Story Index for Articles, Interviews, News and Reviews
COLUMN: Inevitably there are those of us who seem perpetually busy and end up finding gifts at the last minute, regardless of any plan to start early. The holiday just creeps up, and time flies when least wanted. So, what do you get your friend(s) for that last minute gift, or perhaps a stocking stuffer […]
TORRANCE, Calif. — Mindstock(R), a California based multimedia publisher of “elements for sound, music and vision,” announced today the re-issue of its decade old custom sample set for the classic Akai(R) MPC-3000. Three MPC3K(TM) sound sets will be offered absolutely free for download through the holiday season as part of the company re-launch for 2009. […]
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Native Instruments has just introduced REAKTOR SPARK, a KORE SOUNDPACK based on the new “Spark” performance synthesizer designed by NI founder and REAKTOR mastermind Stephan Schmitt. With a strong focus on distinctive tone and genuine musical expressiveness, REAKTOR SPARK is both an outstanding library addition for REAKTOR users as well as […]
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — Iowa based powerpop band, Make This City, is set to release their debut album on December 23, 2008. Over the past months, Make This City has been recording in Cedar Falls based studio, Catamount Recording. The result is their debut album, “Live Love and Lies.” The album features nine catchy pop […]
Sweden — Finally the long awaited (and announced) title in the Toontrack Music Toontrack Software Tools series is ready for release. Taking a new angle on the conversion of drum audio to drum MIDI and drum sound replacement, Drumtracker(R) features stand alone operation and all out manual operation. Like other tools in the TST series […]
Carpinteria, Calif. — ExpressCard notebook pro audio recording has never sounded so good, or been this convenient and affordable. Indigo IOx offers one stereo 1/8 inch analog input and output on an ExpressCard powered by your notebook computer. It combines this with 24-bit/96kHz converters for the quality you deserve. Also included is a 6 foot […]
London, UK — Ministry of Sound and iZotope today announced that, in a groundbreaking collaboration for iPhone and iPod touch, fans can now buy the iDrum: Ministry of Sound Anthems album from the iTunes Store and also purchase a companion application from the Apple App Store that lets them create original music. “This is a […]
Ontario, Canada — ASK Video Interactive Media, a leading creator of software tutorials on DVD, is now shipping Level 3 of a 4-part tutorial DVD series for Logic Pro 8 music production software. In this third level progression in the series, ASK Video veteran Mike Baggley brings his extensive engineering and music chops to Logic […]
Champlain, N.Y. — Â SM Pro Audio is now shipping their highly anticipated V-Machine VST player in the US market. The V-Machine is a compact VST/VSTi hardware playback module designed to take plug-ins on the road or into the studio and access them directly without a computer. Multiple plug-ins can be loaded into bank/preset memories […]
El Cajon, Calif. — Taylor Guitars, one of the world's premier manufacturers of acoustic and electric guitars, was amongst 1,200 businesses recognized by the California Integrated Waste Management Board as part of its Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP). Awarded in the category of “Manufacturer – Musicalâ€, the WRAP awards acknowledge California businesses that show considerable […]
REVIEW: The concept of the so-called workstation keyboard is certainly not new; with a wide range of current such products on the market from big guns like Korg, Roland and Yamaha, stretching back in time to the Korg M-1. These products seek to fill the needs of the “one keyboard does all” set-up, for composing, […]
EVENT REVIEW: Blue Microphones this past week threw a private party (November 6, 2008), to demonstrate their latest products and it turned out to have the most security of any event in the city. The site was the Gibson/Baldwin Showroom which is right next to the Beverly Hills Police Department. The BHPD was apparently calling […]
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — In his much-anticipated return to San Francisco, the legendary singer and character actor, Jim Bailey, will perform at the Herbst Theatre on December 20 in, “Jim Bailey as Judy Garland Live in Concert.” Accompanied by a full orchestra, Jim will perform Judy’s Christmas classic, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” as […]
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — BETARecords.com, the fast growing online music social community along with its upcoming Beta Records TV show, has announced the launch of the first known peer-to-peer community advertising technology internally tagged by the team as “DAAN” – Dynamic Affinity Advertising Network. DAAN (patent applied for) allows any BETA Records community user to select […]
Audiofile Engineering, a leading audio software developer for the Mac, is now shipping Wave Editor 1.4, the latest update to their popular and unique audio editing application. In addition to new features and functionality, Wave Editor 1.4 also carries a new, lower price of $79.
REVIEW: These Thousand Emotions — Have you ever thought about what is inside the sounds you like to hear? Harmonics and overtones are in there, for a start, but it can go way beyond that with some artists. A few special people are able to capture raw emotion and inject it into notes and chords. Such an artist is Claire Tchaikowski.
Westlake Village, Calif. — Blue Microphones, a leading innovator in microphone technology and design, today introduces Eyeball and Mikey, two new consumer products for capturing exceptional audio at an invitation-only event at the Gibson Showroom in Beverly Hills featuring performances by Chris Pierce, The Daylights and Mateo. “With Mikey and Eyeball, we’re building on the […]
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 […]