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125th AES Convention
The U.S.-based Audio Engineering Society (AES) trade show and convention is where musicians, engineers, and producers gather to see new product exhibits from manufacturers, as well as to hear scholarly presentations and panel discussions on the art and science of recording audio. This year's show takes place in scenic San Francisco, California, and Sweetwater's own Mitch Gallagher is there to report on all that's new and exciting in the world of audio hardware and software.
Check out the product listings below to see the new products that were announced at the show, and come back soon to read Mitch's live, from-the-show reports. For further information on pricing and availability for any of the new products introduced at the AES show, contact your Sweetwater Sales Engineer!
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125th AES Convention Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
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Digidesign
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Digidesign 003 Rack+ Factory
Pro Tools LE users have been asking for it for years, and 2008's AES show is where it came true! The 003 Rack+ Factory packages everything we love about the Factory bundles with one very important upgrade - this 003 has eight mic preamps. All the other familiar functionality of the 003 Rack is there, but now a full-band recording can be managed without the need for four or more channels of external preamps. S/PDIF and ADAT I/O along with MIDI and word clock round out the features.
Digidesign 003 Rack+ Factory Features:- Eight built-in mic preamps
- Eight line/DI inputs
- S/PDIF and ADAT I/O
- Word clock
- Comes with Pro Tools LE software and bundled plug-ins
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Digidesign Complete Toolkit
Take your Pro Tools LE rig farther than ever before with the Complete Production Toolkit, the most powerful software expansion option for LE systems. This add-on offers up to 7.1 surround mixing functionality, 128 simultaneous audio tracks, and includes over $2,650 in plug-ins. Plus, you'll have access to the functionality of the Music Production Toolkit 2 and DV Toolkit 2, multi-track Beat Detective, DigiBase Pro, DigiTranslator 2 for easy interchange of files between video editing workstations, Time Code functions, the MP3 Option, and more.
Digidesign Complete Toolkit Features:
- Up to 128 audio tracks
- Support for up to 7.1 surround
- Includes Music Production Toolkit 2
- Includes DV Toolkit 2
- Time Code functions
- MP3 option
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Digidesign Music Production Toolkit 2
Expand the capabilities of your Pro Tools LE or M-Powered system with the Music Production Toolkit 2. In addition to adding support for up to 64 stereo audio tracks, you'll also get over $1,600 in professional plug-ins. The Music Production Toolkit 2 includes a multi-track version of Beat Detective and the Digidesign MP3 Option, allowing you to easily export mixes as MP3 files using the original Fraunhofer MP3 Encoding algorithm. Get the most out of your native Pro Tools system with this affordable expansion pack.
Digidesign Music Production Toolkit 2 Features:
- Up to 64 mono or stereo tracks at up to 48kHz, up to 48 tracks at 96kHz sample rates (requires appropriate hardware)
- $1,600 worth of plug-ins for creating and producing music
- Multi-track Beat Detective
- Pro Tools MP3 Option for exporting MP3s
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Digidesign Pro Tools 8
The industry-standard production software is bigger and better than ever with a ton of new tools and functionality that makes it easier than ever to make music using Pro Tools. Boasting a brand new user interface and a whole bunch of new features, Pro Tools 8 is primed to reinvent the way you make music. Among the new features are Score and MIDI Editor windows, upping available tracks to 48 in LE and M-Powered, a new track comping tool, the ability to pitch shift using Elastic Audio, and automation and controller lanes for faster mixing. Needless to say, this only scratches the surface of the latest version of Pro Tools!
Digidesign Pro Tools 8 Features:
- 48 tracks available for LE and M-Powered
- Score and MIDI Editor for better MIDI integration
- Pitch Shift with Elastic Audio
- Track comping tool
- Automation and controller lanes
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Digidesign Video Satellite LE
Digidesign Video Satellite LE
If you're working with video in a Pro Tools|HD environment, you need Video Satellite LE. This software offers Pro Tools|HD users an affordable means of working with video by offloading the CPU-intensive picture playback tasks onto a second computer running Pro Tools LE. Boasting amazing stability, simplicity, and reliability, Video Satellite LE connects via Digidesign's proprietary Ethernet protocol and delivers impressive performance with faster lockup time than 9-pin, significantly tighter synchronization than MIDI Time Code, and support for loop playback.
Digidesign Video Satellite LE Features:
- Offload video playback onto a separate computer running Pro Tools LE
- Utilizes propriety Digidesign Ethernet protocol
- Supports loop playback
- Supports HD and SD QuickTime via Blackmagic DeckLink Extreme card
- Supports SD Avid and QuickTime video playback via Avid Mojo SDI
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DPA
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DPA 4099 Series Instrument Mics
DPA's 4099 Series of instrument microphones are small and discreet yet extremely rugged. They're available in four configurations: Guitar, Violin/Viola, Trumpet, and Sax. Each features a versatile gooseneck for optimum placement and stable mounting so they won't come loose during a performance.
DPA 4099 Series Instrument Microphone Features:- Supercardioid polar pattern reduces bleed from other sources
- Small size allows unobtrusive mounting and low visible profile
- Gooseneck provides ease in optimum positioning
- Trumpet mic works on horns with or without a mute
- Handles 152dB before clipping
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Drawmer
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Drawmer Kickbox
The Drawmer Kickbox 4 x 4 portable active splitter makes it easy to get up to 16 XLR line-level outputs from up to four sources. The Kickbox gives you high audio quality, using four studio-grade preamps with phantom power. You get a very useful range of routing options for different applications (one input to 16 outputs; two inputs each to eight outputs; four inputs to four outputs; and one input to 12 outputs simultaneously with one input to four outputs), and the easy-to-use, effective controls, up to 66dB of gain, and handy road-ready packaging makes the Kickbox a live essential.
Drawmer Kickbox 4 x 4 Portable Active Splitter Features:
- Four studio-quality mic/line preamps
- 16 balanced output stages
- Several signal-routing options
- Up to 66dB of gain
- Road-ready case included
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Focusrite
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Focusrite Saffire PRO 40
Focusrite launched their new multi-channel FireWire audio interface, the Saffire PRO 40, attentively designed with the project studio in mind. With eight Focusrite preamps, 10 analog outputs, ADAT I/O, stereo S/PDIF I/O, two virtual "loopback" inputs, quality digital conversion, and JetPLL jitter elimination technology, the Saffire PRO 40 combines high-quality audio performance with flexible routing.
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Furman
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Furman Pl Classic Series
PL-8 C and PL-Plus C 15-amp power conditioners provide the protection and consistent, clean power you need while giving your rack a convenient lighting source. Part of Furman's Classic Series, the PL-8 C and PL-Plus C each feature the company's Series Multi-Stage Protection (SMP), Linear Filtering Technology (LiFT), and Extreme Voltage Shutdown (EVS). Both units include nine total outlets, diagnostic lights, two handy pull-out rack lamps, and a BNC lamp connector. The PL-Plus C adds an LED voltmeter on the front panel. Get top-class power conditioning and protection with the PL-8 C and PL-Plus C!
Furman PL-8 C and PL-Plus C 15-amp Power Conditioners Features:
- Power conditioning and surge protection
- Pull-out rack lamps
- 15-amp rating
- Nine total outlets (eight on rear panel, one on front panel)
- Lamp dimmer knob; PL-Plus C adds front-panel LED voltmeter
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FXpansion
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FXpansion BFD2.1
The FXpansion BFD2.1 virtual acoustic drum module adds great new features to this huge collection of rare, vintage, boutique, and classic drum sounds. You get improved workflow, great new editing tools, track enhancements, Redo and Undo functions, a handy preview tool, a Preset/Kit switching playlist, and an improved synth engine. BFD2.1 also adds hall, plate, room, and inverse algorithms, as well as a PSP Vintage Warmer "BFD2 Edition" that's integrated right into the module's mixer. Put together your dream kit and play it like a pro!
FXpansion BFD2.1 Virtual Acoustic Drum Module Features:
- Overloud Breverb "BFD2 Edition" and PSP Vintage Warmer "BFD2 Edition" integrated into BFD2 mixer
- Improved synth engine supporting varied mic and articulation configurations
- Preset/Kit switching playlist, controllable via MIDI Program Change
- In-place kit-piece preview before loading; Load-on-demand RAM optimization
- Workflow enhancements in the Kit page, such as Copy, Swap and Move kit-pieces between slots when loaded
- Workflow improvements in the Grooves page: new edit tools like the roll tool; Drum Track enhancements; Redo as well as Undo
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Genelec
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Genelec 5040A
The Genelec 5040A active subwoofer combines an elegant, unobtrusive design with plenty of power and features to make itself a great addition to any desktop recording environment. The 5040A uses a downward firing, shielded 6-1/2" bass driver that's powered by an onboard 40-watt amplifier. Overload protection is also built in, allowing this sub to be used to its full potential. A handy remote volume control allows you to conveniently control Genelec's 6010A monitor speakers (sold separately) in addition to the 5040A.
Genelec 5040A 40-watt Active Studio Subwoofer Features:
- 6-1/2" downward firing bass driver
- Integrated 40-watt power amp
- Unobtrusive, elegant design
- Built-in crossover unit RCA connectors
- Remote volume control (also controls 6010A monitor speakers - sold separately)
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Genelec 6010A
The Genelec 6010A bi-amplified monitor speaker puts the renowned manufacturer's reputation for quality and great sound right on your desktop. The amazingly compact 6010A features a cast-aluminum Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE) with Genelec's advanced waveguide technology. Individual 12-watt amplifiers provide power to both a 3" LF driver and 3/4" metal dome tweeter, giving you remarkably full sound - and 102dB system output per pair at one meter - from a very small desktop footprint. Now you can get great Genelec sound quality from even the most space-starved desktop.
Genelec 6010A Powered Desktop Monitor Speaker Features:
- Cast-aluminum enclosure and Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW)
- RCA connectors; automatic protection circuitry
- LF driver: 3"; HF driver: 3/4" metal dome
- Frequency response: 74 Hz - 18 kHz (± 2.5 dB)
- Amplifier power/channel: 12W LF, 12W HF
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JBL
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JBL Control 2P
The Control 2P powered reference monitor system does more than give you accurate, full JBL sound from a compact footprint; you get an innovative design and loads of features for an astoundingly low price. The 35-watt-per-channel Control 2P monitor pair is ideal for desktop use as well as wall-mount installation, and includes a very handy single volume knob that controls both speakers simultaneously. You also get a built-in peak limiter and HF adjust control, as well as magnetically shielded transducers, plus much more.!
JBL Control 2P Powered Reference Monitor System Features:
- 35-watt-per-channel power amplifier and high-sensitivity drivers
- Side-mounted volume control controls both speakers
- High frequency adjust control contours HF response to application requirements
- Internal peak limiter and overload protection circuit
- Wall-mountable
- Included snap-on pedestals optimize listening angle for desktop use
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Korg
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Korg M50
The M50 takes much of the M3's sonic power and packs it into a lightweight, affordable music workstation. Whether you seek natural-sounding acoustic instruments or hard-hitting synthesizer sounds, the M50 puts a sonic world beneath your fingertips. You can easily navigate between sounds and tweak its generous effects section using the intuitive and interactive touchscreen and four multi-function knobs. Available with a 61-key synth-action keyboard as well as a full, 88-key RH3 Graded Hammer Action keyboard, the M50 is a great value.
Korg M50 Music Workstation Features:
- 61-key synth-action and 88-key RH3 Graded Hammer Action keyboards
- Uses the same EDS (Extended Definition Synthesis) as the M3 for superb sound
- 256 MB ROM, with plenty of new samples including 4-way acoustic piano, new electric pianos, clavs, and more
- 896 Programs (873 preloaded), 512 Combinations (384 preloaded)
- Five Insert, two Master, one Total Effect
- 80 voice polyphony; Drum Track provides “real feel” grooves; 16-track Korg high-resolution sequencer
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Korg MR-2000S
The Korg MR-2000S 1-bit rackmountable studio and live recorder is an ideal tool for making pro-quality masters, recording live shows with high fidelity, and archiving sessions. Its 2.8/5.6MHz 1-bit recording capability gives you astoundingly high-quality results, and it's also capable of 16- and 24-bit recording at 44.1 to 192kHz. The MR-2000S includes an 80GB hard drive and USB 2.0 connectivity to easily and quickly transfer files to and from your computer, while its easy-to-use 4-knob control panel lets you work in real-time, external, and arp control modes. AudioGate file editing/conversion software is also included with the MR-2000S.
Korg MR-2000S 1-bit Rackmountable Studio and Live Recorder Features:
- Ideal for mastering from DAWs, capturing live shows, and archiving sessions and mixes
- Korg-exclusive 5.6 MHz 1-bit recording for premium sonic performance
- 80GB hard drive and high-speed USB 2.0 data transfer to computer
- 4-knob control surface with realtime, external and arp control modes
- Included AudioGate software for file conversion and editing
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Line 6
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Line 6 POD Farm
The new POD Farm plug-ins update Line 6's groundbreaking Amp Farm modeling plug-in, putting a ton of classic and modern amp and effects models into your studio. In the premium POD Farm Platinum version, there are 78 guitar amp models, 24 guitar cabinets, 28 bass amps, 22 bass cabs, and 97 stompbox models. It also features six microphone preamplifier models, based on Avalon, Neve, and API gear. Within the user interface, you can easily drag and drop gear using the carousel- style gear browser. There is also a more affordable, streamlined POD Farm Plug-in available.
Line 6 POD Farm Platinum Features:
- Guitar/bass amplifier, cabinet, and effects plug-in
- 78 guitar amp models, 24 guitar cabinets
- 28 bass amps, 22 bass cabinets
- 97 stompbox models
- Six mic preamplifiers based on Avalon, Neve, and API preamps
- Streamlined version offers 18 amps, 24 cabs, 5 bass amps, 5 bass cabs, and 29 stompboxes
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Lynx
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Lynx Aurora Vented Panel
All right, a panel? Surprisingly, Lynx reports a significant number of customers demanding this. The Aurora Vented Panel provides an aesthetically pleasing addition to your other Lynx rackmounted gear while allowing for necessary airflow. Made from the same textured, milled aluminum as the Lynx Aurora 16 and Aurora 8 converters, the Aurora Vented Panel fills a 1U rackspace in a standard 19" rack. Since Aurora converters use fan-free designs, having this panel in place allows for additional airflow.
Lynx Aurora Vented Panel Blank Rack Panel Features:
- 1U rackspace vented panel for standard 19" racks
- Milled aluminum construction to match Aurora 16 and Aurora 8 converters
- Multi-louvered design promotes airflow
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M-Audio
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M-Audio DSM Series Monitors
M-Audio shows yet again that they know a thing or two about monitors with the DSM Series. The Studiophile DSM reference monitors are the result from collaboration between M-Audio and Digidesign. The DSM monitors feature DSP-based crossover management, onboard digital EQ controls, proprietary driver designs, and analog and digital inputs supporting resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz. These high-quality monitors use high-density cabinets for good damping and improved acoustic response. Available in 6.5" (DSM1) and 8" (DSM2) sizes, these monitors are a great addition to any pro or project studio.
M-Audio DSM Series Monitors Features:
- 6.5" and 8" woofer sizes
- DSP-controlled digital crossover and EQ
- 1" Teteron soft fabric Neodymium HF driver with built-in heat sink
- Anodized-aluminum cone LF driver
- Onboard digital EQ controls
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Mackie
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Mackie PPM Series Powered Mixers
Mackie continues to create live-sound solutions with the PPM Series powered mixers. These PPM mixers are surprisingly lightweight, but tremendously powerful with two individual power amps, one handling the mains and one delivering wattage to the monitors. Mackie designed the PPM Series with Class D amplifiers that produce maximum power with minimum heat. A built-in limiter protects your speakers from damaging peaks. All of these design elements merge to create a rugged and powerful mixer to make the PPM Series the perfect centerpiece of your live rig.
Mackie PPM Series Features:
- Dual power amp design - one for mains, one for monitors
- 32-bit RMFX processor with 24 "Gig-Ready" effects
- Dedicated in-line compression
- Ultra-lightweight for easy transporting
- Class D power amps
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Mackie ProFX Series
With the ProFX Series, Mackie again provides an affordable mixer with pro features. With these 8- and 12-channel ProFX mixers, small- to medium-sized gigs are easily handled. Low-noise preamps offer plenty of headroom and the built-in RMFX processor offers 16 "gig-ready" effects for truly professional mixes. The ProFX lets you pipe your 2-track mix straight to a computer via the USB port. All mic channels boast insert points, a 100Hz low-cut filter, and phantom power, a nice touch on mixers at this price.
Mackie ProFX Series Features:
- Low-noise, high-headroom Mackie mic preamps with easy LED metering
- 32-bit RMFX processor with 16 "gig-ready" effects
- Precision 7-band graphic EQ for tuning mains or monitors
- USB I/O for recording shows and music playback via Mac or PC
- 60mm faders for input channels, returns, and main/monitor masters
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Reports Home Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
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