Carvin proudly introduces the K15 Keyboard Amplifier. Featuring a great-sounding transducer compliment, versatile EQ control, and numerous additional features, the new K15 Keyboard Amplifier delivers 100 watts into a highly functional, heavy-duty system—making this a powerful, full-range keyboard amplifier setup.

The K15’s exceptional sound quality comes from a transducer compliment coupled with an equally proficient power source. This self-contained keyboard system incorporates a heavy-duty 15-inch low frequency transducer mated with a Titanium driver. The K15’s enclosure features Carvin’s popular tilt-back design that places the sound right where it’s wanted, and the entire enclosure is protected by a rugged Duratuff™ covering with steel side handles and a perforated steel grill to protect the drivers.

Powering the system is a robust 100 watt amplifier designed to handle a wide range of keyboard applications. The exceptional K15 features four channels (two stereo or dual mono), with quarter-inch inputs, one mono quarter-inch input, and one XLR/quarter-inch “Combo” input. The K15’s input architecture provides ample room for several keyboards, sound modules, drum machines, and a vocal mic—all in one very easy to use, highly transportable configuration.

For additional sound contouring flexibility, the new K15’s Channel 3 includes an Instrument/Line button plus a tone control with a Mid shift button, while channel 4 offers a full 3-band EQ. Additionally, the K15 features a master 5-band Graphic EQ that makes fine tuning the main output a snap, and there’s also an effects loop for incorporating one’s own signal processing. With Line Out and Speaker jacks available on the K15’s rear panel, keyboard players have a comprehensive, compact keyboard system.

The new Carvin K15 Keyboard Amplifier is sold factory direct at $399.99. The K15 is available now.

For more information, visit their web site at www.carvin.com.

Posted in Amplification, Keyboard

Ritter has been making massive inroads into the hardshell case market with the introduction of 60 different models in 7 separate ranges. Two of these are the RW1000-6 Series and RW2000-6 Series guitar cases. Both feature multi-ply wood shell construction, metal Ritter logo, chrome hardware and black moulded handle.

The RW1000-6 has a stylish, strong, black velvet exterior underlined by white stitching, while the interior benefits from a padded, soft, black velvet trim.

Features of the RW2000-6 Series include a polyester fabric exterior, contoured, padded, plush interior and black leatherette trim. Colour coordinated with the RitterClassic Bag Series, these cases come with either a night black exterior with scarlet interior, or chocolate exterior with tangerine interior.

While both are designed to fit all dreadnought, classic, electric and bass instruments, the RW2000-6 Series will also accommodate archtop guitars.

For more information, visit their web site at www.ritter-bags.com.

Posted in Accessories, Guitar

Carvin proudly introduces the new BR610 Bass Combo. Featuring a powerful amplifier, advanced equalization, dual 10-inch low frequency drivers, a Titanium high frequency driver, an XLR direct output, and numerous additional features integrated into a Duratuff™-covered enclosure with retractable handles, the BR610 Bass Combo is the perfect solution for gigging or studio bassists in search of compact, powerful, all-in-one system.

The BR610 maintains the compact form factor of its BR Series siblings, yet its powerful amplifier combined with dual 10-inch low frequency drivers and a Titanium high frequency driver makes this a remarkably robust setup. With a rugged Duratuff-covered enclosure that hides the wear and tear of the road, this terrific amplifier even features a tilt-back design that puts the bass right where it’s wanted. When the gig is over, the retractable handles make moving this powerhouse amp quick and easy. To protect the transducers, a 16-guage, perforated steel grill is supplied.

The new BR610 Bass Combo’s BX600 mono block bass head features discrete Class A circuitry, a contour control, a single knob compressor, and a front-mounted XLR direct output. With a whopping 600 watts of power at 2 ohms, this terrific amplifier has plenty of muscle for those musical applications where high output levels are a must to get the job done. This system also incorporates a heavy-duty crossover featuring a 6-position attenuator for precision settings at 0, -3, -6, -12, -24, and OFF. The BR610’s sealed crossovers and connector plates prevent air leakage and the high current, locking Speakon™ connectors and quarter-inch jacks make for a rugged amp that will withstand years of tortuous road use.

For shaping the sound exactly to one’s liking, the BR610 Bass Combo features parametric EQ with mid sweep and a 9-band graphic equalizer coupled with a Graphic EQ In/Out switch. This versatile amplifier also provides Active/Passive switching, and the switches feature active electronics for clean, precise control and greater reliability. To warm the sound up, the front panel Drive control can push the Class A preamps to a warm growl. There is also a Master control for the preamp.

The new Carvin BR610 Bass Combo is sold factory direct at $599.99. The BR610 is available now.

For more information, visit their web site at www.carvin.com.

Posted in Amplification, Bass

Ritter has launched its new improved range of RitterClassic™ bags for brass and woodwind instruments.

Available in a choice of colours, this fully comprehensive range with 36 models to choose from is designed to carry 18 different types of instruments. These include cornet trumpet, triple trumpet, flute case bag, soprano sax, alto sax, tenor sax, baritone sax, trombone, bass trombone, French horn, euphonium/bell up, euphonium/forward, tuba 18″, tuba 22″, bassoon and sousaphone.

Benefiting from a new, sleek, minimalist look with improved backpack system and stylish inverted zippers on the accessory pockets, the range now sports an MP3/phone pouch, reflective safety strips, quilted interior, foam mesh handles with no visible webbing to spoil the look, chrome, metal moulded Ritter zipper pulls; an ergonomically designed mesh lumbar support and non-scratch nylon interior.

The RitterClassic™ range comes in night black/scarlet or chocolate/tangerine.

For more information, visit their web site at www.ritter-bags.com.

Posted in Accessories, Brass, Woodwind

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the electric guitar, the Museum of Making Music is proud to announce the August 26 opening of a retrospective of the electric guitar, focusing on the pivotal contributions of Rickenbacker International Corporation (RIC) to the development of electric stringed instruments. This comprehensive exhibition will be accompanied by a benefit concert emceed Billy Hinsche (founding member of Dino, Desi & Billy) and will showcase Jefferson Starship in an intimate acoustic performance with original Jefferson Airplane guitarist and singer, Paul Kantner.

The four-month exhibition, “Brother Musician- Listen to a Miracle!: The 75th Birthday of the Electric Guitar presented by Rickenbacker” is a collaboration between the Museum of Making Music, Matthew Hill, expert in organology (the study of musical instruments) from the University of Edinburgh, and Rickenbacker International Corporation, the company who created the first viable and commercially successful electric guitar.

The exhibition will chart the development of the electric guitar by exploring the innovations, both well known and not so well known, pioneered by the Rickenbacker Company. The exhibition will focus on the story of Rickenbacker electric instruments, which have included, in addition to their well-known guitars and basses, electric violins, double basses, mandolins and even an electric orchestral pedal harp.

Featured in the exhibit are instruments from the personal collection of John Hall, C.E.O. of Rickenbacker International Corporation, and include many prototypes and custom instruments, as well as rare and vintage examples from Rickenbacker’s 75 year history. This is a unique chance to see a comprehensive display of electrified instruments rarely seen outside of the pages of vintage guitar-enthusiast magazines placed in historical context with historic documents and memorabilia, some never publicly displayed before, from the Rickenbacker archives.

The August 26 exhibit opening event begins at 6:30 PM with a reception in the Museum galleries where guests can enjoy the exhibit along with hors d’oeuvres and no-host bar. Following the reception, guests will get a rare chance to see an intimate acoustic performance by Paul Kantner, original member of Jefferson Airplane. Emceed by Billy Hinsche, founding member of Dino, Desi and Billy, and former member of the Beach Boys, the concert will feature Kantner who has been performing for over 40 years since co-founding Jefferson Airplane in 1965 and went on to become one of the key influences of the San Francisco sound.

Tickets to the opening and benefit concert are $50; advanced purchase is required. All proceeds benefit the Museum of Making Music’s exhibits and educational programs. For more information or for tickets please contact Jillian Jepsen at (760) 438-5996 ext. 212.

Another event benefiting the Museum will be held on Sunday, August 27 at the House of Blues in Hollywood. Sponsored by Rickenbacker, this concert features a full electric performance of Jefferson Starship with additional performances by The Smithereens, Haute Werk, Billy Hinsche and others TBA. Tickets to this event are available through Ticketmaster or the House of Blues box office.

For more information, visit their web site at www.museumofmakingmusic.org.

Posted in Education, Guitar, History

Dubbed Deming’s Tips & Tricks, CharterOak Acoustic Devices recently upgraded their existing website, reaffirming the commitment to provide unmatched service and support for the life of all CharterOak products.

CharterOak founder and record producer/engineer Michael Deming will add tips & tricks content at the beginning of each month. Deming’s 20 years of experience and passion for recording have played a major role in the success of CharterOak microphones.

Users of CharterOak products can visit the website to learn from the [microphone] designer, tricks for positioning and applications, favorite hardware compatibility, and more. Visitors can also make requests for future tips. As questions build, they will be addressed in the FAQ section of the website. Future plans also include the addition of a monthly forum for Q&A moderated by Deming.

For more information, visit their web site at www.charteroakacoustics.com.

Posted in Education, Live Sound, Recording, Technology

CAD recently introduced Trion, its most highly evolved line of studio microphones distinguished by the brand’s heritage of design, innovation and quality. The Trion 8000 is a multi-pattern, externally biased, large dual diaphragm studio tube condenser mic, the Trion 7000 is a dynamic, dual-element ribbon mic and the Trion 6000 a multi-pattern, externally biased, large dual diaphragm studio condenser mic.

Flagship for the new line, the Trion 8000 incorporates a sophisticated, precision-machined, hand-assembled capsule with low mass 1.12″ gold vapor-deposited, hand dampened diaphragms to produce the warm, rich and open classic tube sound ideal for studio vocal recordings in the digital realm. A 3-position polar pattern switch provides selection of omnidirectional, cardioid or figure-8 polar patterns for the versatility required by today’s professional recording situations.

In addition to exceptional sensitivity, low distortion and an extended frequency response, the Trion 8000 features discrete Class A electronics for transparent sound reproduction. Its transformer-coupled output ensures excellent RF immunity, cancellation of cable capacitance, and rejection of induced line noise. Its rugged metal housing and construction ensure long-term durability and reliable performance. Featuring a distinctive heritage design, the Trion 8000 delivers a smooth, accurate frequency response and high SPL capability. It comes supplied with a shock mount, heavy-duty aluminum carrying case, 25ft 6-pin connector cable, and power supply.

The Trion 7000 incorporates a sophisticated, precision-machined, hand-assembled aluminum ribbon capsule to produce a classically rich, warm sound ribbon mics are known for. It is ideal for recording vocals, brass and woodwinds, cello, acoustic bass, as well as guitar and bass amps. The 7000 is equally effective in live and studio applications when a full-bodied sound is desired.

With a natural figure-8 pickup pattern, the Trion 7000 is most sensitive in the front and the back of the microphone and least sensitive at the sides. Its pronounced proximity effect allows the user to achieve a strong “fattening” effect at close distances. Rugged and durable, the 7000’s metal housing and construction enable it to withstand the harsh demands of live and studio applications. It comes supplied with shock mount and heavy-duty aluminum carrying case.

Incorporating a sophisticated, precision-machined, hand assembled capsule, the Trion 6000 features low mass 1″ gold vapor deposited, hand-dampened diaphragms. Combined, these produce a warm, open and detailed sound for studio vocals, choir, classical stringed instruments, piano and acoustic guitar.

A 3-position polar pattern switch allows the user to select omnidirectional, cardioid, or figure-8 polar patterns. Coupled with the high pass filter and attenuation switches located on the rear of the mic body, the 6000 delivers exceptional versatility and flexibility in a variety of recording situations.

Exceptional sensitivity, low distortion and an extended frequency response make the Trion 6000 an ideal performer in digital recording situations. Discrete Class A electronics ensure transparent, accurate sound reproduction, while the 6000’s transformer-coupled output provides excellent RF immunity, cancellation of cable capacitance, and rejection of induced line noise. The rugged metal housing and construction provide exceptional durability Featuring a heritage design, the microphone offers an aesthetically pleasing industrial profile and comes equipped with shock mount and heavy-duty aluminum carrying case. 48V phantom power is required.

For more information, visit their web site at www.cadmics.com.

Posted in Microphones, Technology

As part of their all-new Modular Series, Westgate Studios is proud to announce the release of The Oboes Module. This library for Gigastudio 3.1 and Kontakt 2.1 features 24 bit samples recorded by Grammy award-winning engineer Tim Kimsey. On the DVD you will find a comprehensive set of patches for Solo Oboe, Solo English Horn and Oboe Section.

The most important feature of this library is the Legato playing style. These patches contain not only expressive long notes, but also true legato interval samples that were recorded as the musicians played every note up and down from 1 half-step all the way up to a full octave. You don’t have to load any special tools to control them because the Legato effect is powered by Gigastudio’s iMIDI rules and Kontakt’s scripting engine. You can also vary the Attack Strength of each note, control the use of Release Samples, and play Same-Note Legato Repetitions in any rhythm or tempo.

Each of the oboe patches also allows you complete Tone Control within the instrument. If you prefer a “darker” sound, simply adjust control change 4 until you like what you hear.

Along with these highlights you’ll also find Staccato and Marcato articulations, Trills, Octave Runs and changing dynamics such as Crescendos, Diminuendos, and Fortepiano. Eerie Multiphonic Effect samples are included as well.

With an MSRP of $100 (US), the Oboes Module is available on DVD for either Gigastudio 3.1 or Kontakt 2.1. The samples included are 24bit\44.1k\stereo recordings of Solo Oboe, Solo English Horn and Oboe Section.

For more information, visit their web site at www.westgatestudios.com.

Posted in Audio, Computer, Recording, Technology, Woodwind

Audiowarrior Kreator® XL updates to v1.1. This new, feature-enhanced songwriter’s version with DEEP programming abilities includes real time Wah-Wah, AmpModeling, SpeakerCabModeling, Vowel Modeling and includes an a software industry ‘first’ featuring a 30 day money back guarantee (subject to *special conditions).

Virtually Infinite
Kreator XL is the Nu Age 3 Gigabyte Professional Soft-Synth-Sound-Module music production solution for recording engineers, film makers, broadcasters, game developers, effects artists, and other media professionals.

Enhancements include:

‘The Seven Deadly Synths’ | NuSynthRACK
Searing Leads, Deep Bass’, space-age FX, moody textures, sweeping lush Pads with on-board DSP. 24-bit.

Immerse yourself in phat analog with Evolving Alien Environments and Soundscapes including Rain & Thunder, The Grays, BladeRunner, RAIN, Deep Sea, Alien Locust, Ethereal Bog, Frogs of Plague. Synth leads, Bass, FX, Pads based on Juno, Oberheim, Moog, Prophet, and more. A huge collectors treasure chest of highly sought after Synthesizers and all with Kreator’s built-in DSP ! Based on the Oberheim® Matrix1000, Juno, Yami, Moog® Play them Standalone or in your preferred sequencer. Tweak the Reverb, Compressor, Chorus, and Wah-Wah.

NuGeneralMIDI compatible Drums & Percussion
30 All New GM compatible Drum Kits with Percussion including Yamaha Maple, SONOR® Maple, DW®, Ludwig®, TAMA®, Electronic Kits-707-808-909, Djembe, Ashiko, Ashiko Loops, RainStick, Bodhran, Himalayan Bells.

NuBass
3 all new complete hi-fetail virtual basses based on the Fender® J-Bass, Schecter® Scorpion Slap Bass, Large Acoustic Upright Bass.

Nu Auto-Strumming Guitars: Acoustic & Electric
All new Electric Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar with Manual Strumming and Auto-Strumming, SilverTone’63, each with 85 songwriting chords and up to 1700 auto-strumming combinations using proprietary Pat Pending dedicated Audiowarrior iStrum MIDI patterns.

Stereo/Mono/5.1 Audio & 16 track Audio/MIDI
Easily produce stunning music demos enhanced with on-board digital effects. Fine tune your MIDI notes and your sounds using AmpModeling, WAH-WAH, SpeakerCabinetModeling, Flanger, Rotary, Chorus, Reverbs, TalkBox Vowel Modeling; AA, EE, II, OO, UU, accessible directly from 8 MIDI-Learn SOUND EDIT Controls.

Disk Streaming
Choose to play samples back from RAM or conserve and stream directly from disk.

Control CPU usage
Choose playback quality: Good, High, Highest.

Composers
Perform, and record a huge selection of Instruments right on your computer desktop. Works with any recording software Mac or PC such as Cubase, Pro Tools, or works by itself in Standalone Mode.

Powerful Combi-Instruments
Combine any 1-16 instrument combination such as Piano and Strings, or Choir and Flute can be saved as a Combi-Instrument Preset .

Mix from the Interface
Adjust each track’s volume directly from the GUI up to 6db.

Synths, Organs, and CPU efficient Pianos
Including sounds based on the Oberheim® Matrix1000, Juno, Yami, Moog®, Hammond® B3, Rhodes® Electric Piano, Acoustic Piano 1 and Acoustic Piano 2 each with DSP FX.

Guitars: Acoustic & Electric
Electric Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar with Manual Strumming and Auto-Strumming, SilverTone’63

Choirs
2 unique Male/Female choirs sections with separate and combined voices.

Mello-T Classics
MelloTron® Flute-Choir-Strings-Brass.

Create compelling, professional-sounding songs by using Audiowarrior’s built-in production elements that contribute to a well balanced, artful and professional-sounding mix. Kreator XL’s library is divided into 30 sections with hundreds of program presets, REX files, and MIDI files.

Specifications:

• 32-bit
• Connects to everything : VST, DXi2, AU, Rewire and Standalone
• 256 Voices polyphony
• 16 sounds on 16 MIDI channels simultaneously per instance
• Sound Category System support, no difference between finding, selecting and loading a Sound
• Control up to 32 DSP effects with 8 “quick” remote controllable Q-Controls featuring MIDI Learn
• Ultra easy user interface–clean, handy and easy to understand for beginners or seasoned professionals
• Award-winning Surround-Capable HALion 3 playback engine
• All of Kreator’s sounds and instruments can be opened in HALion 3.1+
• Take it with you: Having your AudioWarrior Kreator1.0 License Code installed on your Steinberg Key makes it easy to use Kreator interchangeably on any computer, anytime, anywhere in the world, PC or Mac

For more information, visit their web site at www.audiowarrior.com.

Posted in Audio, Computer, Recording, Software, Technology

Rupert Neve Designs announces the launch of the Portico™ 5033 Five Band Equalizer and High Performance Line Driver as part of the growing family of half rack Portico series modules. The 5033 features Mr. Rupert Neve’s custom input and output transformer designs, five bands of EQ based on his traditional curves, -/+12dB input level adjustment, five filter bypasses and comes available in either horizontal or vertical formats.

When equalization is required, the 5033 has five swept bands of EQ for the meticulous sculpting of audio signals. High and low shelving filters are engaged using the same push-button, and both are capable of boosting or cutting their respective ranges by 12 dB. The shelving filters range from 30 Hz to 300 Hz for the low shelf and 2.5 kHz to 25 kHz for the high shelf. The three mid-band filters are also capable of +/-12 dB of gain and have an additional fully variable “Q” control from a broad 0.7 and narrow 5.

Each fully parametric band can be separately engaged and is continuously variable throughout its filter range. The Low-Mid Frequency (LMF) band is continuously variable from 50 Hz to 400 Hz, the Mid Frequency (MF) band is continuously variable from 330 Hz to 2.5 kHz, and the High-Mid Frequency (HMF) range is continuously variable from 2 kHz to 16 kHz. To minimize the signal path and allow for critical A-B listening, there are also five separate filter bypasses.

The 5033 also has a high performance, transformer coupled line driver with continuously variable +/-12dB trim for optimal gain staging and level matching between processed and unprocessed signals. Like many of Mr. Rupert Neve’s classic modules, the line driving circuit adds sweetness, warmth and presence that can greatly benefit signals that are somewhat brittle and lifeless.

For more information, visit their web site at www.rupertneve.com.

Posted in Audio, Effects, Mixers, Technology