NEW PRODUCTS
Mar 1, 2000 12:00 PM, Remix Staff
Reason SOFTWARE SYNTHESIZER Featuring an analog synth, sampler, drum machine, ReCycle-based loop player, mixer, pattern sequencer, effects, and other modules, Steinberg's Reason ($399) is a software synthesizer package for Power Macintoshes and Windows 98/NT PCs that provides several powerful music-production tools in a fully customizable, virtual rack configuration. Reason functions as a self-contained synth and sequencer studio; you can also integrate it into a digital audio or MIDI sequencer. The synth module features two oscillators; two resonant filters; and phase, frequency, and ring modulation. The sampler module includes a variety of synth functions for modifying samples.
Based on Propellerheads' ReCycle software, the Dr Rex loop player module allows you to do such things as change a loop's tempo without changing its pitch, and replace individual sounds within a loop; it also features built-in filtering and modulation. You can duplicate and configure modules at will, limited only by the host computer's processing power. Onscreen patch cords connecting inputs, outputs, and CV/Gate provide flexible signal-routing options. Reason can export sounds as AIFF or WAV files, and a helper application supports MP3 encoders. Reason includes over 500 MB of samples for use by the sampler, drum machine, and loop player, and it imports 24-bit sound files.
Steinberg; tel. (818) 678-5100; Web www.us.steinberg.net
MP 2016 ROTARY MIXER Featuring the rotary controls that many house DJs favor, six input channels, and booth and house outputs, Rane's MP 2016 rotary mixer ($1,499) is a professional-quality DJ mixer that provides outstanding sound quality and a clean, intuitive layout. Channels 1 through 4 feature high-quality phono preamps that can switch between phono and line level, whereas channels 5 and 6 include balanced microphone preamps, mic/line level switches, input gain trim, and 2-band EQ. Each channel includes input gain controls for matching levels, signal overload indicators, and a 6-position switch for selecting any of the five aux inputs, in addition to the dedicated preamps. The optional XP 2016 Processor ($749) provides 3-band, full-cut tone controls and A-post-B crossfader assign switches for each of the MP 2016's channels, plus a crossfader and 10-segment peak dBu master/cue meter with peak hold.
Rane; tel. (425) 355-6000; Web www.rane.com
Electrix Mods EQ KILLER STEREO FREQUENCY BAND KILLER FILTER QUEEN VINTAGE STEREO FILTER These new additions to the Electrix line of effects processors are 10-inch rack- or desktop-mountable units designed for real-time applications. The EQ Killer ($299) features a 24 dB/octave filter; adjustable low- and high-crossover controls; and low-, mid-, and high-band EQ kills that engage with latching or momentary switches. Modeled after the filter sections of vintage analog synths, the Filter Queen ($299) provides lowpass, highpass, bandpass, and notch filters; selectable LFO waveforms; two stereo or four mono poles; envelope and band-limited following; and a momentary engage switch. Both units include a phono preamp for connection to a turntable.
Electrix; tel. (250) 544-4091; Web www.electrixpro.com
VRX-2000 VINYL-CUTTING MACHINE Vestax's VRX-2000 (price TBA but expected to be in the $7,000 to $8,000 range) is a vinyl recorder that makes cutting your own records as easy as burning a CD or making a cassette. The VRX-2000 resembles a standard turntable but features a special diamond needle for cutting grooves into blank recording vinyl. The unit makes stereo records containing up to 25 minutes' worth of material on each side with a frequency response of 60 Hz to 12 kHz. You can play records made with the VRX-2000 on regular turntables, and Vestax claims the records are as durable as commercially pressed vinyl.
Vestax; tel. (954) 926-6622; Web www.vestaxdj.com
Electribe-S RHYTHM PRODUCTION SAMPLER Korg's Electribe-S rhythm production sampler ($599) offers easy-to-use sampling, resampling, signal processing, and sequencing capabilities. Features include up to 95 seconds of mono sampling time, storage of up to 100 samples in internal memory, and 11 effects such as reverb, chorus/flanging, distortion, decimator, isolator, resonant filter, and tempo-synched master delay. The Electribe-S can resample in real time, recording all adjustments made to pitch, filter, and effects and saving the modified sound as a new sample. The unit contains 128 rhythm pattern locations, and you can combine up to 256 patterns to create up to 16 songs, storable in internal memory. Other features include a time slice function that isolates individual elements of a sampled phrase and a motion sequence function that records every knob tweak as part of a rhythm pattern.
Korg; tel. (516) 333-9100; Web www.korg.com
VP-9000 VariPhrase PROCESSOR Providing simultaneous real-time control of pitch, formant, and time, Roland's VP-9000 VariPhrase processor ($3,295) is a powerful tool for remixers and musicians that enables them to manipulate audio in a variety of creative ways from a MIDI keyboard or sequencer. The unit's abilities include instant matching of multiple phrase loops with different keys and tempos to a user-specified key and tempo, instant transposing of pitch without changing the sample's time, and changing a sample's tempo or key from the midpoint of the phrase. The VariPhrase technology even allows users to change the rhythmic groove of a sampled phrase in real time. Six-note polyphony enables users to create and change harmonies instantly from a MIDI keyboard. The VP-9000's 8 MB of internal memory gives you 25 seconds of stereo sampling, and you can expand the memory to 136 MB with optional SIMMs for up to 7 minutes of stereo sampling time. The unit is compatible with Roland S-700, Akai S1000, AIFF, and WAV files, and supports 8- and16-bit samples from 8 to 48 kHz. An internal 250 MB Zip drive is included for backing up audio data and transferring AIFF and WAV files from a Mac or PC. The VP-9000's controls transmit MIDI control change messages, allowing users to record and edit VariPhrase performances with a sequencer. Other features include a built-in multi-effects processor with 40 types of effects; two SCSI ports for connecting CD-ROM, hard disk, or Zip drives; six outputs (stereo and two pairs of direct outputs); and coaxial and optical digital I/O.
Roland; tel. (323) 890-3700; Web www.rolandus.com
CMX-5000 PROFESSIONAL DJ CD PLAYER Featuring an onboard computer that analyzes the beat of the music and adjusts the next song to match the bpm, Pioneer's CMX-5000 ($1,799) makes beat matching easy. You can select four different blends and mix effects-standard crossfade, cold cut, echo, and jog break-for mixing one song into another. The player can even beat-mix two different tracks from the same CD. An 8-second buffer for each of the two transports and an oil-damper shock-absorbing system prevent skipping. In addition to standard CDs, the CMX-5000 reads CD-R and CD-RW discs. The player includes features standard on Pioneer's CDJ-series players, such as master tempo, fader start/back cue play, seamless looping, relooping, and a large jog wheel designed to feel like a turntable.
Pioneer; tel. (310) 952-2111; Web www.pioneerprodj.com A
| Want to use this article? Click here for options! |  |
