Polyend has introduced a firmware update for its Tracker workstation that adds horizontal pattern editing, new effects, adding effects to the line inputs and other improvements.
Polyend was always going to face a bit of a conundrum with Tracker, its stylish sampling hardware. Firmware update adds an offers a horizontal workflow option.
Polyend Tracker’s new sequencing mode means it is now for people who do not like trackers, too
Here’s what’s new in Polyend Tracker v1.4:
Newly added Horizontal Pattern Edit Mode, to give you access to a more classic sequencing experience,
New step Fx’s – Arp, Slide, Gate Length, and Swing,
The Tune Fx in the Performance Mode now also works for MIDI notes,
Line Input passthrough now supports Delay and Reverb sends,
Mono support for Line Input passthrough,
Performance Mode now plays through the entire song
You can now switch between Perform screen and Instrument Parameters without breaking the performance,
Updated Title Bar is now also available in the Pattern Screen,
New MIDI output latency compensation (MIDI Instrument Parameters offset utility),
Overall bugfix and performance update
Polyend’s solution is to give us the best of both worlds; the tracker-style interface is still present and correct, but thanks to the new v1.4 firmware update, there’s now an alternative Horizontal Pattern Edit Mode for those who want “a more classic sequencing experience”.
In addition, the update also adds new step FX – Arp, Slide, Gate Length and Swing – while the Tune FX in the Performance Mode now work for MIDI notes, as well.
Doing it is not easy though, but is only going to become more popular as time goes on.
Mixcloud has just introduced its Mixcloud Live studio.
Designed to enable one-click live streaming – there’s no need to use third-party software, copy stream keys or manage settings – this is based on a streaming technology known as Web Real-Time Connection ( WebRTC). Mixcloud says that this offers several benefits in comparison to RTMP – the tech used by the likes of OBS and Streamlabs.
These include near instantaneous streaming – so there’s no lag between what the streamer does and what the viewer sees – and two-way communication, opening up the prospect of “creator-to-creator collaboration and creator-to-fan interaction,” which could be interesting.
“Ultimately our goal is to build the best product for live-streaming music,” says Mixcloud. “This means building a platform that is easy to use and join, that sounds and looks great, that manages copyright on your behalf, and that has interactivity and engagement features baked in.”
Mixcloud Live studio is currently in beta and available exclusively to Mixcloud Pro members.
Audio Damage’s Other Desert Cities is the delay plugin, named after a sign on a highway that leaves Los Angeles, in case you were wondering, this takes the delay plugin concept and runs off with it in several different directions.
With six algorithms, covering everything from a standard dual delay to reversed, tape, multi-tap and granular delays. A slew of Modulation options, meanwhile, include two tempo-synced variable waveshape LFOs and an envelope follower – every control on the interface can be modulated, naturally.
The diffusor, ‘smears’ the feedback path to generate reverb-type effects, and there is an extensive set of level controls.
Other Desert Cities runs in VST/AU/AAX formats on PC and Mac, with an iOS version set to follow soon. And it is available now for the introductory price of $59 (regular price will be $79).
