Today's Top Stories:

  Pro Tools Software Update
We don't need to tell you how powerful the Digidesign Pro Tools|HD system is or just how many of today's top albums have been produced using it. Yet as great as it was, the release of the Pro Tools HD Version 7 software gave it an extra shot of mojo, resulting in an unmatched workflow in the creation of professional music or in a post production environment. Basically, every part of the system was streamlined, allowing for an unparalled ease of use in recording tracks, working with MIDI files and importing loops for rapid song construction. And now, hot on the heels of that release, we have a major upgrade in Pro Tools HD 7.1cs2. Take a look at just some of the key features and fixes:

• New: Advanced import functions added
• New: Integrated DigiBase Pro file management utility added
• Fixed: Banking Control|24 could result in a crash or an "unexpected quit"
• Fixed: Previewing a crossfade in the Fade Dialog Preview resulted in clicks or no audio.
• Fixed: Inaccuracies when using Groove Quantize as an edit operation or as Input Quantize (notes were being randomly moved)
• Fixed: Freeze could occur when playback settings were changed or when opening a session to use the saved playback engine
• Fixed: When recording using pre-roll, incorrect audio could be played back (only with Expansion|HD).
• Fixed: In the event of a hardware problem (i.e. bad DSP), launching Pro Tools or Media Station could result in the report of low memory

  New AKG Large Diaphragm Mic
Everyone who owns or operates a home project studio knows that it's now possible to produce true pro quality recordings. One key ingredient is a really great mic. However, up until now only professional studios could afford a classic mic like the AKG C12. Well, AKG feels your pain and has used some modern production advances to produce a new large diaphragm, cardioid condenser microphone, dubbed the Perception. There are two mics in the series, the Perception 100 and Perception 200. Both employ 1-inch diaphragms that provide a 20Hz-20kHz frequency response, and a high-resolution, low-distortion signal. With an all-metal body and sturdy capsule, both mics can handle SPLs of up to 135dB and the Perception 200 features a 10dB pre-attenuation pad along with a 12dB per-octave bass roll-off filter. The Perception 100 includes a stand adaptor, while the Perception 200 includes a full-size studio suspension cradle and a hard-shell road case.

  Cakewalk Needs Beta Testers
Cakewalk, the company who brought such popular audio workstation software to Windows users as SONAR 5 is looking for a few good men (and yes, women) that own Macintosh computers running OSX 10.3.9 or higher. Applications are now being accepted for a brand new Beta Testing Program. These applicants must be able to meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Own a Mac running OSX 10.3.9 or higher with a minimum of 512MB of RAM
• Have excellent attention to detail and the ability to write comprehensive problem reports
• Have the ability to consistently reproduce problems once discovered
• Have a basic working knowledge of computers and music software
• Must have Internet access with the willingness and capability to download large files

  New In Stock At Sweetwater

• Zoom A2.1U Acoustic Guitar Processor - One of the G-Series effects pedals, all of which are based on the new ZFX-3 processor with 32-bit Processing, a 96kHz sampling rate, and 24-bit A/D, D/A converters. The A2.1U has seven effects modules with a total of 45 effects types, with an ultra-wide frequency response of 20Hz-40kHz. Other features include a built-in drum machine, feedback supressor, chromatic tuner, expression pedal and even a USB interface. The package also includes Cubase LE software.

• Expansion|HD - Now that Digidesign has released PCIe versions of its Pro Tools|HD systems, the company has also introduced the Digidesign Expansion|HD chassis, an all-new, six-slot PCI expansion unit that can be used with PCIe and PCI/PCI-X based computers to expand existing Pro Tools|HD systems. With the Expansion|HD chassis, you can also upgrade to a new, PCIe-based host computer without having to exchange your existing PCI-based HD Core and Accel cards for PCIe versions. It comes with a five meter cable (an optional 10-meter cable is also available).
• Host PCI Card for Expansion|HD - Quite simply, this is the PCI Host Card you would use for connecting the Digidesign Expansion|HD chassis to a PCI-based computer, such as the original Apple Macintosh G4s and G5s. Digidesign will also be offering a host card for computers such as the latest Power Mac G5 Dual and Power Mac G5 Quad which are now shipping with the PCI Express (PCIe) architecture.
• Pro Tools|HD Accel for PCIe - Nothing is faster or more powerful than a Pro Tools|HD system. The newest PCIe-based Pro Tools|HD systems are currently limited to a maximum configuration of three expansion cards. To build an extended configuration (beyond three cards), you can use the PCI version of Digidesign Pro Tools|HD cards in conjunction with the Digidesign Expansion|HD expansion chassis. Pro Tools|HD system components include Pro Tools HD version 7 software with additional bundled tools and plug-ins, a Pro Tools|HD Core card. Note: Each Pro Tools|HD system requires at least one Pro Tools|HD audio interface -192 I/O, 192 Digital I/O, 96 I/O, or 96i I/O for handling the input and output (I/O) of audio signals to and from your system.

  Guitar Of The Day
Welcome to 1954. Yeah, we know what year it is, but when you pick up this big (and we mean BIG) acoustic guitar, with all its vintage appointments - like the Western orange stain, Western motif pearloid inlay position markers and the unmistakable "G" branded right into the premium spruce top - well, you'll swear you just stepped out of your time machine in Winslow, Arizona, circa 1954 (or 1964 if your decade algorithm is out-of-calibration). So, how big is BIG? The Gretsch Rancher is a full 17 inches wide and up to 4-1/2 inches deep, with a maple back and sides, multiple bindings on the body, headpiece and neck and an unmistakable, patented French design, bound sound hole. The neck is very comfortable - very "Gretsch" - and is made of 3-piece rock maple for maximum stability. The fingerboard is rosewood and it's fully bound and comes with those very cool, very '60s, Western style "cows and cactus" engraved pearloid inlays. The headstock is also pure, classic Gretsch, with its figured maple overlay and steer's head pearl inlay. As you'd expect with a guitar of this caliber, you get gold plated hardware with enclosed gear heads, an adjustable truss rod, an acoustic-design pin bridge and last, but not least, a red shell pickguard with - you guessed it - a steer's head logo. Oh, and did we mention that there's a big "G" branded right on the top? Comes with a premium quality, plush-lined hardshell case, too. All this Western motif just hints at the classic, wide open acoustic sound that will come pouring out through that unique French design, bound soundhole. Yup, it sounds just as good as it looks. (Caution: Not for city slickers!)