Now, more than ever, musical styles and tastes seem to change by the minute, and it was only yesterday that Dubstep and Electro were on every TV commercial and hot remix (only to be replaced by Moombahton and Trap). Roland’s top programmers are now giving you access to this fresh new stream of creative tools that will keep you ahead of the curve!

What is Axial?
Axial is the official Roland tone library site where you can download new sounds for your Roland synthesizer. These sounds have been specially designed by top synth programmers and are available to Roland synth owners. From recreations of vintage analog classics to modern, cutting-edge tones used in the latest music styles and beyond, Axial is an ever-expanding selection of unique and exciting new sounds for your Roland synthesizers.

About the Tones Featured on Axial…
With the wide range of completely new sounds available on Axial, you’ll find a growing universe of creative inspiration for live performing and music production. The sound downloads on Axial are grouped by musical genre and concept, making it easy to find the tones that will work best with your music. The site also features demo videos and sound clips, so you can check out the sounds and examples of their uses. One of the great thrills of using synthesizers is being able to create your own original tones. With Axial, you now have a starting point for the creation of your own tones to suit your personal taste and style.

Which Instruments Can I Use Axial With?
For now, you will be able to download additional sounds for the Integra-7 sound module, the GAIA SH-01, the Jupiter-50 and the Jupiter-80.

The Axial Synthesizer Sound Library is available at http://axial.roland.com
 

We’re bringing back the wildly popular Summer Strummer promotion, which we’re calling Summer Strummer 2, and this time around we’re offering 2 new deals every 2 weeks! First up is “Classic Brands,” in which AmpliTube Fender, our officially certified collection of Fender amps and effects, is reduced 33% to €79; and Ampeg SVX, our official collection of classic Ampeg bass amps, is reduced by a whopping 60% to €32. These discounts are good until June 19, at which point we’ll announce more deals! Get your “Classic Brand” gear, today!


AmpliTube Fender

Fender is one of the most iconic names in the world of music equipment, and our AmpliTube Fender collection offers you 40 officially certified amps and effects, all modeled from the company’s classic gear. Models include a ’59 Bassman®, ’65 Deluxe Reverb®, ’65 Twin Reverb®, and many others. All told, there are 12 amps, 12 matching cabinets, 9 Fender stompboxes (like the Fender® Blender™ distortion pedal), 7 rack effects and 9 mics. Now you can record or re-amplify your DI guitar tracks, perform, or just jam out with the sound of vintage Fender gear. Buy now while the price is low.


Ampeg SVX

When it comes to bass amps, there’s no name bigger than Ampeg, and our Ampeg SVX consists of exclusive official models of the company’s legendary gear. You get 4 amp heads including 2 versions of the mighty SVT: the SVT Pro and SVT-Classic; the renowned B-15R “Portaflex”, and the awesome BA-500; all with matching cabinets. Also included are 9 bass-specific Ampeg stomp effects, and 6 different mic models. Ampeg SVX can make a vanilla DI bass tone sound like it's coming from a powerful Ampeg bass rig. With Ampeg SVX, the bottom will never fall out of your music.
 

IK Multimedia, a leader in mobile music-creation apps and accessories, is proud to announce the new version of the highly acclaimed AmpliTube® App, which now adds a complete multi-track Studio with timeline audio editing and new gear models, making it the most comprehensive guitar and audio production app available. Now users can play, practise, compose and record complete songs from start to finish, anywhere inspiration strikes, on their iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

The new release of AmpliTube completely changes the game for mobile music production and offers everything musicians need to quickly and easily record complete songs: a full guitar/bass rig; a multi-track recorder with effects; a new timeline audio editing suite for arranging, editing, mixing and mastering; a built-in programmable drummer; professional export features for sharing creations with the world; and the possibility to work simultaneously with other audio apps.

When used with the IK Multimedia iRig® line of guitar interfaces (like the new high-quality iRig HD, iRig STOMP or the iRig adapter), microphone products (like iRig MIC or iRig PRE) AmpliTube 3.0 provides an all-in-one solution with unmatched sound quality, guitar tone, recording flexibility and ease of use for the professional mobile musician.

The New AmpliTube Studio - Timeline Audio Editing Suite
The newest feature in AmpliTube 3.0 is the Studio, where users will see their audio tracks on a timeline with a waveform display, much like they are used to on their DAW (digital audio workstation) software on their computer. Audio regions can be manipulated with a full set of commands and controls: cut, copy, paste, delete, normalize, split (at playhead), create fades and crop clips.

Clips can easily be moved and adjusted with a simple gesture for precise alignment with other clips, and a grid feature provides "snapping" of regions to the timeline for easy positioning. Recording into a track is as simple as touching it, arming it and hitting record. AmpliTube Studio makes recording, arranging, editing and perfecting a complete song from start to finish a breeze, and once again revolutionizes the way musicians create on the go.

The new Studio is an extension of the AmpliTube recorder,which starts as a single-track recorder, and can be expanded to 4-track (iPhone/iPod touch) or 8-track (iPad) putting a full multi-track recorder with mastering effects the fingertips of the user. The multi-track recorder has features rivalling even the most sophisticated studio setups, like effects send and master multi-effects, which can add that professional feel to any recording. The recorder with the new Studio section is designed to allow players to quickly and easily get their musical ideas recorded, polished and ready for prime time.

A Complete Guitar Rig with New Gear
At its core, AmpliTube continues to be all about outstanding guitar and bass tone, and offers a full guitar/bass rig including tuner; selectable stomp box effects; amplifiers from the world's top amp manufacturers like Fender®, Ampeg®, and Soldano®; collections from artists like Jimi Hendrix™, Slash and others; plus selectable speaker cabinets and microphones.

Exclusively for iRig HD users, AmpliTube 3.0 now also offers four new free gear models that address the tone needs of the most demanding metal and rock players - the Metal 150 and Metal W amps, and the X-Flanger and Wharmonator "Whammy" pedals. Never before has such a massive and comprehensive collection of tone machines been offered to mobile guitarists, right at their fingertips.

A Drummer Always in the Pocket
With AmpliTube's built-in Loop Drummer, players will always have a professional drummer with them. Loop Drummer features complete groove "building blocks," including intros, fills, main and alternate rhythms, and outros. It's extremely flexible and easy to use, and covers virtually every style of music. Start with the free Rock style installed, and add more genre packs via in-app purchase, covering most musical styles, including Metal, Funky, Blues, and many others.

The Perfect Rehearsal Tool
AmpliTube also features a robust Song section that allows you to load pre-recorded material into it, change the tempo if desired, and practise along. This is a great tool for learning new material, or simply creating new riffs over existing material by using the "No Voice" centre-cancel button that mutes audio panned to the centre of the stereo field.

Supports Other Favorite Mobile Music Apps
AmpliTube is also Audiobus compatible, which means that it can be used simultaneously with up to 4 other compatible audio apps. Players can use other IK apps like SampleTank®, iLectric™ Piano or iGrand™ Piano; record material directly into the AmpliTube recorder or studio section; or use the AmpliTube signal chain as a tone generator, effects processor or recorder for other apps like GarageBand.

Price and Availability
AmpliTube 3.0 is a free update for all previous users and it's available now on the App StoreSM both as a free or paid app for iPhone/iPod touch or iPad for only $19.99/€17.99 for new users. The new Studio feature is available as in-app purchase for $9.99/€8.99 on iPhone and iPod touch and $14.99/€13.99 on iPad for users who have already purchased the multi-track recorder, or at a special bundle price that also includes the multi-track recorder for new users.

The four new gear models are exclusively available to iRig HD interface users, by simply connecting the interface to the app.

For more information:
www.amplitube.com/studio
www.irighd.com
 

The Pioneer XDJ-R1 complete DJ system is the all-in-one dream: the union of CD/USB decks, DJ software control, a top-flight mixer, powerful performance features and – in an industry first – intuitive remote control via iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

The perfect package for DJs who demand flexibility without the fuss, the self-contained XDJ-R1 enables instant switching between multiple sources: twin CD, USB and MIDI. DJs can analyse tracks in the included rekordbox™ DJ software and load via USB media to access a host of exciting features including Beat Sync and Quantized Beat FX. Or they can choose MIDI to control any DJ software, such as the included VirtualDJ LE.

The XDJ-R1’s tactile controls deliver limitless possibilities for live performance: packing in two touch-sensitive jog wheels for precision scratching, a two-channel mixer, and dedicated buttons for loops, Hot Cues, samples and studio-quality sound colour effects.

Redefining versatility, the XDJ-R1 can be controlled wirelessly from an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch using Pioneer’s remotebox app. DJs can connect to the XDJ-R1’s own wireless LAN and use their touch screen to intuitively browse music, mix and mash up tracks – all from outside the booth. The app also introduces the XY pad: a two-dimensional way to assign and manipulate Beat FX and Colour FX using one intuitive control.

The XDJ-R1 crams Pioneer DJ’s extensive capabilities into one portable, rekordbox ready, affordable unit. All DJs need add is creativity.
 

TC Helicon
TC Helicon made taking the first step towards making pristine vocals easy with their new VoiceLive Touch 2, VoiceLive Touch and the VoiceLive Play/Play GTX with Sennheiser e 835 fx bundles. Now they’re going to sweeten the deal by sending you a FREE TC-Helicon Gigbag and Switch-3 when you purchase any one of these products between 29th April and May 31st 2013. Simply print out and send in the form along with your receipt by post to claim your FREE accessories.
Visit tc-helicon.com/promotions for complete details.

TC Electronic
Purchase a mix of any two TC Electronic TonePrint or compact drive stomp-box pedals between 29th April and May 31st 2013. Print out and send in the claim form by post to get a FREE analog drive pedal of your choice (Spark Booster, MojoMojo Overdrive, Dark Matter or Röttweiler Distortion) by return.

• Corona Chorus
• Dark Matter Distortion
• Flashback Delay
• Flashback X4 Delay
• Hall of Fame Reverb
• MojoMojo Overdrive
• Röttweiler Distortion
• Shaker Vibrato
• Spark Booster
• The Dreamscape
• Vortex Flanger

Note: promotional period is over.
 

Novation’s ground-breaking Supernova set the standard for virtual analogue synthesisers when it was released in 1998. With its comprehensive modelling of traditional analogue subtractive synthesis, uniquely powerful multi-effects engine and expressive filter, the award-winning rack-mount Supernova and its successor, Supernova II, were the most powerful synths of their time –class leaders, still revered today.

Sound designer Phil McDonald created the iconic sounds of the Supernova that changed the sound of dance music at the turn of the Millennium, powering classics by Orbital, ATB, Jean Michel Jarre and A Guy Called Gerald, plus many more. Now, with the massive revival of interest in the sounds and music of the period, Novation is proud to announce the release of two new soundpacks for the MiniNova and UltraNova, containing sounds from the original Supernova sound banks, by the original sound designer. These soundpacks give you the original classic sounds of the turn of the century – and they’re absolutely free. Listen to the demo on SoundCloud now.

The first of the two soundpacks, with 64 sounds, is available now, as part of Novation’s 21st Anniversary celebrations, with the second pack available later in the year.

Get your free Supernova sound packs from www.novationmusic.com/soundpacks – there’s a video that shows you how to install them on YouTube.

To install the soundpacks, you’ll need the free MiniNova or UltraNova Librarian applications. Use them to import and store new patches and the other soundpacks for both synths, including the Chuckie, Dino Soldo and 2-volume Daniel Fisher soundpacks.
Recapture the classic sounds of the Millennium, give your MiniNova or UltraNova a Supernova supercharge and make these sounds your own, with these classic original Phil McDonald sounds, absolutely free of charge.
 

Spring abounds with exotic tonewoods and fresh inspiration in Taylor’s line of Spring Limited Edition guitars. Celebrating the heritage of the 600 and 400 Series, Taylor is offering fresh voicing with the inclusion of two exotic tonewoods to the mix: African ebony and granadillo.

Beautiful sapwood-infused ebony makes a striking impression with two models, the 614ce-LTD and 616ce-LTD. The ebony was sourced from a sustainably managed forest in Congo, and each set is visually unique, as swaths of light-colored sapwood and dark heartwood play off each other with stunning effects. Compared to Macassar ebony, the African species has a slightly higher density, which yields a ringing, overtone-rich character with a linear quality across the tonal spectrum. European spruce was chosen for the top because of the way it matches ebony’s sonic personality. “It has a strong attack with a lot of headroom, making for rich, saturated notes,” says Taylor master builder Andy Powers, who designed the guitar. The effect is intensified with Adirondack spruce bracing. Because of the rich overtones, this wood pairing is likely to appeal to fingerstylists and other players who favor a complex acoustic voice. Unique aesthetic touches include an ivoroid/koa “Spiked Ovals” fretboard inlay, ivoroid binding, curly koa top edge trim, an ivoroid/ koa rosette, and gold Gotoh 510 tuners.

In the 400 Series Limiteds, players are treated to granadillo, a native wood to Central America. Granadillo is often compared to rosewood, but with a sonic crispness that resonates well with players of all styles. Paired with a Sitka spruce top, these guitars boast an impressive sustain and are available in four different body styles: Dreadnought, Grand Concert, Grand Auditorium and Grand Symphony, all with a cutaway. Granadillo was also used for the bridge and headstock overlay, and complementary appointments include rock maple binding, rosette and Progressive Dot fretboard inlays.

The 600 and 400 Series Spring Limiteds both ship with a deluxe hardshell case and come equipped with Taylor Expression System® acoustic electronics.
 

TriplePlay presents the best MIDI guitar controller technology the world has ever seen, expanding the creative possibilities of the guitar for enthusiasts and experienced musicians alike. Adding value to one of the most innovative breakthroughs in music product and MIDI-based technology, TriplePlay ships with a comprehensive suite of full version software from PreSonus (StudioOne Artist), Native Instruments (Kontakt Elements and GuitarRig LE), IK Multimedia (SampleTank and Amplitude Custom Shop) and Notion Music (PROGRESSION 2).

As you’re no doubt aware, TriplePlay is conceived and designed to make composing, performance and recording easy and fun. Its slim, intuitive form factor lets guitarists get to an unlimited palette of instruments and sounds at their fingertips, all with the freedom of wireless control via MIDI. The creative and sonic possibilities are endless.

With TriplePlay and PROGRESSION 2, guitarists can write music in guitar tab or notation for lead sheets and sheet music, and hear it play back instantly with real instrument samples and an audio track of their work. Changes to tab, notation, key or tempo can be made quickly and easily.

Combined with TriplePlay in live performance, Kontakt Elements and SampleTank XE frees guitarists to play with any virtual instrument or hardware synthesizer with faster, more accurate tracking that virtually eliminates lag. Features include sustain and looping functions with support for MIDI footswitches and controllers. A virtually unlimited supply of guitar, tone and effects and amplifier modeling options are available with GuitarRig LE and Amplitude software.

TriplePlay quickly and easily becomes a complete music recording and production tool that allows the guitar to be seamlessly integrated with a favorite DAW running on a PC, Mac® or iPad®. Using PreSonus StudioOne, guitarists can build entire arrangements with drums, bass, keyboards, horns, strings, voices and more, wirelessly. Guitarists can play along with backing tracks to record, enhance live performances, and make practicing easier and more entertaining.

TriplePlay comes equipped with a wireless controller, hexaphonic pickup, and wireless USB receiver. The controller and pickup can be quickly installed or removed on virtually any electric guitar with no permanent installation necessary.

A low profile design (less than .5”) allows the Controller to be left on the guitar and still fit in the case. It operates with a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery (included). TriplePlay’s powered USB Wireless Receiver interfaces with computers and iOS devices.
 

You probably woke up this morning wondering, "Hey, what's happening with the current Strymon Favorite switch and the NEW Strymon Tap-Favorite switch?" Well now you can sleep soundly at night: here are the answers...

The current Favorite switch only does one thing- it allows the user to toggle between their current settings and one set of saved settings.
The new Tap-Favorite switch is half the size of the current Favorite switch (cool!) is black instead of gray (cooler!) and has an extra super-power so it can do two different things (coolest!)

What is the Tap-Favorite's same-as-Favorite-switch super-power?
It can do the same toggling between current settings and one set of saved settings as the existing Favorite switch. (Works with Brigadier, El Capistan, Lex and Flint.)

What is the Tap-Favorite's new super-power?
It also functions as an external tap tempo switch. (Works with Mobius, Timeline or Flint.)

How do you make the Tap-Favorite function as an external tap tempo switch?
There's an internal jumper that the customer moves to a new position (very easy, no soldering required) to convert the product from a Favorite switch to an external Tap Tempo switch. The pedal ships with the jumper in the Favorite switch position, so the customer needs to move the jumper if they want to use the Tap-Favorite as an external tap tempo switch.

I like to get free stuff for no reason. Are there any accessories included?
Yes, the Tap-Favorite ships with a TRS-TRS jack cable. It does not need any external power.

I bet this new-and-better version is much more expensive though, right?
No, despite your cynicism the price is exactly the same as the Favorite switch.
 

Avid has announced Pro Tools 11, a powerful new 64-bit version of the audio workstation that redefined the industry. Pro Tools 11 redefines the possibilities again with all-new audio and video engines, turbocharged 64-bit performance, expanded metering, offline bounce, and new HD video workflows. This latest release empowers customers to take on the most demanding sessions and maximize their creativity—without holding anything back.

Expected shipping date is end of May. Everybody buying and registering Pro Tools 10 after today, will receive Pro Tools 11 at no cost when it comes out. The license will contain both Pro Tools 10 and Pro Tools 11, for backwards compatibility.

About Pro Tools 11

The most powerful digital audio workstation just got more powerful. With an all-new, ultra-efficient audio engine, 64-bit performance, and groundbreaking capabilities, Pro Tools 11 enables you to take on the most complex and demanding music and audio post productions with ease, so you can focus on sounding your best.

Turbocharge sessions with the all-new Avid Audio Engine
Get multiple times the processing power of Pro Tools 10 to work with way more virtual instruments and effects plug-ins than ever before. And with the new 64-bit architecture, you gain the performance you need to handle the most sophisticated sessions—with more memory headroom to go even bigger.

Deliver mixes with lightning-fast offline bounce
Forget the wait—speed up your final mix delivery with new faster-than-real-time bounce capabilities.

Have confidence in your mix with new metering options (Pro Tools HD 11 only)
New built-in metering standards provide a variety of scale and ballistics options, so you can be assured that you’re creating the best mix possible.

Work directly with HD video
Play MXF HD, Avid DNxHD, and other HD video formats directly in the Pro Tools timeline, without transcoding, using the built-in Avid Video Engine—the same as in Media Composer.