Software developer Acoustica recently announced the release of Mixcraft 5, the new version of its popular multi-track audio studio.Reasonably priced at 74,95 USD, the company is aiming at the entry-level market. Having tested several versions of Mixcraft, I can honestly say this is a quality product. The interface is very clear and easy to use, and as a whole the program is very stable.
New features include:
-Automation
“New Automation features provide automated control of all parameters and controls in any VST effect, VSTi instrument, or Acoustica effect. All tracks can contain an unlimited number of automation curves on an unlimited number of effects and instruments. In addition, you can even automate the track volume & panning, and more.”
-Mixer Interface
“Mixcraft 5’s powerful Mixer Interface provides a convenient and familiar interface for mixing a project. Complete with easy access to volume, pan, mute, and solo controls, as well as effects and instrument dialogs, our Mixer Interface also includes a 3-band EQ on every track, so you can get every instrument fitting perfectly into the mix.”
-Notation
“Mixcraft 5’s Notation tools allow you to create, edit, and print your MIDI data in familiar music notation format. Record your own MIDI tracks and instantly generate high-quality professional sheet music based on your performance. Or, construct your own musical composition note-by-note with traditional music notation.”
-Pultronic Tube EQ (by G-Sonique)
“The Pultronic Tube EQ by G-Sonique (a $60 value!), a detailed recreation of the classic vintage vacuum tube-based equalizer found in top studios throughout the world. Warm up your tracks or add a completely new character to your sound with the Pultronic Tube EQ’s array of tube models and killer presets.”
To sum up: Mixcraft is packed with editing tools, virtual instruments, effects and the likes. Being very user-friendly, it would be perfect for a begginer or anyone looking for a for a simple no-nonsense audio program.
It’s been confirmed as of yesterday, that Guru of Gangstarr fame is in a coma, as a result of suffering a heart attack. DJ Premier has even confirmed it, saying Guru is expected to have surgery any time now.
Mathematics, DJ/Producer of the Wu-Tang Clan DJ presents ”Return of the Wu and Friends Return of the Wu”. The compilation features vocals from the whole click. The songs are not all exclusive, but as a whole it’s a nice collection of banging tracks. All songs/remixes are produced by Mathematics and showcase his soulful sound. A highly recommended purchase.
The Hip Hop Hall of Fame Museum will launch in June 2010 in New York City. Easy Mo Bee , the world renowned Hip Hop Producer will sit on the Advisory Board for the Hip Hop Hall of Fame Awards Show Celebration.Mo Bee has produced songs for many artists, including Biggie, Tupac and Busta Rhymes to name a few. He will be producing the theme song for this Red Carpet Event which will take place June 2010 in NYC.
So far, the museum has secured $10 million in funding and will provide 300 jobs, internships, marketing opportunities, educational events and outreach programs for the youth and the local community.
Urbanears is an up and coming Scandinavian company selling headphones which are both technical and stylish at the same time. The headsets feature the distinctive Scandinavian modern design you can find at your local IKEA store. The main visual characteristic is the solid, uniform color, which in my opinion makes the product very stylish and distinctive. The headsets come in 3 different models and in a variety of colors. The premium model “Plattan” features the following :
• Hinge construction allowing the headphone to fold down to a fraction of its size.
• Size adjustment, made to fit everyone.
• 40 mm handmade driver unit.
• Frequency Response 20-20kHz
• Impedance 32O
• Sensitivity 112dB
• Max Input Power 40mW
• 120 cm / 47″ fabric cord.
• 3.5 mm stereo plug.
• Microphone and remote compatible with most devices such as Nokia, Blackberry, HTC and iPhone.
• Zound Plug.
• One year premium replacement warranty.
Vinyl is not dead! Countless hip hop productions have been created with the sweet sounds of vinyl, so here’s a video of how Gotta Groove Records makes their vinyl. Note to music labels: Keep putting out vinyl!!!
More and more people travel for work and/or pleasure, ok nothing really new here , that’s been a trend for at least a few decades. Marketers have recognized this, and launched many products that enriched our lives when “on the go” (think ipods, laptops, cellular phones , etc …)
Netbooks like Asus’ EEE PC have been hugely popular because 1/they’re tiny, easy to carry 2/can run many applications. So why not use one for Music production?
There seems to be a few obstacles to really achieve this 1/lack of memory and disk space might not allow certain programs to run properly 2/small screens might be rough on the eyes 3/weak sound quality through the chipset .
However, in order to compensate these weaknesses you can : 1/ buy an external USB sound card 2/use an external hard drive-CD-Rom drive.You can even add a master keyboard/surface controller if you want to “touch the music” so to speak.
In my opinion, if your set up is already minimal (think trackers like Sony Acid) using a netbook on the road makes a lot of sense ; if you absolutely need to use a complete suite like Reason then pass.
DITC fans rejoice ! OC and AG have recently released a collaborative effort titled “Oasis”. The LP features production from Showbiz, Lord Finesse and Statik Selektah amongst others. The album is packed with hard hitting soulful beats and dope rhymes from the two celebrated emcees. My favorite tracks are in no particular order: ” 2 for the money”, “Boom Bap” and “Oasis”. A highly recommended purchase.
What’s this? Now it’s the MPD26? I’m all for progression, but I think Akai is trying to confuse all of us hip hop producers!
Akai has released the MPD26 USB/MIDI controller to the masses. Promising the same MPC-style pads and functions as previous versions of the MPD, it seems that they’ve only added a few changes to this one, such as labels at the top right corner of each pad which marks 1/4, 1/8, etc notes. The right-side controls are a little different, with quickly accessible knobs just like the MPD32.
I’m not sure where they’re headed with their MPD army, but I think overall Akai needs to re-think their game plan when it comes to marketing this product. Nonetheless, it’s worth checking out if you’re the type that likes the MPC-style controllers but makes music on your computer – it’s a nice bridge indeed.
Key Features:
Access 64 samples on 16 pressure and velocity-sensitive MPC pads with four banks each
MPC technologies include Note Repeat, Swing, 16 Level, Full Level, and Tap Tempo
Control virtually any 12 software parameters on assignable Q-Link knobs and faders
Dedicated transport controls transmit MMC and MIDI to DAW and sequencing applications
MIDI output over USB and traditional DIN MIDI I/O for controlling software and hardware
Backlit, easy-to-read screen
USB bus powered, class compliant: plug and play with one USB cable
Comes with Ableton Live Lite and Editor Librarian software
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