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Predator, the vintage soft synth was first released in 2007. Subsequent to that Predator 2 was released in 2017. Now, the new Hybrid analogue/wavetable synth gets a redesigned interface and new features.

Rob Papen updates his classic Predator synth plugin to version 3, but is it still worth hunting down?

Predator version 3 has a redesigned GUI that, as well as looking much nicer, puts all the main controls right in front of you, making the synth easier to use.

As its predecessor, this is a hybrid instrument that can generate both analogue-style and wavetable sounds. The arpeggiator has been enhanced, multi-envelopes have been added, and there is now an Audio Follower input for sidechain control.

In addition, you can expect a better sound, as well – Predator 3 features the analogue-modelled code from Rob Papen’s BIT synth, which is said to deliver “uncompromised audio quality”. More than 6,500 presets are included to show this off.

Predator 3 runs on PC and Mac in VST/AU/AAX formats and there’s a demo version.

Find out more on the Rob Papen website.

Predator 3 is available now from the Rob Papen website priced at $149/€149.

Ableton has announced Extended Sounds, a new Pack for Ableton Live by Modeselektor. The Pack is a construction kit sampled from a huge variety of synths and drum machines from Modeselektor’s broad collection of classic studio gear and wraps them up in “wild effects with eminently-playable presets.”

Created with the same ethos as Modeselektor’s 2021 album “Extended,” the Extended Sounds Pack gives the user access to many of the distinctive elements that have defined the sound of Gernot Bronsert and Sebastian Szary’s Modeselektor project. Extended Sounds delivers a bevy of handcrafted instruments, drum kits, MIDI clips, Effect Racks and presets to incorporate into projects.

What’s more, at the heart of the Pack are more than 2000 samples from equipment in the Modeselektor studio. The multi-sampled synths and drum machines are then distinctively processed through complex effects routings. Live’s native synths receive the same treatment, giving Wavetable and Operator “that signature Modeselektor grit.”

The pristine recorded samples in this Pack meet extensive effects chains for dramatic transformations. The Macro Variations introduced in Live 11 are often the first thing you’ll see when loading an instrument, Drum or Effect Rack from this Pack. Beyond the uniquely Modeselektor preset names you’ll find crushing distortion, heavily-modulated resonators and scuzzy reverbs, all multi-mapped for quick control over the chaos within.

The demo Live Sets found in the Extended Sounds Pack offer an insight into how the duo build and arrange their tracks, while the included MIDI clips further break down how they construct the foundations of their music. Divided into useful sub-folders for easy integration into the user’s work, combine the clips with drum kits and instruments, and easily explore new configurations of sound, rhythm and melody.

The Extended Sounds Pack from Modeselektor is a complete production toolkit, and is available from Ableton for $59.

Sonicware has introduced Liven Bass and Beats, a “wavetable bass synthesizer and rhythm machine”.

It’s designed to be a powerful portable groovebox that can be used in your studio or standalone, with battery power and a built-in speaker.

The bass synth engine includes:

• Two independent Wavetable oscillators with the 32 available wavetables.
• One sub-oscillator
• One noise generator which can create 10 different noise types.

Other features include built-in LFO, envelope generator, unison control, multi-mode filter, and distortion effects.

64+ bass presets include standards like Reese Bass, Future Bounce Bass, Wobble Bass, Growl Bass, Neuro Bass, Deep House Bass, Acid Bass, 808 Sub Bass and more.

In addition, the Liven Bass and Beats is loaded with 150 rhythm sounds. The library of drum sounds also includes risers and tension release FX for creating transition effects. The drum sounds are organized into kits for specific genres such as dubstep, house, hiphop, trap and techno. You can also mix and match sounds from the drum library to create your own custom kits.

The Liven Bass and Beats also offers features tailored to live performance, including 16 physical control knobs, parameter locking for each sequencer step, and SYNC IN/OUT and MIDI IN/OUT connectors.

Liven Bass & Beats

The Liven Bass & Beats is now available for $239