The Spank! Records Blog

We have KORG Synthesizers. You can too!

microKORG

Probably the most popular analog modeling synthesizer on the market today. It’s cheap, it’s small and easy to carry, it has a passable vocoder and a lot of modern (re:electro) built in synthesizer presets and sequencers (lots of modern arpeggiator sequencers). The kids will love it.

http://www.spankrecords.com.au/stock/djgear/djGearDetail.asp?id=38867

KORG R3

This unit is based on the KORG Radias.It is a semi modular synthesizer.
It’s vocoder is more powerful than the microKORG, with an XLR jack so you can plug in a decent condenser mic.The R3
(and the Radias) use a form of synthesis called MMT, or Multi Modeling
Technology. This means that not only does the engine model subtractive
analogue synthesis, but the amp section also has a variety of
waveshaping models as well, including, overdrive circuits and also
emulations of electric piano tines or pickups. The R3 also ships with
an excellent software editor / librarian. Ideal for people who want a powerful dedicated vocoder or a small stage synthesizer. This keyboard has full size keys, I find this very important, others may not.

http://www.spankrecords.com.au/stock/djgear/djGearDetail.asp?id=40860

microX

This keyboard is an workstation based on the KORG Triton synthesizer. The big thing about this keyboard is A: it comes with a massive computer based editing program. You plug this into your computer, you can edit all the sounds, combine and save combinations of all the synth sounds, editing the arpeggiator mapping parameters and generally unlock all the modifiable elements in the program easily. You then save everything you’ve changed back into the keyboard. You can most of this editing on the little LED display, but you’re really meant to do most of the customization with the software so you just have to tweak things live.  B: This keyboard is a great midi controller, with bundled drivers for the top 30 most popular programs (all the usual offenders, Reason, Ableton, Big name VST’s).  If you want to get techy you can also use the software/interface to edit and import the parameters of VST instruments. The software component of this keyboard is also a VST. Full sized keys, orange case, lots of options, low price, very cool.

http://www.spankrecords.com.au/stock/djgear/djGearDetail.asp?id=40859

Ecler Evo 4 Professional Mixers in store. Special price on NUO4's

Eclers new professional mixer the Evo 4 delivers four mixing channels with 3 PHONO and 4 LINE inputs, 2 independent effects processors, 2 independent loop samplers and fully assignable MIDI controls all in a unit that produces the highest quality digital audio at 24bit 96kHz.

The inbuilt audio effects unit includes 18 high quality effects; these can be assigned and controlled on two tracks independently thanks to the two distinct effects processors, both with their own LED display that allows you to customize effects parameters on the fly. All built in effects can by synchronized using the mixers internal BPM.

Ideal for DJ's using software interfaces like Traktor and Serato, the Evo 4 includes USB midi signal from 29 assignable MIDI controls (including the dedicated MIDI panel with 4 rotary
and push encoders at the top of the unit) and the capacity to send midi clock information so software can be slaved directly to your mixing unit.

Also included in this mixer is an internal loop sampler, allowing you to record 2 banks of loop samples with automatic beat detection of 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1/1, 2/1, 4/1 or 8/1 beats.

Whether you're crossing between digital and analog mixing or keeping it all analog this is a great mixer, with a high quality build, great effects and intuitive design. Check it out in store or online.

http://www.spankrecords.com.au/stock/djgear/djGearDetail.asp?id=40885

Also, if you're looking for a mixer that sends midi data with less features, you can check out the ecler NUO 4 at the low price of $999 while stocks last. This model is being phased out by the NUO 4.0 and the EVO 4, so if it looks like what you're after, get in fast!

http://www.spankrecords.com.au/stock/djgear/djGearDetail.asp?id=24828

Thanks,

Matt.

Spank! Records.

Native Instruments Komplete Your DAW Special

Native Instruments has a super special on at the moment for their 'all-you-can-eat' software bundle, Komplete 5. Normally a RRP of $1599, you can now buy it at 30% off as long as you own of the qualifying DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) products, such as Logic, Ableton Live, Cubase etc.

Komplete 5 incorporates the entire collection of Native Instruments' highly regarded software instruments, like Battery 3 for all your drums & percussion, the amazing Kontakt 3 sampling monster, the Massive synth (which is indeed Massive, both in sound and how much CPU it'll eat up!) and so on, 11 instruments in all. Note that these are the FULL versions, not cut-down in any way.

Imagine having all these babies at your beck & call:

If you have any questions at all about Komplete 5, give us a call or send us an email.

Click here for more details

Arturia Analog Factory Experience in store now.

Now in stock, Arturia’s integrated software/hardware interface for live performance or home production. Including a matched midi controller and unique software platform, the Analog Factory delivers the high quality synthesizer emulation of Arturia's most popular products in a simple to control, edit and transport format.

Included in this product are 3500 analog synthesizers sounds all carefully selected from the Arturia Classic Synths (minimoog V, Moog Modular V, CS-80V, ARP 2600 V, Prophet V,  Prophet VS and Jupiter-8V) organised in an easy to find format by the Smart Preset Manager software included in the package. Sounds can be organised by instrument, by type (Bass, Pads, Leads…) by characteristics (hard, soft, complex, simple, short, long…), by CPU usage, as favourites or set-up user presets making it quick and easy to find the exact sounds you’re looking for.

Straight-forward editing with the most essential parameters for personalizing presets (Filter and LFO sections, 4 Key Parameters differing for each preset, Chorus & Delay mix, ADSR envelope) all quickly controlled using the specially designed midi controller that is included in the package.

Thanks Matt.
Spank!

Arturia 2 for 1 promotion ends at the end of the month!

Get in quick because this offer is only valid until the end of the month!

Purchase one of any of the following Arturia synth line products

• the Minimoog V
• the Jupiter-8V
• Analog Factory
• the Prophet V
• Brass
• the ARP2600 V
• the CS-80V
• the Moog Modular V

And recieve a free online download of one of these products

• the Jupiter-8V
• Analog Factory
• Brass
• the Prophet V

Doesn't get much easier than that. Promotion ends at the end of the month, so get in quick.

Details of the promotion can be found here http://www.arturia.com/evolution/en/buy/buy-1-get-1-free.html.

Thanks Matt.

Spank!

Free Moog Foundation ReFill for Reason owners

clipped from www.propellerheads.se

The gang at Propellerheads have paid tribute to legendary synthesizer innovator Bob Moogs by putting together 20 Moog inspired patches for Reason's Thor synth (wow, try saying THAT quickly 5 times over!). The ReFill is FREE for all registered owners of Reason 4.

Click here for more details

Vestax VCI-300/Serato ITCH - Coming Soon!!

THE hot new product when it comes to providing an all-in-one Digital DJ solution.

The VCI-300 is a dedicated USB MIDI controller for the included Serato DJ software. It also comes with a built in audio interface with standard 4in/4out and headphone connection, which means all you need for DJing is the VCI-300, a laptop and a set of headphones.

New features such as the [Emergency Thru Switch] offers an option of using the VCI-300 with the provided ITCH software or without the computer connected if you simply want to play music from your external CD or MP3 player. Another is the new weight reduced JOG wheel and the adjustable JOG wheel torque mechanism to avoid vibration from low frequency feedback.

The VCI-300 can control more than 90 parameters and functions of the included Serato software with high resolution MIDI signals sent via USB. The pulse resolution of the JOG wheel and pitch control fader is 4 times higher than the VCI-100 and provides precise control of each function. The pitch control fader also shares the same high quality fader parts of the input fader for advanced operability.

If you're an audio/visual type person, click the link below, watch a (qiwi?) man that made the hardware talk about it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfaHVmYA5Rg&feature=related

Thanks,

Matt. Spank!

Absolut15 Competition: Pick the 15 biggest dance tracks, win lots of Vodka!

ABSOLUT 15 is a competition that sees entrants slugging it out with their favourite tracklist in a bid to get the crowd moving in a 15-minute set - whoever gets the biggest and best crowd response takes top honors.  The overall winner scores $1000, which is donated to their charity of choice, a case of ABSOLUT vodka and a wardrobe from Australian label, Another Boy.

To be in the running all you need to do go to this URL

http://www.yenmag.net/events/22/

follow the links and e-mail your back-to-back 15 minute playlist, along with your full contact details. Your entry will be considered by the ABSOLUT 15 judging panel - and if you make the cut you win a spot to play in Sydney, as well as a slew of goodies.

Good hunting.

Matt. Spank! Records.

Novation Xio 25 Synthesizer/Midi Controller.

It seems like everybody these days is having a crack at packing as many features as possible into as small a synthesizer as possible for somewhere between the $500-$1000 mark. This week's pick is Novation's Analog Modelling Synthesizer/Midi Controller combination, the Novation XIO25.

The Xio features a mono-timbral Novation synth engine with 10-voice polyphony, with 3 oscillators (17 waveforms each), 1 Filter (varying types), 2 LFOs (32 waveforms each), an arpeggiator and a multi-effects board.

The Xio features 200 onboard patches and filter distortion that can be applied to any of these presets. Furthermore, 60 of the onboard sounds come from internationally acclaimed artists and producers from a variety of musical genres, namely James Zabiela, Ferry Corsten, Rennie Pilgrem, Roots Manuva, Shimon and Skeewiff.

An ultra-low latency 2 In/2 Out audio interface for high quality recording and playback is also included. This allows you to record a microphone with phantom power, as well as simultaneously stream the onboard synth audio directly to the sequencer via the USB cable. Equally though, a guitar can be plugged straight into the Jack input for DI recording, as well as simultaneously mic'd, and recorded with outstanding results.

In addition to synthesizing and audio/MIDI interfacing, the keyboard is also a comprehensive control surface with 11 knobs and buttons (doubled to 22 by a Group A/B switch), plus the freely assignable Xpression pad and stick. All of these controls are pre-programmed in 16 onboard Templates, so that the Xio can instantly control many software applications straight out the box. Add to this many more Templates online, a free Template Editor software application and hybrid modes for simultaneous synthesizing and MIDI controlling, and you have an extremely versatile package for producing or performing.

Interesting to note is that the Synthesizers will operate on 6AA batteries, making it possibly the only analogue modelling synthesizers on the market that operates without an external power supply.

Thanks.
Matt. Spank!

Korg Synthesizers/MIDI Controllers in store now.

Introducing new to Spank the Korg MicroX Compact analogue modeling Synthesizer - Korg's most portable all-in-one synthesizing unit designed to fit home studios or in any live environment where space is in issue.  Also from Korg back in store this week we have the Kontrol 49 and the MicroKontrol Korg MIDI controllers.

The Korg MicroX music synthesizer is packed with a full complement of sounds generated by the acclaimed HI synthesis system featured on the world-famous TRITON series. Taking full advantage of this rich array of synthesis power, there are 640 programs created by Korg’s renowned team of sound designers, covering all musical styles including dance, electronica as well as more traditional needs. In addition, you can combine up to eight of these programs into a combination to create even richer and more complex tones, with 384 combinations preloaded.

The Kontrol49 is equipped with 40 assignable control elements – including the new Vector Joystick – the Kontrol49 provides the musical dexterity for working with soft-synths, MIDI modules, or any digital audio workstation. The 49 keys are not only full-sized, they feature the same great touch and feel proven in Korg’s professional workstation instruments. Eight velocity curves let you tailor the response to your own playing, or to a specific application. Octave shift buttons provide full access to the entire 128 note range.

Moving beyond tradition keyboard control, the Kontrol49 is distinguished by the addition of sixteen illuminated and velocity sensitive trigger pads. These pads can perform any MIDI function from triggering loops and samples, selecting sounds, toggling or switching parameters, sending MIDI messages, to acting as transport controls for your computer-based sequencer.

The microKontrol includes a three-octave keyboard (37-note mini keyboard), eight encoders, eight sliders, and sixteen trigger pads that you can use to control your favorite soft synths, DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), or other musical tools such as external MIDI sound modules.

Thanks,

Matt. Spank!