Monthly Archives: May 2012

Computer Music - Software

Traktor Pro 2.5 Released

Traktor Pro 2.5 with Remix Decks Is Released

Hot on the heels of the F1 controller launch, we see Traktor 2.5 being rolled out. The biggest new feature this time round are the remix decks designed to be controlled by the F1 allowing you to load one shots or even complete tracks to manlipulate and work into your sets.

What Native Instruments say:

TRAKTOR PRO 2.5’s groundbreaking new Remix Decks allow for spectacular live remixing and re-arranging of tracks.

Start jamming with the powerful loop suite and included TRAKTOR loop content. Each of the 64 slots can hold a loop or one-shot sample – load sounds from your hard drive or by capturing loops live from your DJ set. Save them as Remix Sets and build up your own loop library – the potential for rocking completely unique live performances is endless.

Beyond that are the normal tweaks under the hood you’d expect from a revision update to improve the overall end user experience, with improvements in both file browser functionality and the BPM grid detection routine it should prove a smoother response for all users.

The good news is that Traktor 2 owners look to be getting  a free upgrade and owners of older versions also qualify for limited time crossgrade options. Consult the chart below for more information.

How To Get Traktor Pro 2.5 Remix

Software you own News Price to
“Go Remix”		 Important notes
TRAKTOR PRO 2
(TRAKTOR KONTROL S2,
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4)		 Free* If you bought it in 2012,
please see the ‘GRACE
PERIOD’ note below**
TRAKTOR DUO 2 Upgraded to PRO 2! Free* Check NI Service Center
now. Download and install
the latest TRAKTOR
update (2.1.3). Next time
you start TRAKTOR,
TRAKTOR PRO 2 will open
TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 Free*
TRAKTOR SCRATCH DUO 2 Upgraded to
TRAKTOR SCRATCH
PRO 2 software!		 Free* Check NI Service Center
now. Download and install
the latest TRAKTOR
update (2.1.3). Next time
you start TRAKTOR,
TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2
software will open
TRAKTOR LE 1
TRAKTOR LE 2
TRAKTOR ME		 $89/79 €/¥7800 It’s time to go pro.
Get TRAKTOR PRO 2
at this amazing new price!

DISCLAIMER:
* The free update is available via the NI Service Center.

GRACE PERIOD:
** Please note that if you purchased and activated a full version of TRAKTOR PRO 2 between January 1st and April 2nd, 2012, you’re eligible for a $60 / 50 € e-voucher for the NI Online Shop. You’ll receive your e-voucher in a separate email. This doesn’t apply if the software was bundled with a hardware product.

 For more information see the Native Instruments Traktor 2 homepage.

Native Instruments at Scan.

 

Computer Music - Hardware, Computer Music - Software, Dj Tech, Equipment & Instruments

Native Instruments F1 Now Shipping

News reaches us that the eagerly anticipated new controllers from Native Instruments are finally making their way into the UK and should be ready for us to ship out in the next 7 days. Having all sorts of demonstrations over the last few months we’re looking forward to getting our hands on these finally, and whilst we could go into all the details here, we think it’ll be far more interesting to present to you a couple of the demo’s that have peaked our interest here in Scan.

Moldover’s Guitar

This one blew us away and caused a couple of pre-orders from the controllerists in our office!

Having had a quick hands on with the new Traktor release (also coming in the 7 days) we’re pleased to see the sound banks Moldover set up for this video, will be included so everyone out who picks up one of these controllers can give this a shot. Suprisingly easy to pick up what you see here is only just scratching the surface of what can be done from a performance point of view.

Dj Shiftee

A slightly more traditional demo, showing off how the F1 can be used in a battle scratch situation, but no less impressive.

For More Information On the F1 Controller From Native Instruments

The Native Instruments F1 Controller At Scan

 

Competitions

Native Instruments Invite You To Go Mostly Robot

Win A Trip To Sonar In Barcelona To See The Native Instruments Supergroup.

 

Mostly Robot are performing at this years Sonar festival in Barcelona and Native Instruments would like to invite along one lucky pair.

The Mostly Robot Band

But just who are Mostly Robot?

Conceived by Native Instruments, Mostly Robot will utilize an advanced array on NI hardware and software, pioneering a creative interplay between technology and cutting-edge artists from diverse musical backgrounds.

Mostly Robot is a real band, made up of exceptional artists: Jamie Lidell, Tim Exile, Jeremy Ellis, Mr Jimmy and DJ Shiftee. Truly ‘live’, each musician plays independently of each other – instruments are synced only by the human element, with no MIDI clock or prepared grid obstructing their creativity.

Placing themselves in the tradition of inspiring jazz concerts, Mostly Robot draw their magic from bringing highly skilled individuals together, creating a unique momentum. What’s more, the Sónar showcase is a rare moment to catch a glimpse of yet unreleased song material from individual band members.

So it appears that Native Instruments have pulled in a number of their most forward thinking endorsees and sat them down for a jam, and looking at the group performers this is going to be a very interesting performance indeed. That said this is a lot more than just a booth or show presentation as its being billed as a full on show as part of the Sonar festival itself and they are bringing along Berlin’s extraordinary design collective Pfadfinderei for the show visuals which should prove no corners are being cut in showcasing these cutting edge artists, and this should prove to be a blinder of a show.

So do you fancy seeing this and all that the Sonar festival has to offer this year. If so get yourself over to the Native Instruments Mostly Robot prize draw entry page and try your luck to win this great once in a lifetime prize.

For more about Mostly Robot click here

To enter the prize draw click here

 

Competitions

Ableton – "Beat the Clock" Remix Competition

Ableton Beat the Clock remix Competition

Remix and Win a Trip to Berlin With Ableton And Sound Cloud.

 

For the next two weeks Ableton & Soundcloud are running their “Beat the Clock” remix competition with loads of great prizes including a 4 night stay in Berlin.

About the “Beat The Clock” Competition

Ableton has teamed up with SoundCloud and collaborated with some of our favorite artists for this very special contest. A free Live Pack featuring sounds from atmospheric pop titan M83, indie electronic stars Junior Boys, and LA beatmaker Nosaj Thing is available to all Live users from May 14th through May 28th. Use these loops, stems and presets to create a new, original track.

One catch: you only have 24 hours to create and submit your work.

The countdown starts with your download. Get your creative juices flowing and show us what you can do in just one day. After all entries have been submitted, the SoundCloud community and the artists themselves will choose the best tracks. Prizes include a trip to Berlin, Ableton Suite with free upgrades for life, five years of a SoundCloud Pro Plus account and more.

Don’t own a version of Ableton Live 8 yet?

Here are 3 options for you to get Ableton Live 8 and participate:

  • Get a free 30-day trial of Ableton Live. It comes with the full feature set.
  • Until May 31st 2012, all SoundCloud users can get a free Ableton Live Lite 8 serial number. To claim your free Live Lite license, head to Ableton Live in the SoundCloud App Gallery, and click “Get This App”. Once you’ve signed up with Ableton, you’ll instantly be granted your free license.
  • If you own an older version of Ableton Live, upgrade to Live 8 before May 31st and get 5 free months of a SoundCloud Pro account.

Prizes

1st prize winner receives:

  • Round trip to Berlin for two people including the following: Hotel stay for 4 nights, visits to the Ableton and SoundCloud headquarters, and a session with Ableton’s Lead Product Specialist
  • Ableton Suite with free upgrades for life
  • 5 year SoundCloud Pro Plus account
  • 1 Akai APC40

2nd + 3rd prize winners receive:

  • Ableton Suite with free upgrades for life
  • 5 year SoundCloud Pro Plus account
  • 1 Novation Launchpad

4th-10th prize winners receive:

  • Session with an Ableton Certified Trainer in your city or online training from one of our partners
  • 1 year SoundCloud Pro Plus account

For more information on this contest, as well as the full entry guidelines click here.

Ableton At Scan