New Gear Alert: UAD Software v9.12, Novation Launchpad + Logic Pro X, Roland Cloud Expands & More

Universal Audio introduces UAD Software v9.12 & the Neve 1084 emulation.

The coveted sound of the Neve 1084 can now live inside your Apollo interface, bolstered with UA’s Unison technology.

UAD Software v9.12 features the Neve 1084 Preamp & EQ plugin—a precise emulation of the revered British channel module that combines top-shelf Neve sound with extended EQ and Unison preamp integration with Apollo interfaces.

By emulating the entire dual-stage class-A “Red Knob” preamp, EQ circuit, and post-fader output amplifier, the Neve 1084 plugin gives you quality Neve sonics with added tone shaping and versatility. Plus, harnessing UA’s Unison technology, the Neve 1084 plugin lends authentic front-end punch of the original Neve module with bi-directional control of your Apollo interface’s mic preamps.

The Neve 1084 Preamp & EQ is priced at $299; to download UAD Software v9.12, click here.

Novation announces new support for Launchpad in Logic Pro X.

With Logic Pro X’s Live Loops, Novation’s Launchpad offers even more tactile control over the popular DAW.

With Apple’s release of Logic Pro X 10.5 comes Live Loops, which for the first time brings cell-based looping playback and performance to the popular music software platform. Launchpad, with its 8×8 grid of colorful and expressive pads, extends the Live Loop experience and makes the Logic workflow more hands-on.

Live Loops is a new update that enables you to trigger cells within the Logic workflow. Cells in the Live Loops grid can contain one-shots, loops, MIDI patterns and automation data, and can be dragged-and-dropped or recorded live into Logic’s tracks area, to build song arrangements quickly.

Now, with Live Loops, Launchpad is an integral part of the Logic Pro X journey.

Roland announces a major expansion of the Roland Cloud.

The Roland Cloud sees significant expansion in its instruments, subscription model, and more.

The all-new membership program to the Roland Cloud features multiple price options, the ability to buy “Lifetime Keys” to instruments, the ZENOLOGY “virtual ZEN-Core” software synthesizer, a refreshed Roland Cloud Manager app with access to hardware and software sounds, multi-language international availability, and more.

Roland Cloud now offers three membership levels: Core, Pro, and Ultimate, with both monthly and annual pricing options available. All paid membership levels start with a free 30-day trial of Ultimate. In addition, anyone signed up for a free Roland Account can explore the ZENOLOGY Lite software synth featuring 176 tones and six drum kits, access sounds for Roland hardware, and more.

For pricing on each level and further information, click here.

AKAI Professional introduces the MPC Live II.

An MPC with built-in stereo monitoring? Yes, please.

The MPC Live II is the first MPC to ever feature built-in stereo monitors. This portable standalone music production center is packed with all the enhancements from the recent software update for the entire MPC line, MPC 2.8.

MPC Live II builds on its predecessor and introduces built-in monitor speakers for a completely standalone music-making experience. While traveling or in the studio, MPC Live II is ready to perform wherever inspiration strikes.

MPC Live II is powered by MPC software – a unique hardware/software ecosystem that empowers you with the legendary, feature-rich workflow that has been used on countless recordings since the introduction of the MPC series. The 7-inch, multi-gesture touchscreen enables producers to access all the features needed to create a beat or a recording from start to finish. MPC Live II also adds five new hardware buttons to improve the editing workflow. With features including mute, time correct, and mix, you can edit and tweak tracks without skipping a beat.

MPC Live II is available immediately, priced at $1,199. MPC 2.8 is also available immediately as a free download for all MPC Live, MPC Live II, MPC X, and MPC One users.

Blue Cat Audio releases Re-Head, a head response plugin for headphones.

Blue Cat offers a cutting-edge headphones-based room simulation algorithm in their inventive new Re-Head plugin.

Re-Head was created to make using headphones easier for musicians and audio professionals. Listening through headphones gives a distinctly different experience compared to listening through studio monitors. Furthermore, prolonged use of headphones can be fatiguing.

The Re-Head plugin is based around a unique “head response” model that simulates the way the listener’s head affects the audio coming from the studio monitors. To create a simulated acoustic space, Re-Head also uses stereo processing to avoid the hard-panned sound associated with listening on headphones, a spectrum analyzer, EQ—and you can even add an impulse response representation of your own mixing room.

Re-Head can not replace studio monitors, but rather make the transition from speakers to headphones and vice versa less dramatic.

Check out an introductory video to Re-Head here.

Re-Head is available now at a special introductory promo price of €/$34 until June 14th (reg. €/$49).

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