SHATTERFORD, UK: having shed some pounds off its ‘against-all-odds-created’ Colossus AS100 Classic super-synth (that took its inspirational design cues from the colossal classic personified by the rarefied Seventies-vintage Synthi 100, bravely built by British trailblazing entity EMS as one of the largest and most expensive examples ever birthed by anyone anywhere) to create Colossus AS200 Slim as a comparatively slimline version pitched as being a perfect fit for those with a little less studio space to spare or more restricted access for installation, British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to announce the availability of Colossus AS250 Quartz as a range of add-on expanders — effectively ‘splitting’ Colossus AS200 Slim into ‘quarters’ to enhance existing Colossus systems or other modular synthesisers while also allowing for piecemeal purchase benefitting those wishing to build a complete Colossus system over time to spread the cost — as of May 2…
As a range of add-on synth expanders, each Colossus AS250 Quartz ‘quarter’ has a specific set of general features and is named accordingly: AS250-VCO — comprising a bank of 12 voltage-controlled oscillators (OSCILLATOR 1 through to OSCILLATOR 12), plus two noise generators (NOISE GENERATOR 1 and NOISE GENERATOR 2), RANDOM VOLTAGE GENERATOR, SAMPLE AND HOLD, and a 31 x 15 ANALOGUE PIN MATRIX ROUTING
panel; AS250-Scope — comprising four discrete voltage-controlled amplifiers (VCA 1 through to VCA 4), four envelopes (ENVELOPE SHAPER 1 through to ENVELOPE SHAPER 4), two low frequency oscillators (LFO 1 and LFO 2), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) OSCILLOSCOPE as standard or CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) OSCILLOSCOPE optionally available, and TOUCH KEYBOARD CONTROL / SEQUENCER; AS250-VCF — comprising eight voltage-controlled filters (with FILTER 1 through to FILTER 4 each of a SEM-type 12dB multimode design and FILTER 5 through to FILTER 8 each of a Moog-type 24dB low-pass design) with an associated VCA each, four envelopes (ENVELOPE SHAPER 1 through to ENVELOPE SHAPER 4), two spring reverbs (REVERBERATIONS 1 and REVERBERATIONS 2) with three real mechanical springs each, two RING MODULATORS, two SLEW LIMITERS, and a 31 x 15 ANALOGUE PIN MATRIX ROUTING panel; and AS250-Seq — comprising a 64-step analogue SEQUENCER (capable of operating in four different playback modes), four backlit moving-coil SIGNAL METERS, two JOYSTICKS, two MULTIPLES, MAIN MIXER, and two SUB MIXERS.
Modular by nature, it goes without saying, though, that each expander in the Colossus AS250 Quartz range features extensive patching capabilities with almost all parameters connectable via dedicated 3.5mm jack sockets, which when used in combination with those 31 x 15 ANALOGUE PIN MATRIX ROUTING panels — patch using (included) 3.5mm mono mini-jack leads to/from the synth circuits themselves to any matrix channels to be used, then patch using (included) red (10 kΩ) and black (0 Ω) pins accordingly — allow signals to be easily split and sent to multiple destinations with minimal cabling. “It is impossible to test every combination of a patch,” proclaims Analogue Solutions Founder Tom Carpenter, before adding: “Some patches might produce unusual but still interesting results, or you could get something not mixing or buffering in quite the way you expect — just remember this is a living analogue synth, not a giant software controller that has clinical ‘perfection’.”
Put it this way: all voice and modulation circuits involved in Colossus construction are 100% analogue; in fact, Analogue Solutions steered purposefully away from digital technology to the extent of avoiding any MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) connections — those in need can, after all, always turn to third-party MIDI-to-CV boxes or Eurorack modules — though there are, of course, digital elements to the sequencer control involved in the aforesaid AS250-Seq expander that are unavoidable. As a brief aside, it is worth noting here that classic analogue sequencers like ARP’s advanced-for-its-time Model 1601 (launched in 1976) deployed digital logic chips while the colossal EMS Synthi 100 — itself inspiring Analogue Solutions’ Colossus concept from the get-go — even featured a digital sequencer that was truly ahead of its time.
Each expander in the Colossus AS250 Quartz range is — in keeping with that Colossus concept — large scale… think large knobs controlling metal shaft potentiometers, multi-turn vernier-VCOs, and panel-dominating pin matrixes constructed from eye-wateringly expensive Swiss-made broadcast-quality signal routers. Reality has it that the Colossus concept is a no-expense-spared super-synth. Indeed, it is fair to say that high-quality-constructed synthesisers such as the ‘complete’ Colossus AS100 Classic or Colossus AS200 Slim — also art and architecture incarnate, incorporating beautifully engraved wood cabinetry creating exquisite studio furniture in itself — only come around once in a decade, or, possibly, a generation. It is, of course, also fair to say that this comes at a cost. Thanks to the timely introduction of Colossus AS250 Quartz — effectively ‘splitting’ Colossus AS200 Slim into ‘quarters’ to create a range of add-on expanders enhancing existing Colossus systems or other modular synthesisers, piecemeal purchase benefitting those wishing to build a complete Colossus system over time to spread the cost is now an option.
Limited quantities of the Colossus AS250 Quartz expander range are available to order — priced (excluding VAT and delivery) at £6,900.00 GBP (AS250-VCO); £5,500.00 GBP (AS250-Scope); £6,900.00 GBP (AS250-VCF); and £5,500.00 GBP (AS250-Seq) — directly from Analogue Solutions’ dedicated webpage here: https://www.analoguesolutions.com/colossus-quartz
Watch Analogue Solutions’ short, informative introductory video for Colossus AS250 Quartz video here:
About Analogue Solutions (www.analoguesolutions.com)
Analogue Solutions is a UK-based boutique electronic instruments innovator that specialises in true analogue synthesisers, sequencers, and Eurorack modules. More than 25 years experience in the industry means that it was right there at the start of the Eurorack revolution — the third company to start producing modules, in fact. Furthermore, Analogue Solutions products are all hand built in England — many being tested by founder Tom Carpenter himself, who has hands-on involvement in all aspects of the company. Characterful to boot, Analogue Solutions’ innovative instruments are applauded for proudly possessing a truly vintage sound — synthesisers featuring fully-analogue audio paths with analogue LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) and EGs (Envelope Generators) are the order of the day here. Having no memories means that nothing is being made to sound sterile by CPU (Central Processing Unit) control; conversely, turning a knob directly changes the voltage or current in an actual synth circuit to audible affect. As implied by name, Analogue Solutions consistently constitutes proof of Tom Carpenter’s genuine passion for analogue synths, drawing upon his years of owning and using vintage analogue synths and drum machines that he still uses in his own music productions… alongside Analogue Solutions products, predictably. Put it this way: with its present-day music electronics for electronic musicians mantra ringing true as always, Analogue Solutions has certainly come a long way with its boutique electronic instrument innovations!
© 2023 Analogue Solutions (UK) Ltd
LABS releases LABS Obsolete Machines – a riot of hand built and modified machines, curated and created by electronic anarchist Sam Battle AKA Look Mum No Computer.
Recorded on location at his museum in Kent (UK), electrify your compositions with sounds from the GAMEBOY Megamachine, Sega MegaDrive Synth, and a gargantuan 1000 oscillator Megadrone.
A digital guided tour of a museum filled with curious and hand-built eclectic and voltage driven monstrosities. This all-access pass around one of Britain’s most unique collections of obsolete gadgets, apparatus and computer-based machinery shows that as long as you are armed with a soldering iron and determined attitude you can extend the usefulness of tech – repurposing it far beyond being relegated to the scrap pile.
“It was just inside me — the idea of being in a dark museum. I haven’t got a hoarding problem, now I’m a curator”
– Sam Battle AKA Look Mum No Computer
KEY FEATURES
Learn more here: https://labs.spitfireaudio.com/obsolete-machines
[Look Mum No Computer by Robbie Crawford]
About Look Mum No Computer (https://www.lookmumnocomputer.com/)
Kent-based writer, producer and self-declared “background engineer”, Sam Battle began Look Mum No Computer in April 2016, initially as a name for a ZINE, but it quite quickly became something completely different when he decided to get the video camera out.
Sam has been a musician all of his life, in various bands – ZIBRA, being the most recent – and now he mainly builds musical machines and makes music with them. He tours quite a lot, taking his synths along for the ride.
His favourite food is beans on toast.
About LABS
LABS is a series of free software instruments, available in an easy-to-use, dedicated plug-in.
The user interface is clutter-free and focused, featuring simplified controls, sliders for expression and dynamics, and a knob that can be easily customised to the user’s personal workflow.
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: Christian Henson and Paul Thomson. Born out of their shared dissatisfaction for 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 Paul and Christian decided to take their samples public.
To date, Spitfire Audio has recorded and released over 100 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. Paul and Christian’s 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.
In a Nutshell Brass sounds like you’ve never heard before
Why? (Augmented Series) Revitalize traditional instruments like violins, pianos, and voices by modernizing their sound, usability, and workflow. The aim is to enhance/augment these instruments and expand their creative potential.
How? The process involves combining premium sampled Chamber and Orchestral Brass sounds with flexible synthesis engines that have intuitive modulation capabilities. This creates a beautiful and approachable software instrument that inspires modern composition. The result is a unique blend of traditional and contemporary sound design that offers greater creative possibilities.
For who? The Augmented series is aimed at people looking for immediate access to an unmatched range of traditional, cinematic, and contemporary Brass sounds. ● Note – Push towards the cinematic, media, and game music composer/producers
Sample Content The software instrument features a diverse range of sounds to explore. There are 11 articulations of Orchestral Brass, ranging from soft sustained brass to random Fluttertongue performances, and 16 articulations of Chamber Brass, including Trumpets, Horns, Trombones, and Tubas. For added creative possibilities, the instrument includes 15 processed Brass sounds, where the Orchestral and Chamber brass have been expertly treated with vintage outboard units, tape machines, distortions, and other effects to add new tonal colours. Complementing the existing sampled content are 15 additional sounds that feature brass-esque tones. Overall, the instrument offers an extensive collection of brass sounds to inspire and enhance modern composition.
Preset Exploration
A huge range of timbres within each preset How
● USP – morphing
● The core principle of the product – morphing between the real and the unreal
● Expression through 7 macros and the importance of the playability of the keyboard
(Velcotiy, AT, Mod Wheel)
New features Simpler Engine We’ve added a new engine to the instrument. We’ve sourced approx 80 sounds and have created over 100 presets for you to explore. The aim behind this was to bring ambience, texture, cinematic impacts etc… into the sound design of the instruments.
Individual Part Panning We’ve expanded the panning so that each part can be panned. Now we can do some really interesting stereo movement when using the morph knob.
Vibrato / Tremolo individual assignment A simple but useful addition we’ve added individual assignments for the vibrato and tremolo, so each part can have its own modulation.
Keyboard Offset A much-asked-for feature, now instead of pitching the samples (sometimes resulting in unwanted tones) you can shift the Keybed, i.e. bring high/low octaves playable in the middle of the keyboard and even bring harmony via 4ths and 5ths via the shift.
+ We’ve added UI feedback for the keyboard range of an Articulation Modulation Workflow We have improved the modulation workflow by incorporating elements from Pigments and enhancing the feedback on what is modulating what. The real-time ring around the knob moves in sync with the modulation, providing a clearer visual representation of the modulation. These improvements allow for more intuitive and streamlined modulation control, making it easier to create dynamic and expressive sounds.
Conclusion The Augmented series is aimed at people looking for immediate access to an unmatched range of traditional, cinematic, and hybrid sounds. Augmented Brass morphs premium sampled & processed brass sounds with flexible synthesis engines and intuitive modulation, offering a beautiful, approachable, inspiring software instrument that’s perfect for modern composition.
Paris, April 27th, 2023 – UVI release KAWAI Vintage Legacy, a charactered 5-instrument suite delivering a huge selection of new and vintage sounds from the KAWAI K1, K3, K4, K5, R100, XD5, and more. A unique and powerful collection of charactered synths and drums from the late ‘80s, KAWAI Vintage Legacy delivers tasteful vintage wavetables, additive synthesis, 12-bit drums and more – ready to lend a unique edge to productions of any style. KAWAI Vintage Legacy is available now, with a special introductory price of $89 / 89€, through May 8th, 2023 (regularly $149 / 149€).
KAWAI Vintage Legacy includes 5 instruments that can be used separately, or together in a monolithic “multi” instrument – combining four customizable synth layers and a drum module for a comprehensive palette capable of anything from intricate layered stacks to full songs. The synth instruments K1u, K3u, K4u, and K5u all offer deeply editable UIs, offering ADSR over amplitude and multimode filter, creative effects, and a powerful arpeggiator. The drum module, R100u, includes factory sounds from the R100, XD5 and comes outfitted with a sequencer and pattern library. The R100 used was outfitted with additional customized EPROMs, loaded with a selection of acoustic and modern electronic sounds, expanding the range of sonic capabilities while retaining the lo-fi character of the vintage hardware.
KAWAI Vintage Legacy includes a sizable preset library with over 1,000 layers sampled from hardware and 1,400 hand-crafted presets, including a wide range of compelling ensemble presets for the multi instrument and drum kits. Users will find plenty of ready-to-go sounds and inspirational starting points, and for those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty – every patch is fully-editable, allowing everything from subtle changes to radical reformations.
KAWAI Vintage Legacy offers native 64-bit standalone operation by way of Falcon or the free UVI Workstation, providing comprehensive support for all modern DAWs and simultaneous authorization on up to 3 computers or iLok keys.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
KAWAI Vintage Legacy is available immediately with a special introductory price of $89 / 89€ through May 8th, 2023 (regularly $149 / 149€)
ADDITIONAL PRODUCT INFORMATION
Additional information on KAWAI Vintage Legacy is available at:
http://www.uvi.net/kawai-vintage-legacy
Also included in:
Get KAWAI Vintage Legacy 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: uvi.net/sonicpass
“Calling Pluralis a delay plug-in is an understatement; in a world full of analogue emulations — much as I love them, it was about time we had something fresh to work with.”
– Award-winning producer, sound designer, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist Zardonic (Artist Of The Year, 2016 Unión Rock Show Awards), 2023
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC: independent development teams federation United Plugins is proud to announce availability of Pluralis from founding partner SounDevice Digital — duly delivered as a delay plug-in like no other on account of its uniquely layered delay design with several modes to split the signal so users can apply different delays to different audio areas to achieve radical-sounding results that they could previously have only dreamed about — as of April 27…
Pluralistic power
Pluralis’ power lies in the way that it splits signals to then process them separately or in different combinations, thanks to four different modes: LEFT / RIGHT — splits the signal in a more traditional way, whereby users can apply DELAY 1 to the left channel and DELAY 2 to the right, representing a great way to get extreme effects at the outer edges of a mix or having gentle delays working within the side channels; MID / SIDE — splits the signal into the centre (mid) and left and right (side), so users can focus on different parts of their mix or stereo audio file to apply different processes to different audio areas as a different way of processing stereo audio files that is almost unheard of in delays (despite being commonly used in EQs and compressors); LOW / HIGH — harnesses powerful processing of different frequency ranges anchored around an adjustable frequency set by the CROSSOVER control to apply different delays to the low and high frequencies for totally flexible delay processing; and QUIET / LOUD — splits audio at a certain loudness level (also set by the CROSSOVER control) so that the two delay processors independently work on quieter and louder audio, a feature that is unique to the Pluralis plug-in, permitting users to utilise different delays on each element.
Two delays for the price of one
Signal-splitting abilities and layered delay design uniqueness notwithstanding, Pluralis plays with the concept of regular delay processing, presenting two delays — DELAY 1 and DELAY 2 — with standard controls for time, GAIN, and FEEDBACK, as well as ability to alter COLOUR (controls saturation of the delay and colour of the tape) and PANORAMA (controls the panorama of the delay — unavailable in LEFT / RIGHT and MID / SIDE modes), making it easy to achieve mix-ready, standard delays whenever the need arises, although SYNC (synchronisation to DAW tempo), FREEZE (freezes the delay sound, so the delay is endlessly repeated), and FEEDBACK FILTER (switches between the input filter — processes signal directly — and feedback filter — simulates tape echo behaviour — of the delay) functions are also available to encourage experimentation.
Modulation manoeuvres
Pluralis puts two modulation sections — MODULATION 1 and MODULATION 2 — into its users’ hands, helpfully allowing them to set self-explanatory values for LEVEL and RATE, as well as FEED (feedback) and DISPERSION (‘special effect’ that can shatter sound), so they can fine-tune how much modulation is set and applied to which parameters. Powerful and flexible, very dynamic delays can be created as a result.
Presets presented to inspire
Diving deep into unique-sounding delays need not be a daunting prospect; Pluralis presents several folders full of professionally-produced presets for each of its modes — including some notable ones created by award-winning producer, sound designer, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist Zardonic — to help out should inspiration fail to strike. Speaking of Zardonic (a.k.a. Federico Augusto Ágreda Álvarez), the Venezuela born-and-bred 2016 Unión Rock Show Awards winner famed for finding the perfect flashpoint between the heavy metal and electronic music worlds is clearly smitten, stating, “In a world full of analogue emulations — much as I love them, it was about time we had something fresh to work with; Cryostasis, Retronaut, Orbitron, and the new Pluralis became instant favourites for me!” It is little wonder, then, that he was happy to help out with producing Pluralis presets. Put it this way: as Zardonic concludes, “Calling Pluralis a delay plug-in is an understatement.” Ultimately, of course, he is right!
Key features:
∙ Splits signals to then process them separately or in different combinations, thanks to LEFT / RIGHT, MID / SIDE, LOW / HIGH, and QUIET / LOUD modes, some of which are unique to Pluralis
∙ Plays with the concept of regular delay processing — making it easy to achieve mix-ready, standard delays whenever the need arises — alongside encouraging experimentation
∙ Powerful and flexible modulation sections can create very dynamic delays
∙ Presents several folders full of professionally-produced presets for each of its modes
SounDevice Digital’s Pluralis is available to purchase for a time-limited introductory promo price of only €19.00 EUR until May 31, 2023 — rising thereafter to its regular price of €79.00 EUR — as an AAX-, AU-, VST-, and VST3-compatible plug-in (using internal 64-bit audio processing capable of handling any sample rate) directly from its dedicated webpage (https://unitedplugins.com/Pluralis/), where a 15-day, fully-functional trial version for macOS 10.10 and newer and Windows 8/10/11 can also be downloaded for free.
Note that no iLok, dongle, or internet access is required for Pluralis activation. (All United Plugins software uses license files for activation
and owners can freely use purchased software — with free-for-life updates — on all their computers, as long as they are the user.)
About United Plugins
As implied in the carefully chosen wording for an apt appellation that really represents how the Prague-registered Limited Company came about and what it collectively creates, United Plugins is a federation of small, independent development teams comprised of individuals involved in the music industry. Indeed, the founding triad of FireSonic, JMG Sound, and SounDevice Digital can count engineers, producers, and artists amongst their ‘united’ names. Needless to say, all were seeking the freedom to create the tools that they would like to use in their studios and on their projects. And all agreed that this could be better achieved when working together. Though United Plugins’ proliferating product portfolio may not always be for the musical masses, surely someone, somewhere will always find those tools to be a perfect fit for their own music productions… just like those inventive individuals behind United Plugins’ partner brands, the ranks of which have since swelled to include Muramasa Audio and MeldaProduction. Thanks to the latter letting United Plugins utilise its super-easy licensing system, which is why selected MeldaProduction products are also available from the United Plugins website (https://unitedplugins.com), a thriving future for the federation is assured.
© 2023 United Plugins
A rare vintage classic, reinvented for today
New features enhance the versatility and sound of Steinberg’s streamlined, state-of-the-art live recording solution.
HAMBURG, Germany — Steinberg has today released Nuendo Live 3, the latest version of its intuitive live recording solution, which delivers maximum reliability and great results, helping users to capture the perfect recording of any performance.
Building on the success of its predecessors, Nuendo Live 3 adds several key features which make the live recording process faster, more flexible, and with even better audio quality.
Nuendo Live 3 supports Steinberg Licensing, an account-based license management system that doesn’t require an external dongle. In the live environment, it’s easy for a hardware USB-eLicenser to be lost, damaged, stolen, or accidentally knocked out of the recording computer during the show. Steinberg Licensing means this is no longer an issue, while also offering the advantage of working offline, allowing easier setup of recording sessions in advance.
The new Project Template Assistant offers a simplified workflow where, instead of saving files as a dedicated template format, any Nuendo Live 3 project can be used as a template for the next recording. For example, if an artist is playing several shows, the setup from recording the first one can quickly and easily be saved as a new project for the next.
Nuendo Live 3 also offers native support for Apple silicon and Arm processors, taking full advantage of the efficiency and processing power of current Mac computers without the risk of glitches or CPU overload.
The audio engine has also been updated and is now the same as Cubase and Nuendo’s latest-generation engines. Optimized to work with the latest processor types, this and a new user interface with HiDPi support take Nuendo Live to a new level of efficiency and ease of use.
Senior Marketing Manager Luis Dongo says: “With version 3, we’re bringing Nuendo Live up to par with current technologies and improving its performance and usability. The beauty of Nuendo Live is its simplicity — the sole focus is on reliability and quality, with no unnecessary features. That’s been our goal with Nuendo Live since its conception and that’s what this new version aims to continue delivering.”
Nuendo Live 3 is available as a downloadable, full retail version and updates through the
Steinberg Online Shop. The suggested retail price for Nuendo Live 3 is 199 euros and 199.99 US dollars, while updates from previous versions are available for 39.99 euros and
39.99 US dollars.
For more information visit: www.steinberg.net/nuendo-live
Videos can be found here YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/nuendo
Steinberg is known the world over for its music and audio software and hardware solutions. The company has been developing, manufacturing, and selling innovative products for musicians and producers in the music, film, post-production, and multimedia industries since 1984. Steinberg products are used by Grammy and Oscar award-winning composers, engineers, and producers. The company also offers business customers license management and copy-protection systems.
Visit www.steinberg.net for further details.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, USA: boutique audio company Black Lion Audio is proud to present its PG-2R 120V Regulating Power Grid as a studio-grade regulator/power conditioner with surge protection — duly designed to maintain a steady voltage of 120V within a tight ± 2V tolerance to ensure that no voltage fluctuations from the power source get through to treasured studio hardware connected to its back-panel-positioned banks of 12 switched, filtered, and surge-protected outlets, meaning that hardware will be consistently and safely running on the voltage it was intended to use, thereby enhancing reliability and prolonging lifespan as a direct result — as of April 18…
Everyone’s equipment deserves the best power possible; with that very thought in mind, Black Lion Audio took great care in ensuring that the PG-2R 120V Regulating Power Grid does just that — thanks to its PG-99 FILTERING Noise Filtering Technology that, in testing, has provided up to 99.7% noise filtering, as opposed to the typical average of 85% found in other power conditioners at the same price point. Put it this way: the PG-2R encourages eliminating high frequency noise that robs equipment of its
peak performance by being built using premium Panasonic and Wima capacitors. Combine that superior power with an impressive power absorption rating of 2,775 joules and any connected equipment is not just getting quality power but also protected from far from ideal scenarios, such as acquiring a must-have piece of gear only to find it noisier than expected or missing high-frequency details — or, worse still, having that gear fried by an unwanted power surge!
No need to worry, though, since the PG-2R’s back-panel-positioned banks of 12 switched and filtered outlets are all surge-protected. All are divided into three groups, labelled as DIGITAL AUDIO OUTLETS, ANALOG AUDIO OUTLETS, and HIGH CURRENT OUTLETS — the latter two categories being time delayed to always ensure that any connected speakers and power amplifiers are last to turn on and first to turn off, thereby preventing the dreaded ‘pop’ that can occur if speakers receive power at the same time as any connected sound sources.
Saying that, the PG-2R’s feature-packed front panel includes two conveniently-positioned unfiltered UNSWITCHED OUTLETS alongside two USB chargers — USB CHARGER (that can charge most laptops) and USB CHARGER 5V 1A, as well as a handy XLR lamp connector — LAMP 12V, 3W — and associated DIMMER control knob. (Needless to say, there is also a rear-panel-positioned REAR LAMP XLR connector and associated DIMMER control, so seeing those back-panel-positioned outlets in far-from-ideally-lit lighting conditions need not prove problematic.)
Power conditioner confidence takes so much more than a few rack-mounted outlets — certainly as far as the truly discerning user is concerned. Clearly, however, here is where the PG-2R really delivers: thanks to the inclusion of a suite of alert and status capabilities — comprising INPUT VOLTAGE MONITOR, VOLTAGE REGULATION STAGE, and AMPERAGE MONITOR for real-time analysis, as well as LED (Light Emitting Diode) indicators for Ground OK, Wiring Fault, Clean Power On, Abnormal Voltage, Protection On, and Regulation On status, plus an audio alarm for unsafe voltage, such users can count on the PG-2R 120V Regulating Power Grid having their treasured studio hardware’s safety at the considered core of its heavy-duty design — even in worst-case power scenarios!
The PG-2R is available to purchase in territories that use 120V power through Black Lion Audio’s growing global network of dealers/distributors (https://www.blacklionaudio.com/dealers) with a MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) of $1,199.00 USD.
For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated PG-2R webpage here: https://www.blacklionaudio.com/store/power-conditioners/pg-2r-power-conditioner/
About Black Lion Audio (www.blacklionaudio.com)
Founded in 2006, Black Lion Audio is a boutique audio company based in Chicago. Collectively it takes pride in providing customers with outstanding quality gear for their recording studios at prices that are ridiculously affordable. As such, the company has built a reputation for supplying superior quality sound in a cost-effective manner within the space of a few short years. Yet, given the current economic climate, it is no wonder that major labels, project studios, software companies, and high-profile tracking and mix engineers make up a significant portion of the company’s client base. Indeed, its work can be heard in award-winning major motion picture scores and soundtracks, major television shows and commercials, as well as being utilised by prestigious organisations and major label acts alike.
© 2023 Black Lion Audio
LOS ANGELES, CA, USA: black-owned electronic music instrument manufacturer Modbap Modular is proud to announce the upcoming availability of Meridian as the sixth module in its expanding Eurorack range — duly designed as a DUAL MULTIMODE FILTER ARRAY to offer users a choice between four selectable filter types per side and four selectable filter modes per side, as well as DRIVE CIRCUIT and PHASE SHIFTER effects, plus a (low-pass gate-style) PING ability — as of April 12 (in advance of appearing at The 2023 NAMM Show, April 13-15, in Anaheim, CA, USA)…
As a MULTIMODE FILTER ARRAY — as the wording subtly cited across the top of the instantly-recognizable Modbap Modular brand color-coordinated front panel points out,
Meridian affords users the flexibility to easily create a range of sound textures and sonic landscapes using a single Eurorack module. Meridian represents the idea of a meeting point or a convergence of different elements; after all, filters are often used to blend, shape, and refine different sounds into a cohesive whole. When defining meridian as a word, it is often represented through the idea of a barrier or a line that separates parts; this concept mirrors the way that a filter delineates different frequencies and aural elements, generating a defined contrast that shapes the overall sound.
Saying that, then, the naming of Modbap Modular’s 14HP-width Meridian module conveys a sense of balance, harmony, and unity, while also suggesting a clear and definitive separation between different sonic elements. Indeed, it allows the use of two selectable — mixed or matched — filter types and two selectable — mixed or matched — filter modes to reshape and refine the source material into new cohesive textures.
Those two filters each have independently adjustable CUT OFF, RES (resonance), and SHAPE (contour) parameters. PRIMEFREQ is the center macro control of both filters in tandem. The module also boasts PING, an aptly-titled dynamic control feature, the activation of which is enabled through the PING input. It also allows CONFIGURATION of serial or parallel routing.
Besides boasting comb, ladder, OTA (Operational Transducer Amplifier), and vocal formant filter types alongside LP (low-pass), HP (high-pass), BP (band-pass), and NOTCH filter modes to generate a vast range of textures, Meridian’s sound-shaping capabilities are also furthered by its two distinctive and characterful effects: DRIVE CIRCUIT (with AMOUNT, TONE, and CRUSH controls) and PHASE SHIFTER (with PAN, DEPTH, and SPEED controls).
Clearly, all of Meridian’s key features can be modulated via CV (control voltage) inputs — synchronization to tempo can be achieved with the CLOCK input, allowing for clock-synchronized phase shifting, for instance.
In essence, Meridian was designed with tweakability and performance in mind — as is typical of Modbap Modular modules. Indeed, it is the perfect playmate for Osiris — operating itself as a powerful (frequency modulation- and phase modulation-including) seven-plus TIMBRE MODE 12HP-width BI-FIDELITY™ WAVETABLE OSC (oscillator) module, neatly packed with an independent sub-oscillator, LOFI processing, extensive CV modulation capabilities, a PITCH quantizer, four banks of 32 x 32 wavetables per bank, the ability to load user wavetables via microSD card (not included), and its own free open-source wavetable editor (OsirisEdit).
Modbap Modular will be exhibiting at The NAMM Show 2023, April 13-15, in Anaheim, CA, USA. Feel free to swing by booth #9800 — shared with Canadian startup This. is.NOISE inc, where it will be demonstrating its entire Eurorack range, including the Meridian module announced as a DUAL MULTIMODE FILTER ARRAY.
Shipping on May 12, 2023, Meridian is available to pre-order at an MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) of $449.99 USD via San Clemente, CA, USA-based distributor Electro Distro’s growing global network of dealers (https://www.electro-distro.com/dealers) — including Sweetwater (https://www.sweetwater.com), the USA’s number one eCommerce provider of music instruments and pro audio gear, and Perfect Circuit (https://www.perfectcircuit.com), a proud part of the local LA music community as an independent shop with a top-notch selection of gear for making music, with a focus on cutting-edge, boutique, high-end instruments — or directly via its dedicated webpage here: https://www.modbap.com/products/meridian
See and hear Modbap Modular founder/owner/designer Corry Banks introducing Meridian here:
About Modbap Modular (www.modbap.com)
Founded in 2020 by Corry Banks, Modbap Modular is a black-owned Eurorack modular synthesis and electronic music instrument manufacturer, making and designing its products out of Southern California, USA. Ultimately, its mission is to develop fun, forward-thinking, performance-oriented instruments, musically mindful of a DJ and beat-makers perspective. Putting the company’s notable nomenclature into its rightful perspective, Modbap is the fusion of modular synthesis and boom-bap — or, indeed, any form of hip-hop — music production; it is a term coined by Corry Banks himself as a denotation of his own experiments with modular synthesis and boom-bap music production. As a result, like-minded creatives built a community around the idea of Modbap. Modbap Modular itself is the result of that movement in the electronic music equipment and synthesizer design space, sold in 40-plus electronic musical instrument stores throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
© 2023 Modbap Modular
The Spring Sale: https://www.spitfireaudio.com
Monday April 24th, 2023 (10:00am BST) – Thursday May 4th, 2023 (11:59pm BST)
Spitfire Audio announces the Spring Sale 2023 – running from Monday, April 24th, 2023 (10:00 am BST) to Thursday, May 4th, 2023 (11:59 pm BST).
Save up to 60% on bundles including three Exclusive bundles – Spring Essentials, Spring Core, and Spring Pro – as well as 40% on everything* – including libraries released in the last 12 months, Originals, and SA Recordings’ libraries.
* Excludes HHDs, SSDs, and The Professional Composer’s Guide [see the FAQ on the Spitfire Audio website]
SAVE UP TO 60% WITH EXCLUSIVE BUNDLES:
BEAUTIFUL, BROODING, AND MYSTERIOUS
SPRING ESSENTIALS £99 / $99 / 99€
Originals Firewood Piano
Originals Cimbalom
FINK – Signatures
ARO: Legendary Low Strings
ARO: Thematic Trumpets
Essentials is a combination of incredibly inspiring libraries that work in harmony to help you create both beautiful and mysterious compositions. This eclectic collection will fuel your imagination and light your creative spark.
INTRINSIC, DETAILED, AND DRAMATIC
SPRING CORE £199 / £249 / 249€:
British Drama Toolkit
Ólafur Arnalds Chamber Evolutions
Spitfire Solo Cello
Spring Core gives you out-of-the-box emotion and depth with stunning intrinsic patterns to make your music soar and take your listeners to the highest highs whilst haunting them with dramatic, low timbres. Made in collaboration with award-winning composers and musicians, this passionate collection provides excitement, expression, and spirit.
ANGELIC, APOCALYPTIC, AND AWE-INSPIRING
SPRING PROFESSIONAL £399 / $449 / 449€
Eric Whitacre Choir
Ólafur Arnalds STRATUS
Ambient Guitars
Spring Professional is an assembly of some of our most-inspirational libraries to date. Created with renowned and award-winning musicians, this collection provides expressive tools, covering cinematic and punchy guitars, rhythmic and colorful piano movements, and the angelic, haunting power of the human voice, all at your fingertips.
SAVE 40% ON ALL LIBRARIES
[Including libraries released in the last 12 months, Originals & SA Recordings]
The Spring Sale Page URL: https://www.spitfireaudio.com/
The Spring Sale FAQs
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: Christian Henson and Paul Thomson. 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 Paul and Christian decided to take their samples public.
To date, Spitfire Audio has recorded and released over 100 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 has worked closely with one of the world’s most renowned orchestras, BBC Symphony Orchestra, as well as partnered with the legendary Abbey Road Studios to create sample libraries in the iconic Studio One – considered one of the finest acoustical spaces in the world – and the famous Studio Two. Spitfire Audio’s sounds are heard in everything, from major Hollywood film scores to recordings by Radiohead and U2.
Paul and Christian’s 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.