NGEN 1.2 Firmware Update + New Batch

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Today we have some exciting news to share about NGEN: a new batch and the new 1.2 firmware update.

New 1.2 Firmware Update

The 1.2 update for NGEN is now available and it includes significant improvements to NGEN's performance and musical capabilities.

We've implemented a new threading system that takes care of managing and handling tasks across the two available cores in NGEN and, as a result, we've improve performance across the entire system.

With this new system, NGEN can now use one core for MIDI generation and the other for different tasks (such as display rendering, file management, and so on) to prevent any stutters or glitches during playback.

This means it's now possible, for example, to save and load projects while NGEN is playing.  Project changes are now queued and quantized to 1 bar to provide a more musical transition between projects.
The new system also helped us fix many bugs related to file management.

The performance gain provided by the new threading system also helped to improve the display refresh rate, the timing of delayed MIDI notes, file management, and the performance of many other repetitive tasks needed in NGEN.

The new update also includes new internal frameworks for creating, managing, and playing chords. Using these new frameworks, the Generators can more easily create and modify more musical and sophisticated chords and know what chords to play depending on the active key, scale, and transposition. For this update, we've updated the Pop generator to use these new frameworks.

NGEN 1.2 also includes improvements to the UI and workflow,  a new MIDI Thru setting, a "New" option for clearing the active project, and many bug fixes.

Update instructions and the complete change-log for the new 1.2 firmware are available on the NGEN User Manual at https://ngen.spektroaudio.com/

Additionally, we've also released 4 new templates for DrumGen:  Memphis, Boombap, Jungle, and Garage.
All available templates (including the new ones) can downloaded from the NGEN Resources repository on GitHub.
Instructions on adding them to existing units can be found on the File Management page of the NGEN User Manual.

New Hardware Batch

A new batch of NGEN hardware units is already being assembled and our plan is to start shipping in August 2024.

We’re currently getting ready to open pre-orders for the new batch and we hope to share more details (including pre-order dates) in the upcoming weeks. We’ll also update this blog post with additional information.

UPDATE:

Pre-orders for the new batch will be available on the NGEN page (spektroaudio.com/ngen) on two separate dates:

  • AUGUST 21ST, 2024 / 1 PM EST

  • SEPTEMBER 3RD, 2024 / 4 PM EST

Most of the batch is already assembled and tested so our goal is to start shipping units on August 26th. We expect lead-time to be 1-2 weeks.

All units are shipped from Brazil via International Postal Service or DHL (importing / custom fees may apply depending on your country).

We're also working with certain retails to have NGEN units available locally at certain locations worldwide and we hope to share more information about this soon!

Roadmap for NGEN

With the release of the 1.2 update (that focused on optimization, performance and fixes), our plan for the next update is to focus on the new features we've planned for NGEN such as pattern sequencing, file transfer between internal and external storage, and new generators / MIDI effects.

We also plan on creating more video tutorials to help users get the most out of NGEN. If you have any ideas / requests for future videos, please let us know via the Contact form!

If you’d like to keep up with our latest news, check out our new Spektro Audio forum and make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

Until next time!

Ícaro Ferre

New ACDGEN Updates now Available (Max for Live 2.2 & AU / VST3 1.2)

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The new Max for Live 2.2 and AU / VST3 1.2 updates for ACDGEN are now available and they include new features, improvements and bug fixes that let users explore ACDGEN's pattern generation like never before.

Here’s the overview video we’ve prepared to demo the new features available in these new updates:

Our goal for these new updates was to improve ACDGEN’s workflow, improve some of its core features, and fix as many bugs as we could find.

new PATTERN SELECTOR

ACDGEN can now store multiple patterns (of 3 variations each) per instance and the new pattern selector lets you instantly switch between all your generated patterns, delete the ones you don’t like, and give each pattern a unique name.

This new change lets users explore ACDGEN’s pattern generation in new ways by trying different settings, creating different patterns for different parts of a song, or even preparing patterns to use during live performances.

Each pattern contains 3 variations and all settings related to a pattern (original Algorithm, Transpose, Length, Density, Swing, Note Length, Velocity, Random Velocity and Accent).

Projects using older versions of ACDGEN can be automatically updated to the new pattern system when loaded using the new versions (both active and old restore buffer are recreated).

new variation buttons

The “Variate” button has been replaced with 2 new buttons: Favorite and New.

The new Favorite button (FAV) lets users mark variations as favorites (for organizational purposes) and the New button regenerates the currently selected variation based on Variation 1 and the Variation Amount tweak.

Improved midi clip export

The MIDI Clip export functionality has been updated in both Max for Live and AU / VST3 Editions:

  • Exported MIDI clips now contain the name of the pattern, variation number, and proper swing offsets.

  • The Max for Live Edition can now export to the current timeline position while in the Arrangement view.

  • Fixed related bugs

Users can use the updated MIDI Clip export and the new Pattern Selector in combination to browse through all generated patterns, export the best ones, and quickly build an arrangement.

improvements and bug fixes

These new updates also include:

  • Improvements to the ACDGEN algorithms

  • New MIDI mappings

  • New Chromatic scale (+ Whole Tone and Phrygian for Max for Live Edition)

  • Updated support for the Ableton Push (Max for Live Edition only)

  • Improved data storage

  • Many bug fixes related to both Max for Live and AU / VST3 Editions

The complete change log is available at http://acdgen.spektroaudio.com/manual/plugin/changelog/

These new updates are free for existing ACDGEN users (new download links will be sent via email).

ACDGEN – Max for Live Edition is available for U$14.99 at https://spektroaudio.com/acdgen

ACDGEN – AU / VST3 Edition is available for U$39.99 at https://spektroaudio.com/acdgen

If you’d like to keep up with our latest news, check out our new Spektro Audio forum and make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

Until next time!

Ícaro Ferre

NGEN + CV Toolkit Updates, New Forum, and Other News!

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Today we’re releasing a new firmware update for NGEN, a new minor update for CV Toolkit 3, new open-source tools for NGEN, and our new forum!


NGEN 1.1.2 Firmware Update

The new 1.1.2 update for NGEN is now available and it includes many improvements to different parts of the NGEN firmware such as:

  • New Scale Editor (beta)

  • Improved potentiometer readings (for better precision and smoother operation)

  • Updated internal framework for custom UI / controls.

  • Updated name editor, list selector and info view based on updated framework.

  • Improved project management

  • Important bug fixes for patterns, generators, and MIDI routing

The complete change-log, as well as update instructions, are available on the NGEN User Manual.

We’re also working on new video tutorials for NGEN that will soon be available on our Youtube channel.

I’d also like to thank everybody who pre-ordered units from our second NGEN batch. The feedback we’ve receiving has been incredibly valuable.
A third NGEN batch is already in the works and it should be available by the end of Q2 2024.

CV Toolkit 3.0.1 Update

A new minor update for CV Toolkit 3 is now available (3.0.1) and it includes improvements to Factory modules and the UI, updated Max framework and some bug fixes.

The change-log for CV Toolkit 3.0.1 is available on the CV Toolkit 3 User Manual.

Existing CV Toolkit 3 customers will receive a link for the new update via email.

CV Toolkit 3 is available at http://spektroaudio.com/cv-toolkit-standalone

New Spektro Audio Forum

The new Spektro Audio Forum is now publicly available at https://forum.spektroaudio.com

Our goal for this new forum is to have a hub for our users to interact, ask questions, report bugs, request new features and learn more about our projects.
While we’re always available for direct communication via our Contact form, this new forum will let us have more open discussions with other people about the past, present, and future of Spektro Audio projects.

The forum includes dedicated sections for our different projects so all users are welcome to join.

Open-Source Tools for NGEN

We’ve also released 2 new open-source tools for NGEN to let users further explore NGEN’s capabilities:

DrumGen Template Editor

The DrumGen Template Editor is a GUI-based application written in Rust + eGui that lets you create and edit templates for NGEN’s DrumGen generator.
Templates can be exported as .hex files and loaded into NGEN via a MicroSD card.

URL: https://github.com/SpektroAudio/DrumGenTemplateEditor

ngen_nsl rust library

ngen_nsl is a custom Rust library that makes it easier to create, encode and decode NSL scripts.
It includes all commands currently available in NSL and methods for importing an exporting .hex files.

Crates.io: https://crates.io/crates/ngen_nsl
Documentation: https://docs.rs/ngen_nsl/
Repository: https://github.com/spektroaudio/ngen_nsl

We’d also to remind NGEN users that we also have a repository for other NGEN resources (including factory content, 3D printable parts and other NGEN-related scripts) that is available at: https://github.com/SpektroAudio/NGEN-Resources

If you’d like to keep up with our latest news, check out our new Spektro Audio forum and make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

Until next time!

Ícaro Ferre

NGEN – New Batch, Hardware Revision and 1.1 Firmware Update

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Today we’re excited to announce some great news related to our latest hardware project: NGEN – Algorithmic MIDI Workstation.

Since the release of NGEN, back in January 2023, we’ve been working on NGEN’s hardware design to improve availability and firmware to include many new features, improvements, and bug fixes. Today we’ve got some announcements related to a new NGEN batch, a new hardware revision, and the 1.1 firmware update!

Here’s the video that we’ve prepared for these new updates:

Throughout 2023, we’ve been working on many new updates related to NGEN that we’re finally able to share with you today.

If you haven’t heard about it yet, NGEN – Algorithmic MIDI Workstation is a multitrack MIDI sequencer that lets you combine multiple generators and MIDI FXs to create and perform music algorithmically.

Learn more about NGEN at http://spektroaudio.com/ngen

NGEN Availability & Hardware Revision

One of the main roadblocks during the initial development of NGEN was the availability of certain central components to NGEN’s design.

To properly address this issue, I decided to revisit NGEN’s internal design.

I’ve designed a new PCB for NGEN that is based on more commonly available components and that can be manufactured at a larger scale than before.

The R&D for the new board, along with multiple other prototypes, ended up taking most of our time during 2023 (which is why we haven’t released more NGEN content so far) but we’re very happy with the results.

With this new hardware revision and manufacturing capabilities, we should be able to improve NGEN’s availability going forward while still providing new features to NGEN such as USB-C, internal memory for projects, and improved CV outputs.

New NGEN Batch

A new batch of NGEN units is currently being assembled and our goal is to start shipping these units during the second week of January 2024.

Pre-orders for the new batch start on December 15th, 2023 and it’ll be available through NGEN’s product page:

http://spektroaudio.com/ngen

All NGEN units are assembled and shipped from Brazil so, to avoid long pre-order queues / wait times and give more people a chance to pre-order a unit, we’ll be making more units available for pre-order on the page at the following dates:

  • December 15th, 2023 – 1PM EST

  • December 28th, 2023 - 10AM EST

  • January 6th, 2024 - 12PM EST

NGEN 1.1 Firmware Update

The NGEN 1.1 firmware update is now available and it includes a major re-factoring of the entire NGEN framework, as well as new features, improvements and bug fixes.

Let’s go through some of the changes available in NGEN 1.1:

Updated Framework

In order to support the new hardware design and increase performance and stability, we’ve re-factored core parts of the NGEN’s framework.

Everything from I/O communication and display rendering to syncing and routing has been updated to provide a better user experience and to let us continue to improve and expand NGEN’s capabilities going forward.

Pattern Generation

One of NGEN’s main features is the Generate button which lets you generate new sequences using one of the available generators.

While generating individual parts is fun, sometimes you may want to generate an entire new pattern at once during a performance or a studio session.

With the new 1.1 update, you can now algorithmically generate new sequences for all active tracks in your current pattern. It’s also possible to create sequence variations for all active tracks.

A new Randomize State switch is also available in the General settings.

When enabled, NGEN will assign a random state (full, minimal, fill, sparse, or muted) to each of your active tracks when you generate a new pattern in order to create more dynamic and unique patterns.

Each generator then automatically adjusts its settings according to the assigned state to better batch it’s designed characteristics.

NSL Generator

The beta version for the new NSL Engine generator is now available in the NGEN 1.1 update.

NSL, or NGEN Scripting Language, is a custom scripting language developed for NGEN that lets you write custom generators using a set of available commands documented on the NGEN User Manual.

The NSL Engine is a generator capable of running NSL scripts that features a 32-step sequencer with programmable pitch, velocity, density, and note length per step; standard parameters such as Shift, Length, and Density; as well we 4 generic parameters that can be accessed via the available commands.

Our goal for NSL is to be an open programmable generator in NGEN that lets us test new ideas for generators and users create their own generators for NGEN.

Please keep in mind that NSL is still in beta so we’ll continue to work to expand its functionality and improve its usability.

Pattern Management

The new Pattern page design now shows the generator and MIDI effect for the first 3 active tracks of the selected pattern.

You can now manage your patterns by pressing Function + Pattern while in the Pattern page.

The new edit modal lets you save, copy, paste and delete the patterns available in your active projects, as well as 2 extra options: Generate All and Variate All.

Generate All lets you generate all 8 patterns at once, with a push of a button.

Variate All on the other hand lets you generate sequence new sequence variations and for each of your empty pattern slots.

Generate All and Variate All also work with the new Randomize State setting.

Updated Generators

The ACDGEN and Polyform generators have been updated to include features from their software versions.

ACDGEN now includes new Accent and Base Velocity parameters and new Lead and Legato modes (introduced in the latest ACDGEN software updates).

Polyform now includes new parameters for Inversion Probability, Inversion Range, Chord Quality and Trigger.

Highlights & Change-log

Here’s a list of the highlights of the new NGEN 1.1 update:

  • Re-factored NGEN framework: increased performance and improved stability

  • Updated user interface design

  • Pattern Generation: Generate new sequences (or sequence variations) for all your active tracks at once

  • Randomize State: generate more dynamic and unique patterns by randomizing the state of all your active tracks

  • Pattern & Track Reloading: quickly reload a pattern or track from their last saved state

  • NSL Engine: New beta programmable generator

  • Updated Generators (ACDGEN / Polyform / MIDI Player / Thru)

  • Updated MIDI FXs (Chords / Shaper / Strum)

  • MIDI Clock now supports swing for 1/8

  • Free Clock can now generate a master MIDI clock

  • Extended Clock Rate parameter range

  • Settings are now organized by different sub-menus

  • The global Variation Amount can now be adjusted under the General settings.

  • Mute Switches: mute the first 4 tracks using the NGEN’s 4 main buttons while in the Perform sub-menu

  • Improved parameter control: coarse control is now available by holding down the Menu encoder while turning it

  • The entire active project (and all patterns) are now stored in memory to improve performance

  • New file format for projects with support for dynamic file size

  • Improved project management

  • Updated MIDI CC assignments

The complete change log for the 1.1 update and the update instructions are available on the NGEN User Manual.

Roadmap for NGEN

With the release of the new hardware revision and 1.1 update, we should be able to improve NGEN’s availability in 2024 and continue to work on more improvements and new features for NGEN.

We’ll also continue to work on porting and sharing features between NGEN and our other software products such as ACDGEN and Polyform.

For more details about NGEN, visit http://spektroaudio.com/ngen

NGEN is designed and manufactured in São Paulo, Brazil.

If you’d like to keep up with our latest news, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Until next time!

New Updates for ACDGEN are Now Available!

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Today we’re releasing new updates for ACDGEN – Max for Live Edition and AU / VST3 Edition which include new features and many improvements to the software version of ACDGEN.

Check out the overview video that we’ve prepared for these new updates:


2 New Algorithms - Lead and Legato

The two updates released today include two new algorithms: Lead and Legato.

Lead generates patterns that contain more sustained and spaced-out notes that can be used for lead lines and main melodies.

Legato generates sequences where all notes in the pattern automatically last until the next one (or the end of the pattern). The Legato algorithm can be used with sustained / legato instruments such as strings, pads, or even sequenced synthesizer patches.

When using the new algorithms, we recommend using a higher Hold Probability (available in the Algorithm Tweaks section) to increase the chance of generating longer / sustained notes.

These two new algorithms are included in both the 2.1 update for the Max for Live Edition and the 1.1 update for the AU / VST3 Edition.

MIDI FXs ported from NGEN

In the overview video for NGEN, we said we’d work on porting some of NGEN’s features back into our software products, and today we’re taking the first step in that direction.

The 1.1 update for ACDGEN – AU / VST3 includes 6 MIDI FXs that were ported from NGEN: Accent, Chords, Echoes, Glitch, Humanizer, and Spray.

These MIDI FXs can be used to modify and transform ACDGEN’s patterns in many different ways. The FX parameters (as well as the FX selector) can also be automated and modulated to create even wilder results.

For more information about the MIDI FXs included in the 1.1 update, check out the ACDGEN User Manual.

The new MIDI FXs are available exclusively for ACDGEN – AU / VST3 Edition.

Improvements to ACDGEN

The main goal for these two new updates was to update the under-the-hood ACDGEN code to include improvements designed during the development of the AU / VST 3 Edition and NGEN. These new changes will let us continue to maintain these versions and offer a more consistent experience between them.

These improvements include minor tweaks to existing algorithms, better MIDI timing, updates to the GUI design, and more.

For more information about the 2.1 update for ACDGEN – Max for Live Edition and the 1.1 update for ACDGEN – AU / VST3 Edition, check out the ACDGEN User Manual.

Both updates are available for free for existing customers. If you’ve already purchased a copy of ACDGEN – Max for Live Edition or AU / VST 3 Edition, check your email for a new download link.

ACDGEN – Max for Live Edition is available for U$14.99 at http://spektroaudio.com/acdgen

ACDGEN – AU / VST3 Edition is available for U$39.99 at http://spektroaudio.com/acdgen

If you'd like to keep up with our latest news, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Until next time

Introducing NGEN – Algorithmic MIDI Workstation

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After 3 years in the making, NGEN, our new Algorithmic MIDI Workstation, is finally available.

NGEN – Algorithmic MIDI Workstation

NGEN is a 16-track MIDI sequencer that lets you combine 12 different generators and 10 MIDI FXs to algorithmically generate drum / percussive patterns, basslines, melodies, chord progression, arpeggios, and much more.

Besides our already released generators (ACDGEN and Polyform), NGEN also includes completely new Generators such as Drumgen, Samba, Arper, POP, and MARP and MIDI FXs like Humanizer, Glitch, Chord, and Shaper.

You can use NGEN to generate a MIDI sequence to a single track in your DAW, multiple tracks, multiple hardware MIDI instruments, or anything in between.
It's easy to get started with NGEN but you're always invited to explore and take things deeper.
Combine different generators and MIDI FXs, route tracks internally (to get Polyform to react to ACDGEN, for example), set specific MIDI program changes per track, set generators to auto-variate automatically, save and recall different patterns, change the key and scale of all tracks in real time, save projects to the microSD, or control multiple tracks via the Performance mode.

Taking algorithmic music a step further

After releasing the first Spektro Audio hardware product ACDGEN – Hardware Edition, a standalone MIDI sequencer based on our algorithmic MIDI generator ACDGEN, I started working on my next idea: a new hardware platform that could host multiple generators so they could be combined to create and perform an entire song / music idea algorithmically.

So after working for over 3 years on 6 different prototypes, experimenting with different feature sets and hardware layouts, the NGEN is finally ready.

Algorithmic Composition

The core idea behind NGEN is to abstract the process of music composition through the use of different generators.

Instead of letting the user choose specific notes and program / record sequences (like most sequencers available in the market), the generators in NGEN use custom algorithms to create those sequences and offer the user indirect controls over these sequences via parameters such as Length, Shift, and Transpose.
This indirect approach let users experience music composition through a different perspective: instead of focusing on specific phrase ideas, the user is encouraged to re-shape these generated sequences in real time, curate and explore them in new ways.

The MIDI FXs included in NGEN let you spice up the generated sequences by adding MIDI-based delays, glitch effects, MIDI Program Change and CC sequencing, velocity randomization, chords, and more.

The Design

My goal when designing NGEN was to build a piece of gear that would be enjoyable to use both in the studio and on stage.

  • The parameter knobs and buttons are well spaced out so they can be easily accessed during a live performance.

  • The 1.3" OLED display provides sharp visuals that works great both in daylight and low-light.

  • The menu system in NGEN's operating system was also designed to be easy to read and use. It uses minimal design, large fonts (to make it easy to read from a distance), and always focuses on providing visual feedback to the user's actions.

  • The main four buttons (Track | Clk, Pattern, Function, and Generate) use mechanical switches (Gateron Green) to provide better tactile feedback.

Live Performance

Besides the hardware features previously described, NGEN also includes many features designed for live performance such as:

  • Shortcuts for quickly navigating to different pages, selecting tracks, activating patterns, and more.

  • Assignable MIDI Program Change per track and per pattern (for automatically switching presets on hardware instruments).

  • Extensive MIDI CC implementation: all Generator, Clock Generator, and MIDI FX parameters, as well as global functions such as pattern selection, track selection and scale settings, can be controlled and automated via MIDI CC.

  • Auto-Variation: automatically generate new variations of the current sequence (enabled per track).

  • Performance Mode: the 8 macros available in the Performance Mode let you map up to 4 parameters of any track per macro and set their min/max range individually.

Depth & Complexity

NGEN was designed, from the beginning, to be expandable and offer a variety of features that are needed to make it work as an Algorithmic MIDI Workstation. To achieve this goal, NGEN uses a menu system and multi-functional knobs.

Having this in mind, these are some of the steps taken during the development and design process to help users get familiar with NGEN's workflow and functionality:

  • Default settings were designed to help you get started as easily as possible.

  • Advanced settings and features are hidden by default to let the user get familiar with the core functionality first. These settings can then be enabled at any moment by the user.

  • The menu system consists primarily of 2 levels (main-menu / sub-menu). A third level is only used for more advanced settings (such as macro mapping).

  • While the Parameter knobs perform different functions depending on the selected Generator, common/related parameters are often placed in the same knob (Shift / Transpose on Param 1, Length on Param 2, Density on Param 3).

  • A Parameter List idle mode is available that displays a list of which parameters are currently mapped to the Parameter knobs.

The NGEN User Manual (available at http://ngen.spektroaudio.com/) provides extensive documentation for all the features available in NGEN, including various diagrams and screen recordings.

Experimentation and Exploration

Many features included in NGEN were developed with experimentation and exploration in mind:

  • Tracks input and output MIDI channels can be configured individually: while you may want to use individual channels per track, try combining multiple generators/tracks by sending them to the same output channel.

  • Auxiliary output: all tracks feature an aux output that can be used to send MIDI to another track. You can use this feature, for example, to send MIDI notes from ACDGEN into Polyform so that Polyform reacts to whatever ACDGEN is playing.

  • Different Clock Generators: the Free Clock offers an internal clock with advanced swing options and the Ball Clock let you use bouncing balls in an adjustable box to generate unique clock patterns.

Availability & Road Map

With the launch of NGEN, we're offering a very limited batch of units available for pre-order.
These units will be sold directly to customers and we'll do our best to ship them anywhere in the world.

Some of the components used in NGEN are still being affected by worldwide shortages, especially here in Brazil, so our plan, for now, is to build and offer small batches until these components are available in larger quantities so we can get units manufactured at a larger scale.

Going forward, our goal is to continue to work on NGEN's features and workflow via firmware upgrades and also to port all these different generators and effects that we've created for NGEN back to the computer as VST and AudioUnit plugins.

We'll also continue to offer and support ACDGEN – Hardware Edition as a great and straightforward tool for using algorithmic sequences in your setup.

The Spektro Audio NGEN – Algorithmic MIDI Workstation is available for U$599 at http://spektroaudio.com/ngen

The pre-order for the first batch will open on January 20th, 2023, at 1PM EST (Eastern Standard Time), on the NGEN product page.

To celebrate the release of NGEN we're offering a 20% sale on all our software products until January 29th, 2023. To get the discount, add any products to your cart and use the coupon NGEN.

NGEN was created, designed, developed, and built by me, Ícaro Ferre, in São Paulo, Brazil.

If you'd like to keep up with our latest news, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Until next time!

CV Toolkit 3 is Now Available!

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The new CV Toolkit 3 is finally here and it includes many new features and improvements!

CV Toolkit is a standalone software designed to generate CV and gate signals using different virtual modules that can be used to control modular and analog synthesizers in many different ways.

The new 3.0 version improves upon CV Toolkit's feature set, design, and performance in order to create a more intuitive and easy to use workflow.

Check out the overview video for CV Toolkit 3:

New Features in CV Toolkit 3

New Design

The new design featured in CV Toolkit 3 gives it a new modern look while maintaining a minimalistic and easy to use interface.

Sections such as the side bar, module headers, and Utility Rack have been re-designed to reduce clutter, improve readability and offer a more fluid experience.

Snapshots

The new Snapshots feature lets you quickly save and recall the state of all 12 slots as a snapshot and each Layout can store up to 8 layouts.

Snapshots can be saved and recalled instantly via the 8 buttons available in the Snapshots section.

You can use Snapshots to save different sections of a performance, different music ideas, or different variations of a patch, all based on the same combination of modules.

Quick Route

Although CV Toolkit has always featured a Routing Matrix to let you route signals between slots and outputs since version 1.0, we wanted to offer another way of quickly routing signals while you're still in the process of selecting what modules you want to use in your layout.

The new Quick Route feature in CV Toolkit 3 offers a new way of routing signals between slots.

To use Quick Route, first open the slot loader by pressing the letter M on your keyboard.
The new arrow on the top left corner corresponds to that slot's output.
To route it to an input of a different module, simply click on the arrow to activate Quick Route and select one of the inputs of a different module.

When you route a signal using Quick Route, CV Toolkit automatically updates the Routing Matrix to reflect that new connection.

Status Board

The new Status Board lets you monitor signals on the Gate Bus and check when CV Toolkit receives MIDI, MIDI Clock and OSC messages.

MIDI Generation

CV Toolkit 3 includes 2 new ways of generating MIDI messages:

MIDI notes can now be generated using the new MIDI Note module, available in the standard factory pack.
To generate a MIDI note, route a CV signal from another module into the MIDI Note's input, as well as a gate signal via the Gate Bus.
The MIDI Note module will quantize the incoming signal and generate a MIDI note whenever it receives a gate signal from the gate bus.
The velocity of the generated MIDI note can be set manually or modulated via CV.

As for MIDI CC messages, CV Toolkit 3 can now generate CC messages based on the eight outputs of the Routing Matrix.
This means that, combined with the CV to MIDI CC converters available in the Utility Rack, CV Toolkit can now generate up to 12 simultaneous CC messages.

With these 2 new methods of generating MIDI messages, you can now use CV Toolkit as a powerful MIDI sequencer to play other virtual instruments in your DAW and other MIDI instruments in your setup.

Oscilloscope

The Utility Rack now features a new combined oscilloscope that lets you quickly visualize signals routed to the RACK 1 through 4 inputs on the Routing Matrix.

Notes Module

The new 3.0 version also includes new improvements to the Notes module.
The Smart Tuner now works in Quantize mode and, while in Quantizer mode, the Notes module can output quantized pitches to the Pitch Bus.
This means you can now use the Notes module to control the pitch of other modules such as the Morphing VCO.

CV Toolkit 3 also includes native support for Apple Sillicon, major performance improvements to Layouts and Themes, and more.
All modules available in the Deluxe, Beats and Mod7 packs have also been updated to work with all new features available in CV Toolkit 3.

Here's the complete change-log for version 3.0 at http://cvtoolkit.spektroaudio.com/manual/changelog/

CV Toolkit 3 is available for U$19.99 and the CV Toolkit 3 – Complete Bundle (including all module packs) is available for U$49.99 at http://spektroaudio.com/cv-toolkit-standalone

CV Toolkit 2 users can upgrade to CV Toolkit 3 for U$9.99. Module packs purchased for CV Toolkit 2 will also work in CV Toolkit 3 without any additional costs.
If you're already a CV Toolkit 2 user, check your email for instructions on how to upgrade.
If you've purchased CV Toolkit 2 within the past 6 months (after May 1st, 2022), you'll receive a free upgrade to CV Toolkit 3 (also via email).

If you'd like to keep up with our latest news, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Until next time!

ACDGEN – AU / VST3 Edition 1.01 Update Now Available

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A new 1.01 update for ACDGEN – AU / VST3 Edition is now available!

This minor update includes Native Support for Apple Silicon (M1 / M2), Phrygian scale and a couple of important bug fixes.

The User Manual for ACDGEN – AU / VST3 is also now available at http://acdgen.spektroaudio.com/manual/plugin/

If you've already purchased a copy of ACDGEN – AU / VST3 Edition, check your email for a new download link.

ACDGEN is available at http://spektroaudio.com/acdgen

We've got more updates coming very soon for other projects, as well as a brand new project that we've been working on for quite some time 🤐

If you'd like to keep up with our latest news, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Until next time!


Polyform 1.1 is Now Available!

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The new 1.1 update for Polyform is now available and it includes many new features and improvements such as 11 new scales, new Balance and Spread parameters, Chord presets, and more.

Polyform is a MIDI processor that uses a custom algorithm to create polyphonic responses based on incoming monophonic sequences (such as basslines and melodies). Play a sequence or route one from another track into Polyform and it'll automatically generate a polyphonic response based on what's it's receiving.

Because Polyform works in real-time, it'll also adapt to any changes you make to those original sequences.

Here's the complete change-log for Polyform 1.1:

- Added 11 new scales: Minor Harmonic, Minor Melodic, Minor Pentatonic, Major Pentatonic, Blues, Dorian, Lydian, Locrian, Phrygian, Arabic, and Augmented.

- New Chord Preset option: set the intervals for generated chords based on different presets.

- Chord intervals can now be adjusted manually.

- New Spread parameter: spreads out the notes in chords by adding a short delay to each note (either sequentially or randomly).

- New Balance parameter: adjust note duration for single notes and chords in opposite directions.

- New Restore button: restore previously generated sequences.

- New Duration drop-down menu: fix note duration to time divisions (e.g. 1/16 or 1/4)

- New MIDI Thru option: when enabled, incoming MIDI notes are passed through to the device's output.

- Improved length variation.

- Fixed a bug that would cause inversions to delay certain notes.

- Presets should now be able to locate the device automatically.

- Updated note display to indicate chords, velocity, and length

- Parameter names should now be displayed correctly in Live's automation drop-down menu.

- Improved support for the Ableton Push

The new Polyform 1.1 update is free for all existing customers so, if you've already purchased Polyform, check your email for a new download link.

Polyform – Max for Live Edition is available for U$14.99 at http://spektroaudio.com/polyform

If you'd like to keep up with our latest news, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Until next time!

ACDGEN AU / VST3 Edition is Now Available!

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After releasing both Max for Live and Hardware Editions of ACDGEN, we're excited to announce that you can now experience ACDGEN in other DAWs with the new ACDGEN AU / VST 3 Edition.

Check out the overview video below:

The new ACDGEN AU / VST3 Edition includes all the core features of ACDGEN that we've developed so far and it's compatible with many modern DAWs such as Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, and Reaper (compatibility with VST3 or AudioUnit MIDI FX plug-ins required).

Our goal is to continue to support and update both Max for Live and AU / VST3 versions in parallel so we can better explore what each platform has to offer.

ACDGEN is an advanced MIDI pattern generator that can generate effective basslines and monophonic melodies. Instead of generating random sequences, ACDGEN features 8 different algorithms designed around effective music production techniques.

Once generated, you can modify the sequence's length, transposition, velocity, and density using the UI controls.

The sequences can be played directly from ACDGEN or dragged and dropped into your DAW as MIDI sequences.

If you'd like to know more about the differences between the Max for Live and AU / VST3 editions, check out the FAQ section on the ACDGEN page.

The new ACDGEN AU / VST3 Edition is available at http://spektroaudio.com/acdgen for the introductory price of U$29.99 until February 23rd, 2022.

The Max for Live Edition continues to be available (sold separately) for U$14.99.

If you'd like to keep up with our latest news, make sure to follow us on Instagram (@SpektroAudio) and Twitter (@SpektroAudio).

Until next time!

ACDGEN 2.0 is Now Available!

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The new 2.0 update for ACDGEN – Max for Live edition is now available and it includes many new features such as 10 additional scales, real-time parameters, new note and pattern shaping tools, as well as many other improvements and bug fixes.

Check out the overview video for the ACDGEN 2.0:

https://youtu.be/hYgWkNIDQ68

Our goal for the 2.0 release was to address some of ACDGEN's limitations and expand upon its feature set to make it a more intuitive, flexible, and expressive tool.

Here's the complete change-log for ACDGEN 2.0:

New Features:

  • Added 10 new scales: Minor Harmonic, Minor Melodic, Minor Pentatonic, Major Pentatonic, Blues, Dorian, Lydian, Locrian, Arabic, and Augmented.

  • New Clock Rate parameter: adjust the rate of ACDGEN's internal clock.

  • New Note Length parameter: control the total length of all notes generated by ACDGEN.

  • New Accent parameter: control the intensity (MIDI velocity) of accented notes.

  • New Period parameter for Pattern Shifter: change the period in the Pattern Shifter advances to the next step.

  • New Variate button: generates 3 new variations based on the previously generated pattern.

  • Velocity, Random Velocity, Key, and Scale can now be adjusted in real-time.

Improvements & Bug Fixes:

  • Updated design to improve usability

  • Improved density distribution: notes are now better distributed across the density range.

  • Improved clip export

  • Transposition and Length will now automatically output new values when selecting a different preset.

  • Improved Swing calculation: note lengths are dynamically adjusted based on the swing amount to prevent additional slides.

  • Improved note length calculation.

  • Improved pattern storage.

The new ACDGEN 2.0 update is free for all existing customers so, if you've already purchased ACDGEN, check your email for a new download link.

ACDGEN – Max for Live edition is available for U$14.99 at http://spektroaudio.com/acdgen

If you'd like to keep up with our latest news, make sure to follow us on Facebook (/spektroaudio), Instagram (@SpektroAudio), or Twitter (@SpektroAudio).

Until next time!

ACDGEN Hardware Edition – New Batch / 2.0 Firmware / ACDLAB

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Today we have three exciting new announcements related to ACDGEN – Hardware Edition: a new batch, a new 2.0 firmware, and a special (and unusual) gift!

NEW BATCH

We'll finally be dropping pre-orders for a new batch of hardware units very soon.

This new batch took a bit longer than expected because of new challenges caused by COVID, specially here in Brazil, but the units are finally getting ready to be shipped.

Due to restrictions imposed by postal services around the world, certain countries might have more limited shipping options available. These restrictions are still changing weekly for certain countries so, in order to avoid any issues, we'll manually check what options are available for customers.

We will also be updating an online table with the options we find for certain countries so customers can get an idea of the available options before purchasing.

If you'd like to get notified about pre-orders, make sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram and Twitter (@SpektroAudio).

NEW 2.0 FIRMWARE

A new 2.0 firmware for ACDGEN – Hardware Unit is now available.

The main feature of the new 2.0 firmware is that it now lets ACDGEN sequence up to four channels simultaneously and independently.

Although each channel can controlled independently and set to output to a different MIDI Channel, they all follow the same Key and Scale.

To switch between the available channels, hold Function and tap Generate.

The 2.0 firmware also includes a new internal clock, a new Auto Variate feature, a new method for controlling the swing amount, additional MIDI CC mapping, and more.

All new units will ship with the 2.0 firmware and update instructions + updater software will be released soon. We'll also release an update for the software customizer to make it compatible with the 2.0 firmware.

ACDLAB

Screen Shot 2021-04-30 at 11.35.26.jpg

To celebrate the release of the new batch and firmware, we're also releasing ACDLAB, a music groovebox rom for the Nintendo Gameboy.

ACDLAB is a fun way of trying ACDGEN in a fun and unique way. It features a synth voice sequenced by a trimmed down version of ACDGEN and a four part drum synthesizer.

You can try ACDLAB on any Gameboy emulator (such as mGBA) or on real hardware (via an SD card adapter).

ACDLAB is available for free at http://spektroaudio.com/acdlab

We also have some exciting new hardware and software projects schedule for 2021 that we can't wait to share with you.

If you'd like to keep up with our latest news, make sure to follow us on Facebook (/spektroaudio), Instagram (@SpektroAudio), or Twitter (@SpektroAudio).

Until next time!

Free Sample Pack & Monologue Presets

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Hi everybody!

As we all know, many people around the world are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to flatten the curve and reduce the transmission of the virus, many of us will have to stay inside our homes for quite a while.

Today I'd like to give back to the community and share some free goodies from my own personal collection to try to help other artists and producers get inspired and make more music during these delicate times.

If you'd like to support my work, check out some of the Spektro Audio commercial products such as CV Toolkit, ACDGEN or Polyform.

Free Sample Pack

I've put together a sample pack containing 1000 samples that I’ve recorded from synthesizers and drum machines that I've had in my collection since 2013 including the Deckards Dream, Korg Monologue, Lell UDS 2, littleBits Synth Kit, Reco-Drum (by Arthur Joly), Roland TR-606, Moog Slim Phatty, and the Yamaha TQ5.

IcaroFerreCollection_2.jpg

Please keep in mind that while you’re free to use these samples in your music (even commercial releases), these samples should not be re-named, re-packaged, re-distributed, or sold anywhere else.
You'll be agreeing to these terms if you decide to download the pack.

Most of these samples were recorded in 24-bit / 48kHz but the sample rate and bit depth may vary as many of these samples were recorded for my own personal use on different samplers.

Korg Monologue preset bank

The Korg Monologue is one of my favorite synthesizers of all time and I've been making custom presets for it since the day I got my hands on my unit therefore I’m also sharing a bank of 100 custom presets that I've created over the years (and that I've used to create the samples included in the sample pack above).

This bank includes everything from melodic presets (bass and lead) to fxs, drum parts and entire sequences.

To transfer these presets to your Monologue, you'll need to download and install the Monologue Sound Librarian.

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EDIT: This pack is now available on Korg’s website as the official 4th sound-pack for the Monologue titled 'Spektro Logs‘!

If you are not familiar with the Monologue, make sure to check out some demos on Youtube! It's an incredible analog synthesizer designed by the amazing Tatsuya Takahashi that sounds amazing and is very affordable.

More free content from Spektro Audio!

You can also find more free and open-source content from Spektro Audio on the Projects page such as free Max for Live devices (CV Toolkit Mini and CVpal Controller), Ableton Live packs (such as Wired Bass), Reaktor blocks (Spectral Processor and Routing Matrix), VCV Rack modules (Seasons), BEAP modules, Max packages and more!

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to get in touch via the Contact form or social media (@SpektroAudio on Instagram and Twitter).
You can also reach out to me directly on Instagram on Twitter (@icaroferre).

Make sure to follow the health guidelines provided by your local authorities and do your part so we can get through this as soon as possible!

Stay safe and take care!

Until next time!

Ícaro Ferre

Polyform is Now Available!

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Today we’re introducing a brand new product called Polyform!

Polyform 1.0 Promo Image 1.jpg

Polyform is a Max for Live polyphonic MIDI processor that can listen to monophonic melodies and basslines and generate a polyphonic response algorithmically.
Instead of trying to replace tradicional chord progressions, Polyform is designed to generate rhythmic polyphonic sequences and counter melodies based on other sequences and to react to changes in those sequences automatically.

It's a great source of inspiration when working in studio but also an extremely useful and fun device to use in live performances.

Here’s the overview video for Polyform 1.0:

Polyform is the second product in our line of algorithmically-based products and it works by generating a response sequence and matching it to incoming notes according to the parameters available on the interface. The user can interact in real time with the results via parameters such as Length, Density and Delay, as well as change sequencer settings and adjust the response algorithm to create different kinds of sequences.

We've designed Polyform to be a great companion for ACDGEN and other standard sequencers as it can add polyphonic sequences to live performances and react to changes in basslines and melodies in real time. When using Polyform with ACDGEN, you can instantly generate new basslines with ACDGEN and new chords with Polyform with a push of a button.

Polyform is available for U$14.99 at http://spektroaudio.com/polyform

If you’d like to see more about Polyform and our other products, make sure to follow us on Instagram (@spektroaudio) and on Facebook (/spektroaudio).

Until next time!



ACDGEN 1.3 is Now Available!

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The new 1.3 update for ACDGEN – Max for Live edition is now available and it includes many new features and improvements that were first introduced in the Hardware Edition.

Check out the overview video to see what's included in this latest update:

ACDGEN is an Advanced Pattern Generator that lets you create MIDI sequences using one of eight different algorithms with a push of a button and manipulate these patterns in many different ways. It's designed to be an incredibly useful tool for music creation and live performance.

Our main goal for the 1.3 update was to port some of the new features that we first introduced in the ACDGEN – Hardware Edition back into the original Max for Live device.

The most significant change in ACDGEN 1.3 is that it can now hold steps in order to generate longer notes than 1/16th. This means that ACDGEN can create sequences that sound much more organic and interesting. We believe that this change will have a major positive impact on the quality of the patterns that ACDGEN can generate.

ACDGEN 1.3 also includes the new Random Velocity tweak, that can be used to add randomness to the base velocity, as well as Keyboard Shift, a new option that allows the user to transpose the patterns in real time via MIDI.

The 1.3 update for ACDGEN – Max for Live edition is free for all existing customers. If you've already purchased a copy, check out your email address for a new download link!

ACDGEN – Max for Live edition is available for U$14.99 at http://spektroaudio.com/acdgen

If you'd like to keep up with our latest news, make sure to follow us on Facebook (/spektroaudio), Instagram (@SpektroAudio), or Twitter (@SpektroAudio).

Until next time!

Introducing ACDGEN – Hardware Edition!

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Today we’re introducing our first ever hardware product: ACDGEN – Hardware Edition!

IMG_0320 Cleaned.jpg

While our focus continues to be in software-related projects, there has always been an interest in making a physical product that would match our design principles.

The hardware edition will enter the ACDGEN product line alongside the Max for Live version, which will continue to be updated in the future.

As always, we’ve prepared a video to showcase all the features available in ACDGEN – Hardware edition, check it out!


ACDGEN – Hardware Edition is a standalone desktop unit that can generate MIDI patterns that can used to create basslines and melodies. We designed it to be fun and easy to use on stage and in studio.
It syncs via MIDI Clock, features USB and MIDI ports and, while it works very similarly to the Max for Live version that we first released back in August 2018, it also includes some brand new features.

Besides including the same parameters available on the software version (Key, Scale, Density, Length, etc), the hardware version also includes additional features such as random MIDI velocity, Keyboard Shift, MIDI CC sequencing, Shift modes, Swing modes and more.

We’ve also included a free software customizer which let’s you change certain settings of the hardware. These settings can be stored directly into the unit’s memory and loaded up automatically when the unit gets powered on.

If you’d like to check out all the features included in ACDGEN – Hardware Edition, check out the user manual.

All the hardware units are handcrafted in Brazil by Ícaro Ferre and Vinicius Brazil, the creator of the Vinicius Electrik Eurorack modules. Because manufacturing products like these in Brazil is both expansive and difficult due to logistics and limited access to certain parts, we’re only making 20 units for the first run.

If you’d like to purchase a unit, get in touch with us via the Contact form.

For more information about ACDGEN – Hardware Edition, visit http://spektroaudio.com/acdgen-hardware-edition.

Until next time!

GrainFlux 3 is Now Available!

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Today we are releasing a brand new update for GrainFlux, our Max for Live hybrid synthesizer. The new version 3 includes a complete re-design, major changes to the sound engine and many new features and improvements.

Here’s the overview video of the new GrainFlux 3:


GrainFlux is a synthesizer we first released back in 2014 that combines techniques from granular, wavetable and subtractive synthesis to create unique sounds and textures. What makes GrainFlux stand apart from other synthesizers is that it uses a completely unique approach to those synthesis techniques and offers the user controls that are now available on any other synthesizers.

For this new 3.0 update, we decided to improve upon it’s core ideas and add more features to make it more flexible.

The sound engine was completely designed and now sounds better than ever which allows GrainFlux to make everything from very subtle leads to extremely aggressive basses.

Amongst the new features, we’ve added a new Motion section that allows the user to scan through audio files to create everything from evolving waveforms to time stretched loops, new envelope follower mode for Env 1, and a new All Pass filter (which works great when combined with the Feedback fx).

Because of these new changes, GrainFlux is now also a great tool for artists looks for new ways to experiment with different types of synthesis in a very unique way.

The new Version 3 is also a free upgrade for all existing GrainFlux customers. If you’ve already purchased a copy, check your email inbox for a new download link!

GrainFlux is available for U$14.99 at http://spektroaudio.com/grainflux

If you'd like to keep up with our latest releases and projects, make sure to follow us on Twitter (@SpektroAudio), Instagram (@SpektroAudio) and on Facebook (/SpektroAudio).

Until next time!


ACDGEN 1.2 is Now Available!

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The holidays are almost here but we were still working hard this week to finish and release one more update for ACDGEN before 2019!
The new ACDGEN 1.2 update is now available and it includes new features, improvements and bug fixes.

Here’s the overview video for ACDGEN 1.2:

For those who don’t know, ACDGEN is a Max for Live advanced pattern generator designed to create 16th note, acid-style basslines and melodies via 8 different algorithms. You can also control up to 4 instances of ACDGEN from the Ableton Push 2 via the included ACDBRAIN device.

Our main goal for this new update was to include features that users have been requested as well as some improvements to make the device more useful and flexible.

Here’s the change-log for ACDGEN 1.2:

  • New Arp3 algorithm – The new Arp3 algorithm combines ideas from classic arpeggiators and other ACDGEN algorithms to create mode dynamic and interesting arp-like melodies.

  • New Note Display – ACDGEN can now display activate step, note velocity and density state.

  • Added 4 new presets for the main Transpose and Length tab buttons.

  • Added new option to enable or disable the Post Quantizer.

  • Key and Scale parameters now work in real time and can now be midi mapped.

  • Pattern display now properly updates according to the sequence length.

  • Improved Push 2 support: added controls for the Key, Scale, Restore and Export to MIDI parameters.

  • Fixed a bug that would cause the Swing and the Pattern Shifter to output doubled notes in certain situations.

  • ACDBrain Quandrant selector is now available in the Options view.

  • Settings tab was renamed to Main.

The new ACDGEN 1.2 update is free for all existing customers and new download links will be sent via email.

ACDGEN is available for U$14.99 at http://spektroaudio.com/acdgen

If you'd like to keep up with our latest releases and projects, make sure to follow us on Twitter (@SpektroAudio), Instagram (@SpektroAudio) and on Facebook (/SpektroAudio).

Until next time!


ACDGEN 1.1 is Now Available!

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The new 1.1 update for ACDGEN is now available and it includes a new complementary device, better integration for the Ableton Push 2, and some important bug fixes.

Check out the new video demo we’ve prepared to demonstrate the new ACDBRAIN device and the improved Push 2 integration:

Our focus for this new update was to make ACDGEN even better for live performances and studio jam sessions therefore we’ve developed a new complementary Max for Live device called ACDBRAIN, a free add-on for ACDGEN which allows the user to control up to 4 instances of ACDGEN from the Push 2’s User mode.
Because it uses the User mode, the user can switch between the Push’s regular functionality and ACDGEN at any moment by clicking on the User button.

Button layout for each of the 4 quadrants in ACDBRAIN.

Button layout for each of the 4 quadrants in ACDBRAIN.

ACDBRAIN divides the Push 2 grid into 4 quadrants and each instance of ACDGEN can be assigned to one of those quadrants. The 16 buttons available on each quadrant control length, transposition, variations, density and pattern generation according to the diagram on the right.

Each quadrant can also be assigned to different colors to make it easier for users to visually associate them with the different instruments / instances.

ACDBRAIN uses the open-source AP2JS script that we’ve developed for the Push 2. AP2JS is available at https://github.com/SpektroAudio/AP2JS.

Because ACDBRAIN and the new Push 2 integration were designed using new changes to the Max for Live APIs, Ableton Live 10 is required (ACDGEN will continue to work in Live 9 except for these new integrations).

The 1.1 update also includes the following improvements and fixes:

  • Patterns can now be generated via the Push 2’s 1/32t button (will light up green when track is selected).

  • MIDI Export now works when the device is grouped.

  • Note lengths on export MIDI clips now properly match the generated patterns.

While this release focuses on the Push 2, we hope to add support for the Push 1 and other controllers in future updates.

The new 1.1 update and the ACDBRAIN devices are free for all existing ACDGEN customers (new download links will be sent via email).

ACDGEN is a Max for Live advanced pattern generator and it’s available for U$14.99 at http://spektroaudio.com/acdgen

If you'd like to keep up with our latest releases and projects, make sure to follow us on Twitter (@SpektroAudio), Instagram (@SpektroAudio) and on Facebook (/SpektroAudio).

Until next time!

ACDGEN 1.0 is Now Available!

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Today we're excited to release a brand new product: ACDGEN!

ACDGEN is a Max for Live advanced pattern generator designed to create 16th note, acid-style basslines and melodies. It features an easy to use interface, 7 different modes / algorithms, automatic pattern variations, non-destructive pattern manipulation, pattern shifting,  advanced settings (Tweaks) and the ability to save generated patterns as MIDI clips. 

Here's the overview video for ACDGEN 1.0:

 

While working on my own live set for the past 3 years, I came accross many different bassline / melody generators (such as Skinnerbox's STING) however I always felt that they lacked certain features that I believe would be incredibly helpful when playing live therefore I decided to work on my own solution.

My goal for ACDGEN was to create a device that can generate really good results, help me do more while playing live, and is easy and fun to use to use live but also has enough depth to be used in studio.

 ACDGEN uses 7 different algorithms to generate it's patterns. Here's a brief description of each one of them.
     - Normal: a simple and straight-forward random algorithm.
     - Floor: uses a smaller selection of notes and has a higher probability of playing the fundamental / base note (great for basslines).
     - FifthOct: limits the note selection to the fundamental / base note and it's fifth.
     - Upwards & Downwards: generated a sequencer that tends to go up or down in the selected scale.
     - Up-Stepped & Down-Stepped: similar to Upwards and Downwards but it can also alternate between higher / lower notes and the fundamental / base note.

The device also includes other powerful features such as a Pattern Shifter (a 4-step sequencer designed to transpose the entire pattern), the ability to automatically generate and switch between different variations of the main pattern, a Restore button to revert to the previously generated pattern, a Pattern visualizer, and more.
 
 While ACDGEN was designed to be an incredible tool for live performances, it can also be used in studio. Features like the Tweaks view (which lets you tweak how the pattern generator works and influence the different algorithms) and the ability to export the generated patterns as MIDI clips are great when using ACDGEN for music production.
 
I believe ACDGEN is a great tool for electronic musicians who are looking to improve their live setup or new ways to get inspired when working on their next songs.

ACDGEN is available for U$14.99 at http://spektroaudio.com/acdgen

If you'd like to keep up with our latest releases and projects, feel free to follow us on Twitter (@SpektroAudio), Instagram (@SpektroAudio) and on Facebook (/SpektroAudio).

Until next time!

Ícaro Ferre (@icaroferre)