Roland is one of the leading manufacturers of digital pianos – it has “50 years of piano development” behind it, in fact – and now it’s bringing its experience to the software market with Earth Piano.
Here’s what they have to say about it:
Our innovative EARTH Piano packs this rich history of research and development in a modern software instrument. With a variety of piano types and the ability to customize and shape each sound, the EARTH Piano offers a wide range of sonic possibilities. Bring these expressive piano sounds into your productions.
Featuring seven tweakable acoustic piano types, this promises “Roland’s best and most modern piano sound technology,” and combines multisamples with proprietary modelling techniques.
The piano options include various concert grands plus upright, felt and toy pianos, so you should be able to find the tone you’re looking for. You can adjust your piano’s temperament, stereo width and dynamic range, and adjust physical parameters such as cabinet resonance, string resonance, pedal noise and more. Additionally, each key’s tuning, volume and character can be adjusted individually.
Your sound can be further shaped with a range of convolution-based spaces and algorithmic reverbs, plus a three-band EQ, multi-mode compressor and plenty of multi-effects.
Meet the seven models:
Classic Grand: This majestic, European-style grand is perfect for classical music and other styles that call for a big, clear, full-range piano.
Session Grand: A balanced and versatile piano based on the groundbreaking V-Piano grand.
Artist Grand: This American-style grand is perfect for jazz and instrumental music that calls for rich, open chords and intimate voicings.
All Silver: This fantasy model imagines what a piano would sound like with all silver strings. The result is transcendent.
Natural Upright: Sometimes, only the focused sound of an upright will do. Perfect for a wide range of contemporary styles, this model offers a wonderful alternative to the sound of a grand piano.
Natural Felt Upright: Pianos treated with felt create a super-intimate and emotional vibe. Increasingly popular in contemporary music and media composition, this model is indispensable for modern composers.
Toy Piano: From whimsical to creepy, toy pianos are a vital part of any piano collection. While it’s technically a toy, this meticulously recorded instrument brings a unique flavor to your music.
As with all new Roland software instruments, Earth Piano is included in the Roland Cloud Ultimate subscription. It’s also available as a Lifetime Key for the introductory price of $50; this applies until 30 November, after which the regular price of $250 will apply.
Today, Native Instruments has introduced the Traktor Z1 MK2, the next generation of their DJ mixer and sound card.
They say that the Traktor Z1 MK2 covers “the fundamentals you need to DJ with Traktor Pro 4 software, in a totally portable unit.”
The official intro video:
Lead Traktor Product Manager Michael Koczynski says, “While I appreciate all the new Z1 MK2’s improvements, like the displays, the new design, better access to mixer effects, I’m particularly a fan of the access to decks C and D whenever I need it. This can be very handy when paired with the new stem control feature, so I can add in some drums or vocals from other tracks on top of my regular mix.”
Key Features:
Individual stem control – Traktor Pro 4 transforms the way you mix and remix with stem separation powered by iZotope’s RX technology. This means you can precisely isolate and manipulate drums, bass, instruments, and vocals. With each waveform right in front of you, Z1 lets you mute or precisely adjust the volume of each stem.
Visual feedback – Z1’s light system keeps you notified with key information, like when a track is about to run out or if it’s running in a loop. OLED displays show essential mixing information, EQ and stem parameters, Mixer FX selection, and master output meter. Plus, you can make it yours with customizable ambient lighting.
Audio interface – Z1 lets you control Traktor Pro 4 without the need for any extra gear, thanks to the integrated 24-bit/96 kHz audio interface.
Official overview for the Traktor Z1 MK2 DJ mixer:
The Traktor Z1 mk2 DJ Mixer & Sound Card is available now for $259.
Playtronica has introduced Biotron, a musical instrument that they say “transforms plants into sound”.
You connect Biotron to a computer, tablet, or smartphone, and then attach electrodes to a plant. As you interact with the plant, the Biotron will translate the plant’s electrical activity into MIDI signals.
Change the sound based on the plant’s natural responses
Interact with nature to create music
No musical skill needed
Connect Biotron to your PC, phone, or tablet using the provided USB cable.
Attach the electrodes to your plant. Ensure they are securely connected to the stems or leaves for optimal conductivity.
Open Google Chrome and navigate to synth.playtronica.com, then choose any synth you like. Alternatively, use your preferred music software or hardware that accepts MIDI input.
Interact with your plant by moving your hands near it, touching its leaves, or adjusting environmental factors like light and moisture to influence the sound.
Experience the unique music generated by your plant’s natural electrical activity translated into MIDI signals
Biotron MIDI-controller and packaging
USB-C cable is sold separately to reduce waste in case you have one already
Alligator clips and patches are also not included, make sure you add whichever you need
The Biotron is priced at $97.99. Try promo code KFLHVR10 to save 10%. Visit the Playtronica site for availability.
