The idea behind 2.1 is that until Renoise has features like a piano-roll, an arranger and audio file streaming, you should at least be able to use them through external means. That is why we have added routing features to connect Renoise to other audio applications. With ReWire on Windows and MacOSX, and the Jack Transport protocol on Linux, you can finally combine the best things about trackers and sequencers.

Performing live with Renoise is more flexible than ever. First of all, you can keep editing a pattern while the song continues to play. That makes it possible to do some last minute changes before playback actually reaches that pattern. Secondly, you will be able to queue patterns. When playback reaches the end of the pattern, it will ignore your pre-baked sequence and go to the blinking pattern instead. It’s like going off-road: if your audience likes it, why not take the scenic route?

To top it off we threw in a couple of new devices. The ominously named Hydra Device multiplexes movements from one slider to a maximum of 9 outputs. Mythological experts know why 9 of them. The Key-Tracking Device modulates any parameter according to an incoming note pitch. Real nice for frequency dependent effects. And finally, the MIDI-Control Device is a pimped up replacement for the MIDI CC Device. You can now send and automate several non-CC parameters to MIDI Instruments, such as Pitchbend, Channel Pressure and Program Change.

More details about this release: What’s new in Renoise 2.1

Maybe you have a different DAW of choice, but you are interested in creating music from a different point of view? With ReWire and Jack Transport, Renoise excels along your other audio applications. Download a demo from our website and give it a try: Renoise Demos for Windows, MacOSX and Linux

Hey, but before continuing, why don’t you start playback on the music player on the Renoise frontpage to listen to 3 songs from the album?

Fact 1) The album was written for the RPM Challenge. Each participant gets only 28 days to write and record a full length album. Hunz managed to finish it before the deadline, which is notable in itself. But to actually deliver an album of such quality, that’s truly remarkable.Would you have been able to tell it was made in such a short period?

Fact 2) Whereas most artists tuck away their project files, Hunz decided to release them for all to see to keep the demoscene spirit alive. You can open the XRNS files with Renoise to learn ninja tracking tricks, create remixes or inspect them for inspiration.

Download “Thoughts that Move” in XRNS format:
Hunz - Thoughts that Move (XRNS files)

Official announcement with MP3 and CD:
New Album is out now, it’s free! - hunz.com.au

The reviewer begins the article by asking, ”has v2 been worth the wait?”. As the author digs through the new features,his initial rhetorical question is put to work, concluding with the presentation of the Computer Music magazine’s coveted ‘Value’ and ‘Performance’ awards. Great!

The May 2009 issue of Computer Music is available through newsstands or by subscription.

The response to the compo was immense, with participants sending in over 50 great songs. Immortal Empire’s developer Tactic Studios has ranked and reviewed all songs: Compo results and comments.

To commemorate the closing of the competition, here’s a trailer of Immortal Empire featuring the music of first place winner Jacek Dojwa.

The entries will be judged by Tactic Studios’ development team. Any song submitted may be used in the final product of the game, so this is a chance for your music to be exposed to a large audience. If you make it to the top 3, you will win up to $300 in cash.

The kind of music we are looking for is Orchestral or Progressive Orchestral.  To get an idea of the kind of thing we want,  check out the background music of games such as Diablo, Baldur’s Gate 2, StarCraft and Mass Effect.

The competition will close on March 15th 2009.

Visit the Immortal Empire Renoise Music Competition Website for more information.

Renoise 2.0 Beta Music Competition Results

Renoise’s previous competition has come to an end, and the winning songs have been included in the Renoise install package.  All songs and reviews of the Renoise 2.0 Beta Music Competition can be found on the Beta Compo website.