That's bound to be a popular option for DJs and others who are interested in using Spark 2 in a live performance environment, and who want to be able to enjoy the benefits of real-time tactile control.
Drum machines have remained popular ever since - however in today's musical world, MIDI hardware has largely given way to software and virtual instruments, so many of today's musicians, as well as the musicians who once used hardware drum machines and slaved them to their computers via MIDI, are now using software versions instead.Īrturia's Spark 2 is an updated version of their popular drum production plugin - in many ways, it's a virtual drum machine, and while what is under review here is just the software, Arturia also offers hardware such as the SparkLE and Spark Creative controllers that are designed to interface seamlessly with the software.
Note that Expansion Packs are only compatible with SPARK Creative Drum Machine and SparkLE combined with SPARK 2 or with SPARK 2 alone - with which they will also run in stand-alone mode they cannot be used with SPARK VDM, SPARK DubStep, and SPARK EDM.The humble drum machine really set the world of music on its ears as it started coming of age in the early and mid 1980s, and a generation of musicians grew up with them as practice, composition, recording, and even live performance tools. The AAX-, AU-, and VST2.4-compatible Hardtek Essentials Expansion Pack is available to purchase as a boxed version for €29 EUR/$29 USD from authorized Arturia dealers or online as a boxed version or download directly from Arturia here. It also packs killer basses, leads, one-shots, and effects.
It includes 30 kits (spanning techno, hardtek, drum ‘n’ bass, and hardcore techno stylings, plus more besides) 480 new instruments (instrumentally expanding the SPARK 2 sound set) and 960 customisable pre-programmed patterns. British electronic music producer Simon Carter), Ixindamix, and other former Spiral Tribe sound system members, Hardtek Essentials encompasses everything from heavy techno to sonic mayhem. Hardtek Essentials authentically delivers those sounds.ĭrawing upon the collective hardtek talents of international creative collective SP23, Crystal Distortion (a.k.a. Today’s hardtek-style music is turbo-fast - typically between 170 to 200 bpm - and characterized by pounding, repetitive kick drums. Originally influenced by hardcore, rave, jungle, gabber, and techno, with producers taking the sound in a darker, more organic direction, early emphasis was placed on strategically positioned samples drawn from TV shows, films, and popular culture throughout. As an effective EDM (Electronic Dance Music) genre, hardtek - also known as tekno - has evolved in tandem with the teknikal movement of the early 90s, named to reflect the fact that so many teknikal organizers and DJs were actively making music themselves.
Hardtek Essentials is an addition to SPARK 2 that is suited to high-energy productions and live performances.
Arturia has announced the availability of Hardtek Essentials, the latest Expansion Pack for use with its SPARK Creative Drum Machine and SparkLE controllers combined with SPARK 2 sound-sculpting and performance drum machine software for Mac (OS X 10.7 or higher) and PC (Windows 7 or higher).