Arturia has launched the SparkLE Creative Drum Machine at the Winter NAMM 2013 Show. It's Arturia's newest hybrid beat production instrument combining intuitive hardware hands-on control with software strength and integration.
SparkLE is the little brother of the Spark Creative Drum Machine, launced in June 2011. The original Spark was created for hands-on beat-making by combining True Analog Emulation (TAE) synthesis, sample playback with multiple layering modes and post-processing, plus physical modelling technologies.
All with the workflow of a hardware drum machine.
At NAMM 2013, the SparkLE Creative Drum Machine takes this concept to the masses in an all-new, ultra-portable package with a price indication of €249.00 euros / $299.00 US dollars.
The slimline SparkLE Creative Drum Machine hardware measures a mere 1.6cm in depth and comes complete with a handy neoprene slipcase to take your beats to the streets.
With it comes direct access to all the features needed to create patterns, write automation, and perform live.
Live performances will be a breeze thanks to the advanced looper and beat-slicing functions, while beats can be transformed on the fly with the touch-sensitive FX pad that features eight filter modes and seven slicer modes. Three assignable encoders ease writing automation and realtime sound control.
More musical still, the tune mode permits playing sounds chromatically across those 16 step sequencer buttons or eight pads — try having the kick drum follow the bass root note for truly trouser-flapping lows, play a synth bass/lead sound, or transform percussion sounds into pitched instruments... it's all there for the hands-on taking.
Software-wise, SparkLE Creative Drum Machine makes use of the same full-featured Spark Engine software shipping with the original Spark Creative Drum Machine. It includes a library of over 1,500 instruments and 100 drum kits.
SparkLE Creative Drum Machine will be available from mid-March 2013.
