IN THE KNOW
Sep 1, 2000 12:00 PM, Remix Staff
Nord Lead 3 Virtual Analog Synthesizer Clavia's Nord Lead 3 ($2,500) is the latest version of the popular Nord Lead series of synthesizers. Featuring a completely redesigned sound engine, the Nord Lead 3 contains high-speed DSPs and high-quality DACs for optimum sound quality. This 20-voice, 4-part multitimbral synth introduces an Adjustable Unison mode that provides unison effects without reducing overall polyphony. The control panel features knobs that rotate 360 degrees and circular LED graphs that display parameter settings.
The Nord Lead 3 contains two separate oscillator groups, each with six different waveforms and a built-in sync oscillator, providing two separately synched oscillators per voice. The filter section has two multimode filters, routable in series or parallel. Filter modes include Lowpass, Bandpass, Highpass, Lowpass-Highpass, Lowpass-Lowpass, and Classic, which emulates the characteristics of a classic analog filter. Each voice can have up to three LFOs and envelopes, and each LFO can hard-sync to MIDI clock. Other features include a Morph function for continuous control of up to 26 parameters via a single source, a 61-note Aftertouch- and Velocity-sensitive keyboard, and four individual audio outputs.
Clavia; tel. (727) 519-9669; Web www.clavia.se
Repeater Loop-Based Sampler Electrix's Repeater ($749) is a rack-mount/tabletop sampling unit that allows musicians to record, arrange, and remix music, control loops, and samples in real time. The Repeater provides MIDI sequencer-style control over audio loops, enabling users to manipulate tempo, key, and track offset. It lets you sync loops to any source using MIDI Clock or Audio Beat Detection. CompactFlash media expand the unit's memory, providing up to 50 minutes of recording time. Front-panel controls include tape recorder-style transport buttons, a Tap Tempo switch, individual Bypass/Engage switches for each of the four tracks, and a Resample button for instantly combining tracks into a single sample. Instrument input and headphone output jacks are located on the front panel for easy access.
Electrix; tel. (250) 544-4091; Web www.electrixpro.com
PDX-2000 DJ Turntable Featuring a newly designed high-torque DC motor that provides especially fast and responsive start and stop times, Vestax's PDX-2000 DJ turntable ($699) reaches normal speed from a total stop within one-sixth of a record's rotation. The turntable also includes an improved version of Vestax's revolutionary Anti-Skipping Tonearm System, which provides exceptionally stable tracking and prevents the needle from skipping out of a record's groove. Controls include a pitch fader offering a -10 percent range, an Ultra Pitch fader with a -50 percent range for creating special effects and for pushing or holding a record without touching the platter, and a Reverse button that plays a record backward instantly without skipping a beat. A Quartz Lock button returns the turntable to standard speed. The molded body that houses the turntable provides the ideal combination of durability, sound quality, and feedback resistance.
Vestax; tel. (954) 926-6622; Web www.vestaxdj.com
Phrazer Loop-Based Composition Software Providing a simple but powerful solution for mixing and matching audio loops on the fly, BitHeadz's Phrazer software ($399) offers Mac users production capabilities similar to those that Sonic Foundry's Acid provides for the PC. Phrazer can change-in real time-the tempo and key of any audio file imported into a Phrazer session, making it easy to combine loops and phrases. You can assign each track individual volume, panning, automation, and DSP effects settings. The software includes a sample editor section that allows users to fine-tune audio files. Phrazer supports external MIDI sync, and you can gate tracks on or off from a computer or MIDI keyboard. Optimized for Apple's G4 processor, Phrazer supports ASIO, Direct I/O, DirectConnect, MAS 2.0, ReWire, and Sound Manager.
BitHeadz; tel. (831) 465-9898; Web www.bitheadz.com
Sampletrak ST-224 Rhythm Machine Zoom's Sampletrak ST-224 sampler and sequencer ($625) makes it easy to record and edit sounds and arrange samples into songs you can play back or mix and improvise live. This 18-bit sampler offers 32, 16, and 8 kHz sampling rates, providing from 30 seconds of 32 kHz stereo sampling time to 240 seconds of 8 kHz mono sampling time. The Sampletrak's sequencer section stores up to eight songs with a total capacity of 5,000 notes and supplies 8-note polyphony, controllable tempo ranging from 40 to 250 bpm, and 24 ppqn resolution. You can store samples and sequences on optional Smart Media memory cards, and the unit includes internal memory backup and internal preset sounds. The eight play pads and three bank buttons allow users to control 24 different samples from the unit's front panel. Other features include 22 built-in effects, delay and modulation effects that sync to the sequencer's bpm, and an autosync function that chops loops to match a desired tempo.
Zoom; tel. (800) 328-2882; Web www.samsontech.com
Pro-Scratch 1 Professional DJ CD Player With its ability to produce turntable-like scratching effects, American DJ's Pro-Scratch 1 ($999.95) combines the creative benefits of a professional DJ CD player and a traditional turntable. The unit features a large jog wheel that provides a feel and responsiveness similar to a turntable's, allowing DJs to backspin a CD for cueing or to manipulate CD audio like vinyl. The Pro-Scratch 1 lets users record and save three samples, each up to 7 seconds long, and a looping function instantly creates seamless loops. The built-in sound effects include Panning, Flanging, Echo, Skid, Coast, and Fade. The unit can play entire songs in reverse, and a 10-second antishock buffer prevents skipping and other audio errors.
American DJ; tel. (323) 582-2650; Web www.americandj.com
DJX-IIB DJ Box Yamaha's DJX-IIB DJ box ($299.95) combines a preset pattern playback sequencer, manually controlled scratching, and effects processing. Featuring built-in speakers and guitar strap hooks, the unit is a new type of boom box that allows users to manipulate and interact with the music. The DJX-IIB includes 69 preset patterns, each with ten variations accessible via the Pattern Blaster buttons. You can modify sounds by adjusting the 3-band Isolator EQ or the filter's Resonance and Cutoff controls. Users can create scratch effects by manipulating the CD platter and crossfader on the unit's top panel. The DJX-IIB also offers ten different effects, including Distortion, Auto Pan, Ring Modulation, Flanger, Phaser, Slicer, Delay, Lo-fi, Echo, and Wah. MIDI I/O jacks allow users to connect the DJX-IIB to other MIDI instruments and download new grooves and content from the Internet.
Yamaha; tel. (714) 522-9011; Web www.yamaha.com
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