Welcome to Synthgeek.tv, a home for synth geeks and audio freaks. Prepare yourself for a news overload from all the synthesizer and studio manufacturers around the world, as well as opinions and rants from your fellow circuit board worshippers. Here at synthgeek.tv we’re not big, we’re not clever but this stuff keeps us up at night!

Friday 8 April 2011

Steinberg HALion 4 Preview


VST Sampler & Sound Creation System
 
By fusing the inspiring and powerful tools of a next-generation sampling environment with the creative potential of a first-class synth engine, HALion 4 ushers in a new era in professional sound design. The hybrid character, along with in-depth editing tools and the most efficient yet flexible desktop concept ever witnessed in a virtual instrument set HALion 4 clearly apart from traditional software samplers. Add to this an outstanding range of studio-grade effect processors, a world-class library and one-of-a-kind features, such as MegaTrig or VST 3.5 support, and you have the new global standard for creative sound design.
 
For more information contact Production Room on 0845 539 3000 or email info@production-room.com.

Rane SL 2 for Serato Scratch Live


THE NEW STANDARD HAS ARRIVED

The Rane SL 2 gives you the freedom to take your entire digital music collection on the road with advanced features that add extra creativity to your DJing. This intuitive system replicates the traditional DJing experience for "real feel" usability. Low latency means the response time from touching the decks to hearing an audio signal is extremely fast. Serato engineers developed system level audio drivers that allow accurate and reliable operation at faster speeds than any other similar package.

The Rane SL 2 USB interface connects one or two standard vinyl or CD turntables to your computer using a single USB cable and audio connections to line inputs on your DJ mixer.

For more information contact Production Room on 0845 539 3000 or email info@production-room.com.

Korg WAVEDRUM Mini


Legendary Wavedrum technology – now in compact form!


The all-new Wavedrum Mini carries on this sound concept in a compact and portable format – complete with a built-in speaker and battery power for play anywhere convenience. In addition to its dynamic pad surface, the Wavedrum Mini also includes a newly-developed sensor clip which can be attached to a table, cup, or any object, allowing it to be played as a percussion instrument. Using the sensor clip and the pad allows two sounds to be played at once, doubling the Wavedrum Mini’s performance potential. Choose from 100 great sounds; add in one of the 10 exciting effects; play along to one of the 100 internal rhythm patterns, or record with unlimited overdubs using the built-in Looper. The possibilities are endless. The Wavedrum Mini will appeal to musicians who value a truly original performance, or to any beginner simply looking to enjoy playing a musical instrument.

With drum and percussion sounds from around the world, revolutionary synth sounds, plus unique original sounds, the Wavedrum Dynamic Percussion Synthesizer has been embraced by percussionists, drummers, and music lovers around the world.

For more information contact Production Room on 0845 539 3000 or email info@production-room.com.

Roland Jupiter 80 Synth Overview


ROLAND ANNOUNCES JUPITER-80 SYNTHESIZER

In 1981, Roland created the JUPITER-8, with the goal of creating the most expressive synthesizer possible. Equipped with the leading technology of its day, the legendary synth’s unique character and rich sound has remained iconic in the popular musical landscape ever since.

Today, Roland is extremely proud to introduce the JUPITER-80 Synthesizer, a keyboard that represents an unprecedented leap in the pursuit of the most realistic and authentically expressive electronic musical instrument, just as its namesake did when it was launched 30 years ago.

With a sleek industrial design that pays homage to the original JUPITER-8, the 76-key touchscreen-driven JUPITER-80 integrates the highest calibre of analogue modelling, digital synthesis, and SuperNATURAL expressiveness available in a live performance synthesizer.

For more information contact Production Room on 0845 539 3000 or email info@production-room.com.

Thursday 7 April 2011

Dark Matter Audio's CEO Jon Stuart Introduces the DMA1 Smart Audio Hub


The ultimate music production and performance tool.
 
The landscape for the creative artist in any audio environment is about to leap into a new future with the arrival of new UK company Dark Matter Audio and its revolutionary debut product: DMA1. This incredible audio device is anything you want it to be – guitar effects processor, high quality studio tool or performance instrument – thanks to its open architecture and Online Store that lets you wirelessly update DMA1 with a growing range of pro audio apps.

DMA1’s capabilities are extensive: a compact multi-FX processor that can also act as a digital multitrack recorder, MP3/4 player, MIDI interface, (up to) 5.1 digital mixing desk…

Much like a Smart Phone, musicians and producers will be able to wirelessly download applications to make DMA1 into a drum machine, sampler, loop recorder, digital patchbay, video tutorial device, chord and scale matcher, database of transcribed music, lyric organizer, composition sketch tool…

For more information contact Production Room on 0845 539 3000 or email info@production-room.com.

Yamaha MOX6/MOX8


Bert Smorenburg demonstrating Yamaha MOX music workstation synthesizer.

Ten years have past since MOTIF first came to be and the flagship workstation has continuously evolved, strengthening its position at the top of the class. For artist's, professional musician's and enthusiasts alike, MOTIF has always been the 'go- to' workstation offering the best in sound quality, performance features and computer integration.

Now Yamaha are delighted to be able to offer fans pure MOTIF DNA in a lightweight, feature heavy, yet affordable ... and portable range of products. Tagged 'The Mobile MOTIF', MOX 6 and MOX 8 combine the respected MOTIF XS sound engine, a USB controller keyboard and advanced multichannel USB audio/MIDI computer integration together into one convenient package.

For more information contact Production Room on 0845 539 3000 or email info@production-room.com.

Korg MONOTRIBE


In a world seemingly ruled by digital, Korg created an analog sensation with the palm-sized monotron Analogue Ribbon Synthesizer. Today, Korg once again takes up the analog banner with the amazing monotribe Analog Ribbon Station; a new form of synthesizer that packs an amazing array of features and technology into its compact body. Korg’s monotribe shares the monotron’s analog DNA, yet quickly delves deeper into the rich, organic, and often chaotic world of analog synthesis. In addition to analog synthesis, monotribe brings together intuitive ease of use and a three-part discrete analog rhythm section, plus the proven appeal of Electribe-style sequencing. Complete with built-in speakers and battery power, monotribe is self-contained and highly portable, able to deliver your ideas with style and personality.

For more information contact Production Room on 0845 539 3000 or email info@production-room.com.

Novation Twitch Overview


Overview of Novation TWITCH with Serato ITCH DJ software.

Novation TWITCH is a DJ controller with a completely new take on DJing. The worlds of digital DJ and Controllerist are colliding; performers are looking for new ways to manipulate music.

Instead of simply mixing tracks together with 'decks in a box', TWITCH re-focuses on cutting up beats, glitch-esque looping, firing off cue points and getting a totally different level of control over FX.

TWITCH has been co-developed with Serato and comes with ITCH DJ software, which is ultra-stable and has some powerful performance features, including the ability to beat-match your tracks so you can do some incredible remixing in real-time without falling out of sync. 

For more information contact Production Room on 0845 539 3000 or email info@production-room.com.

Monday 4 April 2011

Jon Lord unveils Hammond SK Stage Keyboard Series


Product Release : Hammond SK1 Hammond SK2
At Hammond, there have been many new product launches through the remarkable history of this iconic brand. From Laurens Hammond's original ground breaking engineering developments, right up to the present, where Suzuki continue to invest in technological advances that enables the Hammond brand to move forward into the future of music making. The new Hammond SK series, debuting at the 2011 Frankfurt Music Fair, illustrates the dedication of a company that truly understands and believes in its future. These two new instruments represent all that has been asked for by keyboard performers, from all genres of music, over the last few years and brings to the market Hammond products that have evolved laterally but still maintain their essential core sound and performance characteristics. Equipped with the same sound engine (VASE III) as the highly acclaimed Hammond B3 and XK-3c products, the SK models feature the best Hammond has to offer; the legendary Hammond B-3 Sound, high quality Acoustic pianos, Vintage Electric pianos, Vintage strings, Pipe-organs and many other sounds and effects. With the ability to download additional library sounds via USB the Hammond SK models allow players unique possibilities for individual setups. These stylish, retro designed, models are affordable, extremely lightweight, compact and feature everything needed for live or studio performance.