Any of the 48 final mixes in the ASPEN matrix can be assigned to any one or more of the Dante channels for transport to other endpoints in the network. Dante signals can also be imported into the ASPEN matrix in a local processor sub-system for mixing with other local and network signals, and then routed onward to other local or network devices.

Audinate is leading the way networks are connected by transporting high-quality media over standard IT networks. Its Dante products deliver a no-hassle, self-configuring, true plug-and-play digital audio network that uses standard Internet Protocols. Dante offers a market leading solution today, while de-risking the future by providing a migration path to upgrade to new standards such as the IEEE Audio Video Bridging (“AVB”). The Dante network provides plug ‘n play simplicity with auto discovery and master/slave configuration to synchronize the system clock.

The new processor was debuted at the ISE2012 Convention in Amsterdam in January and met with an enthusiastic reception. A redundant network was installed in the exhibit stand between two ASPEN processor stacks, with audio transported back and forth for demonstration. Part of the demonstration was to disconnect one of the network cable connections while listening to the audio signal to test the redundancy. There were absolutely zero audible artifacts when the cables were disconnected and re-connected. Attendees visiting the exhibit stand were extremely pleased to discover a network audio transport solution that was so simple to set up, yet so flexible and robust.

“Lectrosonics has been one of our OEM’s that understood from the beginning the power of Dante and how to utilize its powerful features to help their customers reap the benefits,” says Lee Ellison Audinate’s CEO. “Each time I walked past their booth at ISE, it was very evident that their new Dante enabled ASPEN processor was getting a lot of attention.”

To quote Gordon Moore, Vice-President of Sales at Lectrosonics, “We spent the entire ISE show demonstrating the system to interested users and, in spite of our deliberate efforts, failed to break the system. Dante has proven to be robust, reliable and incredibly easy to configure. Our customers have long asked for a low latency, easy to use, audio transport over Ethernet system. Dante delivers all that is promised. To say that we are excited about the potential is an understatement.”

The combination of the advanced networking solution of Dante and the massive processing power of ASPEN will no doubt lead to significant advances in system designs for telepresence, room combining, courtroom complex, distance learning and multi-endpoint sound systems.

ControlBLADEs are all-in-one music production stations complete with piano keys, drum trigger pads, knobs, sliders, thousands of sound presets and software for live and studio use. They allow users to compose, record, mix, and master songs that are ready for radio or direct Internet distribution.

The new Gen2 ControlBLADEs are powered by high-performance computer cores utilizing Intel® Core i-series® third-generation (Ivy Bridge) processors that are perfect for today’s demanding musicians and the virtual instruments and software application they use. Options include i5 and i7 quad core versions. The Windows 7 (64-bit) operating system is pre-configured for music production and can run virtually any software application or plug-in. Capable of running over 500 plug-ins at once, sequencing thousands of tracks simultaneously, and storing millions of sound presets, the ControlBLADE packs a serious punch for the money.

ControlBLADEs are also available for Mac OS X, which are powered by the latest Mac® mini from Apple®. Both i5 and i7 processor options are also available as well as a variety of RAM, hard drive, SSD drive, and other upgrades.

“At Music Computing, we strive to bring the latest technologies to our users.” Said Victor Wong, CEO, Music Computing. “The release of the new ControlBLADE Gen2 models reinforces that fact and our commitment to being the very best at what we do.”

The ControlBLADE is available as 25-Key and 61-Key models. About the same size as a typical keyboard controller and weighing only 22-lbs (61-key) / 13-lbs (25-key)…FULLY LOADED, the ControlBLADE brings true portability to the keyboard production station world.

New with the Gen2 models is the option for the ProTouch™ piano keybed. The new ProTouch keybed brings higher levels of playability and better feel to the ControlBLADE line via high quality semi-weighted keys with after-touch. The optional upgrade is priced at: $199.

ControlBLADEs all come with built-in Wi-Fi standard. This mean the user can be online anywhere there is a hot spot. Send and retrieve files, log into remote servers, collaborate with others, or download new software and sounds directly into the ControlBLADE. Users now have the freedom to create virtually anywhere they like.

Upgrades for Gen1 models to the new Gen2 versions are available. Complete ControlBLADE information and images are available at: http://www.musiccomputing.com .

GEN 1 VIDEO:

The iKaossilator is an expressive music synthesizer app offering 150 diverse sounds, combined with a five-part loop sequencer for creating multi-part tracks. As with all Korg Kaoss products, the iKaossilator is controlled by tapping or sliding a finger on its X-Y touchpad. This intuitive form of control is instantly rewarding, and allows users to quickly create music, regardless of their instrumental training.

New features added in iKaossilator Version 2.1 include:
* Audio Loop Import
* Seamless operation in tandem with the Kaossilator 2
* Support for “AudioPaste”

Audio Loop Import:
Users’ Audio loop files can now be imported into each part of the sequencer. ** A filter effect assigned to the touch pad can then be used to vary the character of the song, similar to the function of Korg’s Kaoss Pad Effects Processor.

Seamless operation with Korg Kaossilator 2:
The Audio Loop Import feature also enables closely coupled operation with iKaossilator’s hardware sibling, the Korg Kaossilator 2. Loop recorder data created with a Kaossilator 2 can be imported into iKaossilator, or an audio loop created in iKaossilator can be loaded into a loop recording bank in the Kaossilator 2. Data such as loop length and BPM is retained, resulting in seamless transfer between the software and hardware.

Support for “AudioPaste”:
iKaossilator now supports the “AudioPaste” function developed by Sonoma Wire Works, which allows audio data to be copied and pasted between iOS apps. Audio data can be exported from Korg’s other apps such as iElectribe or iMS-20, or from any “AudioCopy” compatible app, then imported into iKaossilator with ease.

For additional iKaossilator product details, please visit: www.korg.com/ikaossilator .

Part sampler, part synth, SKANNER XT utilizes a unique synthesizer architecture to create a wide variety of intense and cutting-edge sounds for contemporary electronic music production and sound design. Two oscillators ‘scan’ a sample, which at low frequencies deliver a scratch sound. At higher frequencies the oscillators, shaped by the sample waveform, become the dominant force. In this way, SKANNER XT provides a broad range of highly distinctive sounds – from heavy and dirty bass tones to morphing soundscapes and organic pads.

Developed together with NI synthesis mastermind Stephan Schmitt, SKANNER XT offers two interface views for different levels of interaction with the complex architecture under the hood. Besides a simplified page with a preset morpher and four macro controls, a second view provides access to more detailed parameters in order to further explore the sonic potential of the instrument. A morph control option allows for convenient switching between eight different snapshots – producing unpredictable, evolving sounds that range from the ethereal to the extreme.

SKANNER XT runs in the free REAKTOR 5 PLAYER or the full REAKTOR 5 version, and is also optimized for easy browsing from the MASCHINE hardware.

SKANNER XT is available at the NI Online Shop for $59 / 49 EUR. Users of the previous free version SKANNER, are entitled to crossgrade to SKANNER XT for a special price of $29.50 / 24,50 EUR until May 31st.

Additional information on SKANNER XT is available at
www.native-instruments.com/skannerxt .

Each plug-in comes as VST for Windows (64-bit), VST for Windows (32-bit), VST for Mac (32/64-bit), RTAS for Windows (32-bit), RTAS for Mac (32-bit), and AU for Mac (32/64-bit).

And can be purchased as pack license (all formats plus future upgrades included) or as slightly cheaper single license (one particular format with no switching or upgrading possibilities). As a result, owners of a pack license will find the 64-bit formats in the list of products purchased on the website after logging in. On the other hand, owners of a single license can upgrade to pack license via the appropriate section paying only the difference between both prices. For users who already own one or several products, it is possible to get the full content of a bundle at a very advantageous price using the Cohmpletion formula.

More information: http://www.ohmforce.com/ .

Filled with more than 200 presets inspired by records from Pink Floyd to Supertramp to the Beatles, the Wurlitzer V is also able to reach new sonic heights and generate unheard sounds thanks to the modeling engine.

According to Arturia: “The Wurlitzer V allows the musician to interact with the sound, by bringing in-depth parameters right on the main panel. These parameters allow for deep sound design capabilities, and let you tailor the sound you are looking for in unique ways. This is why the Wurlitzer V is not only great at offering an accurate recreation of the legendary Wurlitzer keyboards, but also ideal for sound-design experiments and creations.”

Pricing: Download: USD 99.00 / EURO 99.00 – Box: USD 129.00 / EURO 119.00.

Full info: http://www.arturia.com/evolution/en/products/wurlitzer-v/details.html .

VIDEO:

The EaganMatrix design was inspired by classical modular matrix patching synthesizers such as the ARP 2500 and the EMS Synthi 100. However, unlike those analog predecessors, the EaganMatrix doesn’t use pins to make patch point connections. Instead, a dynamic formulaic equation can be placed inside a selected patch point, replacing that static pin, creating a simple to amazingly complex relationship between the Continuum playing surface and the flow of sound from patch point source to destination.

The EaganMatrix is a modular digital synthesizer, allowing the user to finely craft their musical sound by digitally connecting audio and control modules via a patching matrix. The EaganMatrix synthesizer is internal to the Continuum Fingerboard, utilizing the Continuum’s internal DSP engine. No external hardware is required. The synthesizer is edited by using an external cross platform editing program, the Continuum Editor. More information: http://www.hakenaudio.com/Continuum/eaganmatrixoverv.html .

Modules: There are a number of source and destination modules available, everything from oscillators and filters to direct formulas. Here is a listing of currently available modules:

* Three flexible summation oscillators, each with controls for frequency, phase, and spectral balance. The oscillators can also act as wave shapers, creating rich harmonic variations to the oscillator input.

* A smooth organic-sounding noise source.

* Two versatile multimode filters, with these inputs: audio to be filtered, frequency, and bandwidth. Possible filters are LowPass, HighPass, BandPass, LowShelf and HighShelf, as well as unity gain BandPass, Notch, and AllPass.

* Two powerful biquad filter banks, which are banks of 8 related but independent biquad filters, with controls for audio input, frequency, frequency spread, bandwidth, bandwidth spread, spectral centre, and spectral weighting. These biquads are the same technology that are used in the current Continuum to create the physical models like the winds and strings. This filters can also act as granular synthesis modules, and a vocal mouth shapes.

* A time delay, with controls for audio input and time. The time delay is suitable for creating chorus and flanging effects, and can be used for echo delays as well.

* Four independent LFOs, each with controls for cycle mode, frequency, and trigger. Available LFO shapes are RampUp, RampDown, Pulse, Triangle, Hann, Square, Sine, and SampleAndHold. The LFOs have been integrated into the EaganMatrix a unique way, allowing each LFO to influence a formula result directly.

* 8 CVC (Continuum Voltage Convertor) outputs. This requires that a CVC be connected to the Continuum to be active.

* 3 independent Midi controller streams for sending formulas to a connected Midi device.

* Output level via formulas.

Also, there are common controls for all voices:
* Reverb control via formulas.
* Convolution body control via formulas.

The output stage incorporates a soft saturation capability, allowing the creation of distortion and overloading effects.

The download for version 5.01 is available in the downloads section of the Haken Audio site: http://www.hakenaudio.com/Continuum/hakenaudiofirmwa.html .

Look for upcoming review on MusicIndustryNewswire.com, as MIN editor Christopher Simmons is a long time Haken Continuum owner.

According to the company, “Pianoteq 4 represents the future of virtual pianos, providing the best and latest technology available. The sound is reproduced through a physical model that simulates properties and behaviours of real acoustic pianos. This results in a remarkably playable, vivid and adaptable instrument. The size of Pianoteq is just 20MB and installation is quick and easy. You can use Pianoteq on any modern laptop and connect it to your MIDI compatible piano keyboard.”

New grand piano D4:
Pianoteq 4 introduces the grand piano D4 which is the result of three years of research of refining the physical model that describes the hammers, the strings, the soundboard and their interaction. A Steinway D from Hamburg has served as reference and its main characteristics have been used for feeding the physical model. Each note has been carefully adjusted in its finest detail, just like in a real factory. The result is a stunningly vivid instrument created with the most demanding musician in mind.

New effects that benefit all instruments, especially the electric pianos, are now offered, including delay, chorus, flanger, amplifier and compressor.

More information: http://www.pianoteq.com/pianoteq4 .

Delve into Iris’s spectrogram to extract, layer, manipulate, and discover new sounds from within any audio file. With extended synthesis features, hundreds of presets, and 4GB of source material, Iris is an impressive tool for sound design, musical inspiration, and sonic experimentation.

Iris Key Features:
Discover what’s hidden: Bring any audio file into Iris and isolate the most interesting spectral portions with a comprehensive set of easy-to-use selection tools. Play your completely custom sound instantly from any MIDI controller.

Become a mad sonic scientist: Create new textures and dramatic soundscapes by layering multiple sounds from similar or completely diverse audio sources.

Stay musical: Rely on intelligent root note detection to help shape musical material from noise, ambient textures, and soundscapes, then use advanced controls to tweak, modulate, and add effects to taste – all powered by iZotope’s award-winning DSP.

Start playing immediately: A world of sound design is at your fingertips, with hundreds of presets from world-class sound designers and 4 GB of audio samples, including recordings of insects, animals, machines, vintage synthesizers, musical instruments and much more.

Even More Sounds:
In addition, iZotope has released two complementary sound libraries designed exclusively for use with Iris: Glass and Wood. A bundled version of Iris, Glass and Wood, Iris+2, is also available at a special price.

Glass ($49 MSRP) is a shimmering collection of glass ambiences, reimagined via Iris’s spectral selection capabilities. A lyrical study in lush chords, shining leads, and soothing basses, Glass transforms sonic experiments into accessible musical inspiration. Within the 100 patches of Glass, you’ll hear exploits with bottles, mirrors, marbles, glasses, shards, and even glassblowing torches. The resulting sounds are inviting, uplifting, and unusual. This library is for players exploring original sound design in a musical and meaningful context.

Wood ($29 MSRP) is an adventurous assortment of creatively-recorded samples, all produced from our friends, the trees. Made entirely of unusual wooden encounters, Wood fully embodies the creative potential of Iris’s visual selections. From basket smashing to door slamming, from drumming on guitars to grandma’s creaky deckchair, Wood pushes musical boundaries as each texture evolves. Blending dense and earthy tones into complex layers, Wood’s 100 patches sound like an avant-garde composition right out of the box.

Pricing and Availability:
Iris is available now for a special introductory price of $149 through April 30, 2012, a $100 savings off the MSRP of $249.

Iris+2 (including Glass and Wood Sound Libraries) is available now for $199, a $100 savings off the MSRP of $299.

Glass ($49) and Wood ($29) are also now available for individual purchase, and compatible exclusively with Iris.

For more product information, demos, and ordering information, visit www.izotope.com/iris.

About iZotope:
iZotope is a research-driven audio technology company based in Boston, Massachusetts. Its award-winning products and audio technologies are in use by millions of people in over fifty countries, from consumers to musicians to major film, TV, and radio studios. Some of the diverse clients include musical giants like BT, Depeche Mode, and RZA of WuTang Clan; radio stations like Boston’s iconic WGBH; and TV programming like CBS’s Survivor, the Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch, the World Cup broadcast, and the GRAMMY(R) awards. Through an extensive licensing program, iZotope technology is also directly integrated into products made by industry-leaders such as Adobe, Avid, and Sony; video games from companies like Harmonix and Ubisoft; as well as a growing number of mobile phone applications. For more information on iZotope products, visit www.izotope.com.

VIDEO

EXs13 Jazz Drums Expansion Kit
This expansion kit for the Jazz Ambience Drums is included in the Korg Kronos presets, and contains approximately 1GB of PCM samples, 48 programs and 12 drumkits. The unique collection focuses on unique drum and percussion sounds created using a variety of techniques including mallets, brushes, and multi-rods. All sounds are easy to use, and will set off other instruments to their maximum advantage. Substituting these sounds on an existing drum track will also offer a dramatic difference through changing stick sounds.

EXs11 Legendary Strings
This collection delivers approximately 2.5GB of PCM samples and 128 Programs, for a wide vocabulary of string sounds. Choose from solo performances created on coveted instruments such as a Stradivarius, to the sound of a full orchestra. In addition to samples of individual performance techniques such as trill, vibrato, and pizzicato, the collection also includes ensembles offering differing numbers of players, providing everything needed for meticulous production work. Large samples allow the nuances of the performances to be captured, completing this ultimate collection of string sounds.

EXs11 will be Available for download in late April, for a special price of US $249 (regular price is US $299).

EXs13 and EXs11 can be downloaded and purchased at the Korg Web Shop: www.korg.com/kronos/SoundLibraries

KARO’s EXs Expansion Sample Series libraries span a wide variety of instruments and genres, including orchestral instruments and ensembles, vintage keyboards, ambient soundscapes, and much more. Along with Programs, Combis, and Drum Track patterns, these libraries include varying amounts of PCM data, which is played back directly from KRONOS’ internal solid state hard drive.

KARO’s KRS Professional Sound Series libraries are collections of Programs, Combis, and Drum Track patterns that collectively take advantage of every synthesis engine within KRONOS. These large collections of synthesizer sounds, organs, dance grooves, and Wave Sequences each have at least 128 Programs; most have much more.

Free demo versions of the EXs libraries can be downloaded; purchasing an authorization code from the secure Korg Web Shop unlocks full access to the libraries. Please see Korg.com for download/installation system requirements, along with sound demos.