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Review: Ambient legends Abul Mogard and Rafael Anton Irisarri team up for new album Impossibly Distant, Impossibly Close. Unfolding naturally after being booked to play at the same show in Madrid in 2023, the two ambient artists' dazzlingly warm, slow-progressing approaches to ambience fuse neatly together here. Just two long pieces, 'Piece Of Forever' and 'Waking Up Dizzy On A Bastion', titularly grasp at the theme of eternity, determinism, historical peaks and troughs: the supporting atmosphere is equally as impressively arresting, seeming to urge the listener to 'give over' and move with the flow of time, less than the flow of will. Such a paradigm shift can indeed serve to make distance and closeness seem irrelevant.

Review: On limited yellow vinyl comes the latest LP from the elusive ambient moniker known as Abul Mogard - impossibly distant, impossibly close - this time made in collaboration with equal and match, Rafael Anton Irisarri. Having made friends serendipitously at the sold-out opening of the SoundSet Series at Madrid's Condeduque cultural center in 2023, at which they performed together for the first time, the duo's encore that evening compelled them to get their heads down and commit to a collaborative studio session. What followed was an intense, modular-synthetic jam that, in its final studio-polished incarnation, unfurls and ripples like dark pond water. Both tracks, most notably 'Waking Up Dizzy on a Bastion', slow-burns into the heights of glory and tearful sentiment, as if capturing the feeling of time slowing down when confronted with death in the heat of fortressed battle.

Review: On limited edition green vinyl comes the deluxe edition of Abul Mogard and Rafael Anton Irisarri's latest, two-suite full-length collaborative record, Impossibly Distant, Impossibly Close, released through Black Knoll Editions. This gut-wrencher of a record unfolded after a chance kinship following a show at which both ambient legends appeared. Despite this seemingly irreverent origin story, 'Piece Of Forever' and 'Waking Up Dizzy On A Bastion' are anything but throwaway, each entrancing the listener with up to 20 minutes per side of awestruck sonic bokeh and tidal dronework, producing an overall tactile and warm, fully audiophilic experience.

Notes: The AKAI APC64 is a dynamic instrument in the realm of music production and live performance, playing a critical role in numerous artists' setups. To protect such a vital piece of equipment, this Decksaver cover, made from sturdy polycarbonate, presents the perfect solution. It is precisely crafted to shield your APC64 from dust, liquid spills, and unexpected knocks.

Expertly designed for the AKAI APC64, this Decksaver cover ensures an impeccable fit, accommodating all cables and connections. This meticulous attention to detail allows the cover to be smoothly slotted into a flight case or controller bag, ideal for those constantly on the move. Whether you're moving your setup to a performance, operating in a studio, or engaging in live shows, this cover offers superior protection, ensuring your APC64's buttons, pads, and knobs are defended against the challenges of daily use.

Choosing this Decksaver cover for your AKAI APC64 is more than a sensible decision; it signifies a dedication to preserving the longevity and impeccable condition of your cherished equipment.

Dimensions
Weight: 0.365 kg
Length: 37.7 cm
Width: 27.5 cm
Height: 2.7 cm

Material: Smoked clear polycarbonate.

WARNING: When your Decksaver cover is in place, please ensure that your equipment is kept away from direct and high heat sources, such as radiators, fires and sunlight.

Notes: The Osmose from Expressive E, with its groundbreaking approach to musical expression, has rapidly become a highly sought-after item in the Decksaver cover range. As a tool that redefines the interaction between musician and instrument, it's imperative to ensure that such a distinctive piece of equipment is afforded the highest level of protection. The Decksaver protective lid, crafted from robust and durable polycarbonate, is meticulously designed to shield your Osmose from dust, liquid spills, and accidental knocks or impacts.

Tailored exclusively for the Expressive E Osmose, this Decksaver cover is precision-engineered to guarantee a flawless fit, accommodating the Osmose's unique shape and cable connections. This careful design means the cover effortlessly fits into any carry case, offering hassle-free transport and dependable protection.

Whether you're transporting your Osmose to a studio session, a live gig, or simply keeping it safe at home, this cover ensures that its delicate keys and complex components are thoroughly protected from potential damage when not in use.

The demand for the Decksaver cover for the Expressive E Osmose speaks volumes about its necessity for its owners. It represents not merely a protective measure but an essential investment in maintaining the innovative capabilities and immaculate condition of your keyboard.

Dimensions

Weight: 1.025 kg
Length: 90.2 cm
Width: 31.7 cm
Height: 5.2 cm

Material: Smoked clear polycarbonate.

WARNING: When your Decksaver cover is in place, please ensure that your equipment is kept away from direct and high heat sources, such as radiators, fires and sunlight.

Notes: Devices like the Native Instruments S49 MK3 keyboard controller are pivotal to your music production collection, acting as the cornerstone of your creative ensemble. Such indispensable equipment necessitates the utmost level of protection. This Decksaver cover, constructed from an ultra-durable polycarbonate shell, is meticulously designed to guard your S49 MK3 against dust, liquid spillages, and unintended impacts.

Precision-crafted to embrace the Native Instruments S49 MK3 snugly, each Decksaver cover accommodates connected cables, ensuring a perfect fit. This thoughtful aspect of the design facilitates smooth transition into a flight case or controller bag, establishing it as the perfect mate for transit. Whether you're travelling, operating in your home studio, or preparing in a club, this cover ensures that your S49 MK3's sensitive controls and internal components are shielded from potential harm.

In essence, this cover for the S49 MK3 transcends mere protective gear; it represents an investment in the sustained quality and dependability of your esteemed keyboard controller.

Dimensions

Weight: 1.039 kg
Length: 81 cm
Width: 33.1 cm
Height: 5.7 cm

Material: Smoked clear polycarbonate.

WARNING: When your Decksaver cover is in place, please ensure that your equipment is kept away from direct and high heat sources, such as radiators, fires and sunlight.

Notes: The PreSonus FaderPort 16, renowned for its expansive 16-channel control interface and its enhancement of mixing efficiency, has become a pivotal tool for audio professionals worldwide. In direct response to its widespread acclaim and the growing need for dedicated protection, Decksaver are excited to present the Decksaver cover for the PreSonus FaderPort 16. This cover, constructed from durable polycarbonate, is expertly fashioned to shield your FaderPort 16 from dust, accidental spills, and impacts, ensuring your gear remains in top-notch condition.

This Decksaver cover is precision-crafted to fit the PreSonus FaderPort 16 perfectly, enveloping each of its 16 faders, buttons, and knobs, while thoughtfully allowing space for all essential connections. This meticulous design is born from an understanding of the dynamic needs of today's audio professionals, facilitating a hassle-free experience for quick setups and breakdowns. Ideal for the bustling studio environment, the home setup, or during transport, this cover provides a robust layer of protection, preserving the operational integrity and aesthetics of your FaderPort 16.

Choosing this Decksaver cover for your PreSonus FaderPort 16 goes beyond practicality; it represents a commitment to safeguarding a key component of your studio setup. Highly requested by users and endorsed by experts in the industry, this cover is essential for those who prioritize the care and longevity of their PreSonus FaderPort 16, ensuring it's always ready for any mixing challenge or creative session.

Weight: 0.365 kg
Length: 37.7 cm
Width: 27.5 cm
Height: 2.7 cm

Material: Smoked clear polycarbonate.

WARNING: When your Decksaver cover is in place, please ensure that your equipment is kept away from direct and high heat sources, such as radiators, fires and sunlight.

Notes: The Roland GAIA 2 synthesiser, renowned for its rich sound and versatile capabilities, is a treasured asset for numerous musicians and producers. Acknowledging its significance in your musical collection, Decksaver have developed a cover specifically for the Roland GAIA 2, ensuring it receives paramount protection. This cover, constructed from high-grade polycarbonate, is devised to offer a defence against dust, liquid spills, and accidental impacts.

This Decksaver cover is meticulously engineered to match the unique contours of the Roland GAIA 2, providing a snug and secure fit without impeding any cables or connections. The careful design facilitates easy integration into your setup, allowing for the cover to be swiftly placed or removed, ideal for active artists on the move. Whether you're transporting your GAIA 2 to a performance, utilising it in the studio, or merely keeping it secure at home, this cover serves as a protective barrier, ensuring that the synthesiser's knobs, buttons, and keys are well-protected.

Opting for this Decksaver cover for your Roland GAIA 2 is more than a mere practical choice; it's a pledge to the longevity and continued impeccable condition of your synthesiser. It's an indispensable accessory for anyone eager to keep their GAIA 2 in prime condition, prepared for whenever creativity blossoms.

Weight: 0.795 kg
Length: 66.1 cm
Width: 34.5 cm
Height: 4.9 cm

Material: Smoked clear polycarbonate

Notes: The Roland SPD-SX Pro, with its forefront sampling capabilities and performance attributes, has not merely cemented itself as an indispensable apparatus for electronic drummers and percussionists but has also emerged as one of the most ardently requested and sought-after Decksaver covers.
In acknowledgement of this considerable demand, Decksaver are delighted to present the Decksaver cover for the Roland SPD-SX Pro, meticulously fashioned from premium polycarbonate. This material is chosen for its outstanding durability and protective qualities, guaranteeing your instrument is defended against dust, spills, and even significant accidental impacts.

Custom-designed to fit the SPD-SX Pro precisely, this cover encases every pad, button, and control, whilst ensuring trouble-free access to all essential connections. The design has been thoroughly devised with the artist's requirements in mind, facilitating swift and straightforward application or removal. This proves particularly advantageous for performers and studio professionals who necessitate efficiency in both the setup and dismantling processes. Whether you're on tour, in the recording studio, or merely storing your SPD-SX Pro at home, this cover acts as a dependable shield, protecting your instrument's sensitive components from the rigours of its environment.

Opting for the highly sought-after Decksaver cover for your Roland SPD-SX Pro transcends a mere practical choice; it symbolises a commitment to maintaining the integrity and longevity of your instrument. It represents an essential investment for any musician dedicated to safeguarding their Roland SPD-SX Pro, ensuring it remains in peak condition for every performance and creative endeavour.

Weight: 0.461 kg
Length: 36.6 cm
Width: 33.9 cm
Height: 4.3 cm

Material: Smoked clear polycarbonate.

WARNING: When your Decksaver cover is in place, please ensure that your equipment is kept away from direct and high heat sources, such as radiators, fires and sunlight.

Notes: The Best Channel Strip Controller for Logic Pro

Panorama CS12 does what no other controller can do: Give full control of all Logic Pro channel strip parameters including plugins. There is nothing vanilla about Panorama CS12. The entire workflow is designed from the ground up, which enables astonishing features, with a workflow never seen on a control surface before.

High Resolution Fader with a Touch of Class!

A 100mm ALPS motorized fader follows the selected mixer channel when you work. With up to 14 bit resolution, you get detailed control with touch sensing enabling automation override and update captures in real time.

Paired with a dedicated pan control, as well as buttons for solo, mute and record arm, you have instant access to all main mixer parameters on the selected channel.

Create Clean Automation, Easy and Fast

Recording automation can get messy with lots of data generated even when a simple fader is needed. Panorama CS12 solves the problem by giving you the option to insert automation points.

Touch the fader, set the value with the fader, and done!

Jump to the next position in the timeline and insert another automation point. Clean, easy and fast.

Complete Insert FX Plugin Control

Panorama CS12 excels at controlling plugins. You can control any plugin without looking at the plugins' UI so you can focus on creating, composing and editing.

Many commonly used plugins are pre-mapped including of course Logic Pro's own. Panorama CS12 dedicates 12 RGB illuminated 360 pots, 4 display buttons and an additional 4 RGB LED buttons to plugin control. Every control can be assigned on multiple pages ensuring as a complete plugin experience, with no parameter left behind.

Via the ControlCore mapping system, it stores all settings in unique files so they can be ported to other computer systems and ensure compatibility with other DAWs in the future.

Any Plugin? ....Really?

Any plugin that presents its parameters for automation in Logic Pro, can be controlled from Panorama CS12. That includes Logic Pro's own plugins and any AU plugin hosted in Logic Pro.

There is no wrapper or plugin host. It just works.

Plugin Slot Selection

CS12 control insert plugins like no controller has ever done before. The 8 plugin slot select buttons are illuminated when plugins are present in the first 8 slots and the top button toggles between slots 1-8/9-16. Press a button and control the insert plugin immediately. Press another button and now control that plugin.

Control Any Parameter NOW

Control any parameter by simply clicking on it. The 100mm ALPS fader immediately jumps to the clicked parameters position and you take over from there. The fader or pan rotary, can be used to control any parameter in the currently selected Logic Pro channel, at any time.

Activate the Select button and the motorized fader now controls any parameter you click. Any mixer channel, instrument or insert effect plugin parameters. Click, control, click control. Super easy.

Plugin Parameter Learn

A plugin quick learn feature enables assignments on the fly. It's as simple as moving a parameter and moving a control to complete assignment. And while you are at it, change the LED colour of the control too.

Nektarine Map Creation

For the ultimate in control mapping, use the included Nektarine application/plugin. Assign parameters to controls using drag and drop, create your page structure and name parameters and pages so they are optimized for CS12. Once saved, plugin maps are picked up by ControlCore for use with CS12.

Precision control at 10x resolution

14 bit control resolution is not limited to the motorized fader. With the Fine button (magnifier icon) enabled each of the 12 pots control at 14 bit resolution. In practice this means you'll be able adjust parameters with the same fine grained values available through your plugins UI or up to 10 x regular control resolution.

Features & specifications

Panorama CS12

1 100mm ALPS motorized fader.
4 RGB LED control buttons.
6 segment LED meter.
3.5" TFT colour display.
4 display buttons.
4 channel strip LED buttons.
18 Function and navigation LED buttons
2 encoders for zoom and tempo.
1 encoder with push button for Data/Menu
13 endless or 360 potentiometers with RGB LED illumination.
11 RGB LED buttons for selection of channel strip sections.
1/4" TRS Footswitch socket for basic handsfree DAW control.
Connect up to two foot switches using TRS to TS Y-cable splitter.

System requirements

USB class compliant, no driver needed.
Nektar ControlCore installation required. Unit doesn't operate on its own.
A Nektar account for registration and download of support files.
USB Power Requirement: 500 mA minimum, connect to a USB high power port recommended.
MacOS: 11.5 or later.
Logic Pro: 10.7.8 or higher.

Dimensions & weight

39 cm (L) x 11,5 cm (D) x 3,2 cm (H), 0,49 kgs

In the box

Panorama CS12
Quickstart guide and functional overview. All other documentation is part of the download package.
USB A to C cable.

Review: Drumcode supremo Adam Beyer has become increasingly more prolific in recent years, signalling a creative renaissance that recalls the undoubted quality of his work in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His first outing of 2024, which follows a quartet of EPs last year, is predictably strong and packed to the rafters with future Drumcode anthems. Fittingly, he starts with 'Let's Begin', where mutilated vocal loops, mind-mangling rave noises and unsettling melodic motifs dance atop a typically thunderous and breathless big room techno groove, before opting for a dirtier, acid-flecked groove, metallic noises and sped-up hip-hop vocal samples on 'Computerized' (hip-techno anyone?). To round things off, he goes darker and denser still on the loopy techno power of 'Red Room', which pleasingly also boasts the same Aisha vocal sample as the Orb's 'Blue Room'.

Review: The 7" record has been the preferred format for reggae for over 60 years now. Releases like Leon Dinero's Heartbreak offer that classic record feeling in more ways than one. The A-side features Leon Dinero's 'Heartbreak,' a classic Reggae track with distinct early Rocksteady influences. The vintage recording exudes authenticity, with a sound that harkens back to the roots of the genre, almost reminiscent of mono recordings from the past. On Side-2, 'Cuts Both Ways,' another classic reggae tune that embodies the essence of the genre. With its infectious rhythms and soulful melodies, this track is sure to get any Reggae enthusiast moving and grooving. Leon Dinero presents a treat for Reggae DJs and classic 7" collectors with their hip double-sided single 'Heartbreak/Cut Both Ways' on Daptone Records

Review: Atlanta's leading deep house outlet NDATL welcomes the always on from DJ Aakmael for its next outing and as always with this producer the results are smoky and seductive. His signature sound is all about cuddly, dusty drums with deft little melodies, horns or gospel samples that lodge in your mind while you move to his compelling grooves. That's true again here with a Latin-jazz-infused opener in the form of 'Track 109.' 'Imagination' is a truly hypnotic house sound and on the flip are 'This Is Not A Game,' a killer collab with label head Kai Alce, and '102.5' which has a bassline smoother than chocolate. Another doozy from Aakmael, then.

Review: Lee delivers two powerhouse performances from his album Sentimental Fool. 'Two Jobs' channels the conviction of James Brown with Bobby Bland's swing, showcasing Lee's command and swagger. The track's deep piano intro and frantic shuffle captivate listeners with a sound few can replicate. On 'Save Your Tears for Someone New,' Lee delivers a masterclass in rhythm and soul, his ferociously soulful voice shining in this dark r&b ballad. With each note, Lee proves why he's considered one of the best soul singers alive, leaving listeners wanting more.

Review: Michael Gray brings his famously soulful sound to this new release on Sultra and it very much taps into a timeless vibe and old school disco feel. The grooves are nice and loose, the percussion is organic and fresh and the vocals, which re-sing a real classic, solar to the heavens next to mid tempo beats. After the A-side extended mix featuring Kimberly Brown & The Sultra Gospel Singers comes 'Never Let You Down' (feat Anthony Poteat & LaMay - extended mix). This one is a little deeper, quicker and funky, but is no less impassioned with its live vocals and lush synth work all bringing the good time vibes.

Review: Octave Japan collaborate with legendary illustrator Hiroshi Nagai to oversee and handle the artwork for a rare single reissue. Sourced from the vaults of the OG T.K. Records, to whom Nagai has been listening since day dot, The Perfections' super rare 1973 cut 'Love Storm' is a swelling romantic soul sundry from the Milwaukee muses, with impressive vocal glidings from the band's lead singer Harold Stewart lending to an unexpected mondegreen - we first heard "can't keep living this lifestyle" as the incorrect lapsus of "can't keep living this love storm". On the B-side comes Funky Nassau's 'Bahama Soul Stew', a much-loved modern rarity first released in 2005, much-loved indeed thanks to its 4x4 swag-bag and mellifluous Hammond dexterities.

Review: Stop Hurting Me Baby by Purple Mundi, originally released in 1972, is a soulful gem from the 1970s soul group hailing from Miami, Florida. This sought-after record, reissued in 1978 with the B-side 'I Can't Understand,' shows the group's undeniable talent and soulful voice. With its smooth melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the song captivates listeners with its timeless appeal. The reissued version preserves the rare quality of the original pressing, making it a must-have for collectors and fans of vintage soul music. Purple Mundi's Stop Hurting Me Baby continues to shine as a standout rare track in the funk and soul genre, delivering soul-stirring vibes that is still being discovered today.

Review: Sunshine Sound's Birthday Medley, edited by Francois K, is a vibrant disco and nu-disco fusion that encapsulates the essence of celebratory energy. Side-1 kicks off with the exciting, 'Birthday Medley,' a dynamic blend of disco house and funk elements. Francois K's edit infuses the track with a pulsating rhythm and infectious groove, guaranteed to get listeners on their feet and moving to the beat. On Side-2, 'X Medley' continues the energetic vibe, with Francois K's studio know how adding depth and richness to the cosmic disco atmosphere. The track maintains a lively tempo throughout, accentuated by funky basslines, catchy melodies, and shimmering synths. Overall, Sunshine Sound's Birthday Medley is gem 12" for disco enthusiasts, offering a seamless mix of retro nostalgia and contemporary dancefloor vibes. Kevorkian is a legend of dance music for over 40 years now. If there is anyone's name you can trust, it's his.