Arturia
One of the big surprises this year is the Arturia BeatStep, a $99 controller and sequencer with MIDI, CV/gate and USB connectivity. It looks like there are a lot of features packed into this unique product, but the main attractions are the 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads for drum programming, corresponding rotary encoders and two main operating modes: CNTRL (controller) and SEQ (sequencer). The CV/gate outputs should also mean it works well with the MicroBrute and MiniBrute, among others. We’re looking forward to getting our hands on it.
Waldorf 2-Pole
Waldorf has introduced the 2-Pole, an analogue filter with built-in LFO and envelope follower. “2-Pole is giving the guitar player, the DJ, or the keyboard player access to the heart of the Waldorf sound – with an inspiring user interface with a one knob/one function philosophy.”
Bitwig Studio release date announced
The long-awaited DAW from former Ableton developers will finally be released on March 26th, priced at $399/€299. Check out the video demo below.
The best of the rest
Universal Audio announces Apollo Twin, £729 desktop interface with integrated UAD card.
iZotope and BT team up for BreakTweaker plugin.
Kush Audio to unveil the UBK Pusher, “the wildest UBK compressor to date”.
Rob Papen is set to demonstrate Blue-II, the latest version of his ‘crossfusion’ soft synth.
SmithsonMartin reveals Emulator ELITE touch-screen DJ controller.
Clavia reveals Nord Lead A1.
Audionamix releases ADX Trax vocal separation tool, “the ultimate first step for vocal separation”.
01.48 PM
Not to mention a new Elektron drum machine and Nord virtual analogue synthesiser as well. Korg seem to have been quiet though, so I hope they have something up their sleeve as well.
03.56 AM
Korg have an Ikea inspired MS20 DIY kit.
07.12 AM
Check out our video demo for the Sub 37 here: http://en.audiofanzine.com/analog-synth/moog-music/sub-37/news/a.play,n.17470.html
09.48 PM
I would love Roland to re-release a TB-303 inspired piece of hardware. Analog or digital, preferably analog.
http://lalovesedm.com/nightlife
06.05 PM
The Roland releases will almost assurely be digital. They don’t release anything but digital.
06.08 PM
I personally don’t understand the Nord A1 release. It comes on the heels of the Lead 4 and is a cheaper easier to use model, with what appears to be only one oscillator. It’s basically a dumbed down 2X with some effects.
06.10 PM
Moog and Elektrons releases are the most exciting new hardware instrument releases, at least to me.
06.11 PM
I wonder if the sub 37 will include an option for stereo output.
11.56 PM
I was spared this time from the (yet) non-existent Aira. Beatport has already deemed it the best in show…
01.28 AM
Urghh! I wish I was there! The whole musical blogosphere is talking about NAMM