Modulate This! - Electronic & Experimental Music Tech, Technique, & People

Propellerhead Preview - Thor semi-modular synthesizer

At Winter NAMM 2007, Propellerhead software showed a technology preview of a new synthesizer for Reason called Thor. This synthesizer will be available in an upcoming version of Reason. According to Propellerhead, "Thor is a semi-modular synthesizer built around exchangeable components such as oscillators and filters, and a very comprehensive modulation matrix."

Click here to learn more about this technology preview as well as hear some demo sounds.

Musician's Friend Deals

M-Audio New Products at Winter NAMM 2007

M-Audio has created a single web page with information on all the products they announced at Winter NAMM 2007. On this page they announced:
- Torq Xponent (DJ Control Surface)
- Studiophile™ AV 40 and AV 20 powered speakers - Virtual String Machine from GForce
- KikAxxe ARP Axxe synthesizer VST
- KeyRig 49 USB Keyboard
- Mobile Laptop Studio Bag
- MicroPack

Info and Video on the Korg M3 Music Workstation/Sampler

Korg announced a new keyboard, the Korg M3 Music Workstation/Sampler. 

The Korg blurb on this says:

"The M3 features a number of innovations distilled from the flagship OASYS including the new EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis) sound generator derived from the HD-1 engine design, the advanced second-generation KARMA functionality, and the multi-purpose control surface. Adding innovations such as the new concept of "virtualized hardware" that allows an even closer integration with DAW systems, Drum Tracks which provide a instant groove to play along with, and the new "Korg Komponent System" concept that facilitates more flexible system construction, the M3 music workstation/sampler opens a new and exciting page in music making, and is the workstation that rightfully deserves to wear the "M" that started it all."

Stephen Kay, the inventor of the Karma technology,  has put together a great video which highlights new features.

Check out these for more information:

- Official Korg Page
- Stephen Kay's Site
- Stephen Kay's Feature Description Page

The Insider's Guide to Ableton Live

Ableton.com just announced that "For the second year in a row, Computer Music magazine has dedicated a special issue exclusively to Ableton Live. The Insider's Guide to Ableton Live features a mix of both beginner and advanced tutorials, a special story on Live user groups and custom Live Packs made especially for the issue. The issue is available through January on UK newsstands and at selected Borders and Barnes & Noble outlets worldwide." You can also buy this online.

Here is a description of the issue from Computer Music Magazines web site.

If you use Ableton Live - or want to - this brand-new CM Special is for you. Put together with the help of Ableton technical experts, the world’s most hardcore Live users and CM’s own crew of music production pros, this is a collection of insider’s tips and tricks that you just won’t find anywhere else. For producers, DJs and musicians.

Inside:

• Build a track in Live 6
• Make your arrangements flow
• Get your head round Live’s most misunderstood features
• Perform advanced MIDI tricks
• Put the new Racks through their paces
• Get to grips with Sampler
• Compose and sync sound to picture
• Integrate Live with a traditional DJ setup
• Discover advanced techniques and hacks

Plus! On the CD

• Exclusive Ableton Live Pack

Kicking electronic percussion and atmospheric pads from electronic master Dennis DeSantis, ready to drop into your latest project

• CM ModMachines Lite Live Pack

A collection of extreme sounds from TrackTeam Audio, featuring pumped-up drums, big synths, kicking bass, twisted effects, expressive keys, amazing atmospheres and dozens of convoluted effects chains. Bring out the best in your tracks!

 

Native Instruments Demo Page

Native Instruments has a created a new set of demos for all their virtual instrument software which includes:

• TRAKTOR 3.2
• ABSYNTH 4
• BATTERY 3
• MASSIVE
• FM8
• KONTAKT 2.2
• GUITAR RIG 2.2

The demos are full versions with access to full feature sets with save disabled.  Also, the instruments will shut off after 30 minutes (at least that's what the Absynth 4 demo does). All versions support Windows and Mac (Intel-Mac ready).

Visit the download page.