Category Archives: Studio

Avid Announces Pro Tools + Eleven Rack; Delivering Guitarists Unprecedented Studio Power and Incredible Value

Posted on November 24, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Avid® has announced the release of Pro Tools + Eleven Rack, a new specially designed bundle for guitarists that comes with the world’s most popular professional recording software, a DSP-accelerated audio interface that offers hyper-realistic tones of classic amps and effects, and the Eleven Rack Expansion Pack add-on – delivering a powerful live performance and recording solution for guitarists at an incredible value.

  • Expanded collection of emulations of classic amp tones inspired by Fender®, VOX®, Marshall®, Soldano, Mesa/Boogie®, Bogner®, Ampeg® and Matchless®*, among others, provide an incredible range of tones.
  • Enhance tones and embellish tracks with an even broader assortment of classic stompbox effects inspired by MXR®, Electro-Harmonix®, Ibanez®, Pro Co, Univox®, and more*.
  • Compose, record, edit, reamp and mix using industry-standard Pro Tools software.

“We know our customers also demand tremendous functionality from a guitar recording solution,” said Tanguy Leborgne, Avid Vice President, Products and Solutions, Creative Enthusiast. “We responded with Pro Tools + Eleven Rack, providing guitarists with unprecedented recording power, tonal control and versatility – in the studio and on stage – at an incredible value.”

Pro Tools + Eleven Rack is available for£759.99 GBP / 825 € EUR. To learn more about Pro Tools + Eleven Rack visit avid.com/Guitar.

For purchasing inquiries, please visit the shop.avid.com

* Eleven Rack is not connected with, or approved or endorsed by, the owners of the Ampeg®, Bogner®, Electro-Harmonix®, Fender®, Ibanez®, Marshall®, Matchless®, Mesa/Boogie®, MXR®, Pro Co, Roland®, Soldano, Univox®, or VOX® names. These names are used solely to identify the guitar amplifiers, cabinets, speakers, and effects emulated by Eleven Rack.

Posted in Audio, Effects, Guitar, Hardware, Production, Recording, Software, Studio, Technology

Avid Announces New M-Audio ultra portable Keystation Mini 32 Keyboard Controller and hot new look, sound for BX D2 Studio Monitors

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Introduces 32-key mini controller, delivering ultimate portable playability.
Advances best-selling M-Audio BX monitor line with new look, improved sound.

Avid® (NASDAQ: AVID) today announced the availability of the new M-Audio® Keystation Mini 32 ultra-portable keyboard controller, as well as the
M-Audio BX D2 studio monitor series—the next generation of the best-selling BX Deluxe family. These new offerings extend Avid’s commitment to deliver best-in-class quality, performance, and value to mobile musicians, producers, and video editors.

The Keystation Mini 32 is a 32-note, USB bus-powered keyboard controller designed for musicians on the go. Small enough to fit in a backpack, this ultra-portable controller delivers unmatched playability in its class, with features including:

  • 32 low-profile mini-keys, enabling musicians to play two-handed parts
  • Highly musical velocity curves, allowing keyboard sensitivity customization to individual playing styles
  • 4 assignable controls, including a knob, providing real-time control of DAW and virtual instrument functions
  • USB bus-powered, plug-and-play connectivity including iPad compatibility (iPad Camera Connection Kit required; check specific apps to verify MIDI support)

The BX D2 series monitors—comprised of the BX8 D2 and BX5 D2 models— flaunt a new look,and improved sound. These models from the best-selling line deliver a listening experience that’s true to the source, helping musicians, producers, and video editors create mixes that translate well across listening systems. Plus they look great. Along with the exceptional accuracy and sonic definition that studio and post-production professionals demand, the BX D2 series features:

  • Technology leveraged from high-end M-Audio monitors, providing enhanced acoustic performance, especially in the low-frequency range
  • Kevlar low-frequency drivers and waveguide-loaded silk dome tweeters, providing rich, defined bass and smooth, clear highs
  • The BX8 D2 features an 8” woofer and 130 watts of distributed power and the BX5 D2 is equipped with a 5” woofer and features 70 watts of distributed power, delivering cohesive, accurate sound
  • Optimized rear port, providing extended low-frequency response

“The M-Audio brand is leading the way in the mobile studio revolution,” said Tanguy Leborgne, Avid vice president of consumer products and solutions “Now, the new Keystation Mini 32 pushes the category further than ever before—giving on-the-go musicians a way to create great music and effects through an ultra-playable, ultra-portable design. In addition, the updated BX5 D2 and BX8 D2 monitors extend our best-selling studio monitor legacy, delivering the look and performance musicians and video editors demand.”

Availability and Pricing

Keystation Mini 32 is available from September in EMEA for £54.99 GBP / €63 EUR.
The BX5 D2 and BX8 D2 are available in EMEA now for £215 GBP / €255 EUR and £319 / €379, respectively. To learn more visit m-audio.com or shop.avid.com.

Posted in Keyboard, MIDI, Monitoring, Speakers, Studio

Frankfurt Musikmesse 2011: Mackie Introduces New Onyx Blackjack and Blackbird Premium Recording Interfaces

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Offers industry-leading recording quality, conversion in ergonomic designs.

Mackie brings two new premium recording interfaces, additions to the popular Onyx family — the Onyx Blackjack and Onyx Blackbird to Musikmesse. These powerful new interfaces combine the sonic benefits of Mackie’s proven Onyx mic preamps with high-end Cirrus Logic® AD/DA converters and workflow-friendly features that are perfect for people starting or expanding upon their studio.

“Our new Onyx interfaces offer unmatched recording quality,” remarked Mackie Product Manager, Matt Redmon. “The Onyx preamps alone are far superior to anything in this price range. Combined with the high-end converters and workflow-friendly features and design…the value is undeniable.”

The Onyx Blackjack is an ultra-compact desktop 2×2 USB interface, perfect for the home studio. It features two acclaimed Onyx mic preamp channels, each featuring built-in DIs for connecting guitars, etc. Separate level control for studio monitors and headphones, along with true analog hardware monitoring take the guesswork out of zero-latency recording. It is bus-powered, with a rugged, ergonomic chassis perfect for both portable and home studio applications.

The rackmount Onyx Blackbird delivers studio-grade recording via eight Onyx mic preamps. A 16×16 FireWire interface, Blackbird also features 8×8 ADAT and wordclock I/O, providing ultimate expandability. There are two “Super Channels” on the front panel with dedicated low-cut switches, phantom power and true hardware monitoring options for quick zero-latency tracking. The other channels are equally flexible, utilizing the powerful Blackbird Control DSP Matrix Mixer for quick setup of independent mixes and the ability to route any input to any output. Monitor, main, alt and dual headphone outs with dedicated source selection and level control ensures there are plenty of mix routing options.

The Onyx Blackjack and Onyx Blackbird are Mac/PC compatible, work with most major DAWs and include Tracktion 3 Music Production Software. The Onyx Blackjack and Onyx Blackbird are now available worldwide. The Onyx Blackjack is €169 inc. tax & £149 inc. VAT and the Onyx Blackbird is €499 inc. tax & £415 inc. VAT. Visit Mackie during Musikmesse from April 6-9, 2011 in Frankfurt, Germany in Halle 4.1, Stand E31.  For more detailed product information, please visit www.mackie.com.

Posted in Frankfurt Musikmesse, Recording, Studio, Technology

Frankfurt Musikmesse 2011: Mackie’s New MRmk2 Reference Monitors Offer Powerful Studio Solution

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Redefining the concept of the affordable studio reference monitor.

Mackie today announces a complete redesign of its bestselling line of ultra-affordable powered studio monitors – the MRmk2 Mackie Reference Monitors.  Featuring class-leading power with unmatched clarity and definition at its price point, the new series is sure to please those looking for a professional monitoring solution for project studios, edit suites and home theatres alike.

“Mackie is well known for delivering professional monitoring solutions at affordable prices,” remarked Mackie Product Manager, Matt Redmon.  “Our new MRmk2 monitors deliver on all fronts, from an extended low-frequency response unmatched in their category, to the clear definition of mids and highs upon which engineers stake their reputations.”

Mackie MRmk2 studio monitors feature all-new professional transducers specifically designed to match their respective amplification.  Both models employ a 1˝ neodymium magnet-driven soft dome tweeter featuring ferro-fluid cooling to help protect against power compression during wide dynamic playback.  The 5.25˝ (MR5mk2) and 8˝ (MR8mk2) hyperbolic-curved cone woofers reduce severe cone resonances, drastically minimizing distortion.

The powerful, precision Class A/B amplifier section features XLR, TRS and RCA connectivity, along with user-adjustable acoustic controls for simple room correction. The robust cabinet is rear-ported, reducing distortion, and features an optimally-sized custom Waveguide and molded baffle, offering balance to the HF / LF content while increasing both the stereo imaging and depth of field.

The Mackie MRmk2 Series Powered Studio Monitors are now available worldwide.  The MR5mk2 is €175 inc. tax & £145 inc. VAT and the MR8mk2 is €265 inc. tax & £220 inc. VAT.  Visit Mackie during Musikmesse from April 6-9, 2011 in Frankfurt, Germany in Halle 4.1, Stand E31.  For more detailed product information, please visit www.mackie.com.

Posted in Frankfurt Musikmesse, Monitoring, Speakers, Studio

Winter NAMM 2011: Mackie’s New MRmk2 Reference Monitors Offer Powerful Studio Solution

Posted on January 13, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Redefining the concept of the affordable studio reference monitor.

Mackie today announces a complete redesign of its bestselling line of ultra-affordable powered studio monitors – the MRmk2 Mackie Reference Monitors.  Featuring class-leading power with unmatched clarity and definition at its price point, the new series is sure to please those looking for a professional monitoring solution for project studios, edit suites and home theatres alike.

“Mackie is well known for delivering professional monitoring solutions at affordable prices,” remarked Mackie Product Manager, Matt Redmon.  “Our new MRmk2 monitors deliver on all fronts, from an extended low-frequency response unmatched in their category, to the clear definition of mids and highs upon which engineers stake their reputations.”

Mackie MRmk2 studio monitors feature all-new professional transducers specifically designed to match their respective amplification.  Both models employ a 1˝ neodymium magnet-driven soft dome tweeter featuring ferro-fluid cooling to help protect against power compression during wide dynamic playback.  The 5.25˝ (MR5mk2) and 8˝ (MR8mk2) hyperbolic-curved cone woofers reduce severe cone resonances, drastically minimizing distortion.

The powerful, precision Class A/B amplifier section features XLR, TRS and RCA connectivity, along with user-adjustable acoustic controls for simple room correction. The robust cabinet is rear-ported, reducing distortion, and features an optimally-sized custom Waveguide and molded baffle, offering balance to the HF / LF content while increasing both the stereo imaging and depth of field.

The Mackie MRmk2 Series Powered Studio Monitors will be available worldwide February, 2011.  The MR5mk2 will have a U.S.  MSRP of $199.99 and MR8mk2 will have a U.S. MSRP of $329.99.  Visit Mackie during NAMM in the massive new showroom upstairs in Demo Room 209A/B from January 13-16, 2011 in Anaheim, CA.

For more detailed product information, please visit www.mackie.com.

Posted in Monitoring, NAMM Show, Speakers, Studio

Digidesign Ships X-Form

Posted on September 19, 2006 by Planet-Musician

Digidesign® is now shipping X-Form™, a new high-quality AudioSuite™ plug-in that represents the pinnacle of time compression/expansion and pitch-shifting technology. X-Form delivers unparalleled time stretching and formant-correct pitch shifting to Pro Tools® and Avid DNA™ systems to produce natural-sounding results—even at the most extreme settings—making it ideal for music production, sound design, post production, or any other application that requires time-stretch and pitch-shift processing.

“The secret to X-Form’s natural-sounding, polyphonic, time-stretching algorithm is frequency domain processing, a technology proven more effective than the ‘frame overlap’ algorithms used in most time-stretching products,” reveals Digidesign Senior Product Manager Bobby Lombardi.

Getting high quality, professional results is easy. X-Form features minimal controls to simplify the workflow, yet delivers stunning sound quality whether audio is processed from 1/8 to eight times its original length, or shifted up or down three octaves. Simply choose from two algorithms—Polyphonic or Monophonic—and let X-Form do the rest.

The Polyphonic algorithm is ideal for use on complex audio files, such as chords or an entire stereo mix. This algorithm is truly “best in breed,” and when used with the Transient Sensitivity control, allows you to compress or stretch drum loops and other percussive material without losing crucial attack transients. When working with solo instruments or vocals, simply choose the Monophonic algorithm. Each algorithm was designed to provide exceptional results capable of preserving proper stereo imaging, attack transients, and timing accuracy—even at exaggerated settings.

X-Form is available now via authorized Digidesign dealers and through the online DigiStore for $595 US MSRP.

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

Posted in Audio, Plug-Ins, Production, Recording, Studio, Technology

Groovebox Music Introduces “Studio Series” Video Tutorials

Posted on August 18, 2006 by Planet-Musician

Available immediately, Grooveboxmusic.com has released the first group of training videos in their new “Studio Series” collection. The Studio Series takes a completely different approach than their acclaimed software training videos and utilizes real video footage of actual engineers, producers and artists using the tools found in today’s recording studios.

The first group of videos focuses on Mic’ing and Recording Drums, and feature engineer Andy Sharp who has worked with groups such as Blue October and Sheryl Crow.

Currently the videos are only viewable online with the “G-Pass” which gives instant access to hundreds of video tutorials for one low price. Groovebox is currently working on many more titles for this exciting new series as well.

“We have decided to present the other side of recording as we have the software training aspect covered. Now it’s time to bring real life footage and content on common studio technologies and practices,” says Groovebox Corp. President Asa Doyle.

Titles and descriptions in the current Studio Series “Mic and Record Drums” category are:

  • Intro and Setup – Get the lowdown on the basic setup for working with drums in the studio, and some things to remember before you start.
  • Kick Drum – Learn about mic selection, placement and setting levels for the kick drum and getting the right sound for your style of music.
  • Snare Drum – Discover several popular mic techniques for the snare drum and the different sounds they create. This tutorial guides you through placement, audio examples and much more.
  • Hi Hat – The hi-hat can be hard to capture or very easy. This tutorial covers the basics that make the job easy and the results versatile. Mic selection, placement and audio examples are all explained.
  • Toms – Get the studio engineer perspective of setting up and recording toms. Tons of great insight for capturing the tom tone you want and need.
  • Overheads – The secrets of overhead mics are revealed. Learn to choose the right mics, about popular placements, phase cancellation and more.
  • Room Mic – The all important “room” mic can really help capture the natural sound of the drums and create a lot of space, character and feel. This tutorial shows you how to set it up and get it.

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

Posted in Education, Microphones, Mixers, Recording, Studio, Technology