Studio Hardware

Native Instruments Maschine MKII Introduced

Native Instruments Maschine MKII Introduced

Here it is, next-generation design, multi-colored pads, timestretching capabilities, and more. All in all, the New MASCHINE from Native Instruments is the same highly gratifying instrument that it’s always been, combining pattern-based sequencing, professional sampling, multi-effect units, and a VST/AU plug-in host, but now with even more style and functionality. Everything is intuitively controllable via the fully integrated hardware – once you touch the tactile controller the fun and intuitive workflow takes over, allowing you to stay focused on what matters – the music.

Mackie Introduces DLM 2000W Powered Loudspeakers

Mackie Introduces DLM 2000W Powered Loudspeakers

Mackie announced a new line of ultra-compact, powered loudspeakers offering a level of innovation never before seen in the world of portable sound reinforcement — DLM Series Powered Loudspeakers. Packed with cutting-edge technology, DLM speakers each feature a staggering 2000 watts of power, proprietary Mackie TruSource™ technology and a full-featured integrated digital mixer/processor. This potent technological combination not only allows for the incredibly small form factor of DLM, but also delivers a level of performance and fidelity that is simply not otherwise available. The extremely powerful DLM system includes two full-range models (DLM8, DLM12) along with a high-output compact subwoofer (DLM12S).

Native Instruments Introduces Conant Gardens Maschine Expansion

Native Instruments Introduces Conant Gardens Maschine Expansion

Native Instruments introduced CONANT GARDENS, a new MASCHINE Expansion that reflects the soulful side of Detroit – covering hip-hop, funk, afrobeat and deep house. Named after the district of Detroit renowned as the birthplace of many African American musicians and artists, this expansion explores the distinctive sound of the neighborhood through tailored drum sounds, percussion and sampled phrases.

Behringer X32 Digital Console Available Now

BEHRINGER’s X32 sets a new benchmark for digital live and recording consoles by delivering an incredibly comprehensive feature set and unprecedented value. Never have the features of ultra-high-end consoles such as motorized faders, LCD scribble strips, 96-channels on-board digital networking and standard Firewire™ I/O been affordable, until now. Be among the first to experience what the press are calling “an industry game-changer” by visiting your nearest BEHRINGER reseller.

Smartphone and Tablet support added to Pioneer rekordbox

Smartphone and Tablet support added to Pioneer rekordbox

With the recent increase of DJs who play using music files, many people are using music management software installed on computers to control the music they own. At the same time, the massive popularity of smartphones and tablets is leading to increased demand for mobile based management of music used in DJ play as well as demand for ability to give DJ performances using music stored inside smartphones. In order to satisfy these demands, Pioneer will provide a smartphone and tablet version of the rekordbox DJ music management software for download free of charge as of August 21, 2012.

Mackie DL1608 Digital Live Sound Mixer Now Shipping

Mackie DL1608 Digital Live Sound Mixer Now Shipping

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.

Behringer XiControl for X32 App Available

Behringer XiControl for X32 App Available

BEHRINGER has today announced the immediate availability of the XiControl iPad App for its flagship X32 Digital Console. The app is a free download from Apple’s App Store and is compatible with all versions of the iPad including the 1, 2 and New iPad. Once installed, the app allows complete mixing control over the X32 Digital Console, opening a world of new possibilities.

Sebatron SMAC – Stereo Musical Audio Compressor Announced

Sebatron SMAC – Stereo Musical Audio Compressor Announced

These days if you’re cutting a record on digital equipment, it’s almost imperative to have some sort of audio compression acting on the signal. Audio compression helps all the dynamic subtleties to be properly boosted as well as maintaining control over fast or sporadic transient spikes. Audio compression can take place at the tracking stage , the mixing stage and then the mastering stage. If valves were used at the tracking stage then indirectly that’s even more compression and if analog tape or tape emulation was used then again that’s more compression. If the sounds were recorded through a speaker , like a guitar amp , then that’s more compression. If it has distortion , then it has a type of compression. If you heard it on radio or television then it has more compression on it . If you heard it online , you most likely heard something compressed…and in different ways.

Brainworx bx_saturator – Gearjunkies Review

Brainworx bx_saturator – Gearjunkies Review

M/S is a stereo technique which is used in almost all of Brainworx (BX) audio plug-ins. The BX saturator is a M/S 2-band saturation tool (4 bands in total). Every band has its own parameters for amount of distortion (called XL), distortion drive, pre/post options as well as saturation compensation settings. In addition you have at a global level a master XL parameter as well a master drive parameter. For both the M and S channels you have two separate crossover selections as well as separate gains. For convenience there is an added mono-maker with a frequency control parameter.

Dynaudio Introduces New Main Monitor Solution – M3VE

Dynaudio Introduces New Main Monitor Solution – M3VE

The M3VE main monitoring solution combines world-class driver and cabinet technology from Dynaudio Professional with cutting-edge amplification and signal processing from Lab.gruppen and Lake. M3VE takes monitoring to a whole new level with a significant upgrade from its predecessor – the renowned M3A 3-way monitor. To top it off, the speakers are powered by a four-channel Lab.gruppen PLM10000Q amplifier, using the integrated, active crossover between LF and MF by Lake, while passively filtering the MF/HF cross-over point.

Native Instruments Kontrol F1 – Gearjunkies Review

Native Instruments Kontrol F1 – Gearjunkies Review

It is not quite the secret that Native Instruments stands at the top of the ‘digital dj’ing world’ with their Traktor DJ software. Especially here in Europe they have a firm grip on the market and are the most used DJ software available. However, Serato comes in a strong second and is growing as we speak. Many DJs love the no-nonesens approach of Serato and also the collaboration with Ableton with The Bridge brought a lot of attention to the brand. I have been able to work with this Kontrol F1 for some time now and will give you my findings about this controller. I’ll try to keep it short and concise. However this is more difficult said then done as the Kontrol F1 is such a comprehensive controller / software combination.

Cakewalk SONAR X2 First Look

SONAR X2 Producer – Professional Recording, Mixing & Mastering. From getting a great tone to releasing the final mix, today’s musicians must master every element of the music production process. SONAR X2 is there every step of the way and takes each element to the next level of power and usability. And thanks to the revolutionary Skylight user interface, SONAR X2 lets you move seamlessly among the elements, instantly going from recording to editing to mixing and back again. Dial up the perfect synth sound with Rapture or a searing guitar tone with TH2 Producer. Record it, tighten it, chop it, and drop it in the Matrix for realtime triggering. Shape it with the expandable ProChannel. Warm it with the new Console Emulator. And do it all with a single Smart Tool.