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In the latest episode of Now You Know, host Mark Strange takes an in-depth look at the Mellotron Micro Module – the latest iteration of the modern digital Mellotron.

The Mellotron Micro Module is essentially a keyboardless version of the Mellotron Micro.

Differences are:

• The “Octave” switch for the keyboard on the Micro is a High/Low switch on the Micro Module. The High/Low switch can be set to lower the playback speed of the samples by one or two octaves.
• The Midi jacks are 3.5 mm, not 5 pin DIN. Note: The “B” standard is used for the 3.5 mm jacks.
• It can handle both Midi mono aftertouch and polyphonic aftertouch.
• There is no Midi out.
• It can NOT be expanded with CF expansion cards, it is based on Micro SD storage.

Watch the video and share your thoughts on the Mellotron Micro Module in the comments!

The Mellotron Micro Module is available for $500.

Steinberg has introduced VST 3.8, the latest version of its Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plug-in framework, and announced that it now supports that MIT Open Source License model.

They also have made several improvements to their VST Software Developer Kit (SDK).

VST is an industry-standard audio plug-in format that makes it possible for developers to create virtual instruments, effects, and audio processing tools that will work within your digital audio workstation (DAW).

By adopting the MIT License, Steinberg aims to remove barriers to integration, simplify development workflows, and strengthen collaboration across the global audio technology community.

“VST 3.8 has been a long time coming,” says Yvan Grabit, Technical Lead at Steinberg. “With the introduction of a new licensing model, we aim to simplify access and encourage broader adoption of VST audio plug-ins across platforms and applications.”

The MIT License of the VST 3.8 SDK permits free use, modification, and distribution of software, as long as the original copyright and license text are retained. This ensures proper attribution while allowing developers to freely use VST technology in both commercial and non-commercial software products.

Further additions in VST 3.8 include interface changes that improve support for MIDI 2.0, as well as an update to VSTGUI.

Steinberg has updated the licensing model for its ASIO technology, aligning it with a more open and developer-friendly approach. The ASIO SDK is available under GPLv3 licensing, allowing both proprietary and open-source licensing options to be offered.

The VST 3.8.0 SDK is available now from the Steinberg Developer Portal.

If you are curious to explore tape’s creative potential but are not yet willing to fork out the cash for a paid-for product, German software developer e-instruments is hoping to give you a taste of its “evocative warmth and warped textures” free of charge.

e-instruments has just released Slower Fragment, a virtual instrument that’s designed to capture the unique sound of analogue tape when it’s been slowed down to half speed. By recording sounds to tape and reducing the playback speed, we can shift the pitch down an octave and introduce a colourful and expressive lo-fi tone.

Here’s the Official Walkthrough:

In developing Slower Fragment, e-instruments has recorded a number of sound sources through four different tape machines, ranging from the Studer A812 – a top-end master recorder that you’d find in a professional studio – to a Tascam Portastudio 424, Uher 4400 and even a Sony M650v handheld dictaphone.

Slower Fragment features a selection of six presets covering pianos, synths, strings and flutes, and three macro controls can be used to tweak delay, reverb, modulation and more, depending on the preset selected.

This new free instrument delivers instant inspiration straight out of the box. Slower Fragment is built on the acclaimed Slower instrument, Slower, a paid-for plugin features 230 presets built from 65 sound sources, along with expanded modulation and effects capabilities. Slower is priced at €149.

Head over to e-instruments website to download the free plugin and find out more.