Berlin, Germany /Music Industry Newswire/ — Native Instruments today announced ALICIA’S KEYS, a new software that recreates Alicia Keys’ personal grand piano with outstanding authenticity and playability. Developed in close collaboration with the Grammy-winning artist, the software is used as the primary instrument on her new album and on the current world tour. ALICIA’S KEYS is a unique and highly affordable way for musicians of all experience levels to utilize Alicia’s acclaimed signature piano sound in their own music production, live performance, and recreational playing.

Designed as a comprehensive digital recreation of Alicia Key’s own custom Yamaha “C3 Neo” grand piano, and based on Native Instruments’ industry-leading KONTAKT 4 sampler platform, ALICIA’S KEYS provides a soulful and intimate piano sound that perfectly accommodates R&B, soul and pop styles. The instrument was meticulously recorded in Alicia’s personal studio by her engineer Ann Mincieli and renowned sampling expert Thomas Scarbee over the course of two years, using vintage microphones and high-end outboard studio gear that produced an exquisite piano tone with supreme sonic fidelity.

“I love this software so much that I used it on my entire new album. Not once did I record a live piano because there was just no need”, says Alicia Keys. “I plan to tour with this sound and use it all around the world. I love how it gives those who may not be able to buy an acoustic piano a true piano experience.”

Utilizing 17 GB of high-resolution samples with 12 discrete velocity layers per note, and sophisticated emulation of crucial sonic aspects like key release, sustain pedal functionality and sympathetic resonance, ALICIA’S KEYS sets a benchmark in the digital recreation of acoustic instruments. The convenient user interface of the software gives intuitive control over the sound to further adjust it to the specific musical context and personal playing style, and also includes a studio-quality convolution reverb that provides various authentic room ambiences ranging from a small piano chamber to a large stage or concert hall.

ALICIA’S KEYS can be used on any Windows and Macintosh computer with the included free KONTAKT PLAYER, and can also be loaded into the full-featured professional KONTAKT 4 sampler for additional in-depth sound editing.

ALICIA’S KEYS will be available in April 2010 for a suggested retail price of $119 / 99 EUR.

Berlin, Germany /Music Industry Newswire/ — Native Instruments has just introduced SCARBEE VINTAGE KEYS, a new set of software instruments that provide highly expressive and authentic renditions of the most legendary electric pianos, for use in KONTAKT 4 and the free KONTAKT PLAYER. Based on the acclaimed Scarbee sample libraries that have become a staple in professional productions worldwide, SCARBEE VINTAGE KEYS gives musicians and producers of all genres an efficient and affordable way to integrate the distinctive sounds of these classic keyboards into their music.

SCARBEE VINTAGE KEYS features the most revered electric pianos of the 60s and 70s, dubbed MARK I, A-200, CLAVINET and PIANET, all based on carefully recorded 24-bit sample material. The instruments utilize up to 16 velocity layers per key as well as special “Horizontal Release Technology” to recreate the complex dynamic behavior of each instrument with maximum precision and authenticity. Each instrument also offers an integrated multi-effect section with up to 10 algorithms, including phaser, chorus, reverb and various other classic effect types, which add further depth and variety to the vintage electric piano tones.

All four instrument emulations contained in SCARBEE VINTAGE KEYS are also available as separate download purchases, and can be used both in the full-featured KONTAKT 4 sampler as well as in the free KONTAKT PLAYER.

SCARBEE VINTAGE KEYS is available in DVD format in the NI Online Shop for $169 / 149 EUR. The individual instruments are available for download purchase for $79 / 69 EUR.

Meylan, France /Music Industry Newswire/ — Arturia has announced that the rev2 version of their wonderful virtual instrument recreation of Roland’s classic Jupiter 8 analog synth is now shipping. According to the company, “We’re truly excited to announce the release of Jupiter 8V2. This amazing soft synth, based on the world famous Roland Jupiter and updated to modern standards with modulation matrixes, effects and more, has received a second make over. Now Jupiter 8V includes Soundmap, our revolutionary preset navigation system, that will allow a unique way to browse through a brand new set of presets made by top international sound designers. A must have for anyone looking for classic 80’s anthem sounds.”

VERSION 2.0 FEATURES:
* A revolutionary preset navigation system called SoundMap
* Ability to use NRPN midi messages for automation
* Presets now respond to modulation wheel
* Fresh batch of presets made by a selection of top sound designers
* MIDI RPN “pitch bend range” message is now recognized
* Increase of overall volume
* New e-licenser (old Syncrosoft) copy protection
* and numerous bug fixes.

MAIN FEATURES:
* More than 400 high quality and innovative sounding presets
* Up to 32 voices of polyphony, and a Unison mode
* A unique audio structure featuring 2 oscillators per voice (16 oscillators in total), 2 LFO’s, 2 filters and 2 envelopes.
* Keyboard split and layer
* A set of Analog Sounding Effects: Dual Delay, Phaser, Flanger, all three being largely modulable by any audio source in the synth.
* 2 digital effects, X and Y.
* Additional Live-oriented Step-sequencer, additional Galaxy module for advanced modulations
* Set to Control with your external MIDI keyboard in just a few clicks.
* Full compatibility with major formats and hosts on Mac OS X and Windows XP (VST, AU, RTAS).

The V2 update is a free download for registered users from the Arturia website.

Asheville, N.C. /Music Industry Newswire/ — According to the folks at Moog, their new Taurus 3 Bass Pedals have begun making their way to musicians worldwide. A new OS update for the Minimoog Voyager is available, and the new Moog Guitar adds MIDI.

The company posted the following in their latest customer newsletter: “Taurus 3 customers: the fact that we are shipping does not necessarily mean that we are currently shipping YOUR order. We have a 4-5 month backlog and each one is hand-built here in the factory. It will take some time to build all 1,000 pieces. Please be patient with us. For the most part, orders will be shipped on a first come, first served basis.”

In other Moog news, the Moog Guitar now comes with MIDI. The spirit of sonic exploration kindled by The Moog Guitar has led many intrepid guitarists to imagine the possibilities of combining its ground-breaking innovations with MIDI guitar technology. At Winter NAMM 2010, imagination became reality: introducing The Moog Guitar Model E1-M.

Also, Operating System Version 3.5 for the Minimoog Voyager Analog synthesizer adds a number of new features, including quick save, category browse, and legato glide.

After you update your Voyager to OS 3.5, there is a new bank of the freshest Voyager presets on the planet available as a free download. Programmed by Mile Davis keyboardist Adam Holzman, Danish producer Daniel Muschinsky, Moog engineer Steve Dunnington and Moog associate Ben Hovey, these sounds span the spectrum from classic to cutting edge.

Berlin, Germany /Music Industry Newswire/ — Native Instruments today introduced ABBEY ROAD 60s DRUMS, the first instrument created in its collaboration with the iconic British recording studios. Recorded using sophisticated engineering techniques and exclusive vintage gear, ABBEY ROAD 60s DRUMS provides a versatile arsenal of classic drum sounds with absolute tonal authenticity, supreme playability and immense sonic flexibility. For use in the free KONTAKT PLAYER and the industry-leading KONTAKT 4 sampler, it provides a unique resource for typical Sixties sound aesthetics as well as for modern pop, rock and urban music styles.

ABBEY ROAD 60s DRUMS features two quintessential drum kits of the Sixties era, a Gretsch and a Ludwig, which were recorded in painstaking detail utilizing Abbey Road’s profound engineering expertise and outstanding arsenal of vintage equipment. Classic AKG, Neumann and STC microphones from the studios’ famed microphone collection, the exclusive REDD.17 and EMI TG mixing desks, a valve-based Studer tape machine and other authentic outboard gear all contributed to the charismatic sound of ABBEY ROAD 60s DRUMS.

With up to 30 velocity layers per instrument, each utilizing up to six randomly selected variation samples, as well as separate left- and right-hand samples and individually adjustable snare bleed, ABBEY ROAD 60s DRUMS delivers ultimate authenticity both for DAW-based rhythm programming and for real-time MIDI-controlled drum playing. To cover both classic and contemporary sound aesthetics, users can choose between “vintage” and “modern” microphone setups, and select separate “tea towel” samples for an even more distinctive, punchier sound. A special room microphone configuration was used to fully capture the outstanding acoustic room sound of Abbey Road’s famous Studio Two, with the ambience individually adjustable for each instrument.

The concise user interface of ABBEY ROAD 60s DRUMS makes full use of the advanced GUI features of the KONTAKT platform, with convenient controls for articulation, sound shaping, mixing and routing functions. Advanced randomization features can even add additional subtle nuances to the tone and timing, making it sound completely organic and virtually indistinguishable from a conventional studio-recorded drum performance.

ABBEY ROAD 60s DRUMS is available for purchase in the NI Online Shop on DVD and as a download for $119.

NAMM 2010 /Music Industry Newswire/ — IK Multimedia is proud to introduce StealthBoard™, the first USB-MIDI floor controller for guitar and bass players that gives you full control over your entire rig. You may now control your software and/or hardware-based amp modeling and effects processors – with additional amp channels switching – all from just one unit on the floor.

* Control AmpliTube or any “Powered by AmpliTube” software with no additional setup – simply plug your computer into the USB port of the StealthBoard and immediately access thousands of “Powered by AmpliTube” presets and parameters.
* Fully control any MIDI-based hardware or software Amp Modeler – you will be able to fully control anything that responds to MIDI messages via USB and completely unleash their software or hardware rig power.
* Full control of your MIDI-enabled amps and effects processors – with just one unit. The StealthBoard operates also as a standalone MIDI controller for all your existing MIDI gear.
* Amp Channel Switching – gives you control of your existing amp and effects with just one unit and expands your live sonic palette.

StealthBoard can be seen in action at the Winter NAMM 2010 show and is expected to ship in the 2nd quarter of this year with an MSRP of $399.99/€299.99 excluding taxes.

NAMM 2010 /Music Industry Newswire/ — IK Multimedia is proud to present AmpliTube 3, a massive upgrade of the leading guitar and bass tone gear-modeling software! AmpliTube 3 raises the industry standard of sound variety, realism and creative power – with over 160 precisely modeled pieces of vintage and modern gear available in one package – it is the ultimate tone gear collection for players, producers and engineers.

More Gear — Infinite Combinations:
AmpliTube 3 contains over 160 pieces of gear, more than double the amount of other packages, including models from the most sought-after vintage collections and modern-day workhorses. You’ll get 51 individual stompboxes and effects, 31 amplifier, preamp & power sections, 46 speaker cabinet models, 15 high-end stage and studio mics, and 17 post-amp rack effects. Plus, with the new AmpliTube 3 open architecture, you can add more packages as you need them, like AmpliTube Fender™ and Ampeg® SVX.

More Feel — True Dynamic Response:
AmpliTube 3 gear models give you THE most realistic playing feel — not just the tones — but the actual dynamic response of their hardware counterparts. Nothing comes closer to the feel and touch of playing through a real rig than AmpliTube 3. Plus, with IK’s proprietary VRM™ (Volumetric Response Modeling) technology, you can add ultra-accurate rotating speaker effects, free dual mic placements, plus room ambience and response to customize and craft your tone.

More Power — Creative Inspiration:
Face it — the better you sound, the better you play. AmpliTube 3 unleashes more creative power than ever, helping you to easily carve new, truly unique voices for your guitar, bass, keyboard, drum and vocals. Our new creative effects let you create sounds you’ve never heard before, and the new “drag & drop” effects’ configuration feature lets you quickly experiment with effects in the signal chain to get that totally unique sound.

More Tone — Every Sound You Can Imagine:
AmpliTube 3 is the voice for your soul. With the largest collection of ultra-accurately modeled gear, creative effects and flexible routing features, you’ll never run out of sonic possibilities. Every sound you’ve heard before, and even ones you haven’t dreamed of yet…find them here in AmpliTube 3.

AmpliTube 3 will ship within February 2010 as VST, RTAS and Audio Unit plug-in formats and as stand-alone software for Mac OSX® and Windows®, and will be available in the following versions and MSRP prices*:

• AmpliTube 3
$349.99/€269.99

• AmpliTube 3 Crossgrade
$269.99/€199.99 (available to any IK registered users)

• AmpliTube 3 Upgrade
$199.99/€149.99 (available to all previous AmpliTube 2, AmpliTube Metal, AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix™, AmpliTube Fender™ or Ampeg® SVX™ registered users)

Additionally, AmpliTube 3 will also be available as a complete software + hardware solution for playing and recording in a bundle with the StealthPedal – IK’s innovative, wah-style interface and controller for guitar and bass players:

• AmpliTube 3 + StealthPedal
$399.99/€299.99.

Westlake Village, Calif. /Music Industry Newswire/ — This new version of our award-winning flagship Origin synthesizer comes in an innovative and unique laptop-keyboard format, made especially for the demanding keyboard performer. It keeps the outstanding modular system of Origin Desktop, putting it on a panel that closes on a high quality keyboard controller. The intuitive interface is kept in place, along with all of the modules from the most famous synthesizers (Moog Modular, ARP 2600, CS-80, Jupiter-8, Minimoog and Prophet VS) and organs (ToneWheel, Rotary). Shipping March 2010.

In addition to its sleek, ergonomic and mobile design, Origin Keyboard features an extremely high level of control with a 12.5 inch ultra-sensitive ribbon controller, a high quality semi-weighted 61-key keyboard (with velocity and aftertouch), an exclusive Duophonic aftertouch mode, a three-mode joystick and an array of controllers. It’s time to play Origin.

MAIN FEATURES:
* More than 600 presets created by talented musicians and synthesizer specialists
* Create your own patch or use existing audio structures:
– Origin patch made by connecting independent modules from: Minimoog, ARP 2600, CS-80, Jupiter-8, Moog Modular, Prophet VS
– Origin template synths: Minimoog
* Superb audio quality with TAE® engine
* Up to 32 voices of polyphony for a typical patch
* Connectivity: 2 audio ins, 10 audio outs. Digital: SPDIF out, USB 2.0
* Selection of high quality effects: Phaser, Chorus, Delay, Distortion, Parametric EQ, Rotary…
* 16/32 step sequencer
* Software editor (Mac/PC)
* Innovative Macro, Advanced LFO, Advanced modulation modes, Advanced joystick modes…
* MIDI : In, Out, Thru and USB 2

* High Level of Control:
– ultra sensitive 40cm ribbon controller
– high quality semi-weighted 61 keys keyboard, with velocity response and channel aftertouch
– New exclusive duophonic aftertouch
– Modulation and pitch-bend wheels, 3-mode Joystick, 21 potentiometers, 33 rotary encoders, 81 switches

* Ergonomic design
– Self adjustable front panel, from 0° to 135°, giving you total setup flexibility.
– 5.2” TFT screen for clear visual feedback.
– complete mobile solution, offering everything you need to perform in a single, easily transportable cabinet.

Westlake Village, Calif. /Music Industry Newswire/ — ARTURIA is happy to announce a series of three hybrid synthesizers: Analog Experience THE PLAYER, Analog Experience THE FACTORY and Analog Experience THE LABORATORY. These three versions couple a soft-synth based on award-winning Analog Factory with a premium midi keyboard controller. And by offering them in a series, we’re sure anyone will be able to find an Analog Experience that suits them.

Perhaps most interesting to actual keyboard “players” will be the “Lab” version, which is a 49 key controller and includes breath controller input, and aftertouch.

Analog Experience THE PLAYER -25 keys- is the smallest, most lightweight and simple version of the series. It features a compact MIDI keyboard controller and light version of Analog factory software giving a very easy-to-use and affordable package including the very best of Arturia’s signature sounds and a dedicated quality keyboard perfect for the mobile musician.

Analog Experience THE FACTORY -32 keys- (previously named Analog Factory Experience) adds a dedicated keyboard to the Analog Factory software, allowing all sounds to be dramatically modified instantaneously and making this hybrid ensemble stand apart from any other

Analog Experience THE LABORATORY -49 keys- is the professional grade version of the series. It is featuring a top-notch MIDI keyboard controller and THE LABORATORY version of Analog software that has the same preset-based collection of sounds. This premium controller gives the fullest access to Analog Laboratory software with pre-assigned controls.

Westlake Village, Calif. /Music Industry Newswire/ — BRASS 2.0 is a new kind of virtual instrument based on a physical modeling technology. It emulates a Trumpet, a Trombone and a Saxophone. All the characteristics of the real instruments have been analyzed and modeled through extensive research at world-renowned IRCAM institute. Arturia has partnered with this highly skilled team of researchers to bring this groundbreaking technology to the musician, in the form of a software instrument. BRASS is an extremely expressive, flexible and controllable instrument, and thus a fantastic alternative to loops or music libraries. SRP $229, shipping Jan. 25, 2010. Free upgrade for registered users of v1.1.

MAIN FEATURES AND UPDATED FEATURES:
- Virtual instrument playable through a MIDI keyboard
- Three physically modeled Brass instruments: Trumpet, Trombone and Saxophone.
* Acclaimed trumpet and trombone models ( V 2.0 )
* Four-part multi-timbrality in Live mode ( V 2.0 )
* Harmonization module to control the polyphonic
instrument kits (60 kits) ( V 2.0 )
* Customize instrument characteristics
(musical style, attack,use static or dynamic mutes, humanize…) ( V 2.0 )
* New “brassing” effect used in trumpets and trombones (tightens up attacks) ( V 2.0 )
* New organisation of MIDI controls allowing easier editing and
better control (includes support for the Akai EWI) ( V 2.0 )
* New set of presets, riffs and kits: 75 presets,160 riffs & 60 kits ( V 2.0 )
* Place the instruments in a virtual stereo space with optional ambience reverberation. ( V 2.0 )
* LIVE Mode with total control over expressiveness through extensive
MIDI control of key parameters ( V 2.0 ).