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

The Musicrow Group releases Crow Mix Pack, 23 processor ensembles for Native Instruments Reaktor-5.

Crow Gold Pack offers the NI Reaktor-5 user a massive collection of high quality ensembles for mixing, sound designing, and music making. The pack contains a variety of classic processor emulations along with fresh 21th century effects.

The following ensembles are available with Crow Mix Pack:

• Plate Reverb - Plate reverb emulator
• Drive - Multi-band distortion
• Tape Echo - Tape delay emulator
• Osmosis - Advanced filter
• Green Tape - Analog tape-recorder emulator
• Magician - Multi-tap delay
• Tube Compressor - Analog compressor emulator
• Vintage Chorus - Vintage chorus emulator
• White FX - Special granular effect
• Mood Filter - Analog filer emulator
• Ultra Chorus - Chorus effect
• Ultraverb - High-end reverb
• GrainD Lay - Granular-delay effect
• Space-Boy - Space-locating effect
• Electroverb - Sci-fi reverb
• Preamp - Preamp emulator
• Vocal Modeler - Extreme vocal effect
• Ultra Phaser - Analog phaser emulator
• Crow DX3 - Delay effect
• Tape Flanger - Tape flanger emulator
• Gold Delay - Special multi-delay
• Graphic Equalizer - Equalizer
• Crow Tremolo - Tremolo & auto gate

Crow Mix Pack is now available for $89.

For more information, visit their web site at www.mcrow.net.

Posted in Effects, Plug-Ins, Recording, Technology

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

Blue Cat Audio has released a new version of the Digital Peak Meter Pro, a unique plug-in able to transform the audio signal to various types of controls.

New in V2.0:

• The plug-in is now 100% real time thanks to the MIDI output capability: generated envelopes can be used to control any MIDI hardware or software plug-in
• Advanced MIDI control with customizable parameters curve response and MIDI learn
• Skinnable user interface with Blue Cat’s Skinning language V1.2.1 support
• RMS envelope support
• new parameters for total control of the peak envelope detection
• Real time envelopes display
• All parameters can now be fine tuned thanks to a text-edit popup window that appears when double clicking on user interface widgets

A step by step tutorial is available to learn how to use the new advanced MIDI control features.

Pricing:
A special introductory price lets you get the Digital Peak Meter Pro for 27.3 EUR (USD $32.76) instead of 39 EUR (USD 46.80).
Upgrade from version 1.x is 12 EUR only (USD 14.40).

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

Posted in Computer, Plug-Ins, Recording, 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

American DJ introduces the new LS-60/A Portable Lighting System. This all-in-one lighting package now includes the company’s popular 4-channel T16F foot controller, which comes with two floor switches. Using these convenient switches, performers can control chase programs and blackout with their feet, while keeping their hands free for mixing tracks or playing guitar riffs.

Like previous ADJ portable lighting systems, the LS-60/A brings together everything mobile entertainers need to put on a great music-chasing light show — all in one convenient, lightweight, affordable package. Included in the LS-60/A system are four Par-38 high-polish par cans, four 150-watt light bulbs, one LTS-6 tripod stand, a 4-pack of color gels (green, blue, red and yellow) and - the newest addition - the 4-channel T16F foot controller.

“This is the first American DJ stand system of its type to include our T16F foot controller,” said Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group of Companies.

The T16F features two foot switches, one for controlling chase program selection and the other for controlling blackout. The controller comes with 16 built-in chase programs - 8 normal and 8 with fade time - making it easy to put your best foot forward and conjure up a variety of exciting light show patterns. For added versatility, the lights can be set to chase via sound activation or 3 selectable speeds.

The four lights featured in the LS-60/A system are American DJ’s professional high-polish aluminum Par-38 cans, powered by LL-Par 38 150-watt bulbs (also included). Great-looking and durable, the Par-38s can be converted instantly to colored lights with the easy-to-use green, blue, red and yellow gels that come with the system.

Hanging brackets allow the par cans to be easily mounted on the American DJ LTS-6 lighting stand, which is also part of the system. A black tripod stand, the LTS-6 features a T-bar with 8 hanging point bolts for positioning the lights’ brackets. Weighing just 11 lbs. and extending up to 9 ft., the stand collapses quickly for easy transport.

The entire LS-60/A system weighs a total of just 30 lbs., making it ideal for mobile DJs, musicians and small stage productions. “This is a very portable system that gives traveling performers and shows an easy way to carry their lighting rig with them,” said Davies. “It comes with everything you need to put on a great chasing light show.” The all-in-one system even includes the necessary cable for connecting the controller to the lights.

Consumers who purchase the LS-60/A system will also enjoy the advantage of saving money over buying the components individually. The suggested retail price of the LS-60A system — including four Par-38A cans, four 150-watt bulbs, T16F chase controller, LTS-6 stand and color gels - is just $299.95.

For more information, visit their web site at http://www.americandj.com/.

Posted in DJ, News, Technology

Reason is a complete virtual studio, a powerful application with endless creative possibilities — assuming you know how to use it. Indeed, the key to producing and composing in Reason is learning how to master the tools available to you in its MIDI sequencer. MIDI Sequencing in Reason: Skill Pack by Steve Nalepa is your guide to unlocking the power and creative freedom available in this dynamic program.

A key part of MIDI Sequencing in Reason: Skill Pack is the CD-ROM included with this book. It’s full of sample content and examples that you will use to build a song and, in the process, learn all the MIDI-sequencing intricacies of this dynamic and flexible software. Unlike other books with companion discs, the source files on every Skill Pack CD-ROM are an essential part of the book’s tutorials - they are not there as mere examples, but are the building blocks from which you’ll construct the projects. The result is a fully integrated learning experience.

This book/CD package will teach you how to use all the major features of Reason’s sequencer. Every available tool and function will be introduced and explained, with step-by-step exercises that illustrate the various ways to use them to enhance your productions.

Features

• Perfect for any musician, engineer, or music producer who uses Reason and wants to focus on MIDI sequencing within the application
• The book plus CD-Rom combination offers a unique learning experience for readers
• Learn a specific software skill and complete a project with step-by-step instructions from a pro, using the author’s source files on the accompanying CD-ROM
• Truly focused content allows the reader to hone a specific skill within the application

Table of Contents: MIDI and the Modern Sequencer
Sequencing in Reason
Inputting MIDI Into the Sequencer: Playing MIDI Notes
Inputting MIDI Into the Sequencer: Drawing in MIDI notes
Sequencing Beats in Reason
Editing MIDI Notes
Recording and Editing Velocity and Controller Data
Quantization

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

Posted in Computer, MIDI, Recording, Software, Technology

American ribbon microphone maker Crowley and Tripp are unveiling their new Recordist and Recordist Ensemble Stereo Kit at AES in San Francisco this October, adding a new voice to their established line of highest quality U.S. ribbon mics, and raising the bar for Blumlein ribbon recording.

The company’s newest ribbon microphone - The Recordist - is voiced for realistic reproduction of classical and jazz performances where a full-range, natural sound is desired. As with other Crowley and Tripp products, the Recordist’s high output, low noise design excels with location recording devices and digital audio interfaces, without the need for special high gain ribbon mic preamps. The Recordist is priced at $1,295 each, and comes with its own low diffraction rotary mount for exact placement, a durable Pelican™ case for location gigs, and a three-year warranty.

The Recordist Ensemble Stereo Kit fills the need for those who want to record in realistic Blumlein stereo, but need the tracking flexibility not offered by integrated stereo ribbon microphones. The Recordist Ensemble Stereo Kit consists of two matched Recordist microphones, extender bar, two low diffraction rotary mounts, and is offered at an introductory price of $1,995. Recordist mics come with a three-year warranty, a durable Pelican™ case and a stage-appropriate gunmetal gray finish.

In addition to the Recordist, Crowley and Tripp manufactures the Studio Vocalist, Soundstage Image, Proscenium, SPLx Custom, and Naked Eye ribbon microphones completely in the U.S. Each microphone is an original design carefully voiced for a variety of applications in recording studios and on location. See and hear the full line of highest output, lowest noise Crowley and Tripp microphones at booth #1431 at AES.

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

Posted in Microphones, Recording, Technology

A software update for the Virus TI synthesizer and PC/Mac components is available for download on www.virus.info.

The new version is a Universal Binary build supporting PowerPC and Intel based Macintosh computers. It also improves the startup behaviour of the Virus Control plug-in, feels much snappier, fixes a couple of bugs which caused crackling with certain patches and lowers the CPU consumption when the plug-in window is open.

The free update requires Windows XP SP2 or MacOS 10.4 and is available now.

For more information, visit their web site at www.access-music.de.

Posted in Computer, Software, Technology

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