Flock Audio propagates PATCH digitally-controlled, 100%-analog patch bay routing system selection with LT and XT hardware

Posted on January 14, 2020 by flux302

Flock Audio propagates PATCH digitally-controlled, 100%-analog patch bay routing system selection with LT and XT hardware

KELOWNA, BC, CANADA: having revolutionized recording studio setups worldwide with its innovative PATCH system’s killer combination of (PATCH APP) software and 64-point connection-providing (PATCH) hardware working together in perfect harmony as the world’s most advanced digitally-controlled, 100%-analog patch bay routing system allowing anyone to easily control analog audio routings without having to resort to the use of manual patch cables, pro audio manufacturer Flock Audio is proud to introduce its (impending) PATCH LT and PATCH XT hardware releases — respectively representing ‘light’ (condensed) and ‘extra’ (expanded) selections anchored around the same award- winning architecture as the original, offering reduced and increased I/O count — at The 2020 NAMM Show, January 16-19, Anaheim, CA, USA…
Revolutionary as it incontrovertibly was when turning heads and opening musical minds with a show-stopping showcase at The 2019 NAMM Show, subsequently being adopted by hundreds of audio engineers worldwide with workflows benefitting from a design that just makes sense, today the original PATCH hardware remains revolutionary, beautifully built but simple and sleek in operation. On the face of it, becoming the hub of any studio setup is at its creative core, thanks to 64-point (32-input/32-output) connections via eight standard 25-pin D-SUB connectors allowing analog routing control courtesy of the accompanying MacOS- and Windows-compatible PATCH APP routing software, so users can create, store, and recall complex routings in seconds as well as create complex multing combinations with no impedance issues and no AD/DA conversion with a 100%-analog signal path using Flock Audio’s patented Matrix Technology. Simply speaking, the USB 2.0-equipped hardware works with the software in perfect harmony. Furthermore, Flock Audio sensibly saw fit to also include 32 independent channels of 48V phantom power — and allows or denies the ability to enable 48V on any input connected to the PATCH system, so accidental damage to any costly microphone investment is thankfully avoidable. Additionally, two front panel-positioned TRS/XLR Combo inputs and two XLR outputs for quick hardware, microphone, or instrument integration into the routing system are always available — and all without having to unplug anything already connected to the rear of the rack-mounted unit itself. Moreover, multiple PATCH expansion is perfectly possible for those needing more connections.
Conversely, perhaps, PATCH’s 64-point connection capability could conceivably be deemed overpriced overkill for those whose studio setups are a little lighter on the analog audio hardware front. Fortunately, Flock Audio always aims to accommodate, as evidenced by the timely introduction of its (impending) PATCH LT hardware at The 2020 NAMM Show. Small but mighty sums up PATCH’s perfectly-formed simple, sleek, and spectacular sibling, with just enough I/O to create a musical masterpiece. This time, however, Flock Audio allows access to the analog routing matrix of anyone’s dreams as a 32- point (16-input/16-output) connections-adorned affair featuring four standard 25-pin D-SUB connectors, 16 independent channels of 48V phantom power, and one front panel-positioned TRS/XLR Combo input and one XLR output. Out of sight, out of mind, the same reliable connections that seriously cemented PATCH’s recording reputation so speedily are also built into PATCH LT. Indeed, it includes the same external five-pin 24V DC power supply with IEC cable and 10-foot USB 2.0 (USB-A to USB-B) cable. Conveniently, it also works with the same PATCH APP routing software — relatively recently upgraded to instantly identify the connected PATCH hardware model, meaning quick creation, storage, and recall of complex routings as well as creating complex multing combinations with no impedance issues and no AD/DA conversion with a 100%-analog signal path using Flock Audio’s patented Matrix Technology remains the same. Should that smaller studio setup grow, then multiple unit expansion with any PATCH model is perfectly possible, so no need (necessarily) to trade up!
Ultimately, of course, more serious studio setups more often than not have more serious patch bay routing requirements. Really representing everything that is great about PATCH… expanded, PATCH XT packs 192-point (96-input/96-output) connections via 24 standard 25-pin D-SUB connectors into a 3U eye-catching casing that means business but also acts as a reminder that analog routing need not be be the ugly part of audio production! Put it this way: with 96 independent channels of 48V phantom power, lockable USB 2.0 connector with included 10-foot USB 2.0 (USB-A to USB-B) cable, more room to house an internal power supply with included IEC cable, cooling-without-compromise redesigned airflow, and (optional) CAT5 Ethernet host control for bridging longer distances between the hardware unit itself and the PATCH APP routing software host, PATCH XT is extra extraordinary! And as if this is not enough to keep the most serious studio owner seriously satisfied with Flock Audio’s ultimate development of the world’s most advanced digitally- controlled, 100%-analog patch bay routing system allowing anyone to easily control analog audio routings without having to resort to the use of manual patch cables, multiple unit expansion with any PATCH model is also available.
As company founder and Flock Audio CEO Darren Nakonechny notes: “We believe every audio engineer, whether developing their craft in the basement or award-winning professional studio, deserves superior recording tools.” Thanks to the timely introduction of PATCH LT and PATCH XT at The 2020 NAMM Show — uniting over 115,000 registrants from 130 countries and regions at the global crossroads of music, sound, and entertainment technology, the trailblazing Canadian pro audio manufacturer has taken two selective steps towards making that happen for even more audio engineers worldwide with workflows benefitting from ‘light’ (condensed) and ‘extra’ (expanded) designs that make more sense than ever!

PATCH LT is scheduled to ship in Summer 2020 with an MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) of $1,499.00 USD — pricing subject to change without notice — through Flock Audio’s growing global network of authorized dealers (https://www.flockaudio.com/dealers) or online directly from Flock Audio itself (https://www.flockaudio.com/buynow).

For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated PATCH LT webpage here: https://www.flockaudio.com/patchlt
PATCH XT is scheduled to ship in Winter 2020 with an MSRP of $9,999.00 USD — pricing subject to change without notice — through Flock Audio’s growing global network of authorized dealers (https://www.flockaudio.com/dealers)
or online directly from Flock Audio itself (https://www.flockaudio.com/buynow).
For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated PATCH XT webpage here: https://www.flockaudio.com/patchxt

Arturia announces KEYSTEP PRO for namm 2020

Posted on January 14, 2020 by flux302

Arturia reveal KeyStep Pro at NAMM 2020

The newest, and most hotly anticipated member of the Arturia Step family is to be revealed at NAMM 2020 in Anaheim, California.

The sequencer the world has been waiting for. KeyStep Pro gives keyboard players incredible sequencing and performance power in a compact, versatile controller.

KeyStep Pro is a 37-key MIDI controller and multi-channel polyphonic sequencer all in one. It will allow musicians to take full control of their modular rigs, outboard synths, and software studio all at the same time. The 4 independent polyphonic sequencer tracks give you full control over your instruments, and Track 1 can also function as a 16-part integrated drum sequencer. It’s incredibly intuitive, has unparalleled connectivity, and promises to make even complex performances a breeze.

If you prefer keys to pads, you’ll love KeyStep Pro. It sports a great-feeling 3 octave keyboard with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch. Letting you fully articulate your musical ideas, this expressive little sequencer truly puts your whole music-making ecosystem at your fingertips. Arturia’s designers studied the way musicians actually used their Step controllers, and created KeyStep Pro to remove the barriers between you and the music you want to create.

4 independent polyphonic sequencer lanes

TRACKS4 independent sequencers, controlling whatever synth, module, or drum machine you want.PATTERNS16 patterns per track. Each sequencer pattern can be up to 64 steps long, and contain 16 notes per step.CHAINSLink up to 16 patterns together to create whole songs or sections of your set.SCENESSnapshots of all the sequences within a pattern, letting you instantly switch between sets of sequences.PROJECTSEverything in one place. Load, duplicate, tweak, edit, and save for later in its onboard memory.

LEARN MORE

To get hands on with KeyStep Pro, look out for Arturia at NAMM 2020.

Meet the Arturia team in Hall A, booth 11910. This new member of the Step family will begin shipping worldwide in Spring 2020.

Audio damage releases virtual analog MPE supported continua synth

Posted on January 9, 2020 by flux302

AUv3 64-bit IAA & Standalone 64-bit
iOS 11 or newer and a separate purchase, coming soon!

VIDEO OVERVIEW

HIGHLIGHTS

Oscillate!
Continua is a virtual analog synth with a twist: a continuously morphable threesome of oscillators. With three interconnected controls defining the wave shape, Continua has a virtually limitless supply of waveforms, especially when you add cross modulation and noise in to the mix.

Filter!
With two morphing state-variable filters (morph between LP, HP, BP and notch in 2-pole and 4-pole topologies), Continua has a broad palette of tone-shaping at its disposal, and is well suited for long, complex, evolving soundscapes.

Modulate!
With a whole host of modulation possibilities, Continua is capable of both simple synth sounds or huge, evolving soundscapes. With two ADSRs and two Flexible Envelope Generators (essentially an envelope sequencer), plus four of our Flexible (continual waveshape) LFOs and a sophisticated sample & hold function, you can modulate any knob on the user interface with a simple right click (double tap in iOS.)

Control!Continua is fully customizable to your taste and playing style. With full and extensive MPE support, it can take advantage of the extended control set of your Linnstrument, Seaboard, Soundplane, Continuum, or other MPE controller, and support for TUN files lets you use tuning tables. The resizable Hi-DPI GUI lets you adjust the size to match your visual needs, and the cross-platform preset mechanism lets you share your creations with your friends and collaborators, no matter what system they are using. Save your preferred settings as the default state, and Coninua will always be exactly what you need.

AUDIO EXAMPLES

FEATURES

Three Flexible Oscillators
Continuously variable morphing waveform, with warp, shape, and skew controls.
Dual Morphing Filters
Filters can be used in serial or parallel modes, and morph from lowpass through bandpass and highpass to notch in 2-pole and 4-pole configurations.
Noise Source
Noise source features a “color” control that affects tonal characteristics of the noise.
ADSR x 2
Continua has two ADSR-style envelope generators, with curve on attack, decay, and release.
Flexible Envelope Generator (FEG) x 2
The two FEGs are arbitrary function generators, with up to 99 steps, curve and step level control, arbitrary loop points, and host tempo sync.
Flexible Low-Frequency Oscillator (FLFO) x 4
The four FLFOs utilize four controls (phase, shape, skew, and warp) to access a virtually limitless palette of waveforms, and feature host tempo sync and retrigger.
Sample And Hold
The S&H mod source can sample noise (random) or any of the other mod sources, at either a user-defined rate or a musical division, and includes built-in smoothing and distance limit (for a “walk” effect).
Modulation
Every knob in Continua is a mod destination, with a very fast and simple assignment matrix access with a right-click on the knob (double-tap on iOS).
Tuning Tables And Global Tuning Offset
Re-tune Continua to new intonations and temperaments using the open-source and easy-to-use TUN file format. A global tuning offset (default to A=440) allows you to easily retune the entire synth to match a different A frequency without using a tuning table.
MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression)
Continua understands both “legacy” MIDI and MPE. Use your Linnstrument, Roli Seaboard, Haken Continuum, Madrona Labs Soundplane, or Sensel Morph (among others) to directly access per-note pressure, pitch bend, and modulation.
Per-Instance Settings
Continua utilizes a per-instance customization method: set MPE mode, aftertouch smoothing, pitch bend range override, tuning table, and global tuning offset for each instance in your DAW, with an option to save any state as your global starting point.
Factory Presets
Continua comes with a substantial collection of factory content, including Designer Presets from Red Means Recording, Glitch Machines, and Sonalsystem.
Cross-Platform Preset Format
Continua utilizes an XML-based preset manager. Work between multiple systems without troubles, make a preset on your desktop machine and paste it to the iOS version with Handoff, easily share your creations with your friends, or make a preset bundle to sell.
Fully Resizable Hi-Dpi/Retina GUI
Continua’s vector-based GUI is resolution-agnostic, and displays the same on every system and resolution. Easily resize the UI (per instance) to match your visual needs, from postage stamp to poster-sized.

Isla instruments sp2400 filter information livestream

Posted on January 7, 2020 by flux302

Brad from Isla Instruments had a live stream today detailing how the filters in the new sp2400 sampler will work.

check the video below.

some notes

Sp2400 will have a stereo version of the original fixed analog Input filter.
the input filter can also be accessed during “resampling” mode allowing you to send samples from the SD card back through the input stage to apply this analog filtered sound to your preexisting sound library.
the output filters follow the layout of the original sp1200 machine in that there are 4 fixed output (non-sweepable) analog filters.
the “tip/ring” filter trick is handled via onboard analog logic circuit that allows you to get this sound without having to actually “half plug” the jack to access that sound.
there are 2 Dynamic SSI Analog filters.
in addition to the analog filters there are also digital filters per output that are fully dynamic.
there is support for future daughter board add ons that allow for 8 additional fully controllable filter.
daughter board add ons in the future : there are plans for SSI filter , Curtis filters, as well as open sourcing of the schematics so that 3rd party can release additional filter styles.
the daughter board add ons do not need to be limited to just analog filters, they could be digital or hybrid filter boards (this would be up to the 3rd part.).

The Sp2400 is available for preorder direct from Isla Instruments https://www.islainstruments.com/product/sp-2400/

Producers know there is a reason the E520 kickstarter has more than doubled its goal…

Posted on December 13, 2019 by flux302

the SynthTech E520 Hyperion Stereo Effects Processor is the new producers secret sweetness.

this new effect processor is the latest module … wait is it a module? sure … but more than that it’s the latest Processor from Synthesis Technology. I say that it is more than a module because this thing can be slapped in a stand alone case (4ms pod) and used at line level with your gear. Not content with just being another eurorack module, this is firing shots a bit further.

When the kickstarter went live, it took less than 48 hours to surpass its goal. Now it is deep into its stretch goals and some videos of the development version are making their rounds on the interwebz.

Lets take a look at whats going on here and think about how this module can be a serious desktop stand alone processor for everything from lo-fi hip hop effects, to pristine delays, reverb, and mind altering spectral effects. all without taxing your silly CPU.

if you want some of this wild sauce I highly recommend getting in on the Kickstarter now. SynthTech modules tend to sell out and then you end up on either a waiting list or just waiting…. and waiting. while everyone else reaps the benefit of exquisite design and build quality. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/697230891/synthtech-e520-hyperion-stereo-effects-processor

Krk released limited white noise edition g4 monitors

Posted on December 2, 2019 by flux302

KRK LIMITED EDITION ROKIT G4 “WHITE NOISE” MONITORS NOW AVAILABLEStylish White Finish Gives the Recently Launched ROKIT G4 Range a Whole New Look
NASHVILLE, DECEMBER 2, 2019 – KRK Systems, part of the Gibson family of brands, is adding a new family of studio monitors to its latest ROKIT Generation 4 (G4) range, the limited edition ROKIT G4 White Noise. Available in 5-, 7-, and 8-inch bi-amp models, these stylish limited-edition monitors offer the same impressive features as the newly released ROKIT G4s, but with an enticingly different aesthetic. Art and science come together with the new White Noise editions of these professional monitors, taking music and sound creativity to a whole new industry-level. Providing wide, deep and dynamic listening, along with incredible imaging, KRK’s ROKIT G4 studio monitors have been scientifically re-engineered and re-designed from the ground up. They are ideally suited to the way modern artists work—in all genres and environments. The entire ROKIT G4 range features on-board DSP-driven Graphic EQ with 25 settings to help condition any acoustic environment while offering new levels of versatility in a studio monitor—making them the only monitors in their class with an LCD screen to display DSP-driven EQ settings. The flat setting is great for most environments, but low-, mid- and high-frequency presets can be adjusted to help compensate for common trouble spots in different sound environments. This on-board system works in conjunction with the KRK Audio Tools App, available for free on the Android and iOS stores. Additionally, all system elements of the ROKIT G4 monitors are cohesively designed and engineered to work perfectly with their advanced drivers made with Kevlar^®, efficient Class D power amplifiers and front-firing port, which offers exceptional low-end extension, punch and flexible room-positioning. These features collectively extend accurate and tight bass reproduction and improve audio integrity while minimizing listening fatigue—offering an overall balanced listening experience.

Synthesis Technology E520 Kickstarter is Live and almost funded already!

Posted on November 15, 2019 by flux302

The Synthesis Technology E520 is a much anticipated FX module. The Kickstarter page has now gone live as of only 4 hours ago and is already more than 3/4 of the way funded.

Focused on Spectral FFT fx to manipulate audio. Pitch shifting vocoding and spectral crushing to name a few. the E520 is also capable of high quality time domain fx such as looping, delays, and more.

The Kickstarter has some interesting rewards such as early bird pricing and a bundle that includes a 4ms pod case for stand alone usage. check out the kickstarter now to secure your early bird price!

I recently sat down with Paul Schreiber of Synthesis technology for an indepth interview about the e520. Check out the SynthSummitShow episode

Paul is known for being an excellent interview and though we were planning on keeping this one to just an hour…. well there is just too much good stuff to talk about!

be sure to check out the kickstarter and share it around to support another impressive module from synthtech!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/697230891/synthtech-e520-hyperion-stereo-effects-processor?fbclid=IwAR1siu_il33ZBU9-gevCthKdU-t8Q088my9nU-aE2Lfm-_u0FWxBq2cHdZs

here is a link to the E520 demo page for some nice audio examples. https://synthtech.com/eurorack/E520_DEMO/

IK Multimedia’s iRig Stream stereo audio interface now available

Posted on November 7, 2019 by flux302

ovember 7, 2019 – IK Multimedia announces the availability of iRig Stream. This mobile-friendly audio tool is part of IK’s Creator Series for video content creators, YouTubers, live streamers, musicians, DJs, podcasters and other social media broadcasters looking to capture high quality audio directly using a mobile device.

Ideal for content creators and musicians, iRig Stream is a mobile audio interface that combines multiple audio sources down to one track for recording or streaming in mono or stereo with the user’s mobile device and their favorite app.

Two line-level RCAs offer quick connection to mixers, keyboards and outboard gear, and the included Lightning, USB-C and USB-A cables can connect to the latest smartphones, tablets and laptops.

An innovative headphone/microphone jack offers both direct monitoring and an easy way to add a voice-over to a stream. Compatible with most earbud/mic combos as well as IK’s analog iRig accessories, it offers a comprehensive solution in an ultra-compact unit.

An intuitive set of gain indicators and gain control make it easy to set the appropriate level, and 24-bit, 48 kHz A/D converters ensure superior sound. A Stereo/Mono switch ensures compatibility with the widest range of apps, including mono-only apps like Instagram, and a loopback feature lets users playback music on their device at the same time they stream.

Five-time Latin GRAMMY-nominated producer, composer and percussionist Tony Succar has relied heavily on tools in the iRig range to grow his social media following. In the video here, he gives a glimpse into the way the new iRig Stream can now help artists and social media creators stream their videos and performances more easily.

Pricing and availability
iRig Stream is available for $/€99.99* from the IK Multimedia online store and from authorized IK dealersworldwide.

* All prices excluding taxes

For more information, please visit: www.ikmultimedia.com/irigstream

To see iRig Stream in action, visit: www.ikmultimedia.com/irigstream/video