This music tech news roundup features the latest announcements and emerging technologies from Roland, KORG, Novation, JD Sound, and Soundtoys.
Roland announces the “first-of-its kind” 24-hour online music festival called “The Future. Redefined” on September 9th as a tribute to #909Day. The worldwide event fuses liveliness and diversity with artist performances, new product debuts, product demonstrations, and interviews with leading artists. During the festival, Roland will reveal more than 30 new musical instrument products during streaming video broadcasts from VIP events in Tokyo, Berlin, Brussels, Paris, Toronto, NYC, Los Angeles, and more. Roland will introduce new synthesizers, digital pianos, electronic drums, DJ equipment, BOSS guitar related products, and a new genre of musical instrument never offered before by Roland.
Stream the “The Future. Redefined” here.
KORG has released a notable update to the newer Electribes’ firmware with version 2.02, which brings a much-requested undo function and a pattern chaining function that will be a great asset for live performances or music production. The lineup has also become more colorful with the new metallic blue model. In addition, KORG is also offering 200+ new bonus patterns that reveal even greater sonic potential.
Read more at KORG
A now removed photo shared by keyboardist DANiiVORY (Theresa Danielle Flaminio), may have unintentionally leaked the reveal of a desktop version of the ARP Odyssey. Spotted in the photo next to the ‘KARP Odyssey’ keyboard appears to be two KORG ARP Odyssey desktop-style synthesizers without keyboards. For now, it’s only speculation, and we can only wait to see what the future brings.
The latest firmware update for Novation’s popular Launchpad Pro introduces Scale Mode, which expands upon the existing Note Mode. The new Scales Mode browser opens up the ability to use Launchpad Pro as an expressive musical instrument while retaining its ability to offer intuitive control over Ableton Live and external hardware in Standalone Mode. Watch Harry Coade take us through some of the scales in his performance using the Bass Station 2 to highlight Scales Mode and hardware control.
Read more at Novation
Korean company JD Sound has designed an ultra-portable battery powered DJ system called GoDJ Plus which is being funded through an Indegogo Campaign. Inspired by GoDJ Pocket Music Studio, the GoDJ Plus features more detailed knobs, launch pads, 16GB internal memory, built-in speakers, various effects, a host of performance tools, and more.
Read more at Indegogo
Scott Hansen is a San Francisco-based producer, composer, musician, graphic designer, and mastermind behind the critically-acclaimed project Tycho. Soundtoys invited Scott to their headquarters to discuss inspiration, gear, production, design, and using Soundtoys plug-ins in his creative workflow.
Transform rough ideas and basic compositions into dance floor bangers and sonically pleasing commercial quality masters. Learn the well-kept industry secrets of EQ, compression, panning, level balancing, reverb and special effects.
This program gives you everything you need to refine tracks into a clear commercial quality release, including special mixing and mastering techniques for dubstep, techno, house, trance, downtempo, hip-hop, and the gamut of electronically-produced music.
You will learn to mix and master your tracks using the same plugins that top industry engineers use every day, including plugins by Izotope, Soundtoys, Sonnox, Altiverb, and more.
Visit the Mixing and Mastering course page for detailed information on this program here.
If you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.
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The post Music Tech News Roundup August 2016 appeared first on Dubspot Blog.
Shopping for an audio interface that matches your needs and budget can often become a daunting task. To help narrow down the selections in a saturated market we put together a list of top ten affordable audio interfaces for music producers that offer professional sound quality and essential features.
The Apogee ONE is an all-in-one portable, USB audio interface that provides all the essentials needed to make professional recordings on the go or in the studio. This pocket size interface boasts some serious qualities and award-winning sound. The ONE features a built-in omnidirectional condenser microphone, two analog inputs that include an XLR microphone and 1/4” instrument connector on a breakout cable, a mic preamp, USB 2.0 connection with 24-bit/96kHz AD/DA conversion, and two analog outputs including a 1 1/8 stereo output for headphones or powered speakers.
Read more at Apogee Digital
The ultra-compact U-Phoria UM2 audio interface is simple, affordable, and very effective in the studio or on the road. This quality USB audio interface sports a studio-grade XENYX Mic Preamp, a combination XLR/TRS connections for vocal and direct instrument input, and an additional 1⁄4″ Instrument Input. The feature-set also boasts a Phones output with Level control and Direct Monitoring, USB-supplied power, and two Outputs with low latency. In addition, provides 48 kHz resolution for pristine audio quality, LED indicators, and includes free audio recording, editing, and podcasting software.
Read more at Behringer
The rugged KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 from Native Instruments is a six-channel USB audio interface that provides everything needed to record, play, and perform music. This popular all-around interface is loaded with four analog ins/outs, S/PDIF digital in/out, MIDI in/out, two high-end microphone preamps with Cirrus Logic converters to deliver pristine sound, a headphone output with independent level control, and is USB powered. In addition, the AUDIO 6 provides direct monitoring for 100% latency-free monitoring and includes KOMPLETE ELEMENTS, a full production package of sounds and effects.
Read more at Native Instruments
QUAD-CAPTURE by Roland is another professional quality interface that delivers wherever you take it. Its compact, durable aluminum body design sports a pair of XLR/TRS inputs with premium VS Mic Preamps, two TRS outputs, coaxial I/O, headphone out, MIDI I/O, pristine 24-bit/192 kHz audio quality, ultra-low latency performance, and is USB powered. Also included is Graphical Control Panel software and an AUTO-SENS feature that automatically sets the ideal recording level for each input.
Read more at Roland
Novation has partnered with Focusrite to deliver the Audiohub 2×4 which combines a compact professional audio interface with a powered three-port USB hub for connecting and powering all your USB gear at once. The aluminum Audiohub 2×4 is designed to help declutter your setup while also offering high quality 96 kHz/24-bit resolution, and all the essential features to rock the studio or the club. The Audiohub is equipped with two TRS outputs, four RCA outputs, two RCA Line Inputs with a selectable gain switch, an Input Monitor switch, headphone socket with output select switch, three USB type A sockets for connecting USB devices to the hub, two Volume controls, and more. Also included is Ableton Live Lite 9 and a Kensington security slot.
Read more at Novation
The all-metal USB powered iD14 from Audient delivers the audio performance of a large format console in a compact and elegant desktop package. iD14 provides a pair of world-class Audient Console Mic Preamplifiers, 2-in/4-out high-performance Burr Brown AD/DA Converters, a JFET D.I instrument input designed to replicate a classic valve amplifier, independent Class-AB headphone output, main speaker output, and an optical input connector for expanding up to ten inputs via an eight-channel mic pre. This rugged interface is also equipped with console style monitor control, intuitive mixer software, and a revolutionary ScrollControl feature that turns the volume encoder into a virtual scroll wheel that allows you to adjust DAW hosts, plug-in parameters, iD14’s mixer app, and even scroll through your iTunes library.
Read more at Audient
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 is another excellent compact USB audio interface that combines affordability, cross-platform operation, a comprehensive feature set, and the same class-leading sound quality as the rest of the latest Scarlett range. The USB powered Scarlett 2i4 boasts two microphone preamps with global phantom power, a pair of Neutrik combo XLR/TRS 1/4″ input connectors with line/instrument switches, MIDI I/O, four analog RCA outputs, and a headphone output all housed in a rugged aluminum unibody chassis. Direct monitoring is also available to avoid latency while recording and signal halos surrounding the gain knobs that provide visual feedback of proper input levels. Scarlett 2i4 also comes with Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools | First – Focusrite Creative Pack, which features 12 additional plug-ins, Softube’s Time and Tone bundle, the Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite, Novation’s Bass Station Virtual synthesizer, and 2GB of Loopmasters samples.
Read more at Focusrite
The Onyx Blackjack from Mackie is a 2 x 2 USB powered interface equipped with two boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps, high-end 24-bit/48kHz conversion, a built-in DSP matrix mixer, and a pair of DI phantom powered inputs. “Built-Like-A-Tank,” the Onyx Blackjack features a sleek, powder-coated all-metal chassis, Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters that offer an 114dB dynamic range, true analog hardware monitoring of inputs, in mono or stereo, for easy zero-latency recording, and separate studio monitor outputs and headphone outputs, each with independent level controls. Also included is Tracktion 3 music production software.
Read more at Mackie
The incredible XENYX UFX1204 from Behringer is one of the best-sounding 12-Input, 4-Bus compact live-sound mixers on the market. This portable performance mixer is equipped with four premium-grade XENYX Mic Preamps, four studio-grade “one-knob” Compressors, 3-band “British” EQs with sweepable mid band, and a world-class 24-bit Multi-FX processor with 16 editable presets. Along with a built-in 16 x 4 USB/FireWire audio interface, the UFX1204 features HI-Z inputs for direct connection of guitars, four Channel Inserts and balanced Main Mix outputs on ¼” TRS and XLR connectors, two Aux Sends per channel, two stereo Aux Returns, separate CD/Tape input, a full-featured Talkback section, and a plethora of output options. This impressive unit also comes with the legendary Tracktion 4 Music Production Software. Plus, you can use the UFX1204’s built-in 16-Track USB-Recorder to record directly to a USB stick or your PC/Mac computer. Additionally, the UFX1204’s transport section can even function as remote control for your computer-based DAW via its convenient, onboard MIDI capability.
Read more at Behringer
The Audio Express from MOTU is a 6-in/6-out compact, fully featured hybrid audio interface and mixer that connects to any current Mac or PC via FireWire or high-speed USB 2.0. This unit provides a lot of connectivity and an extensive host of features. The 8-bus Audio Express serves as the perfect portable mixer. It gives you immediate, hands-on control of your mix using the front-panel status LEDs and knobs to mix volume independently from the input’s trim level. The mixer can also take signals from its six inputs and mix them to an output pair, such as the main outs. You get a separate mix for main outs, line outs, S/PDIF digital out, and phones. Better yet, you have complete control over all four mix busses with direct access to volume, mute, and solo for each input. There is truly too many other features and included software options to list.
Read more at Motu
Finding the right sound can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Learn the fundamentals of synthesis and sampling and gain the depth of knowledge to shape sounds the way you want them or make your own sounds from scratch.
Become fluent in the language of sound design and synthesis with this comprehensive program. This six-level Sound Design program uses Native Instruments’ Komplete as a platform for learning synthesis and sampling techniques. Starting with an introduction to the properties of sound, this comprehensive series of courses covers the major techniques used for contemporary sound design.
You will learn to create your own sounds with a variety of techniques and add a personal sonic signature to your tracks. We introduce you to the latest synthesis and sampling technologies and show you how to use the world’s largest and most diverse sound library. In the advanced levels, you will acquire total control over all aspects of the Komplete instruments while practicing genre-based sound design.
Visit the Music Foundations course page for detailed information on this program here.
If you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.
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Dubspot DJ Instructor and DMC World Champion, Shiftee brings his unique blend of turntablism, music technology, and exquisite musical curation to share some fundamental mix techniques in this three-part video series focusing on Digital DJing with Traktor Pro.
In part one of this three-part video series focusing on Digital DJing with Traktor Pro, Dubspot Instructor, and DMC World Champ DJ Shiftee demonstrates a live performance routine using Native Instruments’ versatile TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 all-in-one 4-channel DJ system. Shiftee introduces the primary goal of our Digital DJing with Traktor Program at Dubspot and emphasizes how our talented instructors teach fundamental DJ techniques and concepts while exposing students to crucial party-rocking tips and tricks utilizing some of today’s most cutting-edge performance and DJ technology. Using the S4′s intuitive interface and TRAKTOR PRO 2 software, Shiftee performs a live edit of the classic hip hop track “The Choice Is Yours (Revisited)” by Black Sheep and seamlessly blends it into “Ain’t No Half Steppin’” by Big Daddy Kane.
In part two Shiftee breaks down his routine from part one and explains how he uses various controls on the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 to create unique compositions. Learn how to use the S4′s Loop Recorder to build up multiple layers of sounds to form new loop combinations used to perform live remixes on the fly. Shiftee also demonstrates how he uses the Dry/Wet feature to mix from his live remix to the original track and how he uses the Undo/Redo feature to remove individual loop layers.
In part three Shiftee introduces us to one of the most fun features on the S4, the Sample Decks. Learn how to work with sound clips and various sample loops to add a new dimension to your mixes. Shiftee also shows us how to use the S4′s audio effects and live inputs to create your own loops and sonically transform them in creative ways.
The definition of DJing has changed dramatically in the last decade. Laptops, controllers, and software have emerged alongside traditional turntables and CDJs, smashing the barrier to entry. In today’s digital age, anyone can become a DJ. To reflect this renaissance, Dubspot has created the DJing with Traktor Program. In both our physical and online schools, students will learn how to DJ entirely with Traktor’s cutting-edge technology. An emphasis will be placed on the concepts of DJing rather than simply learning how to use the software.
Starting with a historical overview, students will learn the fundamental concepts of DJing via Traktor’s intuitive interface. They will then delve into the vast array of possibilities offered by this groundbreaking software, presenting their work along the way. Students will leave with finished DJ mixes, a thorough understanding of DJing with Traktor, and a solid skill set ready for further development.
Visit the DJing with Traktor course page for detailed information on this program here.
If you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.
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Achieve optimal sound quality in Ableton Live with this guide of recommended practices and program settings.
Ableton Live excels as one of the music industry’s leading software for creating or recording musical ideas, transforming them into finished songs, and even performing them on the stage. Many may not know that Live is designed for performance. When using Live for performances, it is essential to minimize the CPU load to avoid crashes or unwanted system behavior. Luckily, by default, many of Live’s settings are optimized to improve playback and keep CPU usage low. This optimization is ideal for performance reasons, however, it doesn’t provide the highest sound quality output available from Live. Don’t sweat, because Live is one of the most versatile DAWs on the market, and you can believe they have implemented features that allow us to achieve high-quality sound for productions.
Below are some common settings you can enable to achieve higher quality output. Keep in mind that these settings will increase the CPU load.
Live offers a global ‘High Quality’ option that is available from the Preferences window. This window is accessed from the Options menu in Windows or the Live menu in OS X. Preferences can also be accessed with the [CTRL][,](PC) / [CMD][,](Mac) shortcut. With Live’s Preferences open, choose the ‘Audio’ tab and look for the ‘Default SR & Pitch Conversion’ switch. Enabling the switch to ‘High Quality’ will activate sample interpolation for all new clips by default. This means Live will use an advanced sample-rate conversion algorithm that provides better sound quality when recording and playing back audio. Samples processed with the Hi-Q algorithm generate less distortion, particularly at high frequencies, when transposing a sample and/or matching an imported audio sampling rate to the system’s sampling rate.
You can also change the High Quality Interpolation setting for individual samples at any time by double-clicking an audio clip to access its ‘Clip View’ settings and then clicking the ‘Hi-Q’ switch in the ‘Sample’ box.
There are different types of sound quality options available for several of Live’s native Audio Effects and Instruments. Many of these options are only available via the context menu that is accessed from a devices Title Bar using the shortcut [right-click](PC) / [CTRL-click](Mac). Let’s explore how to achieve higher sound quality for various devices.
Chorus offers a ‘Crisp’ option that can be toggled on or off via the context menu. Enabling this option will reduce aliasing and improve the sound quality, particularly with high frequency signals. This option is enabled by default, except when loading Sets made in earlier versions of Live that use Chorus.
Dynamic Tube offers a ‘Hi-Quality’ mode that can be toggled on or off via the context menu. Enabling this option will reduce aliasing and improve the sound quality, particularly with high frequency signals.
EQ Eight offers an ‘Oversampling’ option via the context menu. Enabling this option causes EQ Eight to internally process two times the current sample rate, which allows for smoother filter behavior when adjusting high frequencies.
New analog-modeled filters are available in Simpler, Sampler, Operator, and Auto Filter. These are based on classic vintage hardware models and will self-resonate, feedback, and distort beautifully. Between the different models, the ‘Clean’ circuit option is the most high-quality and CPU-efficient.
Flanger offers a ‘Hi-Quality’ mode that can be toggled on or off via the context menu. Enabling Hi-Quality results in a brighter sound.
The Glue Compressor offers an ‘Oversampling’ option that can be toggled on or off via the context menu. Enabling this option causes the Glue Compressor to internally process at two times the current sampling rate, which may reduce aliasing and transient harshness. Note that with Oversampling enabled, the level may exceed 0 dB even with Soft Clip enabled.
The Global Quality chooser menu located on Reverbs interface is where you can switch between reverb quality and performance. ‘Eco’ uses minimal CPU resources, while ‘High’ delivers the richest reverberation.
Saturator offers a ‘Hi-Quality’ mode that can be toggled on or off via the context menu. Enabling this option will reduce aliasing and improve the sound quality, particularly with high frequency signals.
Live’s Operator Instrument minimizes aliasing by working in a high-quality ‘Antialias’ mode. This is on by default for new patches, but can be turned off in the global section. Antialias mode helps to minimize high frequency distortion. Disabling this mode reduces the CPU load as well.
Live’s Sampler Instrument has a chooser menu labeled ‘Interpol,’ which offers different Interpolation modes. This is a global setting that uses advanced algorithms to process audio and determine the accuracy of transposed samples. From the chooser menu, select ‘Best’ to achieve the highest quality sound. Be aware that raising the quality level above ‘Normal’ will increase the CPU load.
Tip: You can save the high quality settings for each device to load as default every time you open a new Live Set by right-clicking the device’s Title Bar and choosing ‘Save as Default Preset’ from the context menu.
The three Convert commands are extremely helpful and can be used to generate some interesting results. They allow you to extract the musical information from audio clips and place it into MIDI clips on new tracks. For example, you can record yourself humming a bassline, and use the ‘Convert Melody to MIDI’ command to generate MIDI that can be used as a starting point for a new bass pattern. To achieve the best sound quality, it is recommended to use uncompressed, high-quality audio files such as .wav or .aiff. Lossy data formats such as .mp3 may result in unpredictable conversions, unless the recordings are at high bit rates.
Below is a list provided by Ableton of recommended practices and program settings for users looking to achieve optimal audio quality in Live.
Please note that these practices will achieve optimal audio quality, but disable some of Live‘s functionality — in particular, stretching and synchronization.
At Dubspot our world-class instructors provide the most complete and cutting-edge Ableton Live learning experience. The Ableton Live Producer Certificate Program is the flagship of our music training. After completing this program, you will leave with a portfolio of original tracks, a remix entered in an active contest, a scored commercial to widen your scope, and the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Ableton Live.
This program is about learning Ableton Live by going through the entire process of being an artist, by developing your own sound through a series of sketches and experimentation. You will also learn the ins and outs of this powerful software through a series of exercises designed to help you master the steps involved in producing your own music. After a level of getting familiar with the tools that Ableton has to offer, you will then develop your sonic ideas into full-length tracks. You will be exposed to a variety of approaches to arrangement and composition, storytelling techniques, ways of creating tension and drama in your music. At the end of the day, it is the sum total of your choices as an artist that define your sound, and levels 2 – 6 will give you the experience of actually completing tracks to add to your portfolio.
Visit the Ableton Live course page for detailed information on this program here.
If you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.
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