Teenage Engineering, the renowned innovators of portable synthesizers and audio equipment, have announced the release EP–133 K.O. II. A battery-powered sampler, sequencer and groovebox based on their iconic Pocket Operator PO-33K.0! adding more sampling, FX and sequencing capabilities plus a new function to file your tax returns. Just kidding, but with a design aesthetic like nothing else we’ve seen, it should be clear to everyone by now that Teenage Engineering puts design and functionality front of mind when developing products. Compact Powerhouse: True to the Pocket Operator legacy, the EP–133 K.O. II maintains its compact and portable design. The sleek…
Author: Leroy Amphlett
Well, it’s been a busy year for the German music company Ableton, having only just dropped Push 3 in late August. Now, Ableton has dropped the much-anticipated release of Live 12, a huge update packed with new instruments, devices, a new MIDI generator and mixer view plus loads of awesome new workflow refinements that you never even knew you needed. However, you’ll need to wait until early 2024 for the release to be available so stay tuned to plenty of noise being made between now and then. Play Freely with Ideas One of the standout features of Live 12 for me…
The original KAOSS pad series has been a game-changer in the music industry, redefining live performances and has become a mainstay for many electronic musicians. Now, Korg is back with another new iteration of the KAOSS Pad in the form of the KAOSS Replay, featuring 16 velocity-sensitive sample pads, DJ-style group faders and cue points, plus a built-in audio interface – making it truly standalone. https://youtu.be/oFDKtSw7IJI Upon first glance the, KAOSS Replay gives off “SP-404” vibes however Korg make no mention of this being the case. This is a KAOSS Pad with classic KAOSS FX with sample pads attached, something…
As an electronic music producer, my quest for innovation and creativity never ends. I stumbled upon the Native Instruments Kontrol S series keyboard when NI released the MK1 back in 2014, and since then it has become an integral part of my creative process. This remarkable piece of music technology has helped breathe new life into my music as it helps me search for, manage and navigate all the many virtual software instruments that I have collected over time. In this video, I provide a tutorial as to how I use the Kontrol S49 MK3 with Ableton Live and a…
Step sequencing is a fundamental technique in electronic music production, allowing you to perform and create intricate rhythms and melodies with precision. The Korg Volca Sample is a compact little hardware sampler that offers a unique and intuitive approach to step sequencing. The same can be said about all the Korg Volcas, as they all feature motion recording and many Volcas offer per-step automation. In this video, I show how I use the step sequencer on the Volca Sample and Volca Drum to create a great House music groove! https://youtu.be/4jFbwqMLR-M Understanding the Korg Volca Sample The Korg Volca Sample is…
First things first, I actually can’t decide which I prefer more, the new Ableton Push or Native Instruments Maschine+. And to be honest I don’t want to, as I love both units equally. For anyone looking at each of these units and can’t decide, this might be for you. The world of music production gear has evolved significantly over the past few years, and with it, the tools and equipment used by artists and producers have also seen major advancements. In recent times, standalone controllers have gained popularity for their portability and versatility, allowing musicians to create music without the…
Native Instruments has just announced the Traktor Kontrol X1 MK3, the third iteration of the Traktor Kontrol X1 series, building on the successes of its predecessors. The MK3 offers enhanced features and improved functionality whilst providing DJs with a tactile and intuitive way to interact with their digital music and offering precise control over various aspects of their performance. Features: Control Everything with One Unit: Manage your music and effects in Traktor Pro 3 using a single, easy-to-carry device. Clear Information at a Glance: Five OLED displays show you important details about your tracks and effects, making it easier to…
If you haven’t been paying attention you might have missed the enormous amount of software instruments NI have been releasing over the last few years. And whilst many of these instruments are geared more towards electronic music production and electronic dance music, NI have been chipping away at their orchestral instruments collection, which have become mainstays for many in film and sound design. In the realm of music production, orchestral arrangements hold a special place, adding grandeur, depth, and emotion to compositions. While recording a full orchestra might not always be feasible, these virtual instruments offer the perfect solution: Among…
Arturia have dropped a new software emulation that is no doubt gonna get a look in from bass heads and techno junkies. Acid V uses Arturia’s cutting-edge software emulation technology to reproduce Roland’s legendary TB-303 whilst delivering that fat analogue tone that producers love from the iconic synth responsible for an entire genre of music. https://youtu.be/_mrTzlH5DbA Acid V attempts to capture the essence of the TB-303’s in-your-face analogue sound while adding a range of fresh and experimental features. Designed to expand on simple feature set of the original TB-303, ACID V looks to redefine what’s possible with the sound of…
For years I maintained that the Keylab Essential MIDI controller was one of the best value-for-money controllers you could buy. My thoughts on this haven’t changed although Arturia recently dropped their latest version of the Keylab Essentials lineup. And much to my delight they’ve done what I’d always hoped by introducing deeper integration with my DAW (Ableton Live) making it even more hands-on, easier to set-up (with other DAWs too) and further customisable options. https://youtu.be/UntRIkKctqk The performance pads have been redesigned from the previous version making them a little larger and more satisfying to play, plus they also respond to…
