By Mike Rozkin
All prices are MSRP unless stated otherwise
Roland Octapad
SPD-30
What Digital percussion pad
Why Trigger technology from Roland's V-Drums, the pads feature an
extremely natural and responsive playing feel.
How Includes 50 kits and hundreds of cutting-edge drum and
percussion sounds. Onboard effects include 30 types of
multi-effects that can be used on individual kits, and Ambience with an Equalizer and Limiter that
can be applied to the overall Octapad SPD-30 sound. The Phrase Loop recording feature allows
the player to loop recorded sounds in real time, and then overdub additional parts or sounds. With
the ability to record three parts per phrase, Phrase Loop is a powerful creative tool for live performance
and recording.
Price $799
Web www.roland.com
V-Plugs
Uranium Compressors
What Compressor plug-in
Why Applies compression by increasing the quiet parts and attenuating the louder ones. This innovative
technology enables you to achieve radical dynamic manipulations with a smooth, warm sound.
How Features that make this possible include a modern compression sound based on V-Plugs SDC technology,
content dependant compression, radical compression effects, smart gate for the compressed signal, MS
compression for mastering and stereo sources, standard and parallel compression, advanced monitoring, and
stereo link in percentage.
Price $96
Web www.v-plug.com
Native Instruments DEEP FREQ
What Effects processing suite
Why Focuses on frequency manipulation to transform audio material in innovative and
inspiring ways.
How Created by sound designer and producer Denis Gökdag, DEEP FREQ provides 150
multi-effect combinations based on the sound processing engines of Absynth, Guitar Rig,
and Reaktor integrated in KORE. Through complex combinations of filters, resonators, frequency
shifting, resynthesis, granular synthesis, and other advanced algorithms, DEEP FREQ
can alter and reshape the tonality of beats, melody lines, vocals, and any other audio material.
Price $79
Web www.native-instruments.com
Propellerhead ReBirth
What Techno micro composer for iPhone
Why The software application that started a sea change in the ’90s, ReBirth
is a true reproduction of Propellerhead’s acclaimed music-making software
from 1997 for the iPhone.
How 2 x TB-303 Bassline Synthesizer with pattern sequencer, the original
Acid House and Techno bass synth. TR-808 drum machine: Roland's subheavy
1980 beat computer. TR-909 drum machine: the go-to beatbox for
everything House and Techno. A number of great-sounding effects and audio
shapers including tempo-synced digital delay, distortion, compression, and
special pattern-controlled filter.
Price $6.99
Web www.rebirthapp.com
IK Multimedia
AmpliTube iRig
What Mobile guitar amp and
effects rig system for
iPhone/iTouch/iPad
Why You can plug your guitar
into your iPhone and jam anywhere.
You'll have at your fingertips
the sound and control of
three simultaneous stompbox
effects, plus amplifier, cabinet,
and microphone, just like a traditional
guitar or bass stage rig.
How Add amps and effects as
you need them, expand your rig
with up to 10 stomps, five amps, five cabinets, and
two microphones in the AmpliTube iRig app custom
shop. iRig Plug Interface Adapter is the easiest way to
get your instrument's signal into your iPhone/iPod
Touch/iPad mobile device. Simply plug iRig into your
mobile device, plug your instrument into the iRig, plug
your headphones or amplifier to the output, and you
are ready to rock.
Price AmpliTube iRig $39 plus Amplitube FULL $19
Web www.amplitube.com/irig
Zoom H1
What Portable handheld recorder
Why Two onboard microphones are configured in an
X/Y pattern, for stunning stereo imaging depth and
clarity. The pocket-sized H1 delivers crystal clear 24-
bit/96kHz stereo recordings perfect for music, interviews,
lectures, recitals, band practice, and more.
How Can accommodate up to 32GB micro SDHC
memory cards, providing over 50 hours of recording
time. The new pocket-sized recorder is powered by a
single AA size battery, which provides up to 10 hours
of continuous operation. H1 users can purchase an
H1 accessory kit for just $24.99 that includes a
windscreen, AC adapter (USB type), USB cable,
adjustable tripod stand, soft carrying pouch, and mic
clip adapter.
Price $99
Web www.samsontech.com
PreSonus StudioLive 24.4.2
What Digital mixer
Why Like the 16-channel StudioLive 16.4.2, the 24-channel StudioLive
24.4.2 is designed for both studio recording and live sound.
How The new mixer provides 24 input channels, rather than 16. As with the 16.4.2, each input features a trim
pot, XLR mic input with XMAX mic preamp, 1/4-inch TRS balanced line inputs, and unbalanced insert points.
Where the 16-channel model offers six aux buses, the 24.4.2 provides 10 aux buses. Fat Channel provides extensive
metering and the programming interface for the new fully parametric EQ, dynamics processing, high-pass
filter, and signal routing. In addition to on/off switches for each band, the entire EQ can be switched on and off.
Also the gate/expander adds Key Filter and Key Listen features, and the limiter adds a variable threshold.
Price $3,299 street
Web www.presonus.com