In the Know
Jan 1, 2001 12:00 PM, REMIX STAFF
EF-303 GROOVE EFFECTS Roland's EF-303 Groove Effects ($595) is a tabletop effects processor designed for live-performance and studio applications by DJs and electronic musicians. The unit offers 16 different effects, including flanger, phaser, delay, reverb, pitch shifting, compression, slicer, isolator, lo-fi, voice transformer, and several filters. You can control effects parameters in real time with 16 sliders, four knobs, and a Grab switch. A step-modulator feature allows you to select different settings of a particular parameter with the sliders to create sequenced effects. Using the step modulator, you can control the built-in DSP synthesizer to create bass lines, rhythms, and arpeggios. A built-in bpm counter syncs the effects to a record's tempo, and MIDI start-stop controls make it easy to use the EF-303 with MIDI sequencers, drum machines, or a Roland Groovebox. Other features include a monitor-select function for previewing the effects through headphones, and patch memory for storing effects and step-modulator settings.
Roland; tel. (323) 890-3700; Web www.rolandus.com
MPC2000XL-SE1 DIGITAL DRUM SAMPLER AND SEQUENCER The legendary Akai MPC gets a significant face-lift with the limited-edition MPC2000XL-SE1 sampling drum machine and sequencer ($1,929). Featuring a magenta-hued front panel and luminous gold-colored drum pads, the unit offers a built-in 64-track sequencer, 16-bit stereo sampling, 32-voice polyphony, and 2 MB of RAM (expandable to 32 MB with standard SIMMs). Like the other Akai MPC2000 models, the SE1 features 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads. Four bank keys provide access to up to 64 separate sampled sounds, which you can modify with the unit's dynamic resonant filters, time stretching, and resampling. The large 248-by-60-dot LCD makes it easy to perform sampling and sequencing functions such as cut-and-paste sample editing. The unit supports a wide variety of sample formats, including Akai S-series, MPC60, and 60-II; E-mu EIII; Roland S-750/760; and 16-bit, 44.1 kHz uncompressed WAV files from PC-formatted disks.
Akai; tel. (817) 831-9203; Web www.akaipro.com
airFX EFFECTS UNIT Making use of an infrared beam that responds to movement in three dimensions along x-, y-, and z-axes, Alesis's airFX ($250) allows users to play and control sound effects by moving their hands in the air above the unit. You can use the airFX to modify any audio signal, from vinyl and CDs to synths and samplers. Featuring a sleek, minimalistic design, the unit's extremely simple control panel consists of an LCD indicating the current program and a single knob to select, engage, bypass, freeze, or release a given effect. The airFX offers 50 preset effects, including pan, flange, pitch shift, resonance filter, vocoder, Vinylizer (which simulates the sound of scratchy vinyl), scratch effects, and a subharmonic synthesizer that creates low-frequency harmonics. The unit comes with stereo RCA I/O for connection to a DJ mixer.
Alesis; tel. (310) 255-3400; Web www.alesis.com
Spektral Delay EFFECTS PLUG-IN SOFTWARE Native Instruments introduces a new series of real-time FFT-based effects software plug-ins that provide unique new sound effects and powerful sound-design capabilities. The first product from this series is Spektral Delay ($199), which allows users to apply individual delay and feedback settings, input-attenuation filtering, and modulation to specific frequencies. The software includes a detailed visual user interface that displays the frequency content of the incoming signal and the processed signal, making it easy to create dramatic effects and use the processing to its greatest potential. You can control effects parameters through MIDI. The Mac OS- and Windows-compatible software operates either as a stand-alone program or as a plug-in for VST 2.0, ASIO, DirectConnect, MAS, Sound Manager, DirectSound, and MME.
Native Instruments; tel. 49-30-2838-8640; Web www.native-instruments.com
Bomb Factory EFFECTS PLUG-IN SOFTWARE Bomb Factory introduces seven new effects software plug-ins that provide digital models of classic tube and analog processors. These packages offer emulation of everything from a $35,000 Fairchild compressor to moogerfooger stompboxes, with accurate replication of the look, sounds, and operation of these items. Plug-ins include the Fairchild Model 660 compressor ($399), Pultec EQP-1A program equalizer ($399), Joemeek SC2 Compressor ($399), Joemeek VC5 Meequalizer ($399), Tel-Ray Variable Delay ($199), moogerfooger 12-Stage Phaser ($199), and moogerfooger Analog Delay ($199). All of these plug-ins support MAS, TDM, AudioSuite, and Real-Time AudioSuite.
Bomb Factory; tel. (818) 558-7171; Web www.bombfactory.com
EM360 DJ AND EFFECTS MIXER Combining a professional DJ mixer with a built-in Korg Kaoss pad effects unit, Numark's EM360 DJ and effects mixer ($750) provides DJs with creative performance capabilities and convenience. The EM360 is a 3-channel mixer with 3-band master EQ and panning, an assignable crossfader, a Split/Blend headphone-cueing switch, six line inputs, three phono inputs, and one mic input with separate 2-band EQ. The built-in Kaoss pad offers all the same features as the stand-alone version, including 60 effects programs, 5-second sampling at 48 kHz, a Hold switch, MIDI compatibility, and an x-y touchpad for controlling effects parameters in real time. You can assign the Kaoss effects to any one of the channels or to the mic input, and the balance between the input signal and processed signal is adjustable.
Numark; tel. (401) 295-9000; Web www.numark.com
SK6 DJ MIXER The Stanton Magnetics SK6 DJ mixer ($300), a low-cost scratch-and-battle unit designed for turntablists, offers professional features found on much more expensive turntablist-oriented mixers. Features include a photo-coupler (VCA) crossfader with curve adjustment and a reverse function, two channels with separate reversible faders and 2-band EQ, and an effects send-return loop. The SK6's Protekt panel hides all screws underneath the top panel, providing a smooth surface for unobstructed operation. Other features include a headphone input with a volume control and panning fader, a mic input with a volume control and 2-band EQ, and 11/44-inch balanced and unbalanced RCA master outputs.
Stanton Magnetics; tel. (954) 929-8999; Web www.stantonmagnetics.com
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