The revamped sampler and effector is better than ever, with an enhanced VariPhrase Encoder algorithm and an expanded MFX library, including Harmony Effects for endless performance possibilities. For the first time, creators can also use TR-REC style step sequencing, an all-new recording mode existing alongside traditional real-time pattern recording.
Roland’s info on the update is pretty minimal – they’ve shared release notes and some tips and tricks – but we’ve embedded their official overview video above.
Topics covered:
0:00 – INTRO 0:26 – CHROMATIC MODE 1:45 – TR-REC 5:25 – MOTION RECORD 7:57 – CHROMATIC MODE IN PATTERNS 8:38 – UNDO 9:07 – SOUND ENGINE 9:57 – CHANGE PARAMETERS OF MULTIPLE SAMPLES 10:45 – NEW EFFECTS 13:17 – SNAP TO ZERO CROSSING 13:36 – SKIP BACK 13:52 – STOP ALL SAMPLES 14:12 – DJ MODE
In this video, Make Noise founder Tony Rolando discusses his history with tape music, sampling, and microsound, which led to the development of the Make Noise Phonogene and Morphagene.
Topics covered:
0:00 Intro 1:01 Tony’s first encounters with tape music by John Pfeiffer, Barbara Kolb, and Mario Davidovsky 2:24 “Composing with Tape Recorders” by Terence Dwyer 3:21 The Superba tape machine 4:56 The Mystery of tape music 6:32 The difficulty of making tape music with just one device 7:28 The Casio SK-1 8:48 Tony’s tape music process ca 1995 9:58 Musical Interlude: “I’d Like to Make Communication W/ U” 12:00 The Ensoniq Mirage 13:52 Tony’s Mirage Sample Bank 14:48 The Wall of MIDI 15:32 The Akai S612 17:45 The Wall of MIDI (again) 19:18 Tony’s time in bands 19:57 Getting back into electronic music 21:44 Reaktor 22:39 Granular ensembles and computer struggles 24:38 Another Brick Wall and the feel of instruments 26:18 Other granular software of the time 27:57 Curtis Roads, Josh Kay, Richard Devine 29:09 “Microsound” by Curtis Roads 29:43 Outro
Rolando’s new album, Breakin’ Is A Memory, is available via Bandcamp. You can preview it below:
In his latest Sonic Lab review, host Nick Batt takes a look at the new BOSS RC-505 mkII – a major update to the popular Loop Station design.
Video Summary:
“The original Boss RC-505 is seen by many as the pinnacle of loopstations, with countless musicians using it as a gateway to success during the 15+ years it’s been available. Surely time for an update then?
Here’s the RC-505 MKII then, with expanded IO, improved audio quality, increased FX (4 input, 4 track), more algorithms, increased record time – 13hrs over 3, bounce feature, Mark back and undo, more rhythms, way deep button and controller assignments.”
Topics covered:
00:00 Intro 01:08 Key Differences 04:44 Making Loops + Input FX 10:51 Bouncing 12:51 Vocoder and live MIDI input 17:44 Mark, Undo and Button assignments 23:26:03 Input settings 26:37 Timestretch 28:57 Wrap and Conclusion
This video, via Tonelab, takes an in-depth look at the Akai S900 / S950 sampler from 1986, a hybrid digital + analog sampler.
Video Summary:
“I hope this helps to dispel some rumors and show you how to get around your S900 ..or perhaps, if you’re considering purchasing one, then I hope this helps you understand the kind of workflow you may be getting yourself into. Either way, here’s hoping you can turn confusion into creation with this walk-through of the amazing S900.”
Topics covered:
0:00 Intro / History & Specs 4:40 Workflow Concept 5:40 Navigating the S900 9:20 Record Section 9:47 Sample name 10:23 Monitoring 11:00 Sample Type 12:02 Audio Bandwidth 13:10 Recording Time 13:45 Pitch of Sound 14:10 Start With 15:05 Trigger & Rec Level 17:30 Pre-Trigger 18:51 Record Soft Sample 20:30 Record Loud Sample 21:40 01-Edit Sample 22:11 02-Select Program 22:57 03-Loudness Pitch 23:30 04-Replay Mode 23:55 05-Time Direction 24:15 06-Start Point 25:20 07-End Point 26:01 08-Loop Length 26:51 09-Discard 28:00 10-Splice Xfade 29:20 11-Xfade Time 29:38 12-Splice Order 31:54 13-Xfade Loop 33:45 14-VX Time Skew 36:10 15-Create VX 37:55 01-Edit Program 38:45 02-Key Loudness 39:55 03-Keygroups 41:20 04-Vel X-Fade 42:39 05-S Key Range 45:10 06-Filter, Pitch 46:36 07-L Key Range 47:29 08-LFilter, Pitch 47:48 09-Amp Env 50:20 10-Vel Sens 53:44 11-Warp 56:00 12-LFO 57:50 13-LFO A/T Bender 59:40 14-One Shot 1:01:29 15-MIDI Keygroup 1:03:00 16-Output Voices 1:04:24 17-VCF Env 1:06:33 01-Omni 1:07:09 03-MIDI Test 1:08:42 04-Pitch Wheel 1:09:23 RS232 1:10:15 Disk Section 1:12:05 Master Tune 1:12:12 Play Mode 1:13:00 RAM Check
In his latest loopop video, host Ziv Eliraz takes an in-depth look at the new Roland SP-404 mkII, a major update to the SP-404 sampler design.
“I’ve created a comprehensive review, tutorial, and tips and tricks video,” notes Eliraz, “helping people both get to know what it can do, and overcome some of its weaknesses.
The Roland SP-404 MKII features an OLED display, 17 expressive pads, expanded effects, fluid sequencing and sampling, and a massive sample library.
Topics covered:
0:00 Intro 1:35 Overview 6:15 Sample playback 10:55 Speed/pitch 13:10 Input effects 15:10 Bus effects 19:10 Pad fx routing 23:20 Sampling 25:50 Resampling 26:25 Slice & chop 29:00 Sequencing 33:30 Skip back 34:25 DJ mode 36:40 Software 38:50 Obscure shortcuts 40:20 Chords & scales 41:50 Phasing loops 42:25 Saving effects? 42:50 Odd meters 43:10 Loop links 44:10 Loop chokes 44:30 Overdub audio 44:50 Make a synth 45:50 Pros & cons 48:30 Outro
Roland has officially introduced the SP-404 MKII, a major update to the SP-404 sampler design with a vivid OLED display, 17 expressive pads, expanded effects, fluid sequencing and sampling, and a massive sample library.
Here’s what they have to say about it:
“Lightning-fast boot time, project loading, and sample import will have you knocking out beats in no time. Plus, 16 GB of internal storage give you ample space to store your creations or have your favorite samples at the ready. Whether you’re a beatmaking newbie or an SP pro, you’ll feel right at home with the intuitive layout and classic SP effects, plus a revamped sampling and sequencing workflow, Skip Back Sampling for quick performance capture, DJ mode to mix beats live, and more.
The SP-404MKII makes on the go beatmaking even easier. With its lightweight-yet-rugged design and expanded features, this unit is ideal for making amazing sounding beats on the move. Run it on AA or mobile battery power, capture audio from or stream directly to your mobile device via USB, or collab with a partner using the dual headphones outputs and mic/guitar input.
With the SP-404MKII’s vivid OLED screen and zoomable waveform view, sample editing is smooth?as silk. Chop up samples by tapping out edit points in real time?or?slice samples automatically.?Then finesse them with envelope and pitch shift.?Use the new resampling workflow to re-record patterns and effects layers for detailed sound design. And with?Skip Back Sampling, you can?preserve?those?fire?moments by capturing?up to 25 seconds of audio from your last?jam.?Now, it’s never been easier to?dial in and?cook up?beats?the moment inspiration strikes.”
Features:
OLED display for visual waveform editing, full menu access, and more
17 velocity-sensitive, RGB pads with no-click design for smooth playability
Faster workflow with quick startup and load times, 16 GB internal storage, low-latency pads, and rapid sample editing
Compact, ultra-lightweight design (2.6 lb./1.2 kg) with versatile power options: USB-C, mobile battery (via USB-C port), six AA batteries, or AC adaptor
Extensive onboard effects, including SP classics like Vinyl Simulator and DJFX Looper, new Lo-fi, Cassette Simulator, and Resonator effects, and dedicated Vocoder, Auto Pitch, and Guitar Amp Simulator effects for the mic/guitar input
32-voice polyphony, 160 samples per project, and 16 internal projects for expanded programming possibilities
Blazing onboard sample editing with real-time or auto-chop mode, auto BPM detect, envelope, pitch shift, and resampling for layering sounds and phrases
Pre-loaded sound library with 144 high-quality, professionally recorded samples and patterns
Extensive customization options with removable metal faceplate, downloadable outline template, multiple screensavers, and personalized startup logos
Upgraded I/O includes 1/4-inch line in/out, 1/4-inch mic/guitar input, 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch headphones outputs, and 1/8-inch TRS MIDI in/out
New resampling workflow for re-recording with various effects for detailed sound design
Audio capture and streaming supported with mobile devices and computers via USB-C
Skip Back Sampling to automatically capture up to 25 seconds of audio from your last performance
Bus FX for layering multiple effects, with customizable routing for creating intricate sound textures
Adjustable quantization and shuffle percentage across multiple note resolutions to customize swing
Pattern sequencer with the ability to create full songs with BPM per bank, ideal for running backing tracks or programming performances
Chain patterns for automatic playback and use Pad Link to trigger up to four samples with a single press
DJ Mode enables new approaches to live performance by manipulating and mixing two separate audio files
SP-404MKII editor software for Mac and Windows provides direct sample access, detailed waveform editing, sample management, pad assignment, and import of MIDI files and legacy SP-404SX and SP-404A projects
Pricing and Availability
The Roland SP-404 mkII is expected to be available in November 2021, with a street price of about $500.
In his latest video, Alex Ball takes a look at the classic E-mu Systems SP 1200, a 80’s sampling drum machine that has such a distinctive sound that it’s still in demand, in spite of its many limitations, including 10 seconds of sampling time.
Ball discusses some of the history of the SP 1200, an overview of the features, and also explores how the machine’s limitations forced creative work-arounds.
Check out the video and then share your thoughts on the SP 1200 in the comments!
Novation today officially introduced the Circuit Rhythm, the third groovebox in the Circuit family.
The Circuit Rhythm keeps the streamlined grid-based sequencing interface of the original Circuit, but focuses on sampling and sample sequencing. Instead of offering two synthesis and 4 drum tracks, the Circuit Rhythm features 8 Flexible Sample Tracks.
With the Circuit Rhythm, you can record samples directly to the hardware, then slice, sculpt and resample your sounds. You can record performances quantized or off-grid, and arrange them with eight sample tracks. You can also add effects, including lo-fi tape, beat repeat and more.
Features:
Record samples directly to the hardware, then slice, sculpt and resample your sounds. Slice, reverse, loop, play chromatically, and more
Perform with grid FX
Make beats with eight sample tracks, each with their own 32-step patterns, chainable for up to 256 steps per track.
Capture your groove quantized or off grid into the sequencer, and keep your beats evolving with probability and pattern mutate.
Effects – add reverb and delay, make your mix pump with sidechain, and add punch with the master compressor.
Comprehensive connectivity – Connect to your studio with full-size five-pin MIDI in, out, and thru, and analog sync out. Sample to mono, or monitor through stereo out or with headphones.
microSD card slot too save and access thousands of samples and projects.
The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to four hours of battery life
Specifications:
32 RGB backlit velocity-sensitive pads
28 RGB backlit tactile click buttons
Power button with charge status LED
USB-C socket
Kensington MiniSaver slot
MicroSD card slot
3x MIDI DIN (In, Out, Thru)
3.5mm sync out
L/R Sample In Pair
L/R Audio Out Pair
Headphones out
8x endless encoders with RGB indicators
Master volume pot
Master filter pot with centre detent
Here’s an example performance, Falling Petals, by Enrique Martinez:
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Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Falling Petals:
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Pricing and Availability:
The Novation Circuit Rhythm is available to pre-order for $399 USD. It’s expected to be available in July 2021.
Isla Instruments shared this playlist of in-depth demo videos for their new S2400 sampler.
Isla Instruments calls the S2400 “The spiritual successor to the greatest drum machine the world ever saw.” It builds on the classic design of the E-Mu SP 1200, one of the most iconic sampling drum machines ever created.
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