App developer Meteaure has introduced Polaris, a new music-making app for Android, that they say is designed to deliver a great experience, so users can focus on their creative process, and have fun while doing it.
It features six tracks controlled via a step sequencer, inspired by modern grooveboxes and drum machines. Each track features its own sample and synth engines, along with a multimode filter and extensive sound design capabilities.
Features:
Sequencer:
16 steps on a 4×4 grid
Parameter step modulation (volume, cutoff, decay and pitch)
Per-track step length control (1/32 bar to 1 bar)
Sep trig conditions (play once every 2 or 4 loops)
6 tracks, featuring:
A sample engine with 60+ factory samples and user sample import
A dual-oscillator synth engine
A multimode filter with dedicated modulation envelope
A distortion unit
Reverb and delay sends
Polaris is available now for €/$ 1.99 until April 3 (normally €/$ 3.99).
In this video, Elektron guru Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT) demonstrates how he uses the Octatrack as a performance mixer, using his custom template.
What he say about the template:
“The Octatrack Performance Mixer 3.0 Template is a game-changer for live electronic music performers, offering an intuitive and meticulously crafted toolkit for creating dynamic and immersive live performances with your favorite drum machines and synthesizers.
There are 20 all new effects not seen in any previous performance templates. With an 8-bar or 4-bar structure that syncs seamlessly to the Octatrack’s clock or an external clocking source, this template provides a vast array of effects, including synced modulation, noise risers, comb filter risers, sidechain pumping, stutter effects, filters and more, all accessible with user-friendly controls. It empowers performers to build tension and deliver impactful drops effortlessly, while also offering the flexibility to customize compressors and fine-tune the sound to their liking.
This template, like the others before it is built around two input busses with discreet effects for both. Input A/B is your DRUM or PERCUSSION bus, and input C/D is your MELODIC bus. Each have there own separate compressor and freeze delays. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting your journey in electronic music, this template offers an inspiring and versatile platform to elevate your live performances and captivate your audience with mesmerizing soundscapes.”
The Octatrack Performance Mixer 3.0 Template is available now for $25.
This video, via Rob Keeble of AMSynths, takes a look at ‘lost’ ARP 2500 modules, and adapting them for Eurorack format.
In 1970, Tonus (the precursor to ARP Instruments) released their first catalog, which included details of the 2500, with a detailed explanation for each production module. They also included a list of sixteen modules they planned to make, but only the 1036 and 1045 modules made it into production.
Keeble worked with Behringer on their line of Euro format ARP 2500 module copies. Keeble notes that, “When designing the Behringer 2500 modules in 2019, we did consider making some of these ‘lost modules’, but we didn’t think there would be sufficient customer demand, and there were very few examples to base the designs on.”
Now Keeble is revisiting these lost designs, and recreating the more interesting ones in Eurorack format. You can find out more at the AMSynths website.
