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Moog chief engineer Cyril Lance demonstrates the Google Doodle

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:38:00 GMT

As we reported yesterday (23 May), Google celebrated what would have been the 78th birthday of synth pioneer Bob Moog by turning its homepage logo into a playable Minimoog-style synth.

In the video above, Moog chief engineer Cyril Lance demonstrates how the doodle works, giving a quick lesson on the basics of synthesis in the process.

Want to really see what the Moog Google Doodle can do though? Then check out MusicRadar favourite (and occasional contributor) Brett Domino jamming out a rendition of Daft Punk classic Aerodynamic in the clip below.

In other Moog news, the company has reduced the price of its popular Animoog iPad and iPhone wavetable synth apps. The iPad version is reduced to £6.99 (from 20.99) and the iPhone edition is just 69p until 29 May.

VST/AU plug-in instrument/effect round-up: Week 46

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:29:00 GMT

Not all instruments and effects come as plug-ins – Reason has its new Rack Extensions and we've just seen a Minimoog on the Google homepage – but this is still their most natural home.

We've got four new ones here; read on to find out more.

Also make sure you check out these regularly updated features:

The 20 best VST plug-in synths in the world today

The 14 best VST plug-in drum machines in the world today

If you've got a new PC or Mac plug-in, make sure you let us know about it by emailing musicradar.pressreleases@futurenet.com with all the details.

NEXT: DMG Audio PitchFunk

Toontrack releases Pop! EZX expansion pack

Wed, 23 May 2012 14:56:00 GMT

PRESS RELEASE: With sounds recorded in legendary studios like New York´s Hit Factory, London´s 2Khz Studio or where Nashville´s A-list clientele go, Blackbird Studios, the Pop! EZX is the culmination of years of relentless recordings and a true testament to Toontrack's search for the perfect sound.

The Pop! EZX comes with a collection of ten mixed and matched drum kits delicately intertwined with custom percussion pieces. The result is an awe-inspiring and genre-defying battery tailored for anything from rock to pop and dance. In short: a melting pot for any and all things good about drums and percussion boiled down to a perfect blend of organic, unique and edgy sounds for any track you´d file under "popular music".

Includes:

10 preset drum kits
10 kicks
10 snares
5 sets of hats
5 sets of cymbals
5 sets of toms
Selected percussion including shakers, tambourine, cabasa, maracas, handclaps, snaps, cowbell,
claves and bells
Mixer presets
Extensive MIDI library included which is also available separately

Please note: this product requires EZdrummer or Superior Drummer.

RRP: £54.95 / €68.95

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Information taken from official press release, for more visit Time+Space

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Interview: Visionquest

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:57:00 GMT

We caught up with one half of Visionquest, Ryan Crosson (left) and Seth Troxler (right), before their incredible 10 hour set at the Village Underground in East London last week.

With a new focus on the Visionquest label, Troxler's skyrocketing DJ status and Crosson's plan to move permanently to London to set up his studio, it's a busy 2012 for the Detroit collective.

So you all met in Detroit?

Ryan Crosson: "Yeah, we all came together from different places surrounding Detroit."

Seth Troxler: "Yeah, Ryan was actually my first customer at the record store. We all met at record stores and raves."

ST: "I think Ryan started making music first."

RC: "Well, it was sort of at the same time as we were learning from this crew of DJs called Beretta Music and these guys Brian Kage and Luke Hess showed us Reason and Ableton basics to get us going."

ST: "I remember that Ryan started pushing me to move on these ideas."

"I don't think we're really associated with a Detroit sound, even though we come from there."

Did you get into a competitive situation with each other?

RC: "Of course, but it's cool, it helps you push each other for better and better stuff. It's the same when DJing, if someone plays a cool track then you want to play a better track. It still happens now with production tricks too. If Seth learns a new trick then I need to know it too so I can apply the same thing in my own way and vice versa.

"Even before we became Visionquest and were just doing our own solo stuff, we used to listen to all this amazing music in my basement and try and figure out what made these tracks so awesome. We had all these names for the elements that seemed to go into these tracks. Like they had to have the 'dust under the rug' sound and 'slap your girlfriend drums' and..."

ST: [Laughs] "Yeah! And the 'cool chords', the 'LA pad'."

So were these preset sounds and such?

RC: "No, they were more like ideas. So 'cool chords' were the main hook and the 'LA pad' was like the transition."

ST: "Yeah that could either be like the Sunset Strip and you living all your dreams or the dark boulevard of broken dreams."

So you broke elements of tracks down into micro-narratives?

RC: "Yeah, it was a way to give adjectives to all these moments in the music that we heard in other people's tracks."

ST: "So, 'the rug' was a reference to The Big Lebowski as it was a musical element that tied the rest of the track together."

RC: "We didn't know our head from our ass at that point when it came to music production so it was a way to join all these dots."

ST: "It was years ago now, but I think we had like seven elements and we'd always be like, 'damn, we're missing the LA pad'."

"I think it's our attitude that is more Detroit than our music."

RC: "I don't think we're really associated with a Detroit sound, even though we come from there. I mean look at Matthew Dear, he's from Detroit but he's not associated with that Detroit sound. As a Detroit generation in electronic music, we've kind of skipped over it."

ST: "Yeah, I mean we were more influenced by the European sound of people like Richie Hawtin than the older Detroit guys. I think it's our attitude that is more Detroit than our music."

Do you play or are you programmers?

RC: "Lee is the most musical of the group. But really it's just programming most of the time, or editing little moments."

ST: "Trial and error man, I mean I have brief moments of genius when I'm playing keyboards that I can never repeat!" [Laughs]

So right now, Visionquest is a DJ group. Are there plans to make a full electronic live show?

RC: "Yes, but I think in the past we've been held back because we've thought too big, too soon instead of taking baby steps towards a show. I feel like we need to add analogue gear and have the Visionquest show as an environment. We've been thinking this sort of tunnel; or a worm hole."

"Ableton is our main guy for software, but we also like Waves and the Soundtoys plug-ins"

ST: "Just something that is new and has its own environment and can make the impact that we want. Everyone can be a DJ and even be a DJ with some visuals behind them from a projector, so it's really necessary to step up further."

RC: "People need to walk out of a show and be like 'what the fuck just happened!' you know?"

So run us through some of the Visonquest studio gear?

RC: "Well the essentials are the SE1X, the Jupiter-8 and the Harmonizer. Lee and I live and die by the Roland Juno synth. Ableton is our main guy for software, but we also like Waves and the Soundtoys plug-ins. We have Maschine for a bit of drums too."

ST: "I have just bought the Dave Smith Tempest too."

RC: "You have? Awesome!"

SC: "I haven't had chance to even open it yet, it's still in the packaging at home. The Linn Drum is my favourite drum machine of all time so I had to try one of these."

RC: "I really want to get the Rhizome thing, but I haven't had chance to trial it yet."

ST: "We used to use the PSP plug-ins a lot but not so much any more."

How would you describe everyone's functions in the group?

RC: "Well I guess Lee is the most musical so he often comes with the melodies, but because of the music side he can sometimes follow the rules too much.

"I'm very good at building blocks and putting in those layers that sort of suck everything together."

ST: "A lot of the time I get the deals and bring in the remixes. But Ryan and Lee are the real super-technical guys. I'm not the most technical guy really.

"Shaun is really good at sequencing things up and has a real knack for knowing when things need to happen and Seth has that too."

RC: "With Seth, he brings a lot of intangibles and I think he still is a dreamer and brings these magnificent, vivacious and colourful ideas to the table. His ideas are wide and encompassing and Lee and I might go in and tighten things up. But overall it's pretty difficult to say who's doing what on a regular basis as it never works like that."

ST: "I just don't get to be in the studio that much any more so I need to get back to it. But two years ago when my DJ career really took off it meant that I didn't have so much time in the studio. Ryan is in the studio every day where as I'm in there maybe once a month."

Isn't your production work like a flyer for your DJ gigs though?

ST: "I think at first it was but then it gets to a certain point where it's less important. I'm a DJ who makes songs occasionally. Plus, life happens too."

So there is a lot of pressure to keep up with lots of gigs and productions?

ST: "Yeah, you hear people saying; 'what happened to this producer or this DJ?' Then it turns out they got married or had kids - y'know, life stuff. You have to do actual life stuff too."

ST: "We've been putting so much into the label at the moment. Ee've got a great new album from this band Footprintz who are crazy studio rats. We'll be doing a few label concept parties this summer and our own solo stuff."

RC: "We've got some stuff lined up at DC10 in Ibiza this summer and yeah, the main focus is the Visionquest label."

www.vquest.tv

Propellerhead unveils Pulsar: modulation Rack Extension

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:14:00 GMT

Having teased it for the last couple of weeks, Propellerhead has now revealed more about its forthcoming Pulsar Rack Extension.

Designed to provide "a fresh take on modulation," this offers two LFOs, cross-modulation, lag, shuffle and a flexible envelope. Take a listen:

It's been confirmed that the new device will retail for $49/€39, though for the first three months of release (which will be from the day Reason 6.5 is available and the Rack Extensions store opens its virtual doors) it will be free for owners of compatible versions of Reason.

Find out more about Pulsar in the press release below or on the Propellerhead website.

Propellerhead Pulsar press release

Propellerhead today announced Pulsar, the second Rack Extension from Propellerhead to be available at the launch of the next version of Reason, the company's award-winning music making software. Comprised of two LFOs, cross-modulation, lag, shuffle and a flexible envelope, Pulsar brings a fresh take on modulation—from rigid and predictable to groovy and evolving.

To celebrate the release of the Rack Extension platform, Pulsar will be gifted to everyone who is using Rack Extension compatible versions of Reason and Reason Essentials for the first three months after release—a $49/€39 value.

"We want all Reason users to get the experience of using Rack Extensions," says Leo Nathorst-Böös, Product Marketing Manager. "Pulsar is an amazing device that opens up a lot of new possibilities for creative sound-sculpting, and with the included ReFill, it's something that all Reason users will enjoy—regardless of whether you're a tweak-head or not. It feels great to be able to provide Pulsar for free to our loyal users."

Thanks to the Reason rack's flexible routing, Pulsar integrates perfectly with all Reason devices, opening up new possibilities for creative modulation within the program. With Pulsar it's easy to create a shuffled tremolo that changes speed as different notes are triggered, or come up with ever-changing wobbles that respond to playing.

Using its audio outputs, Pulsar transforms from a low frequency oscillator to a high-powered synth with plenty of character. The waveforms designed for modulation, combined with the unique lag and shuffle controls, bring tons of unique tones.

For users that are not versed with the modular aspects of Reason, Pulsar also comes with a set of premade patches, containing everything from lush evolving pads to the grittiest of basses. For more information about Rack Extensions, Pulsar LGM-1 and to listen to audio examples, visit www.propellerheads.se/go/74B1DC9D

Pricing and availability

Pulsar LGM-1 will be released simultaneously with version 6.5 of Reason and version 1.5 of Reason Essentials Q2 2012, at a price of USD $49/EUR €39. For the first three months of the release Pulsar will be available as a free download from the Propellerhead Store.

About Rack Extensions

Rack Extensions is a new technology that opens up the Reason rack, enabling third party developers to create instruments and effects for the award-winning music making software Reason. Announced at Frankfurt Musikmesse in March 2012, Rack Extensions will be included in the next versions of Reason and Reason Essentials Q2, 2012. www.propellerheads.se/go/74B1DC9D

IK Multimedia iRig Mix now shipping

Wed, 23 May 2012 07:59:00 GMT

PRESS RELEASE: IK Multimedia is proud to announce that iRig Mix, the first ultracompact DJ and audio mixer for the iPad, iPhone, and the iPod touch is now shipping.

When used with an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, IK's included DJ Rig free app and other DJ apps, it is a complete, highly portable DJ system for practicing, rehearsing, performing and recording.

With its unique miniaturized form factor and exclusive features, designed to be used with the entire range of portable iOS devices, iRig Mix brings a new meaning to the concept of mobile DJing.

A DJ Mixer

iRig MIX has everything a pro DJ needs, including full EQ adjustment, crossfader, headphone cue and a mic input. Using DJ Rig or other popular DJ apps, users can record their performance and share with friends, publish or distribute at the event.

DJs can choose either a traditional setup with two devices (one plugged into each of the independent channels) OR a single iOS device.

This flexibility, combined with iRig MIX's portability gives aspiring and pro DJs a compact system that can be used everywhere… anytime. House parties or in the yard, after-parties, and impromptu dances are perfect environments for the iRig MIX.

Planes, trains and automobiles used to mean that your DJ gear was inaccessible and unusable. Now, no matter where you are or where you are going, you can mix and rehearse sets.

Plus - for the first time on any mixer - iRig MIX can be used for mixing any type of audio source (coming from mp3 players, CD players, etc.) with an iOS device using automatic tempo matching and beat syncing. This is accomplished with X-Sync, a feature that works in combination with the DJ Rig FREE app from IK Multimedia that is included with iRig MIX.

Maximum Portability

With its slim, lightweight form factor iRig MIX is considerably smaller than traditiona DJ mixers and can be carried anywhere you take your iPhone or iPad, is easy to stow and perfect for performers on the go. The iRig MIX also has minimal power requirements allowing it to be powered not only by the included power supply but also by a suitable USB battery pack or a laptop USB port for maximum mobility to mix anywhere.

Not just for DJs

iRig MIX is also versatile enough to provide the perfect mixing solution for solo musicians or small ensembles that use one or more iOS devices to play live. It features an extra guitar/microphone input that can be processed with other IK popular apps like AmpliTube and VocaLive or any other app that offers real-time audio processing. Its standard RCA output connectors provide easy, direct connection to PA systems or powered speakers.

4 included apps

iRig MIX includes 4 free apps: DJ Rig, the new professional DJ mixing app from IK, AmpliTube, the most popular iOS guitar amp and effects app, VocaLive the processing app for singers and vocalists, and GrooveMaker, the loop-based beat and groove making app.

iRig MIX features

2 stereo inputs with gain, bass, treble and volume controls, independent cue on each channel with LED indication and channel crossfader
Instrument/microphone extra input, with volume control, can be processed by iOS real-time effects apps (such as AmpliTube, VocaLive)
Stereo output with RCA connectors, master level and LED meters
High quality, pristine sound
Quality headphone output for master or cue monitoring with independent volume control
Input switch splits Input 1 into dual-mono for use with DJ mixing apps on a single iOS device
"X-Sync" mode allows auto-sync with any audio source using the included DJ Rig free app
Can be powered with the included AC adapter, battery pack and laptop USB ports
Includes 4 free apps: DJ Rig, AmpliTube, VocaLive, GrooveMaker

iRig MIX has an RRP of $99.99/€74.99 (excl. tax) and is available from electronic and music retailers around the world.

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Information taken from official press release, for more visit IK Multimedia.

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Google transforms its logo into a playable Minimoog

Wed, 23 May 2012 07:33:00 GMT

To mark what would have been the 78th birthday of the late synth pioneer Bob Moog, Google has turned its logo into a playable Minimoog.

Head over to the Google homepage, and you'll find a cartoon Minimoog-style synth, complete with playable keys, two tweakable oscillators, plus working filter and envelope sections. It's even plugged into a four-track recorder.

15 years ago a Moog on your computer seemed unthinkable, today you have one in your web browser - which is all pretty cool.

Online plug-in stores: what you need to know

Tue, 22 May 2012 09:06:00 GMT

Most plug-ins can now be purchased online (indeed, many now have to be bought in this way), but traditionally, transactions have been made via manufacturers' websites.

You may have noticed, though, that one-stop online plug-in stores are starting to spring up: places that enable you to browse and purchase from a catalogue of multiple companies' wares.

In the UK, the major players in this area are Plugin Boutique and the newly relaunched Prime Plugins (formerly Sound Sonic). In order to help you establish what each store is about and what it offers, we spoke to the companies' respective head honchos: Prime Plugins CEO Ben Jay and Plugin Boutique MD Matt Pelling.

Which companies' plug-ins can you buy through your store?

Matt Pelling (Plugin Boutique): Currently plug-ins from Applied Acoustics Systems, Audiffex, Audio Spillage, Audiorealism, Blue Cat Audio, D16 Group, Flux, FXpansion, G-Sonique, Image Line, Kilhearts, Loopmasters, Melda Productions, MSI Instruments, Modsp, NuSofting, Ohm Force, PSP Audioware, Sinevibes, Skylife, Sonic Charge, Tekit Audio, TubeOhm, Volt Kitchen, Waves and Xils-Lab.

Ben Jay (Prime Plugins): "We've got some of our favourite plug-in developers onboard: Native Instruments, Rob Papen, Ohm Force and FXpansion to name a few . We've auditioned literally 100s of providers and 1000s of products, and we've picked what we feel are the most current and ground-breaking products on the market today.

(Full list of current plug-in developers currently stocked by Prime Plugins: Native Instruments,, Rob Papen, Cableguys, Acoustic Samples, Ohm Force, Blue Cat Audio, FXpansion, Antares, Xils-Lab, PSP Audioware, Nugen Audio, Sinevibes, D-16 Group, Tone Projects, Xenos Soundworks, Softplug, Auddifexx, Cubic Audio, G-Sonique, Mayer Musicmedia.)

Are you hoping to sign up other developers, and if so, who?

BJ: "Absolutely! There are some amazingly talented software developers creating some really innovative software at the moment and we are backing them 100%. We are also extremely keen to represent and support the smaller brands too, and we're checking out new products all the time. In fact, every day!

"A couple of forthcoming addition to the Prime Plugins catalogue are Waves and Toontrack. These guys are making some amazing stuff, loads more on the way too."

MP: "We are looking to develop the Plugin Boutique over the coming weeks and months in many ways, including many functional, user and site upgrades, and of course, more plug-ins from some of the best manufacturers from all over the world."

"These will include many more free plug-in providers along with software from the companies who we consider to be making the most creative, reliable and solid plug-ins at all price points."

Can everything be purchased and authorised with one log-in, and do you only have to log in in one place? (Or to put it another way, can you buy, install, and authorise plug-ins without ever having to go to the manufacturers' websites?)

MP: "Currently the suppliers have a wide variety of authorisation techniques which makes a 'one size fits all' policy to be rather difficult to implement.

"The short answer is that in many cases we have custom scripts which contact the host on the purchaser's behalf and handle the authorisation in one step. This is not currently the case with all of our providers, though, and on occasion a separate log-in is still sometimes required. This will improve in time as we work more closely with our suppliers in the coming months."

BJ: "Good question! It depends on the product. We do want customers to register their products with the manufacturer to receive all the benefits that comes with their purchase. We have kept very flexible in all cases and everything has been super-streamlined, so that once you've purchased you're never more than a couple of clicks away from the prize. Easy.

"And of course all your orders, downloads and history details are stored within your one Prime Plugins account."

How are free and chargeable updates handled?

BJ: "Well, that's an easy question with an easy answer! Most of our brands hold a record of customers via Prime Plugins and updates are automated. Our backend system is pretty smart... it makes sure our customers are kept aware of developments to get the best from their software. It's actually really simple."

MP: "Updates are added to our system as they come out, and if its a free update you will be notified by email. Also, when you log-in to your profile, you have a history here of all updates, and if you find a previous version is working better for you then you can retrograde easily.

"Paid upgrades are also available from your profile area, so it's easy to see that over time you can enjoy managing your plug-ins from one central place."

Are there any other notable incentives for registering (eg, free content, additional website functionality)?

MP: "All purchases at our store qualify for 5% virtual cash which remains in your account until you are ready to spend it either as part payment towards a larger purchase, or to buy a cheaper product in full.

"Our range of free plug-ins is growing, and you can also download trial versions of most products directly from the site.

"Periodically we will be doing other promotions, competitions and giveaways - sign up or follow our Facebook page for more details."

BJ: "Naturally! Naturally! Would you like a free download of G-Sonique's XBass 4000L Bass enhancer? (This thing is awesome, if you're a fan of bass and your stomach can handle it!) Everyone gets one when they register. Would you like 250+ hand picked samples from our sister company Prime Loops? Then sign up to the newsletter! We also just ran a competition where we gave away Komplete 8 (worth £399) just for signing up! We're doing loads of stuff each month... you know how we do it! Prime Style! Oh, and we're also launching quite a unique loyalty scheme that we're really excited about… more to be revealed soon!"

How do prices in your store compare to direct download purchases from manufacturers' websites?

BJ: "We work closely with our brands on their promotions, but also due to our audience reach we're also able to offer exclusive promos and unbeatable prices that cannot be found anywhere else. Our prices are extremely competitive at all times; if you find a better price anywhere else, just let us know."

MP: "They compare well and are in sync with the manufacturers' prices. We are also proud to be running some exclusive bundles and discounts which can be seen on the site and in our press ads."

Finally, could you briefly summarise why you think a customer should buy their plug-ins from you rather than anywhere else?

MP: "Plugin Boutique is a site where you can compare and contrast plug-ins from many companies in one place. You can read reviews, rate the products and watch videos, tutorials and interviews with the people who are using them right now. Managing your plug-ins in one place is a great idea, and getting a loyalty discount in the form of virtual cash means that it also makes financial sense.

"This is just the start for pluginboutique.com and we have many updates planned in the next few months which will demonstrate that we are paying attention to the needs of suppliers and customers in order to create the perfect customer environment to sell exciting music software online directly."

BJ: "Simple! Our website, our products, our deals, our team! We've hand-picked the best brands in the marketplace and the best products from those brands so that you don't have to.

"We've spent a long time developing our website which is super-easy to browse and use. As we are a new company, we're constantly making improvements and taking feedback from customers. This is really important to us. We want to provide the best experience online. Oh, and we've got simply amazing deals!

"Most importantly though, our London-based team of hand-picked professionals are 100% in-tune with today's evolving music production scene (every single one of us comes from a music producer, artist or label background) and this enables us to audition each and every plug-in before it hits the website at Prime Plugins so that when you get plugged in, you know it's Prime."

Native Instruments releases The Giant upright piano

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:12:00 GMT

The Klavins Piano Model 370i is, according to Native Instruments, the world's biggest upright piano, and the company has sampled it up for a new Kontakt-powered instrument known as The Giant.

Designed for everything from pop music and ballads to rock riffs and jazz, The Giant also comes in a Cinematic form that's said to be suitable for atmospheric projects and sound design.

Read on to find out more; The Giant costs €99 and runs in Kontakt 5 or the free Kontakt 5 Player.

Native Instruments The Giant press release

Native Instruments today introduced THE GIANT, a new instrument based on the world's biggest upright piano. For use in KONTAKT 5 or the free KONTAKT 5 PLAYER, THE GIANT features the intense sound of the Klavins Piano Model 370i, a super-sized instrument delivering a colossal sonic spectrum equally well-suited to urban pop projects, soft piano ballads, driving rock riffs and jazz numbers, as well as providing a separate 'Cinematic' version of the piano for darker, atmospheric projects and sound design.

Produced by sampling expert Uli Baronowsky, the creator of the 'Galaxy'

piano series, THE GIANT captures the sound of the original instrument in meticulous detail. This upright piano stands over three meters high and weighs over two tons, with a soundboard roughly twice the size of a typical 9' concert grand piano soundboard. Its unique sound forms the core of THE GIANT, which complements the dynamic and authentic playability of the original with powerful controls for shaping and modifying the sound. Additionally, 40 production-ready presets provide instant starting points for numerous musical styles.

THE GIANT comprises two separate instruments in one, each with its own graphical user interface and detail controls. While the versatile piano sound of the 'day' version is suitable for a wide range of styles and genres, the 'night' version turns THE GIANT into a cinematic tool suited to atmospheric scores, sound design and avant-garde productions. With 'Tone', 'Color' and an XXL button, the 'day' instrument provides three basic control sections for adding sustain, space and character to the sound. The 'night' instrument includes unconventional, individually-sampled sound sources including overtones, resonances, plucked strings, release sounds and special techniques such as piano hits, kicks, sweeps or scratches. The physical elements of the instrument, including dynamics, tuning, noises, overtones or stereo image can be conveniently controlled via the 'Anatomy' parameters.

THE GIANT runs in KONTAKT 5 or the free KONTAKT 5 PLAYER. It is available now for $119 / 99 EUR / 9,800 YEN from the NI Online Shop.

Giorgio Moroder offers tribute to Donna Summer, wants to work with Rihanna

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:22:00 GMT

Legendary producer Giorgio Moroder has paid tribute to Donna Summer following her death last week.

Speaking ahead of the Ibiza International Music Summit, Gigwise quotes Moroder as saying: "First of all, she was a great singer and a great human being. Very funny, always ready for a joke. I must say, especially with Love To Love You, Baby we established a sound or a genre which still lives on."

Synth pioneer Moroder also produced Summer's I Feel Love, which is widely regarded as one of the most important records in dance music history.

Moroder also expressed a desire to work with two current pop artists in particular. "I'm probably going to do some songs featuring a singer - a female or group," he said.

"I like to work with female singers, which I've done a lot in my life. Rihanna would be my favourite, also Nicki Minaj would be great - those are the top girls who I would like to work with."

VIDEO: Denon 'Project 29' teaser

Mon, 21 May 2012 13:56:00 GMT

Once the king of the CD player in the DJ booth, Denon has struggled to grab the CDJ market back from the omnipresent Pioneer. However, the company is constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of DJ tech with new hardware players, controllers and software.

Could this teaser video reveal a product that finally gives them the edge and makes DJs want Denon in the booth once more? Let battle commence!

Free music software: the best audio app and plug-in downloads on the net

Mon, 21 May 2012 13:45:00 GMT

This is a constantly updated collection of free music software downloads - the best VST effects/instruments, other plug-ins and freeware apps on the net.

Assembled from more than 12 months of (almost) weekly round-ups, here you'll find everything from virtual synths, EQ, compression and distortion effects to playable desk fans and meowing instruments - all 100% free.

If you've got a new free music software release, make sure you let us know about it by emailing musicradar.pressreleases@futurenet.com with all the details. Or, if you spot any out-of-date links or lapsed freebies, just ask, and we'll remove them.

Next: browse and download

Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees dies at 62

Mon, 21 May 2012 08:21:00 GMT

Robin Gibb, singer and songwriter with the Bee Gees, has died aged 62 following a battle with cancer.

"The family of Robin Gibb, of the Bee Gees, announce with great sadness that Robin passed away today following his long battle with cancer and intestinal surgery," said a statement.

"The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time."

The Bee Gees were famed not just for their own hits - including the hugely popular soundtrack album from the film Saturday Night Fever - but also for songs that they wrote for other artists, including Diana Ross (Chain Reaction), Dionne Warwick (Heartbreaker) and Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers (Islands In The Stream).

Robin Gibb's twin brother Maurice died in 2003 following complications from a twisted intestine.

Bee Gees - Night Fever

MusicRadar Deals Of The Week

Sun, 20 May 2012 13:19:00 GMT

Killer guitar, tech, amp or drum bargains from our recommended retailers

Me in my studio: Ben Coda

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:20:00 GMT

DJ, producer and remixer Ben Coda is now firmly established as on the UK dance music scene blending his take on techno and techno which has also picked up his fair share of worldwide support.

His progressive edge crosses the frontiers of tough beats and rolling basslines which contract with soaring melodies. When not traveling to gigs or in the studio Ben promotes his up and coming London 'Motek 'club night and produces a monthly show on Proton Radio. After the jump, he takes us on a trip around his studio.

Giles Martin on George Harrison's Early Takes, track-by-track

Fri, 18 May 2012 10:11:00 GMT

In the library of Friar Park, George Harrison's Victorian neo-Gothic mansion in Henley-on-Thames, sits shelf after shelf of unheard music. Shortly after buying the property in 1970, the late Beatle installed his own state-of-the-art studio where he would work on song ideas or invite friends round for a jam, and now those formidable archives are receiving a public airing.

Early Takes Volume 1 is the first fruits of a series of releases making Harrison's home recordings available to fans, lovingly curated and tenderly teased into sonic shape by Giles Martin, son of the Fab Four's legendary producer George Martin. It's the third Beatles-related project Giles has worked on, having assisted his father on the Anthology documentary series and Love, the Cirque Du Soleil extravaganza still playing to a packed house in Las Vegas after six years.

SampleRadar: 246 free dirty Dutch house samples

Fri, 18 May 2012 10:03:00 GMT

Say the words 'dirty Dutch house' to the average man on the street and he might conjure up images of a mud-splattered windmill (possibly with a set of clogs sitting on the doorstep), but SampleRadar thinks rather differently.

Dutch house is, of course, a hard-edged style of dance music from the Netherlands, and this week's collection takes inspiration from it.

What you need to know

The dirty Dutch house samples are split into ten folders: there are eight tempo-labelled construction kits plus FX and bonus beat folders.

All the samples are supplied as WAV files so can be imported directly into your DAW or sampler of choice. Because they're royalty-free, you're welcome to use the samples in your music in any way you like - all we ask is that you don't re-distribute them.

The dirty Dutch house samples are supplied in a zip file, so you'll need to extract them before you can see them. Enjoy!

Example sounds

Kit 1 full mix (128bpm)

Kit 4 full mix (125bpm)

Kit 5 full mix (130bpm)

Kit 7 full mix (126bpm)

Dirty Dutch house samples: click to download

Dirty Dutch house samples (102MB)

These samples originally appeared on Future Music magazine's cover DVD. Check out the latest issue for many more.

Tutorial

26 house production tips

Donna Summer dies at 63

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:13:00 GMT

It is being reported that Donna Summer, often referred to as the Queen Of Disco, died this morning after a battle with cancer.

Celebrity news site TMZ is reporting that five-time Grammy winner Summer passed away today (17 May) in Florida. At the time of writing, this is yet to be officially confirmed by a spokesperson.

Summer is probably best known for her work with producers Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte. Their tracks, including I Feel Love and Love To Love You Baby, are widely regarded as having had a huge influence on house and modern dance music.

Adele wins two Ivor Novello awards

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:50:00 GMT

Adele has won two Ivor Novello awards at a ceremony in London this afternoon. The singer was named songwriter of the year, while Rolling In The Deep, the first single to be taken from her second album 21, was confirmed as the most played work of 2011.

The Ivor Novellos are designed specifically to recognise songwriting achievements. Other winners at the 2012 ceremony included Ed Sheeran for The A-Team (best song musically and lyrically) and PJ Harvey for Let England Shake (best album).

Also taking home prizes were Lana Del Rey and her British songwriting partner Justin Parker for Video Games (best contemporary song), Take That (outstanding contribution), Spandau Ballet's Gary Kemp (outstanding song collection), Siouxsie Sioux (Ivors Inspiration) and Mark Knopfler (lifetime achievement).

Virgin Atlantic installs Pro Tools 'studio' in its Heathrow Clubhouse lounge

Thu, 17 May 2012 13:57:00 GMT

Airline Virgin Atlantic has installed a Pro Tools workstation into its swanky Clubhouse lounge at London's Heathrow Airport.

The 'studio' - which was unveiled this week - comprises a Mac running Pro Tools 10, mixer control surface and midi keyboard. It will be available in the company's £11m, exclusive lounge at Heathrow, which already features a cocktail bar, restaurants, office space, library and spa.

Virgin says "Atlantic's flights to New York and Los Angeles have long been popular with workers from the entertainment industry, and from now on any musician in need of a place to do some last minute editing, or to indulge a creative spark, can use the studio's industry standard digital editing and mixings system to do so."

There's no word, as yet, on whether the airline intends to cater for users of Logic, Live or Reason, etc., in a similar manner.

What are the best free VST plug-ins in the world today?

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:19:00 GMT

It's been well over 18 months since we compiled our original list of the best free VST plug-ins in the world today, so an update to it is certainly in order.

As ever, we're asking for your help in doing this: take a look through our existing top 13, then tell us which free instruments and effects aren't in there but should be. These can be newer releases or older plug-ins that slipped through the net last time.

It doesn't matter whether the plug-ins you nominate run on Mac or PC or if they're VST or AU: if they're free and you think they're worthy of recognition, let us know.

Your nominations will then be used to create a shortlist that will also contain all the contenders from our original list. We'll then ask you to vote for a winner.

What to do now

Nominate your favourite free plug-ins in one of the following ways:

Via MusicRadar (leave a comment below)

Via Twitter (follow @musicradar and tag your submission with #askmusicradar)

Via Facebook (become a fan at http://facebook.com/musicradar and post suggestions on our wall)

Or via ask@musicradar.com (just send an email the old-fashioned way)

Your nominations will then be rounded up and we'll ask you to vote to pick a winner.

Should you buy a software-specific MIDI controller?

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:42:00 GMT

It's a strange quirk of the computer music hardware market that when a 'generic' MIDI controller (ie, one that's designed to work with multiple DAWs and plug-ins) is announced, it tends to generate far less excitement than one created specifically for one application or synth.

On a practical level, this doesn't make a great deal of sense - surely it's better to have a controller that's endlessly flexible rather than one that's bound to a particular piece of software? - but there's something about dedicated hands-on hardware that gets people interested.

Take Novation's Launchpad, for example. This is undoubtedly a great product, but there's nothing more to it than a surface of backlit buttons. However, because it's designed specifically to integrate with Ableton's Live, it garnered a lot of interest right from the word go.

Then there's the success of Native Instruments' Maschine. Had this been a software-only product, we're sure people would have warmed to it, but not to the same extent that they have in its software-plus-hardware guise.

This isn't the first time software-specific controllers have been in vogue - products such as the Mackie-made Logic Control and Steinberg's Houston control surface were making headlines a decade ago. So, why are both manufacturers and customers attracted so much to the dedicated controller concept?

DAW dedication

Nektar Panorama P4 is a dedicated Reason 6 controller that was announced last year and should be released soon. We asked Nektar's Niels Larsen if, by buying his product rather than a one-size-fits-all model, a user will get tighter Reason integration.

"If you are trying to be all things to all DAWs, it's hard to deliver on your promise," he says. "The sheer workload required to create solid implementations when you have support for five or six DAWs to deliver is challenging.

"It was always unrealistic for us to deliver broad support so we preferred to just focus on getting our Reason implementation right. Because of that, yes – I do think we've created a controller that integrates more closely with Reason."

"If you are trying to be all things to all DAWs, it's hard to deliver on your promise." Niels Larsen, Nektar Technology

Given its closed but fully featured nature, a Reason-only controller does seem to make sense, but this isn't the only software that's benefiting from exclusive hardware.

Another DAW that's recently seen a new range of dedicated controller hardware is Cubase. Steinberg's CMC range features six modular devices, and Steinberg Public Relations Manager Stefan Trowbridge thinks they have the edge over standard controller hardware.

"Of course, users can also assign generic controllers to different control parameters in Cubase, but this is far from ideal," he says.

"Take for instance the CMC-CH channel controller: it reflects all the controls found in Cubase's channel strip. No more and no less. With just this one controller, users can access VST instrument settings; solo and mute tracks; bypass EQs, sends and inserts; or freeze a channel simply by pushing the dedicated push-button. Just imagine how efficiently users might work using several of these controllers."

Specific synths

Dedicated controllers for music production software are well and good, but what about hardware that's designed not for a complete music-making environment, but a single soft synth?

That's what Touch Digital Controllers recently gave us when they released their handcrafted controller for GForce's ImpOSCar 2, but what inspired it to create such a niche product?

"Having used synths since the '70s, we understand the importance of the way you play and engage with synthesisers: we recognise that there's a fundamental relationship between the user, the instrument and the creative process," explains Touch Digital's Richard Lawson.

"We're also big users of soft synths ourselves and have for some time felt there was an artificial break with that 'connection' of playing a VI on screen and working hands-on with a hardware synth. So, we decided to see what could be done to bring the two together.

"We believe this[software/hardware] combo is something very special and offers musicians the 'best of both worlds' by tapping into that vintage vibe in a massive and strangely emotional way."

What, though, if the software gets updated and the hardware can't keep up?

"If any new features were added that required a dedicated control, then the great thing about our controller is that the firmware can be updated to accommodate just about anything," Lawson reassures us. "Physical revisions can also be implemented if necessary."

Nektar's Niels Larsen does concede that the ever-changing nature of software can present challenges, however. The most significant problem he's suffered so far was when the Kong drum machine arrived with Reason 5.

"As all Reason users will know, Kong features 16 virtual pads; Panorama has 12," he explains. "Stopping the tooling process would have killed the project, so we had to make some decisions.

"First we revisited and re-thought Panorama's drum pad menus, which resulted in many improvements, including the ability to access all Kong's 16 pads. The second decision was to implement field updateable firmware so we have the option to add features in the future."

Taking things further?

There's no doubt, then, that there's a market for controllers that 'just work' with specific software. Although generic models have helped to give back some of the tactility lost when we moved from hardware to computer-based system systems, the perception (and, in some cases, reality) that these are difficult to set up means that a certain disconnection has remained.

"Controllers that are application-specific solve that problem because the hardware is designed for the job with the exact right amount of buttons and controls, all preconfigured," says Niels Larsen.

"Some users have aired the idea of creating a controller for every device in Reason. That would probably be the ultimate controller experience for Reason, but it would also be a lot of hardware. Users want a controller that lets them experience the software with the immediacy of hardware. That's the philosophy we adopted for Panorama."

On the subject of multiple controllers, we asked Richard Lawson if he can foresee a time when people buy different controllers for different synths, in the same way that hardware enthusiasts were happy to have a studio full of gear.

"The question of owning multiple/dedicated units is complicated to answer, as MIDI controllers are not instruments that make their own sounds. So, people's perception of these in terms of value is different from that of say, a hardware synth," Lawson replies.

"However, it's quite reasonable to say that some of the most-loved software instruments would benefit from a well-designed and high-quality controller, opening up the programmability to a new level."

The key concept is this: a good software-specific controller can give an application or plug-in a level of controllability and desirability that, on its own, it just doesn't possess. A single one-size-fits-all device is the most cost-effective option, but for those who want to work with more creatively and aesthetically pleasing gear, a bespoke device (or even bespoke devices) will fit the bill even better.

This article originally appeared in issue 173 of Computer Music magazine.

VST/AU plug-in instrument/effect round-up: Week 45

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:35:00 GMT

Reverb, compressor and synth plug-ins fall under our watchful eye this week: read on and we'll try and help you decide if any of them are worthy of further investigation.

Also make sure you check out these regularly updated features:

The 20 best VST plug-in synths in the world today

The 14 best VST plug-in drum machines in the world today

If you've got a new PC or Mac plug-in, make sure you let us know about it by emailing musicradar.pressreleases@futurenet.com with all the details.

NEXT: Eventide Blackhole

Me in my studio: Submotion Orchestra

Wed, 16 May 2012 07:58:00 GMT

This Leeds based seven piece are well-known for their unique form of live Dubstep, incorporating deep bass-driven grooves and warm textures in their progressive take on the genre.

Meet the band members and take a look around the studios and gear that make the music in our exclusive gallery. The band,from Left to Right: Thomas Evans (Drums), Tarrek Modi (Keyboards), Christopher Hargreaves (Bass), Daniel Templeman (Percussion), Ruby Wood (Vocals), Simon Beddoe (Trumpet + Laptop), Dominic Howard (Engineer)

Dream Theater's Jordan Rudess: the 10 greatest prog-rock albums of all time

Tue, 15 May 2012 23:24:00 GMT

"I was in high school and had been going to Julliard, studying classical music, so I was only somewhat aware of anything going on in the rock world," says Dream Theater's keyboard master Jordan Rudess. "Classmates of mine used to show up in the school auditorium with albums by Genesis and Gentle Giant, and they tried to show me what they were listening to. That was probably how I first noticed something new was going on in music."

According to Rudess, his first true introduction to prog-rock occurred when a friend came over to his house and put on a copy of Emerson, Lake & Palmer's seminal 1970 album, Tarkus. "It electrified my thinking," he says. "Suddenly, I became super-aware of new sounds and possibilities. In fact, there were even parts on it where I went, 'Wow! I've got some pieces that are kind of similar, but they sure don't sound like that' – because I was just playing them on piano. The record really changed my life."