Article

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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Monday, March 30, 2009

Andrew Duafala Named Vice President Of Global Channel Sales For Euphonix

Duafala will be responsible for overseeing the company’s worldwide distribution chain, outlining specific strategies and priorities for existing accounts and formulating new initiatives

Euphonix has announced that Andrew Duafala has been named Vice President of Global Channel Sales, effective immediately.

In this new role, Duafala will be responsible for overseeing the company’s worldwide distribution chain, outlining specific strategies and priorities for existing accounts and formulating new initiatives in order to increase sales for the Artist Series media controllers product line.

“Andrew played a pivotal role in the successful launch of the Artist Series last year,” said Martin Kloiber, Euphonix CEO. “From the onset, he established a solid international distributor base for the products and built key relationships with our US dealers. Now as Vice President, I am certain he will continue to grow our business as he solidifies Euphonix’ reputation in the personal studio market.”

Duafala joined Euphonix as Director of Retail Sales, Worldwide from E-MU Systems in 2007. With nearly two decades of distribution channel experience, Duafala possesses a focused expertise in global management, operations, and customer relationships.

Euphonix Website

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Heil Sound Expands Sales Team With Addition Of Greg McVeigh As Sales Manager

“For me, this move is a natural progression. Heil Sound has great products and some real momentum right now in the marketplace." - Greg McVeigh

Heil Sound announced the appointment of Greg McVeigh as sales manager for its Pro Audio division.

For the past two years, McVeigh and his company Guesthouse Projects has been handling Heil’s PR and artist relations’ duties. The new position will be adjunct to those duties and Guesthouse Projects remains an independent public/artist relations firm.

McVeigh said, “For me, this move is a natural progression. Heil Sound has great products and some real momentum right now in the marketplace. What was lacking was a ‘friend at the factory’ for the sales reps; someone with experience in sales management who can make things happen for them. Heil is in a very good position to ‘go large’ and I want to help make that happen.”

Heil Sound Vice President Sarah Heil added, “Everyone at Heil Sound is very excited that we have Greg on board as our sales manager. Greg has an incredible grasp of what it takes to manage a successful sales network. We have great a great group of reps and Greg has become an integral part of the entire Heil Sound team.”

In related news, Heil Sound has appointed two new rep firms for their US sales efforts. Tandem Sales & Marketing (Jim Giordano, principal) will handle Southern California, and AVA Audio Video Associates (Ben Shipman, principal) will cover Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska.

Heil Sound Website

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TC Electronic Distributing Tannoy StudiMonitors In Europe, China, Japan; Also Distributing Blue Mics

TC Electronic has added Tannoy to the growing list of brands that it is distributing in Europe, China and Japan.

Tannoy is active in three key audio sectors: Residential Audio, Installation Speakers and Studio Monitors. In each of these market sectors, Tannoy continues to incorporate exceptionally highly developed derivatives of the Dual Concentric driver into its products maintaining the sound principles behind the original design concept in that it combines transparent, fluid performance with true point source symmetrical dispersion properties

TC Electronic has also added Blue Microphones to its distribution portfolio. Blue Microphones designs and manufactures its own capsules, which are individually built and tuned by hand.

There are no integrated circuits and the solid state and tube microphone amplifiers are based on a Class A, fully discrete circuit, employing a custom microphone transformer built and wound to Blue specifications. This process results in the unique sound quality that is the trademark of Blue, a sound quality that has won Blue Microphones many high profile users around the world.

The company’s range of microphones includes the award-winning Kiwi, Dragonfly and Woodpecker mics, as well as many others.

For more information:
TC Electronic Website
Tannoy Website
Blue Microphones 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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Shure Incorporated’s Dennis Harburn, 1950-2009

Pro audio industry morns loss of a "true gentleman"

Shure Incorporated announced the passing of Dennis Harburn, Managing Director of Shure Distribution UK. A native of South London, Dennis had been with the Company for 36 years.

“I was shocked and deeply saddened by this news,” said Sandy LaMantia, Shure’s President and CEO. “Dennis had a very long relationship with Shure, as an associate and as a channel partner. His expertise and leadership in the complex United Kingdom audio marketplace were invaluable to Shure throughout those years. He will be greatly missed. My sympathies go out to his family and to our ‘family’ of UK Associates.”

“I met Dennis roughly 20 years ago, but really started to get to know him in 2002 during Shure’s re-acquisition of the Company’s UK Distributorship,” commented Al Hershner, Vice President of Shure’s Asia and Americas Business Units. “He will always be remembered for his integrity, humility, compassion, and his leadership of our operations in the UK, but I will have a lasting memory of his wonderful sense of humor…always able to lighten even the most difficult of moments.”

“Dennis was instrumental in the growth and continued success of this Company,” said Markus Winkler, Managing Director of Shure’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa Business Unit. “He was a special person…a true gentleman. His professionalism and his personality will be missed by all of us at Shure and by those in the professional audio industry who knew him.”

Dennis joined the Company in 1972, when it was Shure Electronics Limited (SEL), as a sales rep for London and the South East (UK), but as SEL shifted to independent ownership, he quickly rose through the ranks as Assistant Sales Manager, Sales Manager, and then Sales Director before being named Managing Director in 2000.

While spending almost his entire career supporting Shure, Dennis also was a classic car enthusiast, a lover of horse riding, and a die-hard fan of Gillingham F.C. According to one of his Associates, “His enthusiasm for music was infectious and there did not appear to be a genre or band that he did not know.”

Dennis is survived by his wife, Nicky, and their three children, Daniel, Paul, and Andrea.

Shure 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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Sontronics Debuts DELTA, A Rugged Ribbon Microphone For Studio & Live Applications

DELTA excels in miking electric guitar cabinets and is designed for applications ranging from subtle electro-acoustic finesse to shred-metal mayhem

The new Sontronics DELTA has been designed to deliver the classic tonality of a traditional ribbon microphone, but with the added reliability and consistency that active electronics offer and rugged build to allow it to be used in live sound applications as well as the studio.

DELTA excels in miking electric guitar cabinets and is designed for applications ranging from subtle electro-acoustic finesse to shred-metal mayhem.

It features optimized sensitivity and 48V pre-amplified electronics to deliver solid audio consistency combined with a significant improvement in signal-to-noise compared with traditional transformer-based ribbon mics.

Before it reached production, DELTA was beta-tested by various studio producers and engineers, all of whom pushed the microphone to the max. Justin Smith, engineer for Queens of the Stone Age and Eagles of Death Metal, states: “The DELTA is amazing. It really handles anything you throw at it, from quiet, non-distorted guitar to balls-to-the-wall, amp-on-11 stuff. As soon as you have more, we want them.”

DELTA is available immediately, and comes in a rugged aluminium flightcase with a unique, highly effective shockmount.

DELTA Technical Specifications
Response: 20Hz - 15kHz
Sensitivity: 11mV/Pa -45dB ±1dB (0dB = 1V/Pa 1,000Hz)
Polar pattern: Figure-of-eight
Impedance: ≤150 Ohms
Equivalent noise level: 14dB (A-weighted)
Max SPL (for 0.5% THD @ 1,000Hz): 135dB
Power source: Phantom power 48V ±4V
Connector: Three-pin XLR

Sontronics 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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