NEW PRODUCTS
Jul 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Asher Fulero
AKAI MPK49
USB MIDI KEYBOARD WITH MPC PADS
Combining real MPC pads with a USB keyboard controller for the first time, Akai's new MPK49 ($TBA; www.akaipro.com) offers a complete complement of programming possibilities. The 49-key semiweighted keyboard with Aftertouch is paired with 12 MPC pads that feature Akai's Note Repeat function, Swing parameters, Full Level and 12 Level Velocity settings. The eight endless rotary knobs, eight sliders and eight buttons/switches each have three banks for a total of 24 assignments of each type (that's 72 controllers, for those counting). Pitch/Mod Wheels, MMC/MIDI transport controls, a Tap Tempo button and Time Division controls for the Note Repeat and arpeggiator functions and 32 Preset Assignment Banks round out this powerful controller. With USB computer connectivity and assignable inputs for expression pedals and footswitches, the MPK49 is definitely a choice selection for any music programmer.
ECLER EVO5
DIGITAL DJ MIXER
The Ecler EVO5 (est. $1,500-2,000; www.eclerusa.com) digital DJ mixer is designed for forward-thinking DJs and musicians looking to integrate their hardware. Audio coming into the four stereo channels (each with RCA line and RCA phono inputs) and microphone channel are digitized by Ecler's quality 24-bit/96 kHz converters for digital internal operation. Along with a 6-input/6-output FireWire soundcard for complete computer integration on all channels, the EV05 has a lot of smaller features that add up to something special. The full-color 3.5-inch display gives feedback on most operations, and the four endless rotary knobs, 14 push buttons and nearly all other physical controls onboard send customizable MIDI information for controlling software (64 layout presets included). The eight basic effects may be chained to create as many as 64 bpm-syncable “complex effects;” also, there is also a cool pattern sync function that applies bpm-controlled rhythmic patterns to the effect parameters. Nearly all mixer functions — from fader curves and EQ types to FireWire setup and MIDI workings — may be edited for complete customization. The mic input features a dedicated and editable noise gate and compressor, and the main outputs sport a password-protected Output Limiter for secure protection on house systems. The EVO5 is scheduled for an October release.
ANTELOPE ISOCHRONE 10M ATOMIC MASTER CLOCK
STUDIO CLOCKING DEVICE
Clocking can be one of the most misunderstood yet most damaging elements of studio minutia. When one digital device is listening for incoming information, it can be hard to tell which ones and zeroes go together, especially at lightning-fast data rates. Although the ears forgive some of these minute data losses (called jitter), sonic qualities such as staging, transparency, separation and depth can all be lost or weakened; oftentimes, the first listening through a jitter-free system can be like taking the blinders off a mix. The solution is a master clock; using Wordclock BNC, S/PDIF or AES connections, most high-resolution digital audio devices have the ability to sync their digital connections to a master timing clock that keeps all the devices on the same page about their data.
Antelope's Isochrone OCX and OCX-V are relatively well-known crystal-based master clocks, and the new, ultracool Isochrone 10M Atomic Master Clock ($6,495; www.antelopeaudio.com) is designed to tighten it up even more. A crystal oscillator running at 98 kHz would on average lose one sample per second. But thanks to the 10M's chemical element Rubidium, it offers 0.03 ppB (parts per billion) stability for nearly immeasurable jitter. Antelope claims the 10M is 100,000 times more stable than crystal oscillator (quartz) systems. Sample accurate for nearly eight days of constant use, the Isochrone 10M may not be cheap, but it is definitely an accurate way to keep all your digital consoles, converters and MIDI gear in perfect digital sync while clearing up your sonic space. Plus, who doesn't want to make their studio atomic?
DIGIDESIGN RM1 AND RM2
STUDIO-GRADE REFERENCE MONITOR
For its first foray into the speaker world, Digidesign developed the Reference Monitor Series (RMS) jointly with UK designers PMC, creating the two-way RM1 ($1,249 each speaker; www.digidesign.com) with a 5.5-inch low-frequency driver and the two-way RM2 ($1,749 each speaker) with a 6.7-inch low-frequency driver. Sporting PMC's Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) technologies, the RMS monitors use sophisticated design improvements and high-quality materials and components to create higher sound-pressure levels, reduced distortion, flat response and more defined low end. An onboard 48-bit fixed-point DSP engine manages the crossovers for better phase response and runs the Bass Port emulation, which allows auditioning a mix through the low-end characteristics of a ported speaker. Amplifier performance is enhanced with analog controlled Class-D amplifiers on both drivers providing 92-percent efficiency (Class A amps usually operate at around 50 percent), meaning more power to drive the speakers and less escaping as heat. A linear power supply also boosts amp performance, delivering twice the peak current headroom for better noise isolation. Balanced analog inputs, AES 3 XLR digital input and AES RJ45 digital In and Thru accept digital signals from 44.1 to 96 kHz sampling rates for high-resolution and highly integrated monitoring.
JAZZMUTANT DEXTER
MULTITOUCH SENSOR DAW CONTROLLER
Right on the cusp of the sharpest edge of technology, the Jazzmutant Dexter ($TBA; www.jazzmutant.com) is the first dedicated multitouch sensor DAW controller. Every computer-based musician has dreamed at some point of controlling their DAW's tracks and knobs by touching the screen with their fingers. Dexter makes this a reality, offering a multiple-input touch sensor and high-resolution screen with fully software-integrated layouts from major software designers, including Steinberg, Cakewalk and Apple. Quick navigation, simple management, color-coded visual feedback and total hands-on control of all DAW and plug-in functions are immediately available in intuitive and customizable ways.
For multichannel work, Dexter provides seriously futuristic surround space controls. Manipulate as many as eight channel positions simultaneously through the use of multiple finger gestures, spin all eight tracks around like vinyl on a record, or drag two fingers apart to spray sources away from center. With zoomable resolution, you can achieve any level of precision from your controllers, and cool Widgets offer ease of use; the Overview Widget shows a wide mixer view that can give vital info and visual feedback on each section as you drag your finger across it. Hands-on multitouch DAW control is now available in a laptop-size, brightly lit unit.
STANTON DJ T.90
HIGH-TORQUE TURNTABLE WITH USB
Debuted at this year's Musikmesse in Frankfurt, Germany, the Stanton DJ T.90 USB High-Torque Turntable ($455; www.stantondj.com) offers DJs some cool modern features with all the coveted Stanton hardware quality. Featuring a high-torque direct-drive motor and S-shaped tone arm for better tracking during scratch moves, the T.90 also features a USB output, capable of transferring needle input to a computer for recording. Stanton also included an S/PDIF digital output to send to a CD recorder or other digital device and Cakewalk Pyro 5 recording and editing software. The T.90's Key Lock mode allows users to adjust the tempo of a vinyl record without changing its pitch. All the custom elements are included as well, such as two start/stop switches for battling or mixing, three playback speeds, Quartz Lock, a target light, a slipmat and dust cover and a Stanton 500B needle cartridge.
STEINBERG SEQUEL
SINGLE-WINDOW DAW SOFTWARE
Like an evolved version of Apple GarageBand software, Steinberg Sequel ($99; www.steinberg.net) is a complete Mac/PC DAW designed to be as easy to use for novices as it is powerful for experts. Born from the single-window workstation dream, Sequel offers fast and graceful access to loops, instruments, multitrack recording, multiformat import and export, MIDI integration and sequencing and much more. While able to record only eight audio tracks at a time — at 16- or 24-bit and 44.1 kHz resolution only — the total track counts are limited only by your processor power. Integrated with iTunes, Sequel offers a one-step mixdown-and-export function that uses the iTunes converter to create the destination file (MP3, AAC or Apple Lossless). Standard MIDI Files (SMF) are supported for import and playback, and audio clips may be time-warped Ableton-style using multiple Warp modes. The real-time arrangement section can assign parts to its 15 Cue Pads for triggering sections in Live Pad or Chain Play modes and can perform Realtime Global Transpose over all audio and instruments. The master track features a dedicated Enhancer and Maximizer, and a complete array of included custom effects may be inserted on any track or instrument. Included with Sequel is a bank of more than 5,000 audio loops and 600 Instrument presets for quick access to movable, shapable audio clips.
ALLEN & HEATH XD-53 XONE
STUDIO REFERENCE AND DJ HEADPHONES
For the styling DJ collector looking to complete the matching set or the portable producer looking for precision amidst the sounds of the airport, Allen & Heath XD-53 Xone Headphones (€214; www.allen-heath.com) have it all. The circumaural isolation design is paired with 53 mm diameter drivers with high sound-pressure-level capacity, meaning more power in more space than other headphones. At 1,500 mW of power handling, the XD-53s could probably hurt you, but used wisely, that power can deliver better sound reproduction. With rotating earpieces for quick one-ear usage, a coiled cable and an easy fold-up design for transport, they are ready for lots of use. The real draw, though, is how nicely they match Allen & Heath's Xone mixers. Accessorizing hits the DJ market.
TC ELECTRONIC C400XL
RACK MULTIBAND GATE/COMPRESSOR
Offering lightning-fast gating and full multiband compression in a single rackspace, the TC Electronic C400XL (€320; www.tcelectronic.com) delivers professional dynamics control for any type of source. Stereo XLR inputs and outputs, as well as AES and MIDI I/O, ensure high-quality audio and compatibility, and the custom TC Electronic algorithms bring transparency of operation. The killer Mix knob allows compression to be “mixed-in,” providing what is known as Parallel Compression without the usual complicated routing involved with the process. The unit can switch on a dime from being a multiband compressor to being a gate, and the two processes can be combined for complete dynamics control. A brickwall limiter on the output helps stop dangerous peaks, and the dual-engine unit can operate in mono, stereo or serial modes for serious studio or live flexibility.
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