NEW PRODUCTS
Aug 1, 2005 12:00 PM, By Doug Eisengrein
RAIN RECORDING LIVEBOOK
MUSIC-PRODUCTION LAPTOP
Built specifically with the performance-intensive needs of audio use in mind, Rain Recording offers its new LiveBook (various models; from $1,999), a notebook computer geared to be a high-performance mobile audio workstation. LiveBook is designed to remain cool in hot environments with its low power consumption and quadruple-ventilated architecture. As anyone with track- or plug-in — intensive work will appreciate, LiveBook is also designed to handle sustained, high levels (as much as 90 percent) of hard disk and CPU activity. The basic model is built around an Intel Pentium M processor and 915GM/PM + ICH6-M chipset, and it includes 1 GB of RAM, one FireWire port, four USB ports and a 24x combo CD-RW/DVD drive. The internal layout is modular, making it quick and easy for the user to replace the main components, such as the hard drive, RAM and CPU. Other key features are a five-in-one memory-card drive that supports SmartMedia, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Secure Digital and xD-Picture formats; a PCMCIA 2.1 slot; and a 15.4-inch display.
Rain Recording;
www.rainrecording.com
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS KONTAKT 2
SOFTWARE SAMPLER
It's been awhile in the making, but the second coming of Native Instruments' flagship software sampler is here. Kontakt 2 ($579) includes a powerful set of new features, including a revised user interface, a maximum of 16 discrete surround-sound channels, a Script Processor, unlimited voice and 64-fold multitimbral support, Universal Import (which is compatible with just about every sample and library format), an enhanced Multi-Browser and the new Impulse Response effect. The package comes stuffed with more than 15 GB of samples, and multisamples can be created easily. The improved Multi-Browser provides easy access to Kontakt's large array of send and insert effects; 32 — break-point envelopes; Tone, Beat and Time Machines I and II; and a fine filter. Kontakt's modulation matrix sports step modulators and multiple-waveform LFOs, and graphical loop-editing tools are onboard, as well.
Native Instruments;
www.native-instruments.com
TASCAM DV-RA1000
DVD/SUPER AUDIO CD RECORDER
Always staying one step ahead of the technological curve, Tascam recently released the next-generation rackmountable master recorder with its new DV-RA1000 ($1,499). The unit can record ultra-high-resolution audio (as great as 24-bit, 192kHz) and supports DVD and Sony DSD (Super Audio CD) formats as well as standard 16-bit audio CDs. Supported media includes DVD/DVD-RW and CD-R/RW, and a USB 2.0 port is onboard, providing use with PCs as a DVD data drive. The I/O section includes balanced XLR, AES/EBU and SDIF-3 connections; a headphone out; Word Sync in/out/thru; and a PS/2 keyboard input. A wired remote control and RS-232 serial control are available, as well. Multiband compression and EQ mixdown effects are included, making the DV-RA1000 a nice choice as a high-end field or live master recorder. Other useful additions include 6 percent pitch control, record fade-in and -out, user-definable function keys and power-on play.
Tascam;
www.tascam.com
EUPHONIX MC INTELLIGENT APPLICATION CONTROLLER
WORKSTATION CONTROL SURFACE
Euphonix draws the curtain on its comprehensive tactile control surface for audio and video production, the MC Intelligent Application Controller (price TBA). The MC works with a bevy of applications, and its smart design can not only detect the currently active application on the fly but also reset all its controls to work with it. It is made up of a full-size QWERTY keyboard, twin trackballs, 56 LCD SmartSwitches, four linear faders and nine rotary control pots. It interfaces with the DAW host computer via Ethernet. The MC's LCD SmartSwitches can store hundreds of programs capable of both simple key commands and complex macro operations, which are saved in the unit's internal memory and automatically called up as the MC detects the active application. The unit supports Euphonix's own EuCon protocol, which is integrated into DAWs such as Steinberg Nuendo and Merging Technologies Pyramix, and also supports Mackie's HUI control, rendering it useful with Digidesign Pro Tools, MOTU Digital Performer and Apple Logic Pro.
Euphonix;
www.euphonix.com
PRESONUS BLUETUBE DP
SOLID-STATE/TUBE MIC PREAMP
PreSonus has decided to overhaul and rerelease its successful BlueTube microphone/instrument preamp with the BlueTube DP ($229.95). The new BlueTube DP is a 2-channel preamplifier that features PreSonus' Dual Path Technology; the design boasts a dual signal path that includes both solid-state and tube preamp stages, which users can switch between. Despite its versatility, the BlueTube DP is the company's most affordable dual-channel preamplifier. The I/O section includes Neutrik combo XLR/¼-inch jacks on the input and separate XLR and ¼-inch connectors for output. Separate 48V phantom power, -20dB pads, polarity switches and 80Hz highpass filters are found on each channel. The front features solid-state gain and switchable tube-drive controls, as well as an illuminated analog VU meter for each channel. The new BlueTube provides an improved signal-to-noise ratio and features higher input headroom than the original.
PreSonus;
www.presonus.com
PIONEER DJM-1000
24-BIT, 96KHZ DJ MIXER
With studio-grade high fidelity, user friendliness and renowned DJs' suggestions in mind, Pioneer developed the new 6-channel DJM-1000 ($2,899) professional DJ mixer. It features 24-bit, 96kHz digital sampling and 32-bit, 96kHz digital sound processing. In addition to analog I/O, the DJM-1000 sports digital I/O with an eye toward interconnectivity with Pioneer's CDJ-1000MK2 and DVJ series of digital turntables and other digital gear. Other features include a ±6dB 3-band isolator, a 17-phase fader curve that provides curve adjust for both the crossfader and channel faders, a bpm-sync function for attached gear, MIDI Out, talk over, 2-band booth EQ, 3-band EQs and input peak level meters for all six channels, a Sound Link/EFX Link function for controlling other Pioneer gear, a Visual Link button for controlling VJ equipment via crossfader, and the optional ability to swap out the main volume fader with a DJC-1000RV rotary knob.
Pioneer;
www.pioneerprodj.com
GEM SOUND PA SERIES
POWER AMPLIFIERS
The latest on Gem Sound's new-product roster is an upgrade and rerelease of its PA Series ($399.95-$799.95) of stereo amps. The Bronx, New York — dwelling company has added key improvements of upgraded electronic crossover networks and new limiters to the four power amplifiers in the line: the 800W PA-2505 ($399.95), the 1,200W PA-3505 ($499.95), the 1,600W PA-4505 ($649.95) and the flagship 2,000W PA-5505 ($799.95). Gem Sound has also given the line a face lift with a new sand blasted finish on the faceplates. Despite the performance and cosmetic upgrades, the prices of the amps have remained the same, along with their respective model numbers. All four amps in the line occupy two rackspaces each and feature dual-fan cooling protection, separate left and right level controls with corresponding illuminated VU meters, backlit LEDs representing peak and protect status, and a front-mounted power switch. Inputs are on ¼-inch and XLR jacks; outputs are provided on banana binding posts, ¼-inch and Speakon connections.
Gem Sound;
www.gemsound.com
ROAD READY COOL CASES
FAN-COOLED ROADCASES
Every once in a while, a new product pops up that makes you wonder, “Why didn't someone think of this already?” And Road Ready's Cool Cases ($239.99-$749.99) are such products. Beginning with five models that concentrate on popular DJ gear, the Cool Cases line comprises heavy-duty roadcases that boast built-in electric cooling and venting fans. According to the company, Cool Cases are capable of dropping the temperature of live gear by an average of 12 degrees Fahrenheit or 7 degrees Celsius. This could be just the ticket to keep gear from overheating in sweaty summertime venues. The first five cases in the line are the RRCCDP ($239.99), the RRCCDJ ($259.99), the RRCDJCD10W ($699.99), the RRCDJCD12W ($729.99) and the RRCDJCD19W ($749.99). All but the RRCCDP are gear-specific; the RRCCDP is a universal top- and front-loading CD player roadcase whereas the others are designed for a variety of specific models from the likes of Pioneer, Denon, Technics and Stanton.
Road Ready;
www.roadreadycases.com
EDIROL UA-101
USB 2.0 AUDIO/MIDI INTERFACE
Edirol was the first company to offer a USB 2.0 audio interface, and it now returns with the UA-101 ($695), the first multichannel high-speed I/O that also features basic compatibility with USB 1.1. The UA-101 occupies a mere half-rackspace yet offers a full 10 inputs and 10 outputs at 24-bit, 96kHz with USB 2.0 and stereo I/O at 44.1 or 48kHz with USB 1.1. The unit also features MIDI I/O. Other cool features include a dedicated monitor output that is separate from outputs 1 through 8, fully balanced input and out sections, +4 or -10dBu level switches on inputs 3 through 8, 40-bit internal processing for super-high fidelity, a built-in limiter on the inputs to avoid clipping and a signal-routing and mixing software application. Dedicated S/PDIF digital channels are provided on channels 9 and 10 and can be used simultaneously with all analog channels. The UA-101 is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS 9/OS X systems.
Edirol;
www.edirol.com
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