Studio Hardware

More details on the coming Maschine 1.6 update

Past november NI announced they were working on the Maschine 1.6 update with the most important change, the new feature of hosting VST/AU plugins. A feature that has been requested by many users from the start. So with this coming 1.6 update you will allowed to use VST and AU plugins as sound sources and effects in your Maschine project. This includes both the whole NI range of instruments and effects as well as any third-party plugin.

Play a real Fender Stratocaster with Rockband 3

Play a real Fender Stratocaster with Rockband 3

Fender, the name synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll, brings you the world’s first electric guitar that is also an officially licensed Rock Band 3 video game controller. Blending state-of-the-art gaming and guitar technology with the authenticity of Fender design and engineering, the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller is created for musicians and gamers alike and rocks both worlds—whether plugged into a guitar amp or into a video game console.

Just Beautiful – Urushi Musical Interface

Just Beautiful – Urushi Musical Interface

What do you get when you are a product designer and electronic musician? Well … meet Yuri Suzuki! A japanese born designer living in London who makes electronic music as a side gig. Or is it the other way? Anyway, one of his latest projects is the Urushi Musical Interface. It is a touch panel style musical interface which uses principle of gold inlay. Watching the video makes me think it takes a lot of effort to understand the workings behind it and get a decent performance out of it. On the other hand … it just looks stunning!

DJ-Tech releases Touch Sensitive Jogwheel Controller

The Kontrol One is a professional dj midi controller designed specifically to enjoy the functionality of the most advanced dj pro softwares in the world. Kontrol One will satisfy the needs of the dj’s, that still want the tactile experience of Djing, with digital media in computer based systems. With a touch sensitive jog wheel, scratching experience will never be that easy. KONTROL ONE, for Total control.

Presonus StudioLive 24.4.2 Overview – Video

Like its 16-channel sibling, the 24-channel StudioLive 24.4.2 is designed for both studio recording and live sound, without compromising the requirements for either. StudioLive 24.4.2 sports the same friendly user interface, robust feature set, and extensive I/O configuration as the StudioLive 16.4.2 but with several significant additions and enhancements. The most obvious difference is that the new mixer provides 24 input channels, rather than 16. As with the 16.4.2, each input features a trim pot, XLR mic input with XMAX™ mic preamp, 1/4-inch TRS balanced line inputs and unbalanced insert points. Like the 16.4.2, the StudioLive 24.4.2 offers 4 subgroup outputs, but where the 16-channel model offers 6 aux buses, the 24.4.2 provides 10 aux buses.

Denon DJ releases software update for DN-X1700 Mixer

Denon DJ releases software update for DN-X1700 Mixer

Denon DJ announced a new software update for their DN-X1700 DJ Mixer. The DN-X1700 represents an important achievement by Denon’s R&D department, which, during the development process, worked closely with some of the top professionals in the industry, gaining key input on its design and functionality. The result is a market driven professional digital mixer that is best in its class. Years of consultation and design have gone into the development of a mixer of this caliber, and nothing in its specification and construction has been sacrificed. Meticulous attention to detail, layout and component quality make operation of the DN-X1700 extremely intuitive, and Denon’s engineers have provided every capability professional DJs will require: working with Vinyl turntables, CD Decks, Media Players, DJ software applications via laptops and USB storage devices.

Tango Operating Software 2.5 available

Tango Operating Software 2.5 available

Smart AV have released their new Tango Console Operating Software version 2.5. As part of this massive upgrade, the 2.5 operating system software features a range of new features for many DAW engines, Logic Pro benefits from the ability to now insert plug ins directly from the tango surface, as well as control and remove them, while Nuendo boasts increased jog wheel shuttle capability along with in- depth protocol control of all major Nuendo 5 features. 

Denon DJ DN-X1600 Traktor Scratch Overview

With Native Instruments offering great deals on Traktor Scratch Pro and Traktor Pro, now is the time to invest in a Digital Midi Mixer/controller that can make the most of the softwares features. The DN-X1600 offers premier quality design, build and performance, and shares many of the same features and performance specifications, as well as offering some new and improved features of its own. Included are Alps channel faders, extensive USB connectivity (both Windows® and MacOS® compatible), matrix input assignment with DVS mode, 32-bit internal digital processing, simultaneous MIDI operation – expanded to provide wide ranging control of DJ software applications with an exclusive MIDI controls and user interface section and even more (and new) digital effects. In addition to which, the DN-X1600 is the world’s first DJ mixer to feature Roland V-LINK protocol for VJ mixing.

Will Behringer change the game with the X32

Will Behringer change the game with the X32

At the coming NAMM BEHRINGER will unveil their new X32 Digital Mixer. In a bold statement they are saying that when you’re ready to make the jump from tic-tac-toe to chess, pay them a visit at the NAMM. The X32 represents BEHRINGER’s domination strategy in the digital mixing tournament of champions and they’re confident that a checkmate isn’t far behind.

MOTU audio interfaces compatible with Pro Tools 9

MOTU audio interfaces compatible with Pro Tools 9

MOTU just announced that all current MOTU FireWire, USB, and PCI audio interfaces are compatible with Pro Tools 9, including the UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid, 828mk3, 896mk3, 8pre, Traveler-mk3, 2408mk3, and MicroBook. A whole new world of compatibility and interoperability has opened up between Pro Tools software and MOTU hardware. Getting them going together is easier than ever, too.

Let the FUN begin – Unboxing my new Traktor S4 KONTROL

Let the FUN begin – Unboxing my new Traktor S4 KONTROL

Today is the day! The day that our ‘beloved’ UPS guy rang the doorbell and delivered my long-awaited Traktor S4 KONTROL. Yes, my own, not a review unit that has to go back to the Native Instruments HQ. After opening the box and touching it, feeling it, my initial impressions were pretty much the same after I played with it a few weeks ago at a product showing. Great design with a solid built quality. Considering the other products from Native Instruments, that’s almost obligatory. Either way, on that front NI delivers, again.