NEW PRODUCTS
Oct 1, 2005 12:00 PM, By Doug Eisengrein
NUMARK iDJ
iPOD DJ MIXER
You had to know this was coming, didn't you? Numark is the first on the inevitable scene with the iDJ ($399), an integrated dual-mount and mixer for Apple's iPod. The iDJ is a full-featured DJ mixer, complete with twin iPod docks that conveniently fit all iPod models with the bottom connector. Designed for both club and home use, the iDJ features ¼- and ⅛-inch headphone outputs, a mic input and a Mac- or PC-compatible USB port for instant music loading. The 2-channel mixer features a 3-band EQ and gain on each channel, and the discrete microphone input also includes tone and level controls. In addition, each channel sports phono/line inputs for the introduction of other audio sources. The underside of the unit features a turntable-spindle receptacle that allows the compact iDJ to be placed right on top of a turntable in tight mixing quarters. Oversize iPod navigation buttons are included to control the connected iPods. Both master and record outputs are on the rear of the unit.
Numark;
www.numark.com
MOOG MUSIC MF-104Z
ANALOG DELAY
Moog's Moogerfooger effects boxes have been all the rage for the past few years — and for good reason. Moog Music has drawn the curtain on a limited-edition upgrade to the classic MF-104 Analog Delay with its new MF-104Z ($729). The MF-104Z sports delay times ranging from an ultrashort 50 ms to a robust 1,000 ms. Onboard controls include Delay Time, wet/dry Mix, Drive, Output Level, Feedback, Loop Gain and an Int(ernal)/Ext(ernal) Loop switch (for inserts). Feedback can be controlled to provide single; sustaining; or chaotic, ever-building echoes. Looping can be set to internal or external; external allows for the insertion of extra effects into the delay path whereas internal automatically routes the Delay Out to the input path.
Moog Music;
www.moogmusic.com
CAKEWALK SONAR 5 PRODUCER EDITION & STUDIO EDITION
DIGITAL AUDIO WORKSTATION
Cakewalk's magnum opus has reached another edition with the release of Sonar 5 Producer Edition ($799) and Studio Edition ($479). Beyond its MIDI-sequencing and multitrack-recording abilities, version 5 adds a slew of new features, including new instruments, effects and editing tools. Built around a 64-bit, double-precision floating-point mix engine that is still usable by 32-bit machines, Sonar 5 offers an ultrawide dynamic range. New tools in Producer Edition include Roland's V-Vocal VariPhrase technology and Groove Synth; the PSYN II Subtractive synth; the Pentagon I vintage-style synth; the SFZ SoundFont sampler; the RXP (a drum machine/groove box) Pure Space Convolution Reverb; and a single integrated view for audio/MIDI editing, mixing and arranging. For folks who need just the basics at a much lower price, Studio Edition features the same core engine and feature set as its bigger sibling but leaves out surround mixing and most of the aforementioned new instruments and effects.
Cakewalk;
www.cakewalk.com
TASCAM GIGAPULSE VST
REVERB PLUG-IN FOR WINDOWS
Tascam has produced its first plug-in in the form of GigaPulse VST ($299), a Windows-compatible multipurpose gem. First and foremost, GigaPulse is a reverb that uses convolution technology to sample a room's sound. According to Tascam, GigaPulse is capable of emulating any room, vintage EQ or microphone. In addition, GigaPulse boasts built-in mic modeling that can be used to color the sound of the reverb or simply used alone to impart vintage microphone tone to recordings. Two-dimensional mic or source placement capability allows users to move sources to any of 18 positions in a virtual room. Tascam's Tail Control technology reduces CPU load so that more GigaPulses can be used simultaneously. Various libraries will be available directly through Tascam and as downloadable freeware on the Web.
Tascam;
www.tascam.com
ROLAND SP-404
SAMPLING GROOVEBOX
Roland's latest in a long heritage of one-stop Grooveboxes is the SP-404 ($449). Built on the technology of its older sibling, the SP-303, the 404 begins with a facelift, shedding the traditional SP-series black enamel for a silver finish. Roland has added battery-power capability to the new sampler, and the SP-404 boasts a built-in microphone for sampling any source at any time — no external mic needed. Sampling and playback are CD-quality by default, and there is a Lo-Fi sampling mode onboard for you Ensoniq ASR-10 and E-mu SP-1200 types. The SP-404 uses CompactFlash media for storage of WAV and AIFF files and as many as 96 sequencer patterns. The unit's internal memory stores a max of 24 patterns (one to 99 measures long), and the sequencer supports as many as 8,000 notes. Built-in effects include Subsonic, BPM Looper, DJFX Looper, Reverb, Flanger, Delay, Voice Trans(former), Distortion, Filter, Slicer, Isolator, Vinyl Sim(ulator) and more.
Roland;
www.rolandus.com
M-AUDIO MICROTRACK 24/96
PORTABLE DIGITAL RECORDER
M-Audio has introduced the latest in pocket-size mobile digital-recording wonders with the MicroTrack 24/96 ($499.95). In the words of M-Audio, the MicroTrack 24/96 is “about the size and weight of a deck of cards.” The tiny 2-channel unit records to WAV and MP3 formats, using CompactFlash cards or microdrives as a storage medium, making memory expandable and limitless. As its moniker suggests, the MicroTrack is capable of recording in various qualities, as high as 24-bit, 96kHz. And despite its size, the unit boasts balanced ¼-inch line and XLR inputs with built-in mic preamps, including supplied 48V phantom power. Output is provided on an ⅛-inch headphone jack and stereo RCA connectors. The unit can be connected via USB directly to a Mac or PC. Audacity, a handy software audio editor and file-format converter, is included. The MicroTrack is powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that allow about eight hours of usage per charge (three hours when using phantom power).
M-Audio;
www.m-audio.com
MXL V6 SILICON VALVE
TUBE CONDENSER MIC
Vintage tube warmth from a solid-state microphone? An inexpensive, large-diaphragm condenser made in the United States? That's what MXL Microphones is up to with its new V6 Silicon Valve ($349.95) mic. More than three years of research and development have resulted in the new pressure-gradient studio condenser, which is now being manufactured at the Marshall Electronics (MXL's parent company) plant. The V6 sports a 25mm/0.98-inch diaphragm, solid-state FET amplification, a transformer-balanced output and carefully selected components that are all housed in a gorgeous titanium body with a gold-plated diaphragm screen. The selected components and the V6's engineering are aimed at emulating the warmth and clarity of vintage tube mics, but solid-state design means that the V6 Silicon Valve lacks an external power supply and the time needed for warm-up. The mic ships in a plush-lined storage case.
MXL;
www.mxlmics.com
WAVES GTR
GUITAR-AMP EMULATION AND EFFECTS SOFTWARE
Two heavy hitters in the music business, Waves and Paul Reed Smith Guitars, have collaborated to produce the new Waves GTR ($600, native; $1,200, TDM) system, an integrated three-part hardware and software package. GTR comprises the Waves/PRS Guitar Interface hardware, the Waves Amp emulation plug-in and the Waves Stomp virtual pedalboard plug-in. The Guitar Interface is a simple box dedicated for guitar input that offers impedance and level matching with a single ¼-inch hi-Z input as well as both balanced and unbalanced outputs. Waves Amp features seven emulated amp models that range from clean to extra-distorted, multiple cabinet options with the ability to play through two simultaneously and a choice of six microphone emulations. Finally, Waves Stomp boasts a mixture of 23 classic and new guitar effects, including a tuner, and it can be controlled in real time with a MIDI controller.
Waves;
www.waves.com
EDIROL MA-1EX
USB-POWERED SPEAKERS
If you make a lot of music with a laptop but want to hear your master works traveling through the ether instead of being confined to headphones, Edirol has the answer with the new MA-1EX ($80) USB-powered speakers. For a measly 80 bucks, you can greatly enhance the sound and power emitting from your notebook. Plug-and-play and compatible with Windows and Mac machines, the MA-1EXs are small and light yet powerful little speakers for users who need better sound than their computer speakers can put out. If you have a favorite pair of reference headphones, the MA-1EXs include an ⅛-inch headphone output jack. Also featured on the MA-1EXs is an integrated USB cord wrap, which can be useful for avoiding cable spaghetti or damage.
Edirol;
www.edirol.com
RUPERT NEVE DESIGNS PORTICO 5012 DUO MIC PRE
MIC PREAMP
After more than 15 years designing products for other manufacturers, the king of consoles is back under his own moniker, Rupert Neve Designs, to offer the Portico 5012 Duo Mic Pre ($1,440). The 5012 is the first in a line of new Neve products and sports two channels of pristine analog microphone preamplification. The Portico range will feature custom-designed transformers, short signal paths, minimal negative feedback and single-sided transformer-coupled amplifier designs. Massive gain is available on the unit via a rotary pot with 66 dB of overall push in 6dB steps. A second, linked Trim control provides ±6 dB of continuously variable gain control. The classic warmth that has become synonymous with the Neve name can be added to the 5012's outputs by switching on the Silk control. A 12dB/octave highpass filter that is variable from 20 up to 250 Hz is provided. The Portico's half-rackspace chassis can be mounted with an optional rackmounting kit.
Rupert Neve Designs;
www.rupertneve.com
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