NEW PRODUCTS
May 1, 2006 12:00 PM, By Markkus Rovito
DIGIDESIGN HYBRID
SOFTWARE SYNTHESIZER
There's no denying that hybrid cars are big right now. But with Digidesign's Hybrid ($249) high-definition synthesizer plug-in for Pro Tools RTAS systems, you won't need to find low APR financing; you'll need only a nice bucket seat to plant your booty in while you tweak away. The company's Advanced Instrument Research group developed Hybrid to combine virtual analog synthesis with digital wavetables to give it a huge sonic range and the ability to come up with unique sounds. The 256 preset patches show off that range, but with its tidy interface that stresses graphic layout of envelopes and waveforms, Hybrid should attract programming-happy synthesists.
Hybrid's patches can combine two distinct parts, with three sample-accurate oscillators each and as many as seven waveforms available per oscillator. The architecture also includes four envelope generators per part, three LFOs per part, 23 filter modes with true saturation, two insert effects per part and a master effects section. It also has step sequencers and a modulation matrix. Naturally, Hybrid is designed to integrate reliably, efficiently and intimately with Pro Tools hosts.
Digidesign;
www.digidesign.com
PIONEER DJM-800
4-CHANNEL DJ MIXER
After more than 20 years, MIDI keeps on reinventing itself — it's like the Madonna of technical standards. These days, MIDI is the talk of the DJ world, with more DJ mixers incorporating MIDI to control increasingly popular DJ software and other music programs. Pioneer's new DJM-800 ($1,699) joins the herd with 61 fully assignable MIDI controls. It transmits MIDI data from a single MIDI Out port, but MIDI is only one of the DJM-800's many goodies. The 4-channel, 24-bit/96kHz DJM-800 digital mixer supplies a digital S/PDIF (RCA) input for each of the four channels, as well as a single S/PDIF output and XLR stereo master outputs. The right side of the mixer's face is dedicated to the 24-bit digital effects processor and sampler, which also supports 24-bit/96kHz sampling. There are 13 beat-synching effects, including echo, reverse delay, transform, roll, reverse roll, filter and flanger. A total of 50 effects combinations are possible, and the processor includes an auto bpm counter.
A revolutionary feature called Auto Harmonic Tuning detects the key of the song playing and automatically corrects the tuning to the closest true key. For example, if a song in the key of C has been pitched up enough so that it's actually in between proper keys, the DJM-800 corrects the audio to conform to the closest key. That can be done only on songs for which the original key is known.
Pioneer;
www.pioneerdj.com
APOGEE ENSEMBLE
MULTICHANNEL 24-BIT/192KHZ FIREWIRE AUDIO INTERFACE
Just in case Apple Logic Pro 7 users aren't happy enough working with one of most rock-solid DAWs, they now have something else to celebrate. Apogee designed a new multichannel FireWire audio interface called Ensemble ($1,995), which is the first device of its kind to be fully integrated into Logic Pro. Ensemble is compatible with any Core Audio application in Mac OS X, but within Logic Pro, the Apogee Control Panel software can access and control almost every Ensemble parameter, including audio-quality selection, mic-pre gain and output gain. In addition, another program, Maestro, further expands the Ensemble's control outside of Logic Pro. Maestro includes an I/O routing matrix, multiple mixers and a universal platform for using the Ensemble with additional Apogee hardware.
The Ensemble includes eight audio inputs featuring Apogee's sought-after A/D/A converters. Four XLR jacks include digitally controlled, 75dB mic preamps; two of those have balanced ¼-inch insert sends and returns. Four analog Hi-Z inputs can handle high-level instruments, and there are also four more ¼-inch inputs and eight ¼-inch analog outputs. For digital duty, there are eight channels of ADAT Lightpipe I/O and two channels of S/PDIF I/O. The Ensemble also includes word clock, two high-level headphone outputs and two precision digital rotary encoders.
Apogee;
www.apogeedigital.com
NUMARK X2 HYBRID
TURNTABLE/CD PLAYER
Many DJs have added CD players to their rigs because CDs are easier to carry than vinyl. But they still have to carry a turntable and a CD player if they want to play any old records. Numark embraces labor-saving convergence with its X2 Hybrid turntable/CD player (price TBA). This smartly designed unit combines a full-size, direct-drive turntable (including Numark's highest-torque motor) with a well-equipped CD player that supports MP3 CDs. DJs can control the CD player with the turntable, including scratching from the discs. The CD player also features forward/reverse toggle, Anti-Shock buffering, seamless looping, key lock at any tempo as high as ±100 percent, automatic tempo detection, 3,000 cue point memories, transport controls and more.
The X2 offers start and brake speeds for either player. The turntable and CD player share controls where possible, so that the X2 can remain the size of a standard turntable.
Numark;
www.numark.com
UNIVERSAL AUDIO NEVE 1073 EQUALIZER
EQ PLUG-IN FOR UAD-1 DSP CARD
When considering the elite plug-in makers, Universal Audio (UA) will end up on the short list — just as Neve would for pro-audio hardware legends. So when the two companies collaborate, it causes some excitement. Earlier this year, UA and Neve entered into an agreement for UA to produce plug-in emulations of Neve signal processors for the UAD-1 DSP cards. The first fruit of this union is the Neve 1073 Equalizer (price TBA). This 3-band EQ was originally designed by Neve in 1970 and features highpass filtering, high shelving and parametric mid and low shelving. The plug-in version will retain the EQ's original cosmetics and concentric controls.
Universal Audio;
www.uaudio.com
VISIOSONIC PCDJ-VJ
AUDIO/VIDEO SOFTWARE MIXER
DJ software with MIDI support is making it easier to DJ with a laptop and a MIDI control surface, rather than with any dedicated DJ gear. Is the VJ soon to go this route as well? Visiosonic's PCDJ-VJ software (price TBA) for Windows claims to replace expensive hardware VJ mixers, as well other DJ gear. It is a comprehensive software mixer for controlling audio and video in real time. The interface contains two independent video players, two independent audio players and one-click bpm sync. Media selection happens through thumbnail banks or through a browser with a preview capability. Of course, MIDI is supported with custom mapping. In addition to audio and video, PCDJ-VJ supports still images, live camera feeds and text elements. Videos get 10 cue points each, and there are visual effects with tempo-synching. The program can record performances, and combining PCDJ-VJ with PCDJ Vinyl enhances the effects and scratching available for the media clips.
Visiosonic;
www.pcdj.com
ROLAND SH-201
ANALOG-MODELING SYNTHESIZER
Tired of synthesizers that cost as much as a computer but don't even connect with one? Roland is, too. The company's latest analog-modeling synth, the SH-201 ($699), combines a robust synth architecture with features not always found at such an affordable price. Among those features is a USB port that can transmit both audio and MIDI to PC or Mac computers. Further computer integration comes from bundled VSTi editor software for the SH-201. There's also a stereo RCA audio input and a dedicated resonant filter for the incoming signal.
Although display-free, the SH-201 has a flexible synth engine that's easy to program through a cleanly designed, hands-on interface. The two synchable oscillators have pulse-width modulation. The multimode filter has an ADSR envelope, as does the amplitude filter. Two LFOs can be routed to a variety of destinations, and the built-in effects include delay, reverb and saturation. There is an arpeggiator and 32 user-patch memories. Finally, the SH-201 has some trademark Roland features, such as the D-Beam infrared controller and the Supersaw oscillator waveform.
Roland;
www.rolandus.com
TERRATEC PRODUCER AXON AX 100 MKII
GUITAR-TO-MIDI CONTROLLER
Don't even try to front. Everyone — from Superstar DJ Snooty Nose to MC Snaggle Grill of the Scowl Face Crew — logged in some air-guitar time in front of the mirror as a kid (or last night). You know the old saying: “If you don't like Appetite for Destruction, you don't like music.” (Maybe that isn't an old saying, but it should be.) Playing guitar is just cool. As a result, there are a whole lot of guitarists out there who may want to break into computer music production but don't necessarily want to learn how to play keys. Terratec Producer's Axon AX 100 MKII ($699) lets guitarists play any instrument ever sampled with their trusty acoustic, electric or bass guitar.
The moment a guitar string is struck, the Axon AX 100 MKII uses a 32-bit internal processor to convert the pitch, dynamics and duration of notes without loss. The MIDI information can control other synthesizers or samplers, but the Axon also comes with its own soundboard with a diverse selection of GM/XG-compatible sounds, including 10 drum kits and sound effects. A set of 128 factory sound presets join 128 user-programmable presets. In another impressive feat, the Axon can detect the pick position on a guitar's fretboard and enables the user to split the fretboard into as many as 12 zones — each assigned to a different instrument. The 1U rackmount controller comes bundled with Cubase LE for PC or Mac and includes an onboard tuner and arpeggiator
Terratec;
www.terratec.net
SONY ACID PRO 6
DIGITAL AUDIO WORKSTATION
With its latest update, Sony Acid Pro 6 ($499.95) for Windows is now a legitimate DAW, in addition to doing everything it did before with loop-based music creation. Acid Pro 6 endured several major overhauls: most importantly, multitrack audio and MIDI recording and editing. Sony reengineered the software itself to run faster and more efficiently on both single-processor and multiprocessor or dual-core computers. Acid Pro 6 supports 24-bit/192kHz audio and can now host multiple media files on a single track. MIDI data can be edited and processed inline, directly on the timeline. There's also a new Drum Map Editor and enhanced automation of VSTi plug-in parameters. The update adds support for the Mackie Control Universal hardware-controller standard, with generic control-surface support as well.
Sony;
www.sonymediasoftware.com
| Want to use this article? Click here for options! |  |
