Developer Div Slomin shared this introduction to the Syntina, a custom synthesizer-concertina musical instrument.
The instrument is self-contained and is designed to be portable and stand-alone, so you can use it in the context of traditional groups. But, because it has a synth-based engine, the sonic palette can be customized to meet your needs.
You can follow the development of the Syntina via Reddit.
Today, Akai Pro introduced the MPC Live III, the next generation in its MPC Live lineup that they say is their most powerful all-in-one portable standalone music production center ever.
Powered by the fastest processor ever put in an MPC, the standalone system gives you all the production, mixing, and performance capabilities you expect from next-gen Akai Pro hardware. Plus, it features Pro Stems Separation and the ability to load up to 32 instrument plugin instances and 16 audio tracks seamlessly.
The MPC Live III introduces new MPCe pads: 3D-sensing, ultra-responsive, and designed for more nuanced expression and performance. These pads enable X/Y control of one-shot layers, seamless sample blending, and dynamic note repeats and articulations.
The MPC Live III is also built to take out of the studio. It features an onboard battery, speakers, and mic, plus deep MIDI and CV control, so you can take it anywhere and make music without your laptop.
Features:
The Akai Pro MPC Live III is available now, priced at $1,699 / €1,649.99 / £1,399.99.
Splice unveils free plugin and virtual instrument platform with hundreds of free presets.
Samples have historically been Splice’s primary focus, but today the company makes a bold move into the world of virtual instruments with the launch of the INSTRUMENT plugin.
INSTRUMENT is a cloud-connected virtual instrument that gives musicians access to a library of 1200+ multi-sampled presets, most of which are based on sounds from British sample library and instrument developer Spitfire Audio’s extensive library. (Back in April, Splice acquired Spitfire Audio in a rumoured $50m deal.)
INSTRUMENT is free to download and currently features a total of 489 free instrument presets across 66 themed packs, available to anyone with a Splice account. The instruments cover everything from intimate pianos and ambient textures to hyperpop synths and vintage drum sounds, and new free presets will be dropped on a regular basis.
All of the free presets in INSTRUMENT are based on sounds that were previously available through Spitfire Audio’s popular and long-running free virtual instrument series LABS, which has now ceased operations, along with the recently launched subscription platform LABS+.
Alongside the free presets, INSTRUMENT also gives paid subscribers access to an expanding library of hundreds more “premium” presets, most of which are also based on Spitfire Audio content. These include choirs, modular synths, orchestral textures and field recordings, alongside genre-focused instruments and artist-created packs. Other highlights include composer Phillip Glass’ baby grand piano and Spitfire Audio’s popular BBC Symphony Orchestra instruments.
All of the available instruments can be browsed, previewed and downloaded within the plugin. Once you’ve seleced a preset, it will appear in INSTRUMENT’s Play window, where you can tweak several macros that manipulate the sound, adjust tuning and dynamics, and switch between presets in a sound pack.
Unlike Splice’s sample platform, INSTRUMENT doesn’t operate using a credit-based system and paid subscribers can access all of the available presets instantly. If you cancel your plan, all current tracks in projects that use premium presets will continue to function and respond to automation, but you won’t be able to create any new tracks using paid-for sounds.
“Splice INSTRUMENT marks a major milestone for Splice,” said Splice CEO Kakul Srivastava. “For the first time, we’re moving beyond samples into full virtual instruments, bringing creative control and world-class recordings to musicians and producers everywhere in an accessible, playable form. This is just the beginning of what’s possible when we combine Spitfire Audio’s artistry with Splice’s innovation.”
“With Splice INSTRUMENT, we’re building on the foundation of LABS: affordable access to inspiring, expressive sounds with intuitive creative control,” added Spitfire Audio’s Paul Thomson. “Sounds from this collection have already appeared on Grammy-nominated albums and in blockbuster films. Whether composing for screen or producing the next big hit, this library captures the beauty of real instruments and the character of the rooms they were recorded in.”
Splice INSTRUMENT Walkthrough:
Splice INSTRUMENT is available now for macOS and Windows in AU/VST3/AAX formats.
Splice INSTRUMENT is free to download, but access to premium sounds will require an INSTRUMENT subscription at $12.99/month. Access is also included in Splice’s Creator and Creator+ plans, priced at $19.99/month and $39.99/month respectively.
Visit Splice website to download INSTRUMENT and find out more.
