The latest video from Perfect Circuit features German synthesist Martha Bahr (aka Panic Girl) sharing how she creates binaural 3D audio effects in her Eurorack system using the Neuzeit Quasar .
The Quasar brings 3D spatial audio to the Eurorack world. It is a two-channel audio mixer that uses binaural algorithms. You can seamlessly move sounds around your head, dynamically change the angle, height and distance in real time.
Features:
2 mono inputs
Stereo output (two single jacks + headphone stereo jack)
2 CV inputs
24Bit 48kHz inputs and outputs, 32Bit internal signal processing
Dynamic 3D positioning in three dimensions (height, angle, distance)
Room reverb can be applied for better localization
Internal LFOs with flexible routing
External CVs can be flexibly routed to all parameters, multiple destinations per CV, individual intensity
Different 3D transfer functions to choose from
Two large endless encoders with aluminum knobs, RGB LED rings for setting and displaying parameters
OLED display for navigation and to show which parameter the encoders are currently controlling
Flat menu structure, no deep dives neccessary
User presets can be flexibly created and recalled
Potentiometers for volume control of the three positions Quasar 1, Quasar 2 and Center
Watch the video till the end for a performance demo of the Quasar in action.
While developers of large, sampled grand piano VST plugins are itching to tell us how many gigabytes of sounds they contain, Sampleson is focusing on just how lightweight its new spectral modelled MetaPiano is in comparison.
Tipping the scales at a mere 60MB, this slimline piano promises to “sound like a 30GB one”. It’s based on samples captured from an unidentified Japanese grand piano in Patagonia and then “meticulously rebuilt” using maths algorithms.
The initial recordings are said to have contained all the notes, resonances and mechanical noises from the piano. These were then fed into Sampleson’s Spectral Engine 2.0.
Sampleson says that it used this technique because it produces “highly accurate results”. There’s full decay for every note (up to 90 seconds at the lowest registers, with no looping) and no velocity switching.
As well as being able to control the levels of release and mechanical noise, you can also adjust the velocity response and dial in some reverb.
MetaPiano runs on PC and Mac in VST/AU/AAX formats and is available now for the intro price of $59 (regular price will be $89).
5 ways to celebrate 808 day: a free Roland online studio, tips, techniques and emulations. And more 808 content than you can shake an analogue maraca at.
With the greatest respect to the LinnDrum, it is hard to imagine any instrument challenging Roland TR-808 for the title of ‘greatest drum machine of all time’. It’s had bands and albums named after it, been referenced multiple times in song, and produces a sound that’s even more popular today than it was when the 808 was released back in 1980.
No wonder, then, that 808 Day (8 August) is now an annual celebration. In fact, for producers, it should probably be a public holiday. This special occasion will brings you more thumping 808 content than you can shake an analogue maraca at.
We suggest these 5 ways to enable this 808 Day celebration kick harder this year than previously. Do not worry much if you party too hard because you’ve got more than a month to recover before the 909 Day festivities begin…
1. Play a free Roland TR-808 right now
If you are reading this, there is a good chance that you could be playing an official Roland TR-808 within seconds, and completely free.
Thanks to the Roland50 Studio, a free browser-based online platform that enables you to make music using some of the company’s most famous gear of the past 50 years.
And, not only you can program beats with the 808, but there are also SH-101, TB-303, SP-404, TR-606 and TR-707 emulations awaiting your attention.
A countdown clock indicates that a TR-909 could be added to the line-up pretty soon, too (it’s set to run down on 9 September), so get the Roland50 Studio bookmarked now.
2. Watch the 808 movie
The 808 is so iconic that it’s actually had an almost-Hollywood-blockbuster made about its life and influence: Yes, believe it or not? What other drum machine can say that? (And no, the truly jaw-dropping 2010 Elektron Octatrack launch video not included).
The 2015 film features appearances and commentary from Arthur Baker, Pharrell, David Guetta, Phil Collins, Lil Jon, Afrika Bambaataa, Norman Cook, Rick Rubin, Diplo, Goldie and more. It was directed by Alexander Dunn.
It is available to buy or rent in the usual digital places.
3. Learn some TR-808 history
Everyone knows that the 808 is a legend. And, make sure you watch the ‘lost’ original TV advert for the 808 above, as well.
4. Improve your 808 technique
One of the most attractive things about the 808 is its relative simplicity – even a beginner can be making beats on it in no time – but that does not mean it does not have depth, if you want to take your 808 skills to the next level.
5. Get some new 808 sounds for your studio
Lastly, if you are ready to flex your credit card (or not, in some cases) there are plenty of ways to spend money on a new 808-style instrument.
As you might expect, Roland is all over the emulation market, with its TR-08, TR-8, TR-8S, TR-6S and super-cute T-8 beat machines all delivering the goods. Inevitably, there is an official plugin version of the 808, as well, available on the Roland Cloud.
Many of third parties have created 808 clones, as well, like Behringer’s RD-8 hardware offers a typically unsubtle nod to Roland’s original, and there are countless plugin emulations, D16’s Nepheton probably being the most notable.
