New Products, October 2008

Oct 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Asher Fulero

MOTU ULTRALITE-MK3

FIREWIRE AUDIO/MIDI INTERFACE

Joining MOTU's 828 line at version 3 is the UltraLite-mk3 ($595; www.motu.com), an updated version of the extremely popular small-format FireWire audio/MIDI interface. With complete stand-alone mixer/routing capability, the UltraLite-mk3 sports the same 10-input, 14-output layout as the last version, with all the same bells and whistles (as well as the same price). The biggest new feature is the 32-bit floating-point DSP chip that allows full internal mixing complete with reverb, dynamics and EQ models (such as the Leveler, an LA-2A model) on every channel, for zero-latency mixes with or without a computer. Bus powered via dual FireWire ports and controllable via the included CueMix software, the UltraLite-mk3 stays rock solid thanks to its DDS phase-lock engine and clock source, which can generate or slave to SMPTE timecode on any analog input or output. One of the very best portable interfaces just got better; kudos to MOTU for updating what was already a powerful package.

TONE2 WARMVERB

MULTI-EFFECTS PLUG-IN

The sleek Tone 2 Warmverb ($79; www.tone2.com) offers much more than just reverb. It's a simple and intuitive modular effects system that lets you build complex effect chains and routings to easily create anything from classic effects to mangled sci-fi variations. Available effects include several high-end reverb algorithms with low CPU usage; multiple types of delays, chorus, flanger, doubling, phaser, rotary, tremolo, autopan and ringmod; and more detailed entries such as vocoder, enhancer, bit-crusher, stereo enhancement, amp simulators and more. There are four effects slots that can be routed in different configurations, as well as an EQ section and a supercool Feedback section that lets you route the outgoing signal back into the input for crazy feedback-loop effects and sonic destruction that will blow your mind. With more than 150 included presets, creating new patches is as easy as hitting the Randomize button for some inspiration and then tweaking away.

MIXVIBES DVS PACK MK2

COMPLETE DIGITAL DJ SYSTEM

The flagship package of MixVibes digital DJ gear, the DVS Pack MK2 ($349; www.mixvibes.com) combines the MixVibes software, a set of timecoded vinyl and CDs and the U46MK2 interface into a complete set of tools for physical manipulation of digital files. First you connect your two turntables (or CDJs) into the U46MK2 interface and then connect the two stereo audio outputs from the interface into the audio inputs on your DJ mixer. The Windows-only MixVibes software (XP and Vista) reads every move of the 124 g-vinyl or CDs and translates those moves into control information, letting you scratch your files using Absolute Mode, which works just like regular vinyl. Also, Relative Mode uses the vinyl to scroll back and forth through loops, and All Relative Mode reads only directional and speed changes (meaning dropping the needle to a different point will have no effect) — great for fast scratching without causing skips. This turnkey system is ready to take any DJ into the realm of digital control.

STEINBERG SEQUEL 2

DIGITAL AUDIO WORKSTATION

Steinberg's second answer to GarageBand, Sequel 2 ($130.99; www.steinberg.net) brings some much-needed functionality to the beginner-class entry. Using the same audio engine as Cubase and Nuendo, this cross-platform app is designed for those new to creating music on a computer — a beginner's DAW if you will. Sequel 2 includes a library with 5,000+ loops in a wide variety of styles and 600 ready-to-play instruments with a full array of plug-in effects and Audio Track Presets. A cool Live Performance mode lets you rearrange and recombine song elements on the fly, and with the new Controller Learn feature, it's a snap to make assignments and control Sequel with physical knobs and buttons. The new Track Freeze feature helps save CPU power, laptop keyboard MIDI entry helps program on the go, and the new Sample Editor section has cool Free Warp and Reverse features.

MXL STUDIO 1 USB

USB MICROPHONE

Expanding its line of USB-enabled microphones, MXL introduces the Studio 1 USB ($129.95; www.mxlmics.com), a large-diaphragm condenser microphone perfect for podcasting, interviews, VOIP/Skype or other computer-based recordings where using less gear is a big help. Simply connect the USB cable to your computer, and the bus-powered, class-compliant mic will appear in your audio preferences as an input option. In addition, the mic features an integrated 1/8-inch stereo headphone output with zero-latency microphone monitoring and audio playback from the computer host, great for podcasting on the go without a separate interface. With 40 Hz to 20 kHz response and sampling rates of 44.1 or 48 kHz, the Studio 1 offers easy utilization at a very small price. The package also includes a hard plastic carrying case, USB cable and a cool tripod desktop stand/mount.

BEATS BY DR. DRE

STEREO HEADPHONES

Stretching his mighty arms into the realm of music gear, the inimitable Dr. Dre has collaborated with Monster Cable and industrial designer Robert Brunner to create Beats by Dr. Dre ($349.95; www.monstercable.com). These over-the-ear headphones are designed to solve what Dre sees as the biggest problem with available cans: bass response. Especially when creating rock, hip-hop and modern urban styles, the low-end reproduction and transient response is key to creating a successful mix. Beats gives you low end in spades with new driver technology developed over two years and its Monster Cable connectors. A push-to-listen Mute button is a handy addition, and in true Dr. Dre form, the overall package exudes style with a focus on comfort and precision.

SAMSON STUDIODOCK 3i

USB STUDIO MONITORS WITH iPOD DOCK

For those producers who never stray too far from their iPod, Samson introduces the StudioDock 3i ($149/pair; www.samsontech.com), a pair of studio monitors that not only connect to your computer via USB, but also sport a complete iPod dock on the top, where you can sync to your iTunes, transfer songs, listen through the speakers directly or charge the iPod. A front-panel volume control knob helps stop the dreaded reach-behind, plus a dedicated headphone output and an auxiliary 1/8-inch stereo input help perform basic studio routing. Rear-panel RCA inputs offer yet another source. The solid MDF fiberboard design includes 3-inch magnetically shielded woofers and silk dome drivers with 15W of power per side, and while they may not have boutique appeal, the iPod integration and low price could entice iPod addicts into the fold.

TRINITY AUDIO GROUP INDAMIXX

HANDHELD TOUCHSCREEN DAW

Operating on a customized Linux OS, the stylus-touch-enabled Indamixx ($1,199; www.indamixx.com) from Trinity Audio Group offers a complete turnkey audio workstation in a small, portable package that is packed with far more than we could cover in this preview. The preloaded, ready-to-go software includes three different DAWs (beginner, advanced and pro); more than 260 plug-ins, drum machines and analog synths; digital DJ software; a VST host; a music player; full internet, IM, FTP, VOIP/Skype and broadcasting capabilities and much more. With 1 GB of RAM, a 40 GB hard drive, two USB ports, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, VGA port, onboard microphone and speakers, split QWERTY keyboard and an 8-way joystick/mouse section, Indamixx has deep flexibility. Yet the whole thing is handheld and Überportable beyond even the smallest laptop. While it may not be the multitouch dreambox of the future, Indamixx is powerful, intuitive and most importantly, open source.

MIXMEISTER SCRATCH

DJ APP FOR iPHONE AND iPOD TOUCH

It was only a matter of time before people started using their multitouch-enabled Apple devices to control music, and though it's not perfect, MixMeister Scratch (free; www.mixmeister.com) for iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPod Touch lets you manipulate a virtual turntable for some crazy fun that somebody will undoubtedly use onstage to great effect. While the most limiting factor is certainly the inability to load any samples other than the few included DJ favorites (air-raid siren, laser, a hip-hop beat and seven others), you can still nonetheless make some pretty unique sounds. If you're creative musically, there's no reason you couldn't play something great with it. If we could just load our own samples, we could really get somewhere. However, at no charge, we really can't complain.

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