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NI Announces New Software Drum Sampler

BATTERY Screenshot (Click for a close-up)

Native Instruments presents BATTERY, a sampler designed for the unique demands of percussion programming and performance. BATTERY is compatible with many sample formats (including Akai and LM4) and offers 54 sample slots, each with up to 128 velocity layers. Extensive sound shaping options are built into every sample slot, such as an FX Loop for innovative drum effects and a modulation matrix with many useful presets.

BATTERY runs on Mac OS and Windows 98, either as a stand-alone application or as a plug-in.

"BATTERY is different from the many samplers and drum sample players out there because of its full-blown drum-oriented sound shaping options, but especially because of its extreme ease of use," explains Julian Ringel, Instrument Designer at NI. "Drag & drop functions, automatic sample preview and many other well thought-out details make BATTERY very fast and comfortable."

BATTERY boasts separate sound parameters for each of its 54 sample slots, powerful modulation capabilities and unbeatable ease of use. Its sample-accurate timing, internal 32-bit resolution and 128 velocity layers per sample slot create a state-of-the-art percussion programming environment. BATTERY is compatible with the AKAI, SF2, LM4, AIFF, WAV and MAP formats, so its sound library is already enormous. However, more than 20 high quality soundsets are included that take full advantage of BATTERY's unique features.

Each of the 54 sample slots offer a volume envelope (AHDSR), a pitch envelope (DBD), a bit-reduction effect and a shaper for controlling the dynamics. All parameter adjustments are calculated and immediately shown in the Wave Display in realtime. BATTERY is not limited to drum samples, however, as each sample slot can receive MIDI data on a selected MIDI channel and can transpose the pitch of the sample by MIDI notes.

Every sample slot features six modulation routings which include many useful and drum-oriented settings that have already been configured as presets. Each sample slot has a unique FX Loop that can be used to creating modern, innovative and rhythmic sound effects, akin to extreme time stretching or granular synthesis.

Samples may be loaded into the matrix by drag & drop from the desktop or by using a dialog box with the automatic sample preview function. The contents of different soundsets can be easily compared and combined into new ones without the hassle of readjusting any parameters. Up to three banks in LM4 format can be imported and used at a time, while AKAI sounds can be read directly from CD.

BATTERY is to be released in March 2001 with a retail price of $ 199.

Feature Overview

• Sampler designed for percussion sounds, but also well-suited for pitched sounds
• Internal 32-bit resolution and sample-accurate timing
• Reads samples in the following formats: AKAI S-1000?, SF2?, REAKTOR Map, LM4?, AIFF and WAV, from 8 to 32 bits
• More than 20 high-quality soundsets included
• 54 sample slots, each with 128 velocity layers, tuning, volume envelope, pitch envelope, bit reduction, shaper and FX Loop for innovative effects
• Six modulation inputs per sample slot with many drum-oriented presets
• Real-time Waveform Display
• Runs as a stand-alone application with MME, Direct Sound, Sound Manager, MAS, DirectConnect and ASIO or as a VST 2 plug-in
• Dynamic resource allocation for optimal performance
• Can be played and modulated via MIDI, with complete VST automation

System Requirements (recommended)

Windows 98, Pentium 300 MHz, 64 MB RAM, 16 bit sound card

Mac OS 8.6 or higher, G3 300 MHz, 64 MB RAM

For more information, visit their web site at http://www.native-instruments.com/.

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