Latest News & Articles
Gemini introduces the i-TT turntable
Moving forward with the fresh and innovative look of the i-Series, Gemini is proud to announce the release of the i-TT Super High Torque Direct Drive Turntable.
Apple releases OS-X 10.4 (TIGER)
Apple has announced that Mac OS X version 10.4 “Tiger” will go on sale Friday, April 29, beginning at 6:00 p.m. during special events at Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.
Source-Connect version 2.1 announced
Source-Elements has announced the release of Source-Connect Version 2.1 which will be demonstrated at NAB 2005. The only Pro Tools plug-in capable of streaming broadcast quality audio, Source-Connect has added new features of Stereo, Multi-Connect, higher bitrates of up to 160kbps, timecode support and a rent to own option. Source-Connect is the first Pro Tools plug-in capable of streaming audio directly from one Pro Tools system to another. Source-Connect enables audio connections between Pro Tools systems anywhere in the world, allowing direct-to-timeline recording with real-time, broadcast-quality audio using only T1, Cable, or DSL internet connections.
Digidesign announces ICON D-Command console
Digidesign today announced the new D-Command console. The Digidesign® D-Command™ tactile worksurface is the newest member of the ICON family, packing amazing control and ICON-exclusive Pro Tools® functionality into a medium-format console. As with the flagship large-format ICON D-Control™ console, D-Command utilizes Pro Tools|HD® Accel as its DSP mix engine and Pro Tools|HD interfaces and peripherals for system I/O. With D-Command, operators have powerful hands-on command over every aspect of a Pro Tools project, including recording, editing, mixing, and processing — with integrated video and delivery — from a relatively small, but expandable, worksurface.
TerraTec Producer announces Wave Xtable
TerraTec Producer is set to unveil a soundboard with 500 additional sounds featuring GM and XG modes and professional quality sound. The board is equipped with 16 MB memory affording instant access to sounds – without audible latency and without tasking the computer’s memory. Up to 128 voices may used simultaneously for a variety of applications ranging from elaborate orchestral arrangements to contemporary electronica and rock sounds.
Allen & Heath announces the the Xone S6
Allen & Heath showed three of the latest designs from its award-winning Xone range of DJ products at the Pro Light & Sound exhibition in Frankfurt.
AKAI rumours at the Messe! Update
It isn’t easy! Attending such a big event as the MusikMesse. Talking to hundreds of people, making and maintaining contacts with manufacturers, developers, “mad scientists”, etc. Our two “roving” reporters are doing a good job in collecting the latest news for you. Next to the offical news they heart some rumours on the Messe “through the grapevine”.
First off. We found out that there are some rumours of Alesis buying AKAI! So we think Akai Professional been taken over by Alesis!? This would be some major news. We will definately follow this story.
Sound Burst announces Nord Modular VSTi clone
Still in love with the sound of the Clavia Nord Modular? Now it can be virtually yours. Sound Burst Northmood is the sample-based player that plays like the original instrument.
The best patches have been sampled, note by note, sometimes with several velocities, using world-class audio equipment by Focusrite, RME, BSS, Aphex, Mindprint, Creamwere and Lucid Technologies. The result is just astonishing.
Gearjunkies Messe 2005 Pictures
Our reporters walked the floors of the Messe for two whole (exhausting) days. They took a lot of pictures for our archives. We can’t show them all, but we give you a selection of them here.
Korg Oasys:
Gearjunkies Messe 2005 Roundup
It’s time for the Gearjunkies Messe 2005 Roundup! We are back, gave all the gear a place, and ready for our take on what is going on in the Gear industry at this time and day! After some tossing, we came up with, what we thought, was the most cool and innovative new products at the 2005 show.
Korg announces D3200 Digital Recording Studio
Announced at the 2005 Musikmesse show, the D3200 Digital Recording Studio provides up to 32 tracks of simultaneous playback and up to 12 tracks of simultaneous recording to support high channel-count projects – such as recording a live band.
The D3200 provides 16 and 24-bit uncompressed 44.1 or 48 kHz recording and playback. Up to 32 tracks of simultaneous playback and up to 16 tracks of simultaneous recording are possible (A maximum of 16 tracks can be recorded simultaneously using 12 analog inputs, S/PDIF inputs and the outputs from Session Drums. When using 24-bit 44.1/48 kHz recording, a maximum of 16 tracks can be played back and a maximum of 12 tracks can be recorded simultaneously). By taking advantage of the eight virtual tracks provided for each track, you can record a total of up to 272 tracks (2 Thirty-two tracks plus a stereo master track for mixdown, all with 8 virtual tracks). In the 24-bit mode, the digital data passing through the fader and EQ is recorded onto the internal hard drive as 32-bit data. A 40 GB hard disk is standard, allowing approximately 119 hours of recording at 16-bit resolution on one track. The internal processor uses 64-bit precision.
Korg launches D4 – New 4 track recorder
The D-series of KORG, the epitome of audio quality and intuitive operation, got a new member to this productline. The D4 digital recorder is hardly larger than a VHS cassette but offers nevertheless professional effects, a rhythm function and a tuner. With five real time automatic controllers you have access to nearly all functions, all effects in best “REMS” quality. The recording and editing functions are quite sublime. And with the USB connection you can transfer songs and other data problem-free to your computer. With the D4 we can state clearly: It is mall, but be aware! It sure can handle your creativity!
Measuring only 191 (W) x 145 (D) x 41 (H) mm / 7.52″ (W) x 5.71″ (D) x 1.61″ (H), Korg’s all-new D4 provides 4-track recording in a compact package. You can plug in mic or guitar or use the built-in mic to record audio, one or two tracks at a time, to a CompactFlash removeable media card. Korg’s onboard REMS effects and amp simulations an inbuilt tuner and a bunch of onboard rhythm patterns should also make the D4 a great practice tool for guitar players.
Scarbee announces Drum VSTi
SCARBEE is proud to announce our latest release – the Scarbee Imperial Drums XL. Scarbee SID-XL represents a powerful new synergy between Scarbee’s renowned drum libraries and Steinberg’s cutting edge virtual sampler technology in the form of the Halion Player, based on the HALion 3.1 sampler engine. Scarbee librarires now come ready to play ‘out of the box’ as standalone instruments for Apple OSX and Windows XP as well as a plugins in various interface formats: VSTi, AU, Dxi.
Scarbee Imperial Drums (SID) XL builds on the roots of the first Imperial Drums and adds a number of important improvements. Features at a glance:
– Disk Streaming Sample-Based Virtual Instrument included (Steinberg HALion Player)
– Stand Alone, Rewire, VST, DXi and Audio Units supported
– Software and Soundware is USB key protected (key included)
– All of the original SID content + more than 25 new drums (including 5 new snares)
– All new Ludwig Vistalite drumkit (John Bonham) and Remo Rototom set
– Multitrack to Multiple outputs version of each drum
– Stereo mixdown versions of each drum in different fashions
– 12 different stick types; 3 beater types for bass drums
– Endless kits combinations possible
– Tons of Midi groove files already included and customized for SID-XL
– ModWheel, KeySwitch and Midi CC technique switch and positional control
– GM compatible mapping version of every drum
– Scarbee Sound Quality
– Same production team and environment as the original SID: Elio Rivagli on drums, Simone Coen producing, editing and recording and re-recording, Maurizio Macchioni engineering
– 8 DVDs, 35 GB
Scarbee Imperial Drums XL will be available in Q2 2005 for MSRP $349.00 (euro 272).
EMU releases new USB Midi controllers
The new E-MU Xboard Professional USB/MIDI controllers for PC and Mac offer unmatched playability, real-time control and programmability in a portable keyboard package ideal for studio and stage use.
The Xboard™ 25 and Xboard 49 both feature fullsize velocity sensitive keyboards with aftertouch, 16 programmable real-time controllers, Xboard Control editing software, and E-MU’s new Proteus X LE Desktop Sound Module with over 1000 sounds.
The Xboard Control software provides an intuitive desktop interface that lets you effortlessly create custom templates for all of your favorite hardware and software instruments. The Xboards also allow you to set discrete MIDI channels for each controller and offer unrivalled real-time control and performance features, including Snap Shot that lets you send multiple program changes and controller values by pressing a single button, and Xboard Latch Mode that enables you to define a section of the keyboard as on/off triggers – perfect for drum loops.
Vestax prototype: the STC-V1 stage controller
We announced sometime ago the Vestax Groovecaster.
A turntable/guitar. We did not take this seriously, but its a fact now. On the Frankfurt Messe Vestax showed us the STC-V1.