Well, no, because it’s not a real bit of software, but it's amusing at least. Prepare yourself for the awesome power of DreamOn Pro from the mind behind www.informationisbeautiful.net.

Native Instruments (German) are belatedly celebrating Thanksgiving (American) with a special deal on their synths. For four days only you can pick up Massive, Reaktor 5, FM8 or Absynth 5 for a mere $/ €99. That's right, the US not only gets to enjoy mountains of turkey leftovers these weekend, they also get an even better deal than the Europeans!


Still, whatever currency you use this is a crazy saving, so if you're in the market for a new synth we highly recommend checking out the deal here. Happy "Synthsaving" everyone! Their idea not ours.

The long awaited Max for Live extension for Ableton Live is here, and it looks awesome! Check out this video from the Ableton site.


So, what will you be making for Live with this potentially astounding bit of software?

The title says it all: Computer Music is now available in selected branches of Asda across the UK. Just thought we'd let you know...

Good news for those using Akai MPCs alongside their computer music set-ups. REX2MPC Lite is a Mac application that allows users to quickly convert Rex files to MPC format with a simple drag ‘n’ drop approach, and it only costs a mere £4.99.


Check out this video that shows the app in action.

Drawn Recordings, which is part-run by Computer Music's Production Assistant, have released their first compilation album. It features 13 tracks, covering a wide range of eclectic styles including electronica, dub and post-rock, and is a celebration of the many great acts that have played on the monthly Drawn nights in Bristol. Also included is a lovely PDF, with pics, biographies and links for all the acts on the release. Head to the Releases section of the Drawn Recordings website to download your copy now. It's completely free – so what are you waitin' for?

www.drawnrecordings.com

That's right - the creative genius behind classics such as "Eat It" and "Amish Paradise" takes a surprisingly sober look at the history of Auto-Tune along with the Know Your Meme team. Check it out!

Producer Masterclass participants and Wales’ most dangerous hi-hoppers Goldie Lookin’ Chain are asking for your assistance in aiding some of their homeland’s most vulnerable people.


If you visit www.everybodyisadj.com you can remix their single “Everybody Is a DJ” via the downloadable Musicshake application.





The best remixes will be available to purchase via the site and all proceeds will go to Shelter Cymru. Celebrity participants so far include Ed Harcourt, Oxide of Oxide & Neutrino fame, and James Ruskin. The best remix as picked by the band will win a GLC performance at the winner's Christmas party - see the site for more details.


Now if you’ll excuse us, we’ve got a pressing engagement at Bristol Zoo.

Ultravox legend Midge Ure is to launch a website, Tunited, aimed at promoting up-and-coming artists. Midge says of the site, "With Tunited, we’re not just opening doors for new artists – we’re blowing the doors right off, Italian Job-style! Tunited will be the new music industry." Bold words indeed!

Tunited will go live on January 10th 2010, and is described thus:

"Tunited is a groundbreaking new independent music website which will assist new and independent artists and labels gain increased exposure, challenging the flagging music business’ growing reluctance to invest in this exciting area.

We at CM are particularly interested in the 'Create' aspect of Tunited, and we hope to have more solid details on the abovementioned software before too long.

In the run up to its launch, the Tunited site is hosting a competition: entrants submit their work, with the top 100 becoming featured profile artists upon the site's launch. See www.tunited.com for details.

Computer Music 145, November issue, gives readers the chance to win one of five copies of FL Studio 9 Signature Bundle. This is the biggest, baddest FL Studio bundle available, containing FL Studio 9 and goodies such as the Vocodex vocoder, SynthMaker graphical programming environment, and some premium plug-ins that you'd normally have to pay extra for, eg, the DirectWave sampler, Maximus multiband dynamics tool, and Sytrus FM synth.

Channel 4’s teen soap Hollyoaks spin-off The Hollyoaks Music Show is running a competition for unsigned bands called “HollyRocks” where members of the cast mentor a band each. The public will vote for their favourite band, and the winner will then feature in an episode of the show that revolves around them.


Computer Music is urging you to vote for electro rockers “The Dirty Chimes”, who use ZebraCM and CM samples in their tracks. In fact, listen out for samples from CM139’s videogame sounds when they play on the show! If you can't wait, here's the track:


The Dirty Chimes "Pace the Streets" - right click and select "save as" to download.


You can also hear “Pace the Streets” on their MySpace page. Here are the band with their mentor Amy Yamakazi, who plays Hollyoak's Charlotte.





The band’s songwriter and synth player Will Marsh says “Computer Music magazine has been a great help in teaching me that little bit extra about what I'm trying to do, stuff that you just can’t seem to find anywhere else. I love you Computer Music magazine, I just f***ing love you.”





Kind words indeed! The band appear on the November 21st edition of the show which airs on Channel 4, and voting commences at the end of the series. We’ll post again with an update when voting has started, but in the meantime spread the word!

Computer Music's first app for iPhone and iPod Touch is now available for free! Download it from the App Store here.

Computer Music: Make Music Now, Volume 1 gives you a collection of sampled loops to manipulate and remix via an intuitive touch-controlled six-track audio sequencer. Simply drag your chosen sounds onto the arrange page, then resize, copy, layer and mix them to create your own track. Want to edit the loops themselves? Use the innovative Clip Masher to slice and rearrange them as you see fit.

CM:MMN 01 is the first in a series of apps built on Hige Five's Pocket Remix engine – watch this space for news of the next one!

Sample library producers Wave Alchemy have launched their brand spanking new website. Users can sign up to download 250MB of free samples from the company's various libraries, so head on over if you’re short on sounds.

Get the cover image for your desktop here.

7.9GB OF CONTENT ON THE DUAL-LAYER DVD

• Intelligent Devices MegaDelayMassCM
An amazing 100-tap feedback delay plug-in for Mac and PC is yours free with CM145! As well as typical echoes, this crazy processor is capable of all manner of madness, including reverb-style washes of sound and IDM-esque 'bouncing ball' effects.

• 1954 24-bit CM Guitar samples
Our exclusive collection of guitar samples gives you all the six-string loops, chords and multis you'll ever need, all in WAV and CMplay formats!

• Producer Masterclass tutorial and video: King Charles
We catch up with the classically-trained indie folkster, at home and in the studio, to find out how he gets his distinctive sound. Watch our video to see how his song Love Lust was transformed from a rough demo into a professionally-mixed track!

IN THE MAG

• Vintage Sounds
Classic sound design and retro production techniques made easy! Emulate old-school drum machines, synths, samplers, tape machines and more with our guide to recreating vintage studio sounds in software.

• The CM Guide to FL Studio 9
We explore the major new features of Image-Line's DAW, getting to grips with sidechaining, volatile linking and the new instruments and effects.

• Into The Groove
Inject some of that elusive human feel into your tracks with our guide to applying groove, swing and shuffle.

• Focus on Hardcore
Learn how to create a bangin' hardcore dance track! Find out what goes into a hardcore beat, how to make a massive bass stab noise, how to use ear-catching vocal processing, methods of making your track flow musically, and more!

• Andy Gray interviewed
From the Big Brother theme tune to The Matrix Reloaded, you'll have heard Andy Gray's productions one way or another. CM catches up with the busiest man in music to talk music technology.

• Reviewed!
Novation Launchpad • Image-Line FL Studio 9 • Native Instruments Absynth 5 • Cakewalk V-Studio 100 • 112dB Redline Equalizer • Intelligent Devices MegaDelayMass • Soniqware MT-1 • Synthogy Ivory Upright Pianos …and more

Plus!
• 'Cloud Busting: Get yourself on SoundCloud and open a whole new musical world
• Guitar Lab: We revisit some of our most pertinent tips, tricks and techniques
• Synth Essentials: Layering LFOs with synth scientist Scot Solida
• Off The Dial: rachMiel explores the place between gridded and gridless music
• The Easy Guide: We delve deeper into minor keys and scales
• The Burning Question: When should I upgrade my operating system
• And much more!

You can order this issue (as well as recent back issues) by calling 0870 837 4773 in the UK, +44 1858 438795 everywhere else, or emailing future@subscription.co.uk.

Subscribe to Computer Music now and save over 23% (UK only) at the following address: www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk.

Readers in the US save $90, subscribe at www.imsnews.com.

Readers in Europe and the rest of the world, subscribe at www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk

We’ve seen our fair share of Flash-based music making apps, but Raindrop, a promotional tool from lullaby maestros Lullatone, is actually one of the most interesting despite its simple appearance.


Rather than using a step-sequencer, Raindrop records your sequences in real time, providing a metronome to help you get into the swing of things.


It’s strangely hypnotic, so make sure you don’t start playing with it if you’re supposed to be doing something else – like writing a blog for example…