Wednesday, July 31, 2019

SOUNDWARE: Drum Mechanics. Two New 'Superkits'. Plus New Demo



I've finalised two new drum kits for Drum Mechanics acoustic drum sample project. The kits are for Reason's NN-XT sampler. 
These are the Tight Studio Pop Superkit and the Big Rock Superkit. 
I've called these superkits because they contain a larger number of components and samples including flam samples for all the toms. 

Check out the Big Rock Superkit YouTube demo below:




To check out the main Drum Mechanics page hit the link below.

https://thesound-lounge.blogspot.com/2019/06/soundware-drum-mechanics-reason-nn-xt.html


The Drum Mechanics samples are regular .wav files, so they can be uploaded to almost any sampler platform, but the kits are created for NN-XT and these are an integral and important part of the project, and to create your own kits using the raw .wav files would be rather time consuming, although they are all helpfully labelled so it can be done. I'm currently trying out a free VST sampler platform that would give all DAW users access to Drum Mechanics. I'll keep you posted. 

Here's my first YouTube demo for the Tight Pop Kit






Drum Mechanics was quite a 'slab' of work. It's one of the few Sound-Lounge projects that does have a price tag. £10 gets you the latest version. You can buy via Ebay:

or I can send you a Paypal Invoice. 

But, Drum Mechanics is an ongoing and ever expanding project, so I'll add you to the mailing list and send you all the updated download links as they happen. Usually every couple of months. Got some great new samples which will be available alongside some more new kits for late September/Early Oct 2019. 

Follow/like my Facebook Page for updates. 

Monday, July 29, 2019

OPINION: Streaming As A Promotional Tool. Don't Sell Your Soul To Spotify.

More Creative Uses of Spotify and Streaming Services.





As someone who's hasn't really produced a piece of music for commercial consumption for many years, I'm not really sure I'm the guy to spouting off about Spotify and itunes and all that. But I have some half-assed thoughts and being the loudmouth that I am , I'm going to express them.

From what I can gather the streaming royalties are negligible, so unless you're pulling in millions of plays a month it's not going to make you any real money. So why do it? Do you think so little of your music and art that you would just hand it to a Scandinavian computer company so they can hang their pay per click advertising program off it and pay you a pittance in return. Or perhaps, even worse, tempt you into one of their advertising programs so you can pay them to advertise your music so they can hang more advertising of your music........, etc, etc. 

The subsuming of the music industry into the computer industry has been incredibly damaging. YouTube, via Orchard music, now simply 'finds' music to put on it's platform and hang advertising off it, where it stays until anyone complains or objects. It all seems incredibly parasitic to me. 

Many artists in the early days of Spotify weren't convinced and kept their music, or at least most of it, off Spotify. Bjork and Prince were the two I can remember. Possibly David Bowie. These artists were right. They weren't prepared to be used. 

One artist that walked a line between the two positions was Imogen Heap. Upon the release of Sparks, she placed a version on Spotify that differed from the CD/Vinyl version. Every track of the album was accompanied by a verbal explanation of each song. It's influences and inspiration, what the lyrics were about, what instruments were used. Whilst all this was very interesting the first time round, repeated listens of this streamed version of the album was not a particularly attractive proposition. 

This, to me, seemed a rather creative way of using Spotify as a promotional tool rather than allowing it to use you. The idea being that you could sample every track from the album alongside the verbal commentary, but to hear the record as it should be heard, you would have to buy the CD or the vinyl version. Quite rightly. Although it has to be said, that version of Sparks has been removed and replaced by the full version. Imogen sold her soul after all. Perhaps Spotify objected or introduced rules to prevent this sort of thing. Not sure. Perhaps someone who knows could clarify in the 'comments'. 

But one thing that Spotify can't demand is that you either place all your music with them or none at all. So why not just give them a taster. Singles, live tracks or session versions. I know for a long time the only versions of Prince's songs you could find on Spotify were live versions.  

The other problem I have is that if you're prepared to simply give your entire album away for free on Spotify, then why should anybody else get behind your music. Why should a record store with any self respect sell your CDs or vinyl albums. It's a bit like the recorded music equivalent of booking a gig with a venue for £500 and then playing the place over the road for nothing the next night. 

I mean, no wonder record stores have all but disappeared or are relying more and more on second hand sales. 

Artist/Distributor: Would you like to sell my/our new CD?
Record store owner: Is the whole thing on Spotify. 
Artist/Distributor: Yes. 
Record Store owner: OK. Thanks but no thanks. Bye. Click. 


That would be my view if I were a record store owner. 
Wouldn't it be better to hold something back. Wouldn't it be better to be able to say to the record store 'we have a couple of tracks on Spotify, the singles if you like, but if anyone wants the whole thing, they'll have to come to you.'

The same might even apply to radio. Would you like to play our new song? Anyone can play it anywhere and anytime on their phone or computer, but you could play it as well. mmm...

How about holding a track or two back as radio exclusives.

A much healthier situation all round. If you give your entire album to Spotify you're really not giving anyone else the opportunity to come in and get behind you or support you. You're just left with the live market.  

That's how it used to be. Apart from some niche US prog stations, radio never played complete albums. 

It's one of the reasons why the 'radio session' used to be so popular. You could hear (and may be even tape) a Peel session, but they would be a bit rough. A version in between the live and studio versions. If you wanted the 'full strength version you would have to go out and pay a more than reasonable price for it. 


Same applies to Bandcamp, a much more 'music' oriented rather than computer/business site. The smarter artists only make some of their tracks available for streaming or limit the number of times they can be played.

Same with Spotify. Don't give them everything. Feed Spotify with only a taster of what you have. Create a much healthier, symbiotic relationship with Spotify. If you give everything then it's really only a one way street, and only one winner. 

Don't sell your soul.....









Tuesday, July 23, 2019

SOUNDWARE: E-Drum Mechanics Project. First Samples and Kits Available Now.




E-Drum Mechanics Electronic Drum Sample Collection and REDRUM Kits. 


Sound Lounge 'E-Drum Mechanics' is the partner project of 'Drum Mechanics'. Powerful, production quality electronic drum samples alongside kits for Propellerhead Reason's REDRUM virtual drum machine.  

Drum Mechanics is the acoustic/real sample collection with kits created for Reason's NN-XT. More information on that project is available here

Very much oriented to 'heavier' forms of rock, pop and rap music. Think Prince, Wendy and Lisa, Scritti Politti, Kanye, etc rather than Kraftwerk. More LinnDrum than 606/808.

The first 'tranche' of 200 samples and four REDRUM kits will be available below from 8pm 24th July. 


Drum Kits for Sitala




More big news is that next month we'll have the first E-Drum Mechanics kits for Sitala. Sitala is a 16 pad drum sample player with editing facilities. Sitala is a free download, which will mean anyone with a VST compatible DAW will be able to use the sound/kits, you won't need REASON/REDRUM, etc. You can download Sitala now from:

https://decomposer.de/sitala.html

Sitala doesn't have any form of drum sequencer, so you'll need to write and arrange your drum tracks within your DAW's own sequencer and many of them do now have dedicated drum pattern sequencing type features.

But I'll have the first four Sitala kits ready in August. 

E-Drum Mechanics is my ongoing electronic drums sample project. There will be regular updates including additional samples, re-samples, kits and loops, so be sure to bookmark and check back regularly. Even better, why not give me a follow/llike at my Facebook Page for all the updates. 


Downloads:

Just right click DM_E-Drum_Mechanics at the top of the page then select 'download'. Please read the disclaimer below before executing any downloads. 


DM_E-Drum_Mechanics_Free_Drum_Samples_July_2019


E-Drum Mechanics Current Specs:

Samples: 207
Kits: 4 (REDRUM)
Size: 50.9mb

Disclaimer:


The information contained within this blog post is offered on an informal basis and is correct to the best of my knowledge. I accept no responsibility for outcomes arising from the mis/interpretation or use of this information and/or associated download files. Always download files via security/scanning software. 






Wednesday, July 17, 2019

SOUNDWARE: Dmitry Sches / Computer Music. Thorn. T-MIX-ONE. 32 Patches.



Free Patches for THORN CM Software Synth. 


Free Thorn sounds/ patches. 32 in total. 8 bass, 8, pads, 8 lead, and 8 arpeggiated patches. Really only for the Computer Music version of Thorn. Available free with every copy of Computer Music magazine alongside a host of other instrument and effects plug-ins. 

This one probably is just for the CM version. The full version of Thorn does have some additional feature, including an additional oscillator. You can check it out here:

https://dmitrysches.com/products/thorn

I must admit, when I first kind of played around with Thorn I wasn't immediately impressed. Everything I came up with seem to sound kind of 'metallic', a bit sort of 'harsh'. 
But it's about getting to know a product. Diving into it. You get to understand it. It takes time. 
We can all be distracted by the latest offer, the latest deal on the latest wavetable synth, download the demo version, go through the preset, decide if you like it not. 
My own advice, for what it's worth, is to pick a synth and really spend time with it. Get to know it. Get into it. Don't be distracted by 'deals'. Don't be a hobbyist Don' just be a consumer. Be an artist!
There are very few products out there that are 'duds' or 'turkeys'. 
So much of social media is about the latest deal. A £100 synth is now only £10, etc, etc. 
But I've dived into Thorn. It's amazing. Since my initial 'playing around' I found a really powerful synthesizer that can 'do' warm / wide pads, biting synth bass sounds, great synth leads, and, of course, the arpeggiator coupled with the glitch sequencer makes for really interesting and original arpeggiated/ synth patches. Great for any form of modern EDM from dark/sinister hip hop to euphoric europop, to jazz fusion. 
Get to understand the relationship between the 'harmonic filter' and the 'subtractive filter', the 'oscillator' effects, and you're well on your way to getting your head around Thorn.  
Remember that word: 'original'. It's the key. The difference between success and failure. New sounds. New synths. Don't stick to the old 'classics'. 

So check out Thorn CM via Computer Music. Download the patches here. Check out my patches. But imagine what that third oscillator can can do. Frankly, it's terrifying! How much 'fatter' things will get. how much more 'biting', how much warmer things could sound, and get the full version of Thorn. It's amazing. 

As you may have gathered, I really like Thorn, and The Sound Lounge will become a major resource for all things Thorn. There will be many more patches to come for ThornCM and the full version. Thinkk 'original'. Think of a synth that sounds like no other. 
Follow my Facebook Page to get all the latest synth patches, drum samples and backing tracks. 

Demo track coming soon. 


Dimtry Sches ThornCM T-Mix-One Patches:

Download your free 32 Thorn patches here:


Open the link above, then right click the 'DM_T-Mix-One' folder at the top of the page, then select 'download' to download all 32 patches. Please read the disclaimer below before executing any downloads. 

Use these sounds for your own tracks, or use them as starting points. Play with the harmoinc filter, the subtractive filter, the oscillator effects and the huge modulation matrix. Get into Thorn. You won't regret it. 



Disclaimer:

The information contained within this blog post is offered on an informal basis and is correct to the best of my knowledge. I accept no responsibility for outcomes arising from the mis/interpretation or use of this information and/or associated download files. Always download files via security/scanning software. 









Tuesday, July 16, 2019

SOUNDWARE: Ghost Machine: Korg S3 Drum Machine Samples with REDRUM Kits





76 Samples from The Korg S3. 8 REDRUM Kits for Reason, and 30 Resamples. 


I remember being very excited and impressed by the S3 back in the day. I remember checking one out on loan over the all too short weekend after finishing a busy Saturday on Denmark Street. 
I seem to remember recording a track or too using it, as well. Probably consigned to a cassette in my ancient tape box. 
Anyway, from what I remember.......came out not long after the M1 as a kind of companion product. A bit more than just a drum machine, it was a sequencer and effects unit as well, a la Akai MPC Series.  
Quite 'upmarket' from what I remember. Six to eight hundred quid seems to ring a bell. Touch sensitive pads which was quite an upmarket feature on a drum machine at the time. 4 individual outputs in addition to L/R/M.  I think the samples were more geared towards 'real' rather than the 'electronic' although there was a bit of both, and there were two card slots for additional genre based expansion cards. Only the 'basic' sounds are here, I haven't been able to track down any of the samples from the expansion cards. 



Korg S3 REDRUM Kits.


I've developed 8 kits for Propellerhead's Reason REDRUM drum machine/computer. Reason is my DAW of choice, but users who don't use it will still be able to load the .wav files into their DAW/VST of choice, you will just have to create their own kits, or mix the sounds with your existing samples, etc. 

The Kits:
TightPop Kit (with Cymbals)
Tight Pop Kit (with Percussion)
Fat Pop Kit
Electronic/Hip Hop Kit.
Electronic FX Kit. 
Dub Reggae Kit
Dub Reggae Kit 2
Percussion Kit



Korg S3 Resamples:


Vintage products sometimes disappoint when you revisit them. Manufacturers years ago were working with severe memory limitations, sampling and conversion rates, and, of course, they were producing sound 'of the time' which may not age that well. To be honest going through some of the original basic samples sounding a bit, well....lame. 
Where revisiting these older vintage machines gets really interesting is when you start to edit them. Playing with pitch, shape, filtering, processing, and dynamics, and some of these sounds start to come (back) to life. 
So check out the resamples folder. 30 sounds that are heavily edited versions of the originals. You'll find some really nice free hip hop kick drums, wonderful ringing dub/ reggae snares, and some really sharp, crystalline percussion and cymbal samples. I think you'll like them.    

Korg S3 Brochure. 

A brochure is still available online from KorgForums:


www.korgforums.com/support/brochure/S3_1990_Brochure.pdf

Your Free Korg S3 Drum Machine Samples Can Be Downloaded Here:


Korg S3 Samples, Redrum Kits and Resamples.

Just right click the folder and select 'download' to download the complete collection. Please read the disclaimer below before downloading. 

Ghost Machines is The Sound Lounge's Free vintage drum machine samples project. 
Every month I revisit a discontinued and often long forgotten drum machine and package the samples with some kits (usually for REDRUM but I'm looking into 'wrapping' them with a popular free VST machine), some resamples (edited versions of the original samples) and sometimes some loops. 
I try and one every month, so why not follow me at my Facebook Page for new collections as they becoming available alongside my synthesizer patch collections, instrument samples, VST/DAW news and product reviews.

   

Disclaimer:


The information contained within this blog post is offered on an informal basis and is correct to the best of my knowledge. I accept no responsibility for outcomes arising from the mis/interpretation or use of this information and/or associated download files. Always download files via security/scanning software. 





  

Monday, July 15, 2019

SOUNDWARE: Widescreen Pads and Soundscapes for DUNE/CM



Dream Mechanics Widescreen Pads and Soundscapes for DUNE/CM
32 wide, smooth and cinematic soundtracks for Synapse Audio's DUNE/CM. 
Available with every copy of Computer Music magazine. 



Dream Mechanics 'Widescreen Pads and Soundscapes' for Synapse Audio DUNE/CM* VST Synthesizer.

32 patches of warm, moving and evolving soundscapes and pads for DUNE or DUNE CM VST software synthesizer.

All of the sounds heard on the demo are from the patch collection. Just single instances of each sound without any layering, played pretty much live into a sequencer.
YouTube audio quality isn't the best. It's just an Mpeg-2, but it gives you some idea of the sounds in the set, but please listen through headphones or decent computer speakers, etc. Not just laptop speakers.

Downloads:



You can download the sounds from the following link:


Just right click 'DM_Widescreen Pads_and_Soundscapes' at the top of the page and then select 'download' to download all the patches. Please read the disclaimer at the bottom of this page before downloading. 
There is also a quick brochure/guide to the collection:

Widescreen Pads and Soundscapes Brochure/Manual.pdf





*Synapse Audio DUNE CM is a version of DUNE available with any current copy of Computer Music magazine.
It's a full version with no restrictions on loading or saving. In fact, the demo track was recorded using DUNE CM.
It comes as a suite of plug-ins alongside many other VST instruments and effects


Disclaimer:

The information contained within this blog post is offered on an informal basis and is correct to the best of my knowledge. I accept no responsibility for outcomes arising from the mis/interpretation or use of this information and/or associated download files. Always download files via security/scanning software. 

Sunday, July 14, 2019

VST SOFTWARE REVIEW: Tone 2 Nanohost.




Great free VST host application available free from Tone2 software that allows you to quickly open and run a VST instrument without opening and setting up a larger DAW type program.

Great for live performance, sound/patch programming, and testing a new VST instrument. 

It doesn't require any scanning for instruments, just ask Nanohost to open the VST instrument you require from your VST folder. 

There is an ASIO control panel. When I ran Nanohost it instantly recognised the ASIO software and worked straight away. You can adjust buffer, etc as with any DAW. As Nanohost is a 'minimalist' host application, you may find that some more CPU hungry applications run faster, and with smaller buffer sizes than on your fully functioning DAW. 

Nanohost can even convert any VST plugin into a stand alone application. All you have to do is rename the exe-file and save it to the same directory as the plug-in. When you you start the plug-in, the VST synth is loaded automatically.

There are one or two other notable features. You can set a BPM in Nanohost so if you're syncing effects on a VST instrument the delay times, etc will be in sync, there's a random patch generator, and there's also a basic audio recorder which can creae a 32 bit stereo .wav file. 

Nanohost is an absolute must for anyone who spends time programming VST synthesizers. The ability to quickly and easily load up a synth and start working is great, but being able to rename the file and run the synth with a single click is a stroke of genius. 

Love it!


Tone2 Nanohost Links:




Tuesday, July 9, 2019

SOUNDWARE: New Demo Track. DUNE CM 'Motorik City' Patches and Samples.



An original electronic piece, For Man Nor Beast was recorded (with the exception of the drums) entirely using my  'Motorik City' patch collection for Synapse Audio DUNE CM VST software synthesizer, which is also available as a a collection of .wav samples. 

Click here to go to the Motorik City page to hear another demo and/or download the samples. 

Monday, July 8, 2019

BACKING TRACKS: July's FREE Backing Track. In The Air Tonight.





This month's FREE backing track is now ready to download from my Hearthis.at account. 
It's an extended/dance/techno/house/whatever version of Phil Collins monster debut hit. Just click the title above to go to the page, and click 'download'.

I've heard a number of 'dance' type cover versions of this mainly from female artists, and I do think the song does quite readily lend itself to this kind of treatment. This version is not based on any other version, I decided to do it and started programming. This is what emerged! So you'll also be adding something original to your set/show.

This version has an extended intro section so might make a great set opener. Maybe. There's also an extended middle/drop section so you can give you're tonsils a rest, or do that kazoo solo you've been dying to fit into a song, but there's also an additional verse/chorus section following that so you don't get too lazy. I would suggest repeating one of the verses for this. 

Here's the version with an instrumental vocal/topline so you get an idea of where the verse/chorus/drop/repeat sections are:





The free download is a basic MP3 (196kbps) file. I can remaster it in MP3 (320kbps), or WAV for enhanced quality. 

I can also perform edits so if you want sections repeated/removed, key changed, etc, let me know. Think this key is Dm. 

I try and do one free backing track per month alongside my other work so why not follow/like my Facebook Page for updates and news. 
I do custom backing track and programming work, and I also have original songs for artists looking for original material for demos, career development, and repertoire, etc. Please contact me via info@thenoizeworks.co.uk for collaborative suggestions or licensing, etc. 

You'll find more of my backing track examples at https://hearthis.at/simon-thompson/ and original songs, etc at https://soundcloud.com/stomo

Thanks for looking. Hope you enjoy your new backing track. 
Look out for another one for August!. 



SOUNDWARE: 42 FREE Production Kick Samples.


42 Electronic Production Kick Drum Samples. 


Filtered ,compressed, bitcrushed, and shaped production quality electronic kick drum samples. For all kinds of modern tracks. 
- Pop
- Hip-Hop
- Grime
- Electronic.
- Rap,

etc, etc. 

.wav files for most software VST samplers and DAWS


Download:


Use the following link to download the .wav samples. Just right click the '42 Production Kicks' folder to download them all. Please read the disclaimer below before downloading. 

42 FREE Production Kicks



Disclaimer:

The information contained within this blog post is offered on an informal basis and is correct to the best of my knowledge. I accept no responsibility for outcomes arising from the mis/interpretation or use of this information and/or associated download files. Always download files via security/scanning software. 

Thursday, July 4, 2019

SOUNDWARE: Dream Mechanics D-Mix-ONE FREE DUNE/ CM Synth Patches


32 Synth Patches for Synapse Audio DUNE/CM. 


A 'mixed bag' of 32 patches for Synapse Audio DUNE/DUNE CM.
Basses, pads, leads, polysynth, and arpeggiated patches. 

I guess by software synth standards, DUNE is now quite old. There was a DUNE 2 and there's now even a DUNE 3. 
But I've got to know DUNE via the Computer Music version available with a whole host of other instruments and plugins for the price of a copy of Computer Music magazine. Currently £5.99 or musch less if you subscribe. It is the plug-in bargain of the century so I see no reason to not continuing developing patches for it. 


Anyway, here we have 32 free patches. A general mixed bag of stuff. Any owners of the oringinal Synapse Audio DUNE should be able to download and use them, the only difference, I believe, is the onboard effects section. 


Demo Video: FREE sounds for DUNE / CM  

All the sounds from the demo below are from the collection, apart from the drum loops.



Download: D-Mix-ONE Patch Collection for DUNE:

Use the link below to download your free set of DUNE patches. Right click 'DM D-Mix-One' at the top of the page and select 'download. Please read disclaimer below before downloading. 





Loads more FREE synthesizer patches to come. At least one more DUNE collection this month. Why not follow/like my Facebook Page for updates. Regular FREE soundware news/updates, latest VST/DAW news, FREE backing tracks, and original songs. 

Disclaimer:


The information contained within this blog post is offered on an informal basis and is correct to the best of my knowledge. I accept no responsibility for outcomes arising from the mis/interpretation or use of this information and/or associated download files. Always download files via security/scanning software. 


Tuesday, July 2, 2019

SOUNDWARE: Vintage Drum Machine Sample Collection. REDRUM Kits. Resamples. Loops. Vol:1


'Vintage' Drum Machine Sample Collection with 18 Propellerhead Reason REDRUM Kits. 49 Resamples. 20 Samples Loops/Beats.

Over 700 great sounding drum sounds including some hip-hop dance music staples. 
The sounds are .wav files that can be auditioned and loaded by almost any DAW based or VST sampler, but there are also 18 great sounding genre based kits for Reason's REDRUM drum machine.
In addition,I've resampled a further 49 of the most popular kick, snare, clap and rimshot samples with edited filtering, pitch, envelope, length and dynamics to create some even better production quality samples. 
Finally, I've included 20 sampled loops created whilst developing the kits, resamples and demo tracks.  


Demo Track:

Some of the drum loops I programmed whilst developing the REDRUM kits. 




Note: somewhere between programming this demo and recording/uploading to Youtube, something weird happened to the 'bottom end' and the kick drums got 'mangled'. They sound much better than this, honest! 

REDRUM Kits:

The REDRUM kits are really useful for Propellerhead Reason users. 18 genre based kits that utilize REDRUM's powerful editing to produce amazing sounding kits from big 80s dance, hip-hop, classic electronic, and acoustic kits that go way beyond the basic samples. All ready to use in your productions/tracks. 


Resamples: 

I've included 49 of my own edited versions of the best kick, snare, clap and rimshot sounds from the collection. Edited with filter, envelope and pitch then resampled and saved as additional .wav files.  

Beats and Loops:

20 sampled loops and beats are also included. These are mainly beats I wrote whilst developing the REDRUM kits. I've sampled them and also made these available as .wav files. 

Download:

Please use the following link to download the folder containing the entire workshop/collection. Just right click the file: 'DM_XR20_Workshop' to download entire folder as a .zip file. Then use unpacking software to extract the files. Windows 8 onwards includes this. 7-Zip is a good free one. Total unpacked file size is 129MB. 

Vintage_DM_Collection_1


Please follow/like my Facebook Page for all my news. Regular FREE soundware news/updates, latest VST/DAW news, FREE backing tracks, and original songs. 


Disclaimer:

The information contained within this blog post is offered on an informal basis and is correct to the best of my knowledge. I accept no responsibility for outcomes arising from the mis/interpretation or use of this information and/or associated download files. Always download files via security/scanning software. 

Monday, July 1, 2019

SOUNDWARE: Kawai R50 Drum Machine Sample Collection and REDRUM Kits.




Feed your imagination with this Free drum machine sample collection for Reason REDRUM. 

This vintage drum machine collection features 19 samples (vast computer memory chips weren't readily available in the late 80s/early 90s), and I've created three REDRUM kits from them. 

Download:

Use the following link then right click the 'DM R50 Samples and Redrum Kits' and select download. The samples and kits are downloaded in a single folder.