STUDIO
Apr 1, 2003 12:00 PM, By Markkus Rovito
CAKEWALK PROJECT5
SOFT-SYNTH WORKSTATION (PC)
There is no finale to the soft-synth parade. Cakewalk marches Project5 ($429) into the fray touting “open studio” compatibility. The complete virtual workstation of soft synths, samplers, effects and sequencers can host DirectX, DXi, VST and VSTi plug-ins; connect to ReWire-compatible sequencers. Its composition tools include step and pattern sequencers with real-time or step recording, MIDI effects and piano-roll editing. All of Project5's instrument and effect modules have automatable parameters. Psyn is a 64-note subtractive synth delivering classic-'70s analog sounds and more with multiple oscillators, filters, envelopes and LFOs. DS-846 is a full-fledged digital sampler with 8-layer, 64-note polyphony, sample editing, filters, envelopes, effects and eight outputs. It supports Akai S5000 and S6000, Kurzweil, SoundFonts 2, WAV, AIFF and proprietary formats. Two drum machines, nPulse and Velocity provide drum synthesis and drum sampling, respectively. With 12 voices and five outputs, nPulse models Roland TR-series drum boxes; Velocity supports WAV, AIFF and LM4 drum samples and provides editing. Its 18 voices can include as many as 32 velocity-layered samples.
Cakewalk; e-mail
sales@cakewalk.com; Web
www.cakewalk.com
NUMARK CDN36
DUAL-CD PLAYER
The Numark CDN36 ($620) bears a strong resemblance to the company's previous rackmountable dual-CD players, but now, DJs can scratch CDs using the pitch and search wheels. Additional controls adorning the surface include backlit Play and Cue buttons and ±8 and 16 percent pitch faders. The unit will also play CD-Rs and has antishock buffer memory, instant start and bpm counters. CD playback can be reversed, filtered and seamlessly looped. Key additional features include digital output, high-speed rotary track access with sequence programming, transport-bay illumination and fader/remote start.
Numark; e-mail
info@numark.com; Web
www.numark.com
ROLAND V-SYNTH
KEYBOARD SYNTHESIZER
With all of the power and expressiveness built into Roland's 61-key V-Synth ($2,695), “To V or not to V?” could be a rhetorical question. The instrument takes advantage of sampling, analog modeling and external audio processing, as well as COSM filtering, effects and diverse real-time controls to produce an unlimited palette of sounds. Roland's VariPhrase technology powers the sampling section, in which the user has independent control of waveform pitch, time and formant. The Time Trip touch pad lets users play with the time of the waveform: accelerating, slowing, freezing or moving it backward from any point. Contributing to V-Synth's robust user control are 20 knobs, four sliders, twin infrared D Beams and a large touch-screen menu that responds to dragging motions. The analog modeling section provides nine traditional oscillator waveforms. Users can mix and layer the various oscillator types in several ways and modulate them with FM, ring mod and hard sync. The board also features resampling and an arpeggiator. The V-Synth is equipped with coaxial and digital I/O, as well as a USB port that can be used for transmitting MIDI and WAV or AIFF audio files or for saving sound patches to a computer. MIDI In/Out/Thru, three pedal jacks, headphone socket, mic/line input and stereo main, and direct output round out the remaining connections.
Roland; Web
www.rolandus.com
VESTAX DSS-X1
DIGITAL-AUDIO PLAYER/CONTROLLER
Two turntables, a microphone and a solid-state digital-audio player? That could be the next DJ setup of choice with the release of the Vestax DSS-X1 ($TBA), a rugged, road-worthy, tabletop unit that plays back MP3 and AAC digital-audio files with DJ-level control. The DSS-X1 imports digital files from SmartMedia memory cards. A full complement of transport controls, as well as a ±10 percent pitch fader control playback. Users create loops with the Tap, Start, Exit and End buttons.
Vestax; e-mail
Vestaxsupport@korgusa.com; Web
www.vestax.com
MOTU MACHFIVE
UNIVERSAL SAMPLER PLUG-IN (MAC/PC)
MOTU, known for its Mac-only Digital Performer audio sequencer, is going cross-platform with its new blockbuster sampler plug-in, MachFive ($395). Not only is the program for both Mac and Windows computers; it also supports all major plug-in formats — MAS, VST, RTAS, HTDM, Audio Units and DXi — and imports all major audio and sample types: Acid, AIFF, Akai, Creamware, E-mu, EXS24, Giga, HALion, Kurzweil, REX, Roland, SampleCell, SDII, WAV and more. It can also handle sampling rates of up to 24-bit, 192kHz and samples from mono to true 5.1 surround sound. This interoperabilty makes it easy for multiple MachFive users to collaborate on projects no matter what their individual setups are. Each instance of MachFive supplies unlimited polyphony and 16 multitimbral parts, each with its own audio output, MIDI channel, volume, pan and so forth. The number of MachFive instances is limited only by the user's CPU. The program allows for complex layers and splits and total parameter recall of MachFive settings that are saved in the host application.
MOTU; e-mail
sales@motu.com; Web
www.motu.com
YAMAHA 01V96
DIGITAL MIXER
Yamaha's 01V digital mixer rightfully earned classic status, but it is finally passing the torch to the 01V96 ($2,499). The new model occupies the same footprint as the original but features improved sound quality; ADAT I/O as standard; and 40 channels of simultaneous mixing, all with as high as 24-bit, 96kHz resolution. Inputs 1 through 32 possess independent compressor/gates, 4-band parametric EQ, delay and two pre-EQ/post-delay inserts. The 01V96's effects processors are 32-bit and fully automatable; four of them can be used simultaneously (two at 96 kHz). The hands-on control surface showcases 17 100mm motorized channel faders, eight assignable keys and a large LCD.
Yamaha; e-mail
infostation@yamaha.com; Web
www.yamaha.com
GEMINI MP-3000X
DUAL MP3 CD PLAYER
Gemini will see your everyday dual-transport CD player and raise you a little MP3 playback. The MP-3000X ($899.95) not only plays MP3 files from CD-R/RWs but also applies all of the manipulation options of normal CD audio to those MP3s. As such, you can pitch-bend, cue to a frame-accurate point and perform loops with real-time editing — all with MP3 files. Additional highlights include digital output; antishock buffer memory; instant start; fast track-search mode; and Robo Start, which provides uninterrupted, unattended playback. The jog wheels have inner and outer dials, and the blue LCD displays furnish well-lit track info. Pitch control options are ±4, 8 and 16 percent.
Gemini; e-mail
sales-usa@geminidj.com; Web
www.geminidj.com
DIGITECH VX400
MODELING VOCAL PROCESSOR
A live-performance expression pedal and a studio voice processor, the DigiTech V×400 ($374.95) aims to be the only voice box you'll ever need (besides your own). It combines the same effects, modeling and character sounds from DigiTech's Vocal-series processors with three footswitches, a pedal and a solid metal casing built for stage abuse. There are also outputs made for going directly into the PA and a USB port for streaming 24-bit audio into a computer. A selection of the algorithms reveals compression, EQ, gate, reverb, delay, multi-effects and more awaiting your silky vocal smoothness.
DigiTech; Web
www.digitech.com
TC ELECTRONIC REVERB 4000
STEREO DIGITAL REVERB
TC Electronic has introduced the Reverb 4000 ($2,999) a stereo, single-rackspace version of the sought-after System 6000. It features some of TC's finest reverbs, an instant-access interface and the Icon software editor for Mac and PC systems. Reverb 4000 simulates a large variety of rooms, natural outdoor spaces and vintage reverb effects. During live performances, users can switch between Character, Glossy and Vintage reverbs with a single button press. Many other important functions are quickly accomplished from the front panel. The unit employs 24-bit AD/DA converters and 44.1 to 96kHz sampling rates. Analog I/O is joined by AES/EBU, S/PDIF, Toslink and ADAT digital I/O. A USB port connects the Reverb 4000 to a computer and the Icon software editor.
TC Electronic; e-mail
infous@tcelectronic.com; Web
www.tcelectronic.com
ELECTRO-VOICE GLADIATOR SERIES
LOUDSPEAKERS
Electro-Voice designed the Gladiator G115 ($TBA) 15-inch, two-way, full-range loudspeaker and the Gladiator G118 ($TBA) 18-inch subwoofer especially for DJs playing modern dance music in a live setting. The units accomplish this with an extended low-frequency response, in addition to the high frequency and vocal clarity from the company's Ring-Mode Decoupling. When used together, the three-way system only needs one amp to drive it and produces full-range output due to the subwoofer's built-in crossover. The G115 uses an EV-15FR 15-inch woofer and a DH2010 compression driver for extended high frequency and reliability. The G118 features an EV-18S 18-inch woofer with a four-layer voice coil and an extended frequency response to 32 Hz. Both speaker types carry a 400W continuous power/1,600W peak-power rating. Their rugged construction entails RoadWood enclosures, steel grilles, high-impact corners and comfortable handles.
Electro-Voice; e-mail
pro.sound@telex.com; Web
www.eviaudio.com
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