RZA talking to Kotorimag about how he invested in the technology used in Final Scratch and Serato but was muscled out of the idea. Pretty interesting, but if you have an idea like that, patent it! Still, he seems to be telling the truth, because he doesn't blink at all...

With it seemingly being update season, Ableton have added to the already hefty list of DAW updates with the release of Live 7. Although there has been no confirmed release date (except Q4 of this year) the Beta release today has given some heavily anticipated insight into the 7's features, including:

- The regular audio engine update (64-bit mix summing, POW-r dithering and optimised sample rate conversion)

- Finally side-chaining, not only in compression, but for Auto Filter and Gate too!



- A new Spectrum analyser



- Warped and unwarped video rendering



- Subtle sexy updates to GUI, it's the little things...



- New instruments including Drum Rack - A combination of Impulse and Instrument Rack making it much easier to edit individual hits without complex routing



- Other new instruments include: Tension, Electric, Analog, Sessions Drums, Orchestral Strings, Brass, Woodwinds and Percussions and Essential Instruments Vol 2.

If you buy Live 6 anytime between now and 1st Jan 2008, you can upgrade to Live 7 for free (which implies we won't be seeing an official release for at least a couple of months). Anyone else, it'll cost €419 for the download version and €499 for the boxed version (which includes the Essential Instruments Vol 2 package).



Keep your eyes on Future Music for a more in depth report and review coming soon...

With it being really bloody difficult to get your hands on some of the new kit flying around at the minute, without actually buying it, Korg are heading out on a nationwide tour, showcasing all their newest products, including the M3, the R3, the Zero mixers, the M3 Recorders and some older gear including the Radius, MicroX, X50 and the KP3.

There'll be a 75-minute demonstration followed by a Q&A session so if you're interested in getting the lowdown on Korgs new additions, and maybe even get some hands-on action with them, check out the dates and times below...

30/09 Sounds of Frome - The Cheese & Grain Frome – 11.00am-5pm Tel: 01373 462083

09/10 Sound Control, Sheffield East- 7.30pm Tel 0114 264 0000

12/10 Digital Village, Clapham - 10am-6pm Contact: www.dv247.com NEW STORE OPENING

23/10 Sound Control, Leeds, City 7.30pm Tel: 0113 242 6601 - STORE RE-LAUNCH

24/10 Bonners, Eastbourne 7.30pm Tel: 01323 639335

26/10 PMT, Birmingham ALL DAY WORKSHOP 11am-5pm Tel: 0121 359 5056

27/10 PMT, Birmingham 12.00 & 4pm Tel: 0121 359 5056

8/11 Dolphin, Music, Gateshead Tel: 0121 359 5056

7pm 10/11 Dawsons, Reading 2pm Tel: 0118 958 1320 15/11

Dawsons, Liverpool 2pm Tel: 0151 709 1455 20/11

Sound Control, Hull 7.30pm Tel 01482 497 350 22/11

Sound Control. Birmingham 7.30pm Tel 0121 248 5868 23/11

Sound Control. Birmingham ALL DAY WORKSHOP 10.30AM-3.30pm Tel 0121 248 5868 27/11

Sound Control, Bristol 7.30pm Tel (0117) 934 9955

28/11 Sound Control, Stockton 7.30pm Tel 0164 267 1222

29/11 Sound Control, Glasgow City 7.30pm Tel: 0141 204 0322

30/11 Sound Control, Glasgow, City – ALL DAY WORKSHOP

10.30am-3.30pm 04/12 Sound Control, Southampton 7.30pm Tel: 02380 829 189



Korg UK

Here's an interesting clip of Kanye and Timbaland in the studio working on Stronger. It's pretty cool to see them be so pedantic over just a kick sound, maybe they do earn those incredible pay cheques...

Korg announced today a brand new addition to the Kaoss family, the Kaossilator. According to Korg, anyone can play perfect musical phrases by tapping or dragging the touchpad. It's the same size as the KP Mini and runs on AA batteries. Here's the highlights of it's specs:

Synth, Sound Effects and Drum Sounds with 100 sound programs

31 scale patterns to let you play a variety of phrases

50 types of gate arpeggios

Loop Recording with 'complex' overdubbing

It includes some of the effects from the Kaoss Pad range along with Korgs synth engine

The horizontal axis is assigned to pitch, while the vertical axis deals with modulation intensity, cutoff frequency, etc, depending on the program.

It seems Korg are giving Yamaha a run for their money for the portable intuitive music making tool, no doubt at a lot cheaper price (the Kaossilator's price is TBA - Update: RRP is £117). With a 5-hour battery life, 24-bit DAC and an RCA phono out for headphones (as well as a main stereo Aux out), it seems pretty ideal for pocket-sized synthesis. It'll be interesting to get hands-on with the unit, which is available in November. Keep your eye on FM for a review and a more in-depth summary.

In a rather spacious basement below Phonica Records in the centre of London, Future Music attended the official Tenori-on launch, armed with a video camera and anticipation. You can read all about it all over the net so we won't repost all of the details. Here's what we caught: Toshio Iwai, the inventor of the Tenori-on talked to Future Music about why he made the Tenori and bringing the concept to life:



Later on in the evening, he gave a presentation all about the Tenori-on from it's basic beginnings right up to it being polished by a specially created robot. It was pretty interesting (and inspiring) stuff to see Toshio Iwai go through his career history and some of his amazing designs and ideas.

For some reason he didn't mention Elektroplankton, but, there was more than enough to keep everyone in the crowd reduced to an odd hush. Check it out:





Keep your eyes on Future Music for our exclusive review of the Tenori-on next issue, out September 28th!

The long awaited release of Logic 8 was a slow and frustrating one. Logic users were left twiddling their thumbs as updates for rival DAWs shot up around them. I’m guessing this is way Apple did it so quietly, and why it’s so cheap. But neither of these reasons should put you off. We got a personal demonstration from Apple themselves, and we were left walking away thinking this might be the best DAW on the market.
As with everything in the music tech world, and otherwise, it depends what you need it for. But I can say with, with quite a bit of confidence, that you guys are gonna love it. It’s already been heavily reported all over the net, so we’ll take a look at some of the more low-key but still exciting features. After all, it’s the little things…

Setting up in Logic has never been an easy task. Apple designed previous versions this way so that, despite the difficulties, it was ultimately very rewarding. But it left new users raising their eyebrows, clicking randomly and hoping for the best (that’s what I did at first anyway). So, in Logic Pro 8, Apple have introduced a load of new templates, much like their other ‘Pro Apps’, when you load up the software. Here’s a look at what it looks like:



There are loads to chose from, and obviously, you can start from a blank one and set it up like before, if you’re set in your ways. Seperated by Styles, Composer and Production, it’s there to get you working in the software as fast as possible. It looks pretty nifty too, but is definitely aimed at newer users, or users who are constantly switching between what they’re using it for. Still, a welcome addition.

Although they definitely won’t admit it, it’s clear Logic have taken a few pages from Ableton’s books. The handy browser window Ableton boasts so well has found it’s way into Logic’s new interface.

Along with that, another handy Live feature, named in Ableton as the ‘Sample Display/Note Editor’ window has also been included in Logic Pro 8. Simply double clicking on an audio or MIDI file in the arrangement window pops it up at the bottom of the screen for editing. Nothing new, certainly welcome.

On first impressions, it seems Apple have set a new standard for multi-taking and quick comping. Having not got to try it for myself in a real recording environment it is tough to say, but from first glance, it seems to make a hell of a lot of sense.

To sum it, you can multi-take on a loop over and over until you’re happy. Then, by simply expanding the window, you can see all your takes and select which one you want to use, non-destructively. Not only that, but, say you liked the first part of the vocal on take six, and the rest of take three. You simply highlight each part of the take and Logic automatically creates seamless auto-fades between the takes and you can collapse the track and voila, it plays through what you’ve selected, all non-destructively. Meaning, you can return to the section as many times as you want and keep changing all of your takes, without editing any audio. It seems like the perfect solution.

Another mention no one seems to be reporting (not even Apple in their press release), which makes me sceptical to see how it really works, is Low Latency Mode. According to the demonstrator, you can switch this button, and it turns off any plug-ins hogging a lot of CPU, to make sure you have the lowest latency possible for your recordings. The amazing thing is, there’s no freezing, or even a delay, involved. It’s just a simple on-off button that activates and de-activates instantly. This seems like an incredibly handy function for those of us running less powerful machines or laptops, but I’ll keep a cynical approach until I try it myself. I coudln't find a pic for this, but it's just a little button.

I want to mention MainStage, but I won’t get too bogged down in it as there is a lot to it, and you can read that all over the Internet. The most intuitive thing that interested me was the ability to ‘build’ your own interfaces, albeit, limited to what is provided. It reminded me of a kind of Lemur-Rax hybrid and that’s a pretty exciting concept. There is loads more to talk to about this program, but in due course. It has a pretty cool looking tuner though.

At first glance, and I stress ‘first glance’, Logic Studio looks like a pretty awesome package. I mean, they have thought of everything, live performance, post production and heavy influence on new ease-of-use features, it’s a pretty exciting time for Logic users…

Keep glued to FM for a full-on, in-depth review, coming soon…

ISSUE 192 OUT MONDAY, 3RD SEPTEMBER

IN THIS MONTH'S ISSUE...

The brand new multi-touch JazzMutant Dexter controller gets a world-exclusive review. Synth syndicates Chromeo talk you through their gear, live setup and thei Fancy Footwork. Plus, Coburn give you tips and tricks in prodcution and remixing, with video to guide you through step-by-step. Issue 192 is available to buy now from WH Smith's and all good retailers on Monday 3rd September. Here's what else to expect...

FILTER

The latest news and features on the most intuitive and exciting upcoming products. This month, the brand new Pacemaker professional portable DJ unit and the new Yamaha N-Series FireWire mixers get a fresh rundown before their upcoming reviews. An Instinct for Detection by Lionrock is our Classic Album of the month. And, bitcrushing Berliner, Boys Noize makes some noise On Our Radar.

REVIEWS

The JazzMutant Dexter is one of the most exciting products of the year and we give you the exclusive rundown, including video of the unit in use on the DVD. The heavy-duty CME VX5 keyboard gets its intuitive features put to the test and we get lost in space with the new Boss Space Echo emulation pedal. Along with the new Mackie HR624mkII monitors, Alesis Control Pad, Thermionic Culture Vulture, Line 6 Pocket Pod and a host of software we cover everything you need to know in the current market.

Couple that with the usual mini reviews and album reviews and it can't be missed!

PEOPLE

Coburn give you exclusive access to their studio and talk about producing Liberty X and making their acclaimed record We Interrupt This Programme. Mrk Ronson talks us through his introduction to production, DJing and learning how to play a Synclavier at the age of 12. The French-Canadian duo Chromeo give us a tour of their studio, their live setup and talk about what it was like to re-capture such a unique sound. Along with that Peter Gleadell, producer of Madonna, George Michael and the Pet Shop Boys, talks us through his approach to producing, recording and the hardware software issue.

TECHNIQUE

In part five of our Fame and Fortune feature, we talk you through how manage yourself and make the most of the internet. We also show you how to get your groove on in Live, making the most of its intuitive features, and we have a special feature on how to polish up your vocal techniques in Cubase. The Power Tips series shows you how to make the most of reverb in Logic and guides you through the differences between convolution and synthesised reverbs.

The Cubase Tips, Logic Tips and Live mash-up features are all accompanied by video on the DVD.

GEAR CHART

We've got the brand new charts that can help you search the market for the best of the latest gear... this months charts include hardware synths, soft synths, microphones, audio interfaces, field recorders, Ebay classic retro finds, and many more...

ON THE DISC

This month's DVD includes a massive 4.4GB including the following...

Video: We take a trek around the all-analogue ToeRag Studios, featured in this month's Studiofile, our best and most interesting to date. Coburn show us what's going on in their studio, whilst Chromeo take us through their live setup and all the gear that gives them their sound. Theres also an exclusive peek at the new Pacmaker Handheld DJ unit.

There's also 1000 copyright free B-Boy Electro samples made with genuine vintage gear, all exclusive to Future Music Readers.

As if that wasn't enough, we've included an exclusive video of the new JazzMutant Dexter in action!

Finally, there's the reader demos section, where we review everything we get sent! Pick up the mag for info on how to get your demo to us...

NEW ISSUE!



In this month's issue, we've got an exclusive review of the impressive Korg Zero8 all-in-one controller, and we show you how to add MIDI to your Speak & Spell. We also find out the production secrets of the new LCD Soundsystem album, and speak to co-owner of DFA Tim Goldsworthy. The May issue is on sale now and is available from WH Smiths and all good newsagents. Here’s what else to look forward to…

FILTER

The latest information and reviews on upcoming products, as well as other features such as Tech Angst. Babyhead drop in On Our Radar and and fill us in on their future plans in Babyboom town, and Andy Smith's The Document is our classic album of the month.

REVIEWS

The mighty new Korg Zero8 shows us what how much it's made of this month, plus the Karma Audio K6 ribbon mic shows they are back in fashion. Is the D16 Drumazon today's answer to the 909? Find out here. And the MOTU 8Pre, with 8 high-quality mic preamps gets connected, along with a ton of other reviews.

So this is what we've got on test... Korg Zero8, Audio Damage Replicant, Yamaha MM6 Studio, LinPlug Alpha, USB XTreme FX UVI Soundcard, VSL Elements Vienna Instrument, Karma Audio K6 Ribbon Mic, Access Virus OS 2.0.2, AudioEase AltiVerb, Klein & Hummel 0 300D, PMC TB2S-A, Alesis IOI26, Presonus Faderport, MOTU 8Pre, D16 Drumazon... and the usual mini reviews and album reviews!!

PEOPLE

James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem gives us the latest on the new album, as well as how he's modified his gear. Tim Goldsworthy gets chatting about remixing, DFA partner James Murphy and that legendary DFA sound. Both these interviews feature exclusive DVD footage.

TECHNIQUE

JD73 gives you part three of his Production Masterclass this issue, helping you get to grips with the harmonic parts of your track.

This month's Studio Essentials focuses on keeping in touch with your creativity, without being bound by production clichés.

Steve Hillier brings us part two of his Distortion feature, and brings you insight into amp distortion, and Jono Buchanan unlocks the basics behind sampling.

GEAR

We’ve got our regular Three Of The Best, plus platinum plug-ins, Ways To Stand Out, studio monitors and audio interfaces… Your organised chart featuring some of the best gear around!

ON THE DISC

Video James Murphy and Tim Goldsworthy each give us their production secrets on film!

Samples Sound FX: LoFi-Punk-Disco samples available in multi-samples, construction kits and NI Kontakt kits. We also bring you NI Kontakt Rhodes and multi-sampled Stylophone.

JD73 also shows you how to get on with part three of his Masterclass, and we also have videos to accompany our Production Aesthetics, and Beginners Sampling features.

The ReacTable is back! This time we talk to the creators about this unbelievable controller.

Plus the reader demos, reviews and more!

Steinberg Made Easy

The legends behind Cubase bring us a tool that’s bound to kick-start a new music making generation



Steinberg have recently released their new ‘fully-loaded’ software studio, Sequel for PC and Mac. Similar to Apple’s GarageBand, this is directed towards consumer use, boasting a GUI that is incredibly straightforward, and sequencing possibilities that can help a novice compose a track within minutes. An unlimited number of audio tracks (or however much your CPU can handle) can be used in one project and up to eight audio tracks can be recorded to simultaneously. The provided sample library is packed with over 5,000 loops of different genres. By using the media library, the search for the right category, instrument, genre and character means you can locate and isolate the loops you are looking for extremely quickly. The project will automatically set its keynote and tempo to the first sample you place on the arrangement, but this can be changed at any point by using the simple functions on the transport.



The interface is designed to make the program as easy to navigate as possible. Every section of the program is neatly packed into one window All of the tool parameters are accessible in the MultiZone at the bottom of the window, so moving from one ‘zone’ (as each section is known) to another, means whatever is in your arrangement will not be blocked from view. There are even tools that make playback possibilities more functional. Up to 16 sections of a project arrangement can be assigned to Cue Pads, giving you control over which parts are played when by punching each section in, which can be very handy when sequencing or remixing in real time. Over 600 virtual instruments and over 20 built-in effects are included, including 3-band EQ, a fixed compressor in each channel, and event effects (arpeggiator and chorder) for instrument channels. VST and DXi are not supported however, but Steinberg have announced a Cubase update for the summer that will allow you to import Sequel projects.

All typical file formats are supported on import, as well as OggVorbis and WMA Pro, and projects can be exported as WAV, AIFF, AIFC and WAV64. Projects can also be uniquely exported to iTunes. You can buy it now priced at £79.

steinberg.net