Synth Porn Saturday: Noise Design has posted some wonderful shots of this classic EMS Synthi AKS, which will be for sale in the next Vemia auction. See Noise Design for some great HD shots of this synth.
The EMS Synthi AKS suitcase synthesizer differed from the EMS Synthi A synthesizer because it featured a built-in keyboard and sequencer.
The EMS Synthi AKS was used notably by Brian Eno, Jean Michel Jarre and Pink Floyd, among others.

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Free Windows Music Software: Theodor Krueger has released Dark Mass – a free Windows VST that promises to make everything “fatter”:
This audio enhancement plug-in makes everything fatter, be it full mixes, drums, trance kicks, bass or solo guitars.
Download at Krueger’s site.
Demo video by myVST.

Musikmesse 2010: Here’s a Musikmesse teaser that we can get excited about – Jörg Schaaf, creator of the highly awesome Radikal Technologies Spectralis synthesizer has announced that they will be introducing a new keyboard synthesizer, the Radikal Technologies Accelerator Synthesizer, at the show:
Accelerator is coming! During the last three months we spent all our time into a complete new product. We are proud to present our first keyboard synthesizer.
he brand new “Accelerator” combines key features from the Spectralis Hybrid engine and combines them with new developed digital filters. The digital filters can be set to 12dB and 24dB and work in Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass and Notch configurations. The Accelerator sports two of these filters per voice and will have eight voice polyphony in the standard configuration but can be upgraded to even more voices with an additional DSP expansion board.
Each voice has 3 oscillators with our very special time linearity modulation (TLM), Phase modulation, oscillator synchronisation and sweeping waveforms. The oscillators can be mixed independently into the two filters.
The keyboard has 61 weighted keys, aftertouch and of course velocity. The synthesizer has a built in step sequencer for notes and parameter automation. Two built in FX and an Arpeggiator are rounding up our package.
And yes – it’s a real Radikal. So it comes with some LFOs and envelopes more than other synths and to get most out of all the nice features the Accelerator has a modulation matrix. Also the modulation depths are Radikal as usual.
Beside all these key features we are very happy to announce, that our new baby comes with something very special – a motion sensor. The keyboard can control multiple parameters just by movements. If you lit the keyboard up on one side, you can control the oscillator pitch or the filter frequency as an example. It’s a very cool feature for stunning live performances. If you are already interested into our new offering you should spend some time in a body building studio;-)
The Accelerator also has external inputs that are fed into additional stereo filters. Just hook up your Spectralis to the keyboard and control the pattern selection with the masterkeyboard functions of the Accelerator.
The basic configuration of the Accelerator can create two different sounds at a time. The DSP expansion allows for Multimode with up to 8 independent parts and sounds.
At the Musikmesse we will present not just a dummy but a full working beast with a very warm and rhich sound. I am looking forward to see you there.
Visit us at hall 5.1, boothnumber C47. You may wonder about the booth number as it is the same like Moog. EMC, the german distribution for Radikal and Moog does a shared booth.
Pictures will get uploaded at the beginning of the Musikmesse.
Anybody else successfully “teased” by Schaaf’s Radikal Technologies Accelerator Synthesizer?

Free Music Software: Breakage is a free “intelligent drum machine” for Mac, Windows & Linux:
Breakage is an intelligent drum machine designed to make it easy and fun to play complex, live breakbeat performances. A step-sequencer pattern editor and previewer, database, sample browser, neural network, pattern morphs, statistics and probabilistic pattern generator give you the tools to work with breaks on a higher level than ever before.
Features:

• Neural network accompniment
• Probablistic pattern generation
• Fluid morphing between patterns
• Pattern similarity statistics
• Future preview pattern editor
• Traditional grid based step-sequencer / drum machine
• Pitch and swing controls
• Distortion effect
• MIDI sync
• Load & save sessions, patterns, drum kits and nets
• Mouse-over help system

Note: Breakage is a Java app – so it’s a little different than your average app & requires Java.
via ReaktorPlayer

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The Akai APC20, introduced at the 2010 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, retails for about $200.
Akai APC20 Features:

• Designed in partnership with Ableton, mapped for Live, and fully customizable
• Clip Launch matrix with multicolor lighting displays current clip status
• No mapping required; every button and fader is pre-mapped
• Bidirectional hardware/software communication for visual feedback on APC20
• Solid, professional feel with rugged, metal chassis and premium controls
• Comes with Ableton Live Akai Professional APC Edition software
• Works with standalone editions of Ableton Live
• USB plug-and-play connection for Mac and PC

INCLUDES:

• APC20 Ableton performance controller
• USB cable
• Power supply
• Software CD
• Quick start guide

Description:
Akai Professional worked with Ableton to create the APC20, the second control surface created by Akai for performance with Ableton Live software. Like the APC40, adding the APC20 transforms the user’s experience from one of constructing tracks with a keyboard and mouse to composing and performing with a fully integrated hardware/software musical system.
Like the APC40, the APC20 centers on its five-by-eight Clip Launch grid. This bank of multicolor triggers not only start and stop clips playing in Live, they also show cells’ status in the software – whether a clip is loaded or not, whether it is playing or not, record-armed status and more. Clip Stop triggers, transport controls and faders round out the control surface. Users can switch the APC20’s faders between volume control, pan, sends and three different user-mapped modes. A new Note Mode enables musicians to use the Clip Launch buttons to control virtual instruments and Ableton Live’s Drum Rack.
Because Akai Professional and Ableton designed the APC20 for use with Ableton Live software, the system is plug and play, although advanced Live users will appreciate that the APC20 enables them to remap every one of its controls to suit their own style.
The APC20 will be available from pro audio and musical instrument retailers in January 2010. It has a U.S. Retail Price of $299.00 and an estimated street price of $199.00

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Extreme Saturday Synth Porn: Take a synthgasmic psychedelic trip with Stomachlining’s FLWRPWR. 
via stomachlining:
she/man vs. synthi… as the dope maq sequences the memorymoog plus the sherman filterbanks, hard left & hard right, take on the ems synthi A filter, center, for filter dominance; who wins? who cares… its flower power, man….the only zeitgeist that can save the planet. Don’t let the times change your spirit, let your spirit change the times; with a big thank you to Oculus on super8 drums & Vy Fie on vocoder

Saturday Synth Porn: Dave Smith Instruments upcoming Mopho Keyboard some some action recently on the Little Boots tour:
The Mopho Keyboard appeared onstage with Little Boots at San Francisco’s famed Fillmore Auditorium on March 9, 2010. Prototype #4 performed admirably (and loudly!), aided and abetted by keyboardist Christopher Kemsley, whose day-to-day touring rig prominently features a Prophet ‘08. Thanks to Vic (Little Boots), Lauren, Ben, Chris, Henry, Elspeth, Ash, and the rest of the crew.
Yeah – we know the Mopho Keyboard is still vaporware – but Dave Smith has been delivering fantastic synths for over 30 years, and from what we’ve seen, the Mopho Keyboard is going to carry on this tradition.

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Theodor Krueger has released Yamaha Pacifica – a free electric guitar sample library for Kontakt 3 and above.
You may download the library from www.TheodorKrueger.com or directly from this link.
via TheodorKruegerMusic

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DJ/producer Richie Hawtin, who is already Twittering his DJ sets, has launched a free iPhone application, Plastikman SYNK, that will allow his fans to experience a unique integration of audio, visuals and interactive technology on his forthcoming Plastikman world tour.
Conceptualized by Richie Hawtin and developed with Rob Fischer and Bryan McDade, SYNK is a companion iPhone/iPod Touch application to the 2010 Plastikman Live worldwide tour.
SYNK users will participate in an experiment in audience-performer interaction aiming to blur the lines of perception and participation.
“It has always fascinated me how sound, lighting, visuals and human interactivity define and deepen a concert experience,” says Hawtin.
Here are he details on the components of Plastikman SYNK:
LOGIKAL
Based upon earlier “Lodgikal Nonsense” and “Vokx” voice tracks, this state invites the audience to re-organize the word samples using a user interface of 20 touch buttons. In this state the centre of performance control is moved from the stage and into the audience.
KAMERA
This state is accessible throughout the show and gives users a live video stream of an internal perspective of the performance.
SYNKOTIK
This state explores the synkronicity of realtime-generated percussion patterns and their visual counterparts, integrating the stage LED wall and the built in displays on each SYNK activated iPhone/iPod Touch.
KONSOLE
This state is active during the entire show with realtime performance information. At specific moments an extended Konsole state becomes activated, allowing further insight into the realtime programming of the performance’s drum and percussive elements, while also providing visual feedback of musical and effect parameters. A simplified remote Konsole is available to all SYNK users worldwide and will be activated during all Plastikman Live performances.
Participants should connect to the Plastikman Wi-Fi network at each peformance and will be notified of the activation of the different states by their iPhone/iPod Touch at specific moments during the show.
The SYNK experience will not be limited to viewers of the live show. In between the performances the SYNK application will be in sleeper mode and function as a Plastikman atmospheric location shifter. By using visualizations inspired by Derivative, combined with the iPhone’s built-in microphone and accelerometer, users are immersed in a Plastikman environment. For best results, please use headphones.
Compatible with iPhone or iPod touch, SYNK requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later.

Click here to view the embedded video.
Line 6 has officially announced MIDI Mobilizer, the MIDI interface for Apple iPhone and iPod touch – and we’ve got the details and videos.
MIDI Mobilizer is a low-profile piece of hardware that fits into the standard 30-pin connector of an iPhone and iPod touch. Together with MIDI Memo Recorder, a free app available for download at the Apple App Store, it offers MIDI musicians new options for performing, recording and data backup.
MIDI Mobilizer is compatible with millions of pieces of classic and modern MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), including synthesizers, digital pianos, effects processors, and  Line 6 guitar amps and POD products. Virtually any gear with standard MIDI 5-pin DIN connectors can now be directly connected to an iPhone or iPod touch.
Line 6 sees three immediate uses for the MIDI Mobilizer:

• MIDI Mobilizer can be used as a compact MIDI recorder for capturing performances anywhere. MIDI recordings  can be emailed as an SMF (Standard MIDI File) and opened and edited within virtually any Mac or PC-based digital audio workstation.
• MIDI Mobilizer can also be employed as a safety net for performing musicians. During equipment failure, or when using rented gear for a gig, MIDI parameter data stored on an iPhone or iPod touch can be imported into replacement keyboards or other MIDI equipment to quickly restore the exact settings and sounds needed. MIDI Mobilizer is the most portable and affordable solution for transferring MIDI information.
• MIDI Mobilizer also can be used as a portable MIDI playback device.

Any developer can create apps that work with MIDI Mobilizer – see the FAQ’s below.
MIDI Mobilizer will ship April, 2010.

MIDI Mobilizer FAQs
What is MIDI Mobilizer?
MIDI Mobilizer is a MIDI interface that connects your MIDI gear to your Apple iPod or iPod touch. MIDI Mobilizer lets you play, record, and backup MIDI information any time, any place.
Will there be more applications for MIDI Mobilizer?
Although no additional applications are being announced at this time, several creative application developers have explored how different apps could make use of a MIDI interface on an iPhone or iPod touch.
What are some compatible devices?
That’s a big list. It includes every MIDI-capable keyboard, amp, effect, and miscellaneous piece of audio gear since MIDI was introduced, in 1983.
Does MIDI Mobilizer come with MIDI cables?
Yes, it comes with a pair of five-foot, five-pin Planet Waves MIDI cables.
How does MIDI Mobilizer connect to my iPhone/iPod touch?
MIDI Mobilizer plugs into the 30-pin connector on the bottom of your iPhone/iPod touch. Two Planet Waves cables (each with a 2.5mm 3-conductor jack on one end, and a standard MIDI 5-pin DIN jack on the other) connect MIDI Mobilizer to the MIDI device of your choice.
Can I use MIDI Mobilizer to control synthesizer applications or play other music apps on my iPhone?
This is technically possible, but would require software updates to each application in order to communicate with MIDI Mobilizer. Additionally, the developer of the application would need to become a Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer developer in order to be given the development tools, and allow Line 6 to publish their MIDI Mobilizer-enabled version (currently, all applications for a hardware accessory must come from the same publisher).
If there’s an application you’d like to see work with MIDI Mobilizer, please have the developer contact MMdeveloper [at] line6.com for more information.
What MIDI data can the MIDI Memo Recorder application record?
MIDI Memo Recorder will capture and record all MIDI data that can be stored within a Standard MIDI File, which includes all performance information (notes, controllers, pedals, pitch bend, after touch, etc) as well as any System Exclusive data (usually the parameter values of a keyboard or effect unit’s sounds and settings). It does not record System Real Time messages, which include Active Sensing and MIDI clock and control, since these are also not recorded (or needed) in Standard MIDI Files.
All data received is time-stamped to one millisecond accuracy in order to preserve very accurate timing of all MIDI events.
How many Memos can I have in MIDI Memo Recorder?
Virtually unlimited. Since the iPhone and iPod touch have very large amounts of memory, and MIDI data is very small, running out of room is nearly impossible.
MIDI Memo Recorder makes it easy to rename, reorder and delete Memos in order to keep your information organized. You can also offload your Memo recordings to a computer via email or via WiFi access.
Can I copy a MIDI file from my computer into MIDI Memo Recorder?
This can be accomplished by simply playing any MIDI file out your computer’s MIDI interface and right into MIDI Mobilizer, and record the data directly into MIDI Memo Recorder. It will capture and time-stamp all of the data, and be able to play it back exactly as it was received.
Can I use MIDI Memo Recorder without MIDI Mobilizer?
MIDI Memo Recorder can run without MIDI Mobilizer; however it won’t be possible to send and receive MIDI data (since this requires a hardware interface). MIDI Memo Recorder will temporarily display a message that the MIDI Mobilizer is not connected, but this can be dismissed in order to use MIDI Memo Recorder’s other functions (i.e., emailing already recorded Standard MIDI Files, renaming, moving, or deleting Memos, etc).
Can anyone develop applications that talk to MIDI Mobilizer?
Any developer who complies with Apple’s developer requirements and signs up with Line 6 as a MIDI Mobilizer developer can develop applications for MIDI Mobilizer. Contact MMdeveloper [at] line6.com for more information.
MIDI Memo App Videos
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MIDI Memo App for MIDI Mobilizer – Record/Playback
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MIDI Memo App for MIDI Mobilizer – Back Up Settings and Patches
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MIDI Memo App for MIDI Mobilizer – Add Your Settings to Replacement/Rental Gear