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.
Developer Alex Radzishevsky let us know that they’ve released a new freeware tool that’s designed for “acoustic audio de-duplication”.
AFT SonicDeCloner is built to recognize acoustically similar audio files, or “clones”, across various formats by using advanced acoustic fingerprinting technology. The tool “listens “to audio files, and can identify duplicates originating from the same performance or recording, regardless of file compression, format or sound quality.
Alex Radzishevsky says that the tool is designed for audiophiles, DJs, sound engineers, and music enthusiasts, helping you manage audio collections, removing unnecessary duplicates for a more organized, streamlined library.
Features:
Acoustic-level detection: utilizes sophisticated acoustic fingerprinting algorithm (AFT) to analyze actual sound content, not just file metadata or binary data
Format and compression agnostic: works with all major audio formats and codecs
Robust: works with distorted, pitch-shifted and speed-altered audio
Freeware – free for non-commercial use
Cross-platform software: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Portable, does not require installation
Works offline and is fully stand-alone
Supports for batch processing via the command line
Old-school text interface
AFT SonicDeCloner is available as a free download for Windows. Mac OS and Linux builds are also available.
