Author: Christopher Laird Simmons

About Christopher Laird Simmons

Christopher Laird Simmons has been a working journalist since his first magazine sale in 1984. He has since written for wide variety of print and online publications covering lifestyle, tech and entertainment. He is an award-winning author, designer, photographer, and musician. He is a member of ASCAP and PRSA. He is the founder and CEO of Neotrope®, based in Temecula, CA, USA.

Posts by Christopher Simmons:

Crysonic Releases V3.5 of Spectralive NXT – Next Generation Audio Plugin for Mac OS X and PC

Christopher Laird Simmons

Adelaide SA (MuseWire) – Crysonic today released Version 3.5 of their flagship product Spectralive NXT and is available in Native Mac OSX AU,VST (PPC /Intel Mac) and PC VST formats. Spectralive NXT V3.5 is offering an even greater number of enhanced features with much improved performance and quality including the ability to completely customize the […]

Studio DIY: Custom Keyboard and Peripheral Dust Covers

Christopher Laird Simmons

COLUMN: One of my great joys in life is loving a product made by a great company that stays in business year after year and perhaps decade by decade. I can count these types of companies on one hand as I settle into my 40’s, and so I’m making an effort this year to spread […]

Haken Audio announces Continuum Fingerboard Firmware Version 4

Christopher Laird Simmons

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (MuseWire) – Firmware version 4 continues to extend the expressive possibilities of the Continuum Fingerboard, the unique musical instrument from Haken Audio. Major software additions in this release include expanded internal sounds, a fully integrated computer editor application, and an innovative control system for the Haken Audio Continuum Voltage Converter. Version 4 is […]

Open Labs reveals new ‘Custom Shop’ for Musicians who purchase OL’s PC-based Music Instruments

Christopher Laird Simmons

COLUMN: In a somewhat stealthy mode, Open Labs has finally put up a page on their site promoting custom paint colors, bigger hard drive options, extreme motherboard upgrades, and various customization options for new and existing OL customers who buy one of OL’s keyboard or rack mount workstations. They call this their “Custom Shop.” For […]

Musicrow updates Golden Ensembles to v2.21, and introduces a new addition to Musicrow’s REAKTOR ensembles pack: The Ebola

Christopher Laird Simmons

Israel (MuseWire) – Musicrow updates Golden Ensembles to v2.21, and introduces a new addition to their REAKTOR ensembles pack: The Ebola. Ebola is a powerful semi-modular virtual analog synthesizer with a flexible architecture that enables you to create a wide variety of sounds with the distinct Ebola flavor! From heavily distorted leads to Hollywood style […]

Mokafix Audio has updated BlueReeds and GlueReeds electric piano emulations to 1.5

Christopher Laird Simmons

(MuseWire) – BlueReeds and GlueReeds updated to 1.5. The “click on noteon” bug that still happened on some setups after a patch change has been completely ironed out, which means BlueReeds and GlueReeds should now perform flawslessly on any PC. Inner piano presets are now stored externally to save RAM and make the plugins load […]

Shipping Begins on Moog Taurus 3 Bass Pedals – More Moog News for 2010

Christopher Laird Simmons

SYNTH NEWS: According to the folks at Moog, their new Taurus 3 Bass Pedals have begun making their way to musicians worldwide. A new OS update for the Minimoog Voyager is available, and the new Moog Guitar adds MIDI.

Group 55 Technology Consulting Reps ASK Video in North America

Christopher Laird Simmons

Ontario, Canada (MuseWire) – ASK Video Interactive Media, a leading creator of software tutorials on DVD, has added Neil Ziesing and Andrew Harris of Group 55 Technology Consulting as sales representatives for the North American market. A Founding Partner of Group 55 Technology Consulting, LLC., Zeising got his start in the industry as a sales […]

TC Group announces creation of new organization, TC Group International (TCGI)

Christopher Laird Simmons

Kungsbacka, Sweden (MuseWire) – The TC Group has announced a restructuring that has resulted in the formation of a new organization known as TC Group International which will operate out of Aarhus in Denmark and Coatbridge, Scotland. The new organization, which comes into being on February 1st, will offer a new and revitalized sales and […]

NARIP Phoenix Appoints Scott and Sotos to Leadership Roles

Christopher Laird Simmons

PHOENIX, Ariz. (MuseWire) – With the continuing expansion of music in and around the Phoenix area, the National Association of Record Industry Professionals (www.narip.com) appoints Les Scott and Peter Sotos to board positions in the NARIP Phoenix chapter. â€œPhoenix is a vital region for music, with a fast-growing industry to support it, and we are […]

Native Instruments Introduces ABBEY ROAD 60s DRUMS

Christopher Laird Simmons

Berlin, Germany (MuseWire) – Native Instruments today introduced ABBEY ROAD 60s DRUMS, the first instrument created in its collaboration with the iconic British recording studios. Recorded using sophisticated engineering techniques and exclusive vintage gear, ABBEY ROAD 60s DRUMS provides a versatile arsenal of classic drum sounds with absolute tonal authenticity, supreme playability and immense sonic […]

Announcing Nine Volt Audio Action Drums: Cinematic Edition

Christopher Laird Simmons

Nashville, Tenn. (MuseWire) – Action Drums: Cinematic Edition from Nine Volt Audio is a dynamic collection of performances designed to fill the percussive needs of motion picture, television, video game and production music. Recorded in a concert hall, Action Drums: Cinematic Edition mixes close and distant microphone positions of soloists and ensembles to create natural […]

NEW Radio Station 90.5 KTRL Looking for NEW Music

Christopher Laird Simmons

Stephenville, Texas (MuseWire) – New high powered broadcast station at Tarleton State University. Drew Slattery with KURT & KTRL radio is requesting to be sent new music asap. They still have the Rock format low power station 100.7 KURT, but now proudly introduce 90.5 KTRL which plays all Folk, Roots/Americana, Country, and World Music. So […]

Audio Networking Company Audinate Raises Additional $4 Million in Funding to Fuel Growth

Christopher Laird Simmons

SYDNEY, Australia /MuseWire/ — Audinate Pty Ltd, a leading developer of digital media networking solutions, announced it has secured $4 million in additional funding. The latest investment round was led by existing investors, Starfish Ventures and Innovation Capital. Audinate is making traditional analog cabling obsolete in favor of TCP/IP-based networking technology. Dante™ provides a high […]

U.S. Dept. of State and Brooklyn Academy of Music to showcase DanceMotion USA

Christopher Laird Simmons

Washington, DC (MuseWire) – The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) will rollout DanceMotion USA on Friday, January 22, from 2:30 p.m. â€“ 4:00 p.m. at The George Washington University (GWU) Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre (800 21st Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.). This new […]

Spectrasonics announce Trilian and Omnisphere 1.2 Updates, new iPhone Omni Live App

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM 2010 (MuseWire) – At the 2010 NAMM show in Anaheim, Spectrasonics announced new v1.2 updates for OmnisphereÂ® and TrilianÂ® – bringing full 64-bit cross-platform support for the complete line of their award-winning virtual instruments. With the new updates, Omnisphere and Trilian will join Stylus RMXÂ® as fully Mac and Windows native 64-bit plug-ins. The […]

Dave Smith Instruments Unveils Mopho Keyboard at Winter NAMM – so What’s Next?

Christopher Laird Simmons

COLUMN: — When the word went out that Dave Smith was going to introduce something “new” at NAMM in January, many of us immediately presumed it would be a keyboard version of the highly popular Mopho. And, lo and behold that’s what was revealed. Due to the economy, demand, and other factors, it’s clear we […]

IK Multimedia announces StealthBoard

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM 2010 (MuseWire) – IK Multimedia is proud to introduce StealthBoard, the first USB-MIDI floor controller for guitar and bass players that gives you full control over your entire rig. You may now control your software and/or hardware-based amp modeling and effects processors – with additional amp channels switching – all from just one unit […]

IK Multimedia announces AmpliTube 3

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM 2010 (MuseWire) – IK Multimedia is proud to present AmpliTube 3, a massive upgrade of the leading guitar and bass tone gear-modeling software! AmpliTube 3 raises the industry standard of sound variety, realism and creative power – with over 160 precisely modeled pieces of vintage and modern gear available in one package – it […]

Waldorf Announces v1.5 of Largo Soft Synth

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM 2010 (MuseWire) – Waldorf has announced the latest version of their LARGO virtual instrument, which is built on the legacy of groundbreaking products like the PPG Wave, Waldorf Q, and the more recent Blofeld. Largo V1.5 comes with almost 500 new sounds. Together with the sounds shipping with earlier versions of Largo, this sums […]

Devine Machine announces Cycler collaboration looper

Christopher Laird Simmons

(MuseWire) – Devine Machine has unveiled Cycler, a new audio application and plug-in designed to be the missing link between hardware loopers and modern audio applications for live music, and is collaboration oriented. Highlights: Performances in Cycler are different from any other live applications. Special features (scene recalls, ‘one-knob-fx’) have been set to ease the […]

Arturia Announce Long-Awaited ORIGIN Keyboard Shipping ‘Soon’

Christopher Laird Simmons

Westlake Village, Calif. (MuseWire) – This new version of our award-winning flagship Origin synthesizer comes in an innovative and unique laptop-keyboard format, made especially for the demanding keyboard performer. It keeps the outstanding modular system of Origin Desktop, putting it on a panel that closes on a high quality keyboard controller. The intuitive interface is […]

Arturia Announce Analog Experience MIDI Keyboard Controllers

Christopher Laird Simmons

Westlake Village, Calif. (MuseWire) – ARTURIA is happy to announce a series of three hybrid synthesizers: Analog Experience THE PLAYER, Analog Experience THE FACTORY and Analog Experience THE LABORATORY. These three versions couple a soft-synth based on award-winning Analog Factory with a premium midi keyboard controller. And by offering them in a series, we’re sure […]

Arturia Announces Brass 2.0 Virtual Instrument

Christopher Laird Simmons

Westlake Village, Calif. (MuseWire) – BRASS 2.0 is a new kind of virtual instrument based on a physical modeling technology. It emulates a Trumpet, a Trombone and a Saxophone. All the characteristics of the real instruments have been analyzed and modeled through extensive research at world-renowned IRCAM institute. Arturia has partnered with this highly skilled […]

Cakewalk, Intel, and OurStage announce Songwriting Contest Winners

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Anaheim, Calif. (MuseWire) – Cakewalk, the world’s leading developer of powerful and easy to use products for music creation and recording, OurStage.com, and contest sponsor Intel Corporation have announced the winners of the Your Music Anytime, Anyplace Songwriting Competition held during the month of November, 2009. Artists in the Rock and Urban genres were […]

Cakewalk Announces New Mobile Studio Canvas at NAMM Show 2010

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Anaheim, Calif. (MuseWire) – Cakewalk, the world’s leading developer of powerful and easy to use products for music creation and recording, announces the new Mobile Studio Canvas. The Mobile Studio Canvas for Mac, PC, and standalone performance is the first such product in the Cakewalk hardware family. Capable of producing over 1,000 sounds, the […]

Cakewalk Announces FA-66 FireWire Audio Interface at NAMM Show 2010

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Anaheim, Calif. (MuseWire) – Cakewalk, the world’s leading developer of powerful and easy to use products for music creation and recording, announces the launch of the FA-66 FireWire Audio Interface for Mac and PC. The FA-66 is a compact, portable 6-in/6-out FireWire 400/800 audio interface designed for mobile recording and performance professionals. The unit […]

Cakewalk Announces New Line of Keyboard Controllers at NAMM Show 2010

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Anaheim, Calif. (MuseWire) – Cakewalk, the world’s leading developer of powerful and easy to use products for music creation and recording, announces the launch of the A-PRO Series of USB MIDI Controllers for Mac and PC. The A-300PRO, A-500PRO and A-800PRO are a brand new line of keyboard controllers developed in conjunction with Roland. […]

E-MU LONGboard 61 and SHORTboard 49 Performance MIDI Keyboards Shipping

Christopher Laird Simmons

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. (MuseWire) – E-MU Systems has announced that its new E-MU LONGboard 61 and SHORTboard 49 keyboards are now shipping. These completely new instruments combine great feeling 61-note or 49-note MIDI controller keyboards with a 128-voice professional sample-based instrument with 32-bit effects and a world-class 64MB sound set. “We’re very excited about the […]

E-MU 0404 USB 2.0 and Tracker Pre USB 2.0 now shipping with Updated Software Bundle

Christopher Laird Simmons

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. (MuseWire) – E-MU Systems has announced that the legendary software bundles for the 0404 USB 2.0 and Tracker Pre 2.0 audio interface products have now been updated and improved. The new Production Tools Software Bundle, or PTSB5, contains current software versions from each third party company, which are compatible with Mac OS […]

E-MU 0202 USB 2.0 now shipping with Acoustica Mixcraft LE 4

Christopher Laird Simmons

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. (MuseWire) – E-MU Systems announced today that Mixcraft LE 4 Virtual Recording Studio software for Windows XP or Vista is now being bundled with their 0202 USB 2.0, 24-bit, stereo audio interface. Acoustica Mixcraft LE 4 is an easy-to-use software package that transforms your computer into an entire music production facility. “Mixcraft […]

E-MU announces new Xmidi 1×1 Tab USB MIDI Interface

Christopher Laird Simmons

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. (MuseWire) – E-MU Systems has announced the release of its new Xmidi 1×1 Tab MIDI interface. E-MU’s Xmidi 1×1 Tab is a plug-and-play USB MIDI Interface that adds an ultra-fast MIDI input and output to your computer. The interface provides 16 MIDI channels in/out, is bus-powered for total portability, and offers status […]

Access Music Announces OS4 for Virus Ti Series Synth Line

Christopher Laird Simmons

Recklinghausen, Germany (MuseWire) – With TIOS4, the next operating system for the entire Access Virus TI series of synthesizers, your chances to need additional effects are becoming slim. Six meticulously modeled overdrive stomp boxes greatly complement with the existing arsenal of distortion algorithms in the effect section. The new speaker cabinet emulation is a fantastic […]

Nord introduces the all new Nord Piano 88 at Winter NAMM 2010

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Anaheim, Calif. (MuseWire) – When lightweight and portability is as important as sound quality and flexibility, Nord Keyboards introduces the all new Nord Piano 88. With an impressive response and functionality this keyboard takes you one step further towards the ultimate stage piano. The Nord Piano is a dedicated stage piano with 88 keys and a weighted hammer action.

Strum, Tune, Rock! with TC Electronic’s PolyTune pedal

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Anaheim, Calif. (MuseWire) – Forget the old days of string-by-string tuning – it’s time to join the PolyTune revolution. TC Electronic’s PolyTune is the quickest and easiest way to tune your guitar. Simply strum, tune and rock! TC Electronic has just revolutionized guitar tuning at a stroke or strum with PolyTune, the world’s first […]

Blue Announces Second Generation Mikey Portable Recorder for iPhone and iPod

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Anaheim, Calif. (MuseWire) – Blue Microphones, a leading innovator in microphone technology and design, announces the second generation Mikey Portable Recorder for iPod and iPhone. Building upon the award-winning audio technology developed for the original Mikey, the second generation is certified for iPod and undergoing iPhone certification, featuring improved circuitry for superior recording and […]

Blue Microphones Unveils enCORE 300

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Anaheim, Calif. (MuseWire) – Flagship condenser mic brings studio quality to the stage. Blue Microphones, a leading innovator in microphone technology and design, announces their flagship live stage vocal microphone, the enâ€¢CORE 300. This new high-end mic follows the successful September 2009 launch of the enâ€¢CORE 100 dynamic and enâ€¢CORE 200 active dynamic mics […]

Blue Adds Instrument Mic to enCORE Series

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Anaheim, Calif. (MuseWire) – Blue Microphones, a leading innovator in microphone technology and design, has expanded their enâ€¢CORE live stage microphone series with the addition of the enâ€¢CORE 100i, a versatile and rugged instrument microphone. â€œWith the enâ€¢CORE 100i, we have taken our stage vocal mic technology and tailored it to instrument applications,â€ said […]

Roland Unveils RD-700GX SuperNATURAL Piano Kit

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Los Angeles (MuseWire) – Roland is proud to add the latest in digital piano technology to the RD-700GX SuperNATURALÂ® Piano Kit (K-RD700GX1). Comprised of a dedicated expansion board and a USB memory key to update the operating system, the SuperNATURAL Piano Kit is a dream for musicians who want the utmost in authentic playability […]

Roland Releases V-PIANO EVOLUTION Update

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Los Angeles (MuseWire) – Roland is pleased to announce the V-PianoÂ® Evolution System Program Update, which adds two new stunning Vintage and Vanguard piano models to enhance the sonic possibilities for the groundbreaking V-Piano. Since its release one year ago, the Roland V-Piano has taken the music world by storm. Soaring beyond the limits […]

Roland Announces VP-7 Vocal Processor

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Los Angeles (MuseWire) – Now every keyboardist, regardless of vocal ability, can sing with the new VP-7 Vocal Processor from Roland. This portable processor sets up quickly on top of keyboards with free panel space and creates ensemble vocal sounds with a variety of PCM-based vocal sounds, or with Roland's superior Vocal DesignerÂ® technology. […]

ROLAND Presents V-COMBO VR-700 Synth Organ Piano Keyboard

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Los Angeles (MuseWire) – Roland is proud to announce the V-Combo VR-700. Featuring the best of Roland's acclaimed Virtual Tonewheel organ, full key multi-sampled piano, and pro synthesizer sounds, the V-Combo is perfect for players who need an all-in-one keyboard for a variety of musical settings, including houses of worship, stage performances, and rehearsal […]

Roland/BOSS Releases TU-3 Chromatic Tuner – Stompbox Chassis

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Los Angeles (MuseWire) – BOSSÂ® is proud to announce the TU-3 Chromatic Tuner, an updated version of the pedalboard standard TU-2. The TU-3 is the stompbox tuner for the next generation of guitarists and bassists, retaining all the features of its predecessor while adding many new tricks of its own. BOSS has been the […]

Roland Unveils TD-12KX V-Drums Kit

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Los Angeles (MuseWire) – Roland is proud to announce the TD-12KX, the latest addition to its V-StageÂ® family of V-DrumsÂ® kits. Targeted to the demands of drummers that perform live and in the studio, the TD-12KX builds on the feature set of the popular TD-12SV kit, adding a larger kick, floor tom pad, and […]

Roland Announces RP-201 Digital Piano

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Los Angeles (MuseWire) – Roland is proud to introduce the RP-201 Digital Piano, an attractive and affordable instrument that brings the rich and beautiful sound of a grand piano within everyone's reach. Offering renowned Roland quality in an elegant, compact design, the RP-201 is perfect for beginning piano students and anyone that wants to […]

Roland Introduces RH-5 Headphones

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Los Angeles (MuseWire) – Roland's extensive lineup of headphone products gains a new addition with the RH-5 Headphones. Designed for comfort and quality sound at an affordable price, the RH-5 is a great choice for monitoring electronic musical instruments like digital pianos and digital drums, and they're also perfect for music lessons, studio recording, […]

Roland Announces OCTAPAD SPD-30

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Los Angeles (MuseWire) – Roland is proud to announce the OCTAPADâ„¢ SPD-30 digital percussion pad. Featuring eight trigger pads, built-in sounds, multi-effects, and external trigger inputs, the OCTAPAD SPD-30 is the perfect portable electronic percussion instrument for any playing application. Using the latest trigger technology from Roland's industry-leading V-DrumsÂ®, the pads on the OCTAPAD […]

Roland/BOSS Unveils ME-25 Multi-Effects For Guitar

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Los Angeles (MuseWire) – BOSSÂ® is proud to announce the addition of the ME-25 Guitar Multiple Effects to its popular line of floor-based multi-effects. The compact and durable ME-25 inherits its high-quality sounds from the flagship ME-70, and packs a ton of BOSS tone tools into one amazingly affordable package. Sporting a quick and […]

Roland Announces KC-110 Stereo Keyboard Amplifier

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Los Angeles (MuseWire) – The latest addition to Roland's industry-leading KC-Series keyboard amplifier lineup is the KC-110 Stereo Keyboard Amplifier. It combines two industry firsts for a portable keyboard ampâ€”AA battery-powered operation and true stereo soundâ€”with a host of additional features that make it flexible for a variety of performance applications. The KC-110 features […]

Roland Unveils HP-Series SuperNATURAL Pianos

Christopher Laird Simmons

NAMM: Los Angeles (MuseWire) – Roland is proud to introduce a new chapter in the evolution of digital piano technology with the HP-Series SuperNATURALÂ® Pianos. Combining elements of the revolutionary V-PianoÂ® with Roland's multisampling-technology, the HP-307, HP-305, and HP-302 SuperNATURAL Pianos truly deliver the unique sound, expressivity and rich playing experience of a traditional acoustic […]

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