Excuse me while I go wipe the drool from my chin. Here’s the full details on these tasty units.
Sequential Announce Prophet 5 and 10 Rackmounts
San Francisco, CA—Jan 12, 2021—Fast on the heels of the reintroduction of its legendary Prophet-5 synthesizer, Sequential today announced that it has created a desktop version of the acclaimed instrument. As with the keyboard version, the desktop model will be available in both five- and ten-voice configurations, dubbed the Prophet-5 desktop module and Prophet-10 desktop module, respectively. They feature the same authentic vintage sound and front-panel controls as the Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 keyboards, but in a smaller form factor designed for portability and space-conscious studios.
“Our introduction of the Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 Rev 4 keyboards has been hugely successful. At the same time, a lot of people have been asking us for an easy way to fit them into a smaller studio space or into a touring rig,” commented Sequential founder and original Prophet-5 designer Dave Smith. “It was an easy decision to create a desktop module to fill that need. The great thing is, we managed to fit the same big, ballsy sound of the full Prophet-5 into a desktop model. It sounds every bit as awesome.”
Like the original, the new Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 modules feature two multi-waveform analog oscillators, analog resonant low-pass filters and amplifiers, and a filter and amplifier envelope per voice. Modulation is provided by a multi-waveshape LFO and Poly Mod, a ground-breaking modulation scheme for its time that allowed the filter envelope and oscillator B to be routed to a variety of destinations including filter cutoff frequency, oscillator A frequency, and oscillator A pulse width.
And just like the new Prophet-5/10 Rev 4 keyboards, the modules feature genuine Curtis VCOs and filters as used in the Prophet-5 Rev 3, as well as the Dave Rossum-designed SSI 2140 filter — the modern counterpart of the original SSM 2040 Rossum designed in the Prophet-5 Rev 1 and Rev 2. A Rev switch on the front panel allows users to switch between the two as desired.
Also present is the new Vintage knob, which loosens up the oscillators, filters, and envelopes from voice to voice as they typically are in vintage Prophet-5s. Users can dial in progressively more vintage character from a very stable “4,” as in Prophet-5 Rev4, all the way to “1,” as in Prophet-5 Rev1, which was the most temperamental of all Prophet-5s. The original factory sound set is included as well.
Other modern enhancements include velocity sensitivity and aftertouch to increase expressiveness, as well as MIDI and USB connectivity. Control voltage and gate ins/outs are also present for connecting modular synths and other gear. The new modules are housed in a premium-quality, steel case with hand-oiled sustainable black walnut heartwood trim.
Both modules will be available in February. The Prophet-5 desktop module has a US MAP of $2,499. The Prophet-10 desktop module has a US MAP of $3,299.
David K Mathews, Santana / Etta James / Tower of Power (Part 2)
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David K Mathews has had, and continues to have, an amazing career across a range of genres. In Part 2 of our interview (Part 1 of interview – click here), David covers off his work with Etta James and Santana. If you’re a Hammond B3 player you’ll also love the detail David goes into about his rig..
Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):
Bill Beer organ customisations
Bob Schleicher’s Electronic Instrument Service
The Fantasy Vocal Sessions – have a listen
Desert Island Discs: Anything by Art Tatum, Elis and Tom – Antonio Carlos Jobim, any of Jimmy Smith’s Blue Note releases, Live / In Performance – Donny Hathaway, Albeniz: Iberia Suites – Alicia De Larrocha, Magical Mystery Tour – The Beatles (honorary sixth pick).
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.
We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a weekly newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month.
Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
David K Mathews, Santana / Etta James / Tower of Power (Part 1)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
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David K Mathews has had, and continues to have, an amazing career across a range of genres. In Part 1 of our interview, Dave covers off his work with Tower of Power and The Rat Band. And he’s only getting started….
Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):
Dave playing with Tower of Power
Desert Island Discs: Coming in Part 2!
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.
We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a weekly newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month.
Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
JV-1080 ROM Play: Have A Listen
Today I had the pleasure of firing up my ROlan JV-1080 after having its internal battery replaced and the capacitors replaced on my expansion cards after there had been some issues (if you own any JV80 expansion cards you may want to read this). Aussie synth heads will definitely want to check out Elk Elektronik if you need any repairs done, they’ve done a brilliant job.
Once I’d fired up the 1080 firing on all cylinders, I decided to listen to the ROM Play for old time’s sake. And boy did it take me back. So for those you used to own a JV-1080, here’s the three demo songs in all their glory, enjoy!
An easy introduction to MIDI 2.0
The MIDI Association have released a tidy little video giving a nice overview of MIDI 2.0, the first full iteration on 1983’s MIDI standard. If you find MIDI a little daunting, this should help put your mind at rest on how both new gear will communicate with each other but also how it will work nicely with your old gear.
Matt Johnson, Jamiroquai
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Matt Johnson has been holding down keys duties with Jamiroqaui for close to twenty years with huge skill and aplomb. We catch up with Matt to talk a bit of gear and a lot of great insight into approaching playing at this level.
Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):
Matt Johnson – With The Music Album
Matt plays Deeper Underground (without the train wreck!)
Desert Island Discs: Stompin’ at the Savoy – Rufus and Chaka Khan, Secrets of the Beehive – David Sylvian, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below – Outkast, Heroes – David Bowie, Still Life (Talking) – Pat Metheny Group.
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.
We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter. If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a weekly newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you. To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month.
Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
Clive Nolan, Arena / Pendragon / Shadowland
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If you think it’d be hard being in one successful band, try being in three on top of a bunch of other projects. Clive Nolan is best known for his keys work with Pendragon and Arena, but as you’ll hear he’s up to a lot more than that.
Links to content mentioned during the show:
Clive’s recently released book
Desert Island Discs: The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table – Rick Wakeman, Seconds Out – Genesis, Symphonie fantastique – Berlioz, The Best of Monty Python, Phantom of the Opera – Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Clive’s Top 5 Stephen King books: ‘Salem’s Lot, The Shining, Doctor Sleep, Mr Mercedes and sequels, Dark Tower books.
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.
We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a weekly newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.
To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month.
Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
Roddy Bottum, Faith No More / Imperial Teen / Crickets
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Roddy Bottum would be best known to most listeners as the keyboard player in the phenomenally successful hard rock outfit Faith No More. However as we’ll learn, Roddy is a musician with a prolific and diverse output, which includes the indie pop sensibilities of Imperial Teen, the dancey electronica of Crickets and the doomy metal of Nastie Band – all current projects. Add to this his current COVID isolation inspired collaboration with his Partner Joey Holman and his film score and opera work, it’s fair to say that Roddy is not only an excellent keyboard player, but a truly creative artist with plenty to share.
Links to content mentioned during the show:
Faith No More – Live 2015 at Hellfest
Man On Man – Baby, You’re My Everything
Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force – Planet Rock
Africola Restaurant in Adelaide
Imperial Teen – Don’t Wanna Let You Go
Roddy’s Film and TV compositions
Nastie Band – Falling In Love Again
Desert Island Discs: Self-Titled – Roxy Music, The Wiz Soundtrack, 1999 – Prince, 20 Jazz Funk Greats – Throbbing Gristle, Hunky Dory – David Bowie.
Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.
We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter. If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a weekly newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you. To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month.
Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
Komplete 13 Announced
September 1, 2020, Berlin – Native Instruments today announced KOMPLETE 13, the latest generation of its flagship production suite, with new additions including some of the company’s biggest releases from the last two years. The launch will coincide with that of GUITAR RIG 6 PRO, a revamped version of Native’s amp and effects modelling lab.
For 17 years, KOMPLETE has brought the very best from Native Instruments into a comprehensive production package for artists of every level and genre. KOMPLETE 13 is the biggest collection yet, and is available in four sizes; SELECT, KOMPLETE 13, ULTIMATE, and Collector’s Edition.
The latest generation sees some of Native Instrument’s biggest new releases join the lineup, including GUITAR RIG 6 PRO, CREMONA QUARTET (including STRADIVARI VIOLIN), ARKHIS, PHARLIGHT, STRAYLIGHT, MYSTERIA, SUPER 8, SESSION GUITARIST – ELECTRIC SUNBURST DELUXE, and NOIRE.
There are four new additions to the KONTAKT Play Series – BUTCH VIG DRUMS, LO-FI GLOW, MODULAR ICONS, and CLOUD SUPPLY.
The latest version also includes the CRUSH PACK, which puts a modern spin on distortion effects, as well as last year’s much-loved RAUM reverb.
Each bundle provides up to 90% off the price of the individual products, and as always, existing KOMPLETE users also have the option to save when they upgrade or update from their current version.
GUITAR RIG 6 PRO returns with an overhauled interface, new amps, new effects, and Intelligent Circuit Modelling – a new machine-learning modelling technology that can bring even deeper realism to hardware emulations.
The technology has already been used to create a new series of iconic boutique and vintage amps, each offering plenty of character and tone to be explored.
Users will also be able to pitch in and help decide what kind of hardware should be modelled for future updates.
The latest version also extends the platform’s capacity as a powerful effects rack for any audio source with 14 new additions from Native’s wider ecosystem – including REVERB CLASSICS, VINTAGE COMPRESSORS, CRUSH PACK, MOD PACK, SOLID MIX SERIES, TRANSIENT MASTER, RAUM, RAMMFIRE, and TRAKTOR’S 12. GUITAR RIG 6 PRO comes loaded with an inspirational collection of presets from a variety of heavy-hitting guitarists, bassists, producers, and songwriters including Yvette Young, Tim Lefebvre, Pete Thorn, Zola Jesus, and Butch Vig, along with many more to come with future updates.
Pricing and Availability
KOMPLETE 13
Available October 1, 2020
KOMPLETE 13 SELECT: 199 USD / 199 EUR / 25,800 YEN / 169 GBP / 299 AUD / 259 CAD / 1,699 CNY / CHF 209
KOMPLETE 13: 599 USD / 599 EUR / 72,400 YEN / 499 GBP / 899 AUD / 799 CAD / 4,699 CNY / CHF 629
KOMPLETE 13 ULTIMATE: 1,199 USD / 1,199 EUR / 144,400 YEN / 999 GBP / 1,799 AUD / 1,599 CAD / 9,499 CNY / CHF 1249
KOMPLETE 13 ULTIMATE Collector’s Edition: 1,599 USD / 1,599 EUR / 204,800 YEN / 1,349 GBP / 2,299 AUD / 1,999 CAD / 12,499 CNY / CHF 1,679
GUITAR RIG 6 PRO
Available October 1, 2020
Full version: 199 USD / 199 EUR / 26,800 YEN / 179 GBP / 299 AUD / 259 CAD / 1599 CNY / 209 CHF Upgrade: 149 USD / 149 EUR / 20,100 YEN / 129 GBP / 219 AUD / 199 CAD / 1199 CNY / 159 CHF
Update: 99 USD / 99 EUR / 13,400 YEN / 89 GBP / 149 AUD / 129 CAD / 799 CNY / 104 CHF
Further Information
KOMPLETE 13
https://www.native-instruments.com/specials/komplete/komplete-13/
GUITAR RIG 6 PRO
https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/guitar/guitar-rig-6-pro/