Story Index for Articles, Interviews, News and Reviews
Westlake Village, Calif. — Blue Microphones, a leading innovator in microphone technology and design, today introduced Icicle, a powerful in-line USB converter and preamp. Designed with Blue’s unique sense of style and commitment to quality, Icicle makes connecting XLR microphones directly to your Mac or PC simple and effective. “Today’s musicians live in both the […]
Sweden — This is a unique and exclusive recording of two of the most important drummers in popular music. Clyde Stubblefield and John “Jab'o” Starks. On their own or in tandem, Starks and Stubblefield were the principal drummers for the Godfather of Soul and Funk, Mr. James Brown. Fans and critics alike cite their collective […]
Bothell, Wash. — BEHRINGER adds to its line of effects pedals with the new VM1 Vintage Time Machine. 550ms of true analog delay deliver the great sound of tape echo machines popular in the 70’s. Effects include Delay, Echo, Chorus and Vibrato. Flexible sound-shaping controls including Effect Mix, Feedback, Delay Time and switchable Chorus / […]
Bothell, Wash. — BEHRINGER adds to its line of active loudspeaker systems with the new EUROLIVE B315A. Featuring a 15″ 2-way design, integrated sound processing and 400 watts of power, the B315A offers a compact, high-power solution for live and playback applications. The B315A packs a long-excursion 15″ woofer and 1.75″ titanium-diaphragm compression driver with […]
High Wycombe, UK — After getting their Royal seal of approval, Novation release a limited edition keyboard that looks out of this world. Novation are celebrating the phenomenal success of the ReMOTE SL series by releasing a special limited edition ReMOTE SL37. The ReMOTE SL was the first MIDI controller to feature Novation’s groundbreaking Automap […]
BUENA PARK, Calif. — Following the success of the Pocketrak 2G Pocket Recorder, Yamaha Corporation of America is now shipping their new Pocketrak CX. While the Pocketrak 2G fills the niche an ultra-slim recorder with an omni-directional mic for recording lectures, meetings and rehearsals, the Pocketrak CX adds an upgraded stereo microphone system and expandability, […]
TORONTO, Canada — iPod touch 2G owners now have their choices of fun, fashion and function to guard their beloved touch: the iSkin touch Vibes and iSkin touch Duo. The iSkin touch Vibes delivers the complete protective benefits of a durable soft case, adds an ultra-clear screen film and protective docking port insert, and wraps […]
LOS ANGELES and BERLIN — Native Instruments has just launched a special KONTAKT 3 crossgrade offer for owners of GigaStudio. From now until December 31st 2008, owners of any version of Tascam GigaStudio can get the industry-leading KONTAKT 3 software sampler for a reduced price of $279 / EUR 249, a saving of nearly 40% […]
CHOCTAW, Miss. — This winter Pearl River Resort will host an exciting music lineup at The Silver Star Convention Center with something for everyone’s taste. Featured artists include KC & The Sunshine Band, Roberta Flack, Lorrie Morgan and Ronnie Milsap, George Jones, and the legendary Brenda Lee. Following is a sampling of performances. All shows […]
AUSTIN, Texas — The Alex Jones Show announced today that Willie Nelson, Jimmie Vaughan, Jesse Ventura, and Alex Jones will all appear live at the Backyard Live Oak Amphitheater in Austin, TX, this Sunday October 26th, for the Peaceful Solution, Peace Revolution, Take Back America event, which will be streamed live on the Internet at […]
Native Instruments just released MASSIVE EXPANSION Vol. 2, a new KORE SOUNDPACK based on the powerful MASSIVE engine. The library features 200 cutting-edge synthesizer sounds for use in KORE 2 and the free KORE PLAYER as well as the individual MASSIVE synthesizer, providing producers with a practical creative resource for a wide range of electronic music styles.
BUENA PARK, Calif. — Yamaha Corporation of America is now shipping their new AUDIOGRAM 6 and AUDIOGRAM 3 Computer Recording Systems. Recently named Best in Show at the annual NAMM music trade show, these powerful yet affordable audio interfaces are designed to turn a computer into an intuitive tool for recording from virtually any microphone, […]
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Halloween is just around the corner, and parents are looking for ways to make the season festive, without all the usual horrific images. “Beowulf” (recently released on audio CD) composer Sam Sorensen suggests another fun way to help get the family in the mood for Halloween. Audio books. “Liven up that […]
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Native Instruments has just announced TRAKTOR PRO and TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO, the next versions of its groundbreaking digital DJ solutions with MIDI and time-code control. Based on years of software evolution, the latest TRAKTOR generation offers superior creative workflow, an extremely functional user interface, powerful sound shaping features, advanced syncing and […]
PHILADELPHIA, Miss. — In conjunction with the first annual Blues at The Moon Music Festival at Golden Moon Hotel & Casino, a Blues Symposium and Jam Session will take place this evening at the Old Ellis Theatre in Philadelphia. The free event is open to the public. Led by Dr. Alfonso Sanders, head of the […]
MADISON, Wisc. — Sony Creative Software, a leading provider of professional video and audio production applications, today announced ACID Pro 7 digital audio workstation software, available in early November. Unlike any other software offering in its class, ACID Pro 7 software offers powerful and intuitive DAW functionality for today’s media professional including multitrack recording, 5.1 […]
ATLANTA, Ga. — MusicWorks Interactive, publisher of The Guide to MIDI Orchestration has released The Finale 2008-2009 Tutorial DVD-Level 1, a video tutorial for Finale 2008 and 2009 notation software. The title is the first release in its new Educational DVD Series developed for music professionals. This ambitious DVD includes more than 8 hours of […]
ST. HELENA, Calif. — Dave Smith Instruments has announced a custom keyboard case for their Prophet ’08 and Evolver keyboards. This rugged, ATA-style case is a great way to protect your Dave Smith instruments. Custom made to fit the Prophet ’08, the case is also a perfect fit for the Evolver Keyboard when used with […]
Umea, Sweden — Toontrack Music announced that as of October 6, 2008, they will join Waves' pioneering Virtual Stock Software Distribution (VSSD) fulfillment program, as an alternative means of product distribution. Now, end-users will always have access to the complete range of Toontrack products from their favorite authorized Toontrack music retailer, and they will never […]
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The new song from country duo Scott Joss and Doug Colosio is “Darlin’,” a deeply-felt ballad that celebrates many aspects of love. Released by Golosio Publishing (golosio.com), “Darlin’” is quietly exciting in a very peaceful and intimate style. “If ever a song could be said to wear its heart on its […]
Los Angeles, Calif. — AES: Meet the new Pro Tools® 8 — the most advanced audio creation and production software, featuring a gorgeous new interface; dozens of new plug-ins; five new virtual instruments; exciting new scoring, MIDI, editing, and mixing capabilities; deeper controller integration; improved ease of installation and use; and enhanced performance. With Pro […]
San Francisco, Calif. — AES: Digidesign today unveiled the third and newest member of its acclaimed Digidesign® 003® family — 003® Rack+ Factory. Featuring eight high-quality microphone preamps, 003 Rack+ Factory is a powerful option for those needing additional mic inputs to handle more complex recording projects. “Today, Pro Tools LE users are taking on […]
San Francisco, Calif. — AES: Cakewalk, the world’s leading developer of powerful and easy to use products for music creation and recording, announces SONAR V-Studio 700, the ultimate solution for music production. SONAR V-Studio 700 represents the first and flagship product in the next generation V-Studio line of Cakewalk branded hardware and software solutions. With […]
Los Angeles, Calif. — Roland is excited to announce the very first national Roland Atelier Organ Fest, to be held in Los Angeles in February 2009. If you'd like to compete, contact your Atelier dealer. Local festivals will be held at dealer locations throughout the U.S. From there, you may advance to the regional competition. […]
Los Angeles, Calif. — In conjunction with the second International Roland V-Accordion Festival, Roland Corporation U.S. held the first ever U.S. V-Accordion Festival in Los Angeles on September 20, 2008. Contestants hailed from all over the country, and played in styles ranging from Jazz to Celtic. Each contestant was given an FR-7 V-Accordion to play […]
MEYLAN, France — Origin is the most powerful synthesizer on the market. As a matter of fact, it goes beyond the traditional definition of synthesizers. It is a hardware DSP system that houses several synthesizers in one machine. Some of these synths come from the past, such as the Minimoog, some are totally new and […]
High Wycombe, UK — As of October 1st 2008, Focusrite will assume worldwide distribution of their finest Pro Tools®-exclusive EQ and Compression plug-in, formerly distributed worldwide by Digidesign. The Focusrite Forte Suite is a channel strip plug-in based on the now-legendary Focusrite Forte recording console of the mid 1980s. Utilizing virtual vintage modules, Forte Suite […]
San Francisco, Calif — AES: iZotope, Inc., a leading innovator in audio signal processing technology, announces iZotope Ozone 4, an update to its critically-acclaimed software mastering suite. Ozone 4 builds on the program’s reputation for superior sound quality and industry-standard mastering tools with new innovations. iZotope has updated and expanded Ozone’s processing algorithms, optimizing them […]
San Francisco, Calif. – AES: Blue Microphones, a leading innovator in microphone technology and design, today announce the latest additions to their award-winning line of products; the BottleRocket Stage One Solid-State Microphone System and the Bottle Rocket Stage Two Tube Microphone System. The Stage One BottleRocket is a transformerless solid state microphone system with the […]
High Wycombe, UK — This year's AES show in San Francisco sees the launch of Focusrite's latest addition to the award-winning Liquid range. Liquid Mix HD delivers the power of Liquid Mix exclusively to the Pro Tools HD market. Providing the same pool of classic EQ and Compressor emulations, Liquid Mix HD combines the sound […]
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Quality Assurance industry leaders Intellikey Labs and Direct QC have merged their operations to create the testing group, inc., a leading-edge testing facility serving the digital content and commerce marketplace. This merger is the first of several strategic initiatives that the testing group plans to take to accelerate mass acceptance of […]
High Wycombe, UK — This year's AES show in San Francisco sees the launch of Focusrite's new multi-channel firewire audio interface, the Focusrite Saffire PRO 40. It is the best sounding interface in its class, attentively designed with today's project studio in mind. Focusrite’s unparalleled pre-amp legacy forms the foundation of this new interface, with […]
LONDON, England — FXpansion Audio UK Ltd. has announced an updat to BFD 2, their highly regarded drum sample system. Version 2.0.5.10 is now available, and is “strongly recommended” by the company for all users of BFD2. Improvements include long sample tails choking, out of memory warning dialog popping up x-number of times, and some […]
Communications expert John Scott G (recording artist The G-Man) leads a collective of artists, musicians and videographers known as FookMovie in the creation of wildly colorful music videos. Since opening in April, the company has completed 30 productions.
LOS ANGELES and Berlin — Native Instruments has just released REAKTOR ANIMATED CIRCUITS, a new KORE SOUNDPACK that explores the world of complex self-generating soundscapes, textures and rhythms. Powered by several highly advanced REAKTOR-based sound generators including the innovative “Spiral” sequencer, REAKTOR ANIMATED CIRCUITS provides a literally endless resource of unique atmospheric sound material for […]
LOS ANGELES and Berlin — Native Instruments’ worldwide GUITAR RIG HERO video contest has just entered the public voting phase. Over 100 entries have been submitted to the dedicated YouTube channel by musicians from all over the world, reflecting the acclaimed versatility of GUITAR RIG with a wide range of musical styles, and showcasing astonishing […]
Bordeaux, France — With the groundbreaking Lemur controller Jazzmutant have revolutionised the way in which performers can now interact with light, video and sound. The Lemur offers an unrivalled package of intuitive features beneath a futuristic multitouch-sensitive surface, and these have won it fans across the globe including the groundbreaking musicians Richie Hawtin, Björk and […]
SPOKANE, Wash. — When audiences close their eyes during a Jim Curry concert, they may find the similarities between him and John Denver uncanny and when they open their eyes, they just might do a double-take. Curry doesn’t do an impersonation of Denver, his performance is a true tribute, but he shares many of the […]
Ontario, Canada — ASK Video Interactive Media, a leading creator of software tutorials on DVD, is now shipping Level 2 in a 4-part tutorial DVD series for Logic Pro 8 music production software. In Level 2, musician and Apple expert Tony Wallace continues along the path laid out in Level 1, progressing from the basics […]
REVIEW: I’ve been a fan of the late (and sadly missed) Bob Moog’s various sound creation inventions since the mid 1970s. I first saw one of his theremins at a Southern California museum and while the rest of my family perused the other modern art; I spent most of the day at the theremin making […]
COLUMN: Proving you can’t keep good analog down, venerable synth designer and “my name is my business” owner Dave Smith, has released a new one-voice analog sound box called “Mopho” (with emphasis on the Os). Basically it’s a single voice of the new generation DSI Prophet 08 synth keyboard, in a bright yellow “fun” package, […]
BOSTON, Mass. — Rapture users: Expand your sounds and creativity with Piscis. Proud Cakewalk progenitors in pursuit of permanently proliferating Rapture’s prodigious pad pallet, please prepare to be positively perplexed by powerful potential and perpetual possibility. Plug-and-play purveyors, pick-a-preset princes, and paladin purists, pick up the pace and promptly proceed to purchase Piscis! Galbanum’s Piscis […]
MEYLAN, France — New Features in the updated Arturia ANALOG FACTORY 2.21 include: Better management of the key parameters: 4 LCDs now displays the parameter controlled by the “Key parameter†knobs. New set of performance parameters: Some new parameters are accessible for each sound, the pitch-bend range, the polyphony number, the polyphony mode (Mono, unison, […]
GREENSBORO, N.C. — NOTION Music has announced that Dr. Mark Edwards Wilson, on the faculty of the School of Music at the University of Maryland, is the grand prize winner of the company’s second Realize Music Challenge, an annual orchestral composition competition that draws entries from composers across the globe. As the grand prize winner, […]
Austin, Texas — NAB Radio Show —  iZotope, Inc., a leading innovator in audio signal processing technology, is now shipping their highly anticipated ANR-Bâ„¢ Adaptive Real-time Noise Reduction Unit, bringing the company’s renowned audio algorithm for adaptive noise reduction to a dedicated hardware unit for use in real-time broadcast applications. “Broadcasters face real-time noise […]
AUSTIN, Texas — Catering to the growing urban music scene, Open Labs will be hosting a two-day music event titled “Beats ‘N Treats Music Festival” at the Mohawk venue on October 24-25, 2008. The two day event will feature live bands and a beat competition called the “Gold Rush Beat Competition,” in which the winner […]
MINNEAPOLIS AND LOS ANGELES — Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) and Napster Inc. (NASDAQ:NAPS) announced today that the two companies have entered into a definitive merger agreement for Best Buy to commence a tender offer for all outstanding Napster shares at a price of $2.65 per share in cash. Best Buy intends to use Napster's […]
BURBANK, Calif. (MuseWire) – After many years of development, Spectrasonics is proud to release the brand new flagship virtual instrument Omnisphere(R). This epic “Power Synth” breaks completely new sonic ground by combining a wide variety of hybrid realtime synthesis techniques, an epic library of remarkable “Psychoacoustic” sounds, and many innovative features that have never been […]
NEW YORK, NY (MuseWire) – Weighing in at just fifteen pounds is the fiery new KORG M50, ready to take on all contenders! Incredible new sounds; fat & juicy combis, splits and layers; a plethora of ace effects; dynamic Drum Tracks; enhanced poly-arpeggiators; classic sequencing tools, a solid, confident keybed; up-to-date SD storage; companion editing […]
Boston, Mass. — Cakewalk, the world’s leading developer of powerful and easy to use products for music creation and recording, today announces a change in their corporate name. Effective immediately, the company will drop its previous legal name of Twelve Tone Systems, Inc. and be known as Cakewalk, Inc. Additionally, the company announced the next […]