Continuing our coverage of all things new at this year’s 113th AES Convention we’re happy to bring some more goodies from this year’s catch! While some of this year’s showings won’t be available for a while, most are shipping this month or within the next few months so give us a call if when something catches your eye so we can answer any questions you might have.
• Sound Soap
Sound Soap from Bias is a professional-quality noise reduction solution that’s easy enough for virtually anyone to use effectively. By adjusting two knobs, you can remove unwanted hiss, noise, rumble, electrical hum, and other background noise from almost any digital media file – including digital video (DV) soundtracks. Sound Soap works by removing “broadband” noise (such as room noise, tape hiss, road noise from a moving vehicle, or noise from air conditioners). It also removes low-frequency rumble, as well as hum – the 50Hz and 60Hz electrical “buzzing” sound common in many audio recordings. The software can even intelligently learn the difference between the noise and the desired audio – achieving amazingly effective results. Sound Soap is a VST plugin, making it usable with a plethora of DAW software programs and is expected to ship later this year.
• S100
Tridents showed the S100 – a free standing or rack mount eight-channel mixer that features classic British EQ, five auxiliary sends, three stereo returns and (perhaps best of all) warm, analog feel and sound. Mr. John Oram himself described the S100 as a perfect front end to any digital audio workstation. The S100 is expected to carry a retail price of close to $5,000, but for a limited time, Trident is offering the unit at an amazing price of $1995. Eight channels of authentic British sound for less than $2000? Sounds like a great way to warm up your digital recordings at and save some money at the same time!
• MC-909
The MC-909 is Roland’s answer to the demands of serious producers who want a workstation that seamlessly integrates audio and MIDI. Based on a new generation XV synthesis engine expandable up to 272MB of sampling RAM (16MB standard), the MC-909 has evolved beyond the original concept of a Groovebox. This professional workstation also boasts 800 new Patches, 64 Rhythm Sets and 693 all-new waveforms with SRX expansion. And with professional sequencing, onboard effects, mastering tools and an ultra-intuitive interface-plus a USB port for exchanging samples and sequences with a PC-the MC-909 is all you need to take your music from conception to completion.
• M-1000
Roland showed off theM-1000, a 10 channel digital mixer. Designed to meet the needs of a digital world, this space saving mixer will mix digital signals of varying sample rates. The M-1000 comes with four stereo S/PDIF digital inputs and a stereo analog input – all with 24-bit/96kHz sound quality – making it perfect for mixing electronic musical instruments and recording gear equipped with digital outputs. The M-1000 can even mix audio from a PC via its USB port! Word clock is also provided and multiple units can be linked for greater mixing power. The M-1ooo digital mixer is a must have for anyone with several digital devices that need to be managed and mixed.
• 6176 Channel Strip
With the release of the 6176 Channel Strip, Universal Audio combines the legendary 610 tube microphone preamp with the highly acclaimed 1176LN compressor to create the ultimate single channel signal path for everything from vocals to guitars and more. The original 610 console defined the sound of an era. From the Doors, Frank Sinatra, The Black Crows and others came the sweet sounds of the warm delivery of Bill Putnam Sr’s creation. Similarly, the 1176LN, another of Bill Putnam Sr.’s designs, was and is one of the most widely used and still sought after compressors on the planet. When Mr. Putnam’s son, Bill Putnam Jr., decided to resurrect his fathers designs and company, the 2-610, a dual channel mic pre designed from the original console and an exact replica of the 1176LN were two of the first units produced. The fact that the 6176 Channel Strip features the sound and feel of Bill Putnam Sr.’s legacy designs I sure to please the artist, engineer and producer who is looking for vintage sound in a modern package.
• 2192 Dual AD/DA Converter
The 2192 is the first product to combine Universal Audio’s long history of creating high-quality, vintage analog gear with its advanced digital technology. While features like sample rates up to 192kHz, realtime transcoding between AES/EBU, S/PDIF and ADAT and flexible routing will sure to impress, it’s the Class-A analog circuit with luscious detail and clarity that will set this converter apart from the rest. As a front end for a native workstation, the 2192 provides two channels of sterling sound quality for tracking, monitoring and mastering. You can run signal into the analog inputs at sample rates ranging from 44.1kHz to 192kHz and simultaneously output it to AES/EBU, S/PDIF and ADAT making this an incredible flexible routing converter as well.
• 4000 & 5000 Series wireless systems
Audio Technica announced the 4000 and 5000 Series wireless systems. These two systems are almost identical excepting a few differences, as we will point out. Both systems feature “IntelliScan which automatically finds and sets available frequencies on all linked receivers. This is very handy for touring musicians or musicians who live in an area that is riddled with UHF interference. 200 selectable UHF channels, “Dual Compander” circuitry which processes high and low frequencies separately for better audio quality and RF filters are some of the other features that the two systems enjoy. The 5000 series offers an on-board ethernet interface for remote monitoring and controlling system parameters with included software and is a dual receiver system. Both systems receive high marks for quality and durability and can be configured with same various wireless microphones. Both systems offer an unprecedented communication between transmitter and receiver. Imagine being able to see information such as microphone name, mute status, battery life and more from the receiver!
• Phrazer LE
BitHeadz introduced Phrazer LE and announced that its big brother, Phrazer 2.o is now shipping! Both Phrazer 2.0 and Phrazer LE support OS X and are available as you read this. Mac users have looked on with envy for years while PC toting musicians turned “loopy” with applications such as Acid. Phrazer 2.0 and Phrazer LE are the Mac desktop solutions. Able to handle loops in Acid-type fashion the LE version of Phrazer will deliver up to 8 tracks and ships with 500 MB of content at low price that will have you turning your own loops.
• plugzilla
Rack mount hardware VST plugin player… Okay, did you have to read that a few times too? Eventide is the distributor of an innovative product from Manifold Labs called plugzilla. While it’s not green, prehistoric or looking to conquer Tokyo (okay, maybe that last part is not completely true), it is extremely interesting. Basically, it’s a piece of hardware for your studio or live gig where your VST plugins can reside which in turn creates one fantastically flexible processor for your audio. You use compact FLASH and USB to load the plugins into plugzilla where “thousands” of plugins can reside. Can you imagine VST power in a rack? Hmmmm
• CS-32 MiniDesk
The new CS-32 MiniDesk is a miniature control surface for fast access to the most commonly used functions in audio programs. It works with Digidesign ProTools, Steinberg Nuendo, Cuebase SX, VST, MOTU Digital Performer, Cakewalk Pro, Sonic Foundry, Abelton Live, Logic Audio and many other audio software programs! The CS-32’s radically small size does not reduce it’s intense capabilities as an extremely powerful controller with 32 dedicated Faders/Channel Strips for real-time control of volume levels, Mute, Solo, Track Arming and more. The “Mini” has Tactile Transport Buttons, Cursor Keys and Weighted Jog/Scrub Wheel, just like the big guys. Six Rotary Knobs give you hands-on, automation control of Panning and Plug-Ins. A full bank of quick function keys are ready for frequently used editing operations. Perhaps best of all, the MiniDesk takes up less space than a sheet of paper – it’s perfect for portable recording applications with a laptop computer.
• Radium
With the overwhelming success of the Oxygen 8, it was no surprise to see the M-Audio’s new Radium. Take the Oxygen 8 and stretch it out to include 61 keys, 8 sliders and 8 knobs and you get the Radium – a fully functional 61 key master controller. Now you can attack all of your favorite virtual synths on a larger scale!