NEW PRODUCTS
Apr 1, 2002 12:00 PM, By Markkus Rovito
D-VINYL 2020
DIGITAL AUDIO DJ SYSTEM
DJs have another option if they are looking for vinyl-like control of digital audio files. The Ego-Sys D-Vinyl 2020 ($1,199) is an integrated hardware and software package with which DJs can manipulate MP3 files with a turntable, straight from a computer. Examples of the available control include real-time cueing and scratching, instant track reverse, speed control and pitch control of ±100 percent. The software contains built-in effects such as a reverb and flange; a frequency generator; a “chop device” and a beat counter with Auto, Manual and Precount modes.
ESI; tel. (408) 519-5774; e-mail info@esi-pro.com; Web www.esi-pro.com
X30
DJ CONSOLE AND CD BRACKET
Sefour, a British purveyor of DJ-oriented hardware, has seen fit to offer its wares stateside. Among the offerings is the elegant X30 DJ console ($430), a svelte housing for a DJ rig that is suitable for the studio or the living room. Built expressly for DJ equipment, the X30 is meant to be ergonomic and versatile. It will accommodate virtually any combination of two turntables and a DJ mixer, including turntables rotated 90 degrees in the battle position. It has three sealable cable ports for keeping cable spaghetti in check, shelving space for as many as 700 records and a height-adjustable middle shelf. Need to rock some CDs? The optional X30 CD bracket ($100) mounts onto the console and is designed to hold tabletop CD players and effects units; the angle and height of the bracket are adjustable.
Sefour; tel. 44-121-766-8589; e-mail info@sefour.com; Web www.sefour.com
MBOX
PORTABLE PRO TOOLS STUDIO
The massive power of Digidesign's Pro Tools digital audio recording and MIDI-sequencing system just became even more accessible in terms of both price and portability. Digidesign, in cooperation with Focusrite, has introduced the Mbox ($495), a miniature 2-channel USB audio interface that comes packaged with Pro Tools 5.2 LE. Mbox's two analog inputs are XLR/¼-inch TRS connections with Focusrite mic preamps and 48V phantom power. The unit itself runs completely on USB power. Each channel has a corresponding ¼-inch insert, and there are two ¼-inch analog outputs as well as a headphone jack. If you're keeping it digital, the Mbox has 24-bit S/PDIF I/O. On the front panel, Mbox has four knobs, including a gain knob for each channel and a headphone-level knob.
Pro Tools 5.2 LE is a full-featured digital audio sequencer supporting sessions with a maximum of 24 audio and 128 MIDI tracks. It also supports DigiStudio, in which multiple Pro Tools users can collaborate and share session data via the Internet.
Digidesign; tel. (800) 333-2137; e-mail prodinfo@digidesign.com; Web www.digidesign.com
FX DESIGNER 1.0
DIRECTX EFFECTS-PROCESSING PLUG-IN
FX Designer 1.0 ($40), a do-everything effects plug-in for Windows computers, lets users create their own effects using six modulated delay lines with comb and allpass filters, six assignable LFOs and 37 routing schemes. With those building blocks, it is possible to create a wide array of basic effects, as well as off-the-wall variations such as a reverb model in which the room size changes in real time. If quick results are needed, 72 preset effects are included in the categories of flangers, choruses, phasers, delays, reverbs, and spatial and experimental effects.
FX Designer uses skins technology, allowing users to swap control surfaces (skins) with other configurations posted on the Spin Audio Website. The plug-in also supports true stereo-in/stereo-out signal processing, 32-bit internal resolution and sampling rates as high as 96 kHz. Users can also use the mouse to change control values. An A/B switch compares the effected sound to the original. FX Designer 1.0 can be purchased alone or as part of the Spin Audio Pro Bundle.
Spin Audio; e-mail info@spinaudio.com; Web www.spinaudio.com
HR624
ACTIVE STUDIO MONITORS
Mackie Designs has followed up its highly regarded HR824 powered studio monitor with a smaller, lighter and lower-priced model, the HR624 ($649 each). Due to shared acoustic technology, Mackie claims that the HR624 provides the same clarity and responsiveness as its older sibling. The HR624 is a biamped, THX-certified monitor with a 6-inch woofer rather than the 8-inch woofer of the HR824. Boasting a 52 to 20kHz, +1.5dB frequency response, the HR624 was designed for recording- and project-studio monitoring or for use as the rear channels for surround mixing.
Along with the frequency response, Mackie promises a wide sweet spot, correct phase and low distortion from the HR624. To compensate for studios with limited room, the three-position Acoustic Space switch adjusts the bass response for different placements in the room. There is also an 80Hz low-cut switch and a three-position live/dead switch with 2dB, normal and +2dB settings.
Mackie Designs; tel. (800) 258-6883; e-mail productinfo@mackie.com; Web www.mackie.com
INFINITY 2.04
VIRTUAL DEVICE STUDIO
With Sound Quest's Infinity 2.04 ($359), Windows users can create and play synthesizers, samplers, effects, MIDI processors and other interactive media tools. Although the program contains an array of ready-made synthesizers, organs, drum kits and effects, there are also hundreds of configurable modules and components that users can connect to make their own instruments and effects. Infinity can also host VST and DirectX plug-ins and instruments. In addition, Infinity instruments and effects can operate as VST or DirectX plug-ins in compatible host programs such as Steinberg Cubase, Cakewalk Sonar, Sonic Foundry Sound Forge and similar products. Infinity Player, a small stand-alone program that is part of the package, is freely distributed and can run Infinity programs without an additional host program.
For every Infinity instrument or processor, a Patch view shows the internal structure of modules and a Panel view shows the user interface. More than 30 interface controls are available, including knobs, faders, switches, buttons, envelopes, oscilloscopes and VU meters. The recent update to Infinity 2.04 from 2.0 added ASIO-driver support for audio latencies as low as 3 ms.
Sound Quest (dist. by Thinkware); tel. (800) 369-6191; e-mail info@thinkware.com; Web www.thinkware.com or www.squest.com
| Want to use this article? Click here for options! |  |
