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Launched in 2016, Arturia’s KeyStep MIDI controller was a slim and minimalistic 32-note keyboard that squeezed an impressive level of functionality into a portable, reasonably-priced package.

Today, Arturia has launched KeyStep mk2, a major upgrade that brings an OLED display, USB-C connectivity, new generative tools and a redesigned sequencer and arpeggiator to this popular controller.

Arturia is pitching KeyStep mk2 as “the ultimate compact controller and sequencer” for both DAWless workflows and computer-based set-ups, maintaining the “core essence” of the range while introducing a raft of significant improvements.

KeyStep mk2 features the same 32-key slim keybed with velocity and aftertouch as its predecessor, but this has been complemented by an OLED screen and clickable encoder, meaning all editing is now directly accessible from the hardware, a task that previously entailed the use of Arturia’s Control Center software.

On the hardware front, Arturia has added a power switch, swapped the USB Micro-B connection from KeyStep mk1 for a USB-C port and added an extra CV output. In total, KeyStep mk2 offers four 3.5mm CV outputs, MIDI In/Out over 5-pin DIN, analogue sync in/out and a 1/4″ sustain pedal jack – a healthy amount of connectivity for such an affordable controller.

KeyStep mk2 introduces a number of new tools for idea generation and manipulation, including a new Mutate function, which allows for one-touch transformation of patterns and sequences, accessible via the dedicated Mutate button.

The sequencer has been upgraded with support for unquantized recording and pattern chaining, and the arpeggiator has been bolstered with eight new modes. Scale and Chord Modes have been brought over from the KeyLab Mk3, while the new Spice and Dice functions (first seen on the MicroFreak) allow you to create randomized variations on sequencer and arp patterns in real-time.

Here’s KeyStep mk2 Overview:

Arturia KeyStep mk2 is priced at $169. Find out more on Arturia website.

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‘Step inside the studio that made history’ – Universal Audio today introduced Ocean Way Studios Deluxe, a “complete reimagining” of the Ocean Way Studios plugin.

Launched in 2013, Universal Audio’s Ocean Way Studios plugin introduced the concept of ‘Dynamic Room Modelling’ and studio emulation.

The technology seeks to bottle the sound of a studio – a combination of the acoustics of its rooms and the sonic character of its mics and mixing console – in software, giving music-makers working at home the opportunity to record as if they were working in a hallowed studio space; in this case, the historic Ocean Way Studios.

Often referred to as America’s Abbey Road, Ocean Way was based on Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard, playing host to a dazzling list of iconic artists throughout its multi-decade history, first as United Western Recorders and then as Ocean Way Recording: Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra to Radiohead and Whitney Houston, and Beck to name a few.

Twelve years later since the launch of that plugin, and UA has seen fit to give Ocean Way Studios a lick of paint, releasing a refreshed and reimagined version today titled Ocean Way Studios Deluxe.

As with its predecessor, Ocean Way Studios Deluxe features two main modes: Reverb and Re-Mic. The Re-Mic mode processes your recordings as if they were re-amplified and re-recorded in Ocean Way’s Studio A or Studio B, emulating the source and its distinct radiation patterns, the acoustics of the studio itself, and the sonic fingerprint of the speakers and microphones involved.

There’s a broad choice of microphone types on offer, along with fine-grained control over set-up and placement. Ocean Way Studios Deluxe is equipped with two new re-mic setups based on emulations of the UREI 813 15″ studio monitors and Altec A-2, enormous folded-horn cabinets used at Ocean Way for decades. The plugin offers a selection of 13 mic emulations that features everything from a U47 to an SM57, all of which can be repositioned in virtual space via the newly redesigned interface.

The plugin’s Reverb Mode allows you to blend existing recordings with a meticulously modelled emulation of Ocean Way’s natural ambience. The Deluxe version now features emulations of three of Ocean Way Studios’ reverb chambers, originally designed by influential engineer and Universal Audio founder Bill Putnam Sr, the father of UA’s current CEO.

Alongside this, you’ll find a varied arsenal of modelled analogue gear from Ocean Way’s extensive collection, including classic dynamics processors such as the Fairchild 670, 1176LN, LA-2A and dbx 160, alongside Studio A’s Focusrite 110 EQ and Studio B’s custom-built Dalcon console, complete with its API 550A EQ.

“With Ocean Way Studios Deluxe, we wanted to bring creators even closer to the sound of these historic rooms,” says Lev Perrey, VP of Product at Universal Audio. “It’s a complete re-imagining of one of our most beloved plugins—now featuring the chambers, analogue consoles, and re-miking setups—rebuilt from the ground up for modern music producers on any system.”

Ocean Way Studios Deluxe Complete Tutorial & Walkthrough:

Ocean Way Studios Deluxe is available as a perpetual license for $249 or as part of UA’s Spark subscription platform. Existing owners of the Ocean Way Studios plugin can upgrade for $49.

Find out more on UA website.

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Bugbrand has introduced the Touch Control Sequencer (TCS), a new Euro format module described as “a powerful-but-compact control and sequencing hub”.

It’s designed for CV sequencing and control.

The TCS can be thought of as two main parts – Touch and Sequencing – which can be linked or independent.

Here are the details:

Touch:

• 8 capacitive touch pads generate 0 to +10V CVs from their Pressure outputs, along with a Global Pressure summation – these can also be used as gate sources, as all module inputs pass through comparators
• The keys are generally considered monophonic (one at a time), though pressing more is possible & the pressure outputs will respond accordingly
• There is 3-bit binary output (Key Adr) which represents the highest note pressed at any time (outputs 0 to +10V)
• The Key Response switch allows the touch pads to select (Jump or Hold) a sequence step, or have the sections independent (middle X position)
• There is a Sensitivity trimmer on the module rear if fine adjustment of the response is required

Sequencer:

• 2 rows of voltage knobs with ranges each of 2V or 10V along with 2 Gate buses on the center-off switch row (0 to +10V output)
• The sequence can be clocked via a rear bus connection or via an external signal (as always, via a comparator and capable of running at audio rates – tested to 20kHz!)
• Stepping direction can be forwards or backwards or externally controlled (try a clock divider or use Global Pressure) – low input = forwards stepping, high input = backwards
• Reset returns the step to stage 1 – this can be activated from an external source or patch back one of the Gate outputs
• With the Key Response switch you can use the touch pads to select a stage – Jump moves the sequence to that stage & clocking continues, whereas Hold will stay on that step until the key is released

The TCS is available for £470.00 (Incl. VAT: £564.00).

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