PRODUCTION
Sep 1, 2004 12:00 PM, By Doug Eisengrein
DIGIDESIGN COMMAND|8
CONTROL SURFACE FOR PRO TOOLS
Digidesign has joined the small-format DAW-control-surface fray with its new Command|8 ($1,295), a tactile workstation controller built specifically to be compatible with Pro Tools TDM and LE systems running on Windows XP or Mac OS X platforms. Comparably priced to similar units on the market, the Command|8 connects to computers via USB and features eight channels of bankable, touch-sensitive motorized faders; eight rotary encoders; a full suite of transport controls with a large jog wheel; and a large LCD for channel parameter display. The transport controls include a footswitch jack for punch-ins, freeing up your hands for other mixing tasks. The suite of surface controls allows users to edit plug-in parameters, automate sends and pans, control mutes and more. The Command|8 also includes one MIDI In and two MIDI Outs. In addition to its compatibility with Pro Tools, the Command|8 features a stand-alone mode that enables it to be used with other third-party applications and devices that respond to mappable MIDI parameters.
Digidesign; e-mail
prodinfo@digidesign.com; Web
www.digidesign.com
KJAERHUS AUDIO GCO-1
COMPRESSOR/EXPANDER PLUG-IN (PC)
Kjaerhus Audio is a new company hailing from Denmark, and new in its lineup of computer-based processors is Golden Compressor|GCO-1 ($118), a plug-in compressor and expander that is aimed at providing an accurate model of classic analog compressors at a friendly price. GCO-1 features an open architecture capable of traditional analog characteristics, from transparency to tube warmth, yet supports sample rates as high as 192 kHz while utilizing 64-bit internal processing to maintain the highest quality of DSP. GCO-1 also boasts high compression and expansion ratios and short attack and release times, and, of course, all are adjustable. An onboard EQ provides frequency-dependent compression, and the envelope section provides five different types, including classic Opto-coupled.
Kjaerhus Audio; e-mail
info@kjaerhusaudio.com; Web
www.kjaerhusaudio.com
FOCUSRITE ISA 430 MKII
CHANNEL STRIP/MIC PREAMP
Focusrite's newest masterwork is the ISA 430 MKII Producer Pack ($2,995), an analog channel strip with the vision of gathering all of the designs of heritage units under one roof. The ISA 430 MKII combines a Focusrite transformer-based mic preamp; a compressor that can be switched between transparent VCA and vintage-style optical circuits; an expanded version of Focusrite's ISA 110 EQ; and an optional stereo 24-bit, 192kHz delta-sigma A/D converter. In addition, the ISA 430 MKII includes a discrete Class A VCA gate and expander, as well as a de-esser and a soft limiter with an infinite ratio for brick-wall limiting. The mic pre features variable impedance with settings for 600, 1,400, 2,400 and 6,800 ohms, as well as Focusrite's Air feature. The compressor features a sidechain, and a special Listen feature provides precise monitoring of compression, gating, expansion and de-essing.
Focusrite; e-mail
sales@focusrite.com; Web
www.focusrite.com
APPLIED ACOUSTICS TASSMAN 4
MODULAR INSTRUMENT SOFTWARE (MAC/PC)
Applied Acoustics, in partnership with distributor Ilio, unleashes its latest modular instrument and sound-design software toolkit with Tassman 4 ($499). Tassman uses physical-modeling technology for organic expressiveness, and the latest update features an expanded library, a performance mode, audio input processing, an output stage and improved algorithms. The addition of the output stage provides users with sync-to-host capability, tempo-synched ping-pong delay, new reverbs and an audio recorder. For better organization, the new performance mode combines a synth, preset, effects and MIDI maps. The addition of audio input processing means that the new Tassman can be used as a real-time effects processor.
Applied Acoustics; e-mail
info@applied-acoustics.com; Web
www.applied-acoustics.com
MOOG MUSIC MF-105 MuRF
MULTIPLE-RESONANCE FILTER ARRAY
Dr. Bob Moog and company are back with a new Moogerfooger effects box, the MF-105 MuRF ($439). The quirky name stands for multiple resonance filter array, and MuRF features just that — eight resonant filters, each controlled by its own slider. The filters are completely analog for warm, fat and resonant tone, and users can animate the levels of all of the filters in as many as 24 preset patterns. The patterns' rates can be controlled by an onboard knob, an optional expression pedal or other analog CV sources, or a footswitch plugged into MuRF's Tap Tempo input. Different rhythms can be created simply by altering the filter controls.
Moog Music; e-mail
info@moogmusic.com; Web
www.moogmusic.com
ROLAND DS-5, DS-7, DS-8
DIGITAL ACTIVE STUDIO MONITORS
Roland has upgraded its line of DS-series active reference monitors with the new DS-5, DS-7 and DS-8 ($TBA) near-fields. One of the few companies building monitors that cater specifically to digital studios, Roland furnished its new DS models with 24-bit input on AES/EBU and coaxial/optical S/PDIF, in addition to traditional analog inputs, which are featured on balanced ¼-inch and XLR jacks. The digital lines support sample rates as high as 192 kHz. Roland uses premium discrete amp circuits and film capacitors for pure, uncolored signal paths. All three models are biamped. The top-end DS-8s feature a 1-inch tweeter atop an 8-inch LF cone and are driven by 120W total; the DS-7s feature a ¼-inch — by — 6.5-inch design with 60W of amplification; and the compact DS-5s, with a ¼-inch — by — 5-inch design, are driven by 45W of juice. The power switches are front-mounted for easy access.
Roland; Web
www.rolandus.com
MACKIE BIG KNOB
STUDIO AUDIO CONTROL CENTER
What was Mackie thinking when it named its newest brainchild Big Knob ($1,295)? Despite its less-than-serious name, the Big Knob is a serious unit with a mission: to be a multiple-monitor switching and level-control box with talkback functions. This tidy little unit allows users to easily switch among three different sets of powered studio monitors while monitoring any of four different stereo sources, which can be simultaneously connected. In addition, the Big Knob provides a built-in talkback mic and console-style, spring-loaded activation switches for easy communication with musicians on the other side of the glass. To round out your studio monitoring needs, the Big Knob features two high-powered headphone outputs with their own mix bus. So what does that big knob in the center actually, er, do? It functions as a master volume control. This means instant volume adjustments for monitors of different size or preset volume, and no more reaching for your mouse for swift level changes.
Mackie; e-mail
sales@mackie.com; Web
www.mackie.com
| Want to use this article? Click here for options! |  |
