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Hip-hop's most influential sampler gets a 2017 reboot
The impact of Akai's MPC series on hip-hop cannot be overstated. The first model -- the MPC60 -- hit the market in the late 80s, perfectly timed with hip-hop's culture of borrowing and reinventing classic beats and melodies. The MPC's iconic pad-based design and relatively accessible price opened up music production to a whole new audience.
Korg's new ARP Odyssey is a full-size remake of an iconic synth
At NAMM two years ago, Korg first revealed its modern take on the classic ARP Odyssey synthesizer. Despite touting that model as a "faithful recreation" of the original, the reissue was a smaller version with 37 keys. During the music industry's big trade show this year, Korg is showing off a full-size option: the ARP Odyssey FS. Available in each the original's three color schemes, the new instrument offers a standard keyboard and more space on the slider panel to make sound adjustments.
Use Roli Blocks to control Mac and Windows music production apps
Roli's set of modular music gadgets have been around since November, but today the company announced an update that will come in handy for those who use desktop music production apps. The new Dashboard for Roli Blocks allows you to employ the LED touch-sensitive pad to control software like Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, Cubase, Native Instruments Massive and a bunch more. With the Lightpad Block and Dashboard, you can upload pre-programmed scripts and edit as needed.
Pioneer takes on Korg with its first analog synthesizer
If you want an analog synthesizer, but don't have a lot of floorspace, then Korg's Volca range is for you. Maybe hold that thought a sec. Until now, Pioneer has focused on the club crowd with its ubiquitous DJ decks and controllers. The company branched out into general music production with its Toraiz SP-16 sampler last year; today it's stepping further into music-making with the Toraiz AS-1 analog sound machine.
Teenage Engineering's next synth wirelessly syncs with Basslet
I love a good collaboration. So when I spotted a Teenage Engineering representative jamming on the (as yet unreleased) OP-Z while wearing a Basslet wearable subwoofer at this year's NAMM convention, I was curious. It turns out, The Swedish synth maker (of Pocket Operator fame) has been working with Lowfelt (maker of Basslet) to have the two gadgets play nice together -- and it makes a lot of sense.
Teenage Engineering's new pocket synth is its most versatile yet (updated)
Teenage Engineering debuted its first trio of pocket-sized $59 synthesizers almost exactly two years ago. In 2016, the company followed those with a second set of three Pocket Operators featuring the sounds of the '80s. Now the company is back with a third installment: the PO-32. Like the half-dozen different options that are already available, the PO-32 remains a compact drum and percussion synth that runs on a pair of AAA batteries. However, there are two new key features that set this new model apart from the rest.
Take Logic Pro X projects from desktop to mobile with GarageBand
Despite it's highly capable tool set, GarageBand is widely thought of as Apple's beginner audio recording software. Logic Pro X is the company's option for more advanced users. While the latter app has been around since 2013, Apple regularly adds new features and it's doing just that today. With version 10.3, Logic Pro X gains a host of new tool to lend a hand with recording and music production. First, the app has a refreshed UI to make it easier to see in well-lit environments. After all, not everyone likes to work in the dark or a dimly lit room.
GarageBand on iOS is now a more capable music production suite
Apple's GarageBand is a good place to get started with recording, but it's useful for more advanced skill levels as well. The company just revealed an update to the iOS version of the app that gives the software a few more tools for tracking on the go. First, the powerful Alchemy synthesizer from Apple's pro-grade Logic software is now available as an instrument in the mobile version of GarageBand. It includes over 150 patches capable of producing sounds for a range of genres.
Korg's iOS music production app is coming to Mac
Korg Gadget, an all-in-one iOS production studio, was first introduced in 2014 and now the the mobile suite is heading to the desktop. The company announced that Gadget will soon make the leap to Mac, but it hasn't revealed exactly when that will happen just yet. What we do know is that Korg promises seamless integration between the mobile and desktop versions. This means that you'll be able to start a project during your commute and pick it back up when you get to your studio back home and vice versa.
The Stylophone Gen X-1 toy synth is an updated version of a classic
The annual winter installment of the NAMM pro audio show doesn't start until next week, but we typically see companies tease announcements in advance. British synth outfit Dubreq has done just that, pulling the wraps off of a new version of a 1960's classic before the festivities kick off in Anaheim next Thursday. Meet the Stylophone Gen X-1: an updated model of an iconic portable toy synthesizer that adds new features and new sounds in the compact package.
