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Friday, March 23, 2012

Roland Systems Group Releases Software Update To Flagship M-480 V-Mixer

 
Roland Systems Group (RSG) has released a new firmware update (V1.5) for their popular M-480 V-Mixer console. This firmware update comes only six months after a previous firmware release demonstrating a continued commitment to supporting users of V-Mixer Consoles.

The M-480, like the M-400, M-380, and M-300, is the central component in a VMixing System with integrated Digital Snakes, multi-channel recording and the world’s finest personal mixing system. With a growing number of V-Mixing System installations in Theater and broadcast markets, Roland Systems Group engineers have packed this free update with significant features that assists this user group including:

• Increased number of DCA’s from 8 to 24
• Scene Fade Function
• Increased delay time up to 1.2 seconds for broadcast and large outdoor applications
• Five new effect processors including Multi-Band Compression/Expansion and BOSS digital effect models
• Second order shelving on Lo and Hi EQ
• Mutually Exclusive LR/C assignment for cross-matrixed linear array speaker configurations
• Delay setting in “samples”
• Monitor dimmer setting

The increased DCA groups to 24, provides new power increasing mixing effectiveness in larger and more complex applications such as theater/broadcast and when using cascaded 96 channel configurations. Scene Fade function allows channel fader levels to be set to fade smoothly when a scene is changed. Fade time is selectable up to 100 seconds and can be set to on or off for each channel and each scene. This function is ideal for musical and theater applications.

New Delay parameters can now be set up to 1.2 seconds on any input or output channel. This is especially important when longer times are required in video/streaming production or audio time alignment at large venues.

Five new channel effects include Multi-Band Compression/Expansion and four modeled BOSS compact effects including OD/DS series (Overdrive/Distortion), DD-3 (Digital Delay), DM-5 (Delay) and CE-1 (Chorus Ensemble), brings more control and snap to live productions.

The V1.5 update will be available in April 2012 under the M-480 section here: http://www.rolandsystemsgroup.com/products/resources/system_updates.

About M-480 V-Mixer: 48-Channel Live Mixing Console
The M-480 V-Mixer features 48 mixing channels and 6 stereo returns for a total of 60 channels. Bussing is strong with a total of 27 consisting of 16 auxiliaries, 8 matrices and full support for Mono, Stereo or LCR sound design. With a configurable choice of available digital I/O boxes, the M-480 can support up to 90 inputs and 90 outputs - all fully assignable via the digital patchbay. The patchbay also has the unique ability to route any input to any output without going through the mixer. Each mixing channel includes 2 stages of dynamics processing, 4-band PEQ, and delay. Dedicated 4-band PEQ, limiting and delay are available on every output.

In addition to these powerful features the M-480 has a “Cascade” function allowing two units to be connected together enabling a 96-channel mixing solution. The two connected consoles share AUX/Matrix/Main/Solo buses with bidirectional communication allowing a very compact, affordable and powerful high channel mixing solution. This is ideal in production rental and institutional environments where two consoles can be used separately for numerous events and then brought together for larger productions only when needed.

About REAC
REAC (Roland Ethernet Audio Communication) is the audio transport protocol developed by Roland to meet the Pro-Audio market’s need for a point-to-point 24 bit/ 96kHz, low latency digital audio transport for live sound use and commercial applications. The REAC protocol is capable of transmitting 40 channels of 24bit audio over inexpensive Cat5e/6 cable and can be easily split using standard gigabit switches making it easy and very cost effective to have lossless all-digital splits of the stage audio for FOH, monitor, broadcast and recording locations.

http://www.rolandsystemsgroup.com

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Thursday, March 22, 2012

Propellerhead Unveils Rack Extension Technology For Reason

 
Propellerhead introduces RackExtensions: a new technology that opens up the Reason rack, enabling third party developers to create instruments and effects for the award-winning music making software Reason. Through this new technology—built into the next version of Reason and Reason Essentials—users can expand their collection of instruments and effects with the Reason devices they want.

“Musician’s from all corners of the planet keep telling us that Reason is the best thing that ever happened to their musical creativity,”
says Ernst Nathorst-Böös, Propellerhead CEO. “With Rack Extensions we rocket it into another dimension, by inviting a world of creative and talented developers to bring their designs to the Reason rack. Rack Extensions have everything you love about Reason, from the cables on the back and integrated patch browser to its world-renowned stability and ease of use”.

Available to third parties as a software development toolkit, the Rack Extension technology is not just another plug-in format. Rack Extensions are full Reason rack citizens, giving users the same great experience with third party extensions as with any other Reason device—including the ability to load them in Reason’s Combinator, route audio and CV cables on the back, automation of all parameters, copy/paste devices and signal chains, and experimentation with the safety of unlimited undo.

Propellerhead also announces the Rack Extension Store, an online store where Rack Extensions from all Rack Extension developers can be purchased and downloaded directlyinto the Reason rack, as many times as needed. All Rack Extensions are Mac and Windows compatible, and can be tried with users’ own song files in Reason before purchase. The automatic installation and authentication ensures that users keep the focus on being creative and finding the right sounds for their music.

Pricing and availability:
The Rack Extension technology will be introduced in version 6.5 of Reason and version 1.5 of Reason Essentials to be released in Q2, 2012. The upgrades will be available for free download for all owners of Reason 6 and Reason Essentials. Users of previous versions of Reason can upgrade to Reason 6 today and download the upgrade for free once it becomes available.

Propellerhead Software

 

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Metric Halo Releases Production Bundle For AAX

 
Metric Halo has announced the release of the Metric Halo Production Bundle for Pro Tools 10.

The software will be available starting on March 26, 2012 and consists of seven AAX plug-ins compatible with both Native and HDX DSP systems: ChannelStrip 3, Character, Haloverb, Multiband Dynamics, Multiband Expander, Precision DeEsser, and TransientControl.

The software may be seen at the Audiologistik booth – Hall 5.1, Stand A85.

This bundle provides the all the tools necessary to sculpt a mix. Four of the plug-ins contain audio analysis tools from SpectraFoo, giving the user visual feedback of the plug-in’s processing.

“We’re thrilled to release the Production Bundle for AAX,” said Allen Rowand of Metric Halo. “We wanted to do more than simply port our existing ChannelStrip plug-in to the AAX format. We wanted to release a suite of software that builds on ChannelStrip’s thirteen-year legacy of sonic quality, and gives our customers great signal processing options for Pro Tools 10. We’ll have news for users of other DAWs in the near future, so stay tuned.”

The MSRP for the bundle is $699 USD, with individual plug-ins priced at $199 USD each. Upgrades from ChannelStrip 2 to ChannelStrip 3 are available for $49 USD, and upgrades from ChannelStrip 2 to the Production Bundle cost $549 USD. Owners of Metric Halo’s +DSP software may purchase the Production Bundle for $549 USD, and may purchase the Bundle for $399 USD if they own licenses for both +DSP and ChannelStrip 2.

Customers who have purchased ChannelStrip 2 Native since October 1 are eligible for a free upgrade to ChannelStrip 3.

In order to celebrate the release of the Production Bundle, Metric Halo is offering special pricing from March 26, 2012 thru April 26, 2012. All Metric Halo software titles (including the Production Bundle, upgrades and Customer Loyalty offers) are 25% off, and customers that purchase any of the company’s award-winning FireWire interfaces during the promotion will receive a free Production Bundle license. See http://mhlabs.com for more information.

Promotional pricing is available through Metric Halo dealers as well as Metric Halo’s direct sales site and may not be combined with any other discounts or coupons. AAX plug-ins require Pro Tools 10 or later running on Mac OS X and an iLok for authorization.

Metric Halo

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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Soundcraft Announces ViSi iPad Remote For Digital Console Range; Chance To Win An iPad

 
Prolight & Sound 2012 marks the unveiling and preview of the new Soundcraft ViSi Remote iPad app, which enables a single iPad to control multiple consoles from the Soundcraft Vi Series and Soundcraft Si Compact range on one wireless network.

The Soundcraft ViSi Remote app allows users to roam around in a venue and not only adjust input channel levels and mutes, but also adjust aux send levels and matrix sends, and level and graphic EQ settings on bus outputs. 

The app uses Harman HiQnet architecture to connect a network of consoles to a wireless router, which communicates with the iPad.

For even more flexibility, multiple iPads may be used on the same network, even on the same console, so that individual artists could control their own monitor sends, for example.

The Soundcraft ViSi remote is expected to be available from the iTunes store at the end of April 2012.

By pre-registering on the Soundcraft website, users will not only be informed immediately when the app goes live, but will be entered into a prize draw to win an Apple iPad. (conditions apply, see website here for details).

Soundcraft
Harman

 

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Avid Mbox And Mbox Mini Now Deliver The Pro Tools Experience

 

Avid (NASDAQ: AVID) today announced that its ultra-portable, professional-grade Mbox and Mbox Mini audio interfaces now come with Pro Tools Express software included at no additional charge, giving customers the award-winning Pro Tools software experience at a great value.

These offerings are in addition to the current Pro Tools + Mbox bundles offered for the three Mbox designs.

With Pro Tools Express, customers can record, edit, and mix up to 16 stereo audio tracks—in addition to virtual instrument and MIDI tracks—using the core industry-standard toolset embraced by top producers, engineers, and artists. Paired with Mbox and Mbox Mini interfaces, which offer best-in-class audio quality and performance, Pro Tools Express empowers users to create their best work with more affordable, professional solutions.

Pro Tools Express key features

• Record and mix up to 16 stereo audio tracks at 96 kHz (Mbox) or 48 kHz (Mbox Mini) resolution
• Compose music easily with premium AIR virtual instruments, plus the same MIDI editing and Sibelius notation tools as Pro Tools
• Create pro-quality mixes with Automatic Delay Compensation and a collection of high-quality plug-ins
• Change tempo, timing, pitch, and create harmonies in real time with Elastic Time and Elastic Pitch
• Take projects to the next level—and to studios around the world—with session file compatibility across all Pro Tools systems

“Customers and critics have raved about the audio quality of the Mbox and Mbox Mini interfaces,” says Tony Cariddi, Avid pro audio marketing manager. “And while they work brilliantly with Core Audio- and ASIO-compatible systems, they really shine the brightest as part of the Pro Tools experience. We’re excited to now share that professional Pro Tools experience with all Mbox users, whether they opt for a Pro Tools + Mbox bundle or a standalone Mbox with Pro Tools Express. This perfect union of hardware and software tools delivers the performance, sound quality, and stability that let’s them focus on composing, recording, editing, and mixing their very best work.”

Availability and pricing

Mbox (with Pro Tools Express) and Mbox Mini (with Pro Tools Express) are available today worldwide for $499 and $299 USMSRP, respectively.
As customers needs and skills grow, they can upgrade from Pro Tools Express to Pro Tools 10 for just $399. For complete feature specifications, see the Pro Tools Software Comparison page.

Avid

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Yamaha Launches New CL Series Digital Consoles At Prolight + Sound 2012

 
Retaining essential features and functionality that have become standards over the past quarter of a century, the new Yamaha CL Series of digital mixing consoles offers an evolved experience in accessible mixing. The CL Series was just unveiled at the ongoing Prolight+Sound 2012 show in Frankfurt.

The line-up comprises three consoles, the CL1, CL3 and CL5, ranging in scale from 48 to 72 mono plus 8 stereo inputs. All feature 16 DCAs and 24 mix/8matrix output buses.

Founded on the proven Centralogic interface, the CL Series incorporates multiple innovations and refinements, including enhanced Select Channel functions and User Defined knobs. 

The CL Series EQ and effects have been vastly expanded. They include an Effect Rack with VCM analog circuitry modelling technology, as well as a Premium Rack that includes the Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5033 equalizer and Portico 5043 compressor/limiter, developed in close cooperation with Rupert Neve.

Two new rack-mountable I/O units, Rio3224-D and Rio1608-D, can be used in a variety of combinations and configurations, communicating via a scalable Audinate Dante digital audio network.

Up to eight I/O rack units can be connected to a CL Series console, while multiple CL consoles can share control of the same I/O rack unit. A new Gain Compensation function adds the ability to combine front of house and monitor control via a single network, for comprehensive digital live sound integration.

For live multitrack recording and virtual sound checking, CL consoles are equipped with dedicated recording control capabilities for use with Steinberg Nuendo Live DAW application running on a Windows or Mac computer.

Further Details

User interface. The Centralogic user interface ensures that the consoles will be immediately familiar to many thousands of live sound engineers.

It has evolved considerably on the new consoles, incorporating a new generation, highly responsive color touch screen and an array of user definable rotary encoders and buttons.

Newly designed faders offer optimum feel, visibility and accuracy and are freely configurable to allow control of any combination of inputs, outputs or the 16 DCA faders.

The control surface also provides editable, back-lit channel name displays above each fader, with assignable color bars. The CL1 and CL3 also feature the option of an external meter bridge.

Audio quality. Audio quality and character were top priorities in the development of the new consoles. In addition to featuring newly-designed mic preamps and delays on every input channel and output port, the range debuts a prestigious line up of studio quality processing.

The Effects Rack provides the equivalent of eight SPX2000 effects processors, along with a range of VCM EQs and dynamics, while two further virtual racks provide access to up to 32 channels of graphic EQs.

However, probably the most exciting sonic innovation is the introduction of the Premium Rack concept. Developed by Yamaha’s Dr K (Toshi Kunimoto) and his team, the Premium Rack provides a range of extremely high quality, dynamic processors and EQs.

Yamaha has collaborated closely with Rupert Neve to incorporate the acclaimed Portico 5033 EQ and 5043 compressor as key elements in this new concept. These processors are included as standard in the CL series, eliminating the need for any plug-in management.

“For the first time we have the capability of bringing Rupert Neve sound into the live audio field, entirely due to Yamaha VCM technology. I believe that it is indistinguishable from the original analog sound,” says Neve.

Scalable solution. A key factor in making the CL Series so flexible is the pair of accompanying I/O racks, the Rio3224-R and Rio1608-D, and the fact that consoles are the first to feature built-in Dante networking as a standard feature.

A scalable system is easily constructed by simultaneously attaching up to eight I/O racks via Dante, providing up to 256 input sources. Pairs of CL consoles can also be cascaded to handle larger mixing requirements.

Connection of basic systems is easy, using the console’s auto-configuration facility. Two or more consoles can share the inputs from one set of I/O racks without fear of unexpected level changes due to the inclusion of Auto Gain Compensation within the I/O racks themselves.

With the new Dante 32-bit mode of operation, gain compensation can be provided without audibly affecting the dynamic range.

“We are extremely excited to be collaborating with Yamaha on the extraordinary new CL Series and I/O racks,” notes Audinate CEO Lee Ellison. “Dante provides a flexible, low latency, highly scalable, plug and play networking solution to connect Yamaha networked systems, Dante Virtual Soundcards or any other Dante networked device.

“We believe the combination of technologies integrated in this new platform will provide an unsurpassed digital experience.”

The Rio3224 also includes four stereo AES-EBU outputs, keeping signals in the digital domain right through to the amplifier. The new consoles offer three MY card slots on the rear panel, maintaining compatibility with every existing audio format as well as newer cards like the MY8-Lake speaker processing card and the MY16-Dugan auto mixing card.

The three card slots also allow for additional I/O alongside the consoles’ onboard eight mic inputs and eight line outputs.

Software control. CL Editor is a new standalone online/offline editor which runs on both Macs and Windows PCs.

Featuring all the functionality that users will be familiar with from other Yamaha Editor software, it does not require Yamaha Studio Manager as a host.

Further new software applications include a new version of StageMix for iPad, which offers comprehensive wireless remote control and has been expanded to include new features such as channel naming, DCA fader control and tap tempo.

Crucially, both CL Editor and StageMix can be run simultaneously, allowing very flexible options for engineers, sound designers and system technicians alike.

Meanwhile, Yamaha’s new File Converter software has been upgraded to allow straightforward exchange of console files between the CL Series, PM5D, M7CL and LS9.

Recording. Every CL console customer will receive a copy of the new Steinberg Nuendo Live recording software, which has been designed specifically for live recording applications.

Available from July, it includes unique features not found in any other live recording software and will be tightly integrated with CL consoles to provide optimum ease of use.

When combined with Audinate’s Dante Virtual Soundcard (also included with every CL console) engineers can easily use the Dante network to record up to 64 tracks of audio to either a Mac or Windows PC.

“Nuendo Live is not only ultra stable and easy to use, but it integrates seamlessly with the latest generation of Yamaha live consoles,” says Steinberg managing director Andreas Stelling. “This is another successful example of the strong ongoing relationship between Yamaha and Steinberg.”

In addition, basic stereo recordings can be done via a convenient 2-track USB recording and playback function.

With the advent of the CL Series, the company is confident these products strike the right balance between innovative functionality and sound investment potential.

“The CL Series ideally answers today’s needs using today’s technology” says Kazunori Kobayashi, general manager of the Yamaha Pro Audio Division. “The collaboration between Yamaha, Rupert Neve Designs, Audinate and Steinberg has made it possible to deliver a sublime balance of sound, performance, and features that results in uncompromised overall mixing capability and quality. After a quarter century of evolution, the CL Series represents a momentous new chapter in the history of Yamaha digital mixing.”

The CL5 and Rio3224-D are scheduled to be released in the spring of 2012, with the CL1, CL3 and Rio1608-D available in the summer.

Yamaha

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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Biamp Launches Training Courses for Tesira

Biamp Systems has announced that it is expanding its current Certified Training program by offering courses for its new Tesira product. The courses, which are scheduled to begin on March 19, will be available to North American integrators with full Audia certification; additional certification dates will be added throughout the calendar year.

“The launch of Tesira underscores our commitment to bring smart products and fresh thinking to our customers,” said Steve Metzger, President, Biamp Systems. “Tesira makes available a rich set of powerful new tools to designers within a system framework that challenges the current boundaries of flexibility and scalability. As with Audia and Vocia®, we will offer certification training for customers who will sell and install Tesira. For years, we’ve worked hard to ensure that our product training prepares our customers better than any other manufacturer. Tesira certification training will be no exception as we begin taking students in anticipation of the product release.”

As with its other product certification training, Tesira training sessions will be conducted over two days and will show integrators how to design and implement fully integrated Tesira systems. The sessions will also include finer points of Tesira integration including partitions, the nuances of Tesira’s scalable digital media backbone (AVB) and Tesira’s enhanced intelligibility features such as acoustic echo cancellation (AEC), automatic gain control (AGC), ambient noise compensation (ANC), and automatic mixers.

After completing this 2-day course, each student will be certified to design, program and implement a Tesira system. Recognized by InfoComm International, Biamp Certified Training courses are approved for Certified Technology Specialists (CTS) credential renewal credits. The application engineers who support Biamp products every day also develop and teach each Biamp training course.

Integrators that are interested in attending these invite-only sessions should contact their regional representative for more information.

Biamp Systems

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Aviom Announces Pro64 Network Manager Update

Aviom’s Pro64 Network Manager version 2.2 will be released this month and adds an important new feature for using the network with Pro16 Personal Mixing Systems.

With the newest version of the Network Manager software, those using an ASI A-Net Systems Interface to feed a Pro16 Personal Mixing System can now customize the system by selecting any 16 channels from the complete 64-channel Pro64 audio network to send to each mixing zone in the system.

Now an Aviom personal mixing system can be customized more than ever before.

With the added features in Network Manager version 2.2, those using an Aviom Personal Mixing System in conjunction with a Pro64 Audio Network can select the channels to send to each zone of A-16II or A-16R Personal Mixers from the 64 channels of audio available in the network. This gives the engineer the ability to help each musician customize his or her monitor mix while keeping it simple for the musician to use.

“The trend in personal mixing systems right now is to offer more and more channels for the user to control,” explains Aviom’s Director of Marketing, Chandler Collison. “This choice, however, often makes it very difficult for a musician to actually use the personal mixer in a live situation.”

“Aviom’s new Network Manager solution gives the engineer or system designer control over what channels each group of musicians receives, and gives each musician plenty of channels to work with to customize the mix without making it complicated.”

Pro64 Network Manager is a free download from Aviom.com/NetworkManager.

Aviom

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Monday, March 19, 2012

Lynx Offers Thunderbolt Driver For Expansion Chassis Usage

Lynx Studio Technology has released a new Thunderbolt Driver which provides Thunderbolt connectivity for the company’s PCI Express audio cards.

When used with third party expansion chassis products from Sonnet Technologies and Magma, the new Lynx driver allows the AES16e. AES16e-SRC and AES16e-50 professional audio cards to utilize the Thunderbolt connectivity on newer Apple computers.

“This is our first step in supporting Thunderbolt interface technology,” states David A Hoatson, Lynx co-founder and chief software engineer. “These upcoming expansion chassis allow many of our existing and established products to be easily added to a Thunderbolt equipped computer.”

The new Lynx driver has been fully tested with the Sonnet Echo Express PCIe 2.0 Thunderbolt Expansion Chassis and Magma’s ExpressBox 3T for the Lynx AES16e PCI Express 16 channel AES/EBU interface models. Both units are expected to be shipping soon.

The Lynx Thunderbolt driver is available on the Lynx Studio Technology website.

Lynx Studio Technology

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Waves Audio V9 (Version 9) Plug-Ins Now Available

 
Waves Audio has announced the availability of V9, the new version of Waves plug-ins offering 64-bit support, faster scanning, faster loading, and faster processing.

One of Version 9’s most highly anticipated features is 64-bit operating system support. Now Waves users can take advantage of massive amounts of RAM memory in the DAW hosts of their choice.

V9 also marks the introduction of Waves’ new easy-to-use authorization system, Waves License Center, which eliminates use of the iLok, ushering in an era of simplicity, flexibility, mobility and security.

Waves License Center offers users authorization activation straight to their computer or any USB flash drive; easy license management; license mobility via USB flash drive or users’ License Cloud; and one-click license recovery in the case of lost or damaged devices.

With new V9 plug-ins added to Waves’ Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Horizon bundles, it is a good time for users to renew their Waves Update Plan coverage.

New plug-ins in Horizon: Kramer Master Tape; PIE Compressor; HLS Channel; Bass Rider; CLA Guitars; Maserati Drums; OneKnob Filter; and OneKnob Driver. New plug-ins in Diamond: GTR3 Software; OneKnob Filter; and OneKnob Driver. New plug-ins in Platinum: GTR3 Software and OneKnob Driver. New plugin in Gold: GTR3 Software.

Waves Audio

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Friday, March 16, 2012

Lexicon LXP Native Reverb Plug-In Bundle Provides A World of Sounds For Simone Giuliani

Simone Giuliani is a film and TV composer, music producer, orchestrator and keyboard player born in Florence, Italy, based in Manhattan and inspired by music from all over the world.

“I have been interested in Lexicon products going back to 1992 when I was recording and producing an album in Florence with Funkareem, my band at the time,” said Giuliani. “At that time, I first heard the Lexicon 480L digital effects system and fell in love with it.”

“My good friend, bassist Amanda Ruzza told me about the LXP Native Reverb and when I tried it I instantly knew I had to add it to my studio arsenal,” explains Giuliani. “I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Lexicon’s ability to maintain a very special sonic flavor for their products throughout the years. The sonic texture of their reverb units has always been unique.”

Giuliani is using a Mac Pro 8-core Intel Xeon desktop running Logic and Pro Tools. “The Lexicon LXP works like a charm in this setup.”

Currently Giuliani is working on recording and producing Sambismo, a contemporary vision of Brazilian music with Zé Luis Oliveira (Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil) and Béco Dranoff (Bebel Gilberto, Red Hot + Rio).

“A top-line roster of guest artists like the one we have on this project can only deserve the best I can give them, and the LXP Native Reverb is an obvious choice for this production. It gives me a selection of those warm, uniquely lush Lexicon reverbs that perfectly complement male and female vocals and a wide variety of instruments.”

Giuliani co-wrote the soundtrack for Vice magazine’s documentary “TOXIC: Amazon” with Guilherme Monteiro of Forro in the Dark, a New York-based collective of Brazilian expatriate musicians. “I used the LXP Native Reverb on all of Guilherme’s acoustic guitar parts and the results were excellent, perfectly complementing his beautiful tone and skillful playing with stunning ambience and depth.”

“I get to work with musicians from all over the world in my projects – for example, I’m now scoring a beautiful Italian movie by director Fabio Mollo and for the occasion I will be working with musicians from different parts of the world; I’m thrilled at the chance to try out the LXP on such a different variety of instruments.”

Giuliani feels that every plug-in has a different flavor and its own reason to exist and the Lexicon LXP remains one of his favorite choices because of its versatility, regardless of the project he’s working on.

“No matter what style of music or approach I take when I’m working on a project,” Giuliani concluded, “it always feels good being able to count on such a solid effects plug-in like the Lexicon LXP Native Reverb.”

The Lexicon LXP Native Reverb Plug-In Bundle is designed to work with popular DAWs like Pro Tools and Logic, as well as with any other VST, Audio Unit or RTAS-compatible host. PC- and Macintosh-compatible, it offers four of Lexicon’s most renowned algorithms – Chamber, Hall, Plate and Room – plus 220 finely crafted studio presets. Its intuitive user interface provides easy access to key parameters, with a graphical real-time full-color display.

Lexicon

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Thursday, March 15, 2012

iZotope Acquires Imagine Research

iZotope, Inc. announces the acquisition of Imagine Research, Inc., a developer of intelligent audio analysis technologies.

Based in San Francisco, Imagine Research developed MediaMined, a cloud-based sound similarity and sound-object recognition engine powered by machine learning.  The development team has applied their expertise to a range of leading media companies like Skywalker Sound, Pandora, Line 6 and JamLegend (acquired by Zynga). A winner of two National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Awards, Imagine Research has demonstrated both technical and commercial merit.

“The Imagine Research team brings a wealth of technology and experience around intelligent audio analysis, cloud computing, and machine learning,” explains iZotope CEO and co-founder, Mark Ethier, “We’re excited to support the development of MediaMined, and to bring Imagine Research technology into the rest of the iZotope product lines.”

“Given iZotope’s infrastructure and ten years of experience developing, marketing, distributing and supporting products worldwide, joining iZotope is a natural fit for Imagine Research,” says Jay LeBoeuf, founder and CEO of Imagine Research, “iZotope is ideally positioned to help us bring this technology to millions of end-users, and to expand our innovative technology into exciting applications and new markets.”

Izotope

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Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Hal Leonard Publishes Sound Design, Mixing & Mastering with Ableton Live

Hal Leonard Books is now shipping Sound Design, Mixing & Mastering with Ableton Live ($16.99) by Jake Perrine. This book is part of Hal Leonard’s Quick Pro Guides series and is designed to be a companion guide to help readers get the most from their software.

Go beyond the basics of Ableton Live with this book of audio-making and audio-mangling recipes, tips and mixing/mastering techniques.

Ableton Live is undoubtedly the most flexible audio application available today: use it for sound design for music, film, theater, and games; composition; improvising with other musicians; live looping; DJing; and of course, mixing and mastering music.

Author, mastering engineer, certified Ableton trainer, and power-user Jake Perrine will inspire you to use Live in new ways, and to improve how you already use it. Striking a delicate balance of artistry and theory, he will expand your repertoire for both the studio and the stage.

From inspiring recipes for sculpting audio magic and mayhem to in-depth discussions of mixing and mastering that you would expect to learn in an audio production school, this book is designed to help you “out of your box” into a larger world. It will deepen, enliven, inspire, and improve your tracks, audio, and performance skills with Ableton Live.

QUICK PRO GUIDES
If you want to quickly start implementing professional techniques into your audio recordings and productions, the Hal Leonard Books Quick Pro Guides are designed for you.

These straightforward, task-driven, and easy –to-understand books cover music industry topics in a way that gets to the point and helps maximize your creative and technical accomplishments. The Quick Pro Guides are efficient and accessible, and the included DVD-ROM provides audio and video demonstrations of key Quick Pro topics.

Sound Design, Mixing & Mastering with Ableton Live
Hal Leonard Books
March 2012
158 pages, 8.5” x 11”
Paperback with DVD
$16.99, ISBN 9781458400376

Hal Leonard Books

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Producer/Bassist Brent Milligan On The Road With Steven Curtis Chapman & PreSonus Studio One

Grammy-nominated producer and bassist Brent Milligan is on the road again, touring with multi-platinum singer-songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman in support of his current album, re:creation.

Milligan, a Baton Rouge native whose credits include Michael W. Smith, TobyMac, Backstreet Boys and a host of others, has been working with Chapman for a number of years as a band member, producer, and musical collaborator.

On the road, Milligan works with Chapman to lay down tunes and record unplugged-style videos on his laptop, using a PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL recording system and Studio One 2 digital audio workstation. For Milligan, it’s a chance to capture some rare solo performances of Chapman’s songs while discovering the ins and outs of Studio One.

“We basically just lay down the performances wherever we can find a quiet space, whether it’s backstage, in a hotel room, whatever’s available,” says Milliigan. “I just set up a camera and a couple of mics, and we’re good to go. It’s pretty organic.”

Although his studio in Nashville is based around another popular DAW setup, Milligan says he has been developing a new affinity for Studio One. “Even though I’m still learning my way around the user interface, the more I do with Studio One, the more I like it,” he says. “What’s nice is that I can take any of the tracks I recorded in Studio One, open them in my home setup, and Studio One immediately recognizes my current studio hardware. I don’t have to hook up the 1818 to get it working, so if I want to do something to the track, like add a cello or sweeten something, I can get right into it without a whole lot of setting things up.”

Though he’s still relatively new to Studio One, Milligan says that so far, he likes what he sees. “I’ll admit I’ve been a bit resistant to change,” he says. “I’ve been working with my old DAW for many years, and I’m just used to where things are, used to the key commands, the file-management system, and I’m very fast with it. But the more I work in Studio One, the more I like it, and the more intuitive it becomes.”

Milligan is also not the first to remark that Studio One just seems to sound better. “I would always laugh when I’d hear other people saying that one DAW sounded better than another - I mean, bits are bits, after all,” he says. “But listening to the stuff I’ve recorded in Studio One and comparing it to tracks I’ve recorded on my other system, I can honestly say I hear a difference. I don’t know if they’re using a different summing algorithm or what, but it really does seem to sound better. It’s more detailed, more dynamic.”

Milligan says he’s looking forward to getting further into Studio One. “My next thing will be to do a full production in Studio One,” he says. “Thus far I’m really enjoying working with it.”

PreSonus

 

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Monday, March 12, 2012

JBL HiQnet Performance Manager Makes Setup More Efficient For CTS Audio

CTS Audio, based in Franklin, Tennessee, specializes in live and installed sound, mobile staging and sales, with a strong focus on tour sound for Christian performers and in designing systems for houses of worship.

JBL Professional VerTec line arrays and Crown Audio I-Tech HD and XTi Series amps are the backbone of the company’s live sound rigs. The adoption of JBL HiQnet Performance Manager audio system design software has made CTS Audio’s job much easier on the last few tours.

“Like most sound contractors, we are always looking for better ways to do things,” said Mike Taylor, vice president of CTS Audio. “When we heard about JBL HiQnet Performance Manager we decided to become an official beta tester. It has dramatically reduced setup time and improved system performance.”

“Before Performance Manager, our crews had to use three separate applications to access the processors, amplifiers and PA system to do the system tuning,” continued Taylor. “I would have to use BSS HiQnet London Architect to time-align and EQ the PA and do any array correction.

“In order to bandpass-check the loudspeakers, I would either have to use HiQnet System Architect or the Powered by Crown iPhone/iPad app. With JBL HiQnet Performance Manager, I can accomplish all these tasks and then some.”

Taylor became aware of Performance Manager after purchasing a new inventory of Crown I-Tech 12000HD amps and talking to Eric Friedlander of Crown about how to get the most out of them and the newer V5 preset tunings for VerTec loudspeakers.

“Eric suggested I become a beta tester,” Taylor said. “The Performance Manager software is a match made in heaven with the Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers.”

“The amps offer extensive processing and interfacing functionality, and Performance Manager makes it simple to match them precisely to the VerTec’s crossover points and dig deep into the amplifiers’ capabilities, to get maximum power, signal to noise ratio and overall sound quality.”

CTS Audio has deployed JBL HiQnet Performance Manager on the recent Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith 2 Friends, Women of Faith and National Catholic Youth Convention tours.

“We implemented it fully as intended as a complete system deployment and optimization tool. Everything from the integrated JBL Line Array Calculator II to the array calculation to the system tuning and monitoring functions was used,” stated Taylor.

“The ability to integrate the Line Array Calculator II software with the array correction functionality is incredible,” Taylor continued. “Having the ability to correct for any low-end buildup in the array before ever firing up an amplifier is huge.”

“The accuracy of the predicted frequency response is superb. In essence, by taking the PA out of the room, you are able to focus on setting up the PA first, then dealing with the interactions of the room, and finally tweaking the system to best accommodate the specific requirements of the show itself.”

“In addition, the bandpass testing and monitoring functions take information and control panels that would otherwise need to be accessed across multiple pages, and integrates them into a unified graphical interface,” Taylor said. “I can live on just one or two pages during the show to make sure that everything is functioning within limits and behaving properly.”

“I will be using JBL HiQnet Performance Manager extensively on future tours. It saves a lot of time and ultimately enables us to deliver better sound to our artists and clients,” concluded Taylor.

Harman
JBL Professional

 

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