It’s time to get caught up on cool new stuff arriving at Sweetwater. Some of the items on this list have been in stock for a while now, but we get so much new stuff in every day that inSync can’t keep up. Here goes:
The Vipre Variable Impedance Microphone Preamp from Groove Tubes is exactly what aficionados of the tube sound and operation have been waiting for. The Vipre is all tube, just like it says. No chips. It’s the only preamp designed to enhance the characteristics of virtually any mic, and offers an amazing degree of tonal control.
Samson just sent us a couple models in their S COM line of affordable pro signal processors. First up is the S COM, a dual channel compressor/limiter, expander/gate with enhancer. They also sent us the S COM 4, a flexible single-rack space device with four channels of high quality dynamics processing with an expander/gate and compressor/limiter on each channel. Both these units not only perform extremely well, but they are remarkably easy to use.
Roland’s brand new EM-15 creative keyboard is now in stock. This is an affordable arranger keyboard designed to let fledgling composers and musicians have a little fun while they’re getting an education. Among its other great features is a pro-quality 16-part multitimbral sound engine with 226 GM2/GS-compatible sounds and 9 drum kits. It also includes some interactive educational games to help newcomers learn their way around and a built-in stereo sound system.
Emagic’s EMI 2|6 is a very cool, USB audio interface, so compact and lightweight you can take it with you anywhere. You get instant plug-and-play operation without the need for an external power supply.
Sony’s long-awaited CDR-W66 professional CD recorder picks up where their popular CDR-W33 left off, adding some cool new features for high-end studios and professional broadcast.
Paul Reed Smith just delivered a new Santana SE guitar. The SE line brings the quality and distinctive sound of one of the company’s most popular models to a new low price point. The SE instruments feature a solid mahogany body and glued in mahogany neck with a slightly longer (25″) scale length, two humbucking pickups, and 3 way pickup selector with master tone and volume controls. This particular model features a translucent Royal Blue finish.
Akai’s MPC 2000XL Special Edition is the tool of choice for thousands of Hip-Hop, dance, and electronica artists. It’s a complete production center, a sampler, drum machine and MIDI sequencer all in one instrument. This special chrome edition just rolled through our doors.
Nuendo recently sent us their Nuendo for Mac, a version of their audio production software for – you guessed it – Macintosh.
The i2p is a 24.75″ scale, single cutaway model for Brian Moore’s i2000 series of affordable electrics. The i2p features a set neck, highly figured maple top, RMC Piezo for true acoustic tone and a Cherry Sunburst finish. Also, straight from Brain Moore’s Custom Shop to Sweetwater is the DC/2, a six-string electric with 13-pin MIDI access.
Audix’s OM Series are awesome dynamic workhorse microphones for live applications. They’re affordable, durable, and work well just about everywhere. The OM3 is a great example, delivering unsurpassed gain before feedback.
Another beautiful Dobro from Gibson. The DW90C is a cutaway wood body Dobro with a flat fingerboard, ideal for bottle neck playing. A 10 1/2″ resonator cone delivers the distinctive 30’s sound perfectly.