2024 NAMM Show: In his latest loopop video, host Ziv Eliraz offers an in-depth look at the new Korg microKorg 2, including how it compares to the classic microKorg.
Eliraz had access to a pre-release version of the microKorg 2, so it’s not a final review, but the video does cover the new synth in depth and make clear that it’s a very different instrument than the original.
Arturia updates Pigments with a revamped sequencer, new presets, wavetables and samples – and you can now use its effects to process sounds from your DAW.
2024 NAMM Show: Today, Arturia has released Pigments 5, the latest version of their ‘Polychrome’ software synthesizer.
Compared to previous iterations, Pigments 5 the most exciting new feature here is a revamped sequencer. This adds a variety of new creative tools, including a one-click generative mode that will create a random sequence, as well as new playback options. In addition, Pigments can now save and recall sequence presets separately, allowing users to easily mix and match preset sounds and sequences.
Another interesting addition is the ability to process external sounds using Pigments’ Utility Engine. The broad and powerful range of processors included in the synth’s highly customisable effect engine has long been one of the instrument’s highlights, so having the ability to process sounds from your DAW is likely to add considerably to its appeal.
The other significant upgrade is one hidden under the hood: Pigments now utilises multi-core processing, which Arturia says will result in greater CPU efficiency.
Beyond this, Arturia has also tweaked the design of the simplified Play Mode view, which was first added with version 4. This offers an approachable, surface-level interface for the instrument – ideal for preset browsing. It’s now updated with a smarter look and better waveform visualisation.
Arturia has also added a significant amount of new sound content, adding 100 new presets as well as new stock wavetables and samples. There are also three new add-on sound packs available.
New in Arturia Pigments 5:
Reduced CPU consumption – Pigments now utilizes multi-core processing for greater CPU efficiency, allowing more users to explore this powerful softsynth with ease.
Process any audio with Pigments – You can now process external audio in Pigments from the Utility engine, by routing the sound to the instrument through the track sidechain input. Additional FX routing options have also been integrated.
Updated interface – Pigment’s refreshed interface includes an improved play view, with new visualisers and other UX enhancements.
Generative sequencer – featuring one-click sequence generation and new play modes, as well as saveable presets and sequence browsing.
New curated content and sounds – a selection of 100 new factory presets, alongside new wavetables and samples in Pigments 5, comprising more than 1500 sounds.
The Pigments 5 is free to existing users. Find out more on Arturia website.
Roland’s Bridge Cast X adds video support to the dual-bus USB-C gaming/streaming mixer.
2024 NAMM Show: Roland clearly thinks that it’s on to something with its Bridge Cast mixer concept, because it’s just launched a new model in the shape of the Bridge Cast X. The enhanced version trumps the original Bridge Cast by featuring HDMI ports and assignable control pads.
Launched just over a year ago, the original Bridge Cast is a dual-bus USB-C audio streaming interface and mixer that’s suitable for online gamers. It enables you to create two mixes – one for you and another for your online audience – and contains vocal transformer effects derived from Roland’s VT series. There’s also an aux input for music playback, sound effects and an XLR input for high-quality mics.
Bridge Cast X offers all of this but adds video into the mix as well. There are two HDMI inputs, plus an HDMI Thru connector to feed an external gaming monitor. So, you can combine computers, consoles and cameras in a way that suits your workflow.
This new model also sports six assignable control pads that can be used to trigger sound effects, background music, OBS commands and more.
In addition, you can find plenty of music and sound effects on Roland’s BGM Cast platform. Anyone with a Roland Account can access 36 background music tracks and 16 sound effects, and signing up to at least a Roland Cloud Core membership ($3 a month) unlocks an ever-growing library of content.
There’s also the Bridge Cast app, where you can tweak the audio processing and voice transformer settings, select game EQ presets, re-assign the hardware controls and save/recall different setups for specific games and audiences.
Bridge Cast X is available now priced at $499.99 via Amazon. Find out more on the Roland website.
