in the know
Jul 1, 2001 12:00 PM
Attack VST PERCUSSION SYNTHESIZER
Waldorf's newest VST instrument, Attack ($149), is a real-time — controllable percussion synthesizer software program for Mac and PC. An Attack drum kit contains 24 sounds, across two keyboard octaves, that can be routed through six types of filtering, modulation delays, and ring and frequency modulation. Sounds are generated by two oscillators, each providing nine analog waveforms. Three samples are included for hi-hat and cymbal sounds, and the software provides an integrated crack module for handclaps. Attack is compatible with Steinberg's new VST 2.0 interface, which allows MIDI controller mapping to all parameters. Attack can also create bass lines, melody lines, conga grooves, and other percussion performances.
Steinberg; tel. (818) 678-5100; Web
www.us.steinberg.net
D2 GROOVEBOX
The Roland D2 Groovebox ($595) is an integrated sequencer and sound module designed for live performance. The D2's new touch-sensitive pad, called the D-Field Controller, allows users to modify patterns, control sound effects, and emulate a turntable by moving their hands across its surface. Effects include reverb, delay, filters, and a variety of DJ-oriented sounds. The unit ships with 600 preset sounds; 30 preset drum kits; 150 preprogrammed, stylized dance-pattern grooves; and 240 real-time phrase sequence patterns. The MIDI grooves and patterns can be mixed and matched using Roland's Megamix function, which lets users save personalized remixes of samples, effects, and preset patterns. Users can create and program patterns using real-time and step recording or by using the D-Field Controller.
Roland; tel. (323) 890-3700; Web
www.rolandus.com
V-Amp GUITAR PREAMP
Behringer's V-Amp ($269) virtual guitar amplifier provides modeling of classic guitar and speaker cabinets. Providing 16 virtual amplifiers and 15 cabinet simulations, the unit can generate a wide range of tones. The tone is variable from clean to distorted, and the V-Amp provides a variety of stereo effects, including delay, chorus, flanger, tremolo, compression, and wah-wah pedal simulation. All effects parameters are editable through MIDI and SoundDiver software. V-Amp's illuminated user interface provides adequate lighting for live performance. An additional stereo input jack is included for practicing along with a CD, drum machine, or alternate audio source. A footswitch and carrying bag are included.
Behringer; tel. (425) 673-2237; Web
www.behringer.com
RS7000 Remix Studio DESKTOP MUSIC-PRODUCTION CENTER
Yamaha's RS7000 Remix Studio ($1,795) combines sampling, sequencing, and synthesis in a single desktop unit. The RS7000 boasts a wealth of onboard sounds (more than 1,000 ROM synth voices and 63 drum-kit sounds) and a 64-note tone generator, 5 EQ options, 6 types of filtering (24 dB, 18 dB, 12 dB, lowpass, highpass, and bandpass), 11 reverbs, 22 delay-chorus patches, and various DJ-style effects. The onboard sequencer's 16 tracks enable synchronization of audio samples and MIDI data in real time and store as many as 200,000 notes. Audio can be sampled, resampled, and imported to create new loops and phrases. Each sample is automatically divided into logical sections, which users can manipulate through MIDI. A loop's tempo, swing, and many other musical parameters can be adjusted without changing the sample's pitch. The RS7000 imports WAV, AIFF, Akai S1000/3000, Yamaha SU700, RS7000, and A-series sample formats, and exports samples in RS7000 and WAV formats. You can save data on a SmartMedia card or with the unit's SCSI interface. Standard RAM is 4 MB, which is expandable to 64 MB.
Yamaha; tel. (714) 522-9011; Web
www.yamaha.com
Effexon MULTI-EFFECTS PROCESSOR
The Technosaurus Effexon ($329), the latest installment of the Swiss company's Small Monster series, is an analog multi-effects processor that is approximately the size of a VHS tape. The unit combines overdrive with a ring modulator, dual parametric EQs, and a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). The ring modulator includes Mixer and Source controls; the VCO features a Frequency knob and Range and Waves switches; the parametric EQs offer Frequency, Width/Q, and Cut/Boost controls; and overdrive features variable Drive and selectable Soft or Hard modes. The unit can process two external sources or a single external source and the internal oscillator. Users can control the VCO and the overdrive level remotely through CV.
Technosaurus; tel. (41) 34 424 0112; Web
www.technosaurus.ch
and
www.drummachine.com
DMC-1 DJ MP3 PLAYER
The DMC-1's ($390) front panel resembles the Numark CDN32S dual-CD player, but it controls digital media (MP3s) stored on a laptop or PC. The unit contains user-selectable pitch controls, automated beat matching, true instant start, and multiple cue points. Software for the DMC-1 was developed by Visiosonic (maker of the PCDJ software program). Users can upgrade the software online, letting DJs maintain the DMC-1's compatibility with future media formats and take advantage of available plug-ins.
Numark; tel. (401) 295-9000; Web
www.numark.com
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