Roland Katana-Mini X, UDO Super Gemini Review, Valhalla Supermassive Update & Black Week Deals

Another week packed with music tech innovations is here. From Roland's compact Katana-Mini X amp to Fred's Lab Manatee synth and Valhalla's Supermassive update to Loopop's in-depth review of the UDO Super Gemini synth, there's plenty of exciting software to explore. Let’s dive in!

LATEST IN MUSIC SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Roland Unveils the Katana-Mini X Amplifier

Roland has introduced the Katana-Mini X, an updated version of their popular compact guitar amplifier. The Katana-Mini X features six versatile analog amp models, dual simultaneous effects, an onboard tuner, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rechargeable battery for portable use. With its robust wood cabinet and custom 5-inch speaker, the Katana-Mini X delivers the acclaimed Katana tone in a compact and inspiring package.

Fred's Lab Manatee: A Spectral Synth Powerhouse

Fred's Lab Manatee, a unique digital spectral synthesizer, is now available for purchase. The synth has been upgraded to 16 voices, four-part multitimbrality, and MPE support, offering users a powerful and flexible sound design tool.

Soundpaint Releases Version 3.2 with New Features

Soundpaint has announced the release of Soundpaint 3.2, which introduces new features and improvements to their innovative sound design software. The update includes expanded functionality and a free public beta for users to try out the latest developments.

Valhalla Supermassive Adds Pleiades Reverb/Echo

Valhalla DSP has released ValhallaSupermassive 4.0.0, a major update to the free reverb plugin that adds the new Pleiades reverb/echo mode, which the developer describes as "the best reverb in Supermassive."

Ragnarök 2.0: A Decade-Old Synth Gets a Big Update

Full Bucket Music has released Ragnarök 2.0, a big update for the unique software synth that emulates a one-of-a-kind hardware synth from the 80s. The new version adds a sawtooth oscillator bank, hard sync, velocity sensitivity, alternative LFO waveshapes, and a resizable GUI.

Midicake ARP v7 Transforms MIDI Sequencing

Midicake has released Version 7 for ARP, a major update to their parametric MIDI sequencer. Midicake ARP v7 introduces enhanced modulation capabilities and expanded MIDI CC output options, allowing users to create longer, more complex musical patterns with rhythmic diversity and controlled chaos.

DEALS

• Cyclopedia One by SoundsPhat, a sample library with 10GB+ of royalty-free sounds, loops, and MIDI crafted by Grammy-nominated producer Christian Beat Hirt offers a limited time 80% off, now $19.99 (was $99.99).

• Bitwig is offering significant discounts on its music production software during the holiday season. Customers can save up to $100 on Bitwig Studio licenses, including upgrades and renewals, providing an excellent opportunity to acquire the powerful DAW at an attractive price.

• KORG is running a limited-time sale offering up to 50% off on their music production apps and software, including the KORG Collection 5, KORG Gadget 3, opsix native, wavestate native, and modwave native. This sale is available until November 30th, 2024.

• Black Salt Audio is running a Black Friday sale where all of their plugins are available for just $29 each, no coupon codes required. This limited-time offer is valid until November 25th.

• Rigid Audio Everything Bundle, a collection of plugins and instruments comprising all 49 products from Rigid Audio - limited time offer of 99% off, now $25 (was $2,220).

• Waves Audio Black Friday DAWBuster Special, offering 3 plugins for $49.99 or 6 plugins for $99.98.

• Chase Bliss, company making highly innovative, analog-driven guitar pedals with extensive digital control, offers 15% OFF site wide till December 2nd.

• Thomann Cyberweek Deals, including the Allen & Heath Xone:92 MK2 mixer, Behringer DX 2000 USB DJ mixer, Reloop DJ controllers, Native Instruments Traktor Pro 4, Rode Rodecaster Pro II, and Sennheiser microphones.

DEMOS, REVIEWS & TUTORIALS

Behringer Centaur Overdrive: Honey, I Cloned a Klon! - Get a detailed look at the new Behringer Centaur Overdrive pedal, which aims to recreate the sound and look of the legendary Klon Centaur overdrive.

Music Production for Women Scholarship Program - MPW is offering four scholarship places for female/non-binary individuals to take part in their year-long Master Your Music program, providing over $10,000 worth of educational resources.

Polyverse CEO Assaf Dar Sagol's overview on Filterverse 0.9.0 - get a full demonstration of the new features in the latest version of Polyverse's Filterverse plugin, including four all-new effect types.

In-Depth Review of UDO Super Gemini Synthesizer - Ziv Eliraz from loopop provides an in-depth look at the UDO Super Gemini, a 20-voice polyphonic, bi-timbral analog-hybrid flagship keyboard.

FREE

A brand-new plugin from Waves Audio that will be available for free during the Black Friday weekend. Sign up now to get a reminder and secure your copy when it becomes available.

Maselec MEA-2 Precision EQ, a $99 value, is being offered for free to the first 100 customers daily during this Black Friday promotion. This exceptional EQ is known for its precision, musical and transparent sound, and is trusted by top professionals for its unmatched sonic quality.

Dawesome ZYKLOP, a free resynthesis-based synthesizer plugin. Features including its sample import and manipulation capabilities, various module additions (like filters and effects), and intuitive interface are demonstarted in Dawesome YouTube channel video. Also, highlighted is its ease of use in creating unique sounds quickly, even from basic starting points.

Aurora DSP offers Gorilla Bass Studio Suite, a free bass amp simulator plugin worth $89.00 USD.