Alesis Releases Three New USB MIDI Keyboard Controllers

ALESIS ANNOUNCES THREE NEW USB MIDI KEYBOARD CONTROLLERS: Q61, QX61 AND QX25

New controllers bring together combinations of keys, pads, knobs and faders with something to inspire the creativity of nearly any musician.

Cumberland, R.I. – Alesis, maker of tools and instruments for today’s music makers, introduces the Q61, QX61 and QX25 USB MIDI keyboard controllers. Alesis will unveil the trio of new controllers at booth #6400 of the 2012 NAMM Show from January 19-22 in Anaheim, California.

The Q-series USB MIDI controllers are the no-nonsense way to add expressive MIDI control to any production or performance. Each controller features USB MIDI for easy connection to Mac, PC, iOS devices* and traditional MIDI hardware modules, samplers and synthesizers.

The Q61 is a 61-note keyboard controller that works with virtually any music software and MIDI hardware devices. With velocity-sensitive keys, the Q61 offers a five-octave range of expression in a sleek, portable controller, built for the studio or stage. A full array of essential controls is onboard, including pitch and modulation wheels, octave up and down buttons, an assignable data slider, and the ability to send program changes from the keys.

The QX25 and QX61 are 25-note and 61-note keyboard controllers, respectively, that deliver powerful tactile control over any parameter of any favorite music software. Both controllers enable musicians to punch out a drumbeat on great-feeling pads, open up a filter with smooth, tight knobs, or adjust volume and playback of sequencing software with long faders and snappy buttons. The QX25 and QX61 bring immense parameter control and velocity-sensitive keyboards that get the composer’s hands off of the mouse and into the action for a more efficient, visceral music-making experience.

Whether someone is looking to trigger drum samples, tweak a software synthesizer or adjust individual tracks in a mix, the QX25 and QX61's extensive layouts ensure appropriate feel and proper response thanks to their eight sliders and rotary knobs, four backlit drum pads and dedicated transport controls.
“What began with the Q49 has now grown into a family of controllers with sizes and configurations for any musician to capture their performances,” said Dan Radin, Product Manager, Alesis. “Whether you need the simplicity of the Q61, the power of the QX61 or the compact punch of the QX25, there’s a perfect Q-Series companion for every musician.”

The Q61, QX25 and QX61 will be available in Q2-2012 from musical instrument and pro audio retailers with U.S. estimated street prices of $149.00 (Q61), $199.00 (QX61) and $99.00 (QX25).
*Requires USB adapter, sold separately as part of the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit. iPad and iTunes are trademarks of Apple, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries.

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Propellerhead Releases Ryan Greene Alt Drums ReFills for Reason

Three new Creator Series ReFills bring renowned rock and punk producer's drum sounds into the hands of any musician


Stockholm, Sweden, January 25, 2012 — What do Megadeth, Jay-Z, Alice Cooper, Gladys Knight, NOFX, Lagwagon, No Use For a Name, Patty La Belle, Tower of Power have in common with Rock Band and Guitar Hero? Legendary punk rock producer and mixer Ryan Greene. And now anyone can be on that list, with three new drum ReFills featuring Ryan Greene’s signature sound. Propellerhead today released the latest installments in its ReFill Creator Series: Ryan Greene Alt Drums.

Ryan Greene Alt Drums comes as three separate volumes, each containing three drum kits with several microphone setups and alternate snares. Each of the three ReFills comes with preset patches for Reason's Combinator device, with three different microphone setups: close mics, no ambience mics, and all mics; Producer Combinator patches with dry, overhead, and room microphone setups; Individual Kit Pieces for the NN-XT sampler; effects patches; as well as 100+ drum track MIDI files created by Ryan Greene. The sounds are fully produced; finished drum kits with kick drums with big bottom and snare drums with punch. Thanks to the premade patches using different  microphone setups and production techniques, no additional mixing is  required from users to get a great sound that sits right in the mix.

 
“All the sounds have been tested in real applications throughout the recording process to make sure they hold up under heavy fire, which basically means up against huge guitar and bass sounds,” says Ryan Greene.
www.propellerheads.se/products/refills/altdrums/

Ryan Greene Alt Drums ReFills Series:

- Alt Drums I

The  first Alt Drums ReFill features Ryan Greene’s own Pork Pie kit, used on  a lot of Greene’s Punk/Fat Wreck Chords productions throughout the  years, as well as a versatile Gretsch kit and a deep sounding vintage Leedy kit. An additional three  snares are included, ranging from classic rock sound to heavier punk.


- Alt Drums II

The  star of the Alt Drums II ReFill is a 1964 Ludwig Liverpool kit —  recorded and produced as if it was played by the Mötley Crüe, bringing a  sound like no other. This pack also has a vintage Leedy kit customized by the John Covington and a Tama  kit played by Troy Luccketta of the band Tesla. Added are three more  snare drums, including a Leedy from the 1890’s (!)


- Alt Drums III

For  Alt Drums III Troy Luccketta from multi-platinum rock band Tesla played  a one of a kind Camco kit. The aggressive and warm sound of this kit  built in 1956, and all the power that Troy brings when he hits a drum makes it a go-to kit for punk  and rock productions. Included are also a wooden Ayotte kit, and a big  and powerful Leedy kit with a 28-inch kick drum. Three extra snare drums  come with the pack, among them the rare Yamaha Vinnie Colaiuta, and the Dave Weckl signature model. 

Pricing and AvailabilityRyan  Greene Alt Drums Volume I, II and III are available immediately  exclusively as downloads from the Propellerhead online shop for $99.00 USD and €89.00 EUR (including VAT) each.

www.propellerheads.se/go/0897D5BA

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Universal Audio Releases MXR Flanger & Little Labs VOG

03/11/2011

Press Release: Universal Audio (UA) is proud to release UAD Software v6.1, featuring the new MXR Flanger/Doubler Plug-In, the Little Labs Voice of God (VOG) Bass Resonance Tool, plus enhancements to Pro Tools workflow and the Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In.

MXR Flanger/Doubler Plug-In

Universal Audio MXR Flanger Developed in close collaboration with Dunlop Manufacturing, the MXR Flanger/Doubler plug-in for the UAD-2 platform replicates the legendary sound of this classic bucket-brigade flanging effect with unparalleled accuracy. Through its signature flanging, doubling, and delay effects, the MXR Flanger/Doubler imprints a unique stamp on guitars, bass, keys, drums, or just about any source. The MXR Flanger/Doubler Plug-In also includes additional “UAD Exclusive” features and artist presets from legendary engineers Vance Powell (The Dead Weather, Buddy Guy), Neil Dorfsman (Paul McCartney, Sting), and Chuck Zwicky (Prince, Jeff Beck).

"We knew there was only one company we could turn to when it came time to create a plug-in version of the classic MXR Flanger/Doubler," says Jeorge Tripps, Dunlop’s Director of Product Development. "The UA emulation is spot-on, and we are looking forward to seeing the reaction from musicians and engineers."

Available for purchase via UA’s Online Store, the MXR Flanger/Doubler Plug-In sells for $199.

For more information on the MXR Flanger visit http://www.uaudio.com/store/delay-modulation/mxr-flanger-doubler.html

Little Labs Voice of God (VOG) Bass Resonance Tool

Universal Audio Little Labs VOG The Little Labs-authenticated Voice of God (VOG) plug-in for the UAD-2 platform accurately models the sonic characteristics of this unique 500-series hardware audio processor in every detail. The VOG is used to accurately target and accentuate low frequency material, from vocals to bass guitar and drums — adding both heft and precision far beyond a simple EQ.

"The VOG has been very well-received for its ability to quickly and easily manipulate low end like nothing before it," says Jonathan Little of Little Labs Professional Audio. "Our hardware version was first available in the API 500-Series format, then as the i-VOG and a standalone unit. Now, UA has put the VOG live in the digital world as well, covering all the bases."

"I’m excited about the MXR Flanger/Doubler plug-in, as I used to have a hardware unit in my rack and I still miss it. Our collaboration with Dunlop has resulted in an extremely faithful plug-in emulation,” says Matt Ward, President of Universal Audio. “Add in the Little Labs Voice of God, which is really a must-have tool, and UAD v6.1 offers a solid enhancement to the UAD-2 platform."

The Little Labs VOG Bass Resonance Tool sells for $149.

For more information on the Little Labs VOG Bass Resonance Tool viist http://www.uaudio.com/store/special-processing/little-labs-voice-of-god.html

These new plug-ins are available as part of the new UAD Software v6.1 release. In addition to the MXR Flanger/Doubler and Little Labs VOG plug-ins, v6.1 includes additional enhancements to Pro Tools workflow and the Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder plug-in.

UAD Software v6.1 is available as a FREE download for Mac and PC users worldwide:http://www.uaudio.com/support/uad/downloads.html

Learn more about the award-winning UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins platform here: http://www.uaudio.com/uad-plug-ins.html

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