Welcome to part 2 of our multi-part AES report. We’ll now pick it up where we left off yesterday.
KORG
We told you about their OASYS PCI audio card at NAMM a few months ago, and it caused an even bigger stir at AES, if that’s possible. For those of you who haven’t been following the evolution of Korg’s OASYS project, it’s a PCI card that integrates first-rate synthesis, effects processing, and computer audio I/O. The Oasys system is the core project that began years ago and resulted in most of their keyboard and processing products of the past few years. This is the real McCoy. There is so much power and flexibility packed into this system that even exhaustive demos only scratch the surface. There are over 100 effects algorithms, for example, many of which are now being used in their acclaimed Trinity workstation. The product looks very real at this point and they expect them to be shipping within a few months.
TASCAM
Holy smokes, Tascam is back. And MAN are they back. First, they upped the ante on the modular digital multitrack game by releasing the DA-78HR (retail $3199), a 24-bit machine that is otherwise similar to a DA-38. They plan to be shipping in October. They say this should revitalize the tape format for some time, but they didn’t stop there. The MX-2424 is their new 24-track, 24-bit, 96k capable hard disk system. The rack mount unit sports a pretty traditional looking Tascam interface (meaning it’s easy to use). It has an internal hard drive (9 gig), plus a removable drive bay you can use for whatever you want, and is easy to connect to external devices via its wide built in SCSI. What’s really cool is that it’s compatible with .wav and SDII file formats, which means you have an easy path to go between other popular systems in use out there. It has stereo digital I/O and you can add your choice of 24 channels of TDIF, ADAT optical, or AES/EBU I/O. It also has a standard Ethernet port, which means it can be networked for file transfers and control on a Mac or PC (software coming soon). It looks phenomenal. Synchronization and digital I/O are all built in. With all of this power one would expect it to cost well over $10,000, but it’s actually only $3999! The full featured remote control is another $1499, but you don’t have to have it to operate the unit. Think about how cool this is. A 24-track, 24-bit recorder for $4000 retail. No computer needed. Just plug it in and record.
In addition to this, Tascam was showing a preliminary version of a new synchronizer called TL Sync. The unit is built in conjunction with the folks at Time Line (as is the MX-2424) and should be able to sync just about anything to anything else. Plus it’s compatible with most of Time Line’s Lynx products. There are more holes and connectors on the back of it than any two rack space box I’ve ever seen. Retail price is slated at $1999, but it’s still a ways out so that may change.
The CDRW-700 ($699) was shown as their new CD recorder. It’s compatible with CDRW disks and has S/PDIF and optical inputs. The CD-302 is a new dual drive CD with remote especially tailored for DJ use. Both should be available in October. Tascam was also showing off their new CD-A700. A combination of a high-quality CD Player and auto-reverse Cassette Deck, the CD-A700 ($629.00) is designed to provide continuous CD-to-tape, tape-to-CD play. You get precise pitch control and state-of-the-art logic control features on both CD and cassette deck. It’s really great for DJs, dance studios, restaurants/clubs or any venue that needs continuous play. In fact, the CD-A700 wouldn’t be out of place in your home entertainment system. Operation is very easy.They also had a new CD burning software package, the CD-RG24. It’s a comprehensive package that provides everything you need to burn 100 percent Red Book compliant audio CDs and popular data CD formats. The package even comes with a labeling kit.
SAMSON
Samson had no less than three cool new things to show us. The first was the Wireless Ear Amp, a frequency selectable UHF True Diversity monitoring system for live performance. Oh, and it goes in your ear. It’s packed with features, including 128 synthesized frequencies; Dual Channel mono mode and Stereo operation; and two-band EQ and adjustable limiting in the receiver. Then there was the Q1 condenser vocal microphone, a versatile mic for both studio and stage. Built to withstand high sound pressures, the Q1 uses a Hypercardioid pattern to minimize feedback. Next up were Samson’s S2000/S1500, rackmount stereo power amps for live SR, permanent installations, and powering PA systems. The S2000 produces 1000 watts per side into 4 ohms, 2000 into 8 ohms, while the S1500 produces 750 watts/side into 4 ohms 1500watts/8 ohms.
HHB
Another great CD recorder from HHB! The CDR850 Plus builds on their professional CDR850. It is designed for users working entirely in the digital domain, in a wide range of applications, from music recording to broadcasting, sample compiling to DJ-ing.
KURZWEIL
We’ve been buzzing about the K2600 at Sweetwater for a little while now, and no matter how familiar we are with this keyboard, it’s always impressive to see it in action. It really is the next step in Kurzweil’s VAST instruments. A quick run through of the features includes an all new set of 400 Programs (200 in ROM and 200 in RAM) and 100 Setups, plus 48 more Live Mode, KB3 Mode, and Stereo Piano programs (the same as in K2500 700s bank). . . and that’s just the beginning. Retail price will range from $5175 to over $7700 depending upon configuration. There were also two cool new stage pianos, the SP-76 and the SP-88. Both feature two independent MIDI zones and an excellent selection of award-winning Kurzweil sounds including Grand Piano, Electric Pianos, Strings and Tone Wheel organ, among others. All are expected to ship sometime before the end of the year.
DOD
From the czars of guitar effects comes a new floor-based multi-effects processor. The GS30 delivers seven incredibly realistic amp/guitar models, and you can use up to ten of the processor’s analog and digital effects at one time. There’s also 30 factory and 30 user presets, a custom expression pedal and a chromatic tuner. There’s even a carrying handle.
FOCUSRITE
Garnering a lot of attention at the Focusrite booth was their brand new ISA Producers Pack, a versatile 2U device that succeeds in packing a ton of important processing tools into one unit. The different functions are all based on other Focusrite devices and include a microphone preamp; parametric EQ; Compressor and Expander/Gate; De-esser; multi-band Limiter, and more. These different tools can be used together as one channel, or as separate processing elements.
SHURE
Two new mini-microphones join Shure’s Beta Series! Both the Beta 98D/S and the Beta 91 are designed expressly for miking the drums. The Beta 98D/S is a miniature condenser mic that works brilliantly on the toms. It offers excellent isolation and maximum gain before feedback, while its small size reduces stage clutter. The Beta 91 is much like the old SM91. Ideal for kick drums, the Beta 91 supplies you with great attack and low-end punch.
AVALON
Their VT-747SP is just out. It’s their Class A tube stereo compressor/limiter with EQ built right in. It’s ideal for high performance DAW input signal conditioning, stereo buss compression-EQ, stereo keyboards and analog mastering applications.