): €149 / $169
• Reason 5 Upgrade from any version: €99 / $129
• Record 1.5 Upgrade from any version: free download!
• Record Reason Duo bundle: €405 / $449
• Reason: €305 / $349
• Record: €279 / $299

Anyone who purchased a qualifying Reason product after May 24, 2010 can receive the upgrade for free.

www.propellerheads.se

Discuss Reason & Record in our Reason & Record forum, of all places.

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.