Category Archives: Digital

Mackie Delivers Major Update to Master Fader Control App for Popular DL1608

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Planet-Musician

Significant feature upgrades drive complete live sound solution.

Mackie has updated the Master Fader control app for the Mackie DL1608. Updates include the ability to store and recall presets for all plug-ins. This allows the user to quickly dial in a channel, with factory and user-defined presets available. Other updates include snapshot and show capabilities so users can store and instantly recall all aspects* of any mix. Most importantly, updates include the ability to configure up to ten iPad devices for wireless operation. For full details about the DL1608 and Master Fader control app, visit www.mackie.com/DL1608. Downloading Master Fader for free is the perfect way to try out the functions of the DL1608 mixer before you buy. To actually run audio, DL1608 hardware is required.

“This Master Fader update adds significant features, making the DL1608 a complete live sound solution, but we’re far from done,” commented Ben Olswang, Mackie product manager. “We have been gathering end-user feedback and will be continuously developing additional features and functionality. That’s the beauty of the DL1608. The update possibilities are endless.”

The Master Fader app delivers total control over the Mackie DL1608. With a focus on speed and control, the Master Fader control app was designed from the ground up for touch. Eliminating unnecessary screens and avoiding redundancies, the Master Fader control app offers simple navigation, wired or wirelessly, in conjunction with the Mackie DL1608 hardware.

The Mackie DL1608 redefines live mixing by combining the proven power of a full-featured digital mixer with the unmatched ease and mobility of an iPad. With 16 boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps and the performance of 24-bit Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters, the DL1608 delivers unparalleled sound quality. Seamless wired to wireless iPad control allows a user to mix from anywhere in the venue, providing the mobile freedom to control not only the mix, but also powerful plug-ins like EQ, dynamics, effects and more. The sleek DL1608 even supports up to 10 iPad devices so musicians can control their own monitor mix on stage.

Master Fader version 1.1 is available for free from the App Store on iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.

Learn more about the Mackie DL1608 by visiting http://bit.ly/DL1608Podcast to subscribe to the DL1608 video podcast series.

*Excludes mic preamp gain

iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Wi-Fi router required for wireless operation. Wi-Fi router and iPad not included.

Mackie DL1608 Master Fade App Mixer View Master Fade App EQ View

Posted in Audio, Digital, Live Sound, Mixers, News

Mackie DL1608™ Digital Live Sound Mixer Now Shipping Worldwide

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Planet-Musician

Highly-anticipated, innovative compact mixer with complete iPad control available now

Announced earlier this year and easily one of the most anticipated compact live consoles with complete iPad control ever, the Mackie DL1608 16-Channel Digital Live Sound Mixer is now shipping. To meet unprecedented demand, Mackie has increased production capabilities and shipments are now leaving their North American manufacturing facility to eager customers worldwide.

“We are extremely excited to get the DL1608 into the hands of musicians and engineers,” commented Ben Olswang, Mackie product manager. “We’ve been addressing customer interest with a series of video podcasts that go over all the cool features. Plus, the Master Fader™ Control App has been fully updated with great new features that weren’t available in the preview version.”

The Mackie DL1608 redefines live mixing by combining the proven power of a full-featured digital mixer with the unmatched ease and mobility of iPad. With 16 boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps and the performance of 24-bit Cirrus Logic™ AD/DA converters, the DL1608 delivers unparalleled sound quality. Seamless wired to wireless iPad control allows a user to mix from anywhere in the venue, providing the mobile freedom to control not only the mix, but also powerful plug-ins like EQ, dynamics, effects and more. The sleek DL1608 even supports up to 10 iPad devices so musicians can control their own monitor mix on stage.

The Mackie DL1608 16-Channel Digital Live Sound Mixer has a UK list price of £1260 inc vat. Due to the large volume of orders, it may take a few shipments before your local dealer will have it in stock. Contact your local dealer for detailed information regarding availability.

The Mackie Master Fader Control App is available for free from the App Store on iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.
For more information about the DL1608 or to find a dealer, please visit www.mackie.com/DL1608.

To subscribe to the video podcast series via iTunes visit http://bit.ly/KFTk5g. The videos are also hosted on Mackie’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDA2596CA90227187. Additional DL1608 info is also available by email. Visit http://eepurl.com/iWslb to sign up.

Wi-Fi router required for wireless operation. Wi-Fi router and iPad not included.

Mackie DL1608 Mackie DL1608 Right Slide

Posted in Audio, Digital, Live Sound, Mixers, News

Mackie Master Fader App Delivers Intuitive Control over Mackie DL1608 Mixer

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Planet-Musician

Mackie today announces the first release of the much anticipated Mackie Master Fader™ control application for the Mackie DL1608™ 16-channel Digital Live Sound Mixer with iPad Control. This preview release of the Master Fader app comes before DL1608 availability, providing the perfect way to try out the functions of the DL1608 mixer before you buy.

“There’s been a tremendous amount of interest in the DL1608… especially surrounding the user interface,” commented Ben Olswang, Mackie product manager. “That’s why we wanted to release the Master Fader control app as soon as possible. Anybody interested in the Mackie DL1608 can get their hands on the intuitive touch control app before the mixer hits the shelves.”

The Master Fader app delivers total control over the Mackie DL1608. With a focus on speed and control, the Master Fader control app was designed from the ground up for touch. Eliminating unnecessary screens and avoiding redundancies, the Master Fader control app offers simple navigation, wired or wirelessly, in conjunction with the Mackie DL1608 hardware. Completely updateable via the iOS app store, future releases will be packed with feature upgrades and additional functionality. Not all features are available on this preview version, but will be complete when the DL1608 hits the shelves.

The Mackie DL1608 redefines live mixing by combining the proven power of a full-featured digital mixer with the unmatched ease and mobility of an iPad. With 16 boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps and the performance of 24-bit Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters, the DL1608 delivers unparalleled sound quality. Seamless wired to wireless iPad control allows a user to mix from anywhere in the venue, providing the mobile freedom to control not only the mix, but also powerful plug-ins like EQ, dynamics, effects and more. The sleek DL1608 even supports up to 10 iPad devices so musicians can control their own monitor mix on stage.

Mackie currently anticipates the first DL1608 shipments to begin arriving at dealers beginning in August. Due to the large volume of orders, it may take a few shipments before your local dealer will have it in stock. Contact your local dealer for detailed information about when units will be reaching your area. For general information about the DL1608, visit mackie.com/DL1608.

Download the preview Mackie Master Fader control app via the iOS App Store by visiting http://bit.ly/MackieMasterFader.Check out episode #3 of the Mackie DL1608 video podcast, covering the powerful output processing of the DL1608. Subscribe today for free to access to the entire series of informative videos. Visit http://bit.ly/DL1608Podcast to subscribe now.

iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Wi-Fi router required for wireless operation. Wi-Fi router and iPad not included.

Mackie DL1608 Master Fade App EQ View Master Fade App Mixer View

Posted in Apple Mac, Apps, Audio, Digital, Live Sound, Mixers, Technology

Mackie DL1608 Podcast Episode 2 Available

Posted on June 14, 2012 by Planet-Musician

Subscribe to join the conversation and learn everything about this exciting new digital live sound mixer.

The all-new Mackie DL1608 Digital Live Sound Mixer with iPad Control has garnered some serious attention from audio pros the world over since the unveiling earlier this year. With availability right around the corner, Mackie wants to inform and involve all the eager customers with a new DL1608 video podcast series. Podcast episodes will cover the basics, offer tips and tricks and get into advanced uses. Episode 1 is an overview of the DL1608 hardware and software and the newly released Episode 2 drives into the input processing of the mixer.Later episodes will be completely based around customers’ responses to an upcoming poll on Facebook and Twitter.

“We’ve re-defined the concept of live mixing with the introduction of the DL1608, which takes digital, mobile mixing to a whole new level,” remarked Mackie Product Manager, Ben Olswang. “Since then, we’ve received an amazing amount of feedback from musicians, engineers and contractors wanting not only to know more, but to share their ideas. A video podcast series is the perfect platform to engage with these customers.”

Subscribe to the DL1608 video podcast series through iTunes to keep up-to-date – http://bit.ly/KFTk5g

Even better, once the DL1608 is out in the field, interested users can pull this podcast series up right on their iPad. With how-to videos planned for wireless setup, effects use and more, this video series is bound to be an extremely valuable tool for users who want help at the gig during hours when traditional technical support is simply not available.

To subscribe to the video podcast series via iTunes visit http://bit.ly/KFTk5g. The videos are also be hosted on Mackie’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDA2596CA90227187&feature=plcp. Additional DL1608 info is also available by email. Visit http://eepurl.com/iWslb to sign up.

The Mackie DL1608 redefines live mixing by combining the proven power of a full-featured digital mixer with the unmatched ease and mobility of an iPad. With 16 boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps and the performance of 24bit Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters, the DL1608 delivers unparalleled sound quality. Seamless wired to wireless iPad control allows a user to mix from anywhere in the venue, providing the mobile freedom to control not only the mix, but also powerful plug-ins like EQ, dynamics, effects and more. The sleek DL1608 even supports up to 10 iPad devices so musicians’ can control their own monitor mix on stage.

The Mackie DL1608 will be available later this summer at dealers worldwide. For general information about the DL1608, visit www.mackie.com/DL1608.

Mackie DL1608 Mackie DL1608 Right Slide

Posted in Digital, Education, Live Sound, Mixers, Podcasts

Mackie’s DL1608 in the Field with Dierks Bentley and Brad

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Planet-Musician

When Mackie launched the DL1608 Digital Live Mixer with iPad Control at NAMM earlier this year it turned more than a few heads in the industry. This full featured, 16-channel mixer introduced an entirely new take on live sound with its groundbreaking new paradigm – complete iPad control. As Mackie gears up for the launch of the DL1608’s Master Fader control app in June and the arrival of the DL1608 in stores worldwide later this summer, they’re field testing the app by putting it in the hands of front of house engineers in a wide range of real world scenarios.

Most recently, the DL1608 got some face-time with FOH engineers for Dierks Bentley and Brad (Stone Gossard, Shawn Smith, Regan Hagar, Jeremy Toback). Both engineers used the DL1608 for the first time on April 21, 2012 at Seattle independent music store, Easy Street Records. The live show was part of national Record Store Day, an annual celebration where 700 independently owned record stores collaborate with musicians to celebrate the art of music. Easy Street Records features a small venue with a maximum capacity of 750 people that commonly hosts afternoon shows with touring artists scheduled for headlining shows at larger Seattle venues later that evening.  With an extremely tight front of house space, the venue demands a compact mixer solution that can guarantee premium sound and give the engineer massive control.

Both FOH engineers, Pugs (Dierks Bentley) and Barrett Jones (Brad), had time for only a quick tutorial before their 30-minute sound checks.  Normally a FOH engineer wouldn’t touch a digital mixer they’ve never used  just minutes before a show (especially since this performance would be streaming live on Sirius Satellite Radio), but in this case both engineers found the user interface intuitive and comprehensive, with all the functionality they expect in a digital mixer. “Although I had never used this mixer before, it was straight forward, easy to use, and well laid out,” said Barrett Jones.

Besides having an intuitive interface that was easy to navigate with little instruction, another huge benefit of the DL1608 is the ability to control the mixer from anywhere in the venue. “It was great to be able to tweak the monitors from each monitor position on stage with the iPad controller… the ability to mix the show while walking around the floor was really nice,” said Jones.

During the 10-hour day, which featured performances by four bands in total, the DL1608 performed without a hitch and Mackie received tremendous hands-on insight from the engineers. These real world field tests are an essential part of Mackie’s product design process. Stress testing the hardware in a variety of conditions ensures the DL1608 hardware will work reliably for customers. In addition, real world feedback on the Master Fader control application will shape future updates as it continually evolves through simple app store updates, adding value to the DL1608.

The Master Fader app will be available free in the iOS-App Store in June 2012. Mackie will also soon premiere a DL1608 video podcast series offering tons of great information about the DL1608, including all the basics, advanced how-to’s, and tips and tricks. Later episodes will specifically respond to questions that customers pose to Mackie’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. The DL1608 video podcast series will start in May 2012 in iTunes. The DL1608 will begin shipping in Summer 2012.

Posted in Digital, Live Sound, Mixers, News, Production, Technology

Avid Announces Next Generation M-Audio Fast Track C400 and C600 Recording Interfaces

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Burlington, MA, Oct 4, 2011—Avid® (NASDAQ: AVID) today announced the release of the Fast Track® C400 and Fast Track C600 - the next generation of the best-selling M-Audio® Fast Track line of USB interfaces. Extending Avid’s legacy of providing best-in-class solutions for customers of all skill levels – from advanced professionals to students and beginners – the new Fast Track C-series delivers exceptional audio quality plus hands-on controls for a superior user experience. The interfaces are available bundled with studio-standard Pro Tools® MP software or as standalone units.
Sporting a new, desktop-friendly, ergonomic design, the new Fast Track C-series interfaces combine multiple solutions into one by incorporating a studio-quality audio interface, unique hands-on controls, and an integrated monitor management system. The end result is a new generation of music creation solutions that empower musicians to deliver better quality recordings in less time.

  • All-new industrial design maximizes desktop space while providing hands-on access to key controls.
  • An assignable Multi button delivers hands-on software control, enabling musicians to maintain the creative flow (Fast Track C600 also features re-assignable transport controls).
  • Superior converters, redesigned analog signal paths, and 24-bit/96 kHz audio fidelity ensure recordings will sound amazing.
  • Intuitive monitor management system enables musicians to compare their mixes on multiple sets of studio monitors—confirming mixes translate well.
  • Onboard MX Core DSP technology supplies reverb and delay on headphone outputs, inspiring great performances and delivering low-latency monitoring without taxing the host computer.
  • Each interface is available as a bundle with industry-leading Pro Tools MP software, or standalone for use with other popular audio software.

“Our product designers met directly with our customers, looked at how they create their recordings, and constructed a desktop unit that would truly be the centerpiece of a home studio,” said Tanguy Leborgne, Avid vice president, creative enthusiasts product management (check his title). “With the Fast Track C-Series, musicians get an interface, hands-on controls, and a monitor management system – all in one lightweight, portable unit with incredible audio fidelity and performance specs. These exciting releases make it simpler than ever to transform ideas into professional-quality music by putting more control at your fingertips, giving you the freedom to make music at the speed of your creativity.”

Availability and Pricing
Fast Track C400 and C600 are available now for £209/€229 and £339/€369 respectively, and include Pro Tools SE streamlined music creation software. Pro Tools MP + Fast Track C400 is available for £339/€369. Pro Tools MP + Fast Track C600 is available for £459/€499. To learn more about the Fast Track C-series visit www.m-audio.com. For purchasing inquiries, please visit the Avid Store.

Posted in Audio, Computer, Digital, Recording

SoundField Introduces DSF-2 Digital Microphone System

Posted on September 19, 2006 by Planet-Musician

Las Vegas Pro Audio, the U.S. distributor for SoundField (UK) is introducing the new SoundField DSF-2 digital microphone system at AES 2006.

Previously showcased at IBC 2006, the DSF-2 produces mono, stereo and digital surround sound, simultaneously if required, all from a single microphone. The SoundField DSF-2 solves the issues broadcasters struggle with in meeting the challenges of producing 5.1-compatible audio for high-definition transmission with a simple microphone system, one that does away with expensive multi-microphone arrays and complex recording techniques.

All of SoundField’s systems comprise one of their range of processors and one of their patented multi-capsule microphones. The processors produce a four-channel proprietary output format known as ‘B-Format,’ which can then be further decoded by SoundField hardware or software into mono, stereo, stereo M/S, or surround sound in formats such as 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 – or any future surround standard. The precise format of audio generated by the microphone can be determined live – and changed if required – by adjusting the output controls on the associated SoundField processing hardware or software. And if the four-channel B-Format audio is recorded to a suitable multi-track storage medium, the decoding can even take place ‘after the event’ in post-production, with the precise nature of the final audio format not being determined until then. The B-Format thus has tremendous potential as a ‘future-proof’ archive format, as it will allow post-production decoding of archive recordings to other surround sound formats if these replace 5.1 in the future.

The DSF-2 is the latest generation of SoundField technology, and the first to output its signals digitally. The 1U-rack DSF-2 controller unit offers live decoding to stereo, stereo M/S, and four-channel B-Format. The stereo signal may be output directly from the DSF-2 in the analogue or digital domain via rear-panel XLR and unbalanced 75Ω BNC connectors respectively, while the Stereo M/S and B-Format signals are available only as digital signals. From here, the B-Format signals may be decoded to a variety of surround formats by SoundField’s existing SP451 hardware processor, or by the company’s Surround Zone decoding software plug-in, now available for use with DAWs such as Digidesign Pro Tools, Steinberg Nuendo, and SADiE. Digital output is possible at 48, 96 and 192kHz for the best possible recording or broadcast quality.

In addition to allowing the user to determine the eventual output format of the recorded audio, the DSF-2 system offers the user very accurate control over the apparent orientation, angle and pickup pattern of the microphone without the need to physically move the mic. Changes are easily made from the front panel of the DSF-2 controller. Again, while this might sound impossible, it’s all done quite simply by changing the way the multi-channel B-format signal is decoded. And all the user has to do is turn a couple of front-panel controls. Similarly, the apparent stereo width of the output audio is also precisely adjustable.

For recording convenience, the DSF-2 processor also offers a user-adjustable gain control, a fixed-threshold recording limiter, on-board four-channel LED metering, a built-in high-pass filter and a headphone jack for monitoring purposes.

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

Posted in Digital, Microphones

Line 6 Announces GuitarPort XT Now Shipping

Posted on August 30, 2006 by Planet-Musician

Line 6, Inc. announced today that GuitarPort XT is now shipping. The hardware and software bundle, which will include GearBox™ 2.0 software, is a powerful tool for guitarists seeking a no-hassle way to learn, play and record music. GuitarPort XT works with both PC and Mac computers, including the new Intel-based OS X machines.

GuitarPort XT delivers 18 classic and modern guitar amp models, 24 cab models, and 28 must-have studio and stompbox effects. Plus, included tools such as a chromatic tuner, hum reducer, metronome, and riff looper with half-speed playback ensure a great musical experience. “We’ve taken the studio standard digital modeling we perfected with POD XT, and our expertise in guitar-friendly user interfaces, and combined them into a computer-based product anyone can use and afford,” said Mark McCrite, Product Line Manager for POD & PC Products, Line 6.

With the optional GuitarPort Online™ membership, the musical possibilities of GuitarPort XT are almost limitless. Using an Internet connection, GuitarPort Online members can immerse themselves in a world of guitar tones, tracks and tablature. An incredible collection of loops, grooves, in-depth artist lessons, and original Line 6 songs are instantly available for jamming. The online library also features hundreds of the world’s greatest guitar songs. Ranging from blues to hardcore to modern rock and country, most tracks are available with and without guitar.

Recorded with the same painstaking detail as the original versions, users can learn their favorite songs by using the provided tablature, then “sit in” with a band like Double Trouble on Stevie Ray Vaughan tunes. GuitarPort Online members can even jam with the original master tracks from Jimi Hendrix exclusively remixed by original engineer Eddie Kramer. All lesson, cover, and master tracks are matched with perfectly dialed in amp, cab and effect tones for the ultimate in-studio experience that only Line 6 can offer.

GuitarPort XT (hardware/software package) – $139.99 MSRP, $99.99 Street Price

For more information, visit their web site at www.line6.com.

Posted in Amplification, Computer, Digital, Effects, Software, Technology

Cortex Shipping HDC-1000 Dual Digital Music Controller

Posted on August 23, 2006 by Planet-Musician

After announcing its inception at this year’s Winter NAMM tradeshow in Anaheim, California, Cortex (now a part of GCI Technologies) will begin shipping its patent-pending USB host-controller based digital music manipulation platform to musical instrument retailers on September 15th.

“With the rise of portable media players and mass storage devices being a source for storing and playing music Cortex developed the HDC-1000 to utilize this technology and bring it to the DJ realm,” explains CEO Artie Cabasso. “The HDC-1000 will be the first unit in the world to manipulate music files from an external USB device and will make the DJ think differently about how they will transport their music collection.”

Using USB compatibility to give DJs the power to cue up, play, pitch, manipulate, scratch and search digital music files like never before, HDC-1000 users can access their music collections utilizing a wide array of storage devices including the iPod®, external USB hard-drives and flash drives, CD-ROM, and even DVD-ROM drives. DJ’s can even connect and access multiple storage devices with the HDC’s device selection option.

Providing DJ’s with a higher platform of performance, the HDC-1000 offers an ‘intelligent music database management’ system where databases of tracks are built and stored on each compatible storage device to allow the user to find any track lightning fast, regardless of the number of tracks on the device, and displaying all the essentials on its bright LCD playback screen including artist, track title, time elapsed, and time remaining.

Its unique cataloging system gives you a number of browsing options when searching a database, including Search by Artist, Song Title and Genre. With the String Search function, users can even search by a certain word or phrase to find tracks, even if they’re not completely sure of the name. You can also get information on any track in the database showing everything from artist and track title to the file format, genre, or length of the track.

In addition, the unit is equipped with ultra-precise pitch resolution (up to +/-24), front and rear USB ports with device selection menu and multifunction navigation keys.

For more information, visit their web site at www.cortex-pro.com.

Cortex HDC-1000 Dual Digital Music Controller

Cortex HDC-1000 Dual Digital Music Controller

Cortex HDC-1000 Dual Digital Music Controller

Posted in Computer, Digital, Recording, Software, Technology

Audio Damage Releases Reverence Digital Plate Reverb Simulator Plug-In

Posted on August 22, 2006 by Planet-Musician

Audio Damage, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of Reverence, a digital plate reverb simulator, as a plugin effect for VST and AudioUnits hosts. Reverence is heavily inspired by vintage digital hardware, and faithfully recreates the thick sonic character and easy-to-use interface of those early units, while providing the low noise floor and big headroom inherent in modern software-based reverb.

Perfect for synths, vocals, and guitar, Reverence is also capable of creating the unusual effects that are typical of vintage hardware units. Featuring a sophisticated and well-tuned reverb algorithm, Reverence has a much lower CPU load than convolution reverbs, and can be used as either a send or insert effect.

Features:

  • Simple-to-use reverb settings, with pre-delay, time, and size, plus an extensive filtering section to shape the reverb tail
  • Fluid and logical vintage-style user interface
  • Optimized reverb algorithm for low CPU load
  • MIDI Learn feature for full hardware control of all parameters (VST only; handled by host in AudioUnits version)

Reverence is available as a VST effect for Windows, and as an AudioUnit / VST effect bundle for OSX Universal Binary, and is US$39.00 for instant download from the Audio Damage store.

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

Audio Damage Reverence Digital Plate Reverb Simulator

Posted in Computer, Digital, Effects, Plug-Ins, Recording, Software, Technology