Splice is now letting you use AI to create ‘Stacks’ of complementary samples on its website. Choose a genre and the ‘Create’ feature will build you a loop.
It originally released as part of its CoSo mobile app, Splice has now brought its AI-powered ‘Stacks’ functionality to its website via the ‘Create’ feature.
Pick a genre and the AI tech will create a Stack – a group of complementary samples – for you. If you like what you hear you can tweak the Stack by adding/removing samples, muting/soloing layers and adjusting levels; if you don’t, you can simply press a button and a new Stack will be generated in its place.
Once you’re happy with your Stack you can save it and download the original samples or Stems options for use in any DAW. Alternatively, you have the option to export an Ableton Live Session file.
These export features are only available to Splice subscribers, but anyone can try Create now via the Splice website.
Korg today introduced two additions to its opsix family of FM synthesizers, the opsix SE & opsix SE Platinum. With its 61-note keyboard, Korg opsix SE synths look like a 21st-century take on the Yamaha DX7.
The new synths address the most common complaints people had with the original opsix, adding a robust all-metal design; a premium 61-note keyboard, with aftertouch; expanded 80-voice polyphony and more.
The announcement follows Korg’s introduction last week of the Wavestate and now Korg has introduced a larger version of another of its synths: the Opsix. The new SE model takes the original opsix FM-based engine, enhances it with increased polyphony and voicing, and sticks the whole lot in a 61-note keyboard with aftertouch. As such, it now more closely resembles a classic FM synth of the past, the Yamaha DX7.
Both the opsix SE use Korg’s natural-touch keyboard – the same you will find in the company’s flagship workstations – and, thanks to those extra octaves (the standard opsix has just three) enables proper two-handed playing.
The opsix SE have a sleek new look, as well, which includes an aluminium control panel and illuminating LEDs. As well as the standard black version, there’s also a limited edition Platinum model, which opts for a silver colour scheme. The opsix SE Platinum differs cosmetically, but has the same synth engine as the standard opsix SE.
Sounds are designed using the Operator Mixer, which comprises six faders and knobs. It’s this simple design that makes the opsix SE so easy to program, and each part also lights up to indicate whether it’s a carrier (red) or a modulator (blue). Other control features include six data entry knobs and an OLED display.
Although opsix SE based on FM synthesis, but offer additional waveforms, filters, shaping, effects, LFOs and modulation features. There are six operator modes and 40 preset algorithms, plus the ability to create your own.
There are three EGs, three LFOs and 12 virtual patches, all of which can be managed in the modulation matrix. The effects, meanwhile, are divided into three blocks of 30.
In addition, opsix SE have a built-in 16-step sequencer. Every program comes with its own sequence, or you can create your own using up to six notes per step. Each note’s velocity, gate time and playback timing can be adjusted, too, and further expression features mean you can create the likes of strums and drum rolls. The motion sequencer, meanwhile, enables you to record changes of up to six parameters.
Features:
Premium metal design
Exclusive hard case included
Direct Hands-on Control
Six in One Synthesis
Altered FM architecture delivers sounds across a vast spectrum
Powerful Effects Processing
Automatable 16-step sequencer
Flexible Modulation Matrix
Dice to generate new, unique sounds
Librarian Software included
Special crossgrade to opsix native (software)
opsix Audio Demos:
The new synths are available now to pre-order, with the following pricing:
Korg opsix SE – €2189/£1,899/$1,999.99
Korg opsix SE Platinium – €2389/£2,099/$2,199.99
Both models ship with a bespoke hard case. Find out more on the Korg website.
Nervous Squirrel has introduced a new Eurorack module, Conway’s Game, that uses the classic Game Of Life to create evolving musical trigger sequences.
Conway’s Game is a cellular automaton pattern generator that also functions as a MIDI to trigger converter. John Horton Conway’s “Game of Life” algorithm is generated and displayed on an 8×8 LED matrix, with the activity of the cells mapped to the 64 outputs below.
And, the MIDI input can be used to control 64 separate trigger outputs.
About Conway’s Game of Life
If you’re not familiar with Conway’s Game of Life, it uses a simple set of rules to create infinitely evolving patterns.
Imagine a grid of cells, each of which can be in two states, either alive or dead. The following rules determine what happens to each cell, depending on the state of neighbouring cells.
For each step in time:
Any live cell with fewer than two live neighbours dies, as if caused by underpopulation.
Any live cell with two or three live neighbours lives on to the next generation.
Any live cell with more than three live neighbours dies, as if by overpopulation.
Any dead cell with exactly three live neighbours becomes a live cell, as if by reproduction.
And the generated patterns can then be used as an interesting source of triggers, which can be used to sequence drums, envelope generators, or any other modules with trigger or gate inputs.
