VST Cafe

Depeche Mode - Everything Counts : kids and dad cover.

2012-01-30T14:10:00.003+01:00

Amazing, adorable, wonderful ... :) Respect for the dad - others should follow him :)

Ten Ways to Make Your Track SEEM Better

2012-01-29T13:39:00.003+01:00

All credit goes to ... Tranceaddict forum :)

1. Put a limiter on the master bus and make it LOUD!
2. Give your track a spicy name with exclamation marks, like this: RAGING DANCE CHOON!!!
3. Post your track up on you tube with a picture of a sexy model.
4. Post your track up on you tube with sexy girls dancing.
5. Give your track a name with obvious innuendo: RAGING HARD DANCE CHOON!!!
6. Make your shitty track part of a social movement by shoving in some vocal snippets in there. Example: "Save our mother earth, and dance!"
7. If your song sucks, get it mixed by a pro. If your mixing sucks, get it mastered by a pro.
8. Put together a DJ mix where your track is the best of the bunch. This could be a difficult task for some.
9. Tell people you made the track in 10 minutes. Or, tell people you made the track on your android in 15 minutes. Or, tell people you are deaf.
10. Tell people it would be supported by big names like Deadmau5 and Tiesto if they bothered to listen to it.

Extras:
11. Create fake Soundcloud accounts with pictures of hot girls, and post positive comments on your own tracks. The key is to throw in a few criticisms to make the comments seem real.
12. Sidechain something
13. Sidechain everything
14. ONLY self-reference in the third person to make it seem like it's not just you, by yourself, but that someone is willing to pay a publicist to speak on your behalf.

Hehe ;)

128 Presets - "Ragebank" freebie for Synapse Audio Dune

2012-01-28T20:19:00.003+01:00

Ragebank is a 128 presets soundbank created for Synapse Audio Dune soft synth. It's totally free. An author only asks: "If you like the bank and perhaps know someone who needs an audio-designer or preset-designer to work for them contact me".
If you have Dune, I do ;d, then feel free to test this freebie.

Download: RageBank by Joakim Forslund

Mildon Lite Piano - Free SFZ Sample Library

2012-01-27T20:17:00.003+01:00

Mildon Lite Piano is a totally free sampled piano library. It's available as SFZ library so you'll need a sampler that supports SFZ format - for example free Alchemy Player or SFZ Player. Overall, it does sound very nice and optionally there is a "pro" version which sounds even better and costs ... 3 $ :D

Download: Mildon Studios Piano

Glide function in Ableton Analog synth

2012-01-27T19:48:00.003+01:00

Quick sound design tutorial which demonstrates how you can use glide to create a bend between the two notes you have played in. I would say that it's the ultimate glide tutorial ;)

The best products from NAMM 2012 show

2012-01-27T19:34:00.002+01:00

Feel free to read an interesting article (plenty of videos), which originally appeared on Create Digital Music website, about the most interesting stuff from NAMM show. Akai MAX49, Arturia Minibrute, Livid, Moog Minitaur, Smithson-Martin Emulator, Teenage Engineering OP-1 Update...

Article: The best new stuff from NAMM

Insert Piz Here - midiChords

2012-01-25T14:50:00.003+01:00

midiChords is a flexible VST MIDI plugin for playing chords and/or keyboard re-mapping. It can map any input note to 0 or more output notes. It is still in development but has some interesting features:
- Input chords by clicking the keyboard display, MIDI Learn, or by typing intervals/note names directly
- Chord shapes and keyboard mappings can be saved/loaded as simple text files, displayed in menus on the plugin GUI
- Copy/Paste chords to other trigger notes
- Supports multichannel chords: each chord note can be output to any combination of MIDI channels
- Optional chord name recognition
- Applies input velocity to the output chord
- Output can be transposed for playing in other keys
- Set one chord per MIDI note for 128 different chords (Full mode)
- Use Octave mode to repeat the same 12 chords in every octave
- Full mode transposes one chord across the whole input range
- Has 128 internal programs with optional MIDI program change listening

There is some documentation included that goes into more detail. If you want to remove the "UNREGISTERED DEMO VERSION" text from the interface, you need to donate. There are no other limitations.

Download: midiChords

No Breasts, No Requests

2012-01-25T14:29:00.004+01:00

"No Breasts, No Requests" is a pretty funny blog which offers a collection of not only requests, but also signs and notes that an author of this blog found around the dj booth at the clubs or bars over the years. But mostly found on the internet, here on tumblr, or submitted by friends and fellow djs. If you'd like to submit a photo, please make sure it's (a) fascinating, (b) found in or around the dj booth, (c) isn't on my site already, and (d) doesn’t suck.

Link: No Breasts, No Requests

Concert Hall Impulse Responses - Pori, Finland

2012-01-25T14:24:00.002+01:00

If you need some Impulse Responses for your convolution reverb unit then this may be worthy download - Pori (Finland) Concert Hall Impulse Responses. The responses were measured with three source positions on the stage, four receiver positions in the audience area, and three receiver positions on the stage. Two sound sources were used: an omnidirectional dodecahedron loudspeaker and a subwoofer, and the responses to both sources at each source position were combined with a digital cross-over. The individual zip files of the database provide responses measured with several different microphones. All the responses have been system compensated and denoised. For further information, see the documentation below.

Download: Concert Hall Impulse Responses

Robotboys Dubstepic

2012-01-22T16:23:00.002+01:00

Dance performance on Vst Cafe ? Oh, come on ;)
Still, it's an amazing performance strongly connected with music (Dubstep this time), tempo and other musial things (like preparing the whole mix, building the tension and making both visual and musical things work together nicely).

Overtones, harmonics and Additive synthesis

2012-01-22T16:21:00.000+01:00

This video is about additive synthesis, and how sounds can be constructed by pure sine waves. Useful if you're a synthesis freak or if you wanna be the one :)

Sopa Pipa Acta MegaUpload ... and Busta Rhymes

2012-01-22T13:15:00.007+01:00

I guess that most of you know a little bit about SOPA, PIPA, ACTA law proposals. But then, there was also a MegaUpload sharing service shut down. Probably, these two cases are not connected but I had a feeling that there had to be more behind it. I mean, why artists did support MegaUpload ? There were hundreds or mp3 distributed illegally so why support such initiative ?

The key point of all this stuff are ... paid accounts. With paid accounts on sharing services you're able to upload some files and when people download it, you get paid. Normally, everyone assumes that such paid accounts are used to upload tons of illegal material by some internet geek. But what if an artist put there his own work ? People will download it and ... he'll get paid. According to American's rapper Busta Rhymes tweets, thanks to MegaUpload, he was able to get 90 % off of every dollar despite the music being downloaded 4 free...

1st of all I am soooo proud of my brother @THEREALSWIZZZ 4 being apart of creating something (MEGAUPLOAD) that could create the most powerful way 4 artist 2 get 90% off of every dollar despite the music being downloaded 4 free...

With labels and companies doin' deals with Spotify and many other companies like it who doesn't give us shit continue 2 do what they do and blatantly show us how much they value the artist with doing deals of such disrespect and lack of value 4 our content...

I am proud 2 stand next 2 my brother @THEREALSWIZZZ and fight the good fight...Our freedom is truly being fucked with in a very significant way and I strongly suggest 2 all artist especially the 1's Swizz repped 4 comes out & reps 4 him!!!

Fuck that I say it again...I'M PROUD OF MY BROTHER @THEREALSWIZZZ #GREATMIND!!

What Busta is pointing out is that services like Megaupload - while it may be run by some sketchy individuals and probably crossed the legal line in some cases - are actually a great new business model for artists, while also being the future of distribution. It's a great way to distribute, make money, and let fans get the works for free. And that's why the major labels are so freaked out by cyberlockers. It's not because there's so much infringement on there, but because it's a system whereby artists can get paid and can better distribute their own works to fans... without signing an indentured servitude contract with a label, which never pays any royalties. (via techdirt.com)

And that is why all these SOPA, PIPA, ACTA law proposals happen. Big companies, labels want to change the law so again they'll be able to make millions of dollars by promoting their artists. The problem (or blessing) is that the artists seem not too excited about it anymore ;)

Some would say - ok fine, everyone wants to earn millions of dollars ;) But the real problem is that not only they want to make millions of dollars but ... they want total control which leads to monopoly. And it's not only about making monopoly in virtual life. For example european ACTA law proposal which is, generally speaking, an european version of SOPA, disallows generic drugs. A generic drug is a "drug product that is comparable to brand/reference listed drug product in dosage form, strength, route of administration, quality and performance characteristics, and intended use.". The main difference is that "generic drug" does not come from big Pharmaceutical corporation, but often it is made by some smaller, local company and as a result generic drug can be much cheaper and much more affordable to local people. Big corporations don't want such competition. They don't want free market, they want total control and monopoly. So, these all law proposals affect "real life" as well.

Article: Busta Rhymes Backs Megaupload, Says Record Labels Are The Real Criminals

Viva Vox choir - The Prodigy Acapella Mix

2012-01-17T19:22:00.002+01:00

It's a Viva Vox choir live performance at Sava Centar congress hall (New Belgrade, Serbia), inspired by The Prodigy tracks such as: Out of Space, No Good, Smack My Bitch Up, Omen, Breathe, Firestarter.

Great performance and ... mix :)

Ableton Live alternative ? Meet Bitwig Studio

2012-01-17T14:16:00.005+01:00

Normally, I don't blog about newly released software because there are plenty of other websites doing this (KvR Audio, Rekkerd.org) but this one found on Synthtopia is rather unexpected. It's a new DAW ('coming soon') developed by Berlin music startup - Bitwig Studio.

The workflow seems quite similar to Ableton Live ('session view') and overall the whole thing intrigued me :) It's not that I'm not satisfied with Ableton Live - it's just - it's good to see some competition with fresh ideas :) And let's not forget that Berlin seems to be pretty strong when it comes to Music Production (Ableton, Native Instruments) :) And Vst Cafe is pretty close to Berlin too ;p

ps. I hope that there won't be any offended people but most of these "Hitler movies" are hilarious. This time Hitler learns about Bitwig Studio :)))

Tracks Interact - Upward Bus Compression, Ducked Delays, Vocoder

2012-01-17T14:10:00.002+01:00

Another, three great videos from Berkleemusic.com's facilitator - Loudon Stearns who covers five ways tracks can interact with audio effects using Ableton Live.

Well, I guess that's how all tutorials should work - great teacher with skills :) First video is very nice, especially if you want to understand Ableton's Multiband Dynamics unit.

Intro to Synthesis

2012-01-09T20:14:00.004+01:00

Via MatrixSynth - about three hours long video material dedicated to sound synthesis. Classic stuff - somewhere around late 80s I guess. Hardware synth lovers should definitely watch this :)

Feel free to check other documentaries available on Vst Cafe.

How to make Dirty Dutch House Lead (Afrojack Style) in NI Massive

2012-01-09T20:12:00.001+01:00

Another day, and another short NI Massive sound design tutorial. This time it's a lead sound similar to Afrojack Style.

How to: Make an Uplifting Supersaw Trance/House Lead with NI Massive

2012-01-07T14:15:00.001+01:00

Massive NI Massive ;) Supersaw-like sound suited for House, Trance or anywhere you'll find it appropriate :)

Sasha - Involver

2012-01-06T19:32:00.001+01:00

Normally, I don't post music here (maybe it's time to change it - should I ?) but a long time friend who often sends me some recommended tracks posted this video on Facebook. I played it and I ... love it :)

It's a Sasha - Involver (Special Edition), a Progressive compilation released in 2004. All I can say is: because of this whole digital era, buying singles via Beatport or similar stores I almost forgot what a stunning compilation means. It's a compiled, edited, remixed, mastered and produced to near perfection mix :)

More info: Sasha - Involver (on iTunes)

Sequential Pro 1 Bass Sample Set Vol1

2012-01-06T16:01:00.003+01:00

A little bit of payware (but reasonably priced) stuff today :) Sequential Pro 1 Bass Sample Set Vol1 is a NI Kontakt library which focuses on bass samples coming from legendary Sequential Circuits Pro One analog synth.
There are 9 presets available. Nearly all presets have 4 x round Robins on every note for complete authenticity with every key sampled for a huge sonic range of 7 octaves. On average 340 samples per preset and overall 2870 indidivudal 24bit samples are available (355 mb uncompressed). Samples were recorded through a Neve '73 pre-amp going into a UBK Fatso analog compressor (lightly touched) with subtle UBK Fatso tape saturation.

Great kit :)

Price ? 5.99 UK pounds. It is available on Sampleism - a community based sample platform which means that you can find there plenty of unique, weird, unusual sounds :)

Pro 1 Bass Vol 1 Demo no drums by Captain Proton

More info: Sequential Pro 1 Bass Sample Set Vol1

Genium's Sylenth Soundset - 100 presets for 5 $

2012-01-06T15:16:00.003+01:00

Genium's Sylenth Soundset is a commercial, but very reasonable priced soundbank which contains 100 presets for Lennar Digital Sylenth soft synth. The presets included are: 10 Arps, 20 Basses, 1 Chord, 10 Dubstep, 6 FX, 20 Leads, 6 Pads, 10 Plucks, and 17 Synths.
Genre ? Well, if you like Sylenth factory bank which focuses on Electronic Dance Music then Genium's Soundset is a nice extension. There at least few presets I like a lot, ie. LD Hunted, LD Flight, PAD Living on Clouds, PAD Vengeance, PLK King, PLK Distorted ...

Overall, If I was designing this bank, I would add a little bit more modwheel settings to some presets but still, for 5 $ it's a pretty much No-Brainer deal, especially for those who simply like Sylenth, like it's bright sound.

More info: Genium's Sylenth Soundset

How to: Make a "Mord Fustang-ish" Lead with NI Massive

2012-01-06T14:11:00.001+01:00

Nice "Mord Fustang"-ish Lead (I could imagine using this as sidechained pad chord :) ) created with NI Massive. Visit YouTube SteezTracks channel for more NI Massive tutorials. Well, I'll post the best ones anyway so prepare for a little bit more of NI Massive in coming days ;)

How to: Make a Classic Chip Tune Videogame Sound

2012-01-05T23:20:00.000+01:00

Now, this is pretty great synthesis tutorial. NI Massive is used and the goal is to create some chip tune (remember old Commodore C64 or other computers from the 80s ? :) ) video games sounds. Truly great :)

Free Ableton Rack - recreation of Roland SH-101 LFO Filter Modulation Effect

2012-01-05T13:54:00.004+01:00

It's a free, tiny Ableton Rack, created by Ski Oakenfull (BBE / Primaudial) for Point & Blank Online School which tries to recreate Roland SH-101 LFO Filter Modulation Effect. Ableton Analog synth is used as a main tool. Actually it's some kind of a quick Ableton Analog tutorial too :)

Download: http://tinyurl.com/3njoglt

10 Free Presets for NI Massive Synth

2012-01-05T13:43:00.003+01:00

10 nicely crafted presets for NI Massive synth available in KSD format. You need to visit author's Facebook profile, then like it and download. Is it worth ? In my opinion, it is especially if you're into Electronic Dance Music genres such as Electro House and other. Check the audio demo above - patience is required because in my opinion there are much better presets than the first one, ie. that "chiptune" sound or around 1 minute :)

Download: http://www.facebook.com/OfficialSteez

Adam Szabo Phazor - free Virus-like phaser effect

2012-01-04T10:05:00.003+01:00

Phazor is a free effect plugin, created by Adam Szabo, which emulates the phaser effect found in the Virus synthesizers, well known from it's characteristic sound. A lot of time was devoted to make it sound very close to the original and every control has been carefully adjusted to behave just like the phaser from the Virus. It has selectable 1 to 6 stage all-pass filters controlled by an LFO, with spread and feedback controls. The plugin is highly optimized and its CPU usage is minimal, allowing for multiple instances to be used in a project.

Download: Adam Szabo Phazor

Native Instruments Massive - Talking Bass Synthesis

2012-01-04T10:03:00.002+01:00

Dubspot Instructor Heinrich Zwahlen explores creative possibilities of Massive, Native Instruments synthesizer which is frequently used to create unique bass sounds (well, now a little bit overused in Dubstep genre but still there is a room for something fresh) and intense leads. In this video tutorial, Heinrich focuses on Massive's ability to create speech-like sounds, showing step by step how to create your own variations of the talking synth, or digital mouth harp.

The Talking Stepper technique allows you to synthesize original sounds from scratch using Massive, and develop the sound further with the step sequencer, which allows you to make unique mechanical melodies.

Korg microARRANGER demo / preview

2012-01-02T12:11:00.006+01:00

Lot's of modern electronic, digital blog entries here on VstCafe today so I decided to put something more hmm pleasant too :) - a demo of low budget (500 EUR - yeah, "low budget" is a tricky phrase ;) ), hardware unit: Korg microARRANGER. It is a compact, lightweight, portable mini-keyboard synth workstation.

I don't know why but somehow these arrangers seem fun to play with and actually quite inspiring. Of course the demo (great by the way) comes from my favourite youTube musician / performer - Katsunori Ujiie :)

How to make a lead sound from Skrillex - Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites

2012-01-02T12:05:00.002+01:00

It's just a quick Lennar Digital Sylenth sound design tutorial. This time it's about recreating the character of a lead sound from Skrillex biggest hit record (or maybe I should say the first) - Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites.

Native Instruments FM8 - unique FMish bassline sound

2012-01-02T11:46:00.003+01:00

Native Instruments FM8 is of my favourite synths. I mean, it takes time to learn it, due to FM Synthesis, which is quite different than some standard subtractive stuff, but still it's just great. Great both for 80s sounds as well as some modern electronic stuff.

This tutorial shows how to create quite unique bassline - it uses LFO so it may remind a wobble sound a little bit, but at the same it's very original, FMish.

Ableton Operator - deep, and lush bass sound

2012-01-02T11:30:00.003+01:00

Dubspot Instructor - John Selway explains and shows you how to create interesting, deep, and lush bass sounds with Ableton Live's versatile software instrument Operator.

In this first tutorial, I’m introducing the idea that a single element can sound like more than it is, and that small changes can get a big result. Now I’m not specifically referring to “minimal”, but the idea that less is more applies. Making the most out of a few elements is always a great way to go. Lately I’ve been diving into early to mid 90’s techno styles again, the era of techno where I got my start and that I know very well, and which is what gave me the idea to use FM synthesis with Operator as an example for the tutorial. Much early techno uses FM sounds, tracks by Detroit pioneers such as Derrick May (‪Rhythim is Rhythim’s “Sinister‬“) and Juan Aitkins (Model 500’s “The Chase“) feature FM synths prominently – excepting the drums which are almost invariably Roland TR-909, TR-808 or other similar machines of the time. Also in the early to mid-90’s, artists like Cajmere (aka Green Velvet) used the distinctive FM tones almost exclusively for bass and lead sounds in classic tracks such as “Conniption” which the sound in my tutorial is partially inspired by.

Article: Ableton Operator - Deep Bass Sound

Sample Magic - Free Christmas Bundle

2012-01-02T11:07:00.004+01:00

Sample Magic, a company known from some good sample libraries (suited mostly for Electronic Dance Music - you know: Techno, House, Tech House etc.), is giving away a free Christmas Bundle.

They've compiled an exclusive 170+MB bundle of free loops and samples from some of this year's biggest hitters, from Hed Kandi and Thomas Schumacher to Techno and Indie-Dance by way of Dubstep and Mainroom Anthems.

Download: Sample Magic - Free 170mb Christmas Bundle

Free Christmas Soundset for Rob Papen Predator

2012-01-02T10:59:00.002+01:00

Hmm, I hope that it's not too late :) You can grab a Free Christmas Soundset offered by Frantic Records (presets by Rob Lee) for Rob Papen Predator synth. You need to be hurry because soon the link will expire.

Download: Rop Papen Predator Soundbank by Rob Lee

Some guy showing skills on Akai MPC

2011-12-25T14:18:00.004+01:00

It's just "some" guy (sorry, I'm really not that much into hmm dubstep scene :) ) showing his amazing skills on Akai MPC. It's a sampled (I guess) Cinema (Skrillex Remix) tune, played with drum pads. Great performance :)

Kirk Hunter Studios - Orchestral / String Libraries 75 % Off

2011-12-22T10:36:00.003+01:00

Almost forgot about this deal. Till 2th January there is an amazing offer on Kirk Hunter Sample Libraries - 75% OFF list price! So, If you ever wanted great Orchestral / String libraries (some are pretty huge ie. 70 GB :D) then this is really a great deal. Check out the testimonials - plenty of composers use these libraries for the hollywood films, documentaries etc. I would say that thanks to this sale (actually it's a group-buy but with maximized level) these libraries are affordable to casual / bedroom producers too.

ps. 160 pages on KvR Audio Forum thread dedicated to this deal can't be wrong :)

More info: Kvr Audio Forum - Kirk Hunter Libraries

Tracks / Channels Interact - Ableton Sidechain Compression / Auto-Filter

2011-12-21T19:54:00.003+01:00

Two interesting video tutorials today. The first one is about Ableton Sidechain Compression and the second is about Ableton Sidechain Autofilter. I like that these videos don't focus on the basics (such as describing threshold, ratio), but on some small details ignored often. For example first video nicely describes the difference between Post FX, Post Mixer setting, the second video very nicely describes Auto Filter's knob called: envelope.

Overall, professional videos by Loudon Stearns from Berkleemusic.com, where "everything" is crystal clear :)

Christmas by Skrillex ;)

2011-12-21T09:18:00.001+01:00

Are you ready for some Christmas stuff ? :D 35 000 led lights :)

Novation V-Station EDM Heaven Soundbank Released

2011-12-19T13:24:00.008+01:00

I've just spent few weeks playing with Novation V-Station synth, which for some reason I love (mainly because of great workflow) and the result is new soundbank. It's called EDM Heaven and it'll bring a new life to your V-Station :) It contains 125 presets suited mostly for EDM (Electronic Dance Music) genres.

There are 38 smooth, big-room pluck sounds inspired by such artists as Kaskade, Dinka, Jerome Isma-Ae, Pryda, as well as some classic pluck sounds inspired by Chicane, Anjunabeats releases. There are also 52 Synth / Lead presets which can e used in wide range of genres. The rest is filled with 10 bass sounds and 25 smooth, warm pad presets suited for background stuff or / and sidechaining.

So, if you're interested, check my other website dedicated to soundbanks - donations are used mainly to pay hosting bills (Vst Cafe too) and to drink some beer / cofee / tea during knobs, sliders tweaking ;)

btw. Thomann store offers V-Station boxed version for 20 GBP which is a pretty nice deal. I would say that it's the best (yes!) synth for learning synthesis. Very clean GUI, workflow and lovely learning curve - the more time you spend with it, the more tricks you can discover.

More info: Design a sound - EDM Heaven Soundbank

Native Instruments Massive 25 presets

2011-12-19T12:18:00.004+01:00

Free 25 presets (WonderWobble Vol1) for Native Instruments Massive synth. I haven't tested these presets but I assume that these are wobble presets suited for Dubstep. The format is KSD so the presets will work for older Massive versions too.

Download: NI Massive - 25 Free WonderWobble Vol1 Sounds

Sonimus SonEQ 1.1

2011-12-19T11:42:00.003+01:00

SonEQ is a digital equalizer that takes parts from some vintage gear and combine them in one. SonEQ has 3 bands, bass, middle and treble. Also, SonEQ has a pre-amp section. It's available both for PC and MAC. Is it good ? Well, there are a lot of people who can't believe that it's a freebie :)

Download : Sonimus SonEQ 1.1

Good software / softsynth deals

2011-12-19T11:05:00.003+01:00

It's almost Christmas so there are more and more interesting deals. Synapse Audio offers their Producer Pack: Dune and EKS Pro for only $99! Ableton offers their software 25 % off so If you want to buy Live, upgrade it, now it's the time. Kirk Hunter Studios offers their amazing orchestral libraries with 75 % off. FxPansion DCam Synth Squad for 99 $ instead of 249 $ - yea, that's the good deal - already have it :) Admiral Quality offers 50 % off for flagship product - Poly-Ana analog synth. Disco DSP offers their flagship products : Discovery Pro, Corona 40 % Off.

Kraftwerk and the Electronic revolution documentary

2011-12-10T17:51:00.002+01:00

Good for a long, winter evening :) About 3 hours long documentary - all about Kraftwek and electronic revolution.

WaveShaper Free Electronic DrumSamples

2011-12-10T17:43:00.003+01:00

Few days ago I made a blog entry about (very) affordable electronic drum samples and now it's actually getting better. WaveShaper has relased a free pack with more than 100 drum samples, all coming from analogue sources and processed with Waveshaper's own combination of vintage hardware effects and digital plugins. A lot of care has been taken with the stereo content management and adding some smooth reverberation to give the samples a bit more coloration. So this is not strictly raw, dry files, but more unique samples already infused with their own character.

WS - Epic Modularization by waveshaperkit

Link is available for limited time so ... download :)

Download: WaveShaper Free Electronic DrumSamples

NI Massive - 50 Free Sounds

2011-12-08T11:45:00.005+01:00

Nice freebie coming from MassiveSynths - 50 free presets for Native Instruments Massive synth. Since last Black Friday deal and 50 % off, I was able to get Massive too so I tested these sounds. Definitely it's worth downloading - it's about Saw waveform, there are reeses, leads, everything rather hmm rough, strong.
Ahh you need Massive 1.3 because the format is latest .nmsv.

Download: NI Massive - 50 Free Sounds Sawtooth Sounds

NI Massive Dubstep Bass - Sonic Death

2011-12-08T11:32:00.003+01:00

This video tutorial shows how to create Dubstep Bass sound using NI Massive. It's not another YOI sound or something. Actually it's quite ... sick ;) There's also a download link for this preset (video description) so if you're a lazy bastard ;), but you need this - go ahead and download.

Waveshaper - very affordable electronic drum samples

2011-12-08T11:13:00.003+01:00

Just a litle bit of promotion :) WaveShaper is a one man company living in France and enjoying recording and playing with vintage hardware drum machines, synths and analogue effects. Website / store is dedicated to electronic percussive samples recorded and gathered as drumkits. Most of them are vintage analogue drum machines processed through tube amps, compressors, and various hardware units. The focus is to produce sounds with some serious character at highest quality possible.

So, if you're into vintage drum machines, Waveshaper site may be worth checking. Prices are very affordable 1.5 - 4 $. Small demo:

Tek E7 - M-Z [demo aluminium] by waveshaperkit

More info: Waveshaper - Electronic Drum Sample Packs

Ableton Atmospheric Effects in EDM

2011-12-08T11:09:00.001+01:00

Quick and actually very nice video, created by Quantize Courses, showing how to tailor default "crash" sample sound into some atmosphere sound using Reverb, Delay and Resonator tool.

Ableton Operator Mosquito Sound

2011-12-05T10:41:00.001+01:00

Do you want to know how to create the sound of annoying mosquito ? Well, here it is ;) Ableton Live + Operator instrument is required.

Novation and Focusrite Remix Competition

2011-12-05T10:21:00.002+01:00

Simple. Download remix stems, create own version of the track and win gear bundle worth over 1100 UK pounds (Novation Impulse 25, Focusrite ISA One, Frocusrite Pro 40, KRK Headphones and Focusrite VRM Box). The deadline is 31 January so there's plenty of time :)

More info: Novation - Facebook

Ken Lewis - Mixing Competition

2011-12-05T10:11:00.002+01:00

Indaba Music offers another interesting remix competition.

Mixing engineer Ken Lewis is, hands down, one of the best in the business. He's worked with a veritable "who's-who" in the industry, including mixing and production for Lenny Kravitz, Usher, and Kanye West. With several Grammys and dozens of platinum records under his belt, Ken's ear for music is second to none. Now, Ken poses a truly challenging test — an all out mix-off. Take the dry stems from G-Note Records/G-Unit Records artist Lea's newest single "November Skies (11/11/11)", which was written, produced, and mixed by Ken and his writing partner Brent Kolatalo.

The 1st Place Winner, as chosen by the Judges from all of the submissions, will:
- Have a video chat consult session with Ken Lewis
- Be spotlighted in an upcoming print issue of Electronic Musician
- Receive a Lexicon PCM Reverb Bundle
- Receive the complete IK Multimedia plugin offering
- Receive a plugin bundle from Plugin Alliance
- Receive a course bundle from Audio School Online

More info: Ken Lewis Mixing Contest

Tunefish Synthesizer

2011-12-03T19:26:00.003+01:00

Tunefish is a project of demoscene group Brain Control. Initially it was a tiny synth developed to fit into about 10kb of compressed machine code so you could use it in demoscene intros (64kb category :) ). Later, the bigger, VSTi version was introduced and it's actually quite interesting. It offers 16 voices polyphony (C++ coded synth), so called spline oscillator (which due to spline interpolation is able to produce some nice waveshapes), one additive oscillator (with nice "gauss" option), noise oscillator and some effects such as Flanger, Chorus, Distortion, Delay, Reverb, EQ and Formant.

It is still beta version so there may be some bugs here and there ;) but overall it's quite interesting thing (suited better for some lo-fi stuff) with some pretty nice presets :)

Audio demo: Payne - Awakening

Download: Tunefish Synthesizer

Future Music In The Studio With Alex Metric

2011-12-03T18:52:00.003+01:00

It's just another video tutorial from Future Music's 'In the Studio' series. This time it's Alex Metric sharing some nice tips (ie. chopping some old disco tune to create something similar to Daft Punk - Highlife) and showing how an initial remix version can be turned into ... original track :)

Interesting, almost 50 minutes, video (definitely one of the better 'In the studio') and actually nice, refreshing music (not another dubstep madness, not another trance, not another progressive house ;) ).

How to make Calvin Harris Bounce-style sounds

2011-12-01T13:38:00.003+01:00

Hmmm it's not a 100 % recreation (actually I managed to do the second sound much closer in my soundbank for Cakewalk Z3TA+2 available here) but still this video may be helpful for some.

The DAW is Logic and synth are from Logic too.

Phuturetone Phutura - Free 8 Voices Polyphonic Virtual Synthesizer

2011-12-01T13:10:00.004+01:00

Phuturetone Phutura is a free, 8 voices, virtual polyphonic synthesizer inspired (quick note: inspiration != emulation :) ) by 80's hardware synth Alpha Juno, best known for the Hoover sound. It's a pretty simple synth, with clean GUI and low CPU consumption. Factory bank contains 80 sounds. The video below quickly shows some of best features (ie. watch the first minute). I kinda like this synth and I think that it deserves to be on Vst Cafe.

Download: Phuturetone Phutura

H.G. Fortune ProtoPlasm, Shuniji & LaserBlade Pro versions now free

2011-11-28T15:04:00.004+01:00

H.G. Fortune specializes in specific synths able to produce all kind of ambient, texture, pad, space, fx sounds. Currently, three Pro versions of nearly forgotten gems are available as freeware: ProtoPlasm Pro, Shuniji Pro, and LaserBlade Pro.

If you don't know what I'm talking about :) then just take a look at below movie. (the sound comes from Altair synth - one from the synth available on H.G. Fortune)

Download: H.G. Fortune ProtoPlasm, Shuniji & LaserBlade Pro

Yamaha DX21 - Solid Bass NI Kontakt Patch

2011-11-28T14:49:00.002+01:00

It's just a one patch from Yamaha DX21 synth: "Solid Bass". It does have a nice sound, there are 241 samples which means each key from C#0 to F#6 and some variations.

DX21 is actually a cheaper version of the DX7: it has less polyphony and fewer operators , no velocity sensitivity at all, from effects it has only chorus, and it doesn’t even have a reverberator. But some of these flaws might actually be its advantages. For example, the Yamaha DX21 owes it’s unique charm to the 14 bit DA converters that give it a harsh, vintage character, while the imperfect output path give the timbre it’s characteristic lo-fi hiss. The bass sounds great, and the sound effects are insane.

Yamaha DX21 "Solid Bass" bank preview by Hardballs

Download: Yamaha DX21 Solid Bass Preset

128 Presets for Fuzzpilz Oatmeal! Synth

2011-11-27T16:46:00.002+01:00

Fuzzpilz Oatmeal is actually one of the best freeware synths available. It offers plenty of free soundbanks, ability to draw own waveform shape and it's low CPU consuming.
So naturally it's a must for those who are on the budget.
The latest bank: "Dance Bank", created by Ouroboros, brings additional, new 128 presets on the table.

Download: 128 Presets by Ouroboros for Fuuzpilz Oatmeal

jsAudio jsCompShaper

2011-11-27T16:35:00.003+01:00

Another compressor unit but this one introduces an ability to morph between soft-knee compression and waveshaping. It also provides pre-/post- emphasis filtering (similar to side-chain filter) and analog-like attack / release filter which is inspired (but not modeled) by an SSL buss compressor.

Overall, jsAudio jsCompShaper is a ... professional product :) Nice sound which works great ie. on bass instruments, clean, great GUI. Just give it a try... There's 64-bit version too.

Download: jsAudio jsCompShaper

Black Friday Deals

2011-11-25T14:13:00.004+01:00

Lack of updates on Vst Cafe - I'm still quite busy with my real life. BUT today I just couldn't leave Vst Cafe blog empty :) It's Black Friday - tons of deals.

If you're into software effects then Waves up to 70 % sale looks sweet, as well as Sonnox Oxford Plugins - absolutely top class plugins but still pricey :)
Software synth lovers should visit DiscoDsp for 50 % sale, FXPansion with their up to 75 % off sale (DCAM Synth Squad for 99 $ !!!), WusikStation with 15GB of sounds for ... 19,99 $, Native Instruments 50 % off, KV331 Synthmaster 35% off, Cakewalk massive deals (ie. Z3ta2 + Dimension Pro + Rapture for 119 EUR), Image-Line GrossBeat 60 % off

Full list of amazing deals (there are some sample libraries, presets too) available at: http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/

Big Tick Rhino - No-Brainer Deal 20 $

2011-10-17T18:27:00.006+02:00

If hyped, expensive software synths are way beyond your budget range then this deal should make you happy. Big Tick Rhino synth is offered for 20 $ via AudioMidi.com No-Brainer deal, instead of normal 99 $ price.
Ok, Rhino's GUI seem old (well, it's not the newest synth), but the features guarantee plenty of sonic possibilities. It is 6 Oscillator Hybrid FM Synthesizer which can act as classic 6 Operators FM Synth or as typical subtractive synth. It offers plenty of waveforms (additional waveforms can be created via simple additive generator). Also you can import SFZ files.

Big Tick Rhino Audio Midi edition not only contains factory 1082 presets, but also three additional soundbanks which translate into another 384 presets. Seriously, even if you use Rhino as a pure rompler, then almost 1500 sounds are worth 20 $. Especially if you're on the budget or you use mostly some free, cheap synths. If you're still not sure, there is a demo version (btw Rhino works both on PC and Mac). Ahh, and as far as I remember, it's not another Trance, Progressive House synth :)

ps. Sorry for lack of updates on Vst Cafe. It looks like October 2011 owns my real life a little bit too much ;) And thank you for over 500 likes on Facebook. This won't be forgotten :)

More info: Official Website | AudioMidi No-Brainer Deal

Orchestra stadium gig

2011-10-09T17:32:00.004+02:00

Orchestra stadium gig doesn't have to be boring :)

Sampleism

2011-10-05T09:44:00.002+02:00

Sampleism is a community based sample library outlet which offers sound designers a possibility to upload and sell their latest samples. What's the big deal ? Well, there is huge variety of sounds offered. For example: Traditional Croatian double-reed instrument, North Indian Drum Instrument, Atari Falcon Collection DSP 56001, Resonator - Unique 1950's electronic sound. Sounds are offered mostly as NI Kontakt libraries or Wav files but the database is growing fast so there some other formats offered too (ie. SF2, EXS24, NI Battery). It's worth mentioning that most products are affordable - usually cost few $. Seems like a pretty nice resource for interesting, unusual sounds.

More info: Sampleism

Nucleus SoundLab Viral Outbreak Promotion

2011-10-05T09:12:00.003+02:00

Nucleus SoundLab offers their Viral Outbreak library (as VST instrument or Refill) at 55 % discount which means 40 $. VST instrument version is based on Wusik V5 engine. Overall, Viral Outbreak contains 3.5 GB of multisamples which means 180 soundsets (multi layered sounds) and over 1000 presets.
For 40 $, I would say that it's a pretty nice "sound module".

Viral Outbreak VST Demos by Nucleus-SoundLab

More info: Nucleus SoundLab

Yamaha DX7 classic 80s Electric Piano free instrument

2011-09-30T12:35:00.004+02:00

It's just a free, oldschool, lovely, digital, 80s Yamaha DX7 Electric Piano instrument recorded by Izonin :) It's available only in SampleTank format.

Download: Yamaha DX7 Electric Piano patch

IK Multimedia Sample Tank Free

2011-09-30T11:51:00.004+02:00

IK Multimedia Sample Tank Free is a full-featured version of commercial sample workstation - SampleTank 2.5, with limited, 500 MB sample library. It opens all SampleTank format sounds (so for example you can use the sounds from Sonik Synth 2, Sample Moog which were available on promotion for pretty much insane low price :) ). It also imports Wav, Aiff, SDII, Akai S-1000/3000, SampleCell formats. I like that SampleTank is 16 part multitimbral so it's easy to layer/mix different parts (also it's possible to set all layers to Midi channel 1 and play them, as far as I remember Image-Line DirectWave couldn't do it, which sucked a bit). The built-in DSP effects sound nice and are low CPU hungry. These are the pros. And cons ? Hmm, it's shame it doesn't import SF2 or SFZ, also the product registration is too complicated and GUI seems too crowdy. But somehow, I'm starting to like it.

Download: IK Multimedia Sample Tank Free

Kairatune - free monophonic synth

2011-09-26T20:08:00.007+02:00

I have a feeling that 2011 year is, when it comes to freeware virtual synths, more about quality than quantity. U-He Zebralette, U-He Tyrell N6, Ugo Rez 3, Martin Lüders Pg8x, the Scroo - these are some quality synths released this year. Not much ? Well, here's another quite interesting and different than the others synth. Kairatune is a free monophonic synth designed to produce crisp and tight electric sounds for electronic music production. Which means strong lead sounds, basses and SFX. I guess the audio demo speaks for itself:

Factory soundbank (76 presets) contains some really unique and interesting sounds especially if you're into evolving (but not pads), psychodelic stuff :) I would say that the synth sounds nice, has interesting architecture and definitely has it's own flavour. The CPU reaches about 12 % in my Computer (some pretty old Core 2 Duo) so I guess it's pretty ok. Sure, Synth1 takes like 2-8 % CPU but the truth is that 99 % of freeware synths would lose vs Synth1 :)

Download: Kairatune

Wavesfactory 1850 Pipe Organ Free

2011-09-26T11:27:00.007+02:00

Wavesfactory sampled a Pipe Organ built in the year 1850 in Artà's church (a little village on the island of Mallorca, Spain). Organ pipes are made from either wood or metal and produce sound when air under pressure (“wind”) is directed through them. Pipes are arranged by timbre and pitch into ranks. A rank is a row of pipes mounted vertically onto a windchest. An organ contains two actions, or systems of moving parts. When a key is depressed, the key action admits wind into a pipe. The stop action allows the organist to control which ranks are engaged.

1850 Pipe Organ is available as a sample library suited for NI Kontakt 4.2.3 and as a virtual instrument available both in AU and VST format (so Mac and Windows 32bit, 64bit are covered). Free version compared to commercial one (yes, there is commercial version) offers lesser flexibility but still it's a nice freebie.

1850 Pipe Organ by Wavesfactory

Download: Wavesfactory 1850 Pipe Organ

Sounds of Revolution Free Samples

2011-09-26T10:52:00.004+02:00

In my personal chart, Sounds of Revolution is one of the best sample packs developer. If you visit testimonials, you can see tons of producers (mostly related with Electronic Dance Music scene) praising their stuff, ie: Tiesto, Blank & Jones, Timo Maas, BT, Thrillseekers.
So if you need quality samples, then feel free to visit Sounds of Revolution Free Samples section which offers small snippets from their commercial libraries. Good stuff.

Download: Sounds of Revolution Free Samples

Roland TR-808 Tape Drum Samples

2011-09-26T10:36:00.005+02:00

Roland TR-808 is one of the most important and famous drum machines in the music history. Tons of artist used it, ie. The Prodigy, Faithless, BT, Richie Hawtin, Beastie Boys, Jean Michel Jarre, Duran Duran, Puff Daddy, Ice Cube, Phil Collins, Kraftwerk...
Wave Alchemy - UK based sound design company - released over 300 free drum samples from TR-808. All drums have been recorded directly to 1/4” analogue tape via a Studer A80 Mk1 tape machine with each sound boasting multiple saturation settings.

Download: Wave Alchemy 808 Tape Drum Samples

NI Massive - that Party Rock Anthem LMFAO sound

2011-09-25T15:24:00.000+02:00

An attempt to create similar main lead sound to LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem track. I think that it still lacks something but I kinda like it.
I would add a tiny portion of portamento, maybe some noise (tried to recreate that sound in Cakewalk Z3TA+ 2 :) ).

Synth1 is available on Mac

2011-09-23T10:16:00.002+02:00

I know that quite often Mac Osx users complain about small amount of freeware plugins available for Mac (at least compared to PC) but this info should, I believe, make them happy :)
Synth1 - legendary and free virtual synth with more than ... 9000 presets is now available on Mac platform too. Note that it's a beta version, so it may introduce some bugs but still, I think that is a great news. Some soundbanks are really tasty. My personal favourite is Gecko soundbank which offers some old 80s leads :)

Download: Synth 1 Beta for Mac

Rolling Bassline - Classic Uplifting Trance 138-140 Bpm

2011-09-22T15:58:00.003+02:00

If you're into classic, uplifting, fast (138-140 bpm) trance then this tutorial might be very useful :) It shows how to create so called rolling bassline but at the same time you can learn a little bit more from it. For example how to create "groovy" hi-hats, how to make bassline using layers (and how to save "space" by EQing) and, I would say, entire build-up.

It's just a quality tutorial, one of the best when it comes to classic trance :) Cubase DAW is used but honestly, if you're not a complete beginner then you should understand everything and use this knowledge in other DAW, without problems.

400 Followers on Facebook

2011-09-21T17:39:00.004+02:00

Ok. Vst Cafe has just reached 400 followers which proves me that third year of blogging here wasn't a totally waste of time ;)

What can I say more - I hope that we'll get even more followers. When we reach 500, I'll drink a lot of good beer and who knows, maybe I'll do something actually useful for the followers (competition or something) :)

So visit Vst Cafe facebook profile (let's face it - there's not much going on there but one day I'll change it), spread the word about it and "Like it".

Links: VstCafe - Facebook | VstCafe - Soundcloud

Synth Britannia Documentary

2011-09-20T19:09:00.003+02:00

Another interesting documentary :) OMD, Gary Numan, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys - a generation of musicians who took their synthesizers to the center of (Synth)Pop music. Damn, this music had "something" :)

Clever Wobbly Dubstep Bassline in NI Massive

2011-09-20T15:21:00.004+02:00

This is, I believe, one of the best tutorials coming from nzmusic101 - useful for some dubstep producers I guess (nope, it's not another YOI sound). It's just a good wobble :)

Tiesto - Work Hard Play Hard Remix Competition - lesson learnt

2011-09-19T15:49:00.035+02:00

Just wanted to share with you some of my thoughts I had when remixing Tiesto's 'Work Hard Play Hard' tune, for Tiesto Remix Competition. Ok, I didn't win and some of you would probably say that it's another pop, Guetta, Avicii-like crap :) But still I wanted to create such crap and for the first time (when it comes to music) I actually felt like a winner. I managed to create the full track which for some reason is always a pretty tough task to me - about 99,9 % of my musical ideas are never finished.

Looks like I'm not as creative as I thought ;) My general advice is - if you have problem with finishing your own songs then it might be not a bad idea trying some remix competitions. I don't know why but strict deadline works for me. Also some ready to go remix stems help to quickly find some inspiration. For example in this remix competition I only required vocal to find some inspiration - the rest is a "total" remix.

I also learnt (seems obvious) that the more tracks I complete, the better I am when it comes to arrangement, optimizing my workflow, choosing "good" plugins and eventually creating some kind of a base template / framework.

So, what's the basic template of a guy who praise free, cheap plugins, samples on Vst Cafe ? :) Well, I think that there are some things we really need to pay for, and I believe that a good DAW is one of these things. Free DAW can just hurt our workflow too much. After all, it should be all about having some good time and fighting with GUI, bad workflow is not a good time ;) So, I use Ableton Live (second hand copy :) ).

As effects I mostly use Ableton effect plugins but there are some freebies too. ADT - Artifical Double Tracking plugin was used to quickly make the vocal stereo / wide and Sonic Faction Whoosh Machine (it's actually more like an instrument rather than FX) was used for rising noise effect (nice tool if you want to have rise and falls FX fast).

For the main lead part I used commercial plugins only. That piano flavour comes from second-hand Truepianos copy - it's not the most realistic souding piano plugin but for some reason it works nicely when using layered sounds. Then there is one instance of Cakewalk Z3TA+ which was available for quite a long time for 20 $ and two instances of Toxic Biohazard which was available, during some promotion, for 49 $. The bassline is 100 % Cakewalk Z3TA+ (two instances). Presets come from my own soundbanks available at www.designasound.com so it's a freebie ... for me ;) For you it's more like 2x 13 $.

Drum samples come from some commercial sample libraries (I don't remember names - it's like from time to time I try to buy some sample libraries and I'm slowly building my "drum resources library") and that's pretty much it.

So what's the point of this blog entry ? I don't know ;) Maybe it's: the more you compose, the more you learn. Or: while good DAW is really preferred, the other piece of software (plugins) can be free, cheap, expensive and it really doesn't affect you too much - we can live without the "expensive" option ;) Ok, I didn't use Synth1 for example but I can easily imagine doing it. But first I would need to scroll through 9000 presets to create my own, custom, favourite bank. It's a real time saver - when completed you won't need to scroll through 9000 presets, but through ie. 200-300 presets suited for your needs. I have such favourite banks in Z3TA+ 2, Toxic Biohazard, Novation V-Station and that's probably the reason why I use these synths the most.

So, just listen to the track - I'm curious how many views it will have. Not that I care too much but I do like experiments ;)

Iliadis Euthymia Electronic (Hammond-like) Organ Vsti

2011-09-19T14:41:00.003+02:00

Vst Cafe resources bring some valuable organ instrument freebies (both samples and vst instruments) on the table but it's still not enough :) The Euthymia Electronic Organ, by Iliadis, is a Hammond Clone Simulation instruments which offers clean Sine Drawbars for 2 Manuals and Bass Pedals, 2 Percussion Oscs with the 9 "Standard" Harmonics, a Key Click Imitation for both Manuals, Vibrato/Chorus.

It does look nice, sound nice and the CPU consumption is low. Feel free to test it or visit Iliadis website for another organ instruments :)

Download: Iliadis Euthymia Electronic Organ V2

How to make an Afrojack style Dutch synth sound using NI Massive

2011-09-18T15:17:00.001+02:00

There's not much to add here :) If you're into Afrojack style Dutch sounds then this video (check nzmusic101 youTube channel for more) should encourage you to experiment more with synthesis and NI Massive synth.

The sound of Soviet Science Fiction

2011-09-17T14:46:00.000+02:00

Another interesting article about creating sounds for the movie industry, which means Soviet Science Fiction movies like Solaris (1972), Stalker (1979).

I'm sure that you know these "sci-fi" sounds - most sci-fi movies from 60', 70' had them - I mean all these blips, glitches. And of course nice futuristic soundtracks :) In Solaris, ANS synthesizer was used a lot, while Stalker is mostly about British EMS Synthi 100

Article: The sound of Soviet Science Fiction

Interesting Soft Synths released in 2011

2011-09-15T20:04:00.003+02:00

Quite often I read forum threads where people ask for some latest, good soft synth recommendations. So here it is - short article which introduces commercial synths released in 2011. Remember that my opinion is totally subjective. I don't have all synths, some even don't offer demo version so this article shares hmm my first impressions rather than fully detailed reviews.

Feel free to post your own thoughts about presented plugins too :)

Dmitry Sches Diversion - website

Dmitry Sches Diversion is, I believe, one of the biggest surprises this year. It came out of nowhere and just sounds great. I mean, it doesn't try to replicate some old analogue, hardware synth, it's not another sine / square / saw subtractive synth (do we need more of such synths ?) - it's a pure digital sounding synth. It does sound very clean, bright. The GUI and overall workflow is very nice. I also love Osc Morph windows and Main morph which quickly offer lots of variation to existing presets.

I would say that if you're looking for some modern synth, if you liked for example Sylenth, then you'll definitely like Diversion. But don't get me wrong. It's not another trance machine - it's more like a digital monster synth :).

One thing that people won't be happy about is serious CPU consumption but it's like with U-He ACE for example. Do you like the synth ? Then deal with CPU consumption :) There is a demo so everyone can test it and decide if CPU usage is acceptable or not. Or you can just learn how to freeze track(s) in your DAW :)

This plugin costs 150 $ and it's an introductory price.

Audio Damage Phosphor - website

Honestly, I don't know anything about this synth (except some official informations of course). There is no demo, the synth is modeled on the alphaSyntauri - vintage digital additive synth which required an Apple to operate. Judging by forum, blog posts it's not the most popular / hyped synth. On the other hand Audio Damage guys are well known from designing great, creative effects so Phosphor can't be that bad ;) The price set to 59 $ seems ok.

Cakewalk Z3TA+ 2 - website

I wasn't happy with the announcement of Cakewalk Z3TA+ 2 release. Why ? Because 2-3 days earlier I released new soundbank for Z3TA+ 1.5.3 and it took me quite a lot of time :) Then I heard that the "old" presets will work with new version too. I quickly realised that Z3TA+ 2 will be more like an update, rather than new synth. And indeed - it's an old, legendary Z3TA+ 1 synthesis updated, with totally changed GUI, workflow.

So, what's new ? In terms of synthesis - not much. The most noticeable changes are 2-3 new waveshaping options, more modulation destinations, 4 new filter types (I don't know which one, to be honest :) ) and that's pretty much it. The biggest changes are when it comes to GUI and workflow. Z3TA+ 2 is just much more user friendly and controls (sliders, knobs) are where supposed to be :)

Z3TA+ 2 offers 2000 presets: 1000 "old" presets, and 1000 "new" presets. To be honest I like the old factory presets more.

Overall, it's very tough to judge such synth. One will say that there are not enough changes (for example, I would like to see some additional waveforms introduced as well as improved unison because "multi mode" known from old Z3TA is just old and it sucks), others will say that current version has too many bugs. Yes, Cakewalk is working on it but indeed, there are too many bugs (on the other hand, I can use it so it's not that bad ;) ). The third group are people who loved old Z3TA+ and are just satisfied with workflow, GUI and patch management (I like it) changes... I'm in the third group.

Image-Line Harmor - website

Harmor is a bigger (much bigger) brother of Image-Line Harmless synth, which means that it, to create some interesting sounds, uses additive synthesis. One thing Harmor really stands out is audio resynthesis. The reproduction, if precision set to high, is really faithful - very often better than in bigger, more expensive products (guess which ;p). It also offers image synthesis - simply load just some 2d image and you'll have a new sound :)

Overall, it's a very deep and interesting synth. The introductory price is 99 $ and will change into 149 $. Definitely, this synth is on my "i want to have it" list. It's just easy, fun to tweak and not as bloated as other synths. Also I like the factory presets which introduce many, modern sounding presets. It worth mentioning that CPU consumption seems to be pretty low.

discoDSP Corona - website

When I first loaded Corona demo (plus for the author that there aren't any stupid 60sec noises :) ) I was a little bit surprised. I mean, the general trend is that the synths are getting more advanced, more complicated and overall require more knowledge - both from designers and users. Four ElectraX layers, Harmor resynthesis, Diversion Osc morphing possibilities. It's all great, creative and fun but requires time to program.

What if I want to go back to something hmm let's say typical 3x Osc architecture (Novation V-Station anyone? ), where you can program new sound in almost seconds without tweaking hundreds of parameters, without going through tabs, screens ? Well, then you have Corona synth :) It's a 3xOsc synth which offers very typical architecture - three oscillators, 2x LFO (+ Vibrato unit), 3x Envelopes (Amp, Filter, Modulation), Filter, Unison unit, Mod Matrix and that's pretty much it. Boring / Old ? Sure ... until you realise that each oscillator has about 300 timbres (classic VA timbres + single cycle waveforms + wave (piano, choir etc.)) and you can combine oscillators using 14 operators (Add, Sub, Or, And etc.). Then the real fun starts :)

What I really like about Corona is that the overall architecture, interface allow me to create new sounds quick, without losing the inspiration. It's totally opposite compared to other 2011 synths where creating the sound is more like a crafting something complicated :) There are some really nice tweaks, such as selecting timbres by mousewheel, or randomize them :) It's a very nice synth, especially if you like to program your own sounds fast.

G-Force ImpOSCar 2 - website

For some reason, I couldn't install the demo (just had some weird "Japanese" letters), so there's really not much to say here other than some official infos. ImpOSCar2 is the successor to impOSCar software synthesizer. While the original impOSCar was a component emulation of the rare and classic OSCar synthesizer with a few added bells and whistles, such as polyphony and on-board effects, impOSCar2 soars to new sonic heights via new features and enhancements, each designed around the wishes of those musicians, programmers and producers who loved the original.

Since the original impOSCar release G-Force carefully compiled user feedback and over the course of eighteen months, in another true labour of love, they incorporated the best of these within impOSCar2 creating a synth that positively oozes more character, more playability, more expression and more detailed sound sculpting opportunities than could have been imagined a few years ago.

All in all, it's a recreation of old, classic synth. If you're into such stuff - try it.

XILS-lab Synthix - website

Synthix is inspired by (which means that it's not a strict emulation - it's more like an emulation + additional features) classic Elka Synthex analogue synth. I don't know if it sounds similar to original but by reading some forums, blogs I heard that this classic VA is just best analogue sounding virtual synth along with other XILS-lab synths such as Poly KB II. Of course I couldn't compare it to impOSCar 2 but I guess it's fully safe to say that indeed it's one of top three classic virtual analogue sounding synths.

It also offers some unique features. For example Synthix supports key splits with individual patching and MIDI on both upper and lower sections of the keyboard. So for example you can play some bassline presets with left hand, and some arpeggios with right hand. And there is "multi-layering" which let's you stack up to 8 patches into one voice.

It's a really deep VA synth which has an amazing sound but also requires a lot of "power". It's actually pretty funny that in XXI century, to have some old analogue sounding synth, you need to make sure first that your digital computer can handle it :D

If I would have to criticize something, I would say that a top class synths support scrolling through next / previous preset via computer keyboard (ie. U-He Zebra) - not some arrows you need to contantly click on :) After 100 mouse clicks I usually have enough of such synths :) Yes, that is a request. I don't like that developers create their own preset browsers (ok, that's good) and cripple (that's not good) the functionality of default patch browser which supported (ie. in Ableton Live) scrolling through the next preset just by hitting "cursor down" on keyboard. Ok, maybe it is possible to make a patch change by sending midi CC but and not sure (demo didn't allow it) and still it's worse than a simple keyboard button hit :P

Adam Szabo JP6K - website

Compared to other synths from the list, this is a pretty small and very limiting synth. But it offers probably the best supersaw-like oscillator known from the legendary Roland JP-8x series. It's actually pretty amazing, how many sounds you can create just by using two "supersaw" oscillators (there aren't classic VA waveforms like Sine, Square etc.).

If you're into smooth, trancy sounding pads or leads, you should definitely get this synth. It's really worth - the price is pretty low 25 EUR.

Tone2 ElectraX - website

Technically, Tone2 ElectraX was released on 5th December 2010 (so not 2011) but I decided to just bend the rules a little bit :). Maybe one day I'll go back to 2010 and wrote similar article so I could move ElectraX there. Anyway, ElectraX is third Tone2 synth, after Firebird and Gladiator. I own all these synths and actually can't decide which one is the best. Firebird is tiny, little beast which was not enough for me (just bought it too late) so I quickly decided to get the bigger brother (or sister ;) ) Tone2 Gladiator which was mainly about unique HCM (Harmonic Content Morphing) synthesis which naturally set this synth as perfect for all kind of pads, evolving sounds, atmospheres etc. ElectraX, on the other hand, is totally different story (but definitely you can feel there Tone2 flavour too). I see ElectraX more like a very deep lead / bass / synth machine.

The oscillators support custom single cycle waveforms, "real" wavetables (you know, similar to Waldorf products), typical virtual analog synthesis, some supersaw-like synthesis, FM and others. So it's a very versatile synth. It's also low CPU hungry which was quite a surprise to me (judging by the sound quality I expected bigger consumption). In this case CPU usage matters a lot because each patch / preset can use up to 4 layers / synthesizers ! Honestly, ElectraX offers so many options that quite often I just don't know where to go - should I use some real wavetables, or maybe Ultrasaw, or maybe just load some waveform ? Or better just turn on another layer ?

I like synths that offer strong, modern sound and ElectraX is definitely there. If I would have to choose the "best" synth from this list I would pick Tone2 product. But the truth is that it's a personal thing. It's just fits my needs, my style etc. Other people, who like for example virtual analog synths, should pick something like XILS-lab Synthix for example.

Native Instruments Razor - website

It's totally unknown synth to me. It's based on additive synthesis, it requires NI Reaktor 5.5 or NI Reaktor Free, it costs 69 EUR and that's pretty much all I know about it.

Hamburg-Audio Nuklear - website

Nuklear is the first virtual instrument based on pulse train synthesis. What does it mean ? According to the manual, it's the form of granular synthesis named after spinning neutron stars that emit periodic signals in the range of 0.25 Hz to 642 Hz. Basic pulsar synthesis as desribed by Curtis Roads generates a monophonic periodic pulsar train controlled by the two parameters: fundamental frequency (pulsar frequency) and duty cycle frequency (formant frequency). The pulsaret is characterised by the pulsaret waveform and the pulsaret envelope.

I only had a short demo with this synth so it'll be a totally first impression or something like that. First of all pulsar train generators (it's an "oscillator") require learning or at least reading the manual :) I don't read manuals so for the first time I really felt hmmm weird - I didn't understand most parameters. It's not that this synth is overcomplicated or something, it's just a new synthesis which requires some learning curve.

Judging by the presets, the synth really brings some new, interesting sounds on the table. Some distorted (but in a good, musical way) presets sound very nice, modern. On the other hand, there are also interesting pads.

Well, my overall impression is: Nuklear is an intersting synth which requires some learning first :) One thing I don't like is the GUI or maybe I just should say: knob labels. In 1900x1200 resolution they're small and blurry. Also dark grey (almost black BUT not black) color is not helping. Some bigger GUI for bigger resolutions (like in U-He Zebra) would be great, or at least some sharper and darker fonts.

How To Make Crispy Electro Bassline in Sylenth

2011-09-15T15:10:00.000+02:00

How to make crispy electro bassline in Sylenth soft synth ? Just watch this video. The sound is really nice, especially if you're into Electro, Electro-House genres...

The Sound of Rise of the Planet of the Apes

2011-09-15T14:39:00.000+02:00

Just another interesting video introducing the sound designers work in movie industry. This time it's about the "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" movie.

How to make a Dubstep/Wobble synth

2011-09-14T15:03:00.003+02:00

Another wobble bass/synth tutorial ? No, not this again ;)

But it's for Lennar Digital Sylenth, not NI Massive "dubstep synth". Maybe somebody who is not into dubstep genre will find this sound useful for something hmm different :)

10 Remixing Tips By Eelke Kleijn

2011-09-14T14:23:00.002+02:00

There are tons of remix competitions available almost everywhere. Eelke Kleijn, Dutch (electronic) music producer and DJ, shares his 10 tips that will help you to create interesting remixes. I like it :)

Article: 10 Remixing Tips By Eelke Kleijn

ARTFX - Sound Effects Volume 1

2011-09-14T14:16:00.004+02:00

ARTFX - Sound Effects Volume 1 is a free sample library which contains (surprise ;) ) sound effects, created / recorded / designed by Kaj van den Oord from ARTFX. The package offers 480 audio samples which translates into 1 GB size.

I've been spending the last two days working on a subject called sound design. The first day was used for recording al kinds of sounds like zippers, pieces of metal slamming into each other, skateboard wheels, beatbox sounds and a lot more. The second day has been the slicing and processing of the recorded sounds.After two days of work I ended up with 1 Gb of samples and loops, ready for further processing.

Now normally I would end up having this samples lying around for a while, but instead I'm releasing this sample pack for free download. No usual samples like drum hits in here, all unusual sound effects.

Download: ARTFX - Sound Effects Volume 1

The New Sound of Music (1979)

2011-09-07T15:31:00.004+02:00

The New Sound of Music is a BBC historical documentary from the year 1979. It charts the development of recorded music from the first barrel organs, pianolas, the phonograph, the magnetic tape recorder and onto the concepts of musique concrete and electronic music development with voltage controlled oscillators making up the analogue synthesizers of the day. EMS Synthesizers and equipment are a heavily featured technology resource in this film, with the show's host, Michael Rodd, demonstrating the EMS VCS3 synthesizer and it's waveform output. Other EMS products include the incredible Synthi 100 modular console system, the EMS AKS, the Poly Synthi and the EMS Vocoder.

Interesting documentary :)

In The Studio with Thomas Gold

2011-09-07T15:14:00.002+02:00

One of the best video from "In The Studio" series. Those who like the track above: Delerium - Silence (Thomas Gold Remix) should be satisfied with these videos because Thomas shows the plugins he used to make chords, to make bass etc.

Freddie Mercury 65th Birthday

2011-09-05T23:29:00.012+02:00

Freddie's 65th birthday.

When I'm dead, who cares. I don't

I was eleven years old when Freddie died but for me he is a legend and legends never die :) Below Queen - Live at Wembley 86, over 1,5h material

Damn, I have an impression that concerts in 80s were epic compared to current :(

Freddie For A Day

reFX Vanguard: Soundbanks round-up 02

2011-09-03T16:45:00.036+02:00

It's time for the another Soundbanks round-up - focused on requested reFX Vanguard virtual synth. The list contains 12 soundbanks distributed via official reFX website + additional 20 soundbanks / resources. Overall it translates into around 1500 official expansion presets + additional, damn I need a calculator ;), 2801.

If you know reFX Vanguard bank not listed here, post comments and I'll add it to the list. Also, feel free to read previous round-up: 01 dedicated to Lennar Digital Sylenth synth.

Commercial soundbanks:

Official Vanguard Expansions
Keywords: Wide Range
Presets: around 1500 (!)

DMS reFX Vanguard Sounds Bundle
Keywords: Wide Range, EDM, Dance, Club, Bass, Lead
Presets: 380

Vengeance Vanguard Reloaded Vol. 1, 2
Keywords: Electro, Dirty, Dutch, House, Bass, Lead, Pad, FX
Presets: 2x 128

Deeper Love
Keywords: Pad, Arp, Lead, Funky, Deep
Presets: 128

Synthation Vanguard-Essentials
Keywords: Club, Trance, Lead, Pad, EDM
Presets: 128

Vanguard AvantGarde FX
Keywords: FX
Presets: 128

Vanguard Legacy
Keywords: Bread & Butter, Classic Synths
Presets: 128

Vanguard Xtra Moods
Keywords: Electronica, Chillout, Lounge, IDM
Presets: 128

Stallion Sounds Lead Expressions
Keywords: Lead, Screaming, Distorted
Presets: 128

Stallion Sounds Arps Fire
Keywords: Arp
Presets: 197

Stallion Sounds Gater Loves Arp
Keywords: Gate, Arp, Acid
Presets: 256

Stallion Sounds Sync Inside
Keywords: Sync, Rough, Lead
Presets: 64

Stallion Sounds Acid Salt
Keywords: Acid, Lead
Presets: 64

Pro-Sounds Genusis
Keywords: Arp, Lead, Pad, Atmosphere, Bass, Techno
Presets: 128

Xenos Soundworks No Trance
Keywords: Pop, Hip Hop, Lead, Bass
Presets: 128

Xenos Soundworks Quantum Consiousness
Keywords: Wide Range
Presets: 140

Monomade House Vanguard Presets
Keywords: EDM, Bass, Lead, Pad, Pluck
Presets: 64

Culture Electronic Trance World
Keywords: Old Trance
Presets: 158

Vanguard Electro Bass
Keywords: Bass, Club, EDM
Presets: 70

Waveformless Phoenix
Keywords: Vintage Synths, Bass, EBM
Presets: 128

Freeware soundbanks:
KvR Audio (Requires Registration)

2 Uses for Ableton Redux Device

2011-09-01T18:22:00.001+02:00

2 uses for Ableton Redux Device - distorted basslines and overused talking bass. Nice, quick tutorial.

Mr. Soundman - Free Ear Training Game

2011-09-01T08:45:00.005+02:00

Mr. Soundman is a bit like an arcade game with an intuitive GUI, and rapidly increasing difficulty. You start the game with three lives. Mr. Soundman will play an audio source with a noticeable boost somewhere across the frequency range. Your mission is to identify the boosted frequency. The closer you are to the boosted frequency the more points you gain.
While Mr. Soundman is free, there is also premium version which costs 29 EUR. Almost forgot - the application is standalone, PC only.

Download: Mr. Soundman - Ear Training Game

Lennar Digital Sylenth1: Soundbanks round-up 01

2011-08-31T11:56:00.126+02:00

Synth factory presets quite often are just average. One of the key reasons is that, as a developer, you don't want to wait forever for your completed product (synth) to be released. On the other hand, sound designers need quite a lot of time to master new synth, to discover some new, interesting tricks - it's like: the more time you spend with synth, the better presets you'll create so naturally there is some kind of a time conflict. Developers want to release their "ready to go" (except factory presets) product fast, sound designers want it slow :)

I mean, sure you may (as a customer) just state: "ohh, what a crap factory presets" and buy another synth but quickly you'll end up having 20-30 synths with some general, "bread & butter" factory presets which usually don't fully explore synth's sonic possibilities.

I prefer to have less synths but expand them with third party, additional soundbanks. Why ? Third party soundbanks usually have better quality (sound designers have enough time to fully explore synth) and are suited more to certain style, genres. Factory banks often are some kind of a demo whispering to your ear: "look, I can sound like this (ie. some Ambient texture sound) and I can sound like that (ie. some Trance arpeggio sound)". But the point is - if you're for example a progressive house producer then you don't need ambient texture, you don't need trance arp :) You need some bass, you need some big room plucks etc. And third party soundbanks deliver this.

I would like to start a new series of articles. Each article will focus on one synth and will contain possibly the biggest list of links to both commercial and free additional third party soundbanks. So today it's probably the most popular Electronic Dance Music (virtual) synth ever - Lennar Digital Sylenth1. By default, it has one of the biggest factory libraries available, suited mostly for Trance genre but with these additional third party banks you may expand Sylenth with hundreds of presets.

I decided to not include the prices because there are (almost) always some kind of a promotions so the article quickly would be out of date.

ps. If there are some more Sylenth1 soundbanks not listed here, post the info in comments and I'll add it to the list.

Commercial Soundbanks:

Pablo Decoder House Patches for Sylenth
Keywords: House, Lead, Pad, Tech House
Presets: 64

CFA-Sound PATCHWORX 05
Keywords: Trance, Bass, Lead, Pad, Synth
Presets: 64

CFA-Sound Synergy Vol. 1
Keywords: Trance, Hard-Trance, Lead, Bass, Seq
Presets: 128

CFA-Sound Synergy Vol.2
Keywords: Lead, Pluck, Bass, Pad, Trance, Hard-Trance
Presets: 128

Jody Wisternoff Progressive and Tech Sylenth Presets
Keywords: Progressive House & Tech, Lead, Stab, Bass, String
Presets: 64

Adam Szabo Sylenth1 Soundset
Keywords: EDM, Pluck, Lead
Presets: 64

Arksun Soundbank
Keywords: EDM, Lead
Presets: 128

Molgli's Twisted UK Hardcore Sylenth Soundset
Keywords: Hardcore, Hardstyle, Hands-Up
Presets: 131

DMS Sylenth1 Sound Bank
Keywords: EDM
Presets: 128

Project Theadora Soundset
Keywords: Club, Dance, Pop
Presets: 64

Sylenth1 Trance Soundset
Keywords: Trance, Lead, Bass, Pad
Presets: 128

Trance Euphoria Sylenth Trance Soundset Vol.2
Keywords: Trance, Lead, Bass, Pad, FX
Presets: 134

Sylenth1 Melodic Progressive House Soundset from Audiotent
Keywords: EDM, Progressive House, Pluck, Lead, Big Room
Presets: 64

Sylenth1 Trance Soundset Combo
Keywords: Trance, Lead, Pad, Bass
Presets: 262

Underground Filth Essentials
Keywords: EDM, Lead, Bass
Presets: 128

Wolsfraektroes Music: Essential Freak Sounds Sylenth Soundset
Keywords: Bass, Lead, EDM, Pluck, Big Room
Presets: 64

Nutty Trance Hardstyle Soundset
Keywords: Hardstyle, Hardtrance, Hardcore, Oldskool, Rave
Presets: 100

Gary FL Sylenth1 Essentials
Keywords: EDM, Club, Trance, Lead, Bass, Pad, FX
Presets: 64

Metteo Marini Progressive - Sylenth Soundset
Keywords: Progressive House, Lead, Arp, Bass, Pluck
Presets: 64

Neon Gravity
Keywords: Lead, Arp
Presets: 68

Essential Freak Sound 9-in-1
Keywords: EDM
Presets: 500

Designed Sounds Bundle 3-in-1
Keywords: EDM, Electro-House, Bass, Lead, Pluck
Presets: 248

Frantic Records Dimensions
Keywords: Trance
Presets: 128

Xenos Soundworks Sylenth Soundbanks
Keywords: Wide Range
Presets: ~200

Euphoric Trance Bundle
Keywords: Trance
Presets: 262

Ultimate Dance Vol.1
Keywords: Dance, Wide Range
Presets: 256

EDM Vol III
Keywords: EDM
Presets: 128

Audiotent Melodic House
Keywords: Progressive House
Presets: 64

Equinox Sounds Soundwave
Keywords: Trance, Progressive, Techno, Tech
Presets: 128

Studio 54 Vol.1
Keywords: Electro / Minimal / Dutch House
Presets: 54

Studio 54 Vol.2 Keywords: Electro / Minimal / Dutch House
Presets: 54

Housemaster
Keywords: House, Bass, Chord
Presets: 64

Plughugger Club Tools vol 1
Keywords: Dance, Club, Lead, Stab, Arp, Bass, Seq
Presets: 128

Plughugger Dark Horse
Keywords: Dark, Deep, Disturbing, Distorted
Presets: 128

Plughugger Total Bass
Keywords: Bass, Modern Dance
Presets: 128

Sonic Elements Dragonfly
Keywords: Wide Range
Presets: 164

Sylenth Signature v2
Keywords: Modern Dance, EDM, Bass, Lead, Pad
Presets: 182

Togeo Studios Complete 512
Keywords: Wide Range
Presets: 512

Vengeance-Sound Various Banks
Keywords: EDM, Trance, Modern Dance
Presets: ~ 520

vstsoundbanks.com
Keywords: Wide Range
Presets: 256

Fontana Soundbanks Bundle
Keywords: Dance, Bass, Lead, Pad, FX
Presets: 384

Free Soundbanks:

KvR Audio.com Sylenth1 Presets Database - requires registration

7aliens Sylenthlines
Keywords: Wide Range
Presets: 512

Togeo Studios Freedom 128
Keywords: Wide Range
Presets: 128

How David Guetta became the world’s biggest DJ

2011-08-29T23:03:00.002+02:00

You may like the guy or not but the truth is that David Guetta is currently the biggest artist / producer in dance music. Half of the songs played on MTV Dance are collaborations with David. I mean, his music is not necessary for me but I can respect what he's doing.
The Independent made quite long, interesting article / interview with David. Interesting read.

[...] "my mum, being extreme-left, was happy that I was an artist. She was really not happy when I had a restaurant. Because it was like being a capitalist. Crazy, right?" he laughs. "I had the most reversed education possible. Every parent wants their son to be a businessman, respectable – me, it was the opposite. When I had an artist career my mum was like, 'Oh finally, I'm proud of you!'"

Article: The dance messiah: How David Guetta became the world’s biggest DJ

777 Free, Acoustic Drum Samples - NSA Custom Series Drumkit

2011-08-29T22:46:00.004+02:00

Via Rekkerd.org, released about a year ago :) :

Dean (aka ‘Nekro’) wrote in to share a nice collection of acoustic drum samples, recorded a few years ago when Dean was working with Pro Tools HD, using Drumagog & Sound Replacer. The sample pack includes a total of 777 samples, 16bit/44kHz mono .wav format (132 MB).

There are separate folders for cymbals, hihat, kick, snare, and tom sounds. Most file names include info on the recorded channel — L/R/M(ono), and if you take a close look you should be able to figure out how to use the multi-samples to create sampler patches (none are provided in the download pack, if anyone makes some please share).

Here’s a tune in which Dean is using the samples offered here in combination with Toontrack’s Superior Drummer 2 and EZdrummer, followed by some preview clips for all of the samples included in the pack.

Sounds pretty amazing :)

Download: NSA Custom Series Drumkit

Synth1 Feeltune Soundbank

2011-08-29T22:32:00.002+02:00

Freeware presets are quite rare these days but luckily there are still some gems. For example yesterday release: "Feeltune Bank" by Chris dedicated to the most popular freebie synth ever: Synth1. The soundbank contains 128 presets which are mostly modern sounding (dance, electro) but there are also some presets suited for 90's and 80's lovers :) My personal opinion is that this soundbank is one of the best Synth1 banks. Some pads are really amazing. Also you can find there some dubstep-like talking basses, some leads - just everything :)

Download: Feeltune Synth1 Bank

The sound of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2011-08-26T14:38:00.000+02:00

Smashing camping caravan and recording the sound of it must be exciting :D

3 ways to slice and dice loops in Ableton Live

2011-08-25T21:22:00.002+02:00

Interesting and informative three parts tutorial which shows 3 ways to change loops into something hmmm more usable :) Tutorial covers:
- slice to Midi option
- sampler Keyzones
- chopping in Arrangement mode

Vst Cafe & Facebook

2011-08-24T19:23:00.004+02:00

Ok, we've reached 200 Facebook followers. I wonder if we can reach more... ;)

Edit. Almost 300 now - great :)

Berliner Philharmoniker Remix Competition

2011-08-24T19:03:00.007+02:00

Now, that's the competition I'm talking about - exciting and challenging :)

The musical focus of our competition is the music of Gustav Mahler. He was an Austrian composer born in 1860, an extraordinary conductor and a composer writing music that reflected his difficult childhood, his life and loves as well as his ever searching quest to understand the meaning of life. He wrote nine complete symphonies, and represented at the the turn of the century the cusp of the late romantic period as well as the breakaway to searching for new forms and means of expression. His First Symphony is devoted to expressing the connections between nature and the turbulences of life and love. He lived the latter part of his life in New York dying at the age of 51 in 1911.

Now in 2011, commemorating a hundred years since Mahler died, the Berliner Philharmoniker invite you to create your own remix of the sound tracks from the first movement of Symphony No.1 by Gustav Mahler, which we have uploaded on the site for you. You simply enter the SoundCloud site and upload your final remix by 30 September to the site.

Very challenging :) (note there are tempo changes :) )
Deadline is: September 30th, 2011.

More info: Berliner Philharmoniker Remix Competition

Noises, Risers, Swooshes - Free Ableton Live Rack

2011-08-24T18:52:00.003+02:00

About a week (or two) ago, I introduced on VstCafe nice, free Ableton Whoosh Machine Instrument Rack, which I used in my latest production ready for Tiesto remix competition. If you need more noises, risers, swooshes then it may be worth checking AfroDJMac's free rack which instroduces that kind of sounds.

Download: Free Ableton Live Rack - Noises, Risers, Swooshes