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127th AES Convention Coverage (New York, NY Oct. 9-12)
PRESS RELEASE
New Machinedrum SPS-1 from Elektron
October 25, 2001
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After two years of development at Elektron headquarters, the Machinedrum SPS-1 synthestic percussion sequencer is available. Machinedrum SPS-1 is a dedicated 16-track percussion synthesizer and arranger. It offers four 16-part fully tweakable percussion synthesizers with an advanced synchronised effect system with full hands-on control. The integrated pattern step sequencer is specialized for percussion programming. SPS-1 comes with 6 individual audio outputs and two inputs. The underlying premise of Machinedrum's design was to maximise the users creativity in shaping drum sounds and rhythms. As such it was developed using both the traditions of classic drum machines and breakthroughs in percussion synthesis technology. The result is a highly specialised synthesizer which is the state-of-the-art tool for percussion sound and rhythm creation. The Synthesis SPS-1 comes with four percussion synthesizers (MD-synths) each of which is created from a unique starting point. The MD-synths are built of several specialised machines which are all individually designed with customised controls. Each machine is designed to generate one type of drum sound, such as bass drum or claves. Each of the 16 tracks can hold any of the more than 40 available machines. The MD-synths in the Machinedrum are:
In addition there are also machines that handle the two audio inputs for sequenced gating and envelope filters. This allows for any external source to be used as a percussive sound. The Effects The effects of the Machinedrum are tightly integrated with the sound generation. The Track Effect System offers dedicated effects for each of the 16 tracks. They are always at hand with dedicated controllers and form a natural extension of the MD-synths to shape the definite percussion sounds. The Track Effect System consist of five concurrent effects: Amplitude Modulation, 1-band EQ, 24dB Lo/Band/Hi-pass resonant filter, Sample Rate Reduction and distortion. The track effects have been carefully selected to complement the MD-synths. The Stereo Master Effect system is composed of the Rhythm Echo delay, the Gate Box reverb, the Dynamix compressor and an EQ with parametric and Hi/Lo-shelf controls. The Rhythm Echo and Gate Box each has dedicated sends from the 16 percussion tracks. The EQ and Dynamix process the mixed main out stereo signal. Sound Control & Sequencing Machinedrum sequencing comes in two levels: Classic and Extended. In Classic mode the sequencer operates as would be expected of a classic drum machine, with the sequencer separated from the synthesis. Extended mode ties these two together by keeping track of the kit used for a certain pattern. In Extended mode all Synthesis, Effects and Routing parameters can also be locked to fix values for any step. This feature encourages creativity and inspires the user to easily build advanced dynamic patterns. In addition, the user is also offered unsurpassed sound parameter control with 16 syncronised dual waveform LFO's. The pattern based Percussion Sequencer of SPS-1 delivers control of 16 tracks of internal percussion synthesis or external MIDI drum triggering. 128 patterns of up to 32 steps are available for instant replay, step edit and realtime recording. Each pattern also offers step programmable Accent, Swing and Slide. SPS-1 can switch from Pattern mode to Song mode where patterns are chained together to form a song in a dedicated song editor. Machinedrum uses MIDI as its internal communications protocol. This means that all functions available in the Machinedrum can be controlled externally using the MIDI interface. All knobs and buttons that control the sound also transmit MIDI messages that can be recorded for external automation. Availability and pricing The Machinedrum SPS-1 is available only by direct orders through the Machinedrum website at www.machinedrum.com . Elektron accept orders from all over the world. All prices include express shipping, one year full warranty and a ten days money back guarantee. Pricing: Sweden: SEK 12,500, Inside the European Union: EUR 1350, US and the rest of the world: USD 1100 The Sweden and Euro pricing include sales tax as required by law. Specifications Percussion Control
Effects
Sound Generation System
Hardware
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