REDWOOD CITY, CA, USA: intuitive music creation mobile apps provider MusicSketch LLC is proud to launch Version 2.0 of its MusicSketch app for iPhone® — improved to include music mixing and auditioning with curated drum loops and chord rhythms using hi-def virtual instruments from world-class sound collections developer/licensor Q Up Arts as a free creative suite of songwriting tools allowing musicians at any level to capture and publish ideas quickly and easily, exporting melodies, bass lines, and chord changes in multiple formats to share and collaborate with others — in advance of musically making an appearance at The 2023 NAMM Show, April 13-15, in Anaheim, CA, USA…
It is fair to say that musical notation is a universal language, ‘spoken’ across borders throughout the world. When originally launched from the App Store in June last year as a subscription-based model, MusicSketch made for a great learning tool for beginners and an easy way to capture ideas for the seasoned composer, offering on-the-go writing, editing, and sharing of music and lead sheets whenever and wherever inspiration might strike — imagine creating a lead sheet that can be shared with bandmates in seconds! Simply put, MusicSketch is the front end of the creative process which migrates easily to any DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) or music publishing system.
Since Version 2.0 of MusicSketch is now available for free with unlimited songs, it is possible to enjoy working with a great selection of curated hi-def virtual instruments from world-class sound collections developer/licensor Q Up Arts — use MusicSketch to compose melodies and bass lines, audition chord changes, and add rhythm and drum tracks by simply selecting the best accompaniment to suit. Says Q Up Arts President Douglas Morton: “I’m inspired to be working with such a gifted team of designers on MusicSketch. I love putting the transcendent power of creativity at the fingertips of songwriters.”
Saying that MusicSketch improvements include a smart chord builder with chord suggestions, while its newly-added audio mixer makes light work of choosing drum loops and setting the tempo, as well as choosing accompaniment instruments and patterns to design and audition a complete rhythm section; intuitive in action, it easily encourages endless fun and experimentation.
Ease of use continues with the patent-pending Direct Interface Board (DiBo!™) — have fun while quickly creating scores with chords and melodies. MusicSketch includes a full complement of editing tools to write in either the treble or bass clef and an ability to drop in chord symbols — share or print detailed lead sheets, bass charts, and piano scores as MP4, MusicXML, and PDF files from an iPhone®. It is also possible for users to export full MIDI files from MusicSketch into their DAW of choice to further expand upon their ideas.
It is fair to say, therefore, that MusicSketch allows composers and songwriters to communicate, share, and collaborate while listening to their ideas in hi-def audio, also offering a contemporary way of creating, editing, and sharing notation on an iPhone® — anywhere at any time. To get started, simply open the app, pick a key, mix a rhythm, try a melody, and add chords with a variety of accompaniment patterns and instrument choices — pristine grand piano, acoustic and electric guitars, synth pads, celli, flutes, and multi-genre drum kits round out that curated collection of hi-def virtual instruments from Q Up Arts. To try something new is as easy as tapping a button — MusicSketch takes care of all the notation.
As an improved app for iPhone® now available for free, Version 2.0 of MusicSketch can be best summed up by these clear-sighted closing comments from MusicSketch LLC Founder John Walecka: “While the inspiration for a song can happen anywhere, sadly that new melody or clever chord change can just as quickly disappear into the ether, never to be heard again. MusicSketch delivers a powerful suite of tools that songwriters and musicians at all levels can use to quickly capture musical ideas, then easily collaborate with others in multiple formats. Our mission is simple: help create more music.”
MusicSketch LLC will be making an appearance at The 2023 NAMM Show, April 13-15, in Anaheim, CA, USA… feel free to swing by booth #10007 in Hall A at the Anaheim Convention Center for a personalized demo of MusicSketch, created by musicians for musicians.
Version 2.0 of MusicSketch is now available for free as an improved app for iPhone® — requires iOS 15.4 or later — from the App Store here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/musicsketch/id1620119788 (It is also compatible with iPod touch, also requiring iOS 15.4 or later.)
For more in-depth information, please visit the MusicSketch website here: https://www.musicsketch.com
Various videos for MusicSketch can be viewed via a dedicated webpage here: https://www.musicsketch.com/videos.html
About MusicSketch LLC (www.musicsketch.com)
MusicSketch LLC is dedicated to providing intuitive mobile apps for music creation. Created by musicians for musicians, MusicSketch is the first app to be released by the company — available for free from the App Store here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/musicsketch/id1620119788
Andreas Stelling leaves after 20 years at the company and is succeeded by Clyde Sendke.
HAMBURG, Germany — Steinberg today announced that Clyde Sendke has succeeded Andreas Stelling as managing director, effective from April 1, 2023. Andreas Stelling first joined Steinberg in 2003 and became managing director in 2009. Since then, he has overseen the implementation of new strategic and organizational processes, along with other achievements which have led to numerous successes for the business.
Clyde Sendke knows Steinberg very well, having been with the company for numerous years. First heading the technical support team, he has worked as director of the product planning department and, in recent years, has been running the entire Markets Group.
He comments: “I am honored to be named Steinberg managing director and look forward to using this new opportunity to lead the business forward. I would like to extend my gratitude to Andreas for his contributions and leadership. We wish him the very best for his future professional endeavors.”
About Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH
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
Featuring more affordable prices on the whole catalog with more accessible upgrades
April 6, 2023 – IK Multimedia releases the new Total Studio 4 MAX, a massive collection of plug-ins, along with new all-inclusive MAX bundles – AmpliTube 5 MAX v2, T-RackS 5 MAX v2, SampleTank 4 MAX v2 and more – as well as lowered pricing and a generous new policy for upgrades across its full software range.
Packed with more products than previous versions and now more affordable, all new MAX bundles plus TONEX MAX and MODO MAX offer unmatched value, helping musicians and producers to instantly equip their studios with all IK’s most cutting-edge tools. IK will be attending NAMM 2023 to showcase these and other innovative products.
New Total Studio 4 MAX
Total Studio 4 MAX is the most extensive edition yet of IK’s popular software suite for music creation. This new bundle offers a massive 170 products covering every stage of the music creation process, over 640 GB of rich, authentic sounds and over 500 ultra-realistic effects in every style and genre. Version 4 adds TONEX MAX, MODO BASS 2, MODO DRUM 1.5, AmpliTube MESA/Boogie, 12 new SampleTank libraries, 12 new Syntronik synths, and 2 new T-RackS modules: The Farm Stone Room and Joe Chiccarelli Vocal Strip to keep everyone’s collection totally up to date. Total Studio 4 Max pricing now starts at $/€299.99* for eligible customers.
New AmpliTube 5 MAX v2
AmpliTube 5 MAX v2 now features all 18 brand/artist collections for more amps, cabs, and effects. Users can plug into 435 gear models in all and take full advantage of the over 6,000 free presets available on ToneNET. New additions include the popular AmpliTube MESA/Boogie 2 and all 4 virtual X-GEAR Pedals representing boutique-quality distortions, delays, reverbs, and modulations. AmpliTube 5 MAX pricing now starts at $/€199.99* for eligible customers.
New T-RackS 5 MAX v2
The T-RackS 5 MAX v2 collection adds 15 more processors for a total of 53 essential mixing and mastering plug-ins. Users get all the latest releases including The Farm Stone Room, Joe Chiccarelli Vocal Strip, Comprexxor, Sunset Sound Studio Reverb, T-RackS Leslie, all 4 models of the TASCAM Tape Collection, and FAME Studio Reverb. With T-RackS 5 MAX v2, musicians can own a comprehensive suite of all the tools they need to mix and master like today’s top pros. T-RackS 5 MAX pricing now starts at $/€199.99* for eligible customers.
New SampleTank 4 MAX v2
SampleTank 4 MAX v2 adds all 28 SampleTank 4 libraries until now sold separately, all 34 synths from Syntronik 2 MAX, SampleTron 2, and the full version of Miroslav Philharmonik 2. Still included is the complete SampleTank 4 factory content along with all legacy SampleTank 2 and 3 factory content plus all the legacy SampleTank 3 libraries, for a massive 600 GB of sounds and over 18,000 instruments in all. SampleTank 4 MAX pricing now starts at $/€199.99* for eligible customers.
New More Affordable Pricing
With this renewal, IK has also reduced pricing between 30% and 50% on the majority of its award-winning software products, making these powerful music production tools more accessible than ever.
New More Inclusive Upgrade Policy
Along with lower pricing for everyone, IK has greatly simplified the upgrade process for returning customers, introducing a single upgrade-for-all policy. Regardless of the IK product purchased, all registered IK users will now have access to any software product at upgrade pricing. To be eligible, the registration of any paid product, be it software, hardware or even just an app, is the only simple requirement. Similarly, any registered owner of another IK MAX product is eligible for IK’s MAXgrade price on the new Total Studio 4 MAX.
Availability
All new MAX bundles are available now at the IK Multimedia online store and from IK authorized dealers worldwide.
For more information on any of the new MAX bundles, please visit the relevant link below:
Total Studio 4 MAX: www.ikmultimedia.com/ts4
AmpliTube 5 MAX v2: www.ikmultimedia.com/at5
T-RackS 5 MAX v2: www.ikmultimedia.com/tr5
SampleTank 4 MAX v2: www.ikmultimedia.com/st4
For more information on the new upgrade policy:
UVI releases Organic Arps, a new expansion for Falcon 2 exploring modern arps and sequences, available now for $39 / 39€
Paris, April 5th, 2023 – UVI releases Organic Arps, a new expansion for Falcon 2 exploring modern arps and sequences, available now for $39/39€. With 100 hand-crafted patches presented across 4 categories including Circular, Generative, Repetitive, and Rhythmic, Organic Arps delivers a wide range of styles and patterns from more predictable arps to creative and off-beat generative sequences, perfect for those looking to expand their library with exceptional set of highly detailed and tweakable patches.
Every patch in Organic Arps offers a unique glimpse into the extensive arpeggiation and sequencer potential of Falcon, while custom macros and top-level control over delay and reverb allow you to dial in the perfect sound for your track. Organic Arps also features a handy Chorder tool, simply select your scale and key, and all of your arpeggiated notes snap in place while the actively played chord is highlighted in the user interface.
Organic Arps leverages the advanced synthesis capabilities and software architecture of Falcon, with 17 oscillators, over 100 effects, and a fast and intuitive interface that easily handles both basic tasks and deep instrument design. All presets have been programmed with macros with provide the user with easy access to key parameters for each patch. These can be controlled via MIDI, OSC, host automation, and Lua scripting, allowing for limitless customization and expressive performance capabilities.
Organic Arps requires UVI Falcon. Falcon offers native 64-bit operation as a stand-alone application and is available as a plug-in supporting all popular formats on both Mac and Windows. One license allows simultaneous authorization on up to 3 computers or iLok keys.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Organic Arps is available immediately for $39 / 39€ from uvi.net
Additional information on Organic Arps is available at:
http://www.uvi.net/organic-arps
German-American plug-in makers UJAM announce the release of BOOST, a plug-in of the creative effects Finisher series. BOOST automates the creation of risers, impacts, breakdowns, and any kind of transition. Turning the potentially time-consuming task into a simplified process typical for UJAM Finisher products.
Finisher BOOST syncs to any DAW’s grid and offers phrase lengths of 2, 4 or 8 measures. Users just need to choose a style and at which beat they want maximum intensity; everything else is automated. There’s also a manual mode to freely conduct the transition.
BOOST complements the Finisher series which includes RETRO (vintage), VOODOO (guitar), DYNAMO (rhythmic), NEO (sci-fi), and FLUXX (experimental), as well as MICRO (free).
BOOST is available now in VST 2, VST 3, AU 2 and AAX formats and also as a free, fully functional 30-day trial at ujam.com. The plug-in runs natively on M1.
Finisher BOOST is now available at ujam.com for an introductory offer of 69 EUR / USD until April 16th, 2023. After that, the single plug-in sells for 99 EUR / USD. Owners of any other Finisher are entitled to a time-limited loyalty offer of 49 EUR / USD until April 16th. The Finisher Bundle sells for 349 EUR / USD instead of 594 EUR / USD if bought individually. Finishers are natively Apple Silicon compatible and currently available in VST 2, VST 3, AU 2, and AAX formats for all major DAWs.
UJAM is a German-American maker of music technology co-founded by Hans Zimmer and Pharrell Williams. With the Plug-in series Virtual Pianist, Usynth, Groovemate, Symphonic Elements, Virtual Guitarist, Virtual Bassist, Virtual Drummer, Beatmaker and Finisher, and a range of software solutions, UJAM helps people to make music.
Montreal, Quebec—April 4, 2023—Applied Acoustics Systems announces the official release of the Multiphonics CV‑2 modular synthesizer and effect processor for macOS and Windows— a space for exploration, experimentation, creation, learning, and fun.
Multiphonics CV‑2 is a sophisticated modular environment for assembling and playing synth and effect patches. With its simple and straightforward interface, Multiphonics is a fast and efficient creation tool providing musicians and sound designers with a quick path to the realization of sonic ideas. It is also a great learning environment for newcomers. This new version ships with a comprehensive library of modules, from the basics to unique originals, and a vast and inspiring library of synth and effect patches crafted by top sound designers.
“Multiphonics CV‑2 can now be used as an effect in a DAW and process audio inputs which opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities,” says Benoit Charland, lead product designer at Applied Acoustics Systems. “The module library has been augmented with a selection of modules specifically designed to take advantage of this new capability and make the creation of custom effects fun and efficient. It was fascinating to see how our team of sound designers put them to use and I’m sure that Multiphonics users will take as much pleasure as we did discovering their truly original and inspiring effects patches in the new factory library.”
New features of Multiphonics CV‑2 include:
– Multiphonics can now be used as an effect processor.
– 15 new modules
– 6 improved modules
– 100 new effect patches
– 50 new synth patches
– Efficient stereo and multi-channel patching
– Improved patch browsing
– Scalable UI
Multiphonics CV‑2—Modular Synthesizer
https://www.applied-acoustics.com/multiphonics-cv-2/
Multiphonics CV‑2 runs on both macOS and Windows in 64-bit host sequencers that support the VST2, VST3, Audio Units, and AAX Native formats.
Multiphonics CV‑2 is available now at a suggested retail price of US$149. The upgrade for Multiphonics CV‑1 registered users is priced at $79.
Special Introductory Pricing
Until May 15 2023, everything Multiphonics CV-2 is offered at special introductory pricing—as follows:
– Multiphonics CV‑2 plug-in US$99
– Multiphonics CV‑2 +PACKS synth and sound packs bundle US$129
– Multiphonics CV‑2 Upgrade for Multiphonics CV‑1 users US$49
– All Multiphonics CV‑2 sound packs US$19
Multiphonics CV‑2 +PACKS comprises Multiphonics CV‑2 and two expansion sound packs.
About Applied Acoustics Systems
Applied Acoustics Systems (AAS) (www.applied-acoustics.com) was founded in 1998 and is based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. As a privately-held company, it specializes in software-based synthesis tools for professional musicians and sound designers. Since releasing Tassman, the first virtual instrument based on physical modeling, AAS has come to be recognized as the industry leader in this exciting new field of synthesis.
LOS ANGELES, CA, USA: Null Modular is proud to announce the official release of its n-1 Eurorack modular case — constructed from euro plywood with a clever flat-packable design that interlocks and slides together easily and needs no tools for assembly, instead including dowel pins for securing the wooden frame, pre-threaded aluminum rails, M5 hex socket screws, and M3 rail slide nuts — with pre-ordering open as of April 3…
As an unpowered case, n-1 offers users the freedom to select a panel-mounted power supply, or to adapt an internal power option; with 92mm/3⅝” of depth, the case offers flexibility for a range of power solutions. It is available in two sizes — 48HP x 3U and 84HP x 3U — as the perfect partner for all stages of any user’s creative journey into modular synthesis. Subsequently, Null Modular will release a range of accessories designed to enhance the n-1 case’s versatility and customization options, ensuring it remains an adaptable companion. But by using sustainable materials and efficient flat-pack distribution, n-1 is already one of the most accessible Eurorack modular cases on the market.
Masterminded in response to a friend’s request for ‘a simple box’ to house their Eurorack modules, prototype versions of the n-1 case have since become a cult favorite among musicians and designers from Los Angeles to France. Founded upon a design sensibility that is minimal, playful, and familiar yet peculiar, Null Modular creates products that resonate with users like a trusted friend. By balancing functionality with ‘feature wish lists’, the company continues to innovate in the world of modular synthesis.
Since Null Modular designs, prototypes, and manufactures all products in Los Angeles and Costa Mesa, California, it can efficiently experiment with materials and fabrication methods to refine its offerings. “Our modular synth community appreciates the tiniest of details; we take that to heart when designing and fabricating our cases,” comments Null Modular Founder Meghan Hui.
Having said that, then, modern music enthusiasts can join the Null Modular community in redefining the future of Eurorack modular cases by experiencing n-1’s clever flat-packable design for themselves!
What is in the box?
∙ 12mm plywood frame, 3mm plywood back
∙ Four dowel pins
∙ One pair of pre-threaded aluminum rails
∙ M5 hex socket screws
∙ M3 rail slide nuts
∙ Mystery stickers!
Expected to ship in May 2023, n-1 is available to pre-order at an MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) of $98.00 USD for the 48HP x 3U-sized version and $129.00 USD for the 84HP x 3U-sized version via San Clemente, CA, USA-based distributor Electro-Distro’s growing global network of dealers (https://www.electro-distro.com/dealers) or directly via the Null Modular website (https://www.nullmodular.com), which includes more information.
Download an assembly guide for n-1 as a PDF (Portable Document File) from here: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0734/3384/1941/files/84hp-48hp_assembly_v2.pdf?v=1679875922
About Null Modular (www.nullmodular.com)
Null Modular is a Los Angeles-based music technology company dedicated to designing and manufacturing innovative modular synthesizer cases and accessories for sound and music enthusiasts worldwide. With a commitment to thoughtful design, meticulous attention to detail, and a strong sense of community, it aims to empower musicians and designers on their creative journeys.
© 2023 null-LA, LLC
“FirePresser is a very cool approach to multi-compression; the layout allows you to be creative in the process, while the sonics deliver many textures and colors.”
– Reuven Amiel, mix engineer/producer/sound designer (Latin GRAMMY Awards® winner in 2013 for Best Cumbia/Vallena Album, mixing Manuel Julián & Felipe Peláez’s Diferente)
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC: independent development teams federation United Plugins is proud to announce (time-limited) availability of its popular FireSonic plug-in from founding partner FireSonic — featuring four compressors based on exacting emulations of iconic vintage analog designs that can be blended at the same time in series, speedily acting as one tool to rule them all — for free (by clicking Add to Cart on the product webpage, https://unitedplugins.com/FirePresser/, allowing a license to be ‘bought’ for €0.00 EUR) from April 3-16…
One tool to rule them all
As any serious mix and/or recording engineer worth their salt should surely know, natural yet powerful sounding compression can be achieved by using multiple hardware compressors in series — several compressor plug-ins positioned as DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) track inserts will do the trick, too. There is no need, necessarily, to go to such extreme lengths to achieve this when working with FirePresser. For every situation where compression is needed, FirePresser provides easy access to exacting emulations of four iconic analog compressors, clearly labeled (left to right) as VARIMU (colored green), STRESS (colored red), DB160 (colored blue), and 76 (colored yellow) in an uncomplicated user interface that allows all of them to be blended with the greatest of ease, letting lush analog-sounding compression weave its musical magic upon any source material in next to no time at all. Anyone at all familiar with those iconic analog compressors will readily recognize their corresponding compression characteristics in FirePresser — one tool to rule them all!
Shortcut to the finest blend
FirePresser’s so-called Rainbow Pad provides further control over the amount of presence each compressor in the chain (as arranged) is having, helpfully reflected visually by blending their associated primary colors on screen. But better still, drag just one parameter to simultaneously control all four compressors and achieve the best results — speedy, simple, and smart!
Order as you wish
While the order of those exacting emulations of four iconic analog compressors clearly matters in the chain (as arranged), FirePresser also allows users to speedily rearrange them into any order they wish with simple drag and drop movements, making comparing and contrasting different results as easy as it gets.
Fine-tuning for a salt-and-pepper finish
Though the overall effect of FirePresser is instant, some skilled users might choose to work with the DETECTOR controls, connecting them to the advanced features of all engaged compressors at the same time. That said, FirePresser’s overall effect can be also accentuated by dialing in the TURBO knob to squash sounds further still, seasoned by pleasant-sounding analog saturation. Seasoned professionals like mix engineer/producer/sound designer Reuven Amiel — Latin GRAMMY Awards® winner in 2013 for Best Cumbia/Vallena Album, mixing Manuel Julián & Felipe Peláez’s Diferente — certainly knows the score, stating, “FirePresser is a very cool approach to multi-compression; the layout allows you to be creative in the process, while the sonics deliver many textures and colors.”
Key features:
∙ Features four compressors based on exacting emulations of iconic vintage analog designs that can be blended at the same time in series
∙ Further control the amount of presence each compressor in the chain (as arranged) is having with the Rainbow Pad
∙ Speedily rearrange the compressors into any order with simple drag-and-drop movements
∙ Access advanced features of all compressors engaged at the same time with the DETECTOR controls
∙ Accentuate the overall effect by dialing in the TURBO knob to squash sounds further still, seasoned by pleasant-sounding analog saturation
FireSonic’s FirePresser is available for free — by clicking Add to Cart on the product webpage (https://unitedplugins.com/FirePresser/), allowing a license to be ‘bought’ for €0.00 EUR — for a time-limited period from April 3-16, 2023 (rising thereafter to its regular price of €99.00 EUR) as an
AAX-, AU-, VST-, and VST3-compatible plug-in (using internal 64-bit audio processing capable of handling any sample rate); a 15-day, fully-functional trial version for macOS 10.10 and newer and Windows 8/10/11 can also be downloaded for free… for those interested in trying it out after that time-limited period has passed.
Note that no iLok, dongle, or internet access is required for FirePresser 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.)
See and hear what FirePresser can do while watching United Plugins’ freshly-filmed introductory video here:
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 utilize 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
SPOKANE, WA, USA: kindness, exploration, and playful expression culture-crafting company CHOMPI Club is proud to announce that the Kickstarter Campaign for funding its quirky CHOMPI sampler — a magical tape music instrument made for self-expression through sound design built on Daisy, Electrosmith’s powerful DSP (Digital Signal Processing) platform, perfect for unlocking easy firmware updates and flexible programmability options — goes live with exclusive early bird specials, pre-order pricing, and limited-edition bundle packs, plus other options, as of March 28…
CHOMPI Club was co-founded by CEO Tobias Hendrickson (Product Development, Education, Business Management) and COO Chelsea Hendrickson (Marketing, Design, Business Operations), having previously spent 10 years running Techno Logic Synth-Culture as a community program promoting self-expression through sound, partnering with local non-profits and educational institutions to provide support and
resources for high school students to broaden their understanding of music production and create meaningful digital media with hands-on access to a wide variety of electronic instruments and audio production equipment. Effectively evolving into CHOMPI Club, the proactive pair are distilling their experience, inspiration, and communal insight into a new endeavor that they believe will invite more people to discover the magical world of sound design.
Duly representing the first physical fruit of CHOMPI Club’s creative skillsets and experiences as teachers, musicians, community partners, graphic and sound designers, the quirky CHOMPI sampler is crafted as something special — certainly something worthy of its flagship positioning. Put it this way: as a magical tape music instrument made for self-expression through sound design, it invites immediate fun with its one-of-a-kind sampling engine, unique multi-effects, and tape-style looper. Indeed, it is fair to say that this device could quickly become anyone’s best buddy, being suited to seasoned performance or newbie sonic journeying alike.
And, as evidenced by what is informally printed on the underside of CHOMPI itself, introductions do not come any warmer or more welcoming than this: Hi I’m CHOMPI, a quirky chromatic sampler, made for self-expression through sound design! Feel free to explore my functions… there’s no wrong way to CHOMPI. If you get lost don’t worry, just power me down and I’ll always boot back up in my default CHOMPI MODE. If you want to know more about how I work visit: chompi.club – Happy sampling! –
Saying that, then, CHOMPI has four modes of operation, offering maximum flexibility for all user types — think video gaming ‘levels’, whereby each mode contains a slightly different feature set, progressively introducing more layers of complexity as the player becomes increasingly familiar with the workflow involved. In other words, the more the player gets to know CHOMPI, the more expansive their experience can be.
Clearly, CHOMPI is always hungry for new sounds, so the signature CHOMPI Mode acts like a sound sketchpad where users can capture sounds from their environment using the onboard microphone or utilize the stereo line input to sample their favorite external sources with the unique sound design engine that jumpstarts any creative journey. JAMMI Mode can be viewed as the base function of CHOMPI; this engine plays a single sample chromatically, up and down the piano-style keyboard, and is where users recall, jam and layer presets, performing them chromatically into the looper, while secondary shift functions and the menu are also accessed in this mode. Meanwhile, the CUBBI Mode engine enables users to access 24 individual samples at the same time, each on a different key slot and is especially useful for resampling and saving loops. Last, but by no means least, MIDI Mode enables users to swap the internal sampling engine for an external synth voice (via MIDI control); by utilizing a passthrough from the stereo line input, it is possible to send audio directly to the effects and looping engines, retaining CHOMPI’s unique workflow while providing additional flexibility for sound sources.
Almost all aspects of the CHOMPI hardware can be customized, but CHOMPI comes in two colour-ways for the Kickstarter Campaign-funded first run — namely, classic BLACK and GOLD (with CHOMPI BOBO Keycap Set) or Limited Edition PINK and GOLD (with Upgraded Marshmallow Keycap Set). Above and beyond that, more limited-edition panel colors and accessory kits will be offered to experiment with in the near future. As artists themselves, the CHOMPI Club co-founders find so much joy in the process of customizing their own devices that they thought CHOMPI owners might ultimately feel the same way.
CHOMPI Club have designed CHOMPI with friendship at the forefront of the process, keeping the legacy of the portable fun that came with their childhood music and gaming devices alive, an exciting time when instruments like the Casio SK-1 introduced entire generations to sound design, creating a more friendly access point into that magical world. With a microSD card for managing samples, USB-C power, stereo line in/out, MIDI in/out, and a built-in microphone, CHOMPI cheerily talks to everyone’s favorite devices and is the perfect companion for their next sonic adventure.
As CHOMPI is built on Daisy, Electrosmith’s powerful DSP platform, it is not just a cool sampler, but can utilize a growing library of alternate firmwares to turn it into a wavetable synth, FM (Frequency Modulation) engine, and more besides! Initially, it offers a one-of-a-kind sampling workflow belying the diminutive dimensions of its playful appearance, bolstered by six-plus hours of dynamic stereo sampling time utilizing temporary recording buffers for non-destructive experimentation until choosing to store samples, plus a built-in reset protocol so the instrument boots up into a clean slate every time the power is cycled, encouraging endless exploration without fear of making mistakes. Moving onwards and upwards, the streamlined sound design engine features seven-voice polyphony, 14 slots to save/recall chromatic presets, 24 slots to save/perform resampled loops and/or one-shots, sample playback speed and direction controls, and attack and decay envelopes. Expandable and powerful, the multi-effects engine offers parallel low- and high-pass filtering, saturation, and stability tape effects, and so-called MagicWand (granular reverb and delay) effects, with additional effects planned for future availability. A sophisticated sound-on-sound stereo looper includes a record decay control, plus an iconic transport knob with control over playback speed/direction and manual tape scrubbing (when loop is paused), as well as additional Easter eggs waiting to be discovered by advanced users.
CHOMPI Club cordially invites its CHOMPI Kickstarter Campaign backers to join them in crafting a culture of kindness, exploration, and playful expression through sound design with a magical tape music instrument made for self-expression.
Explore and support CHOMPI Club’s Kickstarter Campaign for funding its quirky CHOMPI sampler — with exclusive early bird specials (pledge $475.00 USD or more), pre-order pricing (pledge $499.00 USD or more), and limited-edition bundle packs (pledge $799.00 USD or more), plus other options — here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chompiclub/chompi-a-magical-tape-music-instrument
For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated CHOMPI webpage here: https://chompiclub.com/collections/all
See and hear CHOMPI in action in CHOMPI Club’s illuminating introductory video here:
Print-ready, hi-res images:
https://chompiclub.com/pages/resources
About CHOMPI Club (www.chompiclub.com)
As electronic music enthusiasts, CHOMPI Club’s co-founders originally set out to craft inclusive culture and empower new learners, making the world of sound design more accessible to a larger audience. As it happened, what started out as a personal journey to explore a more experimental form of music grew into a community program, an education initiative, and now — more than 10 years later — has evolved into a unique musical instrument platform: CHOMPI — and, indeed, the entire brand ecosystem — is designed to be playful, exploratory, and customizable, with a low barrier to entry… so that everyone can enjoy the magical language of sound design!
© 2023 CHOMPI Club
Unique Fantasy Sounds Series, featuring world and modern instruments: Brass, Winds, Percussion, Voices, and the Hollywood Fantasy Orchestrator
Hollywood, CA (March 24, 2023) – Coinciding with EastWest Sound’s 35th Anniversary today, the company proudly presents Hollywood Fantasy Orchestra, a brand-new orchestra that includes everything you need to create fantasy music, film, television, and game soundtracks.
Produced by sound titans Doug Rogers and Nick Phoenix, Hollywood Fantasy Orchestra includes unique ensembles of world instruments that have been featured in blockbuster movies and games, mixed with modern octave-doubled orchestral sections that perfectly compliment Hollywood Orchestra. Many of the instruments have been recorded in trios, creating a powerful and beautiful sparkling stereo image that cuts through any mix, all captured with full stereo imaging mic placement, surround sound options, and all the features of EastWest’s revolutionary Opus software.
Hollywood Fantasy Orchestra bridges the gap between orchestral and world instruments – perfect for the next big fantasy epic or medieval tale. It is an entirely new orchestra that puts all the period instruments you need on the same stage.
Hollywood Fantasy Strings is the first iteration of Hollywood Fantasy Orchestra, putting 5 of the most iconic instruments from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque eras at your fingertips: Hurdy Gurdies, Mountain Dulcimers, Viola Da Gambas, Lutes, and Hardanger Fiddles, all alongside brand-new stylized recordings from modern-day orchestral musicians.
Hollywood Fantasy Strings includes true legato, diverse articulations, everything you need to produce the perfect fantasy cue to the highest professional standards. EastWest infused it with the same power and flexibility as Hollywood Strings, with the same microphone placements, in the exact same studio, tailor-made to mix perfectly, so you can rest assured that your string libraries are all up to the task.
“I founded EastWest 35 years ago today, during that time we have pioneered most of the important technical developments in our industry, and racked up the most international awards for our sample libraries and virtual instruments. So I am proud to be able to launch this new collection on our anniversary. Hollywood Fantasy Orchestra is a major release, combining our expertise of Hollywood Orchestra with meeting today’s demands of music, film, television, and game sound,” says producer Doug Rogers. “In this 35th year, we’ve released more instruments than ever before, and Hollywood Fantasy Strings is just the beginning of the Hollywood Fantasy Orchestra series. Brass, Winds, Percussion, Voices, and the Hollywood Fantasy Orchestrator scoring engine (developed with Sonuscore) are going to be available over the coming months as well.”
Pricing & Availability
Hollywood Fantasy Orchestra will be available for free to all ComposerCloud subscribers, and also available to be purchased without a subscription for an introductory price of $399.
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. Find more about EastWest at soundsonline.com.