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Audiomodern has announced the release of the next generation of its AI-powered beatmaking plugin Playbeat, equipped with new genre-based pattern generation algorithms and a redesigned interface.

Playbeat 4 is the latest version of their beatmaking software for iOS, Mac and Windows.

Playbeat 4 is a drum machine built around an AI-based groove generation engine. Hit the big red button in the centre of Playbeat’s interface, and the plugin will spit out a randomized drum pattern built from randomly selected sounds drawn from its extensive sample library, which can be augmented with your own samples. Enable Infinity Mode, and Playbeat will generate a new pattern on every loop, creating an infinite sequence of evolving beats.

Here’s the official walkthrough video:

New in Playbeat 4 are genre-based customization options that will guide the plugin’s groove generator towards a combination of up to three styles, chosen from a list of 35 genres that ranges from more obvious selections such as pop and techno to subgenres such as trip-hop and IDM.

Once generated, Playbeat’s patterns can be tweaked in a variety of ways. The visually revamped eight-track sequencer in the centre of the plugin’s interface can be used to manually sequence steps, density, pitch, volume and pan, all of which can also be randomized.

Rate can be dialled in per sequencer track, along with swing and delay. Once you’ve landed on something you like, you can create subtle variations on an existing beat using Playbeat’s Remix Mode, or lock in specific sequencer tracks while randomizing others that you’re not yet happy with.

Playbeat 4’s new sample and preset management system can be used to preview and categorize its library of patterns, sounds and 1500 drum kits, while its SMART Mode allows you to tag presets you like, guiding the pattern generator to create grooves with a similar feel and sound when SMART Mode is enabled.

Playbeat 4 in action:

Features:

• VST3, AAX, AU, AUv3 & Standalone
• I. Powered Genre Based Pattern Randomization
• I. Powered Genre Based Sound Randomization
• Generate or Remix Infinite Variation of Patterns
• 8 X Individual Sequencers
• Mixer tab
• Sample editor tab with filter section
• Advanced Sample, Preset and Folders Manager
• Tagging system
• Create and share your own Playbeat packs, with your Author name, Artwork and Description
• Multiple loading options
• Signature Infinity Mode
• Signature SMART Mode
• Export MIDI and Audio
• Linear & Choke Groups
• Advanced MIDI Settings to ‘Feed’ any Plugin or Hardware
• MIDI Controllable with MIDI Learn mode
• Multi-functional keyboard to trigger sounds, sequencers or whole patterns
• Multi-Outputs
• Customizable

Playbeat 4 is available now for desktop, in a bundle with all sound libraries, for the intro price of €79, 35% off the regular price. It’s available for $29.99 for iOS, but the sound libraries are separate in-app purchases.

Find out more on Audiomodern website.

Expressive E has introduced Myth Expressive Suite, a collection of 300 custom MPE presets, designed for Dawesome’s Myth software synthesizer.

Here’s what they have to say about it:

“Crafted by our expert MPE sound designers, this suite brings together over 10 years of MPE sound design expertise, harnessing Myth’s V2 resynthesis engine, multi-engine capabilities, and deep modulation tools to create unique, sampling-inspired sounds.”

These presets are optimized for Osmose, but they also work seamlessly with any MPE controller.

The official video demo:

The Suite includes:

• Myth (by Dawesome)
• 3 Sound Banks:
  • Lofi Swirl
  • Hybrid Instruments
  • Mutated

Myth Expressive Suite is available now:

• Special offer for customers until April 6th – Get Myth + 300 FREE MPE presets for only $/€107 instead of $/€179 (40% off).
• Already own Myth? Get the 300 MPE presets separately at a special price until April 6th – 3 individual 100-preset packs $/€17.99 per pack (instead of $/€29.99)

Visit the Expressive E site for details.

Pioneering synthesist and composer Michael Stearns and composer/developer Christian Halten have released a new album, Sounds Searching for People, that is available now via Bandcamp.

The music is the result of a three-year collaboration between Stearns, who is based in Santa Fe, and Halten, who is based in Berlin.
Stearns is best known for his ambient electronic albums, like Planetary Unfolding, and his soundtracks to Ron Fricke’s 70MM movies Chronos, Baraka and Samsara. His work includes 22 IMAX films, 17 studio albums, and music for Avatar and Titanic.

Halten has worked as film composer, including collaborations with Hans Zimmer, is the developer of the sampling software SampleRobot, and has done sound design for Applied Acoustics Systems, Korg, Steinberg and Waldorf.

“In 2021, Julius Horsthuis asked me to create music for his 3D fractal production Beyond Chaos at the Experimenta Dome in Germany,” explains Stearns. “Between 2021 and 2024, I traveled to Germany a number of times to work with Julius in the dome. On each trip, Christian and I would use the opportunity to get together in hotel rooms to record our album. Christian would arrive on a train from Berlin laden with equipment, guitars, synthesizers… whatever he could carry. I would pack instruments and processors from my Santa Fe studio into an extra suitcase. Inside hotel rooms in Frankfurt, Cologne, and Ludwigsburg a wonderful musical collaboration unfolded.”

“Sounds Searching for People is about instruments, music and sounds talking to a musician directly and speaking through the musician with their own personality,” says Stearns. “The musician becomes the conduit through which the sounds and music are expressed, brought to life in the world of sound we inhabit.”

You can preview the album below:
Sounds Searching for People is available now via Bandcamp.