THE THIRD ANNUAL REMIX TECHNOLOGY AWARDS
Jan 1, 2005 12:00 PM
Well, regardless of what the pundits have to say about the health of the economy, the deluge of products that Remix received for review this year seems like clear proof that things are looking up. We saw everything from classic designs updated with modern components to software and hardware pieces that weren't feasible to even build a few short years ago. Overall, 2004 was a banner year for new production and performance products, and in response, we've expanded our annual Remix Technology Awards to 26 categories ranging from software synths to turntables and beyond. So without further adieu, here are the winners.
Turntable
Stanton STR8-150
With the STR8-150, Stanton has unleashed a virtually skip-proof turntable with features like key correction that make nearly it second to none.
Sample Collection
FXpansion BFD
More than a simple sample bank, BFD is a full-fledged instrument that makes realistic-sounding acoustic drums a reality for anyone with a DAW.
Best Value, Hardware
Novation X-Station 25
With the X-Station 25, users are able to get an audio/MIDI interface, a control surface and a synth in a single compact unit. And with a sticker price of less than $500, the X-Station 25 is nothing short amazing.
Best Value, Software
Mackie Tracktion
A complete DAW for less than $100? You can believe the hype. This dual-platform workhorse allows anyone with a computer to gain entrance to the world of unlimited audio and MIDI recording, virtual instruments and software sampling.
DJ Performance Mixer
Allen & Heath Xone:92
By this time next year, the Xone:92 may very well be the de facto standard in DJ booths worldwide. With exceptional sound quality and MIDI functionality, this is the mixer that top-tier DJs will demand.
Hardware Synth
Alesis Ion
Whoever said that virtual-analog synths need to cost an arm and a leg needs to get familiar with the Ion. With high-precision knobs, audio input, vocoding and more, the Ion leaves little to be desired.
Digital Audio Workstation
Apple Logic Pro 7
The DAW race gets tighter every year, but with a redesigned interface, greater CPU efficiency, new instruments, new effects and even guitar- amp modeling, Logic Pro 7 offers the most bang for the buck.
Performance Software
Ableton Live 4
It's a live sequencer. It's a DAW. It's a software sampler. It's an audio editor. Live 4 is all of these things. Within just a few years, Live has expanded from the laptop crowd to nearly every corner of the music-production industry — and for good reason.
Laptop Product
TC Electronic PowerCore Compact
For years, it has been possible to turbocharge desktop computers with extra DSP horsepower. And with the PowerCore Compact, the laptop crowd can finally get in on the same action.
Hardware Sampler
Roland MV-8000
With a classic design, legacy file compatibility and modern features such as a VGA output, the Roland MV-8000 Production Studio raises the bar on workstation design.
Guitar Product
Native Instruments Guitar Rig
After producing some amazing soft-synth products, the people at Native Instruments focused their penchant for hardware modeling on the electric guitar. Guitar Rig is one of the most complete and realistic-sounding amp simulator and effects packages available for native systems.
DJ Scratch/Battle Mixer
Pioneer DJM-909
DJs need to able to get the sound they want, and they need to be able to get it fast. The DJM-909 features a slew of excellent-sounding effects, and the included touch-screen interface means less time fussing around with extra gear and more time rocking the house.
Computer Audio Interface
M-Audio FireWire 1814
The name pretty much says it all: The FireWire 1814 provides 18 input and 14 output channels over a variety of analog and digital connections, MIDI I/O and more in a laptop-friendly design that won't break the bank.
Keyboard Controller
Edirol PCR-1
The Edirol PCR-1 doesn't just house a keyboard, assignable controllers and audio I/O in a wafer-thin chassis; it's also one of the best-feeling portable controllers ever.
DAW Control Surface
Digidesign Command|8
Now, Pro Tools users can really get in on the control-surface revolution. Compatible with everything from the Mbox to HD systems, the Command|8 makes navigating a Pro Tools session even easier than before.
Signal Processing Plug-in Bundle
Universal Audio UAD-1 Studio Pak
Virtual analog processing with a dedicated DSP card is totally the new black. The UAD-1 has matured significantly during the past few years, and while the number of excellent software emulations of classic studio pieces continues to grow, this always stays well within the grasp of many.
Digital DJ Product
Rane/Serato Scratch Live
The digital DJ market is turning into a crowded field. But by combining the proven DJ expertise of Rane with the time-stretching and pitch-shifting algorithms of Serato, the new Scratch Live system provides excellent sound quality, low latency and unrivaled responsiveness.
DJ CD Player: Tie
Technics SL-DZ1200/Numark CDX
Some races are close, but this one was a dead heat in our books. On the one hand, you have Technics taking a bold step into the world of digital DJ products, bringing the classic feel of the 1200 into the 21st century. And on the other side, the Numark CDX perfectly duplicates the feel and response of a full-size vinyl turntable. Both products are solid innovations that any forward-thinking DJ would be proud to own.
Most Innovative, Software
Korg Legacy Collection
Seldom is a taste of two worlds so sweet. With the Korg Legacy Collection, users are treated to an array of software emulations that re-create a number of classic Korg synths, as well as a replica MS-20 controller. Talk about hardware and software nirvana.
Most Innovative, Hardware
Akai MPC1000
The MPC line has attained legendary status, especially within the hip-hop community. Although the trend of most product lines is usually a linear path upward toward more features, a higher learning curve and greater cost, the MPC1000 represents the exact opposite approach. Loaded with the core features of the MPC line, this piece brings things down to the street level. And that's a good thing.
Software Synth
Spectrasonics Trilogy
Sculpting the perfect bass patch shouldn't be an all-day affair, and Trilogy makes the creation of killer sounds a breeze. Packed with 3.1 GB of electric, acoustic and synth-bass sounds, Trilogy has everything from jaw-dropping multisampled electrics to the nastiest, buzziest synth sounds around.
Microphone
M-Audio Solaris
As one of M-Audio's first ventures into the world of microphones, the Solaris speaks to a bright future. The mic is adorned with a classy, neo-retro design, and it's a downright pleasure to use on everything from vocals and drum overheads to acoustic guitars. The Solaris is not only a great buy but also a proud addition to anyone's recording arsenal.
Headphones
Ultrasone HFI-650
Headphones are crucial to so many aspects of electronic music. Be it detailed listening, recording or DJing, a good, accurate set of headphones is a must-have. And the HFI-650s are some of the easiest-wearing cans that you can get.
Monitor
Tapco S•5
A good set of monitors needn't set you back thousands of dollars. The Tapco S•5s are geared specifically to the project-studio crowd, and they deliver the kind of sound and clarity you'd expect in a much higher-end piece. And when paired with the company's SW•10 active sub, the S•5s may be all the monitor some people will ever need.
Software Sampler
MOTU MachFive
MOTU really sought to corner the software-sampling market, and with MachFive, it did a pretty good job. Although MachFive offers elegant ease of use, drag-and-drop sample import and more, the real beauty of this instrument is that it works with every popular plug-in format on both Macs and PCs.
Soft-Synth Workstation
Arturia Storm 3
For the beginning musician or the seasoned producer, Storm 3 provides an efficient, all-in-one soft-synth-workstation environment for a minimal entrance fee. Complete with features such as ReWire support, Storm 3 is an excellent compositional tool that can integrate into anyone's computer-based studio.
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