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Arturia has announced Spark 2, a new look, new feel version of the powerful software engine that drives its Spark Creative Drum Machine and SparkLE Creative Drum Machine hybrid hardware/software instruments, at the 2014 NAMM Show, January 23-26 in Anaheim, California.
Here's what they say:
Arturia has given its beat creation software a new look, new feel, and a host of new features.
While Spark has always been built on a fully-modular VA (Virtual Analogue) sound engine, originally only developers had access to this rhythmical power source. Not now. With the all-new Spark 2, users are free to add and subtract modules (including oscillators, multimode filters and Karplus-Strong filter, ADR envelopes, LFOs, mixers, ring modulator, Bode Frequency Shifter, spring mass, and CV processor); create their own patch routings; and assign up to six macro controls for immediate control.
With Spark 2, Arturia has taken the opportunity to update the look and feel of Spark to allow for faster workflow, while creating a layout that allows it to grow into the future and secure its longevity. New tabbed pages provide a cleaner look, more screen space, and faster access to the most needed features — features like an all-new Mixer window, expanded Pattern edit screen, and enhanced Library page for better data management.
Spark 2 also adds 50 new kits — including no fewer than 800 new instruments — that span many more musical genres than ever before, including trap, hip-hop, tech house, and nu disco. These kits come complete with 32 patterns that can be used by themselves or form the basis of user-programmed beats.
Spark 2 sees Song mode updated, too. Song segments can now be configured and then replayed at the touch of a button. Users can create song sections that will play from one pattern to another and then recall these sections via the step buttons on the Spark Creative Drum Machine and SparkLE Creative Drum Machine controllers.
From March 2014, existing Spark and SparkLE Creative Drum Machine users will be able to download Spark 2 for free from: www.arturia.com/downloads/updates
Spark Creative Drum Machine and SparkLE Creative Drum Machine can be purchased from the Arturia online store or any authorised dealer for $399.00 / €399.00 or $299.00 / €249.00, respectively.