RRP: £99 / $129 / 115€
Promo Crossgrade Period: £69.30 / $89.01 / 79.35€ **
Pre-order: £79 / $99.33 / 88.55€ *
* 20% discount during the pre-order period from August 10th to August 17th, 2023
** A 30% discount for anyone who owns Mercury (ends August 31st, 2023)
Created with innovative production tools designed by pop pioneer Trevor Horn. A comprehensive collection of characteristic and crafted Drums, FX, Bass, Synths, and Piano, capturing the production style and otherworldly sonic elements associated with the pop innovator’s work – recorded and produced in the legendary hitmaker’s studio, and powered by SOLAR; Spitfire Audio’s eDNA-powered plug-in.
From warm analog textures to futuristic digital sounds, this is the quintessential library for synthwave and electropop, and for emulating the distinctive treatments and harmonies found in Trevor Horn productions with Grace Jones, Seal, and Yes, amongst others.
“Rewritten by machine on new technology”
– ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ by The Buggles
REIMAGINING SOUNDS WITH SOLAR
This library combines two dynamic forces: Jupiter by Trevor Horn and SOLAR – one, a collection of defining sounds, and the other, a tool for reinventing them.
The most up-to-date iteration of Spitfire Audio’s eDNA technology, SOLAR is the host to Jupiter’s curated pop samples and the eDNA’s extensive warp and preset library – a secret sauce for music makers looking to create sounds synonymous with pop in the Eighties and Nineties and unlock new levels of musical expression.
In SOLAR, you can blend and mold two sounds together to create your own unique sound. SOLAR also allows you to combine other products in this range together, such as the otherworldly textures of Mercury – Spitfire Audio’s collaboration with Chas Smith, which is also available at a special crossgrade price for anyone who orders both products.
A POP PIONEER
King of the Eighties – Trevor Horn’s music is the definition of this era. A renowned music producer known for his groundbreaking productions, especially in the realm of pop music, Trevor Horn has produced instantly recognizable hit songs such as ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ by The Buggles, Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s ‘Relax’, ‘Kiss By A Rose’ by Seal, and Grace Jones’s ‘Slave To The Rhythm,’ as well as numerous classic albums.
A technological innovator, Trevor Horn thrives on taking a visionary approach to his productions, with a fun and unique attitude. This has had an undeniably huge influence on contemporary pop culture, impacting generations far beyond the Eighties.
KEY FEATURES
WALKTHROUGH
Product page URL: (will be live when the product is on sale)
AVAILABILITY & PRICING
Pre-order – August 10th, 2023 at 5pm BST
Available – August 17th, 2023 at 5pm BST
Link –
RRP: £99 / $129 / 115€
Pre-Order: £79 / $99.33 / 88.55€ *
Promo Crossgrade: £69.30 / $89.01 / 79.35€ **
* 20% discount during the pre-order period from August 10th to August 17th, 2023
** A 30% discount for anyone who owns Mercury with Chas Smith (ends August 31st, 2023)
About Trevor Horn (https://www.instagram.com/trevorhornmusic)
“The Man Who Invented the Eighties”
As one of this generation’s most decorated producers, Trevor Horn is a true legend in the music industry. After forming The Buggles and recording the chart-topping 1979 hit “Video Killed the Radio Star”, Horn went on to produce some of the most recognizable anthems that defined the Eighties, including ABC’s “Lexicon of Love”, “Owner of a Lonely Heart” by Yes, and Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s number one hits “Relax”, “Two Tribes” and “The Power of Love”.
Horn went on to produce hits for Tina Turner, Tom Jones, Barry Manilow, Cher, Boyzone, 10cc, John Legend, Lisa Stansfield, and Robbie Williams, altogether earning him 3 Brit Awards for Best British Producer, 3 Producer of the Year awards, 5 Ivor Novellos, 2 Grammy Awards for Yes’ “ 90215” and Seal’s “Kiss From a Rose”, and the 2014 MPG Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2006, Horn created his supergroup The Producers, performing with fellow producers and musicians Lol Creme, Steve Lipson, and Ash Soan. In 2012, the group released their debut album “Made in Basing Street”, and continue to perform covers of their favorite works as well as original material.
About Spitfire Audio (www.spitfireaudio.com)
Spitfire Audio is a British music technology company that specializes in sounds — sample libraries, virtual instruments, and other useful software devices. It collaborates with the best composers, artists, and engineers in the world to build musical tools that sound great and are exciting to use.
Spitfire Audio was founded by two award-winning composers. Born out of their shared dissatisfaction with string sample libraries, they pooled their resources and decided to record their own string samples at the legendary Air Studios in London. Initially, they invited a limited number of friends and associates to own copies of their samples, but whispers of this private sample club soon started to echo across the Atlantic Ocean throughout the composer community. Within a year, some of the most renowned composers in film and television signed up, so they decided to take their samples public.
To date, Spitfire Audio has recorded and released over 200 sample libraries, collaborating with some of the biggest names in media composition, including Hans Zimmer, Eric Whitacre, Ólafur Arnalds & the London Contemporary Orchestra. Spitfire Audio’s sounds are heard in everything, from major Hollywood film scores to recordings by Radiohead and U2. This initial side project is now a thriving international music technology enterprise, with a uniquely experienced and diverse workforce, all focused on a shared mission: to inspire a generation of composers. The composer team remains at the center of the business, drawing on their own experience as obsessive music makers to explore the needs and wants of their fellow composers.
Lowest price ever for new subscribers!
Hollywood, CA (July 31, 2023) – There has never been a better time to bring your creative palette to the next level! EastWest ComposerCloud+ is on sale for new subscribers: only $149 for the first year! This is the lowest price ever offered and it’s only available through August 10th.
ComposerCloud+ has been a game changer for composers, musicians, and producers, providing access to EastWest’s vast range of award-winning virtual instruments, from strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, world instruments, guitars, drums, piano, synths, voices, and much more — impeccably recorded in the famous EastWest Studios in Hollywood, downloadable with a single click.
In addition, subscribers get all new releases including Hollywood Fantasy Strings (MusicTech Excellence Award winner 10/10), Hollywood Fantasy Brass, Hollywood Fantasy Winds, Hollywood Fantasy Percussion, as well as upcoming releases including Hollywood Fantasy Voices, Hollywood Fantasy Orchestrator, alongside award-winning collections like Forbidden Planet (TEC and SOS Award Nominee), String Machine (MusicPlayers WIHO Winner), Hollywood Orchestra Opus Edition (TEC and SOS Award Winner), and the industry-leading Opus Player.
ComposerCloud+ for $149/year only from July 31 through August 10: https://www.soundsonline.com/composercloud
About EASTWEST
EastWest Sounds (www.soundsonline.com) has been dedicated to perpetual innovation and uncompromising quality of Sample Libraries and Virtual Instruments for 35 years, setting the industry standard as the most critically acclaimed sound developer with over 100 international awards. Find more about EastWest at soundsonline.com.
New paraphonic dual filter analog synthesizer takes the UNO lineto new dimensions of sound design, control and portability
From offering exciting new sounds to becoming the centerpiece of more complex rigs, UNO Synth PRO X represents the sweet spot between an expandable and versatile analog sound engine, hands-on controls, portability, and price, making it the perfect choice for seriously fun sound design anywhere.
From Classic to Brand-new Sounds
Inside UNO Synth PRO X, users will discover a unique analog sound engine that they can sculpt to be anything they desire. With a fresh layout, the new UNO Synth PRO X gives players immediate control over its dual-filter, 3-oscillator paraphonic design, 256 presets, 64-step sequencer and much more.
To add more color to the sound, there’s a warm and organic true-analog overdrive, plus 10 studio-quality effects (including a new shimmer reverb and uni-vibe-like modulations) in three simultaneous slots: modulation, delay and reverb.
External signals can be routed through the filters and the effects in addition to UNO’s original thru-put for daisy-chaining multiple units together without using a mixer.
More Ways to Play and Perform
UNO Synth PRO X offers a 64-step paraphonic sequencer with parameter automation including CV and Gate. It has step and real-time recording with a sequence randomizer (following the scale selected) to create intricate and evolving soundscapes. UNO Synth PRO X also features a 10-mode arpeggiator with pattern designer.
In addition to legato, mono, and paraphonic modes, users will find a new Bassline mode that modifies the behavior and interaction between core parts of the synth like the filter and envelopes in exciting and inspiring ways.
Comprehensive, Easy-to-use Controls
UNO Synth PRO X offers the simplicity and familiarity of classic synths with added modern control elements. It provides over 30 hands-on controls plus a 16-slot modulation matrix. Users can easily design the most sophisticated modulation scheme with both internal and external sources including MIDI controllers.
UNO Synth PRO X stores 256 user-editable presets, each capturing the full state of the sound engine from oscillators to effects. Presets can be further managed with the included Editor/Librarian. The Editor works as both a standalone application and as a plug-in inside a DAW allowing users to program and play the UNO Synth PRO X just like a virtual instrument.
Connectivity includes USB-C and 5-pin DIN MIDI In and Out making it easy to integrate with other synths and Mac/PC, while assignable CV/Gate connections let UNO Synth PRO X interact effortlessly with Eurorack or other modular systems.
The Sonic Sidekick
Compact and weighing less than a kilo, UNO Synth PRO X is the ideal traveling companion. It can be powered via USB-C and includes a standard power supply unit with barrel for the power-in jack. It has a dedicated 1/8″ stereo headphone out as well as balanced stereo outputs for superior audio quality in any situation, whether on a plane or on stage.
No other synth in such a portable format places this amount of sound design tools at one’s fingertips. UNO Synth PRO X truly frees users to create the sounds they seek, whether emulating classic analog synths or shaping new unique sounds all their own.
Options, Pricing and Availability
UNO Synth PRO X is available now from the IK Multimedia online store and from IK authorized dealers worldwide for $/€499.99.*
*Pricing excludes taxes
For more information about UNO Synth PRO X or to see it in action, please visit:
www.unosynthprox.com
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LOS ANGELES, CA, USA: PulseSetter-Sounds is proud to announce the availability of HANDPAN : MACHINA — multi-sampled Halos injected with the cinematic sound design company’s distinctive brand of creative modern processing to produce otherworldly pads, drones, plucks, and loops shaping up as its most powerful KONTAKT instrument yet, one which involved closely collaborating with award-winning film and television composer Greg Tripi to combine his unique Halo playing and style with a modern hybrid approach to virtual instrument-making, duly designed by composers for composers as a highly-capable and complex tool hiding behind a simple GUI (Graphical User Interface) that truly inspires, its bird’s eye view of all effects and controls creating a simple approach to working with several types of sounds that can easily be mixed and matched with effects and sequences to even go as far as producing full music cues in one pass owing to its extensive flexibility and content — as of July 25…
It is fair to say from the outset that HANDPAN : MACHINA is far from a typical multi-sampled hand pan KONTAKT instrument. But before digging deeper into what, exactly, it is and does, it is worth looking back, briefly, at the origins of its source samples before putting them into their rightful context. History has it that a Halo is the original American hand pan — itself a term for a group of musical instruments that are classified as a subset of the steel pan. As a circular piece of steel with circular indentations in it that — once shaped — looks more like a UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) than a musical instrument, its soft, yet highly-energetic, ethereal sound combined with its simple playing method are beloved by both experienced musicians and novices alike. An American company called Pantheon Steel, founded in 2004 by expert steel pan-maker and accomplished tuner Kyle Cox, can be credited — with significant contributions from fellow artisans along the way — with creating the Halo that to this day rightfully represents its flagship instrument.
It is little wonder, then, that award-winning film and television composer Greg Tripi — truly talented as a multi-instrumentalist and synthesist based out of Los Angeles, California — got turned on to the Halo in a never-ending quest for new sounds and inspiration in pursuit of his chosen craft. Composing credits for television include The Fix (ABC), Manhunt: Unabomber (Discovery/Netflix), and The Knick (Cinemax), collaborating with well-known American film composer Cliff Martinez on the latter. Meanwhile, motion pictures benefitting from his musical input include Ma, Drive, Contagion, Rememory, Dark Places, and Hotel Artemis, while he has also worked on a number of Academy Award- and Emmy Award-winning independent films, as well as video games and commercials.
Duly designed by composers for composers as a highly-capable and complex tool hiding behind a simple GUI that truly inspires, it is little wonder, too, that PulseSetter-Sounds closely collaborated with top-tier industry player Greg Tripi to combine his unique Halo playing and style with a modern hybrid approach to virtual instrument-making. As a result, HANDPAN : MACHINA is effectively a combination of natural and sound design elements with PulseSetter-Sounds carefully crafting no fewer than 342 cinematic loops and pulses from the most pristine Halos available. Indeed, it is far from a typical multi-sampled hand pan KONTAKT instrument, instead seamlessly combining those multi-sampled Halos and loops with the cinematic sound design company’s distinctive brand of creative modern processing to produce otherworldly pads, drones, plucks, and loops, shaped as its most powerful KONTAKT instrument to date.
Dual XY pad environments are central to the KONTAKT instrument in question’s powerful GUI; the left one for performing and automating four layers of samples capable of combining loops and multi-sampled instruments — themselves the result of Greg Tripi going above and beyond the call of duty with his Halos, while the right one is dedicated exclusively to controlling custom mixes of several effects, so users can perform full cues in real time while recording or automating almost anything. It is worth noting here that there is an independent effects sequencer for each layer’s LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator), ENV (envelope), FILTER, DIST (distortion), EQ (equalisation), and DELAY, as well as four advanced sequencers with three modes — namely, Chord (plays chords that repeat), Arpeggiator (plays one note at a time), and Sequencer (whereby each step can be set to a specific note). Out of the box, HANDPAN : MACHINA is a powerful KONTAKT instrument with 15.80GB of content and 12 menu instruments ready to be used. Ultimately, however, it offers more experienced users a deep and versatile programming experience, with hundreds of options and much in the way of control, covering synth-like capabilities — like LFOs and envelopes, for instance.
It is also fair to say, though, that HANDPAN : MACHINA can conceivably be thought of as a live performance instrument — route its XY pads to a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) controller, and it feels like a living machine. Musically speaking, this is incredibly useful when composing to picture, allowing users to perform in real time and save a lot of time while doing so. It is often observed that deadlines are your friend, but — on the strength of HANDPAN : MACHINA alone — PulseSetter-Sounds is friendlier!
For example, HANDPAN : MACHINA’s performance matrix makes it easy to control and manipulate those four layers of samples capable of combining loops and multi-sampled instruments since users can see all the layers with their parameters, effects, modulation, and effect sequencers in the same window for quick access, while it is also possible to edit the parameters for all the — SPACE and COLOR — macro effects, the master — FILTER, EQ, COMP (compressor), DELAY, VERB (reverb), LIMITER, and MASTER FILTER — effects, and the four sequencers.
Saying all that, then, HANDPAN : MACHINA is not simply a typical yoga class-sounding Halo. Having had a lot of fun processing the hell out of the loops and multi-sampled instruments involved in its creation, HANDPAN : MACHINA rather represents the musical manifestation of PulseSetter-Sounds duly designing it with the working composer in mind, allowing them to quickly lay out cues when needed using its carefully curated instruments or dive deeper into its programming capabilities to create custom instruments that contain all available instruments in the sample library itself. It is finally fair to say that with so much material and modulation possibilities to play with, serious users would need to spend some serious time to fully explore HANDPAN : MACHINA as a highly-capable music production tool — one which is worthy of taking the cinematic production company concerned’s notable name to the next level in KONTAKT instruments designed by composers for composers.
HANDPAN : MACHINA can be purchased as a 15.80 GB (9.17GB compressed) KONTAKT instrument for a time-limited introductory promo price of $69.99 USD — rising thereafter to its regular price of $99.99 USD — via its dedicated webpage, which also includes more in-depth information (including some superb-sounding audio demos), here: https://www.pulsesetter-sounds.com/product/handpan-machina/ (Note that HANDPAN : MACHINA requires the full version — 5.8 or above — of KONTAKT, Native Instruments’ advanced flagship instrument platform for macOS and Windows.)
See and hear HANDPAN : MACHINA in action in PulseSetter-Sounds’ contextual walkthrough video here:
Watch PulseSetter-Sounds’ tantalizing trailer video for HANDPAN: MACHINA here:
About PulseSetter-Sounds (www.pulsesetter-sounds.com)
PulseSetter-Sounds is a cinematic sound design company, creating sound sets, loops, and sample-based products for film and video game composers, owned by award-winning composers Freddy Sheinfeld and Guillermo Silberstein. As a group of media music producers and sound designers living in Los Angeles, the company clearly knows that a strong theme tune helps tell the story and evolve emotions in a film score. Since they are also huge sci-fi-fi — yes, you read that right! — fans, the company collectively created its own ‘PulseSetter theme’ based on a futuristic dystopian-cyberpunk character who lives in one of several megacities where people have huddled together after several world wars; mixing new and old tech, this anti-hero lives for music and sounds in a world more into overthrowing the megacity overlord. Obviously, this theme helps PulseSetter-Sounds propel its own sound story into hybrid and new sonic territories.
© 2023 PulseSetter, LLC
Spitfire Audio announces Summer Selects – running from Monday July 24th, 2023 (10:00am BST) to Sunday August 6th, 2023 (11:59pm BST).
Save up to 50% with bundles including three Exclusive bundles – Producer Selects, Core Bundle, and Pro Bundle – as well as 40% on selected libraries*.
Each bundle will revolve around the levels of expertise to help music makers choose which products suit their needs the most.
* Exclusions apply [see the FAQ on the Spitfire Audio website]
SAVE UP TO 50% WITH BUNDLES, INCLUDING EXCLUSIVE BUNDLES:
Cinematic Must Haves
Save 50% with the Professional Bundle – A bundle which offers three of Spitfire Audio’s most-compelling libraries to-date. Created with renowned and award-winning musicians, for composers, this instantly playable collection will add depth and breadth to your compositions, for creating widescreen, Hollywood scores.
Hans Zimmer Strings
Spitfire Percussion
Symphonic Organ
Celebrating the modern and the organic
Save 45% with the Core Bundle – A trio of contemporary sample libraries with an unforgettable and inspiring sound palette, ideal for emotive indie songwriting and modern classical composing. Emotive, eclectic and brimming with new ideas.
Hearth & Hollow – Plucked Folk Ensemble
Heirloom
CDT
Fuel your creative fire
Save 40% with Producer Selects – A selection of producer favourites. Whether you seek instantly usable sounds, or want to explore your own sound design, Producer Selects will take your productions to the next level, adding exciting colours and textures to your sonic palette — for beginners and seasoned pros alike
Originals Intimate Strings
Originals Abe Laboriel Jr. Drums
Oliver Patrice Weder – OPW
BlankFor.ms – Tape Synths
Immerse yourself in a world of sound with a special selection of Spitfire libraries, including:
Albion ONE – This title comprises a 109-piece orchestra, accompanied by a thunderous cinematic percussion section, recorded at the world-famous Lyndhurst Hall at AIR Studios, London
British Drama Toolkit – Made in collaboration with award-winning composer Samuel Sim, this critically acclaimed sample library gives you full creative freedom without the barrier of technology — allowing you to simply respond to the scene in front of you
Albion Colossus – Spitfire Audio’s most epic library yet, this gargantuan, all-in-one toolkit pushes contrast, dynamism and intensity to eleven – elevating your scores to breathtaking new heights. Featuring two complete orchestras, chamber and symphonic, heavy chugging guitars, a diverse, hard-hitting set of percussion and drum kits, and epic, widescreen synths, and expertly crafted for ultra-modern scoring
Spitfire Chamber Strings – Spitfire Audio’s definitive chamber range – a hugely versatile classic that will enhance your film, TV and game scores and pop records
Spitfire Chamber Strings Professional – The Professional edition includes four additional microphone positions and three CPU-friendly stereo mixes by award-winning engineer Jake Jackson
Abbey Road One: Orchestral Foundations – A complete 90–piece symphonic orchestra, recorded the same way your favourite composer would: unmistakable acoustics, exceptional players, award-winning sound engineers and priceless microphones
Hammers – Created with acclaimed film composer Charlie Clouser, Hammers offers over 1,000 cinematic sounds spanning over 50 different drums, including detailed hits, ensembles, performance loops, and genre-bending warps
Spitfire Studio Strings – An incredibly versatile pro-end dry stage sample library, ideal for anything from passionate period dramas to modern Scandi noir. It’s a fit for quirky indie and crisp pop but can also tackle epic film and games scores
Spitfire Studio Strings Professional – The Professional edition offers five extra mics, two extra mixes, large band (16.12.12.12.4) and divisi for each section
Spitfire Symphonic Motions – Featuring London’s finest string players performing a range of rebowing movements, rhythms and playing techniques, this is an inspiring tool created by composers, for composers, offering the flexibility to design expressive shorts and intricate rhythmic patterns with ease, enhancing the realism of your scores and bringing them to life
BBC Symphony Orchestra Core – A full orchestra, offering a large range of instruments performing all articulations, with one mix signal. BBCSO Core has been designed for composers wanting to create instantly professional sounding orchestral music, without taking up too much hard drive space
BBC Symphony Orchestra Professional – The Professional edition is the definitive, comprehensive collection for writing professional, world-class orchestral music, featuring 67 different instrument presets recorded on world-class Millennia preamps, including groups and soloists, and 468 techniques, including 45 legatos, for each melodic instrument — as well as a staggering 20 signals.
Find Summer Selects Here: https://www.spitfireaudio.com/instruments
Summer Selects FAQs: https://spitfireaudio.zendesk.com/
About Spitfire Audio (www.spitfireaudio.com)
Spitfire Audio is a British music technology company that specialises in sounds — sample libraries, virtual instruments, and other useful software devices. It collaborates with the best composers, artists, and engineers in the world to build musical tools that sound great and are exciting to use.
Spitfire Audio was founded by two award-winning composers. Born out of their shared dissatisfaction with string sample libraries, they pooled their resources and decided to record their own string samples at the legendary Air Studios in London. Initially, they invited a limited number of friends and associates to own copies of their samples, but whispers of this private sample club soon started to echo across the Atlantic Ocean throughout the composer community. Within a year, some of the most renowned composers in film and television signed up, so they decided to take their samples public.
To date, Spitfire Audio has recorded and released over 200 sample libraries, collaborating with some of the biggest names in media composition, including Hans Zimmer, Eric Whitacre, Ólafur Arnalds & the London Contemporary Orchestra. Spitfire Audio’s sounds are heard in everything, from major Hollywood film scores to recordings by Radiohead and U2. This initial side project is now a thriving international music technology enterprise, with a uniquely experienced and diverse workforce, all focused on a shared mission: to inspire a generation of composers. The composer team remains at the centre of the business, drawing on their own experience as obsessive music makers to explore the needs and wants of their fellow composers.
“I used to love the original LANG EQs, so Heritage Audio sent me an early [PEQ-2 Program Equalizer] unit to check out when I was working at La Fabrique, a stunning studio in the South of France with beautiful acoustic spaces and a great, old Neve desk; there are Pultecs, Tube-Tech EQs, and API EQs there, but this just fit right in — perfect for some of the instruments we were tracking, like acoustic guitars, synth bass, and vocals. It really captures the flavor of the original equalizer.”
– Ten-time GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY Award-winning producer/engineer/mixer Joe Chiccarelli (Elton John, The White Stripes, U2)
MADRID, SPAIN: LANG Electronics Inc., a notable name in pro audio circles dating back to the Sixties and recently resurrected after an acquisition by European pro audio manufacturer Heritage Audio, is proud to announce the availability of its PEQ-2 Program Equalizer — effectively bringing back to life one of the most desirable equalizers of all time some six decades after the original, albeit as a brand-new piece providing problem-free access to some of the sweetest-sounding tones and textures the industry has ever heard, putting pay to the prevailing practice of overcoming inflated pricing for used units that are almost always in a questionable state of operation when seeking out original Model PEQ-2s held in high regard by many discerning artists, engineers, and producers who consider the so-called ‘LANG PROGRAM EQUALIZER’ to be better than the ubiquitous Pultec when choosing it as their secret weapon — as of June 28…
It is fair to say that not many Model PEQ-2s were made back in the day, and those that have survived to this day are carefully guarded by their lucky owners. Indeed, it is not surprising that some professionals have stated that they actually prefer this model to the ubiquitous Pultec program equalizers made more popular by manufactured numbers alone. After all, both are essentially the same Western Electric design — distinctly high-quality passive equalizers with inductors, in other words — while the fact remains: reborn, LANG Electronics Inc.’s truly 21st Century-ported PEQ-2 Program Equalizer — like the Sixties-vintage Model PEQ-2 (a.k.a. ‘LANG PROGRAM EQUALIZER’) original — offers a sharper, tighter response that makes it ideal for mix bus use where flabby, undefined sound can ruin results. Reality dictates some important differences between those tussling passive equalizers that likely influenced that preference. Put it this way: with nearly twice as many frequency options on offer, the PEQ-2 Program Equalizer’s 26 certainly compares favorably to the Pultec’s paltry 14. For example, its low end is infinitely more variable with LF BOOST offering eight (20, 30, 40, 60, 80, 120, 160, and 240 HZ) frequencies to choose from (with up to 16 dB of boost) and LF DROOP offering four (25, 50, 100, and 200 HZ) frequencies to choose from (with up to 18 dB of cut) — unlike the Pultec. Then there is a very useful 20 KHZ option in its HF BOOST section.
It is little wonder, then, that ten-time GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY Award-winning producer/engineer/mixer Joe Chiccarelli — on record as a fan of the original ‘LANG PROGRAM EQUALIZER’ — is impressed with the first present-day PEQ-2 Program Equalizer unit that came out of the factory for testing in his clearly capable hands. “I used to love the original LANG EQs for bass, kick drum, and synth bass,” begins its well-versed recipient, before turning his attention to the welcomed unit in question: “They did a beautiful thing on vocals — a 20K frequency that is really great to add ‘air’ to vocals or background vocals. It almost sounds like you’re not really equalizing the vocal; because it’s so high, it just gives the vocal a lot of ‘air’ and a beautiful top-end sheen. It’s really a unique equalizer.”
Effectively making one of the most desirable equalizers of all time fit for 21st Century usage — available to all as a brand-new piece providing problem-free access to some of the sweetest-sounding tones and textures the industry has ever heard, anyone purchasing LANG Electronics Inc.’s PEQ-2 Program Equalizer will be assuredly following in Joe Chiccarelli’s favored footsteps. Thanks to a clear layout that is easy to use, they, too, can improve their tracks with natural- and musical-sounding processing in next to no time, transforming material in interesting, creative ways that they will almost certainly never have considered prior changing their way of working — ways that would not even be possible with a Pultec, for it is, indeed, a really unique equalizer!
LANG Electronics Inc.’s PEQ-2 Program Equalizer is shipping and available via parent company Heritage Audio’s growing global network of dealers (https://heritageaudio.com/where-to-buy-international/) with an SSP (Standalone Selling Price) of €999.00 EUR (including VAT) in the EU and a MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) of $899.00 USD, US distribution being handled via RAD Distribution (https://raddist.com/en/brands/heritage-audio).
For more in-depth information, please visit the LANG Electronics Inc. PEQ-2 Program Equalizer’s dedicated webpage here: https://heritageaudio.com/peq-2/
Watch Joe Chiccarelli sharing some thoughts about — and sounds being processed by — LANG Electronics Inc.’s PEQ-2 Program Equalizer in his studio space at the legendary Sunset Sound — itself a staple in the recording industry for over 50 years — in Hollywood, CA, USA here: https://youtu.be/I3cQ1qwes68
Watch Heritage Audio’s attractive launch video for LANG Electronics Inc.’s PEQ-2 Program Equalizer here:
About LANG Electronics Inc. (www.lang-electronics.com)
LANG Electronics Inc. — a professional audio company with a history hitherto grounded in the Sixties (originally operating out of downtown New York where it was dedicated to producing high-quality equipment and replacement parts at accessible prices) — is dedicated to bringing the sound of yesterday for tomorrow. The rights to the company were acquired in 2022 by European pro audio manufacturer Heritage Audio — itself having expanded its production plant located in the heart of Madrid, Spain, where the 30-person team led by founder Peter Rodriguez continues to successfully introduce innovative products to rank amongst the most popular brands with top retailers throughout the world — which brought about its rebirth by porting one of the most desired equalizers of all time — namely, the Model PEQ-2 (a.k.a. ‘LANG PROGRAM EQUALIZER’) — to the 21st Century, making it available again to all as the PEQ-2 Program Equalizer, a brand-new piece providing problem-free access to some of the sweetest-sounding tones and textures the industry has ever heard.
© 2023 LANG Electronics Inc.
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC: W.A. Production, producers crafting creative plug-ins to help anyone achieve studio-quality processing speedily and easily, is proud to introduce InstaComposer 2 as an advanced AI MIDI Tool taking its popular InstaComposer MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) creation station plug-in predecessor to another level — launching new features and improvements that enhance the user experience with more MIDI tracks, scenes, new scales, and new modes married with enhanced generative coding and superior performance to make practicable new ideas flow more quickly than ever before by producing a wide variety of musical elements, including melodies, phrases, riffs, and chord progressions to provide both beginners and professional musicians with endless possibilities for creating unique and engaging music in any genre or style while working with an intuitive interface and advanced algorithms allowing them to focus on the creative aspect of music production without having to think about composing every note — as of July 6…
Ever experienced those testing moments when creativity runs dry? Do not fear, for InstaComposer 2 is the ultimate musical muse. Indeed, infinite inspiration is at the creative core of the thinking behind making InstaComposer 2 what it is — an advanced MIDI generation plug-in designed to revolutionize music creation. By building upon the solid foundation of W.A. Production’s popular InstaComposer — itself
released to widespread critical acclaim in its original incarnation in October 2021, InstaComposer 2 truly represents an even more attractive proposition, with exciting new features and improvements to enhance the user experience. Example highlights include an ability to organize ideas and song parts with eight new so-called ‘scenes’ — Scene 1 through to Scene 8 — that provide a convenient way to store different variations within a single preset; upgraded Scale support, with 22 additional scales ranging from Arabic and Spanish through to Miyako Bushi, Ryukyu, and more; a new virtual keyboard and highlighted chord menus to help with scale and chord selection; and melodies that can be generated in different modes and paired with unique chord progressions for each scale. Speaking of which, InstaComposer 2 adds two new-generation modes to its notable name — namely, Drums, enabling effortless generation of drum lines (supporting a wide variety of complexity levels, styles, and time signatures), and Pad 2, facilitating creation of a fuller, richer sound (by combining Pad and Chord modes). AI algorithms have been further improved for rhythm, phrase, and melody generation, conjuring more refined results, while new additions like the Sustain parameter — provides control over the length of the notes that are going to be generated — and a Chord Helper — highlights the notes for the selected chord on the virtual keyboard — help take things to another level entirely.
Each new starting point for InstaComposer 2 generates a unique result to ensure that users never run out of fresh ideas and possibilities for their compositions, ultimately. Unlike random note generation, InstaComposer 2 employs meticulously crafted algorithms and databases to produce musical ideas. Indeed, it constructs rhythmic and melodic structures that sound correct by mimicking human creativity — selecting notes that fit the given scale and context and creating cohesive phrases that complement underlying chords. Clearly, InstaComposer 2 ‘understands’ the human brain’s affinity for pattern recognition. After all, AI (Artificial Intelligence) is involved in making InstaComposer 2 do what it does — different shapes and formats are used to build captivating combinations of beats and bars, adding rhythmic and melodic consistency often found in chart-topping music. Moreover, by using smaller musical chunks that repeat or occur in various forms throughout the melody, InstaComposer 2 builds larger blocks, creating a sense of unity throughout its user’s music-making interactions. It even harmonizes notes to enrich the sonics (depending on the selected mode and settings), resulting in a more cohesive composition as it aligns the melody to chords. Adjustable AI controls — Generate Chords generates harmonious sequences of chords inspired by the most commonly used chord progressions, for instance — and a convenient Chaos control — ensures everything remains under control by preventing unwanted chaotic situations such as notes repeating excessively, jumping erratically, or climbing too far in one direction — meaning that users can comfortably remain in charge of how InstaComposer 2 develops ideas (and how far it strays from any set rules), while fine-tuning of chord complexity, note population, beat and bar structuring, pattern generation, harmonization, velocity randomization, and more are always available.
As an advanced AI MIDI Tool, InstaComposer 2 includes complex algorithms for generating Melody (generates a wide variety of melodies and phrases), Riff (similar to Melody, but with shorter phrases, more repeating patterns, and more restricted structures), Ostinato (generates short melodic phrases that keep repeating, often ignoring chord changes underneath), Rhythm (generates more harmonies, focusing on rhythmic patterns and chord notes), Bass (generates bass lines that compliment chords and melodies being played), Chord (focuses on the chord notes with options to inverse chords and add bass notes), and Pad (emphasizes longer notes often focusing on harmonies based on underlying chords). Creatively exploring the potential of these modes means users are always uncovering unique and compelling music. Moreover, with those eight scenes available alongside six tracks — Track 1 through to Track 6, InstaComposer 2 offers flexibility and organization for multiple layers, alternative variations, and different song parts within a single preset.
Put it this way: with a user-friendly piano-roll interface at their fingertips, users can effortlessly maneuver, duplicate, and remove notes, and even change velocity to effectively breathe life into their riffs, while the onboard MIDI editor can be used to tweak the output of InstaComposer 2, meaning music can be manipulated before it even leaves the plug-in. In other words, personalized style and creativity can be easily added to AI-generated phrases.
Modifying MIDI playback directly within the InstaComposer 2 interface itself is also on offer — simply save the output as a MIDI file or conveniently drag and drop it into a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). It is also worth noting here that each track can be saved separately. Setting up multi-channel instruments as an alternative workflow also allows for routing MIDI from InstaComposer 2 into virtual instruments to preview all six tracks simultaneously — and all without ever having to leave the plug-in environment.
It is fair to say, then, that by taking its popular plug-in predecessor to another level as InstaComposer 2, W.A. Production has surely succeeded in creating the only MIDI creation station anyone could conceivably wish for… today, tomorrow, and into the foreseeable future!
InstaComposer 2 is available to purchase at an attractive 70%-discounted introductory promo price of $32.70 USD until August 17, 2023 — rising thereafter to its regular price of $109.00 USD — as a 64-bit AU-, VST-, and VST3-compatible plug-in for macOS (10.15 or later) and 32- or 64-bit VST-, and VST3-compatible plug-in for Windows (8 or later), as well as an AAX-compatible plug-in for Pro Tools (11 or higher), directly from W.A. Production via its dedicated webpage, which also includes some superb audio previews, here: https://www.waproduction.com/plugins/view/instacomposer-2
Owners of the original InstaComposer can upgrade to InstaComposer 2 for only $10.00 USD.
14-day, fully-functional trial versions of all W.A. Production plug-ins — including InstaComposer 2 — are available by signing up for an account for free from here: https://www.waproduction.com/users/login
Watch W.A. Production’s informative introductory video for InstaComposer 2 here:
About W.A. Production (www.waproduction.com)
W.A. Production was created by producer/DJ and sound designer Redhead Roman in 2014. Helpfully, his deep-rooted passion for EDM (Electronic Dance Music) and time spent in the music industry ignited a desire to put top-tier audio products into the hands of every electronic music producer at prices that they could actually afford. By building its initial reputation on delivering high-end professional-sounding samples, the six-strong team of today has hurriedly matured into boasting a successful brand that offers instrument and effect plug-ins, DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) templates, informative articles, and exclusive interviews with some of the hottest EDM artists around, alongside e-books and tutorials, as well as online video courses. It is also recognized for practicing a ‘hands-on’ style of customer support and service, ensuring that every customer’s experience is a great one. On the face of it, then, that Roman and his talented team remain extremely humble and interactive with their customers, members, and the EDM scene as a whole to this day is an amazing attribute in itself since W.A. Production has experienced substantial growth — growth that is constantly being expanded still further by testing boundaries, pushing creativity and innovation to new heights. Indeed, it is all driven daily by asking themselves the same question: “What about making your sound better?”
© 2023 W.A. Production
SHANGHAI, CHINA: digital art-facilitating software and hardware company Robkoo is proud to announce the availability of Qithesizer as an advanced multi-engine hybrid software synthesizer for iPad, iPhone, and Mac (AUv3) — creatively combining physical modeling, virtual analog, and wavetable synthesis, while working wonderfully with MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) wind controllers like the Chinese company’s critically-acclaimed Wind Synthesizer R1 (https://official.robkoo.com/#/wind-synthesizer-r1), and, obviously, others also available from various competing sources such as Akai and Roland, for instance — as of June 30…
An appropriate name choice can quickly play a part in helping shape an appreciation for a new product, something Robkoo readily appreciates by effectively combining Qi (气) — commonly known as the circulating life force whose existence and properties are the basis of much Chinese philosophy and medicine, originating from the mandarin dialect and translating to English as air or breath — with elements of synthesizer — typically defined as an electronic musical instrument producing a wide variety of sounds by generating and combining signals of different frequencies — to create Qithesizer.
Working with wind controllers like Robkoo’s revolutionary Wind Synthesizer R1 — released last year to widespread critical acclaim as a
futuristic, cyber-like MIDI wind controller instrument with responsive RGB light bars, motion control, Bluetooth® connectivity, customizable hotkeys, onboard sound banks, and a dedicated app allowing amateur and professional players alike to directly (and literally) light up their performances to audiences for the first time in history, having mastered its intuitive panel design in a matter of minutes and achieved gig-readiness within weeks of first musically making its acquaintance — and, obviously, others also available from various competing sources such as Akai and Roland, for instance, is integral to the design ethos that brought about Qithesizer as the digital art-facilitating software and hardware company’s latest product. Providing users with the possibility of mapping their MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) hardware controller of choice to any Qithesizer parameter to facilitate real-time dynamic effects, enabling MIDI Learn synchronizes all displays with their performance. Perhaps this move may well go some way towards securing Qithesizer a firm foothold in an already-oversaturated marketplace. But by creatively combining various synthesis technologies — including physical modeling (with multiple physical models), virtual analog (with basic waveforms), and wavetables (with hundreds of digital waveforms) — to form a powerful multi-engine hybrid software synthesizer with waveform and dynamic visualizations, bolstered by a 16-step SEQ (sequencer) section with a powerful pattern editor, Qithesizer clearly has what it takes to hold its own, no matter what.
With two wavetable OSCILLATORS, four physical MODELING instruments, three NOISE generators, three classic FILTER types, two (FILTER and AMP) ENVELOPES, and two Low Frequency Oscillators (LFO1 and LFO2), plus a well-specified MODULATORS section — with eight modulation slots, 11 sources, and 18 destinations — to its name, there is much scope for crafting original sounds with Qithesizer. No need, necessarily, to rely heavily on any prior synth-centric knowledge since Qithesizer, of course, comes complete with an extensive Factory library of pre-programmed patches.
Put it this way: while Qithesizer positively encourages experimentation by effectively rolling its multiple sound engines into one easy-to-use interface, it also brings the same level of sound design and portability — playing the onscreen keyboard means that there is no need, necessarily, to work with any external MIDI hardware controllers — to Apple’s iPad and iPhone; its compatibility with AUv3 — itself a newer version of the AU (Audio Units) plug-in format for Mac with additional features, and the only format currently available on iOS — considerably broadens its already wide-ranging reach and appeal.
Priced at $12.99 USD, Qithesizer is available for iPad (requires iPadOS 15.0 or later) and iPhone (requires iOS 15.0 or later), as well as AUv3 (requires macOS 12.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later), via Apple’s App Store here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/合成氣/id6444722040
For further information, please visit the dedicated Qithesizer webpage here: https://www.robkoo.com/en/qithesizer
See and hear Qithesizer in action in Robkoo’s illuminating introductory video here:
About Robkoo (www.robkoo.com/en/)
Robkoo makes it easier to learn, create, and share digital art as a software and hardware company based in Shanghai, China. Collectively, it aims to empower everyone to play music through apps and devices that are as fun to use as they are intuitive, including its popular JamKoo live performance synth app that hit the top spot in the music category as a paid app on Apple’s App Store in China, having been featured there on numerous occasions, while its award-winning Wind Synthesizer R1 really represents a futuristic, cyber-like MIDI wind controller instrument.
© 2023 Robkoo Information & Technologies Co., Ltd.
UVI release Opal, optical program-adaptive leveler, and The Effects Bundle,
both are available now with special intro pricing
Paris, July 5th, 2023 – UVI releases Opal, a groundbreaking emulation of the iconic optical compressor, including stunningly accurate models of 7 different units. Leveraging advanced techniques our researchers were able to create their own innovative physical model, delivering unparalleled accuracy and faithful representation of these iconic compressors and the T4 optical cells within. Opal includes models of seven units, borrowed from studios around the world, each offering a unique dynamic profile. In addition, users will find a slew of both handy and modern features including an external sidechain, variable responsiveness, frequency response correction, tube drive, and more. Opal is available now, with a special introductory price of $59 / 59€ through July 31st, 2023 (regularly $99 / 99€).
Opal is also available in The Effects Bundle, a value-packed collection including UVI’s entire effects line; Shade, Plate, Sparkverb, Dual Delay X, Relayer, Rotary, Phasor, Thorus, Drum Replacer, and the all-new Opal. Designed to excite and empower, UVI effects are crafted to the highest standards, delivering versatile, high-quality sound-shaping tools powered by advanced DSP. The Effects Bundle is available now for a special introductory price of $199 / 199€ through July 31st, 2023 (regularly $299 / 299€), with tiered upgrade vouchers available for current owners of single effect products.
Opal and The Effects Bundle are compatible with current versions of all major DAWs on both Mac and Windows platforms (VST, VST3, AU, and AAX). A single license includes 3 activations that can be used on any combination of individual computer systems or iLok keys.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Opal is available immediately with a special introductory price of $59 / 59€ through July 31st, 2023
(regularly $99 / 99€)
The Effects Bundle is available immediately with a special introductory price of $199 / 199€ through July 31st, 2023 (regularly $299 / 299€). Tiered upgrade vouchers are available for all current owners of single-effect products (see your uvi.net account for more detail).
ADDITIONAL PRODUCT INFORMATION
Additional information on Opal is available at:
http://www.uvi.net/opal
Additional information on The Effects Bundle is available at:
http://www.uvi.net/the-effects-bundle
Get Opal and our entire catalog of products instantly with UVI SonicPass.
For $24/24€ a month or $240/240€ annually you can enjoy unlimited access to 1,000+ instruments
and effects, including day-one access to new releases. Learn more at: https://uvi.net/sonicpass
