Hot on the heels of the recent updates for Zebra follows the release of three new patch libraries for the virtual modular synthesizer.

One of them is Stratospheres, the sequel to the acclaimed Chronospheres soundset by BigTone Studios.

The main focus of this soundset is on meticulous emulations of classic analogue sounds – but several surprises are also included! Great care has been taken to ensure that all patches remain rich and expressive across several octaves: all sounds are truly playable… Stratospheres is a must for all aficionados of analogue synthesis!

The Stratospheres soundset includes a total of 136 patches for Zebra. The sounds are generally extremely expressive, with many patches having modwheel, pitchbend, velocity and aftertouch assigned. The patch names indicate which controls are used, and Zebra’s info panel has detailed information for each patch.

The sounds are divided into eight categories:

• 18 arpeggiated sounds,
• 27 basses,
• 15 drum & percussion hits,
• 8 sound fx,
• 17 keys,
• 10 leads,
• 34 pads,
• and 7 sequenced sounds.

With a focus on classic analogue type sounds the set includes deep bass sounds, lush house chord stabs, polysynth sounds, 303 acid type bleeps, a large selection of huge pads, and much more. Classic, but not outdated.

Have a listen to the Stratospheres demo sounds below (note: the player has 5 audio clips, use prev/next buttons to navigate).

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

So what do I think?

To be honest I already knew I was going to like this set before even checking it. BigTone already impressed me with his previous soundsets (LinPlug Albino, Camel Audio Alchemy, and Tone2 ElectaX) and Stratospheres does not disappoint either.

The set features a wonderful blend of useable, bread and butter type sounds. Never too experimental, never bland either. Even though this set has a focus on classic analogue sounds there is still a lot of unique material in here. The “granular beauty” patch is just gorgeous. There’s hardly a dud to be found in the soundset, but the pads section is my favorite. Huge sounds, wonderfully dynamic. So inspiring.

Seeing as there are already thousands of free sounds available for Zebra, any commercial set really needs to offer something worthwhile. Stratospheres surely delivers. Nico Herz is a top notch sound designer and in my opinion you can’t go wrong with picking up any of his soundsets.

More information: u-he / BigTone! Stratospheres

Zynewave has released version 2.36 of Podium, a professional music production software solution for Windows PC.

The overall UI button size and roundness can be adjusted. Mixer strip widths can be zoomed from 20% to 300%. Bounce enabling a track will add a bounce option button to the effect chain.

Changes in Podium v2.36

• Added an “Appearance” page to the preferences dialog. It includes new settings for default button size, button and and slider knob roundness, and various other options. The Podium default is updated to use a button roundness setting of 50%.
• Added a shortcut for setting the default button size directly in the Podium UI: Place the mouse cursor over the project window menu bar, hold the Ctrl key down, and use the mouse wheel to adjust the overall button size. The entire UI will scale in realtime.
• Removed the slider knob style options from the Colors dialog. These settings are replaced by the new Appearance page in the Preferences dialog.
• The mixer horizontal zoom can now extend down to 20% of the normal strip size. When zooming below 100%, the various mixer controls will change position and size to accomodate for the narrow mixer strips. Double-click or Ctrl+click the zoom slider to set zoom to default. Double-click again to restore previous zoom setting. Dragging the mixer zoom slider will lock the zoom on the focus track.
• The arrangement editor zoom and slide tools can be used on the mixer strips. To zoom in/out on a specific strip, hold Ctrl+Alt and use click+drag or the mouse wheel over the strip. To slide the strips, hold Shift+Alt and click+drag, or hold Alt and use the mouse wheel.
• Redesigned various graphical details of the track inspector, track headers and mixer strips.
• Optimized the code for realtime UI animation. The animation of the play cursor, meters and other indicators will continue when for example scrolling the mixer strips, dragging windows, opening menus in plugins, etc.
• Simplified some UI features of the timeline ruler region. The previous separate menus for cursor, segment, punch and loop ranges are combined into one menu. The timeline edit mode is removed.
• Bounce enabling a track will create a dedicated bounce track in the effect chain, instead of enabling bounce mode on an existing effect track. The bounce track will show up with a “Bounce” button in the chain, which can be clicked to open the bounce menu. The bounce extraction point can be set by dragging the bounce track up or down in the chain.
• Changed the mouse wheel horizontal scroll shortcut from Shift to Alt, to match the Ctrl+Alt shortcut for horizontal zoom.
• The track automatic solo can be toggled with Alt+click instead of Shift+Alt+click.
• Added “show frame around focus track” option to the mixer region dialog.
• Removed the outdated “use name of device assigned to track” option from the effect track properties dialog.
• MIDI channel reset messages are only sent to MIDI interface channels that have previously been used. This reduces the total number of reset messages sent on playback start.
• Fix: Dropping a device object onto a partially hidden effect chain panel on a track header could cause a crash.
• Fix: Resizing the channel header panel in the sound editor did not update the wave display area.
• Updated the “Tracks”, “Track Inspector” and “Mixing” chapters in the Podium guide.

Podium Free was updated to 2.34, featuring updates to the Podium guide and minor UI improvements.

Podium is available to purchase for Windows PC, priced at $50 USD.

More information: Zynewave

Abstract Data has announced the release of Kicker, a kick drum and low frequency percussion synthesizer.

Kicker features

• 100% Analog, hand-made and tested in-house.
• Dual sine-wave oscillators with independent Pitch control.
• Punch switch for aggressive, high-impact sounds.
• Attack switch & Envelope Decay control.
• Can be Triggered using line-level Audio or a CV Pulse.
• Kick drums, sub drops, bass hits and more.
• Capable of very low frequencies.
• Manual available for download as a PDF file.
• Chrome-plated case & pro hardware.

Abstract Data Kicker is available to purchase in a limited-edition run for £95 GBP, incl. free shipping.

More information: Abstract Data / Kicker

Some interesting things I found recently:

# Prince – world exclusive interview: Peter Willis goes inside the star’s secret world

I’m sure you’ve read about this already since it’s all over the place but if not, check this:

"You must come and listen to the album," he says. "I hope you like it. It's great that it will be free to readers of your newspaper. I really believe in finding new ways to distribute my music."

He explains that he decided the album will be released in CD format only in the Mirror. There'll be no downloads anywhere in the world because of his ongoing battles against internet abuses.

Unlike most other rock stars, he has banned YouTube and iTunes from using any of his music and has even closed down his own official website.

Prince will not sell his new album on the internet, because… uh.. it’s completely over

He says: "The internet's completely over. I don't see why I should give my new music to iTunes or anyone else. They won't pay me an advance for it and then they get angry when they can't get it.

"The internet's like MTV. At one time MTV was hip and suddenly it became outdated. Anyway, all these computers and digital gadgets are no good.

"They just fill your head with numbers and that can't be good for you."

It seems Prince is either very clever or not quite with it…

# animal-style.com PULSE SEQUENCER

Joey Mariano writes:

This a CV sequencer i built (with an arduino microcontroller). It Sequences the pulse width of my guitar through the Control Voltage input jack on the Pulsemonger pedal.

I got the idea from tracking (composing) in famitracker, LSDJ and Goattracker. When you compose for the NES or the Gameboy, there are tons of effects you can choose from to make square waves more complex and interesting sounding – i always wanted to apply those effects to my guitar. So, once i saw that the Pulsemonger guitar pedal had a CV input for the pulsewidth i had to buy it. Sequencing the pulsewidth is one of the fundamental sounds of chiptune music – the ability to recreate this sound through my guitar was way too exciting.

Some interesting things I found recently:

# TRASH_AUDIO: Roland TR-808 Sample Pack

Surachai writes:

Justin graciously let me borrow his Roland TR-808 and when trying to program some patterns I noticed a few problems. A) I'm clearly too stupid to work this machine – I eventually figured it out but off the bat, both the Pattern knob the Auto Fill In knob were double teaming my brain and left me staring at shifting patterns that mocked me with changing tempos. B) The sequencing buttons themselves have been accumulating grime over the years which makes it difficult to activate a note. I would gladly take this thing apart and clean it but it's not mine. C) It's outdated. While the interface is preferred for many people, I'd rather do this on a computer or something more flexible like a Machinedrum. Long story short, I decided to sample it and save people the hassle of finding/buying one. Oh yeah and it's free.

# Soundsnap.com presents Frank Serafine (YouTube)

A peek into the world of Hollywood sound designer (and Soundsnap contributor) Frank Serafine.

Abstract Data has announced that the Hex Series of Analog Synthesizers and Effects is now available for sale.

These original designs will provide a perfect analog companion to your current studio or live rig and will serve as the basis for your new analog studio.

This series of instruments has been designed to pack a powerful, flexible range of sounds into a compact unit that is perfect for musicians, producers, programmers, sound designers and live performers – from all musical genres.

Each unit is built, assembled and tested by hand – ensuring a unique, high quality analog instrument.

Abstract Data Hex Series – Synthex, Morphex and Graphex

Abstract Data Hex Series

• Synthex Analog Synth & Sound Effects Generator
  Synthex gives you instant access to full-force, knob-turning analog power. Whether you’re a musician, producer, sound designer, DJ or live performer – all the best of analog fatness and warmth can now be yours.
• Morphex Hybrid Analog Synth & Effect Unit
  Morphex is an extremely versatile effect unit unlike any you have heard before. This crazy device takes any two ‘line level’ sounds and allows you to morph between them in ways that are both beautiful and bizarre.
• Graphex Dynamic Gating & Rhythm Effect
  Graphex is an absolutely vital effect unit that can be as simple or as complex as you need. If you have ever wanted to do anything more with your music than just press play – then this device is for you. This rhythmic chopping and gating effect lets you create and manipulate an infinte number of ‘trance-gate’ patterns, 303-style accents, drum loop edits and stutter effects – whether you’re in the studio or playing live.

Synthex, Morphex and Graphex are now available to purchase for £85 GBP each.

More information: Abstract Data