BangBox has released EDM Step Styles Producer Kits, a collection of 18 groove inducing drum and instrument kits for experimental Dubstep, Drumstep and DNB production.

The kits have been crafted to each provide a particular unique production element and can be combined in any order to create full tracks or themed sections to add to your own sequence.

EDM Step Styles Producer Kits features

• 290 Wav Files.
• 142 Midi Files.
• 138 Pattern Files (Maschine version), 8 Mini Song Projects (Ableton version).
• 4 Bass Kits/Racks.
• 4 Drum Kits/Racks.
• 4 Percussion Kits/Racks.
• 5 Instrument Kits/Racks.
• 1 SFX Kit/Racks.

Maschine and Ableton versions are available to purchase for £12.95 GBP, the Reason 5+ Kong Kits are £9.95 GBP.

More information: BangBox / EDM Step Styles Producer Kits

Reveal Sound has released version 0.9.4 of Spire, a virtual synthesizer instrument for Windows and Mac.

Spire is a software polyphonic synthesizer that combines powerful sound engine modulation and flexible architecture, a graphical interface provides unparalleled usability. Spire is the embodiment of the best opportunities, both software and hardware synthesizers.

Changes in Spire v0.9.4

• Fixed: Problems with the buffer in Logic and FL Studio (noise and clicks).
• Fixed: Automation in Logic.
• Fixed: Wavetable Phase Modulation (CtrlB) when CtrlA at zero.
• Fixed: AMSync Phase Retrig.
• Fixed: Site hosting.
• Added: CC64 – Sustain.
• Added: Oscillator mixer Off buttons.
• Added: Insert & Remove-Backup for preset manager.
• Added: Program Change.
• Update: Presets.

The Spire beta for Windows and Mac (VST/AU) is available to purchase for 69 EUR (regular 149 EUR). Prices ex. VAT.

More information: Reveal Sound

Tek’it Audio has announced version 2.3.1 of its Genobazz free bass synthesizer plug-in for Windows.

This new update of Genobazz focuses on user interface improvements. Genobazz 2 is a free monophonic bass synthesizer plug-in, using it you can create sound ranging from simple bass, drum kick and complex wobble to acid bass line.

Changes in Genobazz v2.3.1

• Performance options are now saved with the preset.
• GUI Modified screen color to gray.
• GUI Moved info, social and help buttons next to the Tek’it Audio logo.
• GUI Improved random and Undo icons.
• GUI Improved performance options (Bend range, Env retrigger, Priority) selector.
• GUI updated the info screen.
• User Manual updated.

Genobazz is available to download as a freeware VST instrument plug-in for Windows.

More information: Tek’it Audio / Genobazz

Variety Of Sound has released version 2.1 of the Rescue MK2 free analog style modelled signal designer for Windows.

It is a sophisticated mid/side based transient processing device which not only allows detailed ’3D’ imaging control but also fancy transient compression and distortion with dynamics that remains vibrant and alive.

Changes in Rescue MK2 v2.1

• Better support for higher S/R (some minor bugfixes in the internal filter coefficient computations).
• Critical parts are running at an internal higher sample rate now.
• The default MIX LEVEL was changed to 0dBFS.

Rescue MK2 is available to download for Windows (VST).

More information: Variety Of Sound / Rescue MK2

Rob Papen has announced that the availability of the limited-edition EDM and Urban synth bundles has been extended to the end of June, 2013.

These two special bundle packs were created with Urban and Electronic Dance Music producers in mind.

The EDM Synth Bundle and the Urban Synth Bundle each include three Rob Papen synths, saving you around 45% off the combined price, but don’t wait around as there are only limited amounts available worldwide.

Limited-edition bundles

• The EDM Synth Bundle SRP: € 199.00 / $239 / GBP 169.00
  Comprising Rob Papen’s Predator virtual synth, Punch drum machine, and Blade virtual additive synthesizer plug-ins, the EDM Synth Bundle is a highly-flexible electronic monster, offering masses of diverse sounds for electronic dance producers.
• The Urban Synth Bundle SRP: € 199.00 / $239 / GBP 169.00
  Ideal for producers of Dubstep, Drum ’n’ Bass, Garage, and Grime, the Rob Papen Urban Synth Bundle includes the SubBoomBass ultra deep bass synth, Punch drum machine, and Predator virtual synth plug-ins, and will also seamlessly fit into Hip Hop, Rap and R&B music creation workflows.

Users that already own one or more Rob Papen products can get an upgrade offer at an authorised dealer or directly from robpapen.com.

Note: these bundles also include Predator 1.6.4, the latest version with over 450 new presets.

Rob Papen has also announced that his The 4 Element Synth book/DVD set is now available at student pricing for everyone.

After all, anyone who wants to know what all those knobs and sliders on their favourite analogue synth actually do is a student of subtractive synthesis!

Remember that when Rob started to play his first synth at the end of the ’70s he had to learn the hard way… reading (and rereading) the Korg MS-20 manual from cover to cover. Had a well-written book about synthesis existed at that time then it would have helped Rob enormously in his quest for new sounds! Of course, the Korg MS-20 had no presets so Rob had to create sounds from scratch each and every time he wanted to play.

Over time that became easier, but you can benefit from all his blood, sweat, and tears. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this well-written book that’s as easy on the eye as it is to understand, together with more than 10 hours of entertaining and educational DVD material.

As well as watching additional online video content to supplement the book, other good news is that readers can download the demonstrative Predator presets used by Rob on the DVDs.

The book/dvd set is now available to purchase for 55 EUR / $69 USD (available in the US through Sweetwater).

More information: Rob Papen

discoDSP has announced the release of the Tinga’s Gamelan sound library for the Corona software synthesizer for Windows and Mac.

Tinga’s Gamelan is a 115 MB bank including presets using custom tunings.

Tinga’s Gamelan features

• Set of samples from various sources, all have been re-tuned in C with Audacity 4 samples from http://freesound.org/people/Robinhood76/packs/3940/
• 2 birds SF2 files (place at Documents\discoDSP\Corona\Waves\User.dwb)
• Attack samples made with FuDrum 3 in Jeskola Buzz.
• Steel drum notes recorded with a Zoom H4.

The soundbank is a free download for all Corona users.

More information: discoDSP