Inhaltsverzeichnis für 09/2022 in Beat English

Epic Grooves for Chillout, Scores & EDM IK Multimedia Orchestral Percussion A wide range of expressive percussion instruments await you in this month‘s Software Highlight. With 23 playable instruments and 25 loop instruments, Orchestral Percussion for SampleTank 4 CS has everything you need to add symphonic intensity to your tracks. The included 102 MIDI patterns featuring crescendos and rolls help spice up your epic rhythms. Download: see page 9 | Info: www.ikmultimedia.com win | mac High-end vocals for your tracks! Audified ToneSpot Voice Express Without question, vocals are the most important musical element in most songs. Due in no small part to the vast dynamics of the human voice, giving vocals a professional sound that carries through in a dense mix is an art in itself. Wouldn‘t it be cool…

Standalone DJ controller w/ 4 toggles from Reloop Reloop has brought out a new flagship 4-channel hybrid DJ controller, the Mixon 8 Pro, which is compatible with Serato DJ Pro and Algoriddim djay Pro AI DJ software programs. The controller, with dual audio interface, intends to shine not only by its new jogwheel design with integrated displays, but in the foreground are the more technical innovations. It is the only controller on the market with an effect toggle switch for each channel. Eight performance modes are available on the pads for each channel. In addition, each channel can change the sound using the 3-band equalizer and sound color filter effect (high pass / low pass). Thanks to its streaming capability, you can choose from over 30 million songs through Tidal,…

1 Into the mixer! We start with our main actors, the leads, and send them to any mixer channel (the shortcut CTRL+L might be helpful). You can send several leads to the same channel to create a lead bus. For the effects, we now select the Fruity Peak Controller at the top of the effects chain. 2 Routing While we still have the lead channel selected, we right-click on the up arrowhead of another mixer channel and now left-click on route to this track. This will send the signal from the leads to this channel as well, where we can then play around with the reverb separately. 3 Adjust reverb Having arrived at the Reverb Channel, we now open the plug-in Fruity Reverb 2. The Dry control is set to…

1 Beat Map The solution is called Beat Map. However, we do not use the tool in tandem with Kong or a drum sampler, but with a percussion synth. In our case, this is the Chromaphone from Applied Acoustics. Alternatively, Waldorf‘s Attack or MPC Beats can be used as a plug-in with the internal drum synth, as well as any other drum synthesizer. 2 Synths versus samplers We deliberately choose a drum or percussion synth instead of a sampler because they sound less static, as the sounds vary slightly each time they are played. The end result benefits massively from this. So, off we go to the rack: We load four instances of the Chromaphone with the SHIFT key held down, plus a LINE MIXER to which we connect the…

1 Individual tracks Create a project with a Tempo of 100 BPM and import the 13 WAV files included. This contains a song in single tracks and a mixed reference track in a similar style. Route all single tracks into a group „Master“, but not the reference track. Mute the reference to currently hear only the single tracks of the song „Neachdainn“. 2 Intuitive levels Lower all individual tracks in the mixer to silence and then mix the instruments in this order. Proceed quickly and intuitively to find the right levels. Close your eyes to avoid being visually influenced by the fader position. Start with the Percussion instruments, then Bass, then the Harmonic instruments. 3 Reference comparison Listen to the reference track compared to your current mix. Pay particular attention…

Boom Library Beat Magazine Sound Pack The 2 GB Beat Magazine Sound Pack from Boom Library is packed with sound effects. As a small sample of the manufacturer‘s complete oeuvre, you get the sounds of falling swords sinking in thunder, sprawling wide pads and science fiction effects. Powerful sound impacts, shocking, bloodcurdling hits and several horror elements keep the tension up. Screeching, distorted echoes and even metallic textures can be discovered. Samples of high blazing fire fountains (even with magma), as well as impressive underwater movements are also part of the collection. The construction kit folders combine different sound effect versions into one stem file. Verdict The Beat Magazine Sound Pack is the ideal package for game dubbing, as well as for film music and post-production, in order to accompany…

Wow, what a hunk! Even at the regular price, Production Suite 5 offers a huge price advantage over buying it separately, which would be $4,483. Buyers of the bundle will also receive major updates to two of iZotope‘s flagship plug-ins this fall. One of the highlights of this collection is the new Version 4 of their innovative mix tool, Neutron. This combines eight plug-ins that can also be used separately, as well as intelligent functions that help with Mixing. The modules include two Compressors, Equalizer, Exciter, Gate, the Spectral Shaper Sculptor, Transient Shaper and Unmask. In addition to a classic mode, the Exciter also offers a Trash mode that lets you crossfade between four Distortion types. Whether you‘re going for an ultra-modern, loud sound or something more vintage, Ozone 9…

Phase Plant lets you build your own synthesizer from a variety of Oscillators, Effects and Modulator modules. Multipass transfers this semi-modular concept to a no less powerful multi-effect with up to five frequency bands. If you want to get an impression of the quality of the effects, we can recommend the Kilohearts Essentials, a free collection of currently 30 effect plug-ins, called Snapins. These can be used either as separate plug-ins or in Phase Plant, Multipass or Snap Heap. Snap Heap is the little brother of Multipass and allows serial and parallel connections of the effects, but only manages with one frequency band. All three plug-ins have a browser with Favorites function and categories, as well as their own mini-game, Phase Invaders, Snake! and Asteroider. A cool gimmick! Homemade dream…

1 Rap Acapella Before we start producing our sample track, we first search for suitable Raps on the www.looperman.com site. The Rap Acapella „Hallelujah - Part 1“ by Nat James [1] appeals to us, but at 170 BPM it is much too fast. We try it once with a Trap-typical tempo of 134 BPM. This works surprisingly well. 2 Drums The IK Multimedia Joe Chiccarelli Vocal Strip plug-in [2] provides an assertive sound. To make the Rap sound even more threatening, we tune the recording three semitones lower. For the beat, we use the Loopcloud Drum plug-in [3]. We feed one instance with a Trap drum kit with bass drum and snare, another one contributes the matching hi-hats. 3 Trap-Beat We program a style-typical beat with the bass drum on…

Externally, the Volca FM 2 barely differs from its predecessor. Under the hood, however, the second generation of this mobile FM synthesizer offers some improvements. The polyphony has been doubled to six voices and a new Reverb effect complements the integrated Chorus. For the first time, a MIDI output has also been built into a Volca, so that external synthesizers can be controlled with the built-in sequencer and arpeggiator without further modification. The sound generation is compatible with the Yamaha DX7, whose thousands of presets can be loaded directly into Volca FM2 and can now also be played with velocity using an external keyboard, which was only possible with unofficial firmware on its predecessor. First Volca with MIDI output The Volca FM comes in the same plastic case as the…

1 Workflow processes To tailor an Ableton Live template to your needs, first consider what things you do over and over again and what routines you have, such as loading an EQ-Eight into each track or using a specific Drum Rack. Also, think about what audio effects you use all the time that are specific to your sound. 2 Create a template Also, think about what steps your live performance consists of and what devices you prefer to use and write everything down. Next, create a template from the results of your analysis. Alternatively, an existing setup that you are happy with can be a good start for your template. 3 Define as default Delete all samples and MIDI data from the setup so that only individual tracks or groups…

Henning Verlage – Star Producer & Lecturer Having become known as the Producer for Unheilig, Henning Verlage is still a soughtafter Producer, Songwriter and Mixing Engineer. Beat / Among other things, you‘ll be spotlighting the production of Unheilig‘s „Sea of Lights“? Henning / Yes, „Lichtermeer“ is a current production from the latest posthumously released Unheilig album „Lichterland“. Even if it‘s specifically about this title, the song is exemplary for the general way I approach a production, the arrangement and the overall sound „in the box“, meaning it‘s mainly about workflow, session organization, plug-ins, libraries and VST instruments used, which can also be applied to other productions, DAWs and projects. Beat / What makes a good Master Class for you? Henning / It should be entertaining, show a lot of hands-on…

01 Where do I get good vocals? For really professional vocals for complete songs you will not get around a singer. Besides social networks, portals like Allihoopa [8] help you find talents who are looking for production partners themselves. If you only need adlibs or short fillers, sample packs are the perfect choice. And if you want to get more experimental, try the freeware Alter Ego [9]. Here you can have any text sung by different computer voices. 02 When do I need a multiband compressor? They are something like the royal class among dynamic tools, because they require enormous skill and also experience if you want to achieve added value with them. Especially problem fields in mixes can be tackled more specifically than with normal compressors, or instruments and…

1 Hide nothing If you are unsure about a sound and automatically mix it down, it is better to leave it out altogether. Less is more. You should also consider whether the sound deserves a place in the track at all or possibly doesn‘t matter at all. 2 Repair or replace The same applies if a sound does not work and has to be extensively reworked. If it is not the „mega rare, but incredibly individual“ sound at all, you should rather save this time and look for an alternative. Small rule of thumb: If the sound still doesn‘t sound good after 30 minutes, replace it. 3 Keep it clean Keep the frequency spectrum clean and reserve the necessary space for all sounds. For example, with dance and club tracks,…

Some turning points are the beginning of something new. When „Sgt. Pepper‘s“ was released in 1967, it not only marked a high point of the psychedelic era, but at the same time established the beginning of a recording and album aesthetic as part of which LPs became increasingly ambitious and the studio became a playground for complex sound manipulations. Sometimes, however, turning points are also end points. This was the case, for example, with „Wu Tang Forever,“ which appeared exactly 30 years after the Beatles‘ masterpiece. This record, which is still as dearly loved as it is despised, marked the end of an era in hip-hop that is unlikely to return. Some may not care. But since hip-hop has since become the dominant style worldwide, the question of why is…

1 Condense group track All group tracks that combine a wide frequency spectrum, such as drum kits or choirs, can be glued together more using multiband compression. The same applies to processing the entire signal during mastering. First, listen critically to the signal to be processed and divide it into musically meaningful frequency bands. 2 Frequency bands Under High, you select the crossover frequency of the high pass filter; and under Low, that of the low pass filter. For orientation: The bass range goes up to about 250 Hz, the treble range starts at 4 kHz. The area between both filters is then the mid range. For listening control, each section, High, Mid and Low, contains a solo switch labeled s. 3 Set parameters Individual compressors can be deactivated by…

1 More complex chords Start with a new Cubase Project and create an Instrument Track with HALion Sonic SE. Load the Digi Layer Keys preset into it. We want to use the sound material of more complex chords to create melodies. Open the Chord Pads tab in the Lower Zone. On the left side, load the A Lot Of Nines preset for the Pads. 2 Arpache 5 To play the notes of the chord pads in random order, we use an Arpeggiator. Load the Arpache 5 plug-in in the MIDI Inserts section of the Inspector on the left. Activate the Record Output to Track function in the Insert slot on the right. In Arpache 5, under Play Order, select the second setting from the right - Random - to create…

1 Positive mood Whether it‘s just one guest or several: before the recording starts, a good atmosphere is immensely important. The guests should feel comfortable and safe, because not everyone can speak uninhibitedly on air right away. Even headphones can be irritating; therefore, take a few minutes to pick up the guests, for example, with small talk about the day so far. 2 Guide! A touch of humor to set the mood doesn‘t hurt either. Researched prior knowledge about the guests is helpful in order to be able to ask good questions, as well as a guideline for the podcast. Nothing is more unsettling than improvised „stammering“, not to mention bored listeners. Combine getting started with establishing the technique for each guest. 3 Leveling We use the internal effects of…

Venomode Phrasebox The Phrasebox plug-in from Venomode feels called to create expressive sequences from MIDI chords. Phrasebox is designed similar to the piano roll editor of a sequencer and is easy to understand from the operation. You have full control over the timing and length of the notes, and the lock-to-key function always ensures that the riffs fit the set scale. The selection of available scales is impressive. Variations can be quickly generated for melody lines, chords or rhythmic phrases such as piano chords or basslines. The ability to draw in automation for each phrase (for example, velocity, transposition, and octave position) allows you to create fresh patterns in no time. It would be nice if accidentally deleted note sequences could be restored with an undo/redo command. In addition to…

Ozone 9 Advanced Ozone has been one of the most popular all-in-one Mastering solutions for years. A unique feature of Ozone is the Master Assistant, which uses artificial intelligence to create customized presets in seconds. It‘s even possible to automatically match the sound and loudness of your own mix to a reference track using MatchEQ. Neutron 4 A special feature of the Neutron 4 Channel Strip is the Unmask module. This can automatically remove annoying frequency overlaps between two tracks (for example, between bass drum and bass) to create a more transparent mix. The Mix Assistant gives you practical setting recommendations and can also transfer the sound of a reference to your track. RX 9 RX 9‘s Spectral Editor lets you repair distortions and even dropouts using tools familiar from…

1 Wavetable oscillator To explore the sonic potential of Phase Plant, we want to create a pad sound for Ambient, Chillout, Downtempo & the like. We‘ll start with an empty preset. First, click in the Generators section and then on the Wavetable module. The wavetable oscillator is already wired ready to play; however, its basic sound is still quite static. 2 Wavetable position If you click on Frame and move the mouse while holding down the key, you will change the position within the wavetable, resulting in lively sound gradients. Then, click on Default Wavetable. Now, a browser opens where you can try out the different wavetables. We like the Light wavetable from the Evolving folder. 3 Modulations So that we don‘t get a mouse arm when changing the Frame…

With the new 88-key model, Novation continues to use a semi-weighted synthesizer keyboard rather than weighted hammer action keys like classic 88-key keyboards. Since the two wheels are located above the keyboard, the Launchkey 88 is relatively compact despite the 88 keys and, due to the synthesizer keyboard, not as heavy as a replicated piano keyboard. The keyboard offers a pleasant feel and can implement velocity dynamics well. Subjectively, we would have wished for a bit more key weight. Unfortunately, aftertouch has been omitted. In return, the keys are firmly anchored with hardly any lateral play and spring back quickly, which also allows for playing fast sequences or drums. During intense playing, however, the keyboard is not one of the quietest models; this could lead to conflicts with the sleepy…

POWERED BY OOEPFER What you don‘t see at first glance: There is even a sequencer with 99 patterns included, over which the twelve bands are played rhythmically. This is quite unusual for a filter bank and immediately earns it a bonus. But let‘s start at the beginning … Briefly on the technology As already mentioned, twelve filter bands are provided, which can be tapped individually or, optionally, all even or odd bands, as well as all of them via the Master Output. Since the pure up and down of twelve frequency ranges is rather boring, each band offers its own VCA, which is preferably fed with an envelope or an LFO. If no modulation source is present, the internal global AR envelope takes effect, which is controlled by a single…

Feature: Total Modular Modular gear is no longer the „fiddly topic for nerds“, but has long been found as hard-and software in most studios. So it‘s time for an overview: We show indispensable modules, test new releases, provide virtual patches for the VCV Rack 2 and demonstrate how computers, synthesizers and modular systems become one unit to ultimately help you crafting new ideas and thus finish more tracks. Look forward to the most comprehensive modular special ever published in BEAT! Test: cre8audio East Beast East Beast was developed in cooperation with Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers and is based on a self-developed circuit. The Eurorack-compatible desktop synth is semi-modular in design and has 9 patchable modules with a generous 18 patch points for connecting to itself and other devices. However, East Beast…

HOW DOES IT WORK? The rules are quite simple and contain only three points: 1 It‘s easy to take part: Grab the sparkling wine samples at www.MeinHomestudio.de/Beat200/ and create an emotional moment of no more than 15 seconds. At least three of the samples must be used.. 2 Then, film your DAW with your smartphone or a camera while you play back your result. Give us a glimpse of what you did with the sounds. The quality is secondary, it‘s about the music, emotion and your creative approach to the sounds.. 3 Upload the video on one of the following social media platforms and tag us. If you don‘t use social media, email the video to redaktion@beat.de. And then cross your fingers! With a little luck, you‘ll be one of…

Produce complete songs at a professional level in your home studio: What was unthinkable a few years ago has fortunately long been possible thanks to powerful hardware and software. However, you need to acquire an enormous amount of knowledge in a wide variety of areas, from songwriting, arranging and sound design to recording, mixing and mastering, acoustics and the use of hardware and software for music production. Therefore we give you - together with experts from all the mentioned areas - all the answers to the most important questions about music production. On this page we start directly with the topic of songwriting. In a successful song, groove, harmony, melody, arrangement and lyrics form a unit. A basic knowledge of music theory can be a help in songwriting, but much…

1 Chord tools They are something like the salt in the soup of a track, not only in Electro and EDM. Without appealing melodies, you‘ll have a hard time engaging your audience in the long run. But where to take them from if not steal them? One place to start is with tools that help you find and invent chords and progressions. For example, the Captain plug-ins, the freeware Tonespace [1], AutoTonic [2] or MelodicFlow [3]. Once the chords are in place, stick to the notes used in the chords when building melodies. On the one hand it reduces the risk of digression, on the other hand the melodies usually fit to the rest of the harmonies in the song. 2 Onboard tools You probably don‘t even have to search…

Effects Playground The Macro controls give you direct access to the most important sound parameters. These can also be controlled via MIDI. SampleTank 4‘s Effects Rack also offers great creative potential, allowing you to create an individual effects chain of up to five modules for each loaded instrument. Playing Aids On the Groove Players page, you can choose between the Arpeggiator, Strummer, and Phraser playing aids. With the Phraser, you can map the included MIDI patterns to keyboard keys. This way, you can play the percussion sounds with your right hand and trigger fills and crescendos with the keys starting with C-2. Instrument Editing The sound parameters of the selected part can be edited on the Edit Instrument page. Tip: You can create particularly dynamic sounds by bringing the filter…

1 Load base sample To get started, all you need is a sample of your choice. In our workshop, we will use a vocal sample that is about three seconds long to give us a little leeway in playback. We assign the sample to an empty pad using PROGRAM EDIT and set SAMPLE PLAY to NOTE ON, so that the sound only plays as long as the pad is pressed. 2 A pinch of chance Then, switch to the fourth SAMPLES tab. Here, the PITCH, LEVEL, PAN and OFFSET parameters can be randomized each time a pad is triggered. Since a sound always sounds slightly different each time it is scratched, we turn PITCH up full blast and OFFSET to 60. The values set here nevertheless have a comparatively subtle…

1 Punch & transients Our goal now is to use the MB compressor to optimize the transient response of our percussive synth and drum sounds. The kicks, snares, hihats, percussion and synths should have punch without sounding sharp. We turn our attention to the rest of the bands on „Consequencer“. We already had the bass foundation in Part 5. 2 Punch bass In the punch bass range (70-200Hz), only the Kick & Bass have frequencies in „Consequencer“. With both, we work out the body. The perfect balance of fullness and crispness is achieved with a 30ms Attack. With the Release, we make sure that the compressor opens again in time for the next quarter note. This takes about 50ms here. 3 Warmth In „Consequencer“, the low-mids come from synths and…

POWERED BY TASCAM Alexander Franz had his first contact with Italo Disco music in the late 80s - his father had bought his first CD player from Schneider in 1989 and, by chance, a „ZYX Italo Disco Hits“ compilation - Alex listened to the CD up and down as a child. He got in touch with Rave around 1993; his first attempts with tape & a drum machine took place three years later in his children‘s room, inspired by Amiga 500 game music. At the age of 21, he had his debut as a Techno live act in Düren, where he used grooveboxes & synths for the first time. After that, Alex produced Techno for 15 years releasing the sound on labels like MosFerry, Contuse, Rrygular and Tonboutique. In between,…

Beat / Can you briefly explain the concept of the Usynth series? Peter / All of us know that only a fraction of people who use synthesizers actually know how to use them. So what happens - most musicians need synth sounds, so they buy professional synths, but actually just tap through presets. We wanted to develop a synthesizer that appeals to this exact clientele, but also has the appeal of speed and simplicity for demanding users. The whole series is based on a very comprehensive synth engine that is comparable to the most complex synthesizers on the market. However, it is made manageable here through a novel UI concept. Each product in the series is a stand-alone synthesizer optimized for a specific theme and offers the corresponding selection of…

12 MAGAZINES + 2 WORKZONE ISSUES FOR 83.88 EURO / YEAR KEEP YOUR PLUGIN LICENSES FOREVER ACCESS ALL BACK ISSUES GET OVER 800 GB OF INSTRUMENTS & SOUNDS Want it? Get your subscription here: www.plugins-samples.com Abo-Service falkemedia, Postfach 810640, 70523 Stuttgart GET INSPIRED! Interviews: Apparat, Joris Voorn, Alex Niggemann, Haelos Do you have a clear vision, in advance, of how a new album should sound? « Apparat / Initially, there are always big concepts. For my current album “LP5”, the concept was to create the greatest possible distance from our Moderat project. It always comes out different than you intend for it to be. You have to go with it. If you fight too much, you kill the essence. That‘s why the plans you had in the beginning always dilute…

Audified ToneSpot Electric Pro Anyone who has tried to capture the perfect guitar sound in the home studio knows that the results are often not as impressive as expected, due to suboptimal room acoustics or amp miking, too much distortion or boomy bass. ToneSpot Electric Pro helps polish the sound of your electric guitar recordings with eight effect modules. The Voicing module lets you adjust the timbre of the recording. There are six modes to choose from, with different gain and equalizer settings. The Character section lets you switch between Vintage, Natural and Modern types, and there are three other options for shaping the sound. If the recording sounds too weak, the Saturation module can give it more bite and presence. The Shaping section is where you get down to…

This new Groovebox from Elektron looks like a „Best of“ of the previous products from the Swedes: In the same robust and compact housing as Digitakt and Digitone, Syntakt offers eight digital tracks whose sound generation is based on Model:Cycles and also a bit on the legendary Machine Drum.In addition, there are four analog tracks inspired by Analog Rytm and Analog Four, as well as the separate FX Track. The analog overdrive and the global analog multimode filter can also be applied to external sound generators via the audio inputs or overbridge and is, therefore, effectively a small Analog Heat and, of course, there is also the Elektron-typical sequencer with parameter locks and trigger conditions. The agony of choice First, a short overview of the by now rather extensive arsenal…

1 Sound production For a larger waveform selection, we modify the two oscillators where the MultiOSC modules are replaced with the fundamental waveforms and wavetables are used. A table module is needed for the waveforms, which is linked to a table read module in the oscillator. The wavetables are read from arrays. 2 Multi-stage envelopes Instead of the previously used ADSR envelopes, we use multi-stage modules. These volume envelopes are used for both oscillators. A third one will be used right away for the sample player. The scrollbars can be removed and the graphic background is removed so that the envelopes are transparent. 3 Sample player As a third sound source, we used a sample player composed of at least a dozen player instances and filled with crunchy kick drum…