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BehringerCMD DJ Controllers

All the latest gear available in S.ANamm 2013

We review...We review...

Gear News

Foundation of a Kick in your mixPsytrance Bassline with Sylenth

TUTORIALS...TUTORIALS...

CUBASE 7

Novation UltraNova

Your Network is your Net Worth

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O EDITOR’S NOTE

MAR/APR 2013 | EDITION 66

EDITORS NOTE & INFO

COVER FEATURE: BEHRINGER CMD DJ CONTROLLERS

GEAR REVIEW: NOVATION ULTRANOVA

STUDIO: CUBASE 7

GEAR NEWS: 4-PAGE NAMM 2013 SPECIAL

TUTORIAL: PSYTRANCE BASS WITH SYLENTH1

TUTORIAL: THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR KICK IN YOUR MIX

EDUCATION: YOUR NETWORK IS YOUR NET WORTH

ne quarter of the year has already passed us by. forward thinking and very apt with current trends.Soon I’ll be writing about the year that was and all We’re also very, very happy to feature the Novation the cool new gear that had come our way. So, whilst UltraNova synthesizer this edition. As David Scott discovers, Namm 2013 by all accounts was a little subdued there is definitely still room for hardware synths amid all the compared to years gone by (not surprising since the plugins and apps available today. Novation is one of several American economy is struggling), there was leading brands that now fall under the distribution umbrella of

nevertheless still plenty on display to get all us all giddy. We’ve Rockit Distribution so expect more availability than ever before. compiled a bumper four page spread on all the coolest gear that

Cubase 7 caused quite a stir on its release mainly due to was exhibited in January in Annaheim, California focusing

the totally new look mixer and Chord Track, a feature that helps primarily on products that will be available in South Africa during

you with your chord sequences. Accomplished producer, James the course of 2013.

Copeland, had a thorough look at the new version and sums it But for our cover feature we look at one of the real up really well on Pg 8 & 9.

potential game changers in the DJ controller market; Behringer’s Our tutorials this month pitch in with some great tips on

highly anticipated range called the CMD (for Command) bass and kick in two separate features and SAE Institute principal,

controllers. Dave Skinz sums them up very well; rather than David Maclean’s ever thoughtful words on education offer some

break new ground, Behringer have carefully looked at what the excellent food for thought, as always.

market needs right now and simply provided a comprehensive Don’t forget to visit www.bpmmag.co.za for daily gear range of products for this sector. Behringer do have a trump

news. card though, other than price which has always been their strong point; most of these controllers are modular devices so one can pick and choose which you need and clip these together to fit Dave Macyour ideal setup. This is a really novel idea and to my mind, Editor-in-Chief

The Lineup

section is simple with an on/off button and loop-in and loop-out.

The audio card on the Studio 4A is 24-bit and runs class compliant software so it can function on both Windows or Mac and it outputs via RCA's for the master and 1/4” jack for your headphones, but there are no inputs or Mic channels. Power for the 4A is supplied via an external transformer which

CMD Studio 4A plugs in right next to the USB port and there is a Kensington lock for securing your The more conventional model of the CMD controller. The 4A also comes bundled with range, the Studio 4A, is a compact 4 deck Image Line’s Deckadance DJ software but is controller with a built-in 4 channel audio fully compatible with all the major platforms interface. The 4A has a very open layout with such as Traktor, Serato and Ableton Live. two large 6” touch-sensitive high-resolution

I really like the 15-segment level meter platters, two 100mm pitch faders and two on Studio 4A, the large responsive platters and 60mm line faders to give you the type of the host of large backlit buttons on offer. On tactile feedback that you would expect to find the flipside however the browse section seems on most high-end CDJ's. a little strange up in the top left hand corner The EQ section is three band with kill and the platters look like they encroach a little buttons for each of the bands. The hot cues on the mixer’s headphone and EQ section, so and FX sections are neat with four FX slots while the layout is ergonomic the busiest with rotary controls above the platters and section of the controller looks quite tight.eight hot cues right below them. The looping

CMD MicroThe CMD Micro is a compact two-channel DJ MIDI controller with a surprising amount of features jammed into a very small footprint. There are 45mm faders for your line, pitch and crossfader control as well as small touch-sensitive platters and pitch bend buttons to really put you in the mixing seat. Even your track navigation, loading, cueing and master volumes are dealt with in the middle of Micro. The Micro is USB-powered and also comes bundled with Deckadance, but compliant with all other packages too. You will need a DJ soundcard with the CMD Micro.

Behringer created quite a lot of interest at BCR2000's making rare appearances at some which you build your own custom set-up to fit NAMM 2013 when they launched their latest events, even more impressive when you consider your DJing or production headspace. The modular range of DJ controllers, the Command Series. So they were originally launched back around 2005. models all clip together so you create your own much interest we expected them to only land console, or use any of the modular units in The new Command Series displays a here in June, however the good news is the first conjunction with the stand-alone controllers to similarly innovative approach to DJ controllers consignment is expected mid-March! The CMD's give you extra controls for the higher functions and I think it can be divided quite conveniently pick up where the stalwart BCD3000 left off and that so many DJ packages offer nowadays. between the ready-to-go stand-alone controllers; even today you can see the BCD3000 and the the Studio 4A and compact Micro and the more producer orientated BCF2000 and modular models MM1, PL1, LC1, DV1, and DC1 in

BEHRINGER COMMAND SERIES DJ CONTROLLERS

4 DJ GEAR By David Skinz

Stand-Alone

COMMAND YOUR SOFTWARE WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

Modular Systems

The Verdict

I think it’s fair to say that when it comes to DJ products Behringer adopts a very re-active stance. This approach while not being at the forefront of development really does have some huge benefits, one of which is to be able to see what the market wants, what is successful, and how to aggressively price their products to compete. And compete they shall. And if we take it one step further and judge their potential success by the dollar prices and stock levels, the entire Behringer Command range is sure to shake things up here in South Africa.

CMD LC1The LC1 is a clip trigger controller that is aimed more or less at users of Ableton Live and similar packages. The LC1 has a 4 x 8 button grid for a grand total of 32 buttons which can backlight into a choice of four different colours. Below each of the four lines of eight there are mute, solo and record buttons and above the grid two sets of assignable buttons marked one through eight. Rounding out the LC1 are also eight rotary encoders with LED rings for positional feedback.

CMD DV1The CMD DV1 is the effects and loop controller of the command range and can control up to four software FX decks with 12 rotary encoders each with LED rings and 20 assignable buttons dominating most of the face. There are 11 specialized buttons dealing with functions such as splicing and 8 hot cue buttons right at the bottom of the DV1. It would partner quite nicely with the LC1 for Live users

CMD DC1The DC1 is the dedicated drum controller for the Command range. The DC1 has 16 1”x1” backlit pads, 8 rotary encoders and 8 hot cues as well as a full navigation section for moving scenes, libraries, or patches but the pads are not velocity sensitive. The DC1 is another one of the CMD range’s more orientated towards Live users.

Supplier: Pro AudioTel: (011) 608-2099Web: www.proaudio.co.za / www.behringer.com

5

CMD MM1The CMD MM1 is a four-channel MIDI DJ-style mixer that’s designed to sit at the heart of Behringer’s modular system. Each of the four channels has a 60mm line fader, with a cue button, two effects slots and 4 rotaries to assign any way you like with a 45mm crossfader to tie it all together. At the top of the MM1 is a file browsing system, four rotaries for Master 1 and 2, and Cue Vol and Mix with a 15-segment level meter snuggly in the middle.

Besides a MIDI DJ mixer the MM1 is also a four-port, multi TT USB hub. This allows you to plug in all your other controllers, hard discs and even audio card into the MM1 to save you from the problem of having limited USB ports on your computer.

CMD PL1The CMD PL1 is the CDJ of the modular range with a single 4” touch-sensitive jogwheel and hi-res 14-bit pitch control fader. How sensitive is 14-bit? Well that equates to 0.02% movements of the fader at a +-6% pitch setting. The PL1 also has large backlit buttons for Cue and Play with Sync, Tap, Scratch and Deck select buttons arranging themselves around the platter. The Deck button has four slots above it, so you only need a single PL1 to control all four virtual decks available with the bundled Deckadance software. At the top of the PL1 are 8 push-in rotaries all with LED rings for an instant parameter feedback and below these are the 8 hot cue buttons. The PL1 runs off USB power.

NOVATION ULTRANOVA SYNTHESIZER

6 GEAR REVIEW By David Scott

Price: R 6,000-00Supplier: Rockit DistributionTel: 021 511-1800

ANATOMY

THE VERDICT

HOW DOES IT SOUND?

THE VERDICT

WHAT IS IT?

BELLS & WHISTLES

NOVATION RETURNS TO ITS ROOTS IN HARDWARE SYNTHS, BUT WITH VIRTUAL ANALOGUE TECHNOLOGY

The UltraNova is a virtual analogue synthesizer - the latest addition to the Nova series by Novation. Its predecessor, The SuperNova II was launched in 2000 and was the go-to synth for dance producers everywhere, but slowly went into retirement with the rise in the popularity of software plugins.

But there is no doubt that there is still high demand for good quality hardware synthesizers. Which is why 13 years down the line Novation have resurrected the Nova series from the ashes to bring you the UltraNova.

It's really great to see the technology company making a return to their roots in hardware synths, and I was very excited to hear how it would fare since the last hardware synth made was the Xio back in 2007.

Looks wise, the UltraNova is a serious throwback to the 90s. Keeping with the SuperNova's dark blue plastic construction and

with a choice of delay, distortion, reverb, EQ, processing of the presets, kind of like a girl with red illuminated buttons, Novation have done compression, gator and chorus/phaser. I really too much make-up, and found that I had to well to stay true to the Nova look. like gator, which chops your sound into patterns bypass a few of the effects to get the dry sounds

The synth is light enough to carry around of up to 32 steps, great for techno or trance. A I wanted for recording. for gigs, but heavy enough to know that it's massive filter knob on the top right allows you The 300 presets are a good place to start sturdy and can take a few knocks. The key action to manage the cut-off with impressive control. for those who aren't seasoned synth technicians. is firm and fast and with built in after touch and

My favourite features are the 'touch' and You can search for sounds by genre or category, easy to use rubberized pitch and mod wheels, 'tweak' animate buttons. Press touch, and the making it easy to find the sound you're looking the playability gets a massive thumbs up. rotary knobs transform into touch sensitive for. Among one of the genres is 'Dubstep' which

The synth engine is entirely digital and buttons with custom effects, effecting the sound hosts a couple of crazy 'wup-wup-wup' sounds. beneath its seemingly simple exterior lays a by merely touching the knob (yes, you don't I'm sure Skrillex would be thrilled. plethora of oscillators, envelopes, filters and even have to turn it). Press tweak, and various LFOs to readily play around with and it really has filters which are most applicable to the sound the potential to create some fascinating and appear on the screen ready to be tweaked to complex sounds. There are a staggering 70 taste (this time with turning the knob). There's different waveforms that can be fed through also a useful arpeggiator and chord memory each of the 3 oscillators, from basic analogue The UltraNova does everything a synth should

function.standards like the sine wave through to weird and can do, and I can't really find any chinks in its

Novation have cleverly added great digital waves. armour. The fact that it has all-round appeal software capabilities to increase its 21st century stands it in good stead against its competitors; The blue strip LED makes everything easy appeal. The synth can act as an Automap however it doesn't have a distinctive wow factor to navigate, and the rotary knobs directly above controller and effortlessly works as a MIDI that I could pick out. the screen can be used to change the various controller for any DAW with its easy to use

settings. The touch and tweak buttons are handy as software editor plug-in.

performance tools, and factoring in the arpeggiator and chord memory function this is a really fun, engaging synth for the stage.

Its DAW integration means that you're getting the best of both worlds - and for its

The microKorg's built-in vocoder was very After scrolling through some of the presets, the price, it's undoubtedly very good value for popular upon its release so I'm stoked that UltraNova clearly demonstrates its sonic money. Novation have followed suit with a 12 band versatility and has everything from souped up vocoder that is capable of creating some dirty bass patches to screaming leads which impressive vocoded voices - a sure selling point. meet the demands of electronic music today. I

did find that they went a bit overkill on the You can run up to 5 effects simultaneously

http://www.rockitdistribution.com

CUBASE 7“CUBASE REFERS TO ITSELF AS THE PRODUCER’S DAW. I`D REVISE THAT A BIT AND CALL IT THE EDITOR`S DAW.”

8 STUDIO By James Copeland

S

The New MixConsole

teinberg`s 7th edition of than showing us more of its Cubase marks its whopping initial prodigious growth 23rd year on the cutting spurts, so it’s great to see edge of digital music that Cubase 7 has surprised production. I've had the us and brought some privilege to watch a large exciting major overhauls as portion of these advances well as a few completely take place, such as the new additions to the new introduction of VST - version. Rather than just

something we all take for granted these lumping in a few new days. It’s hard to imagine a world without plugins and library content software synths and effects but just over a with a list of expected decade ago Steinberg was only just tweaks and upgrades, this is introducing the now ubiquitous VST the first version in a while protocol in Cubase 3.7 - a move that that both looks and feels would revolutionise the way we make different. Mostly due to the music. addition of two main

features: MixConsole and Since then however, one could say Chord track.that Cubase has matured gracefully rather

By far the most notable change is this most basic knobs for completely reworked mixer. It’s all pretty operation available from the much as you'd expect a mixer to be laid desk itself without going

icons to tracks for quickly identifying out, but flaunts a new minimally sleek into edit mode. These are the usual channels. Settings you make are easily design that is scalable for different suspects like noise gate, saturation for copied drag-and-drop style and there is sections and also capable of full screen tube and tape effects, a dynamics section also a channel and parameter linking mode for multiple monitor use. with compressor, brick wall limiter or mode that lets you change multiple

maximiser, EQ and also an envelope It’s flanked on the left by a very settings incrementally or “absolutely” if shaper. handy folder style search window for you like. Presets to get you started for

navigating easily to different sections of All in all the effects sound good and channel strips and for the mixer are also complex mixes that also controls what to work well except for the overly heavy included.show/hide to minimise clutter. A handy VU tape saturation effect , which is a matter

Overall, the MixConsole is aiming at meter bridge rests across the top section of taste anyway and should be used with trying to be your one stop shop for all to provide an instant overview of what's a light touch. The new EQ now also has a your tweaking needs. While this is perhaps happening across the board. handy built in spectrum analyzer which a bit ambitious depending on your screen

can be displayed in a small window on the In an effort to speed up workflow, a real estate, it’s a noble move harking back desk itself or larger in edit mode. It can all new customisable channel strip has been to pre-digital days when an analog mixing get a bit busy on a small monitor but added to every track with all the most console indeed was the central focus of luckily it's possible to resize and customise frequently used effects already lined up to the studio rather than clicking through as you like. achieve “hard-hitting radio ready endless sub windows.

production values“. It’s fully customisable Clever modern tweaks round off the and can be reordered as you like with the mixer package like text search and adding

Chord Track

Conclusion

Other Features

9

The next totally new feature introduced in this version is the Chord track, which is added in the arrange window and can analyze existing midi data or indeed supply it to the project via an editor that also includes an “assistant”. The assistant can suggest chord progressions based on selected musical style and the level of complexity you set. To some users this could appear as a bit of a cheat, but it’s aimed at speeding up creativity and workflow, so use it / don't use it I guess.

Where it really gets interesting is when the chord track interacts with the newly updated Variaudio 2.0, which although still not perfect, boasts improved note detection and now harmonising based on the chord data supplied by the chord track. Of course it’s all dependant on having a nice clean recorded audio signal and results may vary, but it’s still impressive to get intelligent multiple part harmonies following a song from a monophonic audio track with just a few mouse clicks.

Even pre-Cubase 7 projects can be opened up, easily analyzed and changed instantly with the chord track, so it’s an interesting and powerful new feature indeed.

and the best part is it’s not even limited cumbersome when using its competitors. to just Cubase thanks to the standalone New additions like drag-and-drop version that can be installed for other text search for effects / channels and the DAWs. Although it’s not a feature most Memzap feature, (which allows you to

So, with the 2 main new features covered, people would use, it does lend a nice memorise and hot-key zoom and window there are a whole host of lesser but still futuresque aspect to the program. layouts) further increase the depth and important additions. The buffer system got an overhaul speed at which you can edit.

On the plugin side, Halion and with the new ASIO Guard setting, However, the level of detail that Groove agent One have got expansions promising lighter CPU load, smoother Cubase possesses has always come with a with new sounds and new kits performance and better dropout steep learning curve that's been a bit of a respectively as well as professionally protection. Although most modern turnoff for some. Cubase 7 certainly performed midi patterns to match. machines would hardly benefit from this, hasn't changed that perception, but a lot

Effect-wise the most surprising it’s still good to see development in these has been done to streamline workflow addition is the 3rd party Voxengo curve basic areas of operation. The and the overall ergonomic feel of the EQ, which can copy a frequency curve troubleshooting and diagnostics on errors program. The new built-in Steinberg Hub from one signal and apply it to another. A has also been enhanced to provide more that gives you direct access to forums as handy new remote control editor can detail. well as the included HD video tutorials now be opened from each plugin to map are also a step in the right direction for to hardware controllers giving you finer getting first time users over the dreaded hands on control of your VST effects and curve. instruments. Settings can of course be Overall, the new version has saved for future recall. succeeded in keeping it interesting as well

The new VST Connect app is a Cubase refers to itself as The Producer’s as becoming more intuitive without losing Skype-esque video chat window allowing DAW. I`d revise that a bit and call it The any of the depth Cubase is known for. This you to record and work with other artists Editor`s DAW. The devil is in the details, will surely help it hold its position as one over a solid internet connection. You can and the in-depth slicing, dicing, arranging of the top DAWs for the next few years remotely tweak and adjust monitor mix and manipulation of audio that Cubase to come.and levels for vocalists you're recording manages with ease has always been rather

NAMM 2013 10 GEAR & INDUSTRY NEWS BPM Reports

E

SPECIAL FEATUREach year music technology and instrument companies rush to show off their latest and greatest offerings for the year ahead at NAMM, held in Anaheim, California. BPM looks at the pro audio, studio and DJ gear on offer in 2013, focusing specifically on

products that are available in South Africa...

SA Distributor: Audiosure www.audiosure.co.za | (011) 790-4600

Samson set to launch DJ/Producer ControllersSamson Technologies entered the MIDI controller game last year with their Graphite 49 and Carbon 49 keyboards, both of which have proven to be excellent value for money products. NAMM 2013 saw them show off their brand new MD13 and MF8 controllers which are similar to what Korg and Akai offer. The MD13 is a pad controller whilst the MF8 is a mini control surface controller.

Only prototypes were available at NAMM, so expect this to appear on shelves toward the end of 2013 and as we’ve come to expect from Samson Technologies, quality should be top notch and price should be friendly.Gemini G4V and GMX Pro DJ

ControllersGemini have come out firing this year with two new controllers that look very promising and, of course, are fully up to speed with the latest software available. The GMX Pro is aimed at the home user, newbie and potentially the mobile DJ and could price under R 4,000. It boasts XLR master-outs and has 2 USB ports plus the obligatory controls required. For its anticipated entry price, the GMX Pro seems packed with pro features, hence its name.

The G4V is a four deck controller and is also expected to price very competitively (under R 6,000). Build quality is said to be very, very solid and it also includes 16 multi-functional pads, all the rage now it seems. Other notable features include touch-sensitive jogwheels and 14-bit sensitivity which translates to higher accuracy. There are both Master and channel LED indicators too. Both models we are told will be packaged with Virtual DJ, a strong contender these days, but naturally Traktor and Serato compatibility will be included.

SA Distributor: Audiosure

www.audiosure.co.za | (011) 790-4600

Korg announces MS-20 miniRetro is the new cool. Well it is if the technology companies had their way. Harking back to 1978 when the first MS-20 analog synth appeared, Korg have kindly update this legendary instrument to 2013 with the new MS-20 Mini. As the name suggests it is, of course, smaller than its predecessor (86% of original size) but looks very similar other than that.

Whilst is has the same synthesis set up (two oscillators, ring modulation, VCA design etc) and manual cable patching, there are naturally some modern additions, notably USB-Midi to plug into your DAW. Lighter and more compact, it is said to generate sounds that’ll please any analogue synth fiend. Even Deadmau5 was said to be having a good look at it at NAMM.

SA Distributor: Tuerk Music Technologies www.tuerkmusic.co.za | (011) 792-8402

11

*Laptop not included

Numark unveils NS7 II & Mixtrack Pro II Numark’s latest incarnations of their highly successful NS7 & Mixtrack Pro controllers were also on display at NAMM and are now in production and should be in SA quite soon. Both controllers boast the trigger pads that are all the rage (in fact the NS7’s are the AKAI Professional MPC pads) as well as full compatibility with the recently released Serato DJ software.

SA Distributor: Viva Afrika www.vivaafrika.co.za | (011) 250-3280

Numark Orbit wireless MIDI DJ controllerFlashing lights and big bright buttons are enough to grab attention, so it’s no wonder Numark’s new Orbit wireless DJ controller had NAMM 2013 abuzz with excitement this year. Of course it is more than just the bright lights that piqued interest; the Orbit is a wireless handheld DJ controller designed in a similar fashion to a game controller. It connects via USB (and charges at the same time) or by using a 2.4 GHz ultra-low-latency wireless connection. Features include 4

large aluminium-faced touch-sensitive control selectable banks of 16 backlit pads, 8 on each side, wheel, which controls the selected virtual knob for adding and blending effects or launching hot for instantly tweaking effects and filters. cues and samples. Located in the centre of Orbit

are 4 bank selection buttons, 4 virtual knobs, and a

a standard SD card packed with your favourite samples, assign each one to Akai Professional unveils exciting new 2013 any one of the 8 backlit pads which are both velocity and pressure sensitive

product range and wam bam, you’re in business. Connectivity covers all the bases; 2 x ¼ inch jack outputs, 1/8 inch headphone out, 5-pin and USB midi onboard. You Akai have some mighty fine new products available for 2013, enough to get also get a drag-and-drop sample editor (Mac/PC) to convert samples.any producer just a little giddy when you look through their catalogue.

Other new gear from Akai Pro includes the Max25 Keyboard MPC Headphones – The headphone market all but blew up in 2012, it’s Controller, MPC Renaissance, MPC Studio both with the MPC software no wonder Akai have jumped on this bandwagon, fashioning three models editor as well as the iMPC iPad APP and MPC fly an actual MPC controller in their range; MPC Pro, MPC and MPC Earbuds are the 3 variants on offer. for your iPAD. Gnarly!The full cup ‘phones are made from gunmetal aluminium and are pretty

eye-catching in a Dr. Dre kinda way if you know what we mean! The Earbuds are very sporty with earclips to hold them in position.

MPX8 Sampler – This is a rad little portable sample player. Simply install

SA Distributor: Musical Distributors www.musicaldistributors.co.za

Other new products to look out Reloop Introduces Tape Recorder Tape - Direct for from Reloop include the IQ2 2-

to USB Recording Channel Midi Mixer for Scratch DJs. The unit has a 4x4 multichannel USB audio-Every year it is said how Reloop is becoming a serious contender in the DJ interface and high-end DSP effects. Also market with their innovation and quality of products. I think it’s about time check out their Laptop Stage stand for we afforded them more credit than ‘serious contender.’ Reloop rocks, simple your laptop at gigs. It is height adjustable as that. Reloop Tape is a handheld USB recorder designed for DJs to easily and can be set up in 2 steps.records their mixes at a gig. It’s a novel idea. I mean how many times does

one think, ‘damn I should have recorded this,’ but the hassle of connecting is always a bit of a downer.

This cute little retro looking device solves all that. What Reloop Tape actually is, is a recording interface designed to record at 192 or 320 kps MP3. You will still need to plug a flash disc in for storage. Simply connect to an output source (usually from the mixer) via RCA and get that killer mix down. We love the retro design too. It’ll make you look cooler than an iceberg!

SA Distributor:

Tradelius Music Group

www.tradelius.co.za

(031) 502-3080

12 GEAR & INDUSTRY NEWS

Behringer’s new NEKKST K5 and K8 Studio MonitorsKeith R. Klawitter may be a name that does not sound immediately familiar but shorten that to KRK and the penny will surely drop for audiophiles. Klawitter is the man who founded and built KRK! The new Behringer NEKKST K5 & K8 near-field studio monitors have reportedly been developed by him, enough reason to take them seriously.

As we’ve come to expect from Behringer, who are really making a strong go at it in the professional music gear industry now, the K series monitors come packed with some nice new features, for example; As well as RCA, TRS & XLR inputs the speakers have iOS and Bluetooth connectivity, which can work simultaneously with the wired inputs. Both have 1” silk dome tweeters, and they have 5” and 8” long-throw glass fibre woofers respectively. But the cherry on top must be the patent-pending, DSP driven option to switch between different studio tunings. Users will be able to download and install, via iOS, various iconic studio speaker tunings from the Behringer website. Now that’s progress that’ll no doubt have engineers’ tongues wagging!

have also been ADAM Audio shows of their equipped with

AX and SX ranges as well as the X-Art tweeters, and the new FX Seriesinclude the

The A-series has been overhauled, taking all the news Hexacone performance attributes of this formidable studio woofers which monitor and improving them. The A5 and A7, have larger and now revitalised as A5X and A7X are joined by longer voice new additions, the A3X and A8X. Improvements coils that deliver include the ART tweeter upgrade to X-Art. The a more linear excursion for higher SPL. X-Art tweeter is said to sport an even higher Innovative new front panel controls efficiency and maximum sound pressure level as empower the user to adapt the speakers well as a frequency response up to 50kHz. The to the room.woofers and amplifiers have also been ADAM’s new F-Series – consisting reengineered from scratch and now feature of two nearfield monitors and a dedicated larger voice-coils and amps with twice the power. subwoofer – is the company’s most affordable Even the cabinets have been given a new design, range to date. The F5 & F7 include a newly whilst all models sport two bass reflex ports. designed version of ADAM’s Accelerating Ribbon

Likewise the SX series – from S2X to S5X Technology.

SA Distributor: SEGMA

www.segma.co.za | (011) 312-1846

Pioneer shows off its Platinum Edition Pioneer did not have any brand new products to display at NAMM this year, although of course the WeGo and Aero are pretty new. What they lacked in outright newness they certainly made up for in flashiness, showing off their limited edition chrome finished range consisting of the CDJ2000 Nexus, DJM900 mixer and the RMX-1000; and when they say limited they mean it; only 4,000 units of the CDJ2000 Nexus 1,000 RMX-1000s and 2,000 DJM-900 Nexus mixers are in production. With flash comes cash but hey... if you got it, flaunt it, we say!

SA Distributor: ProAudio

www.proaudio.co.za | (011) 608 2099

Electro-Voice ZLX line launched at NAMM 2013Electro-Voice launched their brand new ZLX line of portable powered loudspeakers at NAMM this year and was awarded "Best of Show” for their efforts. Budget seems to be high on the agenda of top technology companies nowadays and EV is no exception. The ZLX series is said to boast the same EV quality and user control as is expected from this leading brand, but at a price point that is far less than anything they’ve offered before. Available in 12- and 15-inch two-way versions and ideal for use as either mains or monitors, ZLX was designed for musicians, DJs, and all performers looking for more from a portable powered loudspeaker. The line will be available from April 2013, worldwide.

SA Distributor: Prosound

www.prosound.co.za | (011) 470-6800

http://www.fastrak.co.za

14 GEAR & INDUSTRY NEWS

M-Audio announces new Axiom ControllersM-Audio showed off their new Axiom Air 25, 49 and 61 Midi keyboard controllers at Namm this year. These controllers come packaged with two music creation applications, namely; Ignite by AIR and Pro Tools® Express from Avid. Ignite is a sort of streamlined, quick capture software program which enables one to record ideas on the fly without the hassle of creating a project in a DAW first.

As explained by AIR Product Manager Samara Winterfeld, "Ignite was designed from the ground up to provide instant integration and controller mapping with Axiom AIR and every M-Audio keyboard. This is one less thing a musician has to worry about when inspiration strikes.” The idea is that once you’ve captured those hit-making ideas, these can easily be migrated into Avid Pro Tools Express for further sequencing and DAW production work. Bizarrely you get more trigger pads on the 25 than the 61, best explained by their press release. It seems the Air 25 is aimed squarely at the beat-maker/producer, the Air 49 at keyboard players and composers and the Air 61 for the more accomplished keyboardist. Both the 49 and 61 have 9 70mm faders whilst the 61 also has semi-weighted keys. The white/grey finish is certainly attractive and as with all M-Audio gear, pricing should be competitive.

SA Distributor: Midi Music www.midimusic.co.za | (011) 417-3400

Novation Launchkey – just add keys Novation’s Launchpad is one the most affordable midi controllers around and has been likened to the Swiss-army knife of controllers such is its multi-purpose use. Whether you’re in the studio or live onstage, the Launchpad does the business in any environment. It’s certainly a winner from Novation but the one thing it doesn’t have is keys. Enter drum roll here...

Namm ’13 was abuzz with this latest incarnation from the technology company - a Launchpad with keys, appropriately called Launchkey! Okay whilst it’s not exactly the same, you can see why they’d use the name extension right? Incorporating elements of the popular midi pad controller into a keyboard (25, 49 & 61 versions) the Launchkey is aimed at the more musically inclined and less button pusher types out there. What you get to justify its name (it’s not all marketing) is a Launchpad section with velocity-sensitive, LED backlit pads to trigger scenes, loops and clips via Ableton Live.

Each unit also has MIDI slider controls, mod wheel and pitch bend controls, transport controls and an LED display and erm... keys; 25, 49 or 61 of them! Here’s where it gets interesting though; included in the package is the Novation Launchkey APP. Using an iPAd camera connection kit your can turn that keyboard into a powerful synth, no doubt housing Novation’s rad synth patch library.

SA Distributor: Rockit Distribution info@rockitdistribution.com

(021) 511-1800

American Audio shows off brand new VMS controllersThree brand new DJ controllers were unveiled at Namm this year by American Audio; the VMS DJ, the VMS ELM-C1, and the VMS Jelly. Although they were still prototypes, these units received some positive feedback. Here’s the rub;

The VMS DJ is a classy, if somewhat retro looking 2-channel unit. It has notably large silver jogwheels, the usual mixer section and FX controls. The money-shot for this is the XLR outs and probably at a really good price too.

The VMS Jelly is very similar to the VMS DJ except it has a classy white translucent finish (jelly?) and it, erm glows from inside. Apparently the glowing can pulse to the beat too, and you can decide to use one colour or several. Gimmicky? Maybe. But we know how much DJs and punters love flashing lights now don’t we?

Lastly there’s the VMS ELM-C1. This unit is destined to be American Audio’s most budget-friendly unit to date with a price of around R 1,500 being cited (dollar exchange dependant, of course). It is a bare-bones unit though with no soundcard, pitch and volume faders (cross fade only), but the jogwheels are said to be the shiz. All units will be packaged with Virtual DJ LE.

SA Distributor: Legacy Brands info@legacybrands.co.za | (021) 551-3296

http://www.tvaudio.co.za

Prices are recommended retail incl. 14% VAT

For trade enquiries or to find your closest retailer : Call (011) 250 3280 | orders@hybrid.co.za

Specifications

Model LA212

Type Mid format Line source speaker

Power handling (RMS AES) LF: 900W

HF: 200W

Sensitivity (SPL 1W/1m) LF: 101dB

HF: 113dB

Calculated RMS SPL /1m LF: 131dB

HF: 136dB

Calculated Peak SPL /1m LF: 137dB

HF: 142dB

Frequency response (-6dB) 65~18000Hz (-6dB)

Impedance LF: 8 ohm

HF: 8 ohm

Nominal directivity Horizontal 90 degrees

Vertical 0~8 degrees depending on the array configuration

HF driver 2 x CELTO HFDN72-16, 1.4" exit / 2.8" voice coil, Neodymium

LF driver 2 x CELTO 12MB450-16 with 3" In/Out voice coil

Crossover Active, 1200Hz at 24dB/oct

Input NEUTRIK Speakon 1+ / 1- for LF, 2+ / 2- for HF

PhysicsCabinet 18 and 15mm void free exterior grade Birch Plywood

Finish UltraTex (USA) black mat touring grade textured coating

Weight 59kg

Dimensions (HxVxD) 960 x 377 x 488 mmDimensions (HxVxD) 960 x 377 x 488 mm

Application

Recommended AMP LF: 1000~1600W at 8 ohm (no clip)HF: 400~600W at 8 ohm (no clip)

Recommended limiter LF: 84V RMSHF: 35V RMS

Maximum number of cabinets per array 12pcs if audience under the array16pcs if no audience under the array

SPL at 80m for a typical 12pcs array 118dB

Recommend audience area up to 100m from the arrray or up to 80,000 persons(for typical 12pcs per side stereo array setup)

Recommended Sub EXS218, EXS121, EXS221

www.vivaafrika.co.za

LA212 LINE ARRAY

R 14,124.00 each*

CREATING A PSYTRANCE BASS PATCH ON SYLENTH1

18 TUTORIAL By James Copeland

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ylenth1 is a great synth for making quick and easy 16th note psytrance basslines. Although I feel it lacks the funk and character that longer or slower notes require, its clean, defined sound is perfect for tight 145bpm basslines and beyond. Best of all, it only takes a few minutes to get up and running. Program a simple 16th note bassline loop. For this example, sticking within a 1 octave range and avoiding notes under your kick will sound best.

PIC 1

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EXTRA TWEAKS:

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Initialise the preset by clicking INIT PRESET under the MENU tab. Adjust OSCILLATOR A1 “OCTAVE” in the top left corner until it suits the range you programmed your sequence in (C3 on the keyboard will need around -2 octave setting)

Go to FILTER A, select Lowpass filter in the FILTER TYPE section (the green line sloping downwards to the right). Set FILTER A “CUTOFF” to 0. You`ll hear no sound at this point.

Go to MOD ENV 1 (bottom right corner) and select “Cutoff A” from the list. The Mod dial to the left of this selection must be set on maximum.

Push the D slider in the ADSR section of MOD ENV1 upward slowly. You`ll hear only clicks at first until clear notes are heard. Stop at the point where you find a balance between a nice percussive sound and clearly identifiable notes. Done!

Adjust the DRIVE dial in FILTER A to fatten the sound. Don’t go past halfway.

Adjust the PHASE dial under OSCILLATOR A1. This is the start position the sawtooth wave is triggered on. You can alter the click or attack sound here quite radically, so play around below 180deg.

For deeper subs, add a sine wav on OSCILLATOR A2 by setting the octave the same as on OSC A1 and increasing the VOICES tab from 0 to 1. Adjust the OSC A2 volume to around 50% or less.

If there are any clicks on the note release, increase the AMP ENV A “R” slider.

New Features Video

THE FOUNDATION OF A KICK IN YOUR MIX PART 1

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20 TUTORIAL By Donovan Leon from DCL Studios

ith this tutorial I want to that of commercial songs on radio individual kick and understand what it is to look at the currently. I went back to the drawing made up of. If we zoom into any kick foundation of a good board and did my research on why my sample we will see that a kick is simply kick drum in your mix. kicks had problems in them. Only to find made up of a sine wave that shifts down This is part 1 of the 3 out that I wasn’t using the kicks that in pitch over a length of the sample or part tutorial. To get match the music I was trying to produce. time. This creates the bass that follows the the full story, you’ll initial attack of the kick. It starts off with a The importance of choosing the right need to go online to peak thus being the “thump” of the kick kick sample for the song plays a huge

bpmmag.co.za and select the ‘Tutorials’ tab and will normally end with sub bass.factor as the driving force in the song from the menu. since this holds the overall vibe for the Layering multiple kicks together can

When I say “the foundation of a actual track. Choosing an incorrect kick be a tricky process. This is normally done good kick in your mix” I mean the sample can actually result in losing the by taking different kicks and using the following elements : choosing the right vibe of the song which we don’t want to prominent complimenting characteristics kicks for your song, how to layer them happen. If you are struggling to get your of each, with proper use of EQ to correctly and create your very own kick to sit properly in the end of a mix, assemble a whole new fresh sound. If unique signature kick, how to give them change it. You will be surprised how much done incorrectly it can actually phase and that added punch, bringing your kick lift a new kick can give a slightly lacking cancel out different frequencies leaving through the bass by use of side chaining track. you with a very dull sounding kick. and finally tuning your kick to your The best way to ensure that your bassline of your song. kick’s frequencies are filling up the

frequency range you are trying to achieve is by using a spectrum frequency analyzer. For this tutorial we will be using

M-Audio's Izotope Ozone 3 . Although it’s mainly used for mastering, it has an easy

I remember back when I started creating to view frequency analyzer.

some of my first productions and sent it to the mixing/mastering engineer and his

Firstly in order to understand about response being that my kicks used in my layering kicks, we will need to look at an songs did not have the punch or fatness

HOW TO LAYER AND CREATE YOUR VERY CHOOSING THE OWN UNIQUE RIGHT KICK SIGNATURE KICK SAMPLE:

To find out how to use sidechaining with your kick and how to tune your kick to the bass go to bpmmag.co.za and click on TUTORIALS.

This tutorial was brought to you by Donovan Leon from DCL Studios.DONOVAN LEON is a Producer/ Engineer for DCL Studios and has had the opportunity to work and collaborate with many artists/ producers such as: Crighton Goodwill (Good Noise Studios), Robin C Khol (Jazzworx), L’loyd Cele (2010 Idol Runner up), Jamali (Popstars), CH2, Denim, Thembi Seete (Boom Shaka), Kwesta, Zubz, Sasha P (Nigeria), Jae, Ziyon (Liquid Deep), Verona, 37MPH and many, many more.

DCL Studios: Tel - (011) 615-8309 | Cell - 082 426-6400 | Email - dclstudioz@gmail.com / Donovan.dclstudios@telkomsa.net

BBM Pin: 28ED7476 | FACEBOOK: DCL. STUDIOS OR DONOVAN DA DON LEON | TWITTER: DCLSTUDIOS

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HOW TO:Create a fresh new session with your DAW and import two different kick samples into separate audio channels. Kick 1 should be more of a knocking sound of a kick with very short release of sub bass with good body (pic 1). Kick 2 however should be totally different with less of a knock and more sub bass.

The idea is to bring these two sounds together to make a whole new fresh sound, without cancelling out and phasing.

Insert your spectrum frequency analyzer onto the master channel, this way we can see what’s happening with both kicks.

Now insert an EQ on both of the kick channels, (Kick 1) (kick 2). Solo each kick to hear and see what the kick’s frequency consists of.

Now with kick 1 cut out the entire sub bass around 60-300 Hz, this depends on the kick used. In our example I’ve cut around 170Hz (pic 2) and boosted around the 6Khz to add abit of clarity to the sound.

Go to the 2nd EQ and boost the sub bass around 60 Hz as this is where sub is mostly found. I’ve also cut a bit by 800Hz to allow space for my kick 1 to come through.

Now unsolo both of them and play them. There you have it, your very own new sounding kick from two different kicks. (pic 3)

Don't forget to check out Part 2 & 3 of the tutorials online.

Happy Producing!!

Da Don

YOUR NETWORK IS YOUR NET WORTH

22 EDUCATION By David Maclean

Y ou’ve heard it often, ‘it’s not know and trust you, the greater the skilled and reliable, it leads to the expansion what you know, it’s who you opportunities are for referrals of you and of their network, while yours stagnates.know.’ This statement is largely your services. A referral is free and often Think of how many times you have true, but one also has to have leads to work. referred someone for his or her time, the right skills and attitude, to expertise, and advice. If you have a Networking is defined as, interaction be the right person in the right presence within your social and business with others to exchange information and place. communities, and are skilled and reliable, develop professional or social contacts.

To develop a network you need to others will do the same for you. The Consequently, networking by its very network, right? This may seem obvious, but important commodities are, skill and definition is a proactive and deliberate many of us, out of fear, passively wait for integrity. Because we work earnestly to endeavour. No person has a network by people to come to us, with the belief that create and maintain our networks, we will accident. As with all things, some find ‘my talent and passion will attract others to do nothing willingly to compromise our networking easy and enjoyable, and others me’. Wrong! While you are waiting, others own credibility, by referring someone who are intimidated by it, and even find the are networking! may deliver. We will only refer someone if thought of it excruciating.

we are sure that they will deliver. A network is how we establish our You do not have to be an extrovert or place within society’s business and social an entrepreneur to create a network and Remember, when you refer someone communities, and forms the vital link in be taken seriously. You simply need the will to someone else, it is as important to your creating awareness in others of who we are and focus to do so. Think about this the network and credibility, as others referring and what we do. As with any product, you next time you want to sleep in, or succumb people to you. cannot be referred for an opportunity if a to a lack of confidence; while you are While you are creating and maintain person or company doesn’t know you exist! sleeping, or playing small, someone else is your network, pay attention to the The more people and organisations that networking and getting known. If they are following:

23

COMMUNICATION GRATITUDE Grateful people are happy people, and are a joy to be around and do business

ALWAYS reply to every email or telephone We live in a world that is quick to take and with.

call (correspondence). NEVER delay and far slower to reciprocate the generosity of Let us revisit the statement ‘it’s not then use the excuse ‘Sorry for the delay, I time and skill. If someone gives of their time

what you know, it’s who you know’. How or services, because you asked them for it, have been busy’. If you are good at what you about ‘because I know/have heard about you, then thank them! ALWAYS send a follow up do, you will be BUSY!! No person is too I shan’t be using your services’. This may be communication after meetings and busy to not give a prompt reply, even if it is because one hasn’t delivered on time or negotiations. This maintains the momentum to state that they are very busy at present promises, (unreliable), or because someone of the meeting and keeps your credibility and will address the correspondence in has warned someone else against using intact. greater detail shortly. your services. Either way, our credibility and Creating your network is one thing, If you live on planet earth, and want to reputation either builds or destroys our maintaining it is where the long-term grow your network, you will have a mobile network. sustainability of it really resides. We’ve all phone and an email address. With these

Sir Donald Gordon, founder and been the recipients of a sales person who is devices it takes no time to receive and reply former chairman of Liberty Life, and after extremely helpful, until they confirm our promptly to all communications. A very whom The Gordon Institute of Business business and receive their commission revealing sign of a person’s professional Science (GIBS) in Johannesburg is named, cheque. The network equivalent of this is, persona is the speed and quality of their

when you don’t treat a person or company said ‘remember that overnight success usually correspondence. If you know you will be with the same attention and respect that takes about 15 years’. Creating a sustainable away from your mobile or email for a you did when you wanted to make a good network is no different. Growing our period, simply set an auto reply so that the impression across the interview or network takes time because it relies on sender is not waiting for a reply believing negotiation table. other people’s trust in our competence and that the delay is because you’re a flake.

integrity. The more folk that trust and deem Even when a professional relationship If you are in negotiations for a job you competent, the larger your network! naturally concludes once the business opportunity, whether you have offered a

arrangement is complete, continue to treat Be humble, be honest, be reliable, and position or applied for one, DO NOT go the person or organisation with the same watch your network grow. AWOL by not checking your email and courtesy as when you wanted them to phone messages constantly. This is a deal-employ you, or give you a good price.breaker, so don’t do it.

David Maclean | a Brief Biography David Maclean is a mastering engineer, educator and business executive with two decades of experience in the music industry and tertiary education sector. David is the Director of SAE Institute South Africa and is based at their campus in Cape Town. The SAE Group has 54 campuses across the globe. David understands the attitudes and opinions of the industry professionals within the creative media industries and the educators and authorities within Higher Education in South Africa and abroad based on his unusual portfolio of skills in business, education and creative media technologies.

For trade enquiries or to find your nearest dealer call Pro Audio - SA (011) 822-1430 | sales@proaudio.co.za | www.proaudio.co.za