Native Instruments Releases Free REAKTOR Blocks 1.2 Update

Native Instruments released the free REAKTOR Blocks 1.2 update. Blocks 1.2 adds major improvements for integrating hardware into REAKTOR-based setups. The update adds three new utilities, as well as introducing a MASCHINE sequencer and a set of eight drum modules designed to recreate the sound of a legendary drum machine. Coinciding with the release is a new series of tutorials demonstrating Blocks integration. The Blocks 1.2 update is available for free via the NI Service Center.

REAKTOR Blocks 1.2 brings several new Blocks to Native Instruments’ rack-style modular framework. The Pitch CV Out Block sends pitch CV and Gate signals to external hardware. Convenient auto-calibration tunes oscillators and calibrates the pitch CV signal sent out of REAKTOR. Calibration can be saved per snapshot. The Gates and Triggers Block generate up to four gates and triggers from incoming signals, allowing users to ping filters, trigger function generators and envelopes, clock sequencers, and much more. The MIDI Out module converts pitch and gate information from any Blocks patch into MIDI signals for controlling external MIDI gear. The module also functions as a four-channel CV to MIDI CC converter. These new devices also expand REAKTOR’s existing OSC capability, allowing users to transform incoming OSC signals into MIDI or CV/gate signals to control their external hardware.

REAKTOR Blocks 1.2 also marks the release of nine new Blocks that add enhanced functionality to MASCHINE and dedicated drum voices to the REAKTOR Blocks framework. The MASCHINE Sequencer Block is an eight-channel trigger sequencer designed to control Blocks patches directly the MASCHINE MK2 controller. The sequencer also features a Euclidean pattern generator that automatically creates new polyrhythmic structures within a sequence. The MASCHINE Sequencer Block is available free in the NI User Library. Niji Drum Blocks are eight drum modules that recreate the sound of a legendary drum machine. Combining these voices with the MASCHINE sequencer allows users to create their own custom drum machines.

Released in conjunction with the Blocks 1.2 update, Owen Vallis of the online education platform Kadenze has created a series of tutorials demonstrating how to integrate a setup – including hardware – with the new Blocks included in the update.

The Blocks 1.2 update is available free via the NI Service Center.

Additional information on REAKTOR 6 is available at:
www.native-instruments.com/reaktor6

Sennheiser launches new frequency variant for evolution wireless

Old Lyme, Conn., June 16, 2016 – With the forthcoming changes in spectrum allocation in the USA and Canada, audio specialist Sennheiser is anticipating future customer needs with the release of a new frequency variant of its popular evolution wireless ew 100 G3 and ew 300 IEM G3 series. From July, the wireless microphone and monitoring systems will be available in an A1 variant, which covers the frequency range from 470 to 516 MHz.

To accommodate the increasing demand for mobile broadband services in North America, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Industry of Canada (IC) have agreed on a future reallocation of spectrum in the UHF band. The 600 MHz range, which is currently used for TV broadcast and wireless microphones, will be repurposed based on the results of a spectrum auction.

Sennheiser has prepared for future spectrum reallocation with the launch of a new frequency variant for two of its most popular wireless series, offering its customers an additional solution today that is ready for the demands of future years. The ew 100 G3 wireless microphone series and the ew 300 IEM G3 wireless monitoring series (all systems and single components) will be produced in an additional A1 frequency variant for operation between 470 MHz and 516 MHz.

Martin Fischer, product manager for Sennheiser’s Live Performance & Music segment: “While the process of spectrum reallocation in North America is expected to take several years, including a transitional stage, we are creating these new versions well in advance of the changes to ensure that customers seeking a high-quality wireless solution today can enjoy the brilliant flexibility and features of evolution wireless into the foreseeable future.”

ew 100 G3-A1 and ew 300 IEM G3-A1 will become available in the U.S. and Canada from July 2016.