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The New Cutting Edge Synthesizer BLADE-2

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RobPapen Blade 2

BLADE-2 Released

Rob Papen sharpens soft synth breakthrough by bringing boosted BLADE-2 to existing bundle owners and the wider world beyond.

BLADE-2 — boosting its unique BLADE soft synth with excellent features making it a dream synth for synth lovers who like to think out of the box while working in the box, and available at no extra cost to existing owners of the company’s expansive eXplorer-6 and sure-fire SoundDesign-X bundles.

RobPapen Blade 2
The New Cutting Edge Synthesizer BLADE-2 41

When the original BLADE was released back in 2012, it had a unique concept — controlling the waveform harmonics (HARMOLATOR) using its recordable XY PAD, which was a very different approach to additive synthesis, and remains so to this day. Indeed, it was the first Rob Papen soft synth to include this feature, facilitating flexible sound editing, recording, and tempo-based playback. Put it this way: when putting this extraordinary combination into action, BLADE users can creatively generate very different tones — far from the sound of the subtractive synthesis crowd, and even those of other additive synthesizers.

But BLADE-2 takes a good thing and makes it even better by expanding upon that now-established — albeit still unique — concept with fresh ideas and features, bolstered by an all-new, clear-cut GUI (Graphical User Interface) fit for a new generation of synthesists and those familiar with the original BLADE alike. After all, eight years is a long time in an increasingly fast-paced — and arguably overcrowded — world of often short-lived software synthesizers!

So — GUI notwithstanding — what’s new in BLADE-2? Actually, as that all-new, clear-cut GUI clearly shows, as an additive oscillator with 96 partials, the HARMOLATOR continues to play a central role in making BLADE-2 what it is. Just like BLADE before it, global controls — Base, Range, Symmetry, Timbre, Timbre Type (16 types), Timbre Waves, Even/Odd, Ripple, Ripple Width, Harmonic, Harmonic Volume, and Harmonic Shift — are used to alter the general additive spectrum, rather than using sine waves of different frequencies to create more complex waves, so making it easier to create interesting sounds. Saying that, while benefitting from a visual makeover, the XY pad now includes far more features and freedom with which to control the HARMOLATOR, including an ability to control all other BLADE-2 parameters! Added alongside the HARMOLATOR mode is an ADDITIVE mode, enabling mixing or morphing between four additive waveforms using the XY pad. Pushing the boundaries of sound sculpting still further, users of course can also create and edit their own additive waveforms by altering the partial volumes, phase, and tuning, or even change the waveform per partial.

BLADE-2 benefits from a new OSCILLATOR section based around a virtual analogue oscillator with selectable Sine, Saw, Square or Triangle waveform and much more besides, including a UNISON mode — plays up to four unison voices for each note played — to expand the soft synth’s sound creation options, alongside an added NOISE section with the option of using ‘tuned’ noise.

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Needless to say, the pre-filter DISTORTION section with 20 different distortion types found in BLADE boldly make their presence felt in BLADE-2, but the FILTER section itself has been boosted to include no fewer than 36 different filter types alongside more visual enhancements, such as a graphical envelope (though this can be changed to more conventional onscreen dials via the ‘Control Menu’).

Meanwhile, the middle section of the BLADE-2 GUI offers multiple pages, including the enhanced XY pad page and also an updated ARP (arpeggiator) page with a number of cool new features — controlling the ‘X’ and ‘Y’ position of the XY pad inside each step, for example, while RATCHETING per step is also perfectly possible in various modes. Making a welcomed reappearance from BLADE is its HARMMOD page allowing a direct modulation connection to the HARMOLATOR, helpfully allowing users to skip the MOD (modulation) page altogether when quickly connecting, say, VELOCITY to an ENV (envelope) or an LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator), or other controllers like the Mod Wheel, while the MOD (modulation) page itself includes extra envelopes, LFOs, and a MODULATION MATRIX, as well as an ADVANCED mode. Noticeably new to BLADE-2 is its WAV page, enabling users to analyse an audio sample into a static user wave, which can be used in the HARMOLATOR or ADDITIVE sections; when added to the ADDITIVE section, users are able to edit this user wave again. Arranging how the BLADE-2 synth engine plays comes courtesy of the PLAY MODE page — Poly, Mono, Legato, and Arp modes are accessible from here — where there are also some cool CHORD memory features, such as STRUM speed.

Synthesizers — software-based or otherwise — can benefit from fantastic effects and a Rob Papen software synthesizer would not be complete without a fantastic effects section of its own. Of course, BLADE-2 is no exception to this unwritten rule with no fewer than three onboard effects units — FX1, FX2, and FX3 — to its notable name, each offering a choice of 30 top-notch effects with much in the way of behavioural flexibility. For instance, BLADE-2 users can control all effect parameters by MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) or its own MODULATION MATRIX.

An ability to dive deep, sound editing-wise, with BLADE-2 is a given — hardly surprising since company founder Rob Papen is a self-confessed synth freak and world-renowned sound designer, but those wishing to edit a sound without going too deep can quickly turn to its EASY mode. Maintains Rob Papen himself: “By changing a group of parameters there, you’ll find some superb variations and totally new sounds, so don’t forget to save your cool new sound!”

Scratching the surface or diving deep, Rob Papen itself has certainly succeeded in sharpening its soft synth breakthrough by bringing a boosted BLADE-2 to the wider world for anyone to creatively play with to their (musical) heart’s content!

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Pricing and Availability

A 16-voice software synthesizer, BLADE-2 is available as a 64-bit AAX-, AU-, and VST-compatible virtual instrument plug-in for Mac (OS X 10.9 – macOS 10.15) and as a 32- and 64-bit VST-compatible virtual instrument plug-in for PC (Windows 7/8/10) — with 64-bit AAX compatibility available for PT 12 or higher (PC) — at a MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) of €99.00 EUR/$99.00 USD from authorised Rob Papen dealers worldwide or as a download directly from Rob Papen itself.

BLADE-2 is included in the latest version of the eXplorer 6 bundle and SoundDesign-X bundle, while owners of the original BLADE can crossgrade to BLADE-2 for €39.00 EUR/$39.00 USD.

A 30-day demo version of BLADE-2 with only one introductory sound bank and all bank and preset loading/saving functionality duly disabled is available.

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Amp

AmpliTube TONEX Powered by AI Machine Modeling Technology

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IK Multimedia Releases AmpliTube TONEX Powered by AI Machine Modeling Technology

Are you looking for an authentic, vintage tone? Look no further than TONEX. IK Multimedia’s groundbreaking software and app ecosystem give you access to thousands of amp and pedal rigs to find the perfect sound for any situation.

And IK Multimedia AI-powered machine modeling delivers indistinguishable results from the real thing. So whether you’re practicing at home, jamming with friends, or performing live, TONEX has the perfect tone for you. Plus, the IK Multimedia system is easy to use so that you can turn your real amps, cabs, pedals, and complete rigs into your Tone Models in minutes.

AmpliTube TONEX Ecosystem

AmpliTube TONEX Ecosystem

IK Multimedia has just released AmpliTube TONEX, a revolutionary new product that uses AI Machine Modeling technology to create Tone Models of guitar and bass gear. With TONEX, you can capture the sound of any amp, cabinet, combo, or pedal and turn it into a Tone Model, all with ease and sonic accuracy that’s virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. This is a massive breakthrough in rig modeling, and IK Multimedia is the first company to bring this technology to market.

If you’re a musician, there’s a good chance you’ve struggled with getting the perfect sound out of your rig. And if you’re a studio engineer, there’s a good chance you’ve worked with getting your clients’ rigs to sound exactly how they want them to. But what if there was a way to get the perfect sound every time, without all the hassle?

Enter TONEX Mac/PC, the revolutionary new rig modeling software that uses AI Machine Modeling technology to let users capture the sound of any amp, cabinet, combo, or pedal and turn it into a Tone Model. With TONEX, you can get the exact sound you’re looking for with ease and sonic accuracy that’s virtually indistinguishable from the real. So if you’re looking for the perfect tone, look no further than TONEX Mac/PC.

AI Machine Modeling

TONEX is a new AI Machine Modeling™ technology that enables guitarists to model the sound of any amp, cabinet, or combo with accuracy virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. IK’s robust deep learning network lets you model your rig’s tone in minutes using accurate guitar signals, not just test tones, for a level of authenticity like you’ve never imagined.

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Create Your Tone Models

Ever wanted to clone your favorite rig? Now you can, with IK Multimedia’s new AI Machine Modeling software. Just record the sound of your rig using an IK Multimedia particular guitar/bass capture track, and feed it into IK Multimedia software with the original DI track.

In minutes, IK Multimedia AI software will generate an exact algorithm of the modeled rig. The result is a hyper-realistic, dynamic clone of your rig, called a “Tone Model.” Tone Models include every nuance of the amp and pedal in vivid detail. With advanced technology, you can even model an amp and cabinet together, then virtually separate the two to try other cabinets. Plus, the algorithm can capture an entire rig, including harmonically complex fuzz, overdrive, or other distortion pedals in front of an amp. So why wait? Clone your favorite rig today with IK Multimedia AI Machine Modeling software.

TONEX App

Coming soon to an App Store near you, the TONEX App lets iOS users use Tone Models on their mobile devices and experience the power of AI Machine Modeling, minus the modeling capability. TONEX App works both as a standalone app and as an AU plug-in for recording inside all the major mobile DAWs and includes the same Player section as TONEX Mac/PC software to play and practice.

Owners of TONEX Mac/PC will be able to use the free TONEX App and sync their Tone Model library seamlessly between desktop and mobile devices in the studio, at home or on the go. So whether you’re a musician who likes to record on the go or a producer who wants to take their work with them when they travel, the TONEX App will be a welcome addition to your arsenal.

Model library seamlessly between desktop and mobile devices in the studio, at home or on the go. So whether you’re a musician who likes to record on the go, or a producer who likes to take their work with them when they travel, the TONEX App will be a welcome addition to your arsenal.

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Conclusion

TONEX has always been committed to providing the best tone modeling system available. And now, for the first time, we’re making it available to everyone – regardless of budget. With our new TONEX ecosystem of products, you can start with just the accessible version of the software or app.

Or, if you need more power and flexibility, you can upgrade to one of our affordable download plans. Either way, you’ll get the most advanced tone modeling system available. So why wait? Get started today and experience the difference TONEX can make.

With over 1000 rigs instantly available to play, TONEX gives you access to the rarest and most sought-after amps ever made. Plus, you can model your guitar and bass rigs in minutes. And with ToneNET integration, you can share your Tone Models with other TONEX users worldwide. So what are you waiting for? Get TONEX today and start taking your guitar playing to new heights!

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Expert Guides

AudioThing’s Alborosie Dub Station: A Vintage Reggae Masterpiece

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AudioThings Alborosie Dub Station

Are you looking for an authentic reggae experience? Look no further than AudioThing’s Alborosie Dub Station! This plugin recreates the vintage sounds of King Tubby himself and is perfect for adding that classic dub vibe to your music. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just getting started, this plugin will surely add some serious flavor to your tracks.

AudioThing’s Alborosie Dub Station

AudioThing’s Alborosie Dub Station is a new plug-in that uses three effects to produce vintage-style dub recordings. It’s based on the hardware that the legendary Jamaican dub producer King Tubby used to record his songs. Inspired by his personal collection of vintage recording equipment, this plug-in reproduces the sound and feel of King Tubby’s music.

Audiothing’s Alborosie Dub Station is a new plug-in that emulates the sounds of vintage reggae studios with the help of three new effects: echo, spring reverb, and filter. Inspired by the legendary Jamaican dub producer King Tubby, the Alborosie Dub Station re-creates his signature sound. With three hardware effects and an in-depth model of his original gear, the Alborosie Dub Station aims to be an all-in-one dub-production tool.

AudioThings Alborosie Dub Station 1
AudioThing’s Alborosie Dub Station

A Breakdown of Alborosie Dub Station by AudioThing

For anyone fan of dub reggae, the name King Tubby should need no introduction. For those unfamiliar, King Tubby was a producer, studio engineer, and pioneer of dub reggae from the golden era of the 70s. His work has influenced countless other artists and his legend continues to grow.

Now, audio company AudioThing has released a new plugin called Alborosie Dub Station, which aims to recreate the sounds that made King Tubby’s work so iconic. This blog post will look closely at what this plugin offers and see if it lives up to the hype.

Alborosie Dub Station Overview

Alborosie Dub Station is a software plugin that recreates the original filter, echos, and spring reverb used by King Tubby. The plugin is based on Alborosie’s vintage gear collection and was created using samples analyzed and carefully recreated by AudioThing.

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The plugin includes an adjustable filter section with cutoff and resonance controls, two separate echo sections with feedback, delay time, and mix controls, and a spring reverb section with wet/dry mix and pre-delay controls.

The plugin also comes with a selection of presets created by Alborosie, which can be further customized using the controls as mentioned earlier. In terms of sound quality, the presets do an excellent job of capturing that classic dub reggae sound.

ECHOWUK

The MCI 2-track tape was used for recording in federal studios and King Tubby studio in Waterhouse Kingston. This echo effect created most of the classic and popular reggae overall and Tubby’s instrumental dub mixes.

SPRING BLING

The Fairchild Spring Reverb was modified and used by King Tubby himself in most of the records he produced in his studio in Waterhouse Kingston.

FILTER MAN

FILTER MAN was inspired by Tubby’s “Big Knob”, a passive high-pass filter with eleven frequency steps from 70Hz to 7.5KHz. This filter helped shape the sound of Jamaican music in the early days.

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Ease of Use

Alborosie Dub Station is straightforward to use thanks to its clear interface. All the controls are clearly labeled and easy to understand, making creating your own presets a breeze.

AudioThings Alborosie Dub Station UI
AudioThing’s Alborosie Dub Station UI

About Alborosie

His real name is Alberto D’Ascola, and he was born in Marsala, Sicily, Italy. He founded the Reggae National Tickets and led them on several national and international tours throughout the mid-to-late 1990s. Alborosie was immediately charmed by Jamaica when the Tickets performed there on the eve of the new millennium. He then took a job as an engineer at Gee Jam studios in Port Antonio, which is a secluded paradise on Jamaica’s north coast that Amy Winehouse, No Doubt, and many other foreign and local celebrities love to record in.

Overview Header
AudioThing's Alborosie Dub Station: A Vintage Reggae Masterpiece 62

Alborosie Dub Station is a powerful tool for blending sounds and features two distinct frequency modes. The original mode features slightly different bands of frequencies, while the measured mode provides smoother highs. You can also adjust Impedance to change the overall resonance of the filter. The instrument also works with onboard effects.

Alberto D’Ascola was born in Marsala, Sicily, in 1977. His interest in reggae music began when he was just fifteen years old. He toured Europe with Reggae National Tickets, and later moved to Jamaica to be near the genre. During his time in Jamaica, he worked at Gee Jam Studios, a tropical recording studio where many stars like Amy Winehouse and No Doubt recorded. His talent led to numerous awards and accolades, including the 2011 MOBO for Best Reggae Act.

Alborosie Dub Station was designed with the help of Lloyd James, an internationally known dub producer. The plug-in emulates King Tubby’s style of production. It also features filters, reverb, and echos. These three effects will help you recreate the unique sound of dub music.

Alborosie has been touring internationally and has released numerous albums. He has collaborated with many international artists, including Beenie Man, Lutan Fya, and Dean Frazer. He also produced The Singerz album, featuring the talent of up-and-coming Jamaican artists.

In 2011, Alborosie made history as the first white artist to win the M.O.B.O. (Music of Black Origin) Awards in the Best Reggae Act category

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Product AudioThings Alborosie Dub Station
AudioThing’s Alborosie Dub Station

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a plugin to help you recreate the classic sounds of dub reggae, then Alborosie Dub Station is worth checking out. The presets do an excellent job of capturing that classic sound, and the interface is user-friendly. It is highly recommended for any fan of dub reggae.

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Drum / Percussion

Beat Scholar by Modalics – A New Way to Compose Rhythm: The Ultimate Rhythmic Playground

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Beat Scholar by Melodics A New Way to Compose Rhythm The Ultimate Rhythmic Playground

Making music has always been a way to express oneself. With the invention of digital audio workstations, anyone can make professional-sounding beats in their bedroom. However, one challenge that many producers face is finding new and exciting ways to compose rhythm.

Beat Scholar by Modalics is a new app that solves this problem. It presents an entirely new way to manage rhythm in the digital domain. Beat Scholar is the ultimate rhythmic playground to ensure your beats sound like no other!

The Ultimate Rhythmic Playground
The Ultimate Rhythmic Playground

The Right Beat Can Make or Break a Track

As any music producer knows, the right beat can make or break a track. A well-crafted beat can provide the perfect foundation for a song, while a poorly executed one can ruin the momentum and kill the vibe.

That’s why it’s so important to have a versatile arsenal of drum sounds and rhythms at your disposal. And that’s where Beat Scholar comes in. Beat Scholar is a new plugin that offers a novel way of creating beats. With its unique interface and powerful sound engine, BeatGen makes it easy to create complex rhythms and patterns that would be impossible to program with conventional drum machines.

In addition, Beat Scholar offers various features that make it perfect for live performers. With its built-in sequencer and MIDI support, Beat Scholar is the ideal tool for anyone who wants to push the boundaries of beat making.

Trap Beat Scholar
Trap – Beat Scholar

Beat Scholar is a Modern Beat-Making Powerhouse 

Beat Scholar is a powerful beat-making tool that allows you to create professional-quality music easily. With its easy-to-use interface, Beat Scholar gives you everything you need to compose and produce beats in minutes. And because it’s so easy to use, you can stay focused on music production’s creative, artistic side. As a result, Beat Scholar helps you produce the best music possible. Beat Scholar is the perfect tool for creating beats that will shine, whether a beginner or a seasoned producer. So don’t wait any longer; get started with Beat Scholar today and see how easy it is to make great music.

I have been a fan of electronic music for many years, and I have always been intrigued by the idea of creating my tracks. However, I have never had the time or money to invest in a full-fledged studio setup.

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That all changed when I discovered Beat Scholar. This powerful little device has completely changed the way I make music. With its easy-to-use interface and sound library, I can easily create complex grooves and rhythms. And best of all, it’s affordable! I would highly recommend Beat Scholar to anyone interested in making electronic music.

Beat Scholar by Melodics
Beat Scholar by Modalics.A New Way to Compose Rhythm: The Ultimate Rhythmic Playground

Reminding Me of My Eurorack Drums and Sequencer

There are always new ways to create rhythm and beat in music composition. With Beat Scholar, you can make beats no one has ever heard. This program offers a unique way to compose rhythm in the digital domain. Using various sounds and instruments, you can create a beat that is unlike any other. In addition, Beat Scholar provides multiple tools to help you create the perfect beat.

I was excited about this groove machine when I first saw it; reminding me of my euro rack drums and sequencer. It’s just a lower price point and easier to use, which makes it perfect for those who are just getting into making their music. I love that you can import your samples, and the patterns are straightforward to create and edit. The only downside is that there aren’t as many features as some of the other hardware drum machines on the market, but it’s an excellent product for the price.

Whether you are looking for a simple drum loop or a complex arrangement, this program has everything you need to create the next beat.

New Way to Compose Rhythm

Beat Scholar is a new way to compose rhythm. You can combine subdivisions to create rich, unique-sounding rhythms in a few clicks. You can place any drum on any beat, and Beat Scholar gives you total freedom to create drum fills and linear grooves and quickly put them anywhere.

You can add bars, change measures, and beat values easily. Beat Scholar keeps you in a musical context, encouraging experimentation and innovation. With Beat Scholar, you can quickly and easily create creative and expressive rhythms. So try it out today and see how easy it is to add some spice to your music.

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250 Factory Samples

The Robust Sampler in Beat Scholar provides everything you need to start quickly. With over 250 selected factory samples, from classic drum machine sounds to hand-made synthesized drums, we have the bases covered.

You can load custom samples with a simple drag n’ drop interface. And for each pad, there is a wide variety of samples. You can control the attack, length & pitch to shape them to perfection. Plus, built-in effects will make your samples nice and stylish with just a couple o’ knobs.

Beat Scholar The Ultimate Percussive Playground

Imagine you’re sitting in a room. It’s comfortable and safe, with no distractions. You’re relaxed but ready to focus. In front of you is a door. Slowly, it opens. Music washes over you, complex and exciting. You can feel the beat, but much more is going on. The melody weaves in and out, forming patterns you’ve never heard before. The rhythm ebbs and flows, creating a mood that draws you in. This is Beat Scholar.

Making great music isn’t always easy. But with Beat Scholar, you have everything you need to create amazing rhythms and beats. This unique composition system makes it easy to get the perfect groove every time. With total freedom to place drums anywhere on the moment, you can create linear tracks and fills that sound great. And if you want to change things up, it’s easy to add bars or change measures and beat values.

Plus, Beat Scholar keeps you in a musical context, so you can experiment and innovate to your heart’s content. So whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, Beat Scholar is the perfect tool for you. So try it out today and see how easy it is to create amazing music.

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The Ultimate Rhythmic Playground
The Ultimate Rhythmic Playground

Conclusion

Beat Scholar by Modalics is a new way to compose rhythm. You can combine subdivisions to create rich, unique-sounding rhythms in a few clicks. With over 250 selected factory samples, you have everything you need to start.

In a world where music is more accessible than ever before, it would seem that creating and sharing your art would be easy. However, the reality is that it can be pretty tricky for modern musicians to stand out from the crowd. With so much competition, it can be hard to create something truly unique.

That’s where Beat Scholar comes in. With its innovative and intuitive interface, ‘Beat Scholar’ allows you to create and experiment with complex beats easily. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just getting started, Beat Scholar provides the tools you need to take your music to the next level. So why wait? Start creating the most advanced beats today with Beat Scholar.

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