Nonlinear Labs has announced a free update for the C15 synthesizer, which now features the ability to record audio within the synth itself and adds USB MIDI connectivity.
Besides that, Nonlinear Labs is also releasing a MIDI Bridge hardware device for connecting the C15 directly to a computer or other host devices.
Recording features:
Loss-free digital recording of the stereo output signal
FLAC-compressed storage of the last hours (at least 80 min) of playing
Auto-start when the C15 is booted (optional)
Visualization in the browser and play-back controls
Download of the selected segment as FLAC or WAV file
The sound parameters at any point of the timeline can be restored
Complete information about the presets used in the session
USB MIDI Features:
Transmits and receives notes, positions of the Hardware Controls, Program Changes
Up to 90 parameters can be modulated via the Macro Controls
14-bit resolution for Note Velocities and for Controls available
Separate MIDI Channels for Split zones and Parts of the synth engine available
Local On/Off
The update, dubbed the Studio Package, allows all users of the C15 to records the past hour’s worth of playing directly within the machine. The FLAC-compressed audio can then be accessed and downloaded via a browser.
Additionally, from any point in the timeline of playing, any of the synth parameter settings can be restored, giving you a perfect snapshot and alleviating that horrible sense of whether you had remembered to hit record in your DAW, or not.
The MIDI Bridge hardware allows non-host devices to be connected, although, should you need to connect devices via a 5-pin DIN socket, then an external MIDI interface will be required.
The Studio Package is available as a free update now and owners of the C15 (prior to 3 June 2021) can purchase the MIDI Bridge for $110
E-Phonic has unleashed Invader 2, an 8-voice, virtual analogue polysynth, which has been designed to be a powerful yet easy-to-use instrument.
The 8-voice virtual analogue looks and sounds the business. The softsynth is a classic analogue emulation with two oscillators and a sub-oscillator feeding into one of two low-pass resonant filters, featuring drive and high-pass functions. Other features include two LFOs, two envelopes, a stereo noise generator, ring modulator, delay, arpeggiator and a 16-step sequencer.
Polyphonic stereo unison with optional low CPU unison emulation mode (up to 48 voices)
2 low pass resonant filter types (clean and raw)
Filter drive or high-pass option
Stereo noise generator
Ring modulation
2 LFOs with delay function
2 Envelopes
Delay effect with normal, ping pong, tape and diffusion delay modes
Arpeggiator / 16 step sequencer
4 x oversampled engine
Medium and high-quality modes
200+ presets
The interface offers knob-per-function so users should find it easy to use with an intuitive and familiar design to vintage synths. If you find yourself a bit stuck then Invader 2 comes with a healthy load of 200+ presets to get you started.
Despite the seemingly easy-to-use nature of the softsynth, the sonic results are rather pleasing. The sound demo above comes directly from Invader 2, with no external effects involved.
The Invader 2 is available now for 64-bit Mac and PC systems in VST3 and AU formats from the E-Phonic website.
The polysynth comes with an introductory offer where you get to pay what you want, just as long as it matches or is above the $5 minimum.
Nektar has released the latest stablemate to its SE range. The larger model joins the 25– and 49-key versions. And the Nektar slim new SE61 controller still manages to pack in the features. This time, the MIDI controller manufacturer brings a much-requested 61-key variant to the fold.
The SE61 features 61 full-size velocity-sensitive keys with a synth-action, transpose and octave buttons, with a 30mm volume fader.
Much like the previous 25– and 49-key versions, the SE61 dispenses with all the pads of the Panorama and Impact series’, and despite this, the entry-level range still manages to cram in some extra features. As with most budget USB MIDI controllers, one of the main features you will be looking for is DAW control and Nektar SE range has you covered.
The super-slimline Midi Controller is USB bus-powered and features plug-and-play capabilities with basic controls for 12 DAWs including transport functions, with the aid of Nektar DAW Integration.
