MASCHINE MIKRO available from Mid-October

As well as the iMASCHINE App for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, Native Instruments has announced a new, compact, cheaper alternative to its MASCHINE hardware.

MASCHINE MIKRO offers the same kind of performance and features as its bigger brother but at a reduced price and size.

This latest addition to the family has the same powerful software and 6 GB+ sample library as its big brother, as well as the same responsive pads on a more compact and portable controller. MASCHINE MIKRO makes a perfect addition for any production setup – get hands-on with your rhythms and grooves both in the studio and on the stage.

Hardware Specifications

• Width: 320 mm / 12.6″
• Length: 195 mm / 7.7″
• Height: 55 mm / 2.2″
• Weight: 1.2 Kgs / 2.6 lbs
• One high-contrast black and white display 64 x 128 pixels
• 16 high-quality, illuminated pads with velocity and aftertouch
• One master knob for controlling numerous functions
• 28 backlit buttons
• USB 2.0
• Kensington Lock

Comparison With MASCHINE

Here’s how the MASCHINE MIKRO compares to the full-blown MASCHINE. Though you lose out on displays, entry dials and a few other things, the MIKRO is still no pushover.

Which MASCHINE is for me?

Priced €349, new stock will be available online from 20th October.

Product page

Roland intros SPD-SX Sampling Pad

Calling it “the ultimate percussive sampling instrument”, Roland introduces the SPD-SX Sampling Pad, making it easy to capture, manipulate and play back audio.

Features include:

• Unique sampling-pad concept — the only instrument of its kind in the world
• 2 GB internal memory, enabling approximately 360 minutes of sampling (mono) without requiring external memory
• Nine velocity-sensitive rubber pads, two external dual-trigger inputs
• Easy capturing and assignment of audio data through Multi-Pad Sampling
• Three units of multi-effects onboard, with two real-time control knobs and four dedicated effect buttons
• Individual Pad Dynamics indicators show pad status and audio-level activity during performance
• Expanded USB functionality (USB Mass Storage, USB MIDI/AUDIO, USB Memory)
• Wave Manager software included for easily importing, assigning, and organising samples
• Large backlit LCD

The Playing Field

The SPD-SX is equipped with nine highly sensitive rubber pads with two independent real-time control knobs and four dedicated effect buttons. Roland’s most advanced triggering technology ensures the ultimate in accuracy and fully dynamic performance, while a large backlit LCD provides easy-to-read data in all varieties of environments. Each pad has a companion LED that illuminates to show the pad’s status. When you trigger sample phrases, the LEDs remain lit to show you which pads are in play and which are not. In addition, the LEDs change illumination strength according to audio-level activity (similar to level meters on a mixing board). The high-contrast red divider lines help you see the pad zones clearly onstage.

Improved Playability and Functionality

Today, increasing numbers of drummers and percussionists need to incorporate audio samples into their performance. The SPD-SX will satisfy their increasing requirements with essential features such as individual click output routing, dedicated volume controls, Pad Check function, individual Sub Out, and more.

Onboard Effects

The SPD-SX has three multi-effects units onboard: one master unit and two units that are assignable per kit. The master effects engine lets you perform in real time like a DJ using the dedicated front-panel controls. Get your hands on the filter, delay, short looper, and user-assignable effect — all of which can be creatively adjusted with the four front-panel buttons and two control knobs.

Multi-Pad Sampling

There’s much more to the SPD-SX than meets the eye. A powerful-yet-friendly lineup of features has been built into this little powerhouse, such as Multi-Pad Sampling. While audio streams in from an external audio player or computer (via Audio In or USB), simply strike each pad at the appropriate start/end points, and the sample will be automatically truncated and assigned to that pad. It’s a fast, friendly way to create multi-sampled phrases and pad maps.

SPD-SX Wave Manager Software Included

The SPD-SX’s generous internal memory (2 GB) lets you store and carry your entire sample library inside. With no external memory required, you can house approximately 360 minutes of audio (10,000 files) at 16-bit, 44.1 kHz, mono. The built-in USB ports let you directly import audio files from USB flash memory. The bundled SPD-SX Wave Manager software app lets you import audio files directly from computer via USB, assign the samples to each pad, and organize the thousands of samples efficiently.

Boss RC-30 and RC-3 Loop Stations announced [NAMM11]

BOSS celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Loop Station with a dynamic new lineup of RC-series loopers. Introducing the RC-3 and RC-30: portable, powerful pedals with super-sized internal memory that captures up to three hours of stereo looping.

The RC-3 is a one-track stereo looper housed in a compact pedal; the RC-30 is the two-track version in twin-pedal format. No matter what instrument you play or noises you make, the new RC series is ready to loop it. Plug in your instrument of choice, even a microphone; the RC-30 has an XLR input, complete with phantom power. Both pedals are equipped with USB 2.0 ports that let you save your loops externally, as well as import and export WAV files.

RC-30 DUAL TRACK LOOPER

• Twin Pedal multitrack looper with true stereo I/O
• Two synchronized stereo tracks with dedicated volume faders and track-select buttons
• Massive internal memory with up to three hours of stereo recording time
• 99 onboard memory phrases for storing loops
• Built-in effects for processing loops
• Multiple inputs: 1/4″ A and B input jacks, stereo 1/8″ mini AUX input jack, XLR input jack with phantom power
• USB 2.0 port allows you to connect to a PC and import/export WAV audio
• Rhythm guide with real drums
• Runs on batteries or optional AC power supply

RC-3

• Compact and powerful stereo stompbox looper
• Massive internal memory with up to three hours of stereo recording time
• 99 onboard memories for storing loops
• USB 2.0 port allows you to connect to a PC and import/export WAV audio
• Rhythm guide with real drums
• Runs on a single 9-volt battery or optional AC power supply

Exact pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Roland updates SP-404 sampler: SP-404SX

Roland’s acclaimed SP-404 performance sampler takes an exciting leap forward with the new SP-404SX.

In addition to the fun, fast, hands-on features of the original, the new model offers enhanced sound quality with pure 16-bit linear sampling, improved DSP effects, smooth FX switching, a more versatile pattern sequencer (with a new shuffle feature), and easier data management with SD-card compatibility. It’s a creatively stimulating, powerful tool for DJs, musicians, producers, and live-sound engineers who trigger jingles.

• Sample anytime, anywhere with the built-in mic and battery power
• 29 DSP effects, including filter, delay, unique voice effects, subsonic, and looper
• 3 control knobs, 12 trigger pads, and Sub Pad for rapid repeat triggering
• Seamless effects switching for smooth, perfect performance
• Pattern sequencer with quantize mode and new shuffle feels
• 1GB SD card included; expand sample storage up to 32GB with SDHC
• Import audio files from computer, assign samples to pads with bundled software (Mac/PC)

Instant Sampling

Sample anywhere, anytime using the SP-404SX’s built-in microphone. And since the SP-404SX can run on AC or battery power (six AA batteries), it’s easy to record wherever and whenever inspiration strikes. Just power-up, point, and record. Line and mic inputs are also available for recording direct or with an external microphone. The SP-404SX’s sampling format is uncompressed wave for high-quality audio capture.

Hands-On Performance

The SP-404SX is made to be played — it’s packed with interactive controls for jamming along with loops and patterns. Put your fingers on the three non-slip control knobs, 12 trigger pads, and Sub Pad for rapid repeat triggering in real time. On dark stages or DJ booths, the SP-404SX is a performers dream with its illuminated rubber pads and bright LED screen.

Extreme Effects

Create a signature sound using the SP-404SX’s 29 DSP effects, which switch seamlessly during live performance. Essential onboard effects include spacious reverbs and choruses, plus filters and delays. There are also unique, esoteric effects built in, including a voice transformer and looper. With the DJFX Looper, you can create short loops (such as machine-gun-like “da-da-da-da-da” sounds) and control reverse-playback with the knob. You can also create scratch effects like a turntable. Connect the SP-404SX to a DJ mixer and use it as an effect processor. Seventeen of the effects have a “limiter” mode, which keeps the effects from overloading. This is great for live DJ performance when you don’t want to lose control of the effects in the heat of the moment.

Trackbuilder

In addition to the endless supply of loops you can pack into the SP-404SX, you can also create your own tracks in real time with the Pattern Sequencer, complete with quantize mode, which includes shuffle feels. Creating patterns is done in real time. You can loop two measures (maximum 99 measures), for example, then play and record only the bass drum and the snare. Next, add the hi-hat over the top, and keep adding more instruments while the SP-404SX loops. You can store 120 patterns (12 patterns x 10 banks). When you play a pattern with the Pattern Sequencer, the LEDs surrounding the display blink according to the tempo, which is handy during live performance.

SD Card Memory

Start sampling right away with the included 1GB SD card. You can easily expand the sampling time using up to 32GB SDHC. Import audio files from your computer using the included software (Mac/PC) and assign them to the SP-404SX’s pads. WAV and AIFF files are accepted. The software is fast and easy to use, as it displays the SP-404SX’s pads onscreen. You can even use it to convert SP-404 format files to the SP-404SX.

Korg debuts major upgrade to M3 music workstation/sampler [NAMM09]

Korg has shown off a major upgrade to its M3 music workstation and sampler in the shape of the M3 Xpanded.

This free upgrade offers 668MB of expansive new sounds, interactive interface functionality, advanced sequencer enhancements and additions to the KARMA technology.

Sound samples include three new acoustic pianos, 3-way tine and reed electric pianos, four velocity-switch clavichords, vintage tape-playback strings and flutes.

An expanded Sequencer mode adds new screens and functions, including a much-requested Piano Roll edit screen which shows event data, such as notes, velocities and control changes, in an intuitive, graphical way. Touch-drag operation can now be used to edit, delete or create note events or control events. A Track View page shows an overview of each track’s events and provides additional intuitive touch-drag operation. Full MIDI system exclusive data editing has also been added to the Sequencer mode, allowing users to easily record, view, control and edit every aspect of the M3’s synthesis, effects and mixing structures in the everyday parameter names, rather than complex hex coding.

The KARMA function, which generates unique, interactive phrases, has been expanded to Version 2.2, with many new features, including 1,024 locations for user GEs (Generated Effects) when used with exclusive KARMA M3 software from Karma-Lab. Users are now able to switch GEs in real time while KARMA is playing, with seamless transitions.

Other updated features include 700 effect presets voiced to provide instant production-ready settings, 149 newly added drum patterns and an improved TouchView user interface, which allows users to operate knobs or sliders by touch-drag operation onscreen, plus visual metering of timbre and track levels in Combi and Sequencer modes.

The new M3 XPanded upgrade is available for free in the box with all new M3 purchases, with a USB memory stick included containing the new OS and 640 MB of PCM (USB-PCM-04 is available for download only). The complete M3 XPanded upgrade is also available for download at www.korg.com/M3 for existing users.

Korg