Arturia releases new free version of Analog Lab synth instrument

Arturia just released a free-to-use version of its popular Analog Lab software, called Analog Lab Play. This is a pared-down software suite with 100 presets culled from the original Analog Lab and from VSTs like the well-reviewed Pigments soft synth. There’s also a simplified interface for new users called Play View that streamlines visual cues and speeds up the preset selection process, in addition to allowing the purchase of standalone instruments. 

The available 100 presets with Analog Lab Play is much lower than the 2,000+ found with the original software, but, hey, free is free. Arturia’s new software is a good way to familiarize yourself with the company’s sound engines, just in time for those likely Black Friday discounts.

To that end, the original paid Analog Lab software is also getting a refresh. It’s now called Analog Lab Pro. It still allows access to thousands of presets captured from the renowned Arturia V Collection, Pigments and related soft synths. It costs $200 and remains mostly unchanged, but will receive the same UI refresh included with Analog Lab Play. When we reviewed the original Analog Lab, we found it to be the perfect software suite for those who like to tweak presets over creating sounds from scratch.

This isn’t the first time Arturia has thrust a free version of its software on the world. Analog Lab Intro is a similar product to Play that was offered as a free download with the purchase of select MIDI controllers and occasionally as a standalone software suite. The company also drops free instruments and effects once in a while, like 2021’s lo-fi tape plugin based on its Mellotron emulation.

Analog Lab Play is available for download right now, so hop to it. The UI refresh for Analog Lab Pro is coming at a later date. In recent months, Arturia has released an effect based on the iconic Leslie rotary speaker and an emulation of the acid house classic Roland TB-303, among other products.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/arturia-releases-new-free-version-of-analog-lab-synth-instrument-172045988.html?src=rss 

Marcus Jordan Wants His Dad Michael to Be His Best Man When He Marries Larsa Pippen

After Michael Jordan expressed disapproval of his son’s new relationship, Michael revealed he wants his dad to be involved in his potential wedding to Larsa Pippen.

After Michael Jordan expressed disapproval of his son’s new relationship, Michael revealed he wants his dad to be involved in his potential wedding to Larsa Pippen. 

Roli is making is squishy MPE MIDI keyboards affordable and portable (again)

Roli was an early poster child for the emergence of MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression). The company has had its share of struggles over the last 10 years, but it’s still out there trying to spread the gospel of MPE. Its first product after filling for administration in the UK (kind of like bankruptcy) and rebranding as Luminary Roli was a redesigned version of its Seaboard Rise. It’s a flagship, pro-level MIDI controller, with a price to match ($1,399). The new Seaboard Block M takes the company’s signature squishy, continuous keyboard and puts it in a much more affordable and portable package.

The $349.95 Seaboard Block M features the same 5D Touch technology of it’s bigger sibling. That means, when paired with the right instrument (and properly configured), you can play incredibly expressive melodies and chords by sliding your fingers around, pressing firmly into the foam like surface or quickly tapping it for sustained plucks. 

Where as the Seaboard Rise 2 is a 49-key controller, with multiple macro controls and its metal frame screams premium, the Block M has just 24-keys and pared back set of controls. Though, you can connect two Seaboard Blocks together to make one modular 48-key keyboard.

Luminary Roli

While Roli doesn’t explicitly say what it’s made from other than “premium materials… constructed to withstand the rigors of touring”, it seems safe to assume the Block M is primarily plastic. It also appears to lack the “precision frets” of the Rise 2, which made it a lot easier to find your way around the keyboard simply by feel. 

It has inherited the dedicated MIDI-out jack from the Rise 2, at least. That means you can use it to control a DAW-less setup and skip the computer altogether. This is becoming a lot more common on MIDI controllers at any price point, but it’s still a welcome development.

Of course, the number of instruments out there — hardware or software — that can take full advantage of the MPE controls here are still somewhat limited. The Block M does come bundled with ROLI Studio, does give you a few options for expressive playing. It’s not quite as powerful as Equator 2, the company’s flagship soft synth, though. 

Lastly, Roli says you can expect about 10 hours of battery life with Bluetooth on. Though, you can always connect directly to device with USB-C for zero latency and no worries about battery life. The Seaboard Block M is available to preorder now for $349.95, but it’s not expected to ship until March of 2024.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/roli-is-making-is-squishy-mpe-midi-keyboards-affordable-and-portable-again-160044126.html?src=rss 

A new 3D Sonic platformer is coming to Apple Arcade in December

Apple has announced the latest slate of upcoming games for Apple Arcade, one week after it increased the price of the subscription service for the first time in many markets. Among the titles Apple has in the pipeline is a new, exclusive 3D Sonic platformer.

In Sonic Dream Team, Doctor Eggman has found a way to turn dreams into reality. Sonic and his pals will have to navigate strange dreamscapes as they try to stop their old foe. Along with Sonic, you’ll be able to play as Tails, Knuckles, Amy Rose, Cream and Rouge. Each character has their own unique abilities. You’ll be able to check out Sonic Dream Team when it lands on Apple Arcade on December 5.

Hitting the service on the same day is Disney Dreamlight Valley Arcade Edition. It’s a mashup of an Animal Crossing-style life sim and an adventure game with a host of Disney and Pixar characters you can befriend.

Disney Dreamlight Valley has been in early access on other platforms since August last year. It was supposed to become a free-to-play title with paid expansions upon its official release in December, but developer Gameloft has changed tack, instead deciding to charge $40 for the base game on consoles and PC. However, you won’t need to pay extra to play it on Apple Arcade. You’ll also get access to the A Rift In Time expansion at no extra cost.

In addition to those titles, six other games are coming to Apple Arcade over the next couple of months, such as Football Manager 2024 Touch. In a first for the soccer management sim series, you’ll be able to carry over your progress from Football Manager 2023 Touch.

Other upcoming games include cooking title Delicious – Miracle of Life+, Puzzle & Dragons Story (an exclusive) and oil rush-based sim Turmoil+. Knotwords+, a version of the word game that caught fire last year in the wake of Wordle’s success, will hit Apple Arcade on November 3. Indie classic Downwell+ (from Poinpy developer Ojiro Fumoto) will land join the service’s lineup on November 17.

Coming soon to Apple Arcade:

November
⚽️ Football Manager 2024 Touch
🥾 Downwell+
🪢 Knotwords+
🥞 Delicious – Miracle of Life+

December
💨 Sonic Dream Team
✨ Disney Dreamlight Valley Arcade Edition
🧩 Puzzle & Dragons Story
🛢️ Turmoil+

Take a look: https://t.co/ND52E0I5OG pic.twitter.com/VRm0AWWnBF

— Apple Arcade (@AppleArcade) November 1, 2023

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/a-new-3d-sonic-platformer-is-coming-to-apple-arcade-in-december-163949794.html?src=rss 

Emma Slater Praises Mauricio Umansky After Their Shocking ‘DWTS’ Elimination: ‘I’m Very Blessed to Have Met You’

Emma Slater penned a heartfelt note to Mauricio Umansky after their surprising ‘DWTS’ elimination on Monster Night.

Emma Slater penned a heartfelt note to Mauricio Umansky after their surprising ‘DWTS’ elimination on Monster Night. 

The best gifts for gamers in 2023

Let’s face it, buying a gift for someone who loves gaming is tough, especially this year. The past 12 months were jam-packed with some of the best releases in recent memory. While we at Engadget cover games extensively, our staff is full of people who genuinely love video games and play all the time. To save you some trouble, here are gifts chosen by gamers that are a bit different, but that most fellow gamers should appreciate all the same.

Backbone One

Dead Space

Drop + Epos PC38X gaming headset

Logitech G305 Lightspeed

Nintendo Switch OLED

Samsung Evo Select microSD card

Tunic

Microsoft Xbox Elite Controller Series 2

Press Reset

Ask Iwata

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-gaming-gifts-for-gamers-150008483.html?src=rss 

Kate Beckinsale Uses This Sunscreen Everyday: ‘It Doesn’t Make Me Breakout’

Kate Beckinsale wore sunscreen when she was growing up, so she doesn’t have any sun damage and the sunscreen she recommends works perfectly for acne-prone skin.

Kate Beckinsale wore sunscreen when she was growing up, so she doesn’t have any sun damage and the sunscreen she recommends works perfectly for acne-prone skin. 

David ‘Papi’ Einhorn Reveals What Guests Can Expect From Papi Steak Las Vegas

HollywoodLife’s November 2023 cover star, Papi Steak owner David ‘Papi’ Einhorn, revealed what guests can expect from the new and upcoming Papi Steak Las Vegas, his favorite item on the menu, his go-to cocktail order and so much more in an exclusive Q&A. Tell us the backstory behind your nickname: My dear friend and artist…

HollywoodLife’s November 2023 cover star, Papi Steak owner David ‘Papi’ Einhorn, revealed what guests can expect from the new and upcoming Papi Steak Las Vegas, his favorite item on the menu, his go-to cocktail order and so much more in an exclusive Q&A. Tell us the backstory behind your nickname: My dear friend and artist… 

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