the fourth annual remix technology awards
Jan 1, 2006 12:00 PM
Here we are with the fourth installment of the Remix Technology Awards, and 2005 proved to be another great year for producers and musicians. This year, we saw amazing strides on the software front — to the point that even some legendary hardware companies have come to embrace the softer side of synthesis and sampling. At the same time, it's becoming even easier for those in the project-studio crowd to outfit their rigs with top-notch audio interfaces and microphones. And even though most of the buzz may be about software, some amazing things are definitely happening in the analog domain. So let's get to it.
Turntable
Stanton T.120C
With the T.120C and its sibling, the T.120, it's obvious that Stanton has no plans to give Technics any breathing room at the top of the turntable market.
Sample Collection/Instrument
Spectrasonics Stylus RMX
Combine a stellar library of loops and grooves with a litany of sound-shaping tools, and you've got a monster of a rhythm instrument — drummers beware.
Best Hardware Value
Mackie Onyx 800R
The 800R makes it easy to go pro with just one box. Housing eight Onyx preamps and high-end A/D converters, this unit delivers plenty of bang for the buck.
Best Software Value
Cycling '74 Pluggo 3.5
Now available for both Mac and PC and comprising more than 100 effects and instruments, Pluggo 3.5 is simply the most effective answer to studio boredom.
DJ Performance Mixer
Ecler NUO4
Pulling double duty as both a DJ mixer and a MIDI controller, the Ecler NUO4 clearly speaks to the future of DJing.
Hardware Synth
Moog Music Minimoog Voyager Rackmount Edition
Who says you can't improve on a classic design? With the Minimoog Voyager RME, users get the amazing sounds of a true Moog synth in a compact rackmount chassis.
Digital Audio Workstation
Cakewalk Sonar 5 Producer Edition
May the platform debates end here: Sonar 5 is easily one of the finest DAWs ever made. It has features that make even Mac diehards jealous — now that's an accomplishment.
Performance Software
Ableton Live 5
For the second year running, Ableton's performance-powerhouse DAW comes out on top. Simply put, Live 5 is an invaluable part of today's production palette.
Sampler: Tie
E-mu Emulator X Studio/Tascam GigaStudio 3
Sometimes, it's just too close to call. On the one hand, a longtime hardware company is making a brave leap into the realm of software instruments. And on the other, one of the first professional-level software samplers has received a massive face-lift. Kudos to both E-mu and Tascam!
Laptop Product
Propellerhead Reason 3.0
With a new focus on workstation architecture and live performance, Reason 3.0 is all of the instrument many users will ever need.
Guitar Product
Line 6 PodXT Live
Why didn't Line 6 do this sooner? Now, all of the great features and sounds of the PodXT are available in a stompbox-style unit — awesome.
DJ Scratch/Battle Mixer
Denon DN-X300
Turntablists need two things in a mixer: reliability and something to help set them apart from the pack. With a rock-solid build and a CD-friendly design, the DN-X300 delivers on all fronts.
Keyboard Controller
M-Audio Ozonic
Pair an Ozonic with a FireWire-equipped computer, and you've got an instant project studio. Simplicity is bliss.
Signal-Processing Plug-in Bundle
SoundToys UltraFX Bundle
With the combination of vintage sound with modern features, the UltraFX Bundle is a clear choice (even if it is a Digidesign Pro Tools — only affair).
Most Innovative Software
Apple Soundtrack Pro 1
It is rare that a version-1.0 product can be this good. But with a host of totally innovative editing, sound-design and integration features, it's easy to declare Soundtrack Pro the finest audio editor to date.
Most Innovative Hardware
M-Audio Trigger Finger
With the Trigger Finger, users finally get the classic feel of drum pads in a lightweight, plug-and-play chassis.
DJ CD Player
Stanton C.304
CD decks are increasingly becoming a key component of many DJ rigs. And thanks to products like the C.304 — with its onboard effects, sampling, digital out and touch-sensitive jog wheel/platter — the future looks bright, indeed.
Computer Audio Interface
Apogee Mini-DAC
Sometimes less is more. With the DAC, the laptop and project-studio factions now have access to professional-quality converters
DAW Control Surface
Mackie Control C4
As everyone knows, DAWs comprise much more than just virtual faders and pan pots. With the C4, users can really dig in and get tactile control of everything from EQs and compressors to synths and samplers.
Digital DJ Product
Native Instruments Traktor DJ Studio 3
Now boasting four virtual decks and an expanded set of live remixing tools, Traktor DJ Studio 3 is simply the best digital DJ software out there.
Software Synth
Arturia ARP2600 V
Arturia's software version of the famed 2600 is exactly what one should expect out of an emulation piece: It has both the coveted sound of the original and the modern extras that users don't want to live without.
Soft-Synth Workstation: Tie
Cakewalk Project5 Version 2/Propellerhead Reason 3.0
These two products are just different sides of the same coin, delivering similar feature sets with a few key differences. Heading into 2006, we have just two words of advice for each company: For Propellerhead, it's called “audio in.” And Cakewalk, it's called “Mac support.” Think about it.
Monitor
Genelec 8130A
With all of the focus on budget-oriented monitor systems, it's nice to see a company striking a balance between price and accuracy, because your mixes are only as good as what you mixed them on.
Headphones
Ultrasone DJ1 Pro
Hey, listen up: DJ headphones don't need to be ear-splittingly loud to do their job. Accuracy and clarity are just as important as wattage in the DJ booth — a fact that Ultrasone knows well.
Microphone
Blue Bluebird
If you're in the market for an all-around condenser mic for less than $800, this is about the best one out there.
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