PC and Music News

Native Instruments has released DRUM LAB, a first-of-its-kind instrument combining advanced drum layering techniques with an intuitive workflow designed for fast results. DRUM LAB's combination of acoustic and electronic drum samples is the secret of professionals worldwide – a powerful production technique for creating punchy, present drum tracks. An included groove library provides over 900 patterns for fast groove production with uncompromising sound quality. DRUM LAB is available now from the NI Online Shop for $99 / 99 € / ¥ 9800.

DRUM LAB combines the organic, expressive sound of acoustic drums with the weight and punch of electronic samples. This 'hybrid' layering technique is the secret weapon of countless industry professionals to give drums presence and clarity in sonically dense mixes. DRUM LAB's acoustic layer comprises 38 carefully chosen individual drums. Each was recorded in three different rooms with high-end vintage and modern equipment on analog tape. The drums are pre-processed for instant, professional sound and feature all the warmth and subtly acoustic drums bring to top-quality recordings. What sets DRUM LAB apart from other software-based drum instruments is its electronic component: 380 drum hits were sampled from a range of classic and modern drum machines, then expertly matched, phase aligned, faded, and pitched to perfectly blend with the acoustic samples. This crucial step saves producers hours of time, allowing them to focus on their music.

Karma-Lab, the developer of the KARMA interactive music technology featured in Korg Workstations, has released a major update to four of its Korg-related software applications:

- KARMA Kronos Software - for the Korg Kronos
- KARMA M3 Software - for the Korg M3
- KARMA M50 Software - for the Korg M50
- KARMA Oasys Software - for the Korg Oasys

Version 2.2.9 of each program is available for both Mac and Windows. The update is free to registered users and available for purchase directly from Karma-Lab (US $169 to $199).

The new Mac versions are now Universal applications, and will run on Mac OS X 10.4 and higher, including 10.7 Lion and 10.8 Mountain Lion, PPC or Intel. They've also been tested on the Developer Preview of 10.9 Mavericks without any major issues. Furthermore, some enhancements such as the ability to import and export .KGE files between all four applications have been incorporated, along with a lengthy list of reliability enhancements and bug fixes.

The new Windows versions include all of the same enhancements and bug fixes as the Mac versions, and runs on XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 (32 and 64 bit).

The Recording Arts & Technology program at Southwestern College in the San Diego California suburb of Chula Vista is one of the nation’s top audio programs.

Begun in May 2008, under the direction of Professor Jay Henry, a two-time Grammy® award nominee for his engineering and production skills, the Recording Arts & Technology program prepares students for careers in the entertainment industries of music, television and film, utilizing state-of-the-art music studios and labs for a hands-on learning experience that emphasizes fundamental recording technique and knowledge. Henry entered the music industry decades ago, and has experienced the huge changes in the music recording industry; he has kept his educational program flexible to adapt to the changes yet to come. That’s why he was excited to discover Focusrite's RedNet networked audio I/O technology. In recent weeks, Prof. Henry directed the purchase of two RedNet 5 HD interfaces for his Pro Tools|HD systems coupled with three RedNet 2 16-channel analog I/O interfaces for his main recording and satellite mixing rooms. Once these units are installed, the two studios at the core of the Recording Arts and Technology program will be able to be completely networked, allowing seamless access of audio between rooms and giving students and faculty a high degree of flexibility in how those facilities are used.

PreSonus is now shipping the eagerly anticipated Sceptre™-series CoActual™ studio reference monitors.

Featuring an advanced coaxial design that works integrally with a 32-bit, 48 kHz processor using Fulcrum Acoustic's TQ™ Temporal Equalization technology, Sceptre CoActual monitors deliver clarity and coherence that has previously only been available in ultra-high-end systems. Yet they are an affordable investment for project-studio owners-a first for DSP-enabled, TQ-based systems.

Muse Research™ and Development, Inc., and PreSonus® Audio Electronics, Inc., announced that the PreSonus AudioBox™ 1818VSL audio interface is now included, standard, with Muse Research's new Receptor™ TRIO and Receptor QU4TTRO hardware-based plug-in players, giving musicians up to 18 high-quality audio inputs and outputs.

In addition, Muse Research now offers the PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL interface as an added-cost option for its award-winning Receptor VIP plug-in player, giving the VIP multi-channel input and output capabilities. The Receptor TRIO and QU4TTRO are now shipping, as is the software update that allows the Receptor VIP to utilize the AudioBox 1818VSL interface.

Spectrasonics has released an 'AAX Public Beta' version of the company's three popular virtual instruments Omnisphere, Trilian and Stylus RMX for Avid's new Pro Tools 11.

Registered users of the Spectrasonics instruments can log into their user accounts to download the Public Beta versions. The new versions are available at no charge to registered users to test with the new 64-bit version of Pro Tools. Omnisphere, Trilian and Stylus RMX are all native 64-bit software instruments designed to work with Pro Tools 11 on both OS X and Windows.