A-Designs Audio is proud to introduce the ATTY2′D (pronounced ‘attitude’), a multi-channel passive line level controller that is the big brother of the successful ATTY stereo passive line level controller introduced in 2004.

Housed in a 1U rack-mountable chassis, the ATTY2′D features two stereo and two mono channels–all four sporting their own individual mute switches and large aluminum cast rotary level controls. A single master mute switch is also located in the center of the front panel for fast termination of audio signal to all channels.

The ATTY2′D can allow engineers to gain control of their classic preamplifiers with no output attenuation by padding the line level signal to their AD converters without clipping. At the same time, it allows preamplifiers to be pushed harder for a completely different audio effect in the signal path.

As another example, the demand for active monitors coupled with today’s audio software can certainly create an issue when the computer crashes and the active monitors are set to 11. The ATTY2′D provides a solution by using the muting setup for separate channels or the master mute for all channels when working with more than one pair of active monitors or in 5.1 surround sound. And using the ATTY2′D for active speaker control is perfectly seamless; the unit is 100 percent passive, therefore no unwanted color/electronic signals are added to the audio path ensuring the purest signal possible.

Currently shipping, the ATTY2′D features a US list price of $585.00.

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

Posted in Audio, Technology

TC Electronic is delighted to announce that its long anticipated audio interface, Konnekt 24D, is now available at EUR 470 retail ex. VAT. The 14 in 14 out (2 mic/inst/line, 2 line inputs and 4 line outputs, 8 ADAT and 2 S/PDIF (optical and coaxial) inputs and outputs) Konnekt 24D audio interface integrates TC’s world-renowned DSP effects in a state-of-the art design developed for recording and performing musicians seeking the highest possible sound quality from analog input through built-in real-time DSP effects to the hard disk.

In addition to front panel control of internal mixer parameters, Konnekt 24D features two front panel inputs that combine TC’s new IMPACT™ (Integrated Mic Preamp Circuit Technology) mic preamps with true Hi-Z input circuits optimized for guitar. Designed for use with active monitors and bundled with Cubase LE software, TC’s new audio interface allows users to start recording right out of the box.

Konnekt 24D’s intuitive user interface design allows users to focus on making music, not on tweaking, and with the Fabrik C channel strip and Fabrik R reverb, Konnekt 24D has the most essential music production tools covered.

Both Fabrik effects feature TC MINT™ technology facilitating complex audio adjustments simply by moving the MINT icons around the screen. The effects are designed to work even in stand-alone mode, a feature that allows users to easily plug, play and monitor without needing to power up the computer.

In addition, Konnekt 24D includes Assimilator Konnekt - an extremely powerful equalization tool that “learns” the frequency curve of one piece of audio so it can be applied to another audio file.

This native fingerprint equalizer, originally developed for PowerCore, has been customized for Konnekt 24D and is ideal for analyzing and copying EQ curves of individual instruments, voices or reference mixes. It truly excels when applied to align the frequency response of different tracks recorded at different times compiled to appear on the same album. Assimilator Konnekt is available as a free download.

Konnekt 8, a non-DSP version with less I/O available in fall 2006.

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

Posted in Audio, Recording

NuGen Audio has announced the release of Visualizer 1.0 beta 3, introducing more functionality and several fixes for the audio analysis tool.

Available as a free download to anyone wishing to try. Users posting comments/suggestions to NuGen Audio will be entered into a prize draw to win the full release version.

Changes since 1.0 beta2:

• Snapshot views added
• Dynamic snapshot memory added

Level meter:

• dB scale zoom and scroll implemented
• 1dB, 0.5dB and 01.dB segments added at
• appropriate zoom level
• peak hold control enhanced

Spectrum Analysers:

• peak envelope colour selection now possible
• peak hold control enhanced
• Octave and 1/12 octave (chromatic) banding

Spectrograms:

• Octave, 1/3 octave and 1/12 octave (chromatic)

Vectorscope:

• Joined line option added to Lissajous view
• Polar view implemented
• Peak hold envelope control
• Envelope and Grid colour selection
• Freeze option
• Stereometer added

Correlation meter controls implemented:

• History
• Freeze
• Response time
• Colour spectrum picker

Stats and Setup tab added:

• FFT window selection
• Weighting curves and slopes made available
• Right click tone option added
• FFT window size parameter
• RMS window size parameter
• Pink noise generator (reduced file size in beta)
• Clip counters and setup

Fixes: Level meter

• margin fixed to follow primary meter
• RMS meter adjusted to give true reading

Visualizer 1.0b3 is available now from NuGen Audio.

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

Posted in Audio, Software, Technology

Audeon updates UFO software synthesizer to v1.02. UFO is a software synthesizer built upon Audeon’s proprietary TransModal Synthesis technology. Its oscillator model is controlled by perceptual attributes such as Periodicity, Brightness, Noisiness or Chaos, etc, lying on 2D controllers.

Programming a sound simply consists of balancing these attributes by placing dots on the controllers, and modulating them graphically by drawing arrows. The hundreds of simultaneous possible modulations offer unparalleled expressivity, while the very intuitive user interface makes sound programming particularly easy. It is available as a VST plugin for PC & Mac.

What’s new in v1.02:

• 50% more factory presets
• Improved graphics for better parameter readability
• Bug fix that could potentially have crashed the plugin
• “MIDI forget” feature now working
• Asks if you want to save the current preset only when it was actually modified

UFO Light is updated to V1.02 as well.

UFO Mac public beta also undergoes an update to 0.91 with enhanced graphics and presets.

For more information, visit their web site at www.audeon.fr.

Posted in Audio, Synth, Technology

Building on the strengths of the Mbox® 2, Digidesign is pleased to announce the Mbox® 2 Pro—a new portable, high-definition audio/MIDI production system that provides high-speed FireWire-powered connectivity, up to 24-bit/96 kHz* audio resolution, and a wide range of analog and digital I/O. It also offers several professional features, including MIDI Time Stamping support, Word Clock I/O, and dedicated studio monitor outputs. With Mbox 2 Pro, novices and professionals alike now have a portable, studio-grade Pro Tools® solution available—one that they could take directly from home to a pro studio and then back again.

“Mbox 2 Pro is a versatile and portable Pro Tools interface,” declares Digidesign Product Manager Matt May. “It’ll accept just about any type of audio gear you throw at it—a couple of microphones, keyboards or other line-level devices, S/PDIF digital source, turntable, MIDI, even Word Clock—and let you capture all of it into a high-quality Pro Tools LE session that’s compatible with professional Pro Tools|HD systems. And with its ultra portability, Mbox 2 Pro is the perfect solution to capture high-resolution audio anywhere—from a large commercial studio to a tiny home studio, or from a field recording to a live recording.”

Designed by the same engineering team responsible for Digidesign’s professional Pro Tools|HD® systems, which are used in top studios around the world, Mbox 2 Pro features plenty of analog and digital I/O options packed neatly into its sleekly compact frame, and supports up to six simultaneous inputs and eight outputs. It also includes award-winning, industry-standard Pro Tools LE™ software and over 50 effects and instrument plug-ins, including DigiRack™ plug-ins, Bomb Factory® plug-ins, the Xpand!™ sample-playback/synthesis workstation, and the Pro Tools Ignition Pack™ to get users started on their masterpiece right away at home, in the studio, and everywhere in between.

For a mere $100 more, customers can purchase Mbox 2 Pro Factory, which includes an additional five high-quality Digidesign and Bomb Factory plug-ins (worth over $1,000), the Mbox 2 Pro system, and an iLok USB Smart Key.

Mbox 2 Pro and Mbox 2 Factory will be available September 15th, 2006 via authorized Digidesign dealers for $799 and $899, respectively, US MSRP.

* Mbox 2 Pro does not support external sync at 88.2 and 96 kHz sample rates.

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

Posted in Audio, MIDI, Production, Technology

Kaysound, the North American distributor for SM Pro Audio, is now shipping the new PM8 passive mixer.

The PM8 is an 8 x 4 passive mixer/summing unit designed to help users of digital audio workstations achieve higher quality audio mix down results. The summing and mixing features built into the PM8 allow users to avoid unnecessary A/D & D/A conversions commonly found in digital studios and thus attain extremely detailed mixes with superb stereo imaging and punch.

“Engineers have known mixing in software alone has some serious limitations,” said Danny Olesh (Product Developer) from SM Pro Audio. “Our new passive mixer helps users get the best from both worlds. They can continue to get great features from their digital multi-track recording software whilst mixing down without compromise through the PM8.”

Using the best quality components, the PM-8 merges up to eight analog channels into clean and clear stereo pairs, with all the sonic depth and dynamics intact. Level control, panning, and muting controls give the PM8 the tools to deliver the sonic quality you would expect from a quality analog console.

The PM8 also allows users integrate their outboard reverbs, EQ units, vintage synths, and other audio equipment with their DAW projects easily, inexpensively and without compromise. Multiple PM8s can be stacked for more input channels.

Features:

• Sums 8 x channels of audio to two stereo output pairs
• 8 x combo connector inputs
• 25 pin DSUB input connector (compatible with Digidesign Protools hardware)
• 2 x stereo (4, Master 1 pair, Master 2 pair) XLR balanced outputs
• 2 x stepped attenuator controls for accurate level adjustment
• Internal power supply (110v - 230v switchable)
• Ground pin connector
• Achieves better stereo imaging
• Creates exceptionally detailed mixes with clarity and punch

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

Posted in Audio, Mixers

Previously released as a VST Plug-In for 32 & 64-bit (x64) Windows, Surge is now available to Mac OS X users as well. Delivered as a Universal Binary for both the Audio Units and VST Plug-In architectures, the software synthesizer is compatible with the majority of host applications on both Intel and PowerPC-powered Macs (1GHz G4 or faster).

Combining analog-style & wavetable oscillators, configurable dual filters with a feedback-loop and massive modulation capabilities, Surge goes far beyond the capabilities of most fixed-architecture synths but still retain the directness of one. Along with a powerful effect section and the high sound quality Vember Audio is known to deliver make Surge an obvious candidate to fulfill you synthesis and sound-design needs.

Key updates in v1.2.0:

• Improved filter algorithms. Carefully crafted to provide dependable self-oscillation at high resonance settings and a musical sound
• Updated Graphical User Interface with a fresh new look
• A wider selection of preset patches (914)
• Mac OS X compatible (AU & VST, Universal Binary)

Available immediately, Surge v1.2.0 can be bought in the Vember Audio on-line shop for 120€ (+VAT for EU residents). The v1.2.0 update is free for registered users.

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

Posted in Audio, Computer, Plug-Ins, Recording, Software, Technology, VST

Audiowarrior has released Master Songwriter® v1.0 for Reason, a complete 4GB sample workstation Reason Refill.

Everything you need is here to make complete songs for music demos, TV, Film, or any audio-visual project.

Acoustic drum kits, Electric drum kits, Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Analogue Synthesizers, Acoustic and Electric Pianos, Organs, Acoustic and Electric Basses, Sound Effects, Soundscapes, World Percussion, all from one easy-access DVD. Includes these Pro-SongTool Instruments:

• Acoustic Dreadnought Strummer Rythym/Lead with iStrum® MIDI patterns
• Elektrik Lead Guitar with alternating harmonics and Power Chords
• 30 Drum Kits Plus 12 World Percussion Instruments (All Maple and Birch)
• Axe-N-Skin DoubleBass Drums
• Reason Bass Rig (J-Bass-Slap Bass-Acoustic Upright-18 Synth Basses)
• Banghis Khan Vintage Ludwig®
• The Seven Deadly Synths (Pads, FX, Basses, Leads)
• The Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ (One Man Orchestra)
• Pianos & Organs (two Acoustic Grands, Rhodes, B3, Wurly Electric Piano)
• Vintage ‘63 Collector’s Silvertone® Electric Rythym/Lead Guitar with iStrum® MIDI patterns
• Bryan ‘Brain’ Mantia Drum Track Builder (extremely flexible and adaptable drum beat collection)
• Scott Rockenfield Drum Track Builder (extremely flexible and adaptable drum beat collection)

ReWire Master Songwriter® into Pro Tools® and Cubase® via Reason®.
Requires Reason® 2.5 or 3.0 For Mac OS X and Windows XP

AW Customers who have purchased one or more AW titles since Jan 1st, 2006 are eligible to upgrade to Master Songwriter® for the difference of their original purchase.

DVD or Download from the AW Online Shop: list $199.

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

Posted in Audio, Computer, Recording, Software, Technology

Mogami is pleased to introduce the new Platinum Series instrument cable. Through precision engineering and manufacturing techniques, Mogami has managed to reduce the capacitance (the tendency for a component to store an electrical charge) and refine the mechanical and electrical performance attributes of the cable, while maintaining superior flexibility and handling characteristics. The result is a very flexible, lightweight, larger diameter, high performance cable that minimizes noise and delivers the most neutral tone quality possible—even in extended lengths.

By reducing the cable’s capacitance, Mogami’s new Platinum Series instrument cable maintains the high frequency content other cables lose. As cable length increases, top end is the first sound element to suffer, along with muted transients and compromised dynamics. This is why guitarists have lived by the unwritten rule that guitar cables should never exceed 18 feet—because beyond this physical limit, one’s sound suffers dramatically. With Mogami’s new Platinum Series cable, guitarists can extend their cable length to as much as 40 -50 feet creating far more freedom of movement than ever before without degradation of sound quality.

The biggest challenge in designing high-performance guitar cables is eliminating Triboelectric Noise, caused by handling, flexing, or stepping on the cable. This also causes vibration from music which makes cables “sing along,” thereby smearing transients. Mogami Platinum utilizes our 100% coverage Ultra High Density spiral copper shield, plus a conductive shield-like layer, with a high performance dielectric. This combination overcomes the problem and delivers noise-free music transmission and the most neutral, dynamic tone in the industry.

With their new Platinum Series cable, Mogami engineers have produced a flexible, lightweight, larger diameter, high performance cable without resorting to performance-degrading fillers of any kind.

In addition to the technological advantages of the cable, the new Mogami Platinum Series instrument cable carries the added benefit of using Neutrik’s NP2C-AU-SILENT connector on the end that physically connects to the guitar (designated by a red jacket). Unlike other silent connectors utilizing a basic mechanical on/off switch, the Neutrik plug uses a reed switch. This reed switch contains a magnetic contact that is hermetically sealed in glass inside a capsule. Because of this isolated, air-free environment, there is no chance of arcing when a connection is made. Without arcing, there’s no wear, no pitting of the contacts and, hence, none of the scraping back and forth that a normal switching contact encounters. Bottom line, there is no pop, and this silent connector has a rated life expectancy of 1 million connections.

The new Mogami Platinum Series instrument cable is available in a number of lengths. MSRP starts at $99.95. The Mogami Platinum Series will be available for the holidays at Guitar Center and other fine music retailers.

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

Posted in Audio, Bass, Guitar

Synthax Audio AG today announced that RME is shipping the little brother of the highly acclaimed Fireface 800 - the Fireface 400 - worldwide. Rather than simply being a compact version of its illustrious relative, the portable, fiery little Fireface 400 is a newly designed product whose flexibility, functionality and performance sets it apart from other devices and sets new standards among 19-inch half-rack products in much the same way as its bigger brother has in the full 19-inch category.

The Fireface 400 is the only device in its category to offer active jitter suppression, additional stand-alone functionality, direct device operation, professional quality I/Os, and an unsurpassed 648-channel matrix router. And, everything is operational up to 192 kHz. Included in the Fireface 400:

• Support for up to 192 kHz
• Two digitally controlled high-quality mic preamps
• Two balanced universal line/instrument inputs
• SteadyClock for maximum jitter suppression and clock refresh
• Simple stand-alone operation via display and rotary encoders
• TotalMix: 648-channel mixer with 42 bit internal resolution
• 54 level meters displaying peak and RMS, calculated in hardware
• Full mobility with reliable bus power support
• For use with Windows and on Mac

Thanks to the DSP-based mixers, all 18 input and playback channels can be routed and mixed to any of the 18 physical outputs. This makes the Fireface 400 an indispensable tool for monitoring, with up to 9 completely independent stereo sub-mixes possible. Copy/paste of routings, fader grouping and the unique matrix window represent just some of the other outstanding features. All mix functions can be remotely controlled via MIDI using any Mackie-compatible controller.

The 8 channels from the ADAT optical I/O can be used simultaneously with the analog channels. The coaxial SPDIF I/O is fully AES/EBU compatible (as always with RME) and can operate up to 192 kHz. The optical SPDIF, alternatively provided via the ADAT I/O, also operates up to 192kHz. Rounding off the Fireface 400’s feature set is a word clock in- and output (BNC), plus two low jitter, high-speed MIDI in/outs (using 5-pin DINs), culminating in a versatile, user-friendly product of the highest quality.

The Fireface 400 retails at €899 and US $1199.

For more information, visit their web site at www.rme-audio.com.

Posted in Audio, Computer, Recording, Technology