Tag: Studio

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Dave Smith Instruments & Roger Linn Design Tempest

Dave Smith Instruments & Roger Linn Tempest Introduction The Dave Smith Instruments & Roger Linn Design Tempest is truly a one-of-a-kind collaboration between two legendary electronic music instrument makers. Combining 6 of the original Prophet voices inside of a 4 oscillator (2 analog, 2 digital) synthesizer with a unique Roger Linn inspired drum machine and pad interface. Basic Features Dynamic sequencer, Onboard controls for most synth features Bright multi-modal OLED screen Two vertical touch strips 2 LFOs High and low pass filters Pros 32 sounds (including sound bank B) per beat 16 beats per project OLED display Modulation 6 stereo voice outs (!) Onboard distortion & compressor…

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Gear Review: Native Instruments Maschine MK3+

Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Introduction The Native Instruments Maschine MK3 is a DAW-tethered MIDI controller with 16 velocity sensitive pads (& aftertouch?), 8 touch-sensitive knobs, one select knob, two color LCD screens and several onboard button controls. These all link up with a software application that contains it's own DAW, specifically for the Maschine "instrument" or ecosystem. The app can also operate as a plug-in on software instrument tracks in popular DAWs like Apple's Logic Pro or Ableton Live. First, I “only” have the MK3 not the +, so my review will be on the shared feature set. Also, this is in my studio…

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Gear Review: Akai Force

Akai Force Introduction The Akai Force is a powerful clip-based, standalone grid controller for music production. With built in sampler, sequencer, drum machines and several onboard software synthesizers (powered by AIR), the Akai Force is definitely a force to be reckoned with. With the 7-inch touchscreen, 8 touch-sensitive knobs and multi-modal grid interface it is easy to design sounds, create loops and beats and sequence those all together into songs or longer sets. At approximately the dimensions of a modern CDJ-2000 (or similar), the Force can fit into a DJ booth for live or DJ sets and club shows. Operating with Ableton's…

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Gear Review: Synthstrom Deluge

Synthstrom Deluge Introduction The Synthstrom Deluge sequencer with built in sampler, drum kits and internal synthesizer is one of the most powerful grooveboxes I have ever used. With a dynamic 16x9 scrollable and zoomable grid interface and shortcuts for virtually every visible button, the front panel and controls open up the unit like none other offering near instant access to most parameters with zero menu diving. Using a piano roll, grid-style interface for input and authoring was instantly familiar to me, having come from a background of digital audio workstation (DAW) production. However, I didn't initially understand why the audition and mute/solo…

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Gear Review: Yamaha RM1X Sequence Remixer

Yamaha RM1X Introduction The Yamaha RM1X Sequence Remixer is a capable and powerful unit with built-in synthesizer and drum sounds, onboard sequencer, groovebox interface and parameter controls in a durable metal enclosure. Operating with MIDI 5-pin DIN IN/OUT, this machine can sync with other MIDI-compatible gear and control up to 16 channels of MIDI. With a limited selection of built-in effects, pattern and song modes and a wide variety of built-in sounds, loops and songs and user-dedicated pattern slots this groovebox is an all-in-one solution for music production and performance. Pros 16 voices/tracks 16 sections Lots of onboard voices Powerful sequencer Grid…

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