Apple releases Logic update and new Music Memos app, the UK’s underground reggae sound systems explored, and the New Yorker investigates the origins of ambient music.
U-He RePro-1 Monophonic Synth Announced. Urs Heckmann of U-He has introduced a new monophonic software synth, RePro-1, which he’s releasing free as ‘research ware’. “It’ll be a CPU hog because we want you guys to compare the unoptimised filter algorithms,” he explains. The final version will be a highly-optimised emulation of Sequential Circuits’ classic Pro-One. Find out more here.
The UK’s Underground Reggae Scene Sound Systems. The BBC promotes a series of exhibitions in Bristol, Birmingham and London documenting the growth of sound systems in the UK, which were created by rival crews, with a distinctly British style. Music historian John Masouri helps to explain the subculture’s roots, here.
UVI PX Apollo Released. Compatible with current versions of UVI Workstation and UVI Falcon, UVI‘s PX Apollo is based on a rare prototype from the early 70s that was the precursor to one of the world’s first polyphonic analogue synthesisers, marking the first release of their PX Prototype Series, exploring unique, fringe and unreleased electronic and acoustic instruments. Find out more here, and watch UVI’s trailer above.
Apple Releases Updates and Music Memos App. Apple has updated Logic X to verson 10.2.1 with loads of new additions and improvements, found in the release notes here. Garageband iOS has also received large updates, including an Ableton-style synced loop-triggering system with live multi-touch and tilt-controlled effects, a virtual drummer, automation curves and much more. Find the full list here. Apple has also released Music Memos, an iOS app for recording and cataloguing musical ideas, available free from the App Store. Read more about that here.
Discovering The Original Ambient Music. In light of Grönland Records‘ recent release of Harmonia‘s album Documents, The New Yorker documents the true origins of ambient music. Documents was a favourite of David Bowie, whose work with Brian Eno in the 70s inspired Eno’s ambient revelations. The article tracks the German invention of tape, along with the emergence of krautrock groups like Tangerine Dream, Popol Vuh, Cluster, and Neu!. Read it in full here.
New Hybrid Algorithms for Eventide Stompboxes. Eventide has introduced a new modulation-delay-reverb hybrid algorithm, SpaceTime, for their H9 stompboxes. SpaceTime features a custom UI for versatility and independent control of each effect. The H9’s two onboard footswitches allow you to change presets, tap tempo, and bypass with your feet during live performance. Find out more here and watch it in action above.
Goldbaby Release SuperAnalog909 Sample Pack. Goldbaby‘s new SuperAnalog909 sample pack is an all-new 909 collection recorded at a high sampling rate with high-end outboard gear including a Thermionic Culture Fat Bustard II valve mixer, Moog 500 series ladder filter and UBK Fatso among others. The result is a punchy, warm sound that lives up to the high standards set by Goldbaby’s existing Tape909 pack. More information here.
ADAM Audio Founder Launches Monitors With “Nearly Linear Frequency Response”. The founder of ADAM Audio has returned with a new speaker company, Heinz Electrodynamic Designs (HEDD), which have debuted their Series ONE line of studio monitors, which promise a “nearly linear frequency response”. More info here.