SENNHEISER HD280 PRO
The HD280 Pro ($199) from Sennheiser is a closed, dynamic transducer headphone set. The headphones are collapsible and offer rotating ear cups. The over-the-ear design promises as much as 32 dB of ambient noise reduction.
Sennheiser rates the frequency response of the HD280 Pro at 8 Hz to 25 kHz and the sound-pressure level (SPL) at 113 dB. Total harmonic distortion (THD) is rated at <0.1 percent.
Many of the HD280 Pro parts are replaceable, including the ear cushions, the headband cushion, the cable, and the driver elements. Additionally, the cable features a 3.5 mm stereo minijack with a ¼-inch adapter. Sennheiser Electronic Corp.; tel. (860) 434-9190; e-mail miclit@sennheiserusa.com; Web www.sennheiserusa.com.
FREEHAND MUSICPAD PRO
FreeHand's MusicPad Pro ($1,200) is more than a digital sheet-music display; the unit lets you download sheet music from your computer and edit scores. The standalone device features a flat-panel SVGA screen measuring 12.1 inches, and it can rest on a music stand or be mounted on a microphone stand.
You can turn pages — forward and backward — by touching the screen or by using the optional footpedal ($99). The MusicPad Pro comes with a stylus that allows you to annotate the sheet music onscreen. Annotations can be made in several colors.
You can bookmark score parts in order to jump back or ahead to any section. The MusicPad Pro comes with Flash Memory for as many as 300 pages, but you can purchase FreeHand's proprietary memory module ($99) for storing 10,000 additional sheets.
The MusicPad Pro has a USB connector and a 10/100Base-T Ethernet jack for downloading sheet music from your computer. The device supports Macintosh and Windows computers, and it can import music from any music-notation program. You can also import music from scanners. FreeHand Systems Inc.; tel. (650) 941-0742; Web www.freehandsystems.com.
DIGIDESIGN MBOX
Developed jointly with Focusrite, Digidesign's Mbox ($495) is a 2-channel USB audio interface for Pro Tools LE that delivers 24-bit, 48 kHz recording capabilities. Sessions that you create with Mbox can be sent to other Digidesign platforms, including Pro Tools HD and Digi 001 systems.
The Mbox draws power from its USB port and includes a pair of Focusrite mic preamps with 48V phantom power. Each channel has an input-gain control and a Source button that lets you select mic, line, or instrument level. A second button centers and sums the inputs but has no effect on the playback monitoring. The front panel also includes a playback and input balance control, a headphone-level control, as well as an ⅛-inch stereo headphone jack.
The Mbox's rear panel has two Neutrik combo connectors for the inputs, a pair of ¼-inch TRS insert jacks, two unbalanced ¼-inch output jacks, a ¼-inch stereo output for headphone monitoring, a USB jack, and coaxial S/PDIF jacks for digital I/O.
Mbox runs on any Power Mac with a built-in USB port that can run Pro Tools LE 5.2. You need at least 128 MB of RAM and OS 9.1. Digidesign; tel. (800) 333-2137 or (650) 731-6300; e-mail prodinfo@digidesign.com; Web www.digidesign.com.
ROLAND V-BASS
Following in the footsteps of Roland's V-guitar processors, the V-Bass ($1,345) offers access to a wide variety of bass sounds using any bass with a divided pickup and a 13-pin output. (Guitarists can also access bass sounds, albeit with a bit of tweaking.) As with the V-guitar series, MIDI is not involved in tracking your bass. However, the V-Bass is equipped with MIDI In and Out jacks so you can store and retrieve SysEx data. The unit also supports Program Change and Control Change messages as well as MIDI Clock for tempo-based effects.
Instruments modeled by the V-Bass include classic electric and acoustic basses as well as synth bass and fretless types. You can program bass sounds by combining modeled body types and pickups. Roland's proprietary COSM amp-modeling algorithms offer additional customization capabilities. An onboard expression pedal provides you with real-time control over parameters. The V-Bass has 160 presets and 100 user slots for customized programs.
A 13-pin input jack connects your bass or guitar to the V-Bass. Roland offers the GK-2B divided pickup ($275), which is compatible with four-, five-, and six-string basses. The divided output provides separate processing for each string, including polyphonic pitch shifting (for alternate tunings) and pan.
The V-Bass offers a pair of unbalanced ¼-inch outputs as well as a pair of balanced XLR outputs. An additional unbalanced ¼-inch output and an XLR jack gives you access to the unprocessed signal. An unbalanced ¼-inch input lets you plug your bass directly in to the unit so you can use the unit's COSM effects. An input for an additional expression pedal is also included. Roland Corp. U.S.; tel. (323) 890-3700; Web www.rolandus.com.
LITTLE LABS IBP
Little Labs' IBP ($450) is an analog phase-alignment tool that eliminates the characteristic hollow, out-of-phase sound that can occur when audio signals are combined. The small unit also serves as an active-transformer direct box.
The front panel includes a knob that adjusts the signal from 0 to 180 degrees, a button that toggles between 90 degrees and 180 degrees, and a button that selects the phase center frequency. Additional buttons include a selector for line- or instrument-level input, a Bypass switch, a Phase-Invert button, and an Earth-Lift switch.
Inputs and outputs are balanced line-level XLR jacks. An unbalanced ¼-inch instrument-level input is included along with a buffered ¼-inch output jack for driving long guitar cables. Little Labs; tel. (323) 851-6860; e-mail littlelabs@littlelabs.com; Web www.littlelabs.com.
SPECTRASONICS VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTS
Instead of supporting specific sampler formats, Spectrasonics' Virtual Instruments ship as native plug-ins for VST, MAS (MOTU Audio System), and RTAS (Real Time AudioSuite). The program is compatible with Mac and Windows platforms. Each synthesizer plug-in is fully programmable and offers a different interface and instrument type.
Stylus ($299) is a groove-oriented instrument. At 3 GB, it offers more than 30,000 sample elements, including 700 loops, in a variety of styles, including R&B, two-step, trip-hop, acid jazz, trance, funk, and rap. You also get thousands of sampled percussion elements that you can use to create your own grooves. The grooves are malleable because of the Groove Control feature, which lets you change the tempo, pitch, feel, and individual instruments in real time.
Atmosphere ($399) offers a 3 GB core library of pad sounds. Programmer Eric Persing created the pads from vintage and modern synths. The sounds include analog beds, pads, wavetable sweeps, vocoded choirs, thick string pads, and processed vocal washes. You can easily combine any layers to create your own pads.
Trilogy ($399) focuses on acoustic, electric, and synthesized bass. Spectrasonics' True Staccato sampling feature provides multiple staccato samples, which the manufacturer says yields natural-sounding repeated notes with a significantly greater level of realism than other sampled basses. Sampled articulations include glissandi, hammer-ons, pull-offs, harmonics, trills, pops, noises, and slides at various speeds. The samples cover a variety of instruments and playing styles, and the instruments are mapped with multiple dynamics.
Each Virtual Instrument offers multimode resonant filters, four LFOs, and one envelope generator each for pitch, filter, and amplitude, as well as a modulation matrix. There is also a master filter for quick tweaks. Virtual Instruments require a MAS, RTAS, or VST 2.0 host; a PPC G3/300 MHz with 256 MB of RAM; and OS 8. Windows users need a Pentium II/400 MHz with 256 MB of RAM and Windows 98. Ilio Entertainments (distributor); tel. (800) 747-4546 or (818) 707-7222; e-mail ilioinfo@ilio.com; Web www.ilio.com.
LEXICON MPX 110
Arguably the most prominent feature of Lexicon's MPX 110 ($329) is its 24-bit stereo reverb. However, this low-priced processor also offers high-quality effects such as tremolo, chorus, flange, pitch shift, detune, delay, and echo. The MPX 110 also lets you run effects independently on the left and right channels.
The MPX 110 offers 240 presets with 16 user locations. A front-panel knob allows you to adjust parameters, and the Effects/Balance knob adjusts effects levels or the balance between dual effects. On the front panel, dual two-stage headroom indicators let you monitor signal input.
The MPX 110 features a Learn mode, which governs MIDI control of effects level, parameter adjustments, and more. Delay effects can be locked to audio signal, MIDI Clock, or tap tempo from a front-panel button or dual footswitch. You can also modulate tempo with your choice of MIDI messages.
The rear panel has two unbalanced ¼-inch inputs; two unbalanced ¼-inch outputs; a ¼-inch stereo headphone jack; and a coaxial S/PDIF output. MIDI jacks are In and Out, with a software switch that converts Out to Thru. Lexicon, Inc.; tel. (781) 280-0300; e-mail info@lexicon.com; Web www.lexicon.com.
AUDIO-OZ AUDIO DE-EFFER
Newcomer to the software digital signal processing scene Audio-Oz Audio makes its debut with De-Effer ($129.95), a standalone program for Mac and Windows computers. The program derives its processing power from voice-recognition algorithms, letting you remove offensive language from stereo tracks in real time.
The software provides a library of target words, and you can store your own words and phrases by recording them and saving them as digital-audio files. De-Effer can read and write AIFF, AU, and WAV files at all of the commonly used sampling rates and bit depths. A software utility is provided for reading Ensoniq Mirage, E-mu SP-12, and Akai MPC-60 floppies.
As with all voice-recognition software, intelligibility of the audio material always determines the effectiveness of the process. To that end, De-Effer provides sliders for adjusting the threshold that activates the process. The manufacturer claims that a test on a recent Snoop Dogg release revealed the software's effectiveness as a vocal eliminator. You can enable look-ahead features for key audio events, including violent plosives or specific phrases. The software offers batch-file processing, permitting you to clean up as many files as your computer's RAM will allow.
De-Effer requires at least a Pentium II/200 MHz with 64 MB of RAM and Windows 95. The Macintosh version requires a PowerPC 604e/200 MHz with 64 MB of RAM and OS 8.6.1 or later. Audio-Oz Audio; tel. (800) 446-8242 or (800) IGOTCHA; Web www.audio-oz_audio.com/audio.html/~audio/de_effer.htm.
TASCAM POCKETSTUDIO 5
Tascam's Pocketstudio 5 ($599) packs four tracks of digital audio, a built-in MIDI synthesizer, an MP3 encoder and player, a USB jack for computer connectivity, a built-in condenser mic, and Compact Flash card storage into a six-by-eight-inch package. The diminutive recorder provides autopunch in and out, track bounce, and copy-and-paste capabilities for audio and MIDI tracks.
The Pocketstudio 5 can read type 0 and type 1 Standard MIDI Files. Onboard MIDI files are arranged by song sections — intro, verse, and chorus — so that you can quickly assemble song structures.
Final stereo mixes are saved as 16-bit, 44.1 kHz MP3 files. You can use the USB port to offload files to your computer for additional processing or posting to the Web. MP3 compatibility lets the Pocketstudio 5 serve as an MP3 player.
The Pocketstudio 5 has an unbalanced ¼-inch line-level input, an unbalanced ¼-inch mic-level input, and two ⅛-inch jacks for mic- and line-level inputs, respectively. You also get an ⅛-inch stereo minijack line output and an ⅛-inch stereo headphone jack. The unit has a slot that accepts Compact Flash cards up to 128 MB. The package includes a 32 MB Compact Flash card, a headset microphone, and an AC adapter. The unit runs for two hours on six AA batteries. Tascam; tel. (323) 726-0303; Web www.tascam.com.
KORG TRITON STUDIO
Besides the touch screen and the full capabilities of the earlier Triton synths, Korg's Triton Studio (61 keys, $3,400; 76 keys, $3,800; 88 keys, $4,200) includes the new Open Sampling System, which lets you sample or resample from Program, Combination, or Sequencer modes. The sampling is done at 16-bits, 48 kHz in mono or stereo. The unit's 16 MB of memory is expandable to 96 MB using 72-pin SIMMs.
You can sample external sources to a track while the sequence is playing; the sample is automatically assigned a trigger event that starts the sample's playback at the proper time. Korg offers the optional CDRW-1×8 ($400), an internal CD-RW drive for burning audio files of your sequences or storing patches, sequences, and samples. The drive also allows you to sample from audio CDs or load AIFF, WAV, or Akai samples. You can also use the unit's built-in 5 GB hard drive. The rear panel of the keyboard has a SCSI port so you can use an external CD drive or another device.
The unit's new processor significantly speeds up touch-screen performance. The workstation's sound set includes a 16 MB acoustic grand piano. You get 1,536 user program locations and an equal number of user combinations. You can expand sample ROM to as much as 160 MB with Korg's 16 MB EXB-PCM expansion boards ($240 each). The synth will also accommodate the EXB-MOSS expansion board ($600) for an extra six notes of digital signal processing-based synthesis.
As with other Triton instruments, you get a 16-track sequencer that can hold 200,000 MIDI events and 200 songs. The built-in effects processor offers all of the algorithms of the original Triton.
The Triton Studio has two unbalanced ¼-inch inputs, six unbalanced ¼-inch outputs, and optical S/PDIF I/O jacks. You can add the EXB-DI output connector for ADAT ($200) or the EXB-mLAN ($750) for MIDI and audio I/O via mLAN. Additionally, two control inputs accommodate a damper pedal and an assignable footswitch or pedal. MIDI connectors are In, Out, and Thru. Korg USA, Inc.; tel. (516) 333-9100; Web www.korg.com.
M-AUDIO SP-5B
M-Audio has just released the self-powered, biamped SP-5B ($399 a pair) close-field monitor. The manufacturer says that the SP-5B has a stable, balanced low-to-midrange response and well-defined middle and high frequencies.
The speakers are suitable for desktop production because the drivers are magnetically shielded. Swivelmounted, ¾-inch silk-dome tweeters let you adjust the direction of the high frequencies and control the imaging. The tweeter's dome employs ferro-fluid damping, which minimizes speaker self-resonation.
You get a 5¼-inch woofer that has a mineral-filled, high-temperature voice coil. The subfrequency port channels frequencies below 30 Hz. The biamp structure delivers 40W to the bass and midrange driver and 30W to the tweeter. M-Audio promises a smooth transition in the crossover frequencies. Midiman/M-Audio; tel. (626) 445-2842 or (800) 969-6434; e-mail info@midiman.net; Web www.midiman.net.
VOYAGER SOUND GRAPHIMIX 01
GraphiMix 01 ($129) is an object-oriented graphic mixing environment for Windows computers. Its icon-driven user interface provides a programmable visual display of mix elements. You can represent tracks in a virtual sound field with text or icons; the position of icons in the display reflects mixer settings such as gain, pan, and effects. Moving the icons within the field controls your MIDI compatible mixers, sequencers, sound cards, effects processors, and more. You can control objects with the mouse, a QWERTY keyboard, or an external MIDI device.
GraphiMix 01 is set up to take advantage of Yamaha's ProMix 01 and 01V mixers; however, you can define settings and develop controls for most MIDI-capable mixers. Right-clicking on icons calls up a menu of programming options, including control assignments and constraints for icon movement. GraphiMix 01 can control 16 mixers at once; linked mixers can also appear onscreen as a single device. The program supports multiple stereo and surround mixes simultaneously.
GraphiMix 01 requires at least a Pentium II/200 MHz computer with 64 MB of RAM and Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, and XP. Voyager Sound Inc.; tel. (781) 893-2574; e-mail sales@voyagersound.com; Web www.voyagersound.com.
EMAGIC LOGIC CONTROL
Developed as a joint effort between Emagic and Mackie Designs, Logic Control ($1,299) is an expandable hardware control surface for Logic Platinum 5 ($949; upgrade from version 4, $149). The unit provides control for hundreds of MIDI and audio features, including Logic Platinum's new automation system as well as software instruments and plug-ins.
Logic Control has motorized 1,024-step, touch-sensitive Penny and Giles optical faders for each channel, a master fader, an assignable rotary knob with an integrated push button for parameter adjustments, and Record, Solo, and Mute buttons. The controller provides access to eight audio channels at once; additional audio channels are accessible with the unit's bank-switching functions. Dedicated controls include transport, cursor keys, automation, and function mode switches. Logic Control has a backlit, multifunction display that provides you with detailed parameter and metering information.
If you have sufficient MIDI I/O, you can expand the system for simultaneous control of virtually unlimited audio channels with the Logic Control XT expander unit ($1,099). Each expander provides the same Record, Solo, and Mute buttons, motorized faders, knobs, and switches as the core unit.
Logic Platinum 5 automatically recognizes the hardware, so you have instant access to important controls right out of the box. The controller sports MIDI In and Out jacks, and you can update the firmware with MIDI System Exclusive dumps.
Logic Control presides over Logic Platinum 5's new 32-bit fader automation system. Automation data can be moved or copied independently. Track automation write modes operate independently of sequencer recording.
Logic Platinum now offers more than 50 plug-ins, including Adaptive Limiter, SubBass, Phase Distortion, and DeEsser. New mastering tools include StereoSpread, Denoiser, Limiter, and Multiband Compressor. A new mixer sidechain permits you to use external audio as a control signal. Logic Platinum 5 adds support for Propellerhead's REX 2.0 files and integrates support for the Logic Control hardware system.
To use Logic Control, you need Logic Platinum 5. For the Mac, that requires a PowerPC 604e/250 MHz with 128 MB of RAM running OS 9.1 or higher and a USB port. Windows users need an Athlon, Duron, or Pentium II processor running at 300 MHz or faster; 128 MB of RAM; Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, or XP; and a USB port. Emagic USA; tel. (530) 477-1051; e-mail emagic@emagicusa.com; Web www.emagic.de.
PRIMERA COMPOSERPLUS
The ComposerPlus Optical Disc Duplicator ($2,795) from Primera Technology uses a 24x CD-R with a FireWire interface to duplicate as many as 100 discs per session without reloading blank discs. With the optional Signature IV CD Color Printer ($1,495), you can simultaneously print 1,200 dpi disc-surface designs.
A robotic arm shunts blank discs from an input bin to the recorder; when a disc is finalized, the arm transports the disc to the printer. For higher-resolution graphics, you can purchase the SignaturePro CD Color Printer ($1,895) for 2,400 dpi printing or the Inscripta ($2,995), which offers thermal printing.
System requirements for the unit are a Pentium II/450 MHz computer, 128 MB of RAM, and Windows 98, ME, 2000, or XP. The package includes Prassi's PrimoCDPro duplication software. Primera Technology, Inc.; tel. (800) 797-2772; Web www.primeratechnology.com.
AKAI PD16
Tired of sequencing drum and percussion tracks from your MIDI keyboard? Akai's PD16 ($349) provides you with 16 drum machine — style, Velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads and an assignable slider in the tradition of the company's MPC series of instruments.
The controller can be powered from an AC adapter or from a computer's USB port. You can send MIDI data either through the USB connection or from the unit's MIDI Out jack.
The PD16 has two Velocity modes. Full Level sends a fixed Velocity of 127, and 16 Levels divides Note-On Velocity into 16 values. The Active button engages the slider, which sends your choice of Control Change messages.
You can program MIDI channels, Pad Note Numbers, and Control Change message assignments from your computer. Akai provides setup utility software for the PD16 and USB MIDI drivers for Mac and Windows platforms. Akai Musical Instrument Corp.; tel. (800) 433-5627 or (817) 831-9203; e-mail info@akaipro.com; Web www.akaipro.com.