DJ Khalil Shares New Artist Expansion with Native Instruments

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Native Instruments releases hand-crafted sounds from an LA mastermind who has worked with the likes of 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Logic, Nipsey Hussle, and many more. Expect smooth funk, vintage synth tones, and hard-hitting live drums from a master of the craft.

This is the second edition of Native Instrument’s Artist Expansions, a new artist-created series which channels the signature sounds and leading music producers, sharing their own production toolkits with the world.

Years in the making, Artist Expansion: DJ Khalil sees the producer share a range of sounds that underpin his approach and signature West Coast style. DJ Khalil shares his distinct method for creating, recording, and sampling. From recordings of his personal synth collection, to live musicians from his studio sessions, DJ Khalil has created a comprehensive library dripping with his signature vintage feel.

The Expansion comes packed with almost 300 melodic samples and loops, 25 MASCHINE kits, and 34 BATTERY kits full of grooved-up bass, live drums, and one-of-a-kind synth samples. DJ Khalil also lets us inside his process, giving us insights into his sound design with original presets for MONARK.

Artist Expansion: DJ Khalil joins a growing range of over 60 Expansions. These sound packs contain everything a musician needs to create a full track in a specific style, and can be used in any DAW.

Artist Expansion: DJ Khalil is available now exclusive at the Native Instruments Online Shop for $49 / 49 € / £44 / ¥ 6,280 / AU$ 79.

Yamaha Adds YBS-82 Custom Baritone to its Saxophone Lineup

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Yamaha unveiled the YBS-82 Custom Baritone Saxophone, the first custom level model addition to the company’s venerated saxophone lineup.

Like its highly acclaimed Soprano, Alto and Tenor Custom Saxophones, the YBS-82 provides industry-leading reliability and consistency to professional jazz, classical and contemporary artists looking for the highest level of craftsmanship in a baritone saxophone.

As a Custom-level Yamaha instrument, the YBS-82 offers a variety of configurations that can help an artist achieve their desired sound. For example, the new saxophone features handmade neck options with varying tapers and finishes, including silver-plated, unlacquered, and gold lacquered to satisfy a player’s preferences.

A shorter bell length improves intonation, particularly when playing challenging notes in the lower register, while a one-piece bell provides rich sound throughout the range of the instrument. A new key layout improvises ergonomics and makes it easier to play the instrument comfortably. Yamaha also added a detachable peg, which supports a good portion of the instrument’s weight.

In keeping with the Yamaha vertical design philosophy, the newly released YBS-6211 and YBS-480 will contain features from this top-tier instrument.

“The YBS-82 offers the greatest level of customization of any baritone saxophone on the market today, as well as the highest level of craftsmanship and reliability for which our saxophones are known,” said Brian Petterson, senior manager, Winds & Strings, Yamaha Corporation of America. “The arrival of this instrument completes the Yamaha Custom saxophone lineup, offering expert saxophonists a truly world-class instrument able to bring their desired sound to life.”

Newfangled Audio Offers Half Off the Elevate Bundle

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Newfangled Audio is offering 50% off upgrades to the Elevate bundle. For a limited time, you can get the Elevate bundle for just $99 USD / 99 EUR (50% savings), with upgrades as low as $19. You’ll get Elevate, plus EQuivocate, Saturate, and Punctuate, all for one discounted price.

There is an Elevate Bundle Pricing Overview that is available through Eventide. Those who have an iLok account can use it to see what pricing they qualify for based on past purchases. That said, if you own Elevate, you may download the latest v1.5 update for free.

Elevate is the most advanced mastering plug-in ever created. This unique multi-band limiter, human-ear EQ and powerful audio maximizer will increase the loudness of your mix while maintaining or improving its dynamic perception. It uses intelligent, adaptive technology that responds in real time to your music; creating not only the loudest, but the best sounding master.

Developed by Newfangled Audio, Elevate maintains subtle dynamics and improves the tonal balance of your mix. The adaptive limiter analyzes 26 frequency bands and alters the gain, speed, and transients for each band in real time. The result is a transparent, natural sound, no matter how hard you push it.

The entire Elevate Bundle (Elevate, EQuivocate, Saturate, and Punctuate), now supports MacOS 10.15 Catalina, as well as other features. Grab a free trial or update your plugins to the latest builds right from the Newfangled Audio website.

Yamaha Introduces Second Generation Professional Baritone Saxophone

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For more than 35 years, the Yamaha 62 professional model saxophone line has earned the deep admiration and respect of jazz, classical and contemporary artists alike. Yamaha is introducing the second generation YBS-62II Professional Baritone Saxophone, which improves upon the ergonomics and intonation of the original model, the YBS-62.

The new saxophone retains the outstanding quality and playability of its predecessor, while inheriting high-end features from the company’s newly released Custom YBS-82 Baritone Saxophone These include a new key layout based on ergonomics that make it easier to play longer, faster and more comfortably, as well as a shorter bell length for improved intonation, especially for challenging notes in the lower register.

The UBS-6211 also features the addition of a peg receiver so that an optional peg can be attached. For the first time, a new case design adds wheels for easier transportation.

“The Yamaha UBS-6211 is intended for the professional or aspiring professional saxophonist looking for a reliable horn that projects and plays in-tune,” said Brian Petterson, senior manager, Winds & Strings, Yamaha Corporation of America. “The legacy of the 62 line of instruments is decades of exceptional quality, reliability and value. This new model improves on a design that was already the choice of top artists due to its outstanding versatility and quality craftsmanship.”

The Yamaha Second Generation Professional Baritone Saxophone YBS-6211 (MSRP: $13,997.00) will begin shipping in September 2020.

NEP Standardizes on Sony’s HDR Live Production Cameras

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Sony Electronics Inc. announced the completion of an agreement with international outsourced technical production partner NEP Group for the purchase of more than 50 Sony HDC-3500L and HDC-5500L cameras. A longtime Sony customer and collaborator, NEP will use these products to support live sports productions and entertainment events worldwide, giving at-home viewers front row seats.

“Our mission is to ensure we are bringing home viewers a spectacular image that replicates the experience of being at a live event,” said Glen Levine, president, U.S. Broadcast Services, NEP. “We have collaborated with Sony over the years and expressed our desire for a new camera that not only provided flexible HDR imagery, but one that was quiet, ran on triax and worked seamlessly alongside our other Sony cameras to provide backward compatibility. Sony truly listened and hit the mark when they created the HDC camera systems.”

The HDC-3500 is highlighted by a 2/3-inch 4K global shutter, three CMOS sensor system, which enables the camera to offer high modulation depth and wide dynamic range for HD and 4K production. The camera system supports HD, HDR, and 4K, as well as IP capabilities. The HDR-3500 has an exchangeable transmission side panel, which NEP is using to support both fiber and triax operation.

Sony’s HDC-5500 is a multi-format live camera employing the world’s first 2/3-inch 4K global shutter three CMOS image sensors, which ensures image quality in HD, 4K, and HDR live production. The cameras achieve a high frame rate up to 4K 2x and HD 8x.

Sony and NEP have shared a longstanding relationship, which is highlighted by NEP’s on-going use and advocacy of Sony cameras and monitors, which are the backbone of many of NEP’s mobile production units.

“ As these camera units were designed and developed, Sony relied heavily on feedback from key users, including NEP,” said Theresa Alesso, pro division president, at Sony Electronics. “This allowed us to create a robust and user-friendly model that incorporates new features such as HDR and Global Shutter imagers. Our HD cameras give users the option to customize their cameras with the capabilities they need most, while pushing the envelope of what is possible in live production.”

Voxengo Released Voxengo Boogex 3.0 Free Guitar Amplifier Plugin

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Voxengo is happy to announce the release of the next major version 3.0 of its Boogex plugin, a free guitar amplifier and cabinet simulation plugin for professional music production applications. The plugin is available in AAX, AudioUnit, VST and VST3 plugin formats, or macOS and Windows computers.

This version features the following changes:

  •  Implemented the “DynaCab” dynamic convolution technique
  • Added the preset list sorting function to the preset manager
  • Redesigned the knob image
  • Extended the “Color Editor” with color modifiers
  • Added the “Gray Blue” color scheme
  • Added the “Amp” enable switch
  • Now Boogex can be used as a plain stereo convolver when the “Amp” stage is disabled, and the “Pre EQ Mix” set to 100

Boogex is a guitar amplifier plug-in with a variety of sound shaping features for professional music production applications. With Boogex it is possible to get a heavy distorted sound as well as a slight “jazzy” saturation sound. Boogex is also able to apply any speaker cabinet impulse response (selection of built-in impulses is available). The processing latency is close to zero making it possible to use Boogex for real-time guitar processing. Boogex also includes reverberation module derived from Voxengo OldSkoolVerb reverb.

Voxengo Boogex and other audio plugins can be downloaded at the Voxengo web site.

Charvel Announced Two New Guitars

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Charvel Guitars announced the USA SELECT DK24 HSS 2PT CM and the USA SELECT DK24 2PT CM QM.

Harkening back to Charvel’s roots and born on west coast soil, the USA DK24 HSS 2PT CM models are meticulously built by the Charvel team at the Custom Shop in Corona, California, so nothing about these high-performance axes is overlooked.

Designed for modern players with discerning tastes, these all-new instruments feature an alder Dinky body with a scalloped lower back bout that works in tandem with a sculpted “shredder’s cut” heel to allow for easy upper fretboard access. The bolt-on caramelized maple “speed” neck has graphite reinforcement and a silky-smooth hand-rubbed urethane back finish for comfortable playability.

Built for highly technical playing, a 12”-16” compound radius caramelized maple fingerboard features comfortable rolled edges, 24 stainless steel jumbo frets, pearl dot inlays, Luminlay side dots, Graph Tech TUSA XL nut and heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel.

The HHS pickup configuration consists of a custom Seymour Duncan Full Shred SH-10B bridge pickup, custom Seymour Duncan Flat Strat SSL 6-single-coil middle pickup and custom Seymour Duncan Flat Strat SSL-6 RWRP single-coil neck pickup.

Other premium modern features include a five-way blade switch, Stratocaster-style skirt knobs for the volume (with 500K EVH Bourns low friction potentiometer) and no-load tone controls, Gotch Custom 510 recessed tremolo bridge with titanium saddles and thick brass block, USA made Sperzel locking tuners, and more.

The USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM is available in Quicksilver with chrome hardware or Satin Black with gold hardware, while the USA SELECT DK24 HSS CM QM features a distinctive quilt maple top wrapped in Autumn Glow or Blue Burst with masked-off natural binding and chrome hardware.

Fender Launches American Acoustasonic Stratocaster

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Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) celebrates the official launch of the newest model in the American Acoustasonic Series, the American Acoustasonic Stratocaster. Originally previewed at Winter NAMM 2020, this Strat is a continuation of the platform that the Telecaster started, giving players a new set of sonics and the undeniable Strat playing experience. This all-new model is inspired by its sister Telecaster platform, but also moves the series forward with creative options in new design and technology.

Building off the highly successful Acoustasonic Telecaster, released at Winter NAMM 2019, the American Acoustasonic Stratocaster ($1,999.99) features all-new tonewoods and voices with even more electric possibilities. Along with three unique electric voices on the selector switch, the Acoustasonic Stratocaster also adds all-new acoustic options, including short scale and concert body with a slotted headstock.

Designed with a fully hollow body and Fender’s patented Stringed Instrument Resonance System (SIRS), the American Acoustasonic Stratocaster offers a new sonic experience that is naturally loud and resonant both on and off stage. The hybrid guitar features an Acoustasonic Noiseless magnetic pickup that delivers a unique set of Stratocaster-inspired voicings and hum-free Fender electric tone, that can be played solo or blended with an acoustic voice to create new sounds.

The Fender and Fishman-designed Acoustic Engine powers the Acoustasonic Stratocaster and provides a new body style and tone wood combinations that enable musicians to curate an all-new collection of acoustic and electric voices. This contemporary guitar also features a mahogany Stratocater neck with an ebony fingerboard and thinline body that makes it both comfortable and easy to play.

Accusonus has a Beat Making Bundle Flash Sale

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Accusonus announced their Beat Making Bundle Sale. It features the Beat Making Bundle 2, which includes Rhythmiq, Regroover Pro, Beatformer, and all expansion packs, for $299. (Regular price $750). This sale is valid until March 19, 2020.

The Beat Making Bundle 2 includes:

Rhythmiq allows you to instantly jam with your beats. Get unlimited beat variations with the turn of a single knob. Generate and save new Rhythmiq patterns and instantly create fills and build-ups. Enable your A.I. Beat Assistant and let Rhythmiq perform your beats in real-time like when you are jamming with a human band-mate.

Rhythmiq is usually priced at $149. It is priced at $109 if you buy it individually as part of the sale.

Regroover lets you extract stems from your audio loops and enable new beat-making workflows. Use Regroover’s Artificial-Intelligence engine and get previously-unreachable sounds from inside your audio samples. Craft the isolated beat elements to create your personal drum kits. Instantly remix your loops and create your own loop variations.

Regroover is usually priced at $219, but is on sale at $129 if bought individually as part of the sale.

Beatformer enables you to effortlessly shape the sound of your beats with 4 intuitive controls: Boom, Punch, Squash, and Air. Blend analog-style processing with modern digital technology. Transparently fine tune or fully transform your beats with the turn of a simple dial.

Beatformer is usually priced at $99. You can buy it individually for $69 while the sale lasts.

Fujifilm Launches Mirrorless Digital Camera FUJIFILM X-T4

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Fujifilm corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the mirrorless digital camera FUJIFILM X-T4 in April 2020, the latest addition to the X Series of mirrorless digital cameras known for their compact and lightweight body and superior image quality based on the company’s proprietary color reproduction technology.The X-T4 delivers the world’s fastest 15fps shooting and a high-speed AF performance as fast as 0.02 seconds. This will a new flagship model, boasting the highest performance in the history of the X Series including the use of a five-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) mechanism that offers up to 6.5 stops of image stabilization.

The X-14 is a compact, lightweight and stylish mirrorless digital camera that inherits the “central viewfinder style” adopted by the X-T Series. The use of a newly-developed focal plan shutter enables burst-shooting at 15fps. This combines with a further-evolved algorithm for fast and highly-accurate AF performance at the speed as fast as 0.02 seconds, ensuring to capture a precious photo moment.

The camera is also X-T Series’s first model equipped with a five-axis IBIS mechanism that gives up to 6.6-stop advantage, making it a perfect choice for sports and other active shooting situations. The Film Simulation function, which reproduces colors and tonal expressions of photographic film Velvia and cinematic film ETERNIA, has been added with the ETERNIA Bleach Bypass mode, adding richness with its high-contrast and low-saturation.

The X-T4’s extended video functions include the 4K/60p 10bit video recording capability for smooth 4K video in rich colors, and a digital image stabilization (DIS) function for stable video footage with minimal camera shakes. Furthermore, a newly-developed high capacity battery will allow users to shoot approx. 500 frames per charge, catering to extended shooting requirements of professional photographers.