WORLD OF MUSIC ; PORTABLE KEYBOARD - Latest Portable Music Keyboards, Synthesizers and Music News

 

Focusrite has been creating audio interfaces for as long as there have been audio interfaces, with each new generation promising more features and/or better sound quality. This is certainly the story that the company is telling as it launches its ‘premium’ Clarett+ range, which builds on the success of previous Clarett devices.

 

3 new models promise to make this a vintage year for your audio recordings.

 

 

There are three models to choose from: Clarett+ 2Pre, 4Pre and 8Pre. Each one is said to include “professional-quality mic preamps” that deliver high headroom, low distortion and ultra-low noise. The upshot of this, we’re assured, is better recording quality.

 

You also switch in the all-analogue Air feature; this emulates the sound of the ISA 110 mic preamp from the Focusrite Studio Console, and is designed to add clarity and presence.

 

In addition, there’s improved ‘high-dynamic-range’ AD and DA conversion, as well, so your mixes should sound clearer and more detailed. The quality of the headphone outputs is also said to have been improved.

 

The key difference between each audio interface is the amount of I/O on offer – the 2Pre, 4Pre and 8Pre offer 10-in/4-out, 18-in/8-out and 18-in/20-out operation respectively. Each model ships with a software bundle that includes plugin effects and virtual instruments.

 

The Focusrite Clarett+ audio interfaces are now available. The prices are:

• 2Pre – $431.90/€489
• 4Pre – $579.99/€689
• 8Pre – $999.99/€989

 

Find out more on the Focusrite website.

 

 

Denise audio has expanded its plugin roster with two new bit crushers, one of which – My Crush – is free. Bite Harder, adds more features, including extra drive, effects, parameter controls and a push-pull graph that enables you to target specific frequency ranges.

 

Both plugins use the same bit-crushing algorithm, with My Crush offering a simplified control set that is designed to put you on the fast track to audio destruction.

 

You still get some parameters to play with, though – such as resample dials and a stutter fader – along with presets from both Denise and producer Florian Meindl.

 

 

Bite Harder is designed for those who want to take things to the next level. The Drive control can add even more dirt to proceedings, and there’s an extra ring modulator for creating glitchy effects. An extra stage of clipping and sidechain capabilities are part of the deal, too.

 

 

My Crush and Bite Harder are available now from the Denise website, with both running on PC and Mac in VST/AU/AAX formats.

 

My Crush is free for anyone who signs up to the Denise newsletter.

 

Bite Harder is currently available for the introductory price of €14.90 (regular price €24).

 

 

 

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The official intro from ASM CEO Glen Darcey

 

The Hydrasynth Deluxe is their flagship Hydrasynth, offering dual sound engines that you can use for additional polyphony, splits and layers. The sound engines are the same as existing Hydrasynths, and patches are 100% compatible with the existing Hydrasynths.

 

Each of the two sound engines features 3 Oscillators, dual Wave Mutators and 2 filters, that can be configured in series or parallel. Both of the sound engines has its own separate balanced analog audio outputs.

 

New in the Hydrasynth Deluxe, which goes in the opposite direction by upping the voice count to 16 and including a 73-note keyboard. ASM says that this gives the new synth a level of “expression and control that is not equaled in any other hardware synthesizer on the market… Today or ever.”

 

Benefits of the Deluxe model includes split and layering functions, which are made possible by the dual synth engines onboard. You can also add an optional accessory shelf, onto which you can place other music-making gear.

 

The  Hydrasynth Deluxe is also destined for Superbooth, which takes place next week in Berlin. And shipping in November priced at $1,799/£1,699/€1,749 .

 

See the ASM website for details.