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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Cakewalk Announces VS-700C V-Studio Console Now Available For SONAR 8 Producer

Matched with SONAR 8 Producer, VS-700C provides an exceptionally deep hardware/software integration, offering fluid control over all aspects of SONAR 8 Producer’s creative, editing, and mixing capabilities, maximizing workflow and productivity

The centerpiece of the Cakewalk SONAR V-Studio 700 production system is now available separately as a control surface for SONAR.

Matched with SONAR 8 Producer, VS-700C provides an exceptionally deep hardware/software integration, offering fluid control over all aspects of SONAR 8 Producer’s creative, editing, and mixing capabilities, maximizing workflow and productivity.

The VS-700C’s dedicated implementation of ACT (Active Controller Technology) dynamically remaps controls based on how the user is working in SONAR. Also, with the press of a button, the VS-700C provides instant control over any V-Link compatible video and imaging hardware, including the EDIROL DV-7 line of direct linear video editing systems.

VS-700C Highlights

Channel Section
• Nine 100mm touch-sensitive, motorized faders arranged in a bank of eight channel strips with a master channel
• Users can tab between fader banks and lock/unlock tracks and buses to faders for maximum efficiency when mixing large projects
• Channel Branch Mode is an innovative new mixing mode, where Channel Strip 1 will control the volume of a selected track while the remaining channels control the associated sends for that track
• One-level undo for all faders and encoders, using the ‘Revert to’ feature
• Total control over SONAR 8 mute and solo functionality including Dim Solo, Exclusive Solo, and Layer Mute/Solo

EQ, Send, ACT Section
• Dedicated section of 12 continuous push-button rotary encoders that can be used for EQ, Sends, or ACT control
• When controlling EQ, the rotary encoders edit four stages of parametric EQ gain, frequency, and Q for whichever channel has the focus
• In ACT mode, encoders automatically remap to control effect, instrument, or mix parameters of whatever view or plug-in has focus within SONAR

Surround and Video Implementation
• Full surround implementation with Joystick Panner, F/R Balance, LFE Send, and Width controls
• Multifunction T-bar for surround F/R balance and video hardware control
• Automate multiple surround parameters simultaneously
• Control video mixers/editors/presenters that support V-LINK protocol

Access, Project Navigation, Editing
• Control plug-in for SONAR provides user-definable presets that change the functionality of the VS-700C depending on tasks or workflow preferences
• Access Panel provides one-button functionality to call up different views and utilities; allows custom assignments from over 45 SONAR commands
• Joystick can move plug-in windows around your screen
• In addition to F/R balance and Video hardware control, the T-Bar offers: X-Ray option to fade plug-in windows in/out to allow access to the views below and the T-Bar can also be used as a dedicated ACT controller
• Complete SONAR transport functionality not available from any other control surface, including Audition, Rewind, Fast Forward, RTZ/GTE, and Pause
• Jog and shuttle wheels and Free Edit cursors for project navigation, scrubbing and zoom; provides complete scroll and zoom functionality, including flyover mode which lets you navigate around a project
• Use jog wheel to move, crop and fade clip(s), as well as time-stretch
• Select clips and time ranges, even across tracks and layers
• Split and mute clips with the touch of a button
• Insert, delete, bypass and control any VST effect from the control surface
• Mackie Control protocol support, provides basic compatibility (transport, faders, jog/shuttle, etc.) with other Windows DAWs

Display
• A 2 x 13 LCD display for track names, parameter values, and markers
• 7 Segment LCD display for time-code and now time position
• Responsive metering for each channel

SONAR V-Studio 700 offers a feature-rich music production system that is accessible by a broad range of users.

SONAR customers who purchase the VS-700C can later purchase the VS-700R I/O to experience the full benefits offered by the complete SONAR V-Studio 700 system, which includes hardware control of the VS-700R from the VS-700C, 19 input channels, 8 digitally-controlled mic pres with compression on each channel, and onboard Fantom VS synthesizer featuring 1,400 patches with ARX expansion board capability, among many other features.

Cakewalk Website

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Euphonix Unveils MC Transport For Artist Series Media Controllers

New controller offers seamless control of media applications

Euphonix has announced MC Transport, the latest addition to its line of Artist Series media controllers, bringing speed, resolution and software integration of Euphonix’ high-end controllers to the personal studio.

MC Transport ships with a comprehensive set of preprogrammed soft keys for all major audio and video applications that instantly come up whenever each application is in focus.

All soft keys, transport controls and numeric keys are also fully customizable, and can be easily programmed for a variety of functions to suit your workflow.

The slim-line MC Transport connects to a workstation via Ethernet and can be used either stand-alone or connected to additional Euphonix MC Mix and/or MC Control media controllers to create a larger, integrated control surface (up to four MC Mixes, one MC Transport and one MC Control can be connected).

MC Transport features EuCon, a high-speed control protocol developed by Euphonix that enables simultaneous control of multiple applications and even workstations over an Ethernet cable at 250 times the speed and eight times the resolution of MIDI.

EuCon automatically detects whatever application is in the foreground and instantly sets MC Transport’s controls, high-resolution display and programmable soft keys to match.

Euphonix has worked closely with leading software developers like Apple, Steinberg, MOTU and others to deeply integrate native EuCon support into their audio and video applications to provide high-resolution, high-speed control over almost all software functions.

MC Transport also supports the HUI and Mackie Control protocols for even greater flexibility, at a faster speed and higher resolution than any other controllers.

MC Transport is expected to be available at authorized Euphonix retailers in June 2009 at an estimated street price of $399.99. Features:

Jog Wheel
The weighted, optically encoded jog wheel provides you with professional, ultra-high resolution navigation of your timeline, and can be instantly assigned to control a host of other parameters like zooming horizontally/vertically, trimming clip head and tail, setting clip gain, cross fading, etc. by simply pressing the appropriate soft key.

Shuttle Ring
MC Transport’s optically encoded shuttle ring features a revolutionary, spring-loaded design with rubberized surface for effortless one-handed operation. Shuttle ring response can be customized for each of your favorite media applications, and as with the jog wheel, its functionality can be switched on the fly via the programmable soft keys.

Transport/Navigation Controls
MC Transport offers you seven programmable transport/navigation keys with multi-color status LEDs. These controls automatically switch to match whatever application is in focus and can be customized to suit your workflow. When used in conjunction with MC Transport’s function (shift) key, these transport controls serve as soft keys that can be programmed with additional navigation and editing functions.

Numeric Keypad
MC Transport provides you with an integrated numeric keypad that offers easy entry of locate operations like time code and marker navigation, as well as quick parameter editing. Like the transport controls, all 16 numeric keys also function as programmable soft keys when used in conjunction with the function key.

Soft Keys
MC Transport features six soft keys that provide you with quick access to application functions at the touch of a button. These same six Soft Keys (plus the transport and numeric keys) provide you with another 29 programmable soft keys when used in conjunction with the function key.

MC Transport ships with a comprehensive set of preprogrammed soft keys for all major audio and video applications that instantly come up whenever each application is in focus. You can also customize these soft keys for a variety of functions to suit your workflow.

From triggering simple keystroke commands and custom macros to changing the functionality of the jog wheel and shuttle ring, the included Soft Key Editor lets you quickly edit and save your favorite soft keys for each application you use.

Euphonix Website

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Friday, March 27, 2009

Odds On Records & Studios Opens Doors On New $2 Million Recording Facility In Nevada

Facility offers largest Solid State Logic (SSL) Duality console in the U.S.

Odds On Records & Studios is celebrating the grand opening of its $2 million multi-faceted recording facility in Henderson, Nevada, just outside of Las Vegas, and featuring both vintage and state-of-the-art gear as the largest duality console in North America, a 96-input Solid State Logic (SSL) Duality.

Bobby Ferrari, head of audio production as well as the development and installation of the new facility, is excited about what Odds On will have to offer its clientele.

“We’re all about putting customer service back into the record making process,” says Ferrari. “We have great lounges and private areas, lots of vintage outboard gear and classic microphones combined with state-of-the-art large format analog consoles and the latest in Pro Tools technology. We also have numerous acoustic environments and a highly skilled staff.  In the end, you have artists who are artistically satisfied with superior product.”

In addition to the newly built main tracking room where the Duality is situated, the new 12,000-square-foot building comprises a new mixing studio that furnishes an 80-input SSL 9000 K console, as well as a writing, editing and production suite that features an SSL Matrix. Each of the rooms, built by Acoustician Carl Yanchar of Yanchar Design & Consulting Group, also has its own client lounge.

The studio is outfitted with an array of high-tech equipment including Allen Sides’ Ocean Way monitors, 40 x 80 Pro Tools inputs and outputs in each room, as well as outboard gear and universal audio A/D converters. 

Paying homage to the classic days of the record industry, Odds On Records & Studios is equipped with a collection of restored vintage tube microphones (restoration by David Bock of Bock Audio), including models from AKG, Gefell and Neumann.  It also houses original LA-2A compressors, Focusrite/Neve era outboard gear, classic API audio products, Blackface UREI compressors and several vintage delays and reverbs.

Anyone recording at the facility receives first-hand guidance from two of the world’s leading industry experts, three-time Grammy award-winning James “Bonzai” Caruso, who is chief audio engineer and in-house producer, and multi-platinum Engineer Sean O’Dwyer.

Odds On Records & Studios took nine months to build.  It is currently in the final phase of construction for its mastering suite, which is expected to open by summer 2009. Already gaining momentum in the Las Vegas area, it has hosted several A-list artists including Alicia Keys, Akon, T.I., Smash Mouth lead singer Steve Harwell and Huey Lewis as well as Motown Legend Mary Wilson, the Band, Ultraviolet Sound, and up and coming Australian group, Blue King Brown.

See more of Odds On here - www.oddsonrecording.com

Solid State Logic Website

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Thursday, March 26, 2009

New UAD 4K Series, Emulating SSL 4000, Joins Universal Audio Family of Plug Ins

The UAD 4K Channel Strip is an exacting circuit emulation of the SSL 4000 G+, while the UAD 4K Buss Compressor faithfully models the 4000 G+ buss compressor

Universal Audio has announced the release of the UAD 4K Channel Strip and UAD 4K Buss Compressor plug-ins to its UAD platform.

The UAD 4K Channel Strip is an exacting circuit emulation of the SSL 4000 G+, complete with the Type E “black knob” four-band EQ widely held to be the favorite in SSL’s console lineage.

The companion UAD 4K Buss Compressor, with its simple control set and transparent compression characteristics, faithfully models the 4000 G+ buss compressor.

The UAD 4K Channel Strip sells for $249, while the UAD 4K Buss Compressor is available for $199.

Each of the UAD 4K plug-ins includes a 14-day fully functional demo and is now available for purchase to UAD-1 and UAD-2 owners.

“Universal Audio’s UAD 4K plug-ins finally give fans of the SSL large format consoles DAW tools that truly capture the myriad of circuit and sonic details that made the 4000 such a fantastic desk to work on,” commented UA Product Manager Will Shanks. “We were happy to meet customer’s requests for these amazing tools”.

Features:
· The UAD 4K plug-ins emulate the hit-making sound of the SSL 4000
· UAD circuit emulation of the 4000 G+ with the beloved Type E “black knob” EQ
· Flexible channel compressor range from transparent to “in your face”
· Highly responsive channel Gate including “no-chatter” mode derived from later SSL designs
· Specially tailored buss compressor characteristics ideal for the full mix or subgroups
· Fixed Attack, Release and Ratio buss compressor settings

Universal Audio Website

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TC Electronic Debuts BMC-2 High Definition Digital-To-Analog Converter & Monitor Control

The BMC-2 is a self-contained desktop unit and can be operated without a Mac or PC (although it interfaces easily with both), providing instant control of sound levels and switching between three digital input sources – S/PDIF, AES3, TOS and ADAT.

At the upcoming Musikmesse in Frankfurt, TC Electronic is introducing the BMC-2, a dedicated digital-to-analog converter and monitor control that’s suited for use with digital and analog loudspeakers.

The BMC-2 is a self-contained desktop unit and can be operated without a Mac or PC (although it interfaces easily with both), providing instant control of sound levels and switching between three digital input sources – S/PDIF, AES3, TOS and ADAT. It also confirms if inputs are synchronous.

The BMC-2 drives one set of analog loudspeakers, one set of digital loudspeakers as well as a set of headphones. Calibrated listening is available with both sets of loudspeakers and the headphone output. Reference level monitoring (REF function) can be activated with the push of a button, attenuating the output to a user-defined sound pressure level.

It will also re-clock all inputs and incorporates high-performance jitter rejection based on TC’s patented JET technology that was originally developed for the System 6000.

Analog output offers wide dynamic range on XLR connectors. Peak level metering and Integrity Check – or ‘iCheck’ – is also available on the selected input. iCheck reveals if the signal is spatially compromised; for example, because of data reduction, such as MP3 or AAC encoded at too low a bit rate.

TC Electronic Website

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Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Sales Rep Firm Audio Agent To Represent Euphonix Artist Series In Western U.S.

Niche pro audio rep firm to sell versatile DAW controllers

Audio Agent LLC has announced an agreement with Euphonix to become the Western U.S. representatives for the brand’s Artist Series media controllers.

Specifically, the new alliance will focus on the growing value-added-reseller (VAR) sales channel serving the pro audio, video, post, film and broadcast markets.

“Since its introduction just over a year ago, the Artist Series has rapidly become the world’s dominant line of DAW controllers” commented Euphonix VP of Channel Sales Andrew Duafala. “Audio Agent is uniquely qualified to help Euphonix build on this success and develop new markets in the Western U.S. with additional resellers while maximizing the standard MI channel.”

“It’s no wonder that demand for the Artist Series is growing,” stated Audio Agent’s Jeremy Stappard. “The products’ ability to seamlessly shift between so many applications from Ableton, Apogee, Apple, Digidesign, Metric Halo, MOTU, Steinberg and Propellerheads, is irresistible to high-throughput sound designers, composers and editors.

“This is exactly the type of bridge-building technology our industry needs right now and we’re proud to be helping Euphonix spread the word.”

Euphonix Website

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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Solid State Logic AWS 900+ Console The Centerpiece Of Christina Aguilera’s Private Studio

Top level talent working with top level console for creative sessions

When searching for the right combination of equipment to live within the space confines of a home creative environment, Studio Engineer Oscar Ramirez, who has worked with Kanye West, P. Diddy and Aftermath Records, suggested a Solid State Logic AWS 900+ console to drive the resident Pro Tools system for Christina Aguilera’s private studio.

“I had used the AWS 900+ at another studio and so I was very familiar with its capabilities,” says Ramirez. “This particular console became available to us and I strongly recommended making it the centerpiece of Christina’s studio over simply getting a control surface to run Pro Tools.

“For the mission of the studio, the AWS was the best choice because it is a real console that gives us that great SSL sound. When you are dealing with top level talent and producers, you really need to deliver and the AWS delivers.”

According to Ramirez, one of the considerations was that the AWS 900+ does not need a separate machine room and that worked for the budget and the space requirements of the control room. The studio room is large enough for a drummer, a bass player and a guitarist to jam out, so the space savings with the AWS was a big plus for this studio.

Aguilera’s design team additionally purchased eight channels of XLogic mic amps and dynamics modules to augment the 24-channels available on the console, yielding a full 32-channels of industry leading SuperAnalogue sound.

“We have been using the console for just over a month and everything has been going great with the console,” states Ramirez. “We’re doing the whole writing and recording process at the studio with Christina and we are working right now on some projects. The beauty of the AWS is that if we have to go to a bigger studio, the tracks we create with the AWS are finished tracks because the quality is there. We can also get amazing mixes out of the console. I really love working with the AWS.”

Solid State Logic (SSL) Website

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Monday, March 23, 2009

TC Electronic Offering New Mastering, Production and Studio Complete Bundles For Pro Tools

The cost of the Studio Complete bundle offers a significant saving over buying the two bundles individually

TC Electronic is offering three new collections of TDM plug-ins for Pro Tools: Mastering, Production, and Studio Complete.

The Mastering bundle provides all of the tools needed to bring professional quality mastering to DAW in one convenient software pack. It includes the MD3 Stereo Mastering package for quality in mastering, Brickwall Limiter, Unwrap for stereo to 5.1 upmixing, and Master X3, a virtual incarnation of the industry standard TC Electronic Finalizer.

Production bundle has six plug-ins to give mixes a lift and a professional edge. These include NonLin2 for vocal, percussive and effected reverb; DVR2 for modulation and spectral effects; VSS3 for the ultimate in accurate spatial reverbs, MD3 for stereo mastering; Tube-Tech CL1B for tube compressor/limiter emulation; and Harmony4 for natural, intelligent vocal harmonies.

The Studio Complete bundle contains all of the plug-ins found in the Mastering and Production bundles - MD3 Stereo Mastering, Brickwall Limiter, Unwrap, MasterX3, NonLin2, DVR2, VSS3, Tube-Tech CL1B, and Harmony4.

The cost of the Studio Complete bundle offers a significant saving over buying the two bundles individually.

There is a cross-grade program for users of older, discontinued products, including Voice Tools, MegaReverb, TC Reverb, Master X5, TC Tools and TDM Works. Further, there is also an upgrade path for users who own the following products: Master X3, DVR2, NonLin2, Harmony4, Tube-Tech CL-1B, VSS3, MD3 and Unwrap.

To upgrade or crossgrade, go to http://tcsupport.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/tcsupport.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php

TC Electronic Website

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Friday, March 20, 2009

Digidesign Currently Offering New Pro Tools LE Hardware Exchange Program

Also comes with free Pro Tools 8 software and provides access to the all-new 003 Rack+ Factory Pro Tools LE hardware interface that includes eight built-in mic preamps

Digidesign is currently offering all registered owners of a Digi ToolBox, Digi 001, Digi 002, Digi 002 Rack, Mbox, Mbox 2 Mini, Mbox 2, or Mbox 2 Pro system the ability to exchange their system up for a 003-based Pro Tools LE system.

The program comes with free Pro Tools 8 software, and also provides access to the all-new 003 Rack+ Factory Pro Tools LE hardware interface that includes eight built-in mic preamps.

In addition, owners are able to utilize the new 003 Complete bundles, which pair a 003 Factory or 003 Rack Factory system with the Complete Production Toolkit — supporting up to 7.1 surround mixing, up to 128 simultaneous audio tracks, over $2,650 in additional effects and virtual instrument plug-ins, and much more.

Finally, the program also offers access to the new Music Production Toolkit 2, a more powerful plug-in arsenal, support for up to 64 simultaneous stereo audio tracks, and more.

Find out more about the program here - http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?navid=48&langid=100&itemid=37151

Digidesign Website

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Thursday, March 19, 2009

Propellerhead Software Updates Its Recycle Package & Offers Free Video Tutorial

ReCycle lets artists do with sampled loops and phrases what they can do with beats and riffs programmed from individual sounds.

Propellerhead updates the ReCycle package with a new look and streamlined packaging, and includes a detailed, hour-long video tutorial from ASK Video that helps users get started with the ReCycle toolkit. In the tutorial, ASK Video’s Mike Baggley takes users step by step from installing and setting up ReCycle to turning concrete-rigid loops into musical modeling clay in no time.

ReCycle lets artists do with sampled loops and phrases what they can do with beats and riffs programmed from individual sounds. Producers use Recycle for making loops tempo-independent, and as a quick phrase editor for easy comping, mash ups and remix work.

Load any sampled sound into ReCycle, the program will look at the file, analyze it, and slice it up into its rhythmic components. The file can then be rearranged, pitched or have its tempo freely adjusted. Artists have full control over the individual slices and can alter the timing or even quantize the groove, keep the feel of the loop and replace the sounds with their own.

A favorite among sound designers and producers, ReCycle’s REX format is supported by all major music software titles including applications such as Apple Logic, Digidesign Pro Tools, Steinberg Cubase, Cakewalk Sonar, Ableton Live, MOTU Digital Performer and Propellerhead Reason, and software instruments such as Native Instruments Kontakt, Spectrasonics Stylus RMX or Digidesign Transfuser.

Propellerhead Website

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EASTWEST Offering Free Download Of Latest PLAY Audio Engine Software

Fast streaming performance, more than 400 stereo voices

EASTWEST announces a free update for its PLAY audio engine software — PLAY v1.2.0. - available as a free download on the company’s website (www.soundsonline.com/updates.php) for both Mac and Windows platforms in both standalone and plug-in versions.

“This update to PLAY offers our users a new ASE streaming engine that delivers the fastest streaming performance of any sampler, more than 400 stereo voices (800 voices, streaming)” says Producer and Founder of EASTWEST Doug Rogers.

Changes and enhancements in PLAY Software Update version 1.2.0 include:
• Improved save times for instrument files on windows.
• New ASE streaming engine.
• New micro tunings for Quantum Leap Silk and Quantum Leap Ra.
• Extended streaming setting dialog with reset engine functionality.
• Resolved mute bug issue.
• Fixed sustain pedal threshold.
• Improved fonts for Stormdrum 2 and Orchestra.
• Implemented poly aftertouch automation.
• Product libraries entries in the browser now can be changed, added or deleted.
• Fixed portamento and first silent note issue.
• Resolved FL Studio GUI issue.
• Fixed voice swapping issue.
• Improved installer

The streaming engine found in PLAY v1.2.0 will also be offered with PLAY PRO due for release in April.

EASTWEST Website

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Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Barry’s DAW Toolkit: Review Of The Novation Nocturn With Automap 3 Pro

If you've spent any time at all using plug-ins to coax a great-sounding mix from "inside the box," Nocturn is like manna from DAW hardware heaven!

My DAW desktop surface is more crowded than ever—-and I’m loving it! I just added the new Novation Nocturn Plug-in Controller to my small army of DAW accessories.

As DAW plug-ins become more complex and intense, their GUIs (graphical user interface) have become more jam packed with more parameter controls than ever! And in order to keep their GUI’s screen size to a minimum, the controls and buttons keep getting smaller and smaller.

Even though I get new glasses often, the controls are not getting any easier to find, touch and adjust with a mouse. Plus during the course of working many hours adjusting plug-in after plug-in, my right hand and arm get very sore.

If you’ve spent any time at all using plug-ins to coax a great-sounding mix from “inside the box,” Nocturn is like manna from DAW hardware heaven! “At last, at last, great almighty, free at last!” my carpal tunnels rejoice!

Novation Nocturn
Nocturn is a dedicated controller surface for instant and intelligent control of any automatable plug-in within every major sequencer/DAW, including Pro Tools, on both Macs and PCs. It’s totally compatible with VST, AU, RTAS and TDM host systems/computers.

Ultra low in profile, Nocturn measures 9.41 by 5.39 inches and lies flat on any desktop—I have mine between my QWERTY keyboard and monitor.

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It connects via a side-mounted USB spigot and has eight, touch-sensitive continuous encoders each ringed with 11 red LEDs. These encoder LEDs provide visual feedback that the parameters you’re adjusting on Nocturn are changing in the plug-in. It’s cool to see them change after you’ve automated a parameter(s) too.

In addition, there are eight large backlit large push buttons, a 45mm crossfader, and a Speed Dial for instant access to any plug-in parameter—just hover over any parameter on the plug’s GUI with the mouse and adjust it with Speed Dial. There are also eight more lighted buttons specific to using Nocturn and its sidekick, the Automap 3 Pro software.

Nocturn uses Automap 3 Pro software to automatically assign plug-in parameters to each of the controller knobs and buttons.

To set Automap 3 to work programming Nocturn before launching Pro Tools, I called up the Plug-In Manager software to scan all my plugs and map them.

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The software creates a copy of the plug-in software and adds its wrapper. This wrapper adds Nocturn’s frame around the plug’s GUI so you know what plug has been wrapped when you insert it into your session.

Now when I call up any wrapped plug-in, a transparent Control Map Window appears along side the plug’s GUI to show which Nocturn controllers control which parameters on the focused plug-in.

The Control Map appears and disappears using Nocturn’s View button.

Nocturn’s GUI has as many layers available as there are map-able parameters in a plug-in. You can also repeat parameters on each page (such as the Bypass button or parameters that you would always adjust together such as frequency and boost/cut on an EQ) just use the Add A Page function—for as many (or few) parameters as you want to control.

I found this whole scheme to work amazingly well considering all the quirky developer differences between all the plug-ins out there—I know because I have hundreds of plug-ins! Auto Map 3 Pro works very well in mapping all the parameters of plug-ins with dozens of automatable controls.

Things are not perfect however. I see that most of the time the Bypass In/out button of a plug-in is mapped to a knob. It works fine but I prefer the lower left button as my standardized location for bypass.

No problemo as Automap 3 Pro has a “learn” function where any button or control knob can be assigned to any function you want.

You can drag and drop knobs to buttons within the Control Map Window or simply turn or push the button on the plug’s GUI and its operation is instantly mirrored on Nocturn. Once you save your changes as part of the plug-in’s default map, you’re done—it can’t be any simpler than this!

Automap 3 also categorizes all your control maps and a simple browsing facility lets you review all open plug-ins to quickly switch to control any of them. Automap 3 also supports standard MIDI and HUI protocols for controlling and assigning MIDI parameters to a hardware MIDI device, any non-automatable plug-ins, or mixer control in your sequencer.

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A growing number of pre-made maps will be available to download from www.novationmusic.com

Using Nocturn
Without a console or console-like controller, I mix in the box these days using a large Pro Tools HD Accel rig. With these accessories and especially Nocturn, it is wonderful to get back some tactile sensation when mixing—adjusting volume, EQs, compressors, reverbs etc.

I often automate plug-ins for both effect treatments and fixing poor sounding recordings. Be able to twist an EQ knob or move a real fader for vocal rides are about the only things I miss from old school mixing. FaderPort gives me the fader and Nocturn everything else—I have no excuses now for better mixes!!

So, in a way, I’m reconnecting with my “roots” using modern technology and Nocturn helps to make it happen. I’ve been adding and modifying new maps everyday of the plugs I often use and Automap 3 Pro has got me covered already with reverbs and other multi-effect processor plug-ins.

So get back to mixing using real controls and keep the mousing to a minimum! Novation Nocturn sells for $249.99 (MSRP). It ships with version 2.1 software and buyers can download free version 3. Automap 3.0 PRO is a payable upgrade, at $29.99 via www.focusrite-estore.com. The differences are shown at: http://www.novationmusic.com/products/software/automap/

Check http://www.novationmusic.com for much more. Direct link to purchase Novation Nocturn.

More Reviews & Articles By Barry Rudolph
Review Of The X-Tempo Pok DAW Wireless Footswitch Controller
Barry’s Toolkit Of Handy DAW Products
Recording Gear Hits At The 2009 Winter NAMM Show
Working At Recording Success: Taking Elemental Steps Can Make All The Difference
Recording Tip: Successfully Dealing With A Dead Room

Related PSW Recording Articles
Recording Microphone Techniques To Produce Warm, Spacious Stereo, By Bruce Bartlett
What Is Greatness? (In Recorded Music, That Is…), By Fletcher
How To Compare & Hear Differences In Microphones, By Ty Ford
Watch Out For The Big Lie: “We’ll Fix That During Mastering”, By Jackson B. Jackson

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Dadd’s Production Studio Develops Artists, Gives Students Hands-On Audio-Visual Experience

The message has resonated with students at the Savannah Arts Academy, who learn practical skills

Eric Winbush built his professional audio and video studio from the ground up. “I’m an expert in hanging sheetrock, electrical wiring and plumbing,” he said. “I can build a house now.”

But his real specialty is recognizing and mentoring talent. Dadd’s Production, as the studio is known, is a busy place that works with a stable of in-house talent. Winbush also volunteers his talents to students at the Savannah Arts Academy, who receive hands-on training with professional grade audio-visual equipment.

Winbush broke into the music industry as a guitar player for Mary Davis of the S.O.S. Band after they had scored big hits in the disco era with “Take Your Time,” “Just Be Good To Me” and “The Finest.” He also did live sound engineering for touring groups, including Con Funk Shun, the Gap Band and the Bar Kays.

Tired of being split between his studio, which he founded in 1994, and the road, he became stationary in Savannah in 2001 and began running his studio as a record company. Seeking more room in 2006, he bought a new building in the Garden City neighborhood and constructed his 4,000 square foot dream space, completed in August, 2008.

“I was lucky to get a shot in the music business and start Dadd’s to bring out the serious talent among young and old musicians in this area that would probably never otherwise be exposed,” he said.

Dadd’s features a recording studio, a black box theater, a video conference room, manufacturing room, dance studio and a TV/radio broadcast studio. At the behest of Ellis Garvin, a tour guide/writer, he also recently produced “A Virtual Tour of Our Two Savannahs,” a video documentary that chronicles the city’s history.

Winbush utilizes many key pieces of Yamaha gear, including an 02R96 digital mixing console, HS monitors, a Motif ES synthesizer and a Motif XS rack effects processor. He also uses Cubase music production software and Nuendo post-production software from Steinberg.

Rather than just make CD’s with his budding musical acts, which include Simply Amazing, Jimmy Brown from the band Brick, Zan and Jeanette Illidge, he also offers guidance along with full-service media and promotion services.

“We’re not just producing a recording as the end process, I want the artists to know what to do with their projects,” he said. “I’m looking to take them from start to finish.”

Winbush has sponsored concerts that feature his artists in the studio’s theater. “If you can’t get a gig at a club due to the economy, gig here,” he said.

The message has resonated with students at the Savannah Arts Academy, who learn practical skills on his equipment. The school doesn’t teach recording techniques, said band director Michael Hutchinson, but around 10 of his charges stay after class lets out to learn from Winbush, who volunteers his time.

Sometimes he records the school’s award-winning SkyeLite Jazz Band and the Silver Winds Ensemble, other times the bands perform and record at Dadd’s. For the jazz band’s first CD, “Tuesdays,” Winbush captured the ensemble parts at the school and the soloists laid down their improvisations at the studio.

When the school sought to buy a Yamaha grand piano, they held a chicken dinner and sold CD’s, among other fundraising activities.

“We worked for years raising the money, but that CD put us over the top and enabled us to buy the piano,” said Hutchinson. “It’s great to work with such a professional studio and our students have learned a lot from our collaboration with Eric.”

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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Dave Weckl, Other Top Drummers Incorprating Daking In Recording Gear Setups

“I have five Mic Pre/EQs, for kick, two snares and overheads, and two Mic Pre IVs for toms, room and anything else I record. I also have two of his FET Compressor IIs." - Dave Weckl

Several top drummers are integrating Geoffrey Daking & Co. microphone preamps, equalizers and compressors into their recording setups, including, most recently, Dave Weckl, as well as manufacturer Drum Workshop and Billy Ward.

Jazz-fusion drummer Weckl equipped his Los Angeles studio with thirteen channels of Daking mic preamps and a pair of compressors.

“I have five Mic Pre/EQs, for kick, two snares and overheads, and two Mic Pre IVs for toms, room and anything else I record. I also have two of his FET Compressor IIs,” reports Weckl, who, in addition to leading a band and maintaining a busy schedule as a sideman, also offers a “tracks by mail” service for artists worldwide.

“Being that I will generally not mix the song, I want to insure that the client gets ‘my’ sound right out of the box,” he continues. “The Daking gear allows that to happen, allowing me to tailor the EQ and compression going in to the files. This way, all they pretty much have to do is put up the faders and the sound is there for a great starting drum sound.”

Founder Don Lombardi, who originally started Drum Workshop as a teaching institute, has now established Drum Channel, a video-based web destination for the drumming community. Drum Channel films instructional videos, master classes, interviews and concerts featuring a who’s who of top drummers at its HD video studio in Oxnard, California.

At the sound stage, says Scott Donnell, director of marketing for Drum Workshop, Inc., “We have eight channels of Daking Mic Pre IVs. We also have two of the FET Compressor IIs. We use those on stereo overheads a lot of the time.”

The Digidesign Pro Tools-equipped facility includes a variety of analog signal processing equipment, continues Donnell. “In today’s recording world,” he adds, “everybody is trying to warm the digital signals up. Since we’re using a control surface we’re not getting any tone out of a mixing console. So having the Daking stuff here is saving our butts!”

As it turns out, Billy Ward, who has been using the equipment since the early 1990s, is responsible for originally turning both Weckl and Drum Workshop onto Daking.

“Not only them, but also Bruce Gaitsch, Richard Marx, Jack Petruzzelli, and a whole lot of people,” laughs Ward, an avid educator, as well as a busy session drummer and leader of the Billy Ward Trio. “My studio started with four Daking mic pres and four mics, to record drums for composers and records and to keep me from traveling.” Now, in addition to also owning the first eight-channel mixer that Daking manufactured, he says, “I have eight channels of his mic pres and five limiters. I love Geoff’s stuff.”

According to Ward, Daking equipment makes it easy to get a great drum sound: “The Dakings have a fidelity and they move everything forward,” he says. “A lot of people love them for vocals because they move the vocals so forward in the mix, and it’s so shimmery and pretty. You might think another mic pre sounds better, but if you’re making a record, you can have 32 channels of his pres and it sounds like a great record, as opposed to some other products where, if you stacked them up, it would be kind of sloppy.”

“Plus,” he continues, “his limiters are really amazing, too. In a way they may be the best things he makes. They’re so invisible, and yet you can get abusive in a musical way with them. It’s really good stuff.”

Weckl is also an avid fan of the equipment. “I love the depth, punch and true clarity of sound they capture on my own drums,” he says “and love the feel and quality of the knobs, and how solid all the units feel. I was also impressed with the spec sheet, reading about all the components used. This is serious gear!”

But inexperienced engineers should not be put off by Daking equipment’s high-end reputation. Ward points out, “The fact is, his EQs, for instance, are very forgiving for inexperienced ears. With all of his stuff you can be quite clumsy and still send something out to your client that sounds like a record.”

Donnell at Drum Workshop concurs, noting also that it’s possible to obtain great sounds quickly using Daking equipment. “There are some pretty nifty settings,” he adds, “those Fairchild presets on the FET Compressor, for instance. We’re not cutting high-budget records and getting sounds on drums for two days, so having that user-friendly interface and being able to get sounds really quickly with the Daking stuff has been a huge help.”

TransAudioGroup Website

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Monday, March 16, 2009

Now Shipping: AmpliTube Fender, The Official Fender Software Amplifier and Effects Suite

AmpliTube Fender offers a selection of 45 of the most sought-after classic and modern Fender guitar and bass amps, cabinets, stompboxes and rack effects

IK Multimedia and Fender Musical Instruments Corporation have announced that the new AmpliTube Fender is now shipping.

AmpliTube Fender offers a selection of 45 of the most sought-after classic and modern Fender guitar and bass amps, cabinets, stompboxes and rack effects, including the ‘65 Twin Reverb, ‘59 Bassman LTD, ‘57 Deluxe, ‘64 Vibroverb Custom, ‘65 Deluxe Reverb, Vibratone, Super-Sonic, Metalhead, Fender Blender, Phaser, Fuzz-Wah, and many others.

AmpliTube Fender is the result of two years of collaboration between Fender and IK Multimedia. Shane Nicholas, Fender’s senior Marketing Manager for guitar amps said: “The thrill of plugging into a great tube amp will never die, but the convenience of plugging right into your computer is really compelling, and that’s not going away either.

“That’s why we partnered up with IK Multimedia to offer recording enthusiasts a quality software suite that models the sound, feel, and look of the best Fender amps. This is the real-deal palette of iconic Fender tones that will inspire creativity and help you make great music.”

Features
• Stand-alone and plug-in software for all the most popular VST/AU/RTAS platforms
• 12 of the most influential guitar amps of all time with 12 original matching cabinets and more
• 6 signature classic stomp effects and 6 rack effects
• Tone flexibility: mix and match amps, cabinets, mics and more
• Sound-certified and approved by Fender
• 5 modules: digital tuner, stomp pedal board, amp head, cabinet plus mic, and rack effects
• 2 fully configurable rigs with up to 32 simultaneous effects
• SpeedTrainer, IK’s media player and riff learning module, and Riffworks T4 recording software
• Can be expanded with any “Powered by AmpliTube” models using X-GEAR
• Can be controlled live with StompIO, StealthPedal or any other MIDI controller
• Hundreds of presets included, with more online in the AmpliTube Preset XChange area
• “Powered by AmpliTube” with DSM and new VRM technology

AmpliTube Fender is available through select IK Multimedia dealers around the world and in the IK online store in two versions: AmpliTube Fender and AmpliTube Fender Studio, which includes StealthPlug USB audio cable interface and AmpliTube Fender SE (15 pieces of select gear with 4 amps, 5 cabinets, 2 stompboxes, 2 mics, 2 rack FX), plus Riffworks T4 for guitar recording and AmpliTube X-GEAR for full expandability with any “Powered by AmpliTube” software.

MSRP for AmpliTube Fender is $229.99; MSRP for AmpliTube Fender Studio is $139.99.

For more information, go to www.amplitube.com/fender

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