[NAMM] Arturia redefines drum machine with SparkLE

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Arturia announces at NAMM 2013 the SparkLE Creative Drum Machine, its newest hybrid beat production centre combining hardware with software.

SparkLE Creative Drum Machine hardware measures 1.6cm in depth and comes complete with a handy neoprene slipcase. With it comes direct access to all the features needed to create patterns, write automation, and perform live.

SparkLE Creative Drum Machine serves up classic ‘TR-style’ workflow via its backlit step sequencer buttons, eight velocity- and pressure-sensitive backlit pads, advanced Looper and beat-slicing functions, and beats can be transformed on the fly with the touch-sensitive FX pad that features eight filter modes (including the famed Oberheim SEM V filter featured in Arturia Oberheim SEM V) and seven Slicer modes.

Three assignable encoders ease writing automation and realtime sound control. The TUNE mode permits playing sounds chromatically across those 16 step sequencer buttons or eight pads .

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 an awesome library of over 1,500 instruments and 100 kits, providing top-notch, professional sounds covering a variety of dancefloor-friendly genres and stylings, ever-expandable with Arturia add-ons (like the Hip Hop Essentials and DubStep Essentials Expansion Packs).

Features: Full featured Spark Software

3 synthesis engines: Virtual analog, Physical Modeling, Sample playback
Works Standalone & as a plug-in (VST, VST3, AU, RTAS)
Backlit velocity and pressure sensitive Pads
Touch sensitive FX pad
Mode selector – Bank, Pattern, Seq, Tune
Bus powered, class compliant USB input
User assignable encoders
Advanced Looper Divide/Move function
Classic ‘TR style’ programming
Real-time programming from the pads
Protective travel sleeve
Small, Portable, Solid construction
MIDI mode for use as a controller with any software

2 banks of 8 velocity and pressure sensitive pads
3 user assignable encoders
Touch sensitive XY pad
Kensington Lock
Neoprene slipcase
Dimensions : 284mm x 171mm x 17 mm
Net weight : 1 Kg

SparkLE Creative Drum Machine will be available to purchase from the Arturia online store or any dealer for €249.00 EURO/$299.00 USD from mid-March 2013. More details on www.arturia.com/evolution/en/products/SparkLE/intro.html.