NEW PRODUCTS
Jul 1, 2006 12:00 PM, By Asher Fulero
MOOG LITTLE PHATTY
ANALOG SYNTHESIZER
New approaches to synth design will indelibly leave a lasting impact on the world of music, and in the world of classic analog synthesis, Bob Moog is the godfather. So when Moog Music announced the release of the Little Phatty, music-industry heads turned with anticipation. Despite its friendly sounding name, however, this puppy has fangs. A limited-edition Bob Moog signature Tribute model costs $1,475, and a standard model will follow when the initial run of 1,200 sells out.
Featuring a 100-percent analog signal path — two stable oscillators, a classic Moog lowpass filter and 4-stage envelope generators — to produce its timeless sound, the Little Phatty is the manifestation of the late Bob Moog's dream to create a full-featured, true-analog synthesizer that would appeal to those who can't afford the almost $3,000 Minimoog. To make the Little Phatty less expensive and more portable, its keys are smaller, and the interface is streamlined to a single knob per section. When you choose a parameter, its current value is displayed on the circular LEDs surrounding that section's knob, allowing you to adjust it without jumps. However, this isn't digital control; using Moog's new proprietary RAC (Real Analog Control) technology, the endless knobs actually voltage-control the appropriate function for true analog responsiveness. A 37-note keyboard with ±2 octave transpose, MIDI I/O, 100 user-definable presets and the crucial ¼-inch audio input for using the Phatty's filters on external audio combine to make this little powerhouse a must-have for any artist wanting a true analog sound and a great way to be a part of the Moog legacy.
Moog Music;
www.moogmusic.com
BEHRINGER EURORACK PRO RX1202FX
12-CHANNEL RACK MIXER
Producers, keyboardists and DJs are increasingly using multiple devices to create their myriad sounds, and problematic gear clutter always looms. Finding space for a full-featured mixer among the fray can be difficult, but Behringer swoops in with a solution. The Eurorack Pro RX1202FX ($229.99) mounts in three 19-inch rack spaces, giving you clutter-free access to basic mixing. With the same Ultra Low Noise design as Behringer's popular UB series mixers, the eight Invisible Mic Preamps have a 130dB dynamic range and a 60dB gain range. Each channel features four balanced line inputs, two aux sends (one prefader and one postfader for internal effects) and 2-band EQ, in addition to several other inputs and outputs, and the main outs are on gold-plated XLR connectors. The included UB-series 24-bit effects processor has 100 standard presets for reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter and some multi-effects. The cool input-switchable power supply can be powered anywhere in the world — perfect for the traveling performer looking for an easy seen-but-not-heard submix.
Behringer;
www.behringer.com
NEUMANN TLM 49
LARGE-DIAPHRAGM CARDIOID MIC
Every good recording or sample begins with a good microphone, and with many of the most popular classic models becoming harder to find and prohibitively expensive, many small boutique companies make new — and sometimes improved — versions. Neumann, one of the original microphone innovators, has introduced a re-creation of its coveted M 49 and M 50 mics from the '50s, world-renowned for their sonic clarity and warmth.
The Neumann TLM 49 ($1,699) boasts the famous K 47 capsule from the original M 49 and U 47 to deliver that classic Neumann sound. The superior transformerless design is optimized for voice with ultralow self-noise, very high output gain and a gentle 3dB presence boost above 2 kHz that presents vocals and speech with a crisp, clear tone. The TLM 49 can handle as high as 114 dB SPL without distortion and has a huge 102dB dynamic range. Its interior structure is elastically mounted to prevent almost all outside noise, and it comes with a carefully designed rubber shockmount to finish the job.
Neumann;
www.neumannusa.com
CORTEX HDC-1000
DUAL DIGITAL MUSIC CONTROLLER
Cortex's stated mission is to “usher in new technology that will revolutionize the way DJs store, transport and play their digital music.” The new HDC-1000 Digital Music Controller (price TBA) is definitely innovative enough to make that claim; it controls audio files from any USB source (such as an iPod, an external hard drive, a flash drive or a CD-R/DVD-R drive) from its standard dual-wheel DJ rackmount interface. With the ability to catalog all available files on compatible sources, the HDC-1000 lets you browse or search the contents of all your disks from the unit's front panel, and the full-featured cue-point memory system speeds up getting to those tasty sections when you need them. The HDC-1000 would be a great tool for DJs using portable drives without a laptop. Coming soon is the HDC-2000 with many more features, and check out the hot new HDTT-02 with its Scratch Control Platter for manipulating files turntable style.
Cortex;
www.cortex-pro.com
YELLOW TOOLS FREEDOM
MASTERING AND FX SOFTWARE
Designed for the upper echelons of the audio-fidelity market, Freedom ($449) is Yellow Tools' cross-platform mastering and effects plug-in for VST, Audio Units and RTAS. The modular system contains 40 varied and powerful effects including Origami LE, a customized ultrahigh-fidelity impulse-response reverb that allows sampling, editing and use of real-world audio responses. EQs, filters, dynamics control, delays, distortions and many more types of audio control are all clock-syncable and MIDI host — automatable, as well as optimized for minimum CPU usage while maintaining high audio quality. There's a thorough presets/snapshots section, and the whole thing is available in a Surround version — perfect for film sound designers and remixers alike. Freedom requires a Yellow Tools USB Activation Key, sold separately.
Yellow Tools;
www.yellowtools.us
NOVATION REMOTE ZERO SL
MIDI CONTROL SURFACE
Never one to rest on a good idea, the creative minds at Novation have adapted the very popular ReMote SL line of USB keyboard controllers to more flexible needs. For the unfamiliar, the ReMote keyboards take the traditional controller sets (buttons/knobs/faders) and add an intelligent Automapping feature that pulls up individualized software templates as you work, constantly reassigning your controls to the currently active software window. With large, bright LCDs that quickly follow your software changes, the auto-updating feature makes using a single control surface for all your software almost thought-free.
The new ReMote Zero SL ($499) is like the ReMote keyboards, only without the keys. It sits at a slightly elevated angle, fitting perfectly behind a QWERTY keyboard, and the software choices available for Automapping will be continually updated at Novation's Website. Highly customized maps for Ableton Live 5, Apple Logic Pro 7, Propellerhead Reason 3 and Steinberg Nuendo 3 are available, with more on the way.
Novation;
www.novationmusic.com
AKAI MPD24
USB/MIDI PAD CONTROLLER
Akai's classic MPC sequencer series has long been one of the most trusted devices for programmers, especially in the hip-hop realm; its powerful sequencer with supertight timing and sampling delivered portable production power long before laptops could compete. Akai also created rubber MIDI pads; the MPC's 16-pad interface single-handedly introduced the world to the idea of programming drums without a keyboard or step sequencer.
Several other companies have expanded the drum-pad concept, and now Akai has answered with the MPD24 ($499) USB/MIDI pad controller with 16 pads, six faders, eight knobs and MMC-enabled transport controls for a truly rounded controller. Anyone used to the feel of MPC pads will be right at home, and the large, backlit LCD gives plenty of feedback. In addition to its USB MIDI power, the MPD24 can also control stand-alone MIDI devices. The included PC/Mac software lets you customize the four banks of pad assignments without needing complicated hardware menus, and as a bonus, Akai has included its library of classic drum-machine sounds. The unit is USB bus powered or can use a power supply (sold separately).
Akai;
www.akaipro.com
NUMARK iCDX
DJ MEDIA PLAYER
Bringing the power of several DJ devices together, Numark has introduced the iCDX DJ Media Player ($999), a CDJ-style device that fuses traditional CD player functions with iPod and other portable-media support. Diverse in application yet easy to use, it includes an illuminated CD drive that supports CD/R/RW and data DVDs, an adaptable iPod docking station, MP3 support and USB connectivity that makes digital music files available for use from any external source. Powerful controls such as ±100-percent Key Lock, seamless looping, hot starts, a pitch slider and a touch-sensitive scratching wheel make this a dangerous unit. The bpm counter, tap tempo and ID tags make syncing tracks a snap; and a generous assortment of onboard effects such as phaser, filter, flanger, echo, crop and more provide the necessary sound-destruction options. The digital outputs make the iCDX usable in high-fidelity settings, and the huge backlit LCD provides all the needed feedback no matter how dark a DJ booth may be.
Numark;
www.numark.com
TERRATEC KOMPLEXER
VST PLUG-IN SYNTHESIZER
TerraTec's new Windows-only Komplexer VST instrument ($249) is a powerful virtual-analog synth with added wavetable synthesis. Its ability to import Waldorf Micro Q sounds is secondary to its own considerable power. While full parameter tweaking and automation are available, the Komplexer features eight “macro controllers,” which between them control all major parameters from a simple interface for newbies and time-saving pros alike. Three oscillators, two multimode filters, four ADSR envelopes, three syncable LFOs and an incredibly advanced arpeggiator provide stunning detail control. Another pot sweetener comes in the form of a 16-by-16 matrix programmer that creates almost unlimited signal-flow possibilities. Five effects units and full vocoder functionality are available to all 256 notes, and the program can run in VST or stand-alone modes.
TerraTec;
www.terratecproducer.com
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