Usually I just take anything and hit it and if it sounds great I can build a song around it.

- Björn Yttling (Peter Bjorn and John)

A video of the Audio Myths Workshop at AES 2009. It’s loooong….

When I had my morning coffee today I had a discussion someone regarding plug-ins. Having used plug-ins for quite some time now, I think it’s interesting to look back and remember how they were years ago and what they’re like now.
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Native Instruments has introduced Scarbee Vintage Keys, electric piano emulations for Kontakt and Kontakt Player. Included are the not so hard to recognize classics Mark I, A-200, Clavinet and Pianet.

From the Native Instruments press release:

The instruments utilize up to 16 velocity layers per key as well as special “Horizontal Release Technology” to recreate the complex dynamic behavior of each instrument with maximum precision and authenticity. Each instrument also offers an integrated multi-effect section with up to 10 algorithms, including phaser, chorus, reverb and various other classic effect types, which add further depth and variety to the vintage electric piano tones.

I’m currently enjoying the electric pianos for Pianoteq but being a Kontakt-junkie I guess these could be a nice addition if they sound good. I’m actually somewhat on the lookout for a real Rhodes or Wurly.

You can buy the whole Scarbee Vintage Keys on DVD for $169 / €149 or download the individual instruments for $79 / €69.

More info at Native Instruments

So far bx_digital has been a stereo only EQ. It might sound weird, but it was intended for mastering so I guess Brainworx didn’t care much about using it on mono tracks – until now. bx_digital V2 MONO has just entered public beta and the final version will be released March 4th. The beta is a 14-day trial and iLok is required.

All bx_digital V2 owners will of course be eligible for a free version. Price for others are €149 (Native) or €225 (TDM). In typical Brainworx fashion there will also be an introductory offer, giving buyers a 33% discount until March 31st.

Get the beta

Brainworx has also released a V2 version of their freebie bx_cleansweep. I’m not sure what the differences between the old and the new versions are though.

More about it at Brainworx

Russ from Air Users Blog sent me this pic. Hilarious!

It’s been a while since I posted anything about the rebuild I’m doing. If you thought I was done, you’re wrong. Actually, it’s been on hold, sort of, because I’ve been doing some audio soul searching, trying to find out how I really want to work. I’ll get back to that in another post for sure, but for now I wanted to keep you in the loop regarding the software I got running.
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Synthogy has announced upgrade paths as well as pricing levels for the upcoming Ivory II. All current users of Synthogy products will be able to upgrade to the Ivory II versions at the following prices: Ivory Grand Pianos Upgrade–$89, Ivory Italian Grand Upgrade–$45, Ivory Upright Pianos Upgrade–$79. All Ivory II products are scheduled for release in May 2010.

If you purchased any Synthogy products on or after November 1, 2009, you’re be eligible to receive a free upgrade to the Ivory II version of that product. Anyone who has purchased the Ivory Grand Pianos Version 1.7 upgrade for $149 at any time, will be eligible to receive a free Ivory Grand Pianos II upgrade.

New pricing for the products is as follows: Ivory II–Grand Pianos $349, Ivory II–Italian Grand $179, and Ivory II–Upright Pianos $299.

More about Ivory II at the Synthogy website.

Question: What is art? Short answer: A question.

- Ernst Billgren

OK, so here’s an innovative idea for a controller. I don’t think it’s for me, as it still requires mousing around, but it could be useful for some.