NIEDERKRUECHTEN, GERMANY: analogue and digital audio processor developer/manufacturer SPL is proud to launch its Madison 16+16 Channel Studio I/O System and Crimson USB Audio Interface & Controller at Musikmesse 2013…

As implied by its full name, Crimson combines a USB interface with high-quality pre-amps and a separate, fully-featured monitor controller, creating a cost-effective, portable package. Play, playback, record, convert, control, and listen with a single device. Add a DAW and you’ve got yourself a truly professional recording setup with outstanding SPL performance to boot at a hitherto unachievable price point.

How is this possible, though? To create Crimson, SPL redesigned its tried-and-tested circuitries, creating a new, fully- integrated design. This, together with new production methods, enabled the company to break through previous price barriers to create a boutique-level product at a fraction of traditional German manufacturing costs

SPL Crimson

● 30 I/O channels (10 recording channels and 20 playback channels)
● +/- 18V operational voltage for professional levels up to +24dB
● Two discrete, Class A, +/-30V high-voltage, boutique mic-preamplifiers
● Two Hi-Z instrument preamplifiers
● Two separate headphone amps, individually controllable
● Connect and control two stereo speaker sets
● Monitor mix function for playback and recording signals
● MIDI input and output via two DIN sockets
● USB 2.0, S/P-DIF input and output
● 24Bit/192kHz converter

Moving more upmarket, broadcast and sound reinforcement professionals have relied on the still-unsurpassed Multichannel Audio Digital Interface (MADI) for over 20 years, thanks to its jitter-free and reliable transmission of multiple audio channels per single wire using low-cost cabling (up to 2km in length); now, with MADI emerging as the new studio I/O standard, the Madison 16+16 Channel Studio I/O System is perfectly positioned to integrate into any home, project, or commercial studio or scoring stage by combining state-of-the-art conversion, ultra-reliable clock, and MADI processing with a simple- to-operate, easy-to-expand, and awesome-sounding system housed in a compact 1U rack-mountable unit offering 16 input and 16 output channels — hence its full name.

Quite simply, Madison makes integrating professional analogue equipment into larger multichannel infrastructures a breeze, bringing the sought-after analogue SPL sound to MADI-equipped digital consoles, audio routers, or PC MADI cards — any professional audio routing infrastructure, in fact — for the first time. Its all-important, built-in MADI port offers pristine and near- zero-latency digital transmission of up to 64 inputs and outputs with galvanic insulation (via four units connected on a single MADI port) making Madison the ideal front end for anyone serious about pure conversion of multiple audio channels.

In true SPL style, special features found in Madison all add up to a price and value per channel ratio that’s hard to match elsewhere. These include:

● 16 AD and 16 DA converters in 1U
● Superb sounding converters with a sophisticated analog section on 36V audio rails
● +24dBu professional output level
● Best price/performance value
● Up to 64 I/Os on 1 MADI port (4 units)
● Latency neutral MADI chaining
● 44.1 to 192kHz, ±10% vari-speed
● SPL clock-shop for jitter-free operationUltra-compatible, always operational MADI IO with ultra low conversion latencies
● Four directly selectable reference levels: 15/18/22/24
● Simple operation and setup right from the front panel controls
● Ergonomic, distance-readable meters for clear level status indication of any I/O channel
● Fanless, absolutely silent low-power design (max. 30W)
● Redundant power supply optionally
● Four analog, 8-channel multicore DB 25 sockets (TASCAM industry standard)

making Madison the most analogue digital interface ever produced, perhaps? Possibly, yes!

The Crimson USB Audio Interface & Monitor Controller (Model 1250) and Madison 16+16 Channel MADI Interface (Model 1260) will be available to purchase worldwide from any SPL dealer with a RRP of €549.00 EURO (including German VAT)/$725.00 USD and €1,499.00 EURO (including German VAT)/$1,899.00 USD, respectively. Availability is scheduled for June 2013.

This is an expansion pack containing the original Supernova sound banks (made ​​by the same Sound Designer). We are talking about those sounds of the musical productions of artists such as Orbital, ATB, Jean Michel Jarre and A Guy Called Millenium, and which can now be played with Ultranova and Mininova.

This is actually a gift from Novation. Supernova Sound pack is available as free download on Novation website.
On the SoundCloud Novation channel, you can hear some demos of the sound bank.

For installation, you must have the Mininova or Ultranova Librarian Applications (also available as free download from Novation website).

INFORMATION

Model: Supernova Soundpack
Productor: Novation
Website: Supernova Soundpack
compatibility: Novation Ultranova and Mininova
Cost: free

From the changelog available at Arturia website, and on the App Store pages we can read the features of this update:

• Audiobus: connect iMini to GarageBand and other DAWS.
• Background audio: iMini responds to midi even in the background.
• Virtual midi: iMini responds to other apps that send mid.i
• Ignore midi devices: select midi devices to not respond too.

Some of the iMini (1.0) first version shortage that had been highlighted in our previous review, have been taken into consideration by Arturia, which made the app even more competitive.

The choice to add the Audiobus protocole support definitely allows the use iMini with a greater number of app (among which GarageBand, Cubasis). On the pages of the Audiobus website we can find the list of compatible apps with this protocol.

With this update you can use the app in the Background, implementation, which inevitably linked with the Virtual Midi support addition. By this two features you can use an app that supports midi out to send MIDI signals to iMini, running in the background. The same when you send midi messages from a computer (Ableton, Logic, Cubase, etc. ..) to multiple app running on the same iPad.

The latest implementation, Ignore midi devices, allows you to select which midi devices connect to iMini. In this list appear either any app (with support for the midi out) running, or any MIDI connections (wireless or USB) to a computer or hardware device.

In the next update would be appropriate to be able to handle the midi channel. In version 1.1 you still can not select a specific MIDI channel and all traffic traveling on All Channel, thus not allowing easy placement of this app in a context of a sequencer that controls multiple synths (hardware, software or app.)

Main features:

• 3 Oscillators;
• 24db per octave filter;
• Simulated headphone jack/external input feedback;
• 2 Assignable XY pads;
• Chromatic or tuned scale keyboard modes;
• Polyphonic mode;
• Full featured arpeggiator;
• Speed and sync controls;
• Virtual Analog Chorus;
• Virtual Analog Delay;
• Owners of both the iMini and Mini V software apps can transfer sounds from one platform to the other via iTunes;
• Full user MIDI mapping of panel controls;
• Supports WIST sync with other iOS devices;
• ‘Tabletop Ready’;
• Soundcloud seeder (via Tabletop);
• Render to .wav file (via Tabletop);
• ‘Audiocopy’ to paste your audio into another iPAD application (via Tabletop).

PRO

Good audio quality;
Stability of the app;
Cost.

CONTRO

It does not support MIDI channel selection.

INFORMATION:

Productor: Arturia

Model: iMini 1.1
Web site: Arturia iMini
Price: 8.89 €
Plattform: IOS

Korg Volca

These powerful and fun-to-use true-analog devices deliver a diverse array of fat sounds that can be obtained only from an analog synthesizer. Each is also equipped with sequencing/recording capabilities for intuitively generating performances. Multiple volcas can be used in tandem via the vintage-style sync in/out, and with your favorite DAW software or MIDI keyboard via MIDI In. Battery operation and built-in speakers mean that you can conveniently play anywhere and anytime. These are the next-generation analog synthesizers, bringing you the ultimate sounds and grooves with ease and depth. Whether used together or by themselves, the volca series is poised to inject true analog power into any performance or studio setup!

Common features

SYNC jack and MIDI IN connector allow synchronized performance with multiple units or with your DAW

By using the sync jack you can enjoy synchronized playback with multiple volcas or with a monotribe. You can also use the “SyncKontrol” iPhone app to wirelessly control tap tempo, swing settings, and synchronized playback with iOS music apps via WIST.

The MIDI IN connector lets you synchronize with other devices, as well as play the volca from any MIDI keyboard. You can also send note messages from your DAW and use the volca as an analog sound module.

Self-tuning function (Volca Bass and Keys only)

Until now, the problem with analog synthesizers has been that the pitch would drift over time, or because of changes in temperature. Volca solves this by providing a Self-tuning function that constantly tunes the oscillators. You’ll never need to tune during a performance, or wait for the pitch to stabilize after turning the power on.

Compact size, battery-powered operation, and built-in speaker for enjoyment anywhere
With its compact size, battery operation, and built-in speaker, it’s easy to take the volca anywhere and perform any time.

Volca Keys “Analogue Loop Synth”

The ideal introductory synthesizer, with a simple – yet powerful – polyphonic analog sound engine and loop sequencer.

Korg Volca keys

The polyphonic synthesizer you’ve been waiting for
• Three note true analogue synthesis
• Voicing function lets anyone create sounds easily
• Delay effect for even more sonic possibilities

Simple loop sequencer
• Loop sequencer lets you record phases just as you play them
• Motion Sequencer records knob edits in real time
• Active Step function and Flux function to add dynamic change to your sequences

Convenient functions for tremendous ease of use

• Self-tuning function for constant, stable pitch
• Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the volca Series as well as Korg’s Monotribe
• Compact size, battery-powered operation, and built-in speaker for enjoyment anywhere

Volca Keys is a long-awaited synthesizer that adds a new chapter to the long and storied history of Korg’s analog synthesizers. This 27-key analog lead synth delivers unbelievably powerful sound in a compact body. Starting with a filter section that uses the circuitry of the legendary miniKORG700S (1974), it delivers astonishing sound that takes full advantage of Korg’s half-century of know-how in circuit design.

With a simple structure that includes delay effect and a sequencer, it’s also an ideal choice for a first analog synth. It offers the richly expressive sounds that are distinctive of analog, providing the enjoyment of simple yet deep sound-creation. The possibilities are endless; you can use the three oscillators to play chords, use them in unison with detune to produce solid lead lines, or apply ring modulation to create far-out metallic sounds.

Volca Bass  ”Analogue Bass Machine”

Powerful analog bass sound creation and an Electribe-inspired sequencer for the ultimate bass lines

Korg Volca bass

Powerful analog bass sound

• Three analogue oscillators for thick, huge bass line
• Newly designed analog filter for crisp, bright response
• Simple structure with single VCF, VCA, LFO, and EG
Loop sequencer distilled from the Electribe series
• Electribe-style 16-step sequencer with eight memory patches
• Slide function that’s indispensable for acid and other types of electronic music
• Active Step function generates new bass lines by removing or inserting steps
Convenient functions for ease of use
• Self-tuning function for constant, stable pitch
• Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the volca Series as well as Korg’s Monotribe
• Go-anywhere analogue: play anywhere with the built-in speaker and optional battery power
Aggressive sounds that stand up to the drums; fat sounds that support the rhythm; funky sounds that generate a groove – the volca Bass is an analog groove box that has what you need for a wide range of bass lines.

Although simple in structure, the analog sound engine has an unmistakable presence with subtle nuances that cannot be reproduced by a digital simulation; it’s a great choice for acid house and many other styles of music. The step sequencer distilled from the Electribe is not only visually intuitive; it’s also a powerful way to generate “free form” bass loops that will stimulate your inspiration.

Volca Beats “Analogue Rhythm Machine”

Peerless beats generated by solid analog drum sounds and an Electribe-style sequencer

Korg Volca beats

Powerful analog drum sounds
• Real analog sounds created with reference to classic rhythm machines
• Six editable analogue parts with one knob per function for easy editing
• Maximum effect from minimal parameters – a unique advantage of analog
• PCM sound engine expands possibilities when used with analog sounds
Loop sequencer distilled from the Electribe series
• Electribe-style 16-step sequencer with eight memory patches
• Stutter function generates repeated triggers that dramatically change the sequence
• Active Step function generates new bass lines by removing or inserting steps.
• Step Jump function instantly plays only the step you’re pressing
Convenient functions for incredible ease of use
• Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the volca Series as well as Korg’s Monotribe
• MIDI In for note entry, plus external sync and control from your DAW
• Go-anywhere analogue: play anywhere with the built-in speaker and optional battery power
Even today, more than thirty years after the age dominated by analog synthesizers, we just can’t let go of the sound of analog rhythm machines. Those thick sounds have the power to stand up to guitar and acoustic drums, and are still indispensable for track-making or live performance. The volca Beats gives you those analog drums plus the easy-to-use step sequencer of the Electribe; it lets you turn your inspiration into reality and generate beats with the best high quality sounds.

RME MADIface

Plus several MIDI ports via USB, MADI and DIN. To use all this in a portable device with the typical RME performance, the XT uses external PCI Express and USB 3.0 to guarantee hi-speed data transfer. It also features TotalMix FX, can be used completely stand-alone, remote controlled via MIDI and much more.

Novation - Bass Station II

Bass Station II is an analogue mono-synth with a talent for bass, but a sound-engine that is versatile enough to kick out sharp leads and crisp arpeggios. It brings the best elements of the original Bass Station into a brand new design with re-worked modulation, effects, filters and more; like the Bass Station, but much much bigger.

The signal path is pure analogue – including the effects section. The hardware has been laid out in modules with dedicated pots, switches, sliders and buttons for all major parameters. Critically, you can store and recall patches on Bass Station II. It comes with 64 killer factory presets, space for 64 of your own sounds on the hardware, and you can store more on your computer.

The key-mechanism consists of 25 full sized keys that are velocity sensitive with assignable aftertouch. It has been developed as a ‘synth-action’ keyboard, where each key is individually sprung so it is light to the touch and highly responsive to the synth engine. Bass Station II is a fully class compliant MIDI device with MIDI I/O on 5 pin din ports – for connecting to other MIDI outboard – and your computer over USB.

The Synth Engine: A Brief Overview

Oscillators: Bass Station II is built on three analogue oscillators and a noise generator. There are two fully independent oscillators plus a sub oscillator (which is the critical component in creating rich, analogue bass sounds). Oscillators One and Two are switchable between sine, sawtooth, square and variable pulse width, and Oscillator Three – the sub osc – can be set to one or two octaves below Oscillator One. It can be square, sine or narrow pulse width, delivering the characteristically ‘fat’ bass tone.

Filters: You can select between two discrete filters – ‘Acid’ or ‘Classic’ – each with a built in overdrive for pushing filter tones from dry, to warm, to nasty! The ‘Classic’ Bass Station filter can be switched between low pass, high pass and band pass at 12 or 24dB slopes. The ‘Acid’ filter is based on a diode ladder filter design that delivers a characteristically 303-esque sound that is designed to squelch!

Effects: Bass Station II has two effects (not including the filter overdrive). Analogue distortion drives circuit components to add new frequencies to the sound. Bass Station II’s Distortion function can add gentle warmth, filthy granularity and anything in between. The second effect is ‘Osc Filter Mod’ which creates a distinctive FM-type sound by using Oscillator Two to modulate the filter frequency. This is very good at crunchy, sound-mulching effects that substantially fatten up bass and lead patches.

Modulation: There are two envelope generators and two low frequency oscillators (LFOs). The first envelope is an ADSR amp envelope and the second is a mod envelope that can be used to modulate filter frequency, oscillator pitch and osc pulse width. LFO One is dedicated to pitch modulation whereas LFO Two is used to modulate osc pulse width and filter frequency. Although it looks like there are four LFO waveforms, the ‘LFO Slew’ function can be used freely to sculpt LFOs into smoother wave-shapes.

• Analogue synth: brand new version of the classic Bass Station
• Two distinct analogue filters: A brand new “Acid” filter joins the “Classic” original Bass Station filter
• Bass Station II ships with 64 factory patches and a further 64 user slots. Patch dump enables you to archive and swap sounds
• Pattern-based Step Sequencer and Arpeggiator
• Analogue synth layout includes dedicated controls for all major parameters
• Two Oscillators plus an additional Sub Oscillator
• Analogue effects section: Bass Station II includes fully analogue distortion and filter-modulation effects and a separate filter overdrive to add an aggressive, crunchy sound-quality
• Flexible modulation featuring 2 Envelopes and 2 LFOs
• MIDI I/O and USB connectivity
• Players ‘synth-action’ keyboard with aftertouch