Drums and FX – Roland DJ Controllers Updated
Drums and FX – Roland DJ Controllers Updated Roland just recently released firmware updates for its flagship Serato DJ Controllers – the DJ-202, DJ-505, and DJ-808. For anyone not yet familiar with the series, the Roland Serato DJ Controllers are all DJ controllers equipped with onboard sequencing abilities. The introduction of the sequencer into the DJ controllers was meant to give DJs the ability to improvise drum programming during their sets adding another layer to their performances. The controllers have been a major hit so far further narrowing the gap between producer and DJ. The DJ-202 and the DJ-505 gained the most samples from the recent updates with added drum sounds, while the DJ-505 and DJ-808 were given three new Master FX; the DJ-808 was given four new Channel FX, and Nudge and Tap Tempo features were added to the onboard TR-S step sequencer. This was one of the most desired …
Read More
Pioneer DJ Blurs Line Between DJ and Producer with New DJS-1000 Sampler & Sequencer
Pioneer DJ announced last week their new Sampler & Sequencer the DJS-1000. This new tech is poised to compete with other samplers/sequencers on the market that are used in Live DJing gigs - but we think it is more likely to bring DJ's new to live production in, rather than convert DJ's already using other gear for that purpose. Compared to the current range of samplers/sequencers on the market, the DJS-1000 doesn't make much sense for lugging around, and there are more affordable options (Elektron, Roland, etc.) to use in studio production. The draw definitely comes in the ease of use, but we aren't completely sure if it will appeal to DJs who are happy with just decks and a mixer. That being said, and seeing how prevalent CDJs already are in club DJ'ing, it isn't too far of a leap to imagine venues shelling out the extra money for the new gear. The added benefit of using the DJS-1000, after all, is the ability to simply tote around a USB stick full of samples rather than your laptop. Watch the video below to hear a little bit more about the features.
Read More
Novation’s Next Level Analog Synth and Sequencer: Circuit Mono Station
Novation’s Next Level Synth and Sequencer: Circuit Mono Station For weeks now, we’ve been hearing rumblings of Novation’s latest, the Circuit Mono Station, so with its unveiling at last week’s Superbooth trade fair in Berlin, we thought we’d check it out. Our first impression is this synth/sequencer has a lot of really cool, applicable features, and it looks like a lot of fun. This could be a great tool to add some new flavor to your productions or give a new avenue for songwriting. For anyone familiar with Novation products, the Circuit Mono Station is a cross between the Circuit, Peak, and Bass Station II – taking the layout of knobs from the Peak, combining with the workflow of the Circuit, and mixing those features with the sound engine of the Bass Station II (we have a Bass Station II here and love its ability to produce fat, dirty or …
Read More
Zont – The Gameboy-like Digital Synthesizer
Zont – The Gameboy-like Digital Synthesis This slim pocket-sized digital synthesizer is taking the producer community by storm with its futuristic design and modern digital interface. Zont is designed by New York based industrial and motion graphics designer- Pavel Golovkin. divider style=”clear” Cartridge-like Sound Engine Zont comes with four basic cartridge-like sound engines that are interchangeable like gameboy cartridges. The four sound engines are: Lead, Bass, Rhythm and Noise Lead: “Hundreds of original presets from soft melodic to huge monophonic leads. Customise presets or create your own unique sounds and tones.” Bass: “Beef up even the most bass driven genres, from hip-hop to drum-n-bass. Customise presets or create your own unique sounds and tones.” Rhythm: “Original rhythm synthesizer let’s you create punchy electronic and acoustic drum sounds” Noise: “Pure sound design with no presets or patterns. Perfect for warm ambience or meditative soundscapes.” Zont will also be …
Read More
Euclidian Rhythms – Polyrhythms in Ableton Live (Free Download)
Euclidian Rhythms – Polyrhythms in Ableton Live Have you ever found yourself endlessly tapping away on the Drum Rack loaded in your MIDI controller, staring at your DAW for hours in an attempt to spark the inspiration for a new sound? Most of us have been there before, wishing for a quick solution to keep us in the flow of composition. Today I’m going to give you exactly that- a quick and easy way to create new, interesting and complex beats using what’s known as the Euclidean Algorithm. Euclid was a Greek mathematician and one of the most instrumental figures in creating the branch of mathematics known as geometry. He formulated a way to calculate the greatest common denominator (divisor) of two numbers. This means of calculating even distributions, now known as the Euclidean Algorithm, doesn’t just apply to mathematics. It’s a universal law that has been able to transcend …
Read More
XOXX Composer – Arduino Magnet Based Sequencer
XOXX Composer – Arduino Magnet Based Sequencer XOXX Composer is a new Arduino based sequencer that uses magnets to track the sequencer commands. This is a good example on how sequencer can become more and more connected with the real world. In some ways we use technology to brings us back in time for a more physical tactile use of musical instruments. A few words from the developer Axel Bluhme: The XOXX Composer is a different take on a drum machine. It turns the inner functions of sampling, looping, and sequencing, into a tangible, kinetic and sculptural form. Capture sounds from your surroundings or pick samples from records and then play them back on the XOXX Composer by placing the magnets on spinning discs. Simply let curiosity and creativity lead the way to quickly create unique beats away from the computer screen. The project is a result from …
Read MoreFeatured Masterclass
