NEW PRODUCTS
Sep 1, 2006 12:00 PM, By Asher Fulero
FOCUSRITE SAFFIRE LE
FIREWIRE AUDIO INTERFACE
Focusrite may be a smaller name in the computer audio-interface game, but its reputation for quality audio means that recordists shouldn't overlook the new Saffire LE FireWire audio interface ($450). Four analog inputs are available, two with Focusrite's respected microphone preamps and two line-level DIs. Six analog ¼-inch outputs provide out-of-the-box mixing or 5.1 surround output; digital audio comes from S/PDIF I/O. The Saffire LE features Focusrite's zero-latency monitoring powered by the Saffire Control LE software, which delivers full routing and mixing capabilities. While the previous Saffire editions included onboard DSP for more mixing power, this unit lacks in that department. However, the entire Saffire plug-in suite comes bundled with the package, which includes VST and Audio Units format compression, reverb, amp modeling and EQ, all using Focusrite's own finely tuned algorithms.
Focusrite;
www.focusrite.com
LINPLUG & ROB PAPEN ALBINO 3
VIRTUAL SYNTHESIZER
With its first two versions, Albino made a big splash in the virtual-instrument world because of its smooth, easy interface; big sound; and quality preset patches. Now, the collaboration of Peter Linsener of LinPlug and synth-designer Rob Papen reaches a new level with Albino 3 ($199). There's a long list of small changes, upgrades and refinements, but probably the most powerful new feature is that each patch can contain as many as four layers, each of which is a full instance of Albino. That makes complicated tone layering easier. New filters such as the powerfully resonant Scream filter and a classic comb filter expand the available control options, while new effects units — including the bit-reducing LoFi, a classic envelope follower called WaWa, a dialable compressor and an improved reverb — all make sculpting the perfect tone quicker and easier. The Albino includes 2,100 patches by Rob Papen (which tend to be very playable but also good starting points for finding your own sounds), as well as two extra banks from Reyn (a famous Dutch producer), Noisia (Dutch drum 'n' bass) and NarvanaX (Dutch hardcore).
LinPlug;
www.linplug.com
IK MULTIMEDIA AMPEG SVX
BASS AMP SIMULATOR PLUG-IN
Software made to re-create the sound of classic, hard-to-find and timeworn music gear is quickly making sought-after yet financially restrictive tone control available to everyone. Ampeg's classic bass amplifiers and stompboxes have helped shape the sound of the low end industry-wide, and now Ampeg has teamed with IK Multimedia, the creators of the tube-tone emulation software Amplitube and T-Racks, to create Ampeg SVX ($399). The package boasts finely detailed software re-creations of four signature Ampeg bass amplifiers, six signature Ampeg speaker cabinet models and six classic bass amp microphones in four positions each. A precise tuner and complete models of eight classic Ampeg stomp effects in six available slots (with full routing and MIDI syncable control) complete this thorough set of tools for recording professional-sounding bass. All the units are modeled down to the original circuitry using IK Mulitmedia's unique Dynamic Saturation Modeling technology and can be mixed and matched to your heart's content and saved for quick access to all your favorite tones. Ampeg SVX is available in all major formats for Mac and Windows.
IK Multimedia;
www.ikmultimedia.com
ECLER HAK 380
DJ MIXER
Bent on refining the art of the DJ mixer through careful R&D and close consultation with DJs, Ecler has introduced the HAK 380 Performance Mixing Instrument ($TBA). Its most groundbreaking feature is the new microprocessor-driven Scratch Cue mode, which allows you to audition crossfader moves in the headphones before dropping them into the house mix. While that alone would be enough for many to make the switch, Ecler includes several other unique features that are just as cool; the built-in effects loop features a Dry/Wet crossfader for cutting effects in and out, and the effects return signal can be cued for checking out the effects settings before sending them to the house.
Sporting the new Eternal crossfaders and Inductive Fade technology for improved performance and a sharper cut, the HAK 380 features some serious fader control as well, including double crossfader shape adjustment and double crossfader cut controls for dialing in responsiveness. The EQ section features ergonomic knobs, full-band cut and EQ on/off controls for quick settings, and the simple microphone channel has gain and hi/lo EQ controls. Separate Mix 1/Mix 2 outputs and a Stereo Record output provide flexibility for battles or studio sessions, and high-end components throughout help get the best possible tone out of those old beat-up turntables you swear by.
Ecler;
www.eclerdjdivision.com
GUYATONE OPTICAL SERIES
EFFECTS PEDALS
After reverse engineering its own prototype following the loss of the chief designer, guitar pedal powerhouse Guyatone finally released its Optical Series guitar effects pedals, the Ultron ($450) and Ultrem ($400). These long-awaited pedals combine hardy analog circuitry with modern digital control, reaching the best of both worlds. Using a 100-percent analog signal path with custom manufactured photocouplers, these pedals are not modelers, although they provide features usually available only in the digital realm. With a real analog oscillator for memory-assignable tap-tempo CV control, the name of the game is digital interaction with analog parts.
The Ultron is essentially an improved version of the classic Mu-Tron III: An envelope-controlled filter with a mass of adjustable parameters — far more than the original unit. The Ultrem is a tremolo unit with a wide variety of options for creating sounds, from traditional types of tremolo to far-out personalized sounds. Both units feature expression-pedal control, six available waveforms for the tap-tempo oscillator (which can be assigned to a multitude of parameters), true bypass switching and 9V battery or AC adapter power.
Guyatone;
www.guyatone.com
URS 1975 CLASSIC COMPRESSOR
TDM PLUG-IN
The 1975 Classic Compressor ($499 TDM, $299 RTAS) from URS (Unique Recording Software) is a careful digital re-creation of the popular mid-'70s feed-forward VCA compressors but with some modern twists. Built for ProTools and its hi-res TDM/RTAS format, the plug-in includes two types: the straightforward compressor-only version and the more finely tunable full version, which features an internal sidechain filter section (with auditioning to hear the signal hitting the compressor for EQ-based settings), as well as an independently variable limiter for more detailed dynamic control. Separate In/Out and Reduction meters are a nice touch, and the fully automatable parameters allow for the kind of dynamic motion you could only dream about with the old '70s units. Best of all, owners of the URS Everything EQ bundle or the URS Compressor bundle will receive the 1975 Classic Compressor for free.
URS;
www.ursplugins.com
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