NEW PRODUCTS
Nov 1, 2005 12:00 PM, By Doug Eisengrein
PVDJ POWERMODE SERIES
POWER AMPLIFIERS
Peavey's DJ-specific line, PVDJ, has pulled the curtain on a versatile trio of power amps with the PowerMode Series. The Series comprises the PowerMode 4 ($999.99), the PowerMode 2000 ($979.99) and the PowerMode 3000 ($1,149.99). The PowerMode 4 features four channels that can be configured in various ways; four separate amps are each capable of delivering 180W into 8-ohm speakers. All channels can run simultaneously in full range, stereo two-way or bridged configurations. The PowerMode 2000 and 3000 amps each have two channels that feature a variable crossover from 40 to 300 Hz; a variable lowpass filter; and switchable high, low and full-range operation modes. The 3000 also features a variable low-cut filter with a 20 to 100Hz range. The PowerMode 2000 pushes 425W per channel into 258 ohms and 2,100W into 4 ohms bridged whereas the 3000 supplies 700 or 3,050W, respectively. All three amp models occupy two rackspaces.
PVDJ;
www.pvdj.com
MARTIN MILLER VSTUNNEL
REMOTE NETWORK INTERFACE PLUG-IN (MAC/PC)
Many have probably imagined this, but someone had to eventually do it. The creator of the unique new VSTunnel ($85) software is not a big company but appears to be, according to a professional Website, one Martin Miller from Karlsruhe, Germany. VSTunnel essentially allows users to hook their chosen sequencer into others' in real time on the Internet for remote, worldwide collaboration. The VSTunnel plug-in is inserted on a chosen sequencer's master output and enables users to either join a session or start their own. Sessions can be public or private, and communication among members is provided via text chat. Public sessions can be viewed by musical genre and previewed with a mouse-click before joining. Once a user is connected, live audio is analyzed, compressed and transmitted by the plug-in to others in the session. This process enables users to preview their own mixes and those of others right in their own sequencer. Audio per participant can be adjusted, and outgoing audio can be paused until users are ready to transmit. VSTunnel is a standard VST plug-in for Windows and Mac OS X, and users can download a free limited-functionality trial version.
Martin Miller;
www.vstunnel.com
M-AUDIO PROKEYS 88
DIGITAL PIANO/MIDI CONTROLLER
For those of you fiending for a full piano-size MIDI controller with weighted keys or just a proper stage piano with quality basics, M-Audio has you covered either way with the ProKeys 88 ($749.95). The keyboard features 88 velocity-sensitive, weighted hammer-action keys with three different velocity curves, as well as a fixed velocity setting. In addition to MIDI I/O, the ProKeys 88 features a Windows XP and Mac OS X class-compliant USB port for plug-and-play computer interfacing. As a digital piano, the ProKeys focuses its healthy 64 MB of ROM on a minimal 14-staple gigging and recording piano and classic keyboard sounds, including a bright Yamaha C7 grand piano, a pair of Yamaha DX7 tones, two Hammond B-3 simulations, a Fender Rhodes and more. The ProKeys features pitch and mod wheels, multiple volume sliders for precise layer and split tone control, an external sostenuto pedal, and inputs for two footswitches and one expression pedal.
M-Audio;
www.m-audio.com
NUMARK CDMIX3 DJ STATION
DJ CD PACKAGE
Numark has the answer for DJs who work with CDs and don't want to lug around a ton of gear in huge coffins: The new CDMIX3 DJ Station ($999) is designed as a one-stop shop for mobile DJs and clubs that need a superportable, easy-to-pack system. The CDMIX3 combines dual CD and MP3-CD decks with all of the relevant transport controls and an integrated DJ mixer into one piece of gear. The front-loading CD trays accept standard audio and MP3 CDs as well as feature buffered antishock memory protection and seamless audio-looping capability. The top face includes two large backlit LCDs that display song name, bpm, track time and more. Each CD channel has a pitch-control slider and a ±12 percent pitch-bend wheel. The unit has separate channels for auxiliary inputs and two microphones, and users can plug in a max of three line-level sources or two phono inputs. The mixer features a master EQ and equalization on each channel for tone control. Separate ¼-inch and ⅛-inch headphone jacks are provided, along with balanced master outputs and a stereo digital output.
Numark;
www.numark.com
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS AKOUSTIK PIANO
VIRTUAL INSTRUMENT PLUG-IN (MAC/PC)
For those of you needing a good-sounding grand or upright piano in your productions, the soft-synthesis gurus at Native Instruments have the ticket with their new Akoustik Piano ($349). NI's new achievement is a meticulous, sample-based virtual instrument that brings four classic pianos to the software realm. Three famous grands — a Boesendorfer 290 Imperial, a Steinway D and a Bechstein D 280 — are emulated, along with a Steingraeber Model 130 upright. Complex multisampling, soundboard resonance, sustain, sustenuto and soft footpedal emulation are the vital ingredients of Akoustik Piano. The original pianos have all been sampled in 10 discrete velocity levels with full sustain, and NI went the extra mile by emulating key and pedal noise and different piano-lid positions for each instrument. A metronome is integrated for practice and educational purposes. Akoustik Piano can run as a plug-in or in stand-alone mode, and stunning graphics complete the picture.
Native Instruments;
www.native-instruments.com
SONY OXFORD LIMITER
PRO TOOLS PLUG-IN
Digidesign Pro Tools users looking to add a top-notch compressor to their arsenal should look to Sony and its Oxford Limiter ($530, TDM; $350, LE). The new plug-in was developed for maximum flexibility, from basic level control to heavy creative applications. Sony's cream-of-the-crop limiter boasts logarithmic sidechain processing with adaptive timing, look-ahead capabilities and complex dithering processes for mastering-worthy output quality. Oxford can operate in either 16-bit or 24-bit mode. Controls on the Input section include an Input Gain fader, an input meter and a numerical gain display; the Pre-Process section includes Attack and Release faders, curve control and more; and the Output section features an Output Level fader, an output meter, an Auto Comp selector, a 16-Bit Dither selector and a Peak Hold button.
Sony;
www.sonyoxford.com
IK MULTIMEDIA PHILHARMONIK MIROSLAV
VIRTUAL INSTRUMENT PLUG-IN (MAC/PC)
If you're ever in a classical mood, IK Multimedia has you covered with Philharmonik Miroslav ($499). Philharmonik brings together a robust sample collection of the legendary Miroslav Orchestra and Choir and a plug-in instrument designed specifically for classical orchestral arrangements. String, brass and woodwinds have all been sampled in their exact acoustic positions within Prague's famous Dvorák Symphony Hall. Philharmonik is based on a robust version of IK's SampleTank architecture and shares SampleTank's features, such as 256 notes of polyphony; 20 DSP effects; four insert effects per instrument; four master effects; and cross-platform VST, RTAS, DXi and AU plug-in functionality. More than 1,300 essential orchestral instruments are included in the plug-in; all instruments are organized in relational folders. Philharmonik features 16 multitimbral parts, and each boasts as many as 50 different sound-sculpting controls for a modern twist on a timeless classic.
IK Multimedia;
www.ikmultimedia.com
AUDIO-TECHNICA MB/DK4, MB/DK6 DRUM PACKS
DRUM-MICROPHONE KITS
When you need to mic up a drum kit, Audio-Technica has you covered with two new drum-microphone packs featuring mics hailing from the company's excellent-sounding Midnight Blues range. The MB/Dk4 Drum Pack ($199) and the MB/Dk6 Drum Pack ($449) each contain three Midnight Blues MB 5k snare/tom microphones, three AT8665 drum-mic mounts and one MB 6k kick-drum mic. The MB/Dk6 adds two MB 4k cardioid condenser overhead/hi-hat microphones for additional coverage. The included AT8665 mic mounts secure the three MB 5k mics to drum rims and feature a solid grip and low-profile design. All of the mics sport corrosion-resistant, gold-plated XLR connectors and all-metal construction. The 6k bass-drum mic has a frequency response of 60 Hz to 12 kHz whereas the 5k snare/tom mics' range is 100 Hz to 12 kHz. The MB/Dk6 condenser mics feature on/off switches, battery or phantom power, and a frequency response of 80 Hz to 20 kHz. Mic-stand clips are included for the overhead mics.
Audio-Technica;
www.audio-technica.com
BEHRINGER B2092A
ACTIVE SUBWOOFER
Included in Behringer's huge inventory of new products for 2005 is the B2092A ($249.95) active studio subwoofer. The B2092A incorporates a 360W amplifier to drive twin long-excursion 8-inch low-frequency drivers that reach down to 32 Hz. Inputs and outputs for left, right and center channels are all found on balanced XLR connectors. The chassis is made of die-cast aluminum for strength and minimal signal distortion at loud operation levels. Active crossovers at 80 Hz introduce minimal phase problems and provide accurate frequency separation. Overload-protection circuitry is used to help avoid speaker damage. The rear panel includes Phase and Room Compensation controls. The B2092A can be used with any professional monitors and is tailored for use with Behringer's own Truth-series studio monitors.
Behringer;
www.behringer.com
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