Wacom has announced the second generation of nextbeat, their DJ MIDI controller. Now we can’t say that we’ve seen many of these puppies in the wild, but Wacom is giving the platform at least one more refresh to see if it can garner some additional market share.

nextbeat MK2 is a fully integrated DJ system, incorporating touch sensor controls and live performance functions. Its wireless portable control unit enables performers to move free from the main device, resulting in more engaging live performances, contrasting to the traditional style of DJs performing inside booths.

Nextbeat MK2 Enhancements:
» BPM Sync
» 16GB Storage capacity
» Multi-format: WAV, AIFF, MP3 and AAC-LC

Nextbeat MK2 combines two digital players, a two channel mixer, an effects processor and sampler in a single, lightweight and record-sized unit. Its 3.5-inch LCD panel displays information such as the track information, waveform, cue points and loop points providing all the functionality a DJ needs for playing music. In addition, nextbeat MK2 does not require a PC like many other DJ systems allowing DJs to quickly setup their gear and to reduce the necessary equipment.

Nextbeat MK2’s touch controls provide an intuitive and direct way to interact with the system, modify and control sounds and samples or add effects. Its circular touch sensor allows users to quickly switch between an analog style turntable, an effects processor and a sampler. Nextbeat also provides separate, independent touch sensors for controlling pitch fader, volume fader and crossfader.

All digital Audio files are downloaded to the system either directly from a computer using a USB connection or stored on CF cards. MK2’s sampler function can be used to directly record digital sound sources, allowing sampled sounds to be incorporated into performances and modified. The effects processor features six types of effects, which can be assigned to channel A, B or Master.

Nextbeat MK2 will be initially launched in Europe for €999 in the near future. More information on Wacom Nextbeat MK2.

Vienna Symphonic Library has released Vienna Instruments PRO, a new software sample player based on their proprietary and improved audio engine.

While it provides full compatibility with all existing and future Vienna Instruments sample collections, it features several innovations, such as a Humanize function that brings human behavior into the virtual world of sample-based orchestral production.

Vienna Instruments PRO offers many options to customize patches and articulations to suit the user’s personal workflow, making the creative process faster and easier. With the innovative Human Performance Control feature users can adjust the performance accuracy in terms of timing and intonation of the virtual musicians in real-time, at the touch of a single fader. Up to eight instruments and articulations can be stacked in a single cell of a matrix, allowing for individual adjustments of volume and panning in the rack mixer and the creation of powerful multi-instruments in a single instance of Vienna Instruments PRO that even allow for polyphonic legato-playing.

Sample lengths of fixed performances, such as runs, fast repetitions or arpeggios can be matched to the required tempo with the time stretching tool. Users with a special interest in ancient or non-western music are presented with microtuning scales such as “just intonation”, Werckmeister or several Arabic, Turkish or Chinese scales, with an option for creating their own scales. Vienna Instruments PRO’s features include fast loading times, a new browser with a search function, built-in reverb and Equalizer, as well as an all-new user interface with basic and advanced views.

While the former Vienna Instruments Player is still included with any Vienna Instruments Collection as free software, the new Vienna Instruments PRO player will load all existing and future Vienna Instruments sample collections, including factory and user presets. Customers who purchase Vienna Instruments PRO through September 15, 2010, will receive the all-new download instrument Flugelhorn free of charge.

Vienna Instruments PRO is available as a download product in the webshops of the Vienna Symphonic Library and ILIO for $163 / €125. More information on Vienna Instruments PRO.