Latest News & Articles

Hercules unveils DJ Console Mk4

Hercules, the specialist in digital DJing solutions, unveils the newest version of their DJ Console line, the DJ Console Mk4, a mixing console with a compact design and analog audio source connectivity. This new mixer for amateur to mobile DJ’s is an updated version of their earlier, top-selling models worldwide, the DJ Console and DJ Console Mk2 and features a multitude of improvements and additions that will facilitate musical creativity. Featuring a cutting-edge design, this portable controller includes 2 decks and a high-performance audio interface, making it a real, all-in-one DJ station for PC and Mac users starting in spring 2010.

Record 32 Channels with New Presonus Capture 1.1 for StudioLive

Anyone who has recorded a show using the PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 digital mixer knows that the bundled PreSonus Capture is the easiest-to-use recording software on the planet. Not content to rest on their laurels, our software development team has significantly enhanced Capture’s features in version 1.1.

One of the benefits of the StudioLive 16.4.2 mixer is the ability to daisy-chain two mixers and record their channel outputs via FireWire. Capture 1.1 supports this feature by automatically detecting the number of available inputs, so that when two StudioLive 16.4.2 mixers are daisy-chained, you can record all 32 input channels plus two assignable channels, such as subgroups or the main L/R outputs.

iZotope Alloy release update

iZotope will be demonstrating it’s newest award-winning plug-in, Alloy, at the NAMM show. iZotope Alloy combines six essential sound shaping tools into one integrated interface. For more information or a demo of Alloy, stop by NAMM booth 6920. Mix Magazine recently named Alloy a Mix Certified Hit and the plug-in was featured in MixBlog’s “Three Plug-ins We Like”. Alloy also gained the attention of Pro Audio Review, who awarded it a 2009 PAR Excellence Award at the AES show in October.

SM Pro Audio Next-Generation MPatch 2.1 Volume Controller

SM Pro Audio unveiled the MPatch 2.1 Passive Volume Control/Monitor Switcher. Designed to provide true passive analog control over studio monitoring systems—thereby eliminating the loss of bit-depth associated with digital attenuation—the third-generation MPatch 2.1 features dual inputs with independent volume controls, a newly-designed master attenuator utilizing state-of-the-art 0.5% tolerance SMD resistors, a headphone output with separate volume control, and a subwoofer output with variable crossover. Both balanced combination XLR / 1/4” TRS and unbalanced RCA inputs are provided, with input selection, mute, stereo/mono summing operation, and subwoofer in/out selectable from the front panel.

Teenage Engineering OP-1 Overview

The OP-1 from Teenage Engineering is a project we are waiting on for quite some time now. It is still under development but from the several previews we can expect a cool little synth alright. We understand that Teeneage Engineering is planning to start the beta testing pretty soon. At the NAMM David from Teenage Engineering gives an overview of their yet to be released OP-1.

Cakewalk Announces New Mobile Studio Canvas

Cakewalk, the world’s leading developer of powerful and easy to use products for music creation and recording, announces the new Mobile Studio Canvas.

The Mobile Studio Canvas for Mac, PC, and standalone performance is the first such product in the Cakewalk hardware family. Capable of producing over 1,000 sounds, the Mobile Studio Canvas includes the Roland SD-50 Sound Module, redesigned GM (General MIDI) 2 and Roland’s Solo Tones sounds. The unit’s USB memory drive can playback MP3, WAV, AIFF, and MIDI files without a computer. It is also a 2-in/2-out audio interface as well as a 1×1 MIDI interface, and ships with SONAR 8.5 LE recording software for use with a computer (for Windows only).

New VMX Series DJ Mixers from BEHRINGER

Professional 7/3/2-Channel DJ Mixers with USB/Audio Interface, BPM Counter, VCA Control and Software Bundle. BEHRINGER’s new VMX Series DJ mixers have built-in USB connectivity, allowing DJ’s to place MP3s in their mix or send their original creations directly into their computers. These mixers require no special drivers, and include a software bundle with energyXT 2.5 BEHRINGER Edition music production software.

ARTURIA announces BRASS 2.0 and EWI-USB bundle

At the NAMM, Arturia announced a bundle of the Arturia Brass 2 and Akai Pro EWI-USB. This combination is offered in limited edition for the price of 399Eur/$449 MSRP. Frédéric Brun, Arturia CEO states: “Arturia is  extremely proud to be working with Akai Professional, a reference name in our industry, to bring a bundle that will satisfy the most discerning musicians. The EWI-USB is de facto an industry standard and it was a logical match to our new version of Brass.”

ARTURIA announces ORIGIN Keyboard shipping in March

ARTURIA shows Origin Keyboard in pre-series version and announces it will be shipping in March 2010. Origin Keyboard is Arturia’s new version of Origin for the keyboard player. It keeps the outstanding modular system of Origin Desktop, putting it on a panel that closes on a high quality keyboard controller.

The intuitive interface is kept in place, along with all of the modules from the most famous synthesizers (Moog Modular, ARP 2600, CS-80, Jupiter-8, Minimoog and Prophet VS) and organs (ToneWheel, Rotary). The integration of the ribbon control is a blast, the keyboard aftertouch possibilities open a world of expressivity, while the playing modes are tuned to the expectations of any demanding performer.