Soniccouture have released Abstrakt Breaks : Glitch + IDM, a collection of hi-tech drum and percussion loops aimed at producers of IDM, Electronica, Glitch, Film Music, Industrial etc.

Each of the 200 Loops are sorted into one of 43 grooves. Kicks, snares, percussion, hats, glitches – all are available as a separate loop allowing you to break down a loop within your track, or to mix and match different elements of different grooves to form original combinations.

Abstrakt Breaks has been fully processed into Rex Files and Apple Loops as well as WAV format, giving full drag and drop compatibility with all major sequencing packages and samplers.

Features:

• WAV, Rex, Apple Loops formats
• 200 24-bit 44.1 Loops
• 350 MB Library
• Grooves spilt into ’stackable’ component parts
• Down Tempo 80-120 BPM and Up Tempo 125-195 BPM Categories
• Sample Accurate Precision Looping
• Fully Produced and Mastered at 24-bit Resolution
• License free Loops

For more information, visit their web site at www.soniccouture.com.

Posted in Loops, Samples

Korg announces the KP3 Dynamic Effect/Sampler, the latest addition to the KAOSS series. The KP3 provides even more creative power for DJs, musicians and producers while retaining the intuitive, expressive and user-friendly KAOSS interface. New effects, synth sounds, enhanced sampling, computer connectivity and SD data storage are complemented by detailed visual feedback from the new pad lighting system.

Like all KAOSS Pads, the KP3 responds to the touch of a finger on its X/Y pad, for intuitive control over multiple parameters in real time. The Hold button locks the finger’s current position on the pad and Pad Motion memorizes and repeats any gesture played on the pad. The new pad lighting system — 64 individual LEDs in an eight by eight grid — can display the Pad Motion pattern as it plays, as well as many other visual cues.

The KP3 features 128 great-sounding effects programs containing new effects such as grain shifter, decimator, a vintage analog-style filter and expanded EQ. There are also drum grooves and unique vocoder and synth sounds derived from the Korg RADIAS. To prevent abrupt changes when transitioning from one effect to another, the new FX Release function adds an adjustable delay tail when the user’s finger is removed from the X/Y pad. The delay is automatically set to the current tempo and the depth of the FX release can be set and saved with each program.

The KP3 can sample from a wide variety of sources via mic and line inputs. Four Sample Bank buttons (100 total banks) allow the user to create, play and save looped and one-shot samples on the fly. All samples are recorded using high resolution 24-bit converters and stored in 16-bit/48 kHz format. Samples can be saved on a Secure Digital (SD) card or transferred to computer via USB.

The KP3 thinks in musical terms, allowing the sample length to be defined in terms of beats, not seconds. When sampling is finished, the sample will immediately start playing in sync with the sample source. As the sample plays, its start time can be fine-tuned further.

Time-Slicing divides a sample into separate parts. The eight Program Memory buttons can turn individual slices on/off in real time, resulting in new rhythmic patterns. The KP3 can also sample its effects and even resample the entire output for powerful, multi-element sounds.

All tempo-related functions (sampling, effects) are accurate to .1 (one-tenth) of a BPM for more precise matching to external devices. KP3 features an improved auto-BPM detection from the audio input, Tap-Tempo entry, as well as a manual tempo setting. The KP3 can also send and receive tempo information via MIDI clock.

The KP3 is also a MIDI controller, transmitting three controller signals from its touchpad, along with data from the slider. The Sample Bank buttons send and receive MIDI note messages as well as program change commands and clock information.

USB computer connectivity allows for convenient data transfer to a computer. The included editor/librarian software also allows AIFF and WAV audio files to be loaded into the KP3 and includes sample-rate pitch correction.

The Korg KP3 is available November 2006 at a U.S. MSRP of $460.

For more information, visit their web site at www.korg.com.

Posted in Audio, Effects, Hardware, Samples, Technology

BandmateLoops.com is proud to unveil a new multi-instrument style loop collection. Bandmates Enfusion features a powerful blend of signature breakbeat rhythms and hypnotic trance synth and effects. The beats are complemented by rich synthetic bass, leads, pads and effects. Enfusion serves as a solid foundation for creating authentic club mixes.

Bandmates Enfusion includes:

• 78 Signature Breakbeat Style loops
• 38 Synth Pads, Leads and Arpeggios
• 15 Effects and Percussion

Bandmates Enfusion is available in Apple Loop, Acidized Wave, Rex2 and ReFill formats for compatibility with most major music packages.

BMT-031 Bandmates Enfusion is available 24/7 via electronic delivery for $21.95 USD. Audio demonstrations and sample loops available.

For more information, visit their web site at www.bandmateloops.com.

Posted in Loops, Samples

Hip Hop City is a slammin’ collection of 50 construction kits covering a variety of funky Old and Nu School Hip Hop styles. Inspired by the music of such artists asThe Beastie Boys, De La Soul, Trick Daddy, Missy Elliot, Lil John, Jay-Z, Lil’ Kim, Junkie XL, Busta Rhymes, Roc Raida, J-Kwan, and many others. Hip Hop City features tons of programmed drums, hundreds of turntable loops, bass, funk guitar, keyboards, synth leads, horns and percussion and more.

Contents:

• 2.9 GB on disc (1.39 GB of 24bit WAV files)
• 1,140 WAV loops and hits on disc
• 50 Construction Kits with BPM’s ranging from 70-140 in various keys

A Hip Hop City demo is available here.

Format: AIFF/Apple Loops/REX/WAV

Retail: $69.95

For more information, visit their web site at www.bigfishaudio.com.

Posted in Drums & Percussion, Samples

Native Instruments is excited to announce BATTERY 3, a significant revision of its popular drum and percussion sampler. The addition of time-stretching and advanced loop capabilities, innovative “play parameters”, a powerful master effects section and an integrated wave editor all serve to strengthen the role of BATTERY as the premier creative drum and percussion sampler, with an enormous library of more than 100 high-quality drum kits providing a wealth of studio-quality material for all styles and genres.

BATTERY 3 is based on a powerful new sampling engine that offers high-quality time stretching and a new “Beat Mode” for improved loop-handling capabilities, enabling musicians to get the most out of any sample library. BATTERY 3 can also turn programmed beats into truly dynamic performances through new “articulations” that allow for authentic real-time flams, drags and rolls, while the “humanize” function can now add a subtle natural feel.

The customizable cell matrix in BATTERY 3 has been extended to hold up to 128 sounds per kit, while color coding of cells now provides a better overview. A new wave editor offers direct surgical access to any individual sample in BATTERY on-the-fly, opening up an additional powerful level of in-depth customization and creative sound shaping.

While the existing cell-specific effect section has been further improved in BATTERY 3, the new version also adds a comprehensive master multi-effect section that is especially useful both for sound design and for live use. Equipped with high-quality filter, dynamic and delay algorithms, the master effect section also incorporates a high-end convolution reverb that can even accept individual drum kit cells as impulse sources via easy drag-and-drop assignment, opening up a new resource of creative sound shaping and experimentation.

BATTERY 3 ships with a huge and highly versatile sound library that includes more than 100 unique and ready-to-use drum kits, spanning a huge musical spectrum from jazz and rock to hip-hop and techno, and including a wide range of exotic ethno-percussion and special effects assortments. The library is based on over 23.000 individual samples, with both kits and samples becoming more accessible through a significantly enhanced sound browser in BATTERY 3. Creating and customizing drum kits has also become much more convenient due to a new “cell library” that holds more than 2.500 individual drum cells, all pre-categorized according to their musical role and application.

BATTERY 3 will be available in October 2006 for a suggested retail price of $ 219 / 199 Euro from authorized dealers and in the NI Online Shop. An update for owners of will be available for $ 119 / 99 Euro.

BATTERY 3 is also a part of the KOMPLETE 4 product bundle, which will in turn be available as a free update for all owners of KOMPLETE CARE 2006.

For more information, visit their web site at www.native-instruments.com.

Posted in Audio, Drums & Percussion, Samples, Technology

Equinox Sounds has released After Hours, a collection of melodic and rythmic loops and phrases for creating Melodic, Deep and Ambient Trance music. The collection contains a selection of beats, synth lines, bass lines and arpeggios in ACID and REX2 formats, plus a folder containing melodies and chord lines in Standard MIDI File format.

Features:

• 30 Melodic MIDI Loops
• 61 Arpeggios (ranging from 120-145 BPM)
• 119 Bass Lines (ranging from 120-145 BPM)
• 121 Synth Lines (ranging from 120-145 BPM)
• 52 Trance Percussion Loops
• 300 Drum Loops (ranging from 120-145 BPM)
• 200 Single Drum Sounds

Format:
30 MIDI loops/phrases + 650 ACIDized.wav loops/music phrases + 560 Rex2 loops + 200 single drum sounds in wav format.

After Hours is currently available for 60 Euros on CD-ROM or as a download.

For more information, visit their web site at www.equinoxsounds.com.

Posted in Audio, Loops, MIDI, Samples

Kocktail Kollection is the only Lounge collection that truly captures the REALLY cheesy sounds of the late 1950’s and early 60’s.

Over 1.3GB of greasy, spring reverb laden pieces, steel guitars, accordion licks, cheesy mono synths, vocal licks, guitar “chicks”, jazz guitar octaves, live drumz, machine drumz, lo-fi breakz, simulated old lounge record excerpts and lounge hitz, make this a true trip into the oily, lounge lizard, musical past.

The construction kits cover a wide tip of Lounge styles. From the 1960’s sitcom theme sounds of: Flutes and Swingers to the more modern Lounge tip of Ala Brazil or the 60’s disco twist stylin’ of Swingin’ 60’s you have a wide palette of drum groovez, sound fx, hitz and total retro insanity. All kits feature multi-key versions of each piece and many of the sounds are even offered with the option of spring reverb or dry.

Authentic tools of that era were used whenever possible. Spring reverb, vintage basses with flat wound strings and mutes, hand held cheapo synths, and vintage guitars and guitar effects from that time period were used liberally in the creation of this collection. All loops retain a full “back in the day” sensibility combined with full 24-bit digital quality.

Categories include:

• 70s Sequencer Synth Lines
• Accordion Lix
• Adrennalinn 2fers
• Lounge Construction Kitz
• Guitar Slide Octaves
• Lounge Atmospherez
• Lounge Breakz
• Lounge Drumz
• Lounge Guitar Chicks
• Lounge Hitz
• Lounge Lo Fi Break Fillz
• Lounge Single Drum Hitz
• Old Lounge Recordz Mixes
• Vintage Cheese Lix
• Vintage Cheesy Synth Sounds
• Vocal Lix

Over 950 wav files and 650 Rex files in 1.3GB of brand new material. MSRP $99.95.

For more information, visit their web site at www.zero-g.co.uk.

Posted in Samples

The Bangin-Beats camp brings in fall with Wind Storm, a healthy collection of wind instrument samples aimed at the Hip Hop production market, but useful for any genre.

Wind Storm is packed with over 300MB of useful Trumpet, Baritone Sax, Tenor Sax, Soprano Sax, Trombone, Flugelhorn, Clarinet & Flute samples at 24-Bit/96kHz.

Instrumentation was handled by Amanitas and A-Ok of Mushroomstamp productions in Los Angeles, CA. With their real world production experience, Mushroomstamp provided a perfect blend of “choppable” jazzed-out riffs with the crate-digging producer in mind.

Recorded in a bright, live room with early reflections, Wind Storm adds an overall spaciousness to two-dimensional keyboard production. Edited & mastered with the character of Neve & Universal Audio hardware, and an extensive software suite, subtle elements were left intact in many samples, such as the player’s breath and valve action. This brings the presence of an actual musician to programmed tracks. Couple this with the handful of isolated, real vinyl static samples included, and creating the vibe of authentic sampled music is easily achieved while retaining ever important publishing royalties.

Wind Storm is offered on CD-ROM in .wav format for compatibility with most modern hardware samplers and the vast software landscape such as FL Studio, Reason, Kontakt, Battery, Halion, Pro Tools, Logic & more.

The Wind Storm library is priced at $49.95 at 16-Bit/44.1kHz, and $59.95 at 24-Bit/96kHz respectively.

For more information, visit their web site at www.bangin-beats.com.

Posted in Brass, Samples

Double Bass Mania II: The Return of the Beast takes it over the top with a relentless onslaught of fast and furious double bass grooves. With 800+ double bass grooves, groove variations, fills, one shots, and samples, Double Bass Mania II stands alone as the brutal choice for creating the heaviest of heavy metal tracks. Whether you need modern metal grooves in the vein of Lamb of God, Shadows Fall, and Children of Bodom or the old-school aggression of Slayer, Pantera, and early Metallica, Double Bass Mania II is designed for one thing: to pound out the relentless rhythms of your next metal track.

Double Bass Mania II is all about power and speed. With a cohesive collection of grooves spanning tempos from 75 BPM heavy rock to 300 BPM metal blasts, the disc will satiate any metalhead’s need for speed and brutality. If you’re a metal guitarist, bassist, or songwriter, Double Bass Mania II: The Return of the Beast will quickly become the weapon of choice in your arsenal. Metal drummers will also find the loops an invaluable source of inspiration and education as well. No matter what your goals are – writing demos, recording a future CD release, or expanding your metal chops – Double Bass Mania II opens the doors to all things metal.

Double Bass Mania II Features:

• Multiple Styles of Metal, from Hard Rock to Blastbeats: Chug along with the mortal tempos or blast it out with insane speed
• Wide Range of Tempos: 75, 90, 100, 110, 120, 140, 150, 180, 200, 220, 280, 300 and a supplemental 200+ folder
• Rhythmic Pairings: Beta Monkey constructed DBM II to include complementary tempo sets. Grooves from the following pairings 75/150, 90/180, 100/200, 110/220, and 140/280 allow songwriters to cut or double time signatures at will
• Superior Rhythmic Realism: 1, 2, 4, and 8 bar segments capture the full aggression of authentic metal phrasing
• High-End Production and Gear: Big drums hit hard in a big room. It’s not all that complicated
• Cohesive Groove Sets: All loops are taken from the same recording session (all grooves, fills, etc. are sonically-matched)
• Fully-Sampled Drum and Cymbal Samples: The sample kit section includes multi-velocity samples of all the drums and cymbals recorded
• Available in 16 or 24 bit “acidized” WAV, AIFF (Apple Loops), and REX2 formats

Visit Beta Monkey Music for free previews and to order Double Bass Mania II for only $29.99.

For more information, visit their web site at www.betamonkeymusic.com.

Posted in Loops, Samples

Today Toontrack Music released Superior Drummer 1.5.6 for dfh-Superior, Superior Custom and Vintage and Superior Vintage add-on.

The first RTAS version available of the Superior Drummer samplers for dfh-Superior, Superior Custom and Vintage and Superior Vintage add-on is compatible with ProTools 7 and above for all platforms (M-Powered, LE and TDM/HD – PC and Mac).

In addition the release features the following bug fixes and improvements:

• Graphic meltdown affecting Logic/DP-fronted TDM/DAE systems
• Improved multiple instances support on multiple CPUs
• Various transmute related bugs fixed
• Setting Fade mode back to Note On once Aftertouch or NoteOff had been selected was ignored

This update is recommended in particular for users who had experienced graphic issues with the previous release, and, of course, ProTools users with compatible systems.

Superior Drummer 1.5.6 is of course available as a free download for all registered and registering users of dfh Superior and Superior Custom and Vintage.

Posted in Samples, Software