Produced by sampling expert Uli Baronowsky, the creator of the ‘Galaxy’ piano series, THE GIANT captures the sound of the original instrument in meticulous detail. This upright piano stands over three meters high and weighs over two tons, with a soundboard roughly twice the size of a typical 9′ concert grand piano soundboard. Its unique sound forms the core of THE GIANT, which complements the dynamic and authentic playability of the original with powerful controls for shaping and modifying the sound. Additionally, 40 production-ready presets provide instant starting points for numerous musical styles.

THE GIANT comprises two separate instruments in one, each with its own graphical user interface and detail controls. While the versatile piano sound of the ‘day’ version is suitable for a wide range of styles and genres, the ‘night’ version turns THE GIANT into a cinematic tool suited to atmospheric scores, sound design and avant-garde productions. With ‘Tone’, ‘Color’ and an XXL button, the ‘day’ instrument provides three basic control sections for adding sustain, space and character to the sound. The ‘night’ instrument includes unconventional, individually-sampled sound sources including overtones, resonances, plucked strings, release sounds and special techniques such as piano hits, kicks, sweeps or scratches. The physical elements of the instrument, including dynamics, tuning, noises, overtones or stereo image can be conveniently controlled via the ‘Anatomy’ parameters.

THE GIANT runs in KONTAKT 5 or the free KONTAKT 5 PLAYER. It is available now for $119 / 99 EUR / 9,800 YEN from the NI Online Shop.

Additional information on THE GIANT is available at
www.native-instruments.com/thegiant .

About Native Instruments:
Native Instruments is a leading manufacturer of software and hardware for computer-based music production and DJing. The company’s mission is to develop innovative, fully integrated solutions for all professions, styles and genres. The resulting products regularly push technological boundaries and open up new creative horizons for professionals and amateurs alike.

Moog Music will feature a brand new line of product-inspired apparel boasting graphics bold enough to induce a geekfest for synth enthusiasts everywhere. DVDs, CDs, mugs and other ephemera will be part of the benefit promotion.

Moog Music clothing and merchandise can be purchased from the company’s online store: www.moogmusic.com/products/clothing and www.moogmusic.com/products/merchandise. Moog instruments are not included in this annual fundraising event for the Bob Moog Foundation.

The promotion was created to include Moog customers around the world in the company’s support of the Bob Moog Foundation’s educational outreach efforts. Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool is a STEAM-based initiative, combining science, technology, engineering, art and math. It brings the late inventor’s work and spirit alive for children by teaching the physics of sound through intuitive engaging educational materials, including the theremin.

“Moog Music and our customers celebrate Bob’s pioneering legacy. In a time when science achievement is declining in this country, we are proud to support the Bob Moog Foundation in their efforts to bring science alive through electronic music. We invite all of our customers to make a purchase online on May 23rd and support the Foundation’s important work,” said Mike Adams, Moog Music President & CEO.

Moog Music, Inc. is the world’s leading producer of innovative analog synthesizers. The Bob Moog Foundation is an independent non-profit organization with a mission of igniting creativity at the intersection of music, science and innovation.

Read more about Moog Music at www.moogmusic.com
Read more about the Bob Moog Foundation at: www.bobmoogfoundation.org

Any of the 48 final mixes in the ASPEN matrix can be assigned to any one or more of the Dante channels for transport to other endpoints in the network. Dante signals can also be imported into the ASPEN matrix in a local processor sub-system for mixing with other local and network signals, and then routed onward to other local or network devices.

Audinate is leading the way networks are connected by transporting high-quality media over standard IT networks. Its Dante products deliver a no-hassle, self-configuring, true plug-and-play digital audio network that uses standard Internet Protocols. Dante offers a market leading solution today, while de-risking the future by providing a migration path to upgrade to new standards such as the IEEE Audio Video Bridging (“AVB”). The Dante network provides plug ‘n play simplicity with auto discovery and master/slave configuration to synchronize the system clock.

The new processor was debuted at the ISE2012 Convention in Amsterdam in January and met with an enthusiastic reception. A redundant network was installed in the exhibit stand between two ASPEN processor stacks, with audio transported back and forth for demonstration. Part of the demonstration was to disconnect one of the network cable connections while listening to the audio signal to test the redundancy. There were absolutely zero audible artifacts when the cables were disconnected and re-connected. Attendees visiting the exhibit stand were extremely pleased to discover a network audio transport solution that was so simple to set up, yet so flexible and robust.

“Lectrosonics has been one of our OEM’s that understood from the beginning the power of Dante and how to utilize its powerful features to help their customers reap the benefits,” says Lee Ellison Audinate’s CEO. “Each time I walked past their booth at ISE, it was very evident that their new Dante enabled ASPEN processor was getting a lot of attention.”

To quote Gordon Moore, Vice-President of Sales at Lectrosonics, “We spent the entire ISE show demonstrating the system to interested users and, in spite of our deliberate efforts, failed to break the system. Dante has proven to be robust, reliable and incredibly easy to configure. Our customers have long asked for a low latency, easy to use, audio transport over Ethernet system. Dante delivers all that is promised. To say that we are excited about the potential is an understatement.”

The combination of the advanced networking solution of Dante and the massive processing power of ASPEN will no doubt lead to significant advances in system designs for telepresence, room combining, courtroom complex, distance learning and multi-endpoint sound systems.

ControlBLADEs are all-in-one music production stations complete with piano keys, drum trigger pads, knobs, sliders, thousands of sound presets and software for live and studio use. They allow users to compose, record, mix, and master songs that are ready for radio or direct Internet distribution.

The new Gen2 ControlBLADEs are powered by high-performance computer cores utilizing Intel® Core i-series® third-generation (Ivy Bridge) processors that are perfect for today’s demanding musicians and the virtual instruments and software application they use. Options include i5 and i7 quad core versions. The Windows 7 (64-bit) operating system is pre-configured for music production and can run virtually any software application or plug-in. Capable of running over 500 plug-ins at once, sequencing thousands of tracks simultaneously, and storing millions of sound presets, the ControlBLADE packs a serious punch for the money.

ControlBLADEs are also available for Mac OS X, which are powered by the latest Mac® mini from Apple®. Both i5 and i7 processor options are also available as well as a variety of RAM, hard drive, SSD drive, and other upgrades.

“At Music Computing, we strive to bring the latest technologies to our users.” Said Victor Wong, CEO, Music Computing. “The release of the new ControlBLADE Gen2 models reinforces that fact and our commitment to being the very best at what we do.”

The ControlBLADE is available as 25-Key and 61-Key models. About the same size as a typical keyboard controller and weighing only 22-lbs (61-key) / 13-lbs (25-key)…FULLY LOADED, the ControlBLADE brings true portability to the keyboard production station world.

New with the Gen2 models is the option for the ProTouch™ piano keybed. The new ProTouch keybed brings higher levels of playability and better feel to the ControlBLADE line via high quality semi-weighted keys with after-touch. The optional upgrade is priced at: $199.

ControlBLADEs all come with built-in Wi-Fi standard. This mean the user can be online anywhere there is a hot spot. Send and retrieve files, log into remote servers, collaborate with others, or download new software and sounds directly into the ControlBLADE. Users now have the freedom to create virtually anywhere they like.

Upgrades for Gen1 models to the new Gen2 versions are available. Complete ControlBLADE information and images are available at: http://www.musiccomputing.com .

GEN 1 VIDEO:

LadyBoss, who recently added the name “Amanishakhete” (A-ma-ni-sha-kete) to her stage persona, says that “Murder 2012″ is bold with music and lyrics guaranteed to stir up a variety of emotions. Boss explains that while recording her vocals for the song, she felt enrage as well as sadness.

“This song could be considered controversial and may even anger people,” says Boss. “But the truth I speak through my lyrics need to be at the top of everyone’s mind.”

LadyBoss produced “Murder 2012″ in cooperation with Anuff who composed the music. Anuff also composed the music and co-wrote the lyrics for Boss’s 2011 album “Epiphany of Lady,” currently being sold online at CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon.com, Amazon MP3, Last.fm and other major online retailers. As of May 1, Murder 2012 will also be downloadable from CD Baby (http://cdbaby.com/cd/ladybossamanishakhete) and soon at iTunes and other online retailers.

“People should definitely buy a copy as a reminder of Trayvon and all the issues that have come up,” says Hip Hop Artist Anuff. “Murder 2012 will cause you to think.”

To hear “Murder 2012″ visit: CD Baby, Indie Charts, IMRadio or Jango Radio. You can also hear Murder 2012 at http://www.Ladyboss-neosoul.me . Later this month visit the Ms. Lenora Channel on YouTube to view the Murder 2012 video.

About LadyBoss LLC:
Established in 2011, LadyBoss LLC is a limited liability company that represents the LadyBoss-Amanishakhete (A-ma-ni-sha-kete) brand. LadyBoss added the stage persona Amanishakhete, a name that is synonymous with the Nubian Queen Amanishakheto – which means motherhood of beauty and love – who ruled Nubia from 10 BC to 1 AD. Queen Amanishakheto was known as a great warrior and woman of great wealth.

LadyBoss, who sees herself as a warrior for humanity, recently redefined the term Boss (for herself) to mean ruler of oneself rather than in the traditional sense. Essentially, LadyBoss-Amanishakhete defines her name to mean “ruler of oneself through beauty and love.” Such is the mission of LadyBoss LLC which is to “Inspire humanity through the heart and soul of a woman.”

According to Arturia, the package upgrades include:
* If you buy Spark you will get a FREE V Collection (value $549/499Eur)
* If you buy Analog Experience THE PLAYER, you will get 1 FREE Software Instrument (value $229 / 249Eur)
* If you buy Analog Experience THE FACTORY, you will get 2 FREE Software Instruments (value $458 / 498Eur)
* If you buy Analog Experience THE LABORATORY, you will get 3 FREE Software Instruments (value $687 / 747Eur)
* If you buy Analog Experience THE LABORATORY 61, you will get 4 FREE Software Instruments (value $916 / 996Eur).

Accorsing to the company, “This is a unique chance to add to your sonic arsenal instruments that every major studio now considers classics. This a unique chance to combine a great deal and a great opportunity to grant your music with the quality instruments it deserves.”

U.S. customers can enter the Mega micro contest by visiting the following URL and entering their information for a chance to win. www.Korg.com/megamicrogiveaway

The compact and portable microKorg Synthesizer / Vocoder was released in the summer of 2002. This virtual analog keyboard opened a new avenue for music-making. Combining mini-keys, battery power, a simple-to-use interface, and popular sounds, all at an attractive price, microKORG made the synthesizer available to every musician. Bass players, singers, guitarists, producers, DJs and horn players all flocked to add the professional sounds of the microKorg to their instrument arsenal.

The iKaossilator is an expressive music synthesizer app offering 150 diverse sounds, combined with a five-part loop sequencer for creating multi-part tracks. As with all Korg Kaoss products, the iKaossilator is controlled by tapping or sliding a finger on its X-Y touchpad. This intuitive form of control is instantly rewarding, and allows users to quickly create music, regardless of their instrumental training.

New features added in iKaossilator Version 2.1 include:
* Audio Loop Import
* Seamless operation in tandem with the Kaossilator 2
* Support for “AudioPaste”

Audio Loop Import:
Users’ Audio loop files can now be imported into each part of the sequencer. ** A filter effect assigned to the touch pad can then be used to vary the character of the song, similar to the function of Korg’s Kaoss Pad Effects Processor.

Seamless operation with Korg Kaossilator 2:
The Audio Loop Import feature also enables closely coupled operation with iKaossilator’s hardware sibling, the Korg Kaossilator 2. Loop recorder data created with a Kaossilator 2 can be imported into iKaossilator, or an audio loop created in iKaossilator can be loaded into a loop recording bank in the Kaossilator 2. Data such as loop length and BPM is retained, resulting in seamless transfer between the software and hardware.

Support for “AudioPaste”:
iKaossilator now supports the “AudioPaste” function developed by Sonoma Wire Works, which allows audio data to be copied and pasted between iOS apps. Audio data can be exported from Korg’s other apps such as iElectribe or iMS-20, or from any “AudioCopy” compatible app, then imported into iKaossilator with ease.

For additional iKaossilator product details, please visit: www.korg.com/ikaossilator .

The celebrations will kick-off in Paris on April 27 with a full day of events including live performances, master classes, and discussions featuring Marcus Miller, Barbara Hendricks, and Hugh Masekela. And on April 30, a special sunrise concert will take place in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz.

On the evening of April 30, UNESCO, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations will co-sponsor a star-studded concert in the UN General Assembly Hall featuring performances by Tony Bennett, Wynton Marsalis, Esperanza Spalding, Lang Lang, Angelique Kidjo, Shankar Mahadevan, Chaka Khan, and many more. The confirmed hosts are Morgan Freeman, Robert DeNiro, Michael Douglas, and Quincy Jones.

Throughout the concert, jazz experts and artists including Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Terence Blanchard, Ron Carter, and Jimmy Heath will participate in an interactive web chat backstage during the performances. Join the chat beginning at 23:00 UTC (7:00PM EDT) and watch the live stream of the two-hour New York concert beginning at 23:30 UTC (7:30PM EDT) at http://conx.state.gov/digital-diplomacy/. Follow the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #jazzday.

For more information about International Jazz Day, please visit UNESCO’s Jazz Day webpage – http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/prizes-and-celebrations/celebrations/international-days/jazz-day/ – or www.jazzday.com.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and now calling Colorado home, Gregory Alan Isakov has been traveling all his life. Songs that hone a masterful quality beyond his years, tell a story of miles and landscapes, and the search for a sense of place. His song-craft lends to the deepest lyrical masterpieces, with hints of his influences, Leonard Cohen and Bruce Springsteen. He has been described as “strong, subtle, a lyrical genius” but the source of his writing often remains a mystery to him.

“My songs have nothing to do with me; they have a life of their own. A lot of times I won’t know what a song is about when I’m writing it. It just has a certain feeling about it,” says Isakov.

Gregory is now back in the studio recording a new album with anticipation of a release in the summer/fall of 2012.

About Grades of Green VERTE Event:
“VERTE,” which translates to green in many languages, was created to recognize environmental champions who have grown a local program in just two years to reach over 66,000 students in over 100 schools across 19 states, Canada and Australia. The event, now in its second year, will also raise money and awareness for Grades of Green’s vision to make environmental protection second nature in young minds.

Environmental advocate and former educator, Ranae DeSantis, will be honored for her unwavering support of Grades of Green and the environment. Grades of Green will also honor Wells Fargo for bringing Grades of Green’s program to numerous inner-city schools and the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County for sponsoring a Trash Free Lunch Challenge that will result in 10,000 bags of trash being diverted from landfills annually.

JD Roth, executive producer of ABC Daytime’s “The Revolution,” as well as long-running television series “The Biggest Loser” and “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition,” will host the evening’s festivities. Grades of Green students and educators will provide live demonstrations at “Eco-Stations” that highlight Grades of Green key programs, such as In-Class Composting, Trash Free Lunches, and Walk to School Wednesdays, and will explain how guests can take Grades of Green’s free and easy to use templates to bring to their own schools.

“The impact Grades of Green has had on our school is profound,” stated Dawnyell Goolsby, principal of Warren Lane Elementary. “Since launching Grades of Green’s Trash Free Lunch activity, our school has reduced the number of lunch time trash bags from eight to four. Its educational activities are also teaching our students how to compost, which will reduce the number of trash bags even more!”

For more information on the event, or to purchase a ticket, go to https://gradesofgreen.ejoinme.org/?tabid=339232 .

About Grades of Green:
Grades of Green is an international nonprofit 501(c)3 that provides parents, students and educators with free instruction on its website. Anyone wanting to implement sustainability programs can register their school online – at no cost – to get tips and measure their success on reducing trash, emissions, harmful classroom chemicals, plus dozens of other ways to help the environment. Grades of Green has been honored with many awards, including the U.S. EPA’s prestigious Environmental Award. The nonprofit is growing rapidly, with over 66,000 students enrolled across 19 states and Canada and Australia, including many low-income schools.

Additionally, Grades of Green recently partnered with Republic Services to provide environmental education on recycling and composting to nearly 1,100 schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District. Grades of Green’s goal is simple – to enroll thousands of schools with millions of kids- all caring for the environment and collectively making a difference.

For more information about Grades of Green, please go to http://www.gradesofgreen.org . For more information about Isakov, visit: http://gregoryalanisakov.com .

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