Toxic3 Demonstration Video
Check out an extensive 2 session video on how to work the mysterious Toxic3. I provide instructions from patch creation to crazy automation's. Plus also features a nice preview of other Toxic3 sounds.
Video Here

16 New Free Presets for Toxic
Orion user Omac has made 16 new presets for the Orion synthesizer Toxic 2.5 freely available. Listen to a demonstration here. Thanks Omac!

Parlo Italiano anyone?
Orion producer ECdj79 have contributed to the Italian knowledgebase of Orion via creating several Italian lingual tutorials. Click on these parts to be guided in a four sequence course.
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Great work ECdj79. Or as we could say in Italian: Ottimo lavoro!

New free samples for Orionauts
In the wake of the new year Synapse Audio just brought all the nice kiddies who use Orion a gift. A free high quality electric bass library, which consists of ready-to-use programs and presets for the Sampler, including: Fingered Bass Muted Bass Slap Bass Each electric bass sound consists of 160-180 individual samples, distributed across 8 velocity layers to provide stunning realism. The library is available to all Orion customers in the service area, free of charge.

Yay for the Holiday Sale!
Synapse Audio have put out a holiday sale for all those interested in getting great value at a low price. 99 Dollars will get you the full version of Orion 7.6 and an impulse response library for the high grade Convolution Reverb. There is also a sale for the Ultimate Synth Pack, which also costs 99 dollars. This includes Toxic 2.5, Hydra, Scorpion, Poly-850 and Plucked String. The sale ends 1 January 2010. Read more here: http://www.synapse-audio.com/

Orion on the Cloud
I've set up the Soundcloud group Cloud of Orion - for those who make music using Orion and like me fancy Soundcloud. Welcome!

Orion 7.62
Although it is far from being news by now: the latest version of Orion is currently 7.62. Additions since Orion 7.5 include: - Tremolo effect added under FX/Dynamics. The effect supports hard, soft and vintage tremolo and can be sync'ed to the current song tempo. The left and right channel can be optionally de-phased to provide a stereo effect. - The piano roll now optionally display patterns from other instruments. - New Tutorial Song added, demonstrating how to use the StereoFX control. - SSE2/SSE3 information is now displayed in the About box. - Keyboard shortcuts are displayed in the piano roll settings dialog.

Free 2 track EP for download
....at my website : http://thebasship.eu - Club Cairo, I tried to transport the atmosphere of a wonderful afternoon with my gf. hope you enjoy it. Produced 2009 with Reason and Orion Platinum. Thx for attention. Jay

New free album, 100% Orion-made
Karmabomb, my first album, is now available free for downloading, and was made completely in Orion Platinum.

Orion Made track featuring on BBC's Dave Pearce Dance Anthems
Some members may remember me from the early days of this site, and I still have a few tracks in the top 25. Well I thought you would like to know I am having one of my dance tracks played this Sunday 26th September on BBC Radio Dance Anthems with Dave Pearce.

I will also be speaking to him live on air at about 9:30pm so you can tune in wherever you are in the world and listen to me trying to sound cool and probably making a complete lemon of myself!

You can listen live of listen later with this link

http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/shows/dave_pearce/

or listen to my music

http://www.myspace.com/eightminuseight

Thanks for your time
Kenton

Orion 7.5 released
The long awaited version 7.5 of Orion is available. It is a free update for all Orion Platinum 7 users.

Key changes include:
- New audio engine with support for multicore processors
- Improved Workflow
- Updated VST implementation to version 2.4
- New limiter effect, modelled after the famous 1176LN
- Auto-tracking EQs for easier mixing
- Extended arpeggiator with new options
- Creating presets for container multieffects is now possible
- Direct Export to MP3 and OGG formats
- Improved compatibility with Windows Vista

Orion PRO is discontinued with this release, however an affordable upgrade to V7.5 is available. Since there is only 1 Orion version now, the "Platinum" in the name was dropped. Orion 7.5 includes all Platinum features of course, and many more on top of that!

Orion Reloaded is online!
Orion Reloaded (formerly known as Orion Center) is up again! Big thanks to epilogue for preserving all the files and the database and to Filip for creating the site.

Webradio dedicated to music composed with ORION ....
Maybe you can remember the good old times when I managed a station on mp3.com that was called "Composed with orion" ? ... GOOD NEWS ! The station is back on www.soundclick.com Want to have your music featured on the station ? ... All you have to do is register on soundclick.com (100% free), upload one or more tracks and post a message to the station owner Johannes Roussel ... The goal of the station is to show how many different music genres can be composed and produced with ORION ... and also how all orion users are talented ! Waiting for you music ! (Please only finished tracks ...) http://www.soundclick.com/stations/stat ... ?id=159992

MicroKorg Midi Template
I have made an Orion Platinum Midi Template for the Microkorg. Its an .sfs file that can be used to sculpt sounds on the MicroKorg before you start writing your tunes.

Orion Pro updated to version 5.8
New features in Orion Pro 5.8
* Extended Sampler
* Styles (Preset + Patterns) support
* Demo Styles included for most generators

Orion Platinum 5.8 Released!
Orion Platinum has been updated with new, awesome features to version 5.8- Read the details on the main page!
Short summary of changes:

* Styles (Preset+Patterns) for all generators
* 2 effects added
* Sampler and Screamer extended
* AIFF support in DrumRack module
* Support for other than 12 tone systems

Ultran presets updated.
I have retuned my Ultran presets as some were out of key. Some are still completely detuned so remember to click 'create chord' in the arppregiator window to get the right sound.

New Scorpion 4 preset bank
New psychedelic sounds for your Scorpion 4 VSTi by ---=u f o=--- Instruct your Scorpion NOW! Peace luv and aciiid.

iDkILLERpv - Performance Variant + www.novakill.com update
I've just updated www.novakill.com with loads of new stuff: iDkILLERpv has several new features like Overdrive and a Rhythmic Gate but the biggest additions are for playing it from a controller keyboard. It now features full MIDI automation and controls to route several different parameters to your MOD WHEEL - LFO, Phase Mod and Overdrive. MIDI implementation has also been added to most of the other killers but it skrews with patches in existing songs so don't install them unless you really need MIDI cc's. T-shirts are now available for purchase. Two new song snippets from the next album.

Not-so-new, but improved!
Okay, the lion's share of the retweak is done here at OC - tons of small changes were made as far as layout and wording, and a couple of little features have been added (can now click names in comments to see the poster's info, for example). New IE styles done (Netscape ones on the way).

Orion Platinum v5.2 released
New features include: REX2 support in Sampler. New Low Cut Filter. New Platinum Phaser effect. VST MIDI plugin support. New T-Slide control for all internal generators. All EQs can now be pre- or post FX. New demo songs/tutorials.

Official Forum released!!
www.synapse-audio.com/forum (or click on FORUM from the main page) yahoops will probably stay for a while (even if only for archive reasons, or if the server should bug out) please dont use OC anymore though! Rich
(just to clear things up - it's not about "this" OC, which was and is song-sharing site ;) --fth).

Sonic Charge µTonic Released
Sonic Charge µTonic is the world's first VST plug-in featuring a generic drum and percussion synthesizer combined with a pattern based drum machine engine! You can use the µTonic as an ordinary sound module to play drum sounds from your MIDI keyboard or sequencer, or you can use the built-in pattern engine to play drum patterns in sync with your sequencer (provided your sequencer supports synchronization of plug-ins). The sound of the µTonic is 100% synthetic and rendered in real-time. No samples or pre-rendered waveforms are used. http://www.soniccharge.com/

Sonic Time works have released their first plugin instrument - SH-1001.
The intro from their page reads - "Wondering why you can never get that deep bass you're looking for? Trying to create the perfect lead sound, but keep getting strange tones you didn't ask for? Taking a unique approach to oscillator tone generation, the SH-1001 can generate all those tones you've been looking for, without any undesirable side effects. And featuring almost 300 high quality presets it is easy to find just the sound you're looking for."

SH-1001 is a Windows VSTi and is available for purchase immediately for $129. If you purchase before March 1st 2004 they will throw in their Phazer Model 88 DirectX plugin for free (Normally retailing at $79 on its own!).

A fully functioning demo version is available for download.

Features of SH-1001:
- High quality alias-free multi-mode oscillator.
- True stereo 64 bit internal precision.
- Near to 300 high quality presets, including a set from SampleBytes.com.
- Unique analogue simulation of all components including output stage.
- True automation (in hosts that supports it).
- MIDI automation with assignable controllers.
- 3 different filters, to suit your personal preferences.
- Ultra-Precise fader control while holding down the "Ctrl" button.

More info at www.sonictimeworks.com/sh.php

CA5000 Cameleon VSTi
Camel Audio have released the demo version of Cameleon 5000 (CA5000), a few days ahead of the full product release. Cameleon 5000 is an "Additive Morphing Resynthesiser" which features unique resynthesis and sound morphing technologies, and offers unparalleled ease of programming.

The Cameleon 5000 demo is available as a VSTi for Windows and as a VSTi and AudioUnit for Mac OS X.
http://www.camelaudio.com/

Futurehaus opens up the floodgates
Futurehaus, a multimedia shop, has expanded into musical collaboration using a project-based approach. You can join existing projects or start your own. Details are on the staging site (which is still in progress). http://www.shanesanders.com/structure/index.html

myself in the mix
For anyone interested, I put up a megamix of some of my tunes on http://userserv.fh-reutlingen.de/~budde/misch/meine.mp3. It only contains tunes also to be found on this site though. If you happen to listen to it more often, please consider downloading instead of streaming, I don't want my college's dean walking up to me charging for my bandwidth...

Analoguesamples.com grand reopening!
As of October 1, Analoguesamples.com is back online and bigger than ever! And for anyone visiting the 'Featured' section, you may notice that Gearshift kits are the debut of this event! So go in, grab some samples, and tweak 'em wild in Orion!

Cleanup and MP3's
I ask all users, especially those very active, to delete their old files and duplicates. I am speaking only of unfinished songs or those with little input, to save our space. Orion-Center content is now over 1 GB, mainly due to mp3's. So I also ask you not flood OC with large MP3's anymore. There are plenty of MP3 hosting sites for that. This is no iron rule though - if you really need to upload MP3 version of the song (possible reasons for that are known to all of us), do it, but make it a low bitrate preview etc. We want your songs, but we don't have the infrastructure of commercial music sites :)

retox hits orion with vengance
sup all, heres 2 new tracks. both full vocal via traum. some live guitars and some good stuff in my opinion. http://www.sectionz.com/detail.asp?rtype=mp3&szid=9865 http://www.sectionz.com/detail.asp?rtype=mp3&szid=9804 please check them out and if your a member of sectionz please review. peace all

Welcome back!
Thanks to phreque.com we are back with a better host. I also removed some unused sections, old faq's, tips and links, and improved the way files are uploaded for easier backup. Unfortunately all of my e-mails were dead for more than a week. From now on, please use this e-mail to contact me: fth@orion-center.com. If you have any small :) suggestions or there are any problems, tell me!

BK ONE Comp. released
www.brainkiller.it released The Prodigy fan album (see the site). Devolved track "Blanked" was voted in as one of the top tracks (you can download mp3s on the site). Orion Platinum was used as a primary sequencer and sampling tool.

Dynamix II featured on the Synapse site
A feature article about electrobreak wizards Dynamix II is now available on the Synapse site - check out the article and audio clips here: http://www.synapse-audio.com/aotm.php?id=200308

Otherox Website
Hey I've heard people likes a lot my (Otherox) stuff. I will keep uploading songs but if you just can't wait check out my website: http://www.geocities.com/otheroxwebsite

Trance Website
hey i saw a good trance site the other day if ye want ye feel free to check it out @ www.trance-resource.com

Epilogue splashes into stores
Activision's April release of "Atlantis: Underwater Tycoon" for PC hit stores last week, and features a selection of Epilogue songs!

New COMPETITION on sectionz.com!
Nth Degree Records and sectionz.com have come together to bring a new competition this month! We've been lucky enough to have Rene sponsor the competition with prizes from rgc:Audio, and we've also got a copy of FL Studio from Image-Line that Z will personally give away to his favorite entry. Details are here: http://www.sectionz.com/ndr_comp.asp The first place winner will have the chance to get their track signed to Nth Degree records and put on vinyl along with getting a 1 year @sectionz membership, a signed copies of music by Sinful Nature, and last but definately not least, a copy of z3ta+!. There are also some great prizes for the runner ups so be sure to check it out and enter!

New Soundfonts for free
I added new free soundfonts on my music Web page http://www.johannes.roussel.com I also have Hammerhead tracks and ... vintage TS404 tracks

sectionz.com / iZotope competition
iZotope has partnered up with us this month to give all the bedroom composers at sectionz.com a chance to win some professional tools. All this to celebrate the release of thier new distortion plugin Trash. sectionz.com is also giving away over 20 compilation cds and several @sectionz.com memberships that include a 20mb email box and tons of other site features. for more info visit sectionz.com

KILLER Synths, Music and Skins Updates
I've finally updated my site so all the KILLER Synths are now all available from: http://www.ar.com.au/~novakill There are updated versions of both GODkILLER and EGOkILLER available. There is also an updated version of the STEALTH skin that addresses some usability issues. The big news for me is that there are snippets of 6 nearly final mixes from our album. They are 96kbps, mono and about 30-40 seconds each [not much web-space] but they should give you a good idea of ORION Platinum's awsome power [a few VSTi but not many].

@sectionz members program now available.
sectionz.com has introduced a new "@sectionz" program for members that will allow them premium site features for the low cost of $10 a year. @sectionz.com v1.0 premium features include: - 20mb @sectionz.com email box with pop-client access and a webmail front end available via mail.sectionz.com - access to the http://membername.sectionz.com method of calling up your homepage for clean linking to your creations - access to the avatar manager where you can upload images to display on your track pages - reply to review capabilities - access to a radio request page - special discounted prices on available sectionz.com merchandise including the szcd for only $10 dollars w/ free shipping and we're still working on putting together: - upload progress bar - member sharing that will allow you to list artists you are collaborating with on your artist page and the shared tracks - site prefrences that will allow you to add content to the left column like the mp3 top 20 list and more - advanced artist page with alot more features - site display options that will let you customize the sectionz.com homepage and control how many items you want listed on the page. More information about sectionz.com and the @sectionz membership can be found here: http://www.sectionz.com/@sectionz.asp

sectionz.com supports Orion!
With the release of sectionz.com v5.0, we have now added support for Orion files. Now with the addition of Orion, sectionz.com hopes to see users of the program share, review, collaborate, and have their music heard by other section_z members who are currently using other hosts. Show 'em what you've got!! /smart http://www.sectionz.com/

"Orion french users" website
New website for Orion users in french will open soon. Temporary address with work in progress is monsite.wanadoo.fr/orionfrenchusers/
There is also a forum for french-speaking users.

Platinum v3.7 Update
Orion Platinum v3.7 has been released.

The major new feature is the Wavefusion generator, which is a total replacement for the old WaveDream. It is fully compatible with the WaveDream, and can play all of it's presets, but has many new oscillator and modulation features.

The Program Editor in the Sampler has been updated - the keyboard display is now larger and more comfortable, and can now be clicked to place the root key.

Microtuning features are gaining more recognition in the electronic music community, and in response to this, we've added support for SCALA files, which means you can now fully customize the microtuning tables.

You can now drag the tracks in the Playlist, to rearrange them - and the Mixer channels will rearrange accordingly.

A "move" tool is now available in the song event editor, a damping parameter was added to the Plate Reverb, and a whole lot of other minor fixes and improvements were done.

Proceed to the service page to download your free update.

Orion user site in Italian
I've re-worked the pages and want to get in touch with Italian-speaking users! I may start asking some members for permission to translate their articles/tutorials. Dove siete! Utenti italiani alzatevi! Visitate il sito http://www.curiousgame.com/Orion/orion_index.htm

Important - PLEASE READ
If anyone wants to send me a message, like error reports, complains about the site, or suggestions etc. please contact me by e-mail. Contact section is in the menu, hard to miss. News section is not for discussion or contacting the webmaster.

As for MP3 case: OC was designed for MP3s too, so it is still allowed to upload such songs, as long as there are not too many of them, so they don't stress the server. The problem is, that many users disregard this, because of various reasons. Keep that in mind when you decide to put MP3 up. I strongly encourage to upload SFS files instead of MP3's - it allows Orion users to view song details like instruments, effects, tricks and so on. On the other hand, people who would like to ban MP3's from OC completly - please accept the fact that Orion is open for commercial plug-ins, professional samples etc. that just can't be shared with others. Because of current tension however, changes will be made to satisfy (hopefully) both sides. MP3 files will have their own section, subsite or something of that type. Each section will have its own ranking.

Problems with top 25 / song ratings were caused by accident with one user whose songs/comments/votes had to be removed. That case also needs one conclussion: We accept MP3's but surely we don't accept songs that were not made in Orion.

Any opinions/suggestions: f.twardoch@postindustry.org

Artist of the Month September
Today, Synapse announced their first ever Artist of the Month - a new monthly award, going out to remarkable Orion users.

The winner for the month of September is Tilman Budde, who you may know as Tilli here on Orion Center. You can listen to Tilli's song "About Leaving", and read more about him here: www.synapse-audio.com/aotm_2002_09.php

Also, follow the link in the left column on the page, which will take you to our song submission page - chances are you could win next month's award yourself.

Personal site online
Okay, got my new site online, it's at www.tillis.de. Consider it to be late beta-stage, there are a couple of things left to do, most important finding webspace for my tunes. I set up a link section as well, if you want to get listed, drop me a mail! Oh and drop me a line as well if you come across unexpected errors, I'll have to fix these!

Introducing Synapse Audio!
Sonic Syndicate has officially changed its name (and website) to Synapse Audio. The lucky winner of the "Rename-the-Company" contest won a free copy of Orion Platinum. I'd also like to say (with as little of a gloating voice as is humanly possible) that the lucky feller is myself! It is at this time that I'd like to whoop with glee and run wild through the streets.

About files bundling
A reminder - song uploaded to Orion Center should have samples/programs bundled within sfs file. Also, if you use custom wavetable it should be placed together with .sfs in one zipped file. You should NOT bundle any plug-ins this way, even if they are free, because it is illegal. Placing a link in description is absolutely enough.

Interacting with style, grace and charm.
By Jazz E Springer
There's a real person behind the text you see. Be considerate, and remember that what may seem like a joke or a witty comment when you're writing it can seem rude when someone else is reading it.
Don't "copy-n-paste" review. Listen to songs, and write considerate, meaningful reviews. Don't write one review and then copy and paste it over and over into other reviews. It's not nice for the person receiving the review, and you'll make a bad reputation for yourself.
Don't create bogus profiles to review yourself.
Don't tell people to check out one of your songs in your review of their piece. The reviews are about them, not you.
Don't send out spam asking people to review your song. If you do send out spam, remove anyone from your mailing list that requests to be removed.
Use the right conference to plug songs.
Help a newbie – you were one too once.
No posting .rm, .bmp's, .gif's etc in Community – they suck bandwidth. [actually, at least for images, there's no problem - misc category is for them; they don't suck even 10% of what one song "sucks" - fth]
Remember there are kids that read the board, try to keep it clean, or at least use big words so they don't get it.

OK!
We're back. Our sponsor Phreque.com has upgraded to a new, faster server. This will allow bigger uploads and faster transfer rates. All previous problems are solved now - download/upload works fine and register process for new users is fully functional. Users #1075+ that have exprienced problems in last few days should have they accounts fixed now.

Orion Users Sitering
As i realised i never posted here about the site ring i thought it's about time i did. So, the orion-users site ring is free for anyone to join for anyone who uses Orion Standard, Orion Pro, or the forthcoming Orion Platinum (so thats all of you here then). It's free promotion for you and your music, so if you wanna join click here

Attention spanish users!
HispaSonic, a music technology portal for spanish and latin community, released a tutorial for Orion Pro 3 (in spanish language). You can access is here.

New feature at OC
In the music section: "TOP 25". Chart shows 25 top rated songs, with a minimum of 5 votes. If you want to make it dynamic, vote more frequently! Any comments: fth@orion-center.com.

Uk Orion Users Wanted For Techno CD Release Project...
I am working on the idea of making a compilation cd based around Orion users.....IN THE UK......who write techno of any form. If you are interested then email me. linesnorter@hotmail.com

New & updated skins
Now that ORION v3 is out I have released updated skins for ALTERNATE and DIGITAL and the all-new STEALTH SKIN. STEALTH and DIGITAL feature very skinny Mixer Strips whilst ALTERNATE has a very short Mixer. All skins feature customised Piano Roll colour schemes.
orionstuff.student.net.au has received a major update which includes better navigation and all the new skins in individual zips. there is also half a skinning tutorial up and a feature comparison of ORION/FRUITY/REASON.

UPDATE TO PLATINUM PREVIEW
Just a few new things added at: orionstuff.student.net.au/preview/preview.html.

NIN!jA for Orion
Special version of this recently discussed VSTi is available here. The main difference between the normal version and this one is, that Orion NIN!jA works in Orion:)

PLATINUM PREVIEW!
I've put up a little preview of ORION PLATINUM at: orionstuff.student.net.au/Preview/preview.html. I'll add to it as time permits to show you more stuff.

New .SF2 Drum Tools CD-ROM
Looking for some drum kits & loops in soundfont format for ORION's sampler? Electronisounds.com has just released "Junebug's Drum Tools" sample CD in .SF2 format. There are over 1,500 drum sounds in 36 HUGE kits, and over 100 "chopped-up" drum loop soundfonts in 7BPM's, too! Plenty of midi files are included as well - ESSENTIAL for beatmaking with ORION's sampler! Check out the FREE 60-piece DEMO soundfont!!

An interview with Richard Hoffmann
For all Orion users - you can read a fresh interview with Richard Hoffmann of Sonic Syndicate here. Thanks to Digital Pimp, the interviewer :)

Orion MEGA Toolkit Released From Electronisounds!
A HUGE variety of new presets, samples, and midi files. Over 3,000 files! 50+ new original presets for: CronoX, Junglist, Scorpion II, Wasp & Wavedream Softsynths - Over 275 new original presets & so much more!! More information available here: www.electronisounds.com.

Tobybear "Shocker!" release - limited time free download!
Direct from the Tobybear homepage: "Starting next monday, Shocker! will be available for free download for 2 weeks only as a Halloween special. After that, you can only get it later in a bundle with other effects."

Orion 2.3 update
This small update includes: loading/saving effect presets via the system menu, assigning MIDI controls to VST instruments via system menu, setting loop points via playlist, sawtooth/noise LFO waveforms returned to normal + bugfixes. The update is available as always at www.sonic-syndicate.com/updates.

VSTi news from Sonic Syndicate
Scorpion VSTi 1.1 is available for $39 while Plucked VSTi costs $9.95. There is also a special offer for all registered Orion users - they can buy Scorpion for $29! Also check Scorpion 1.1 fix on Yahoo! files.

Plug-in reviews section launched
Orion Center has launched a new section for VST/DX plug-ins & instruments reviews. I'll place some reviews soon, but as always, the section is open for users' input.

New user forum at Orion-Central.com
There is a new, web-based forum available at www.orion-central.com/discus which is going to replace the old orion-users group at Yahoo!Groups.

Scorpion VSTi demo released
New virtual analogue synth - Scorpion VSTi - is available at www.sonic-syndicate/pages/plugin1.asp. From my impression it's quite simple, but creates amazing, phat bass sounds (much better than low bass sounds from bassline synths) + some interesting analogue leads.

Orion Pro 2.202 is out!
Newest update from Sonic Syndicate includes long-awaited MIDI-Out (no sync on ASIO drivers, yet), Tomcat - new drum synth generator, groove templates, tempo event editor, redesigned XR-909, Bazzline XT and Groove Slicer.

Scorpion VSTi by Sonic Syndicate
Sonic Syndicate will release a new VST2 instrument soon, inspired by the Nord Lead synthesizer. An upgrade for Orion Pro is coming too...

Tips-of-the-day database started
Tips-of-the-day database originally at Yahoo!Groups is ready to use. There is some content already, but of course it begs for companion!

Articles/tutorials section is now available.
You can submit your tutorials, articles about expriences with Orion or synth modelling etc. Let me know if you encounter any problems.

Orion Center is on-line!
After months of delays we are finally here... Please read the Annoucement if you haven't already. We hope that you will find this place useful... go on and submit your song/wavetable/skin/link/FAQ/whatever :)

news archive | headers only