Drumbeam Controller, Wave Alchemy's drum sample pack, Behringer SPICE Synth & more!

Hey there! Another week, another round of exciting music tech news. This time we've got a next-level drum controller from afk-audio, a massive new drum sample pack from Wave Alchemy, and Behringer's latest clone synth. Check it all out and more below.

LATEST IN MUSIC SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Drumbeam: Next-Level Drum Controller for Electronic Live Sets

afk-audio's Drumbeam is a multitouch MIDI controller designed to be played with drumsticks. It features a customizable horizontal bar that can be attached to a drum kit or mic stand, allowing users to define up to 18 playing zones with adjustable size, location, and dynamic response. Drumbeam can handle up to four simultaneous hits and also detects gestures like squeezing and choking.

Wave Alchemy Drift Delivers 13,000 Drum Samples

Wave Alchemy's Drift drum sample pack includes 13,000 brand new, beautifully designed drum samples and 300+ inspiring presets. The pack can be used as a standard sample library or integrated with Wave Alchemy's Triaz plugin and Triaz Free Player for added flexibility.

Recursion Studio: Professional Visuals for Live Performers

Entropy & Sons has unveiled Recursion Studio, a unique hardware platform for creating real-time, interactive HD visuals from audio signals. The semi-modular system includes tools like a fractal feedback simulator, wavefront interference simulator, and oscilloscope renderings, allowing users to generate captivating visuals for live performances and productions.

Behringer SPICE: A Moog Subharmonicon Clone

Behringer has released the SPICE, a clone of the popular Moog Subharmonicon semi-modular synthesizer. The SPICE features the same sound engine and functionality as the Subharmonicon, including two VCOs, four subharmonic oscillators, and a pair of 4-step sequencers. Behringer has given the SPICE a more compact, horizontal design compared to the stacked layout of the original.

Elektron Octatrack Alternatives for Dawless Music

For those looking for an Elektron Octatrack alternative for dawless music production and live performance, GearNews has highlighted several options. These include the Novation Circuit, Roland SP-404 MKII, 1010music Blackbox, AKAI Professional Force, and Synthstrom Audible Deluge. Each offers a unique take on the Octatrack's combination of sampling, sequencing, and audio manipulation capabilities.

DEALS

• Pro effects bundle by Devious Machines - Infiltrator, Bass Focus, Multiband X6, Pitch Monster, Texture and Duck in a discounted bundle 45% off, now 265 € (was 529.98 €).

• Auto-Tune Unlimited, Auto-Tune Pro, and Vocal Effect Plugins by Antares Audio Technologies, save 50% on a year of these popular vocal effect plugins.

• Loopcloud Black Friday Deal, new annual subscribers get 10 free plugins worth $506 plus 6 months of free subscription.

• Drift by Wave Alchemy, a drum sample pack - 30% off, now £39 (was £69).

• Biverb by Soundevice Digital, dual reverb plugin designed to elevate mixes and bring depth to soundscapes at an introductory price of 15 € (RRP 79 €).

• SSL Native X-EQ 2, Native X-Echo, and Native X-ValveComp by Solid State Logic - up to 90% off until November 10, 2024.

• ujam Virtual Instruments - many titles over 80% off until December 9, 2024.

• Toontrack Expansion Packs for Superior Drummer, EZdrummer, EZkeys, and EZbass - up to 40% off until the end of 2024.

• HydraTek and Hidden Sound's Pipe In A Lava Field sample pack - a unique sample pack that captures the eerie, metallic textures of a disused borehole in Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula. 40% off until November 30th.

DEMOS, REVIEWS & TUTORIALS

Molli Looper Update Tutorial - Molli Looper is a realtime stereo effect for looping and filtering for iOS, Mac and Windows, designed as an easy-to-use live performance tool.

Eventide's Knife Drop Pedal: Presets Playthrough and Sound Demo - See a video demonstration of Eventide's new Knife Drop pedal, which combines aggressive fuzz distortion with synth-inspired tones.

What's New in Cubase 14 | Demo Video - Check out the new features and enhancements in the latest version of Steinberg's Cubase DAW, including Modulators, Pattern Sequencer, and Drum Machine.

Pythor Compressor Overview and Demo - Get a detailed look at the features and capabilities of the Pythor dynamics processor from Tone Empire, including its versatility on drums, instruments, and for creating a unique sonic signature.

FREE

AB Reference Tool by Mannix Squared, a free macOS and Windows plugin that allows you to compare your mix with a reference track to fine-tune your production.

AIR Music Tech Black Friday Freebie, a brand-new plugin from AIR Music Tech with a regular price of $99, available for free to a limited number of customers who sign up before the end of November 2024.

Soundtoys PhaseMistress, a powerful phaser plugin available for free until November 15, 2024.