SEK'D PRODIF T 2496 PRO
The 2496 Pro ($599) is a digital-audio interface for Windows computers. The interface includes a breakout cable, two TDIF interfaces, transport controls, and a synchronization port for TDIF-equipped recorders. The card can record and play back 16 channels of digital audio, and you can combine as many as four cards in one for 64 channels of digital audio.
The card supports sampling rates from 44.1 through 96 kHz and resolutions of 16, 20, and 24 bits. The DTRS connector allows full remote control of transport and recording functions with the provided software. The application supports locate points as well as in, out, and preroll settings. The interface supports frame-accurate transfer of tracks between TDIF-compatible recorders and the computer. Sek'd America; tel. (800) 330-7753 or (707) 578-2023; fax (707) 578-2025; e-mail info@sekd.com; Web www.sekd.com.
ZOOM MRS-1044
The MRS-1044 ($1,199.99) is Zoom's new portable digital studio. The recorder provides 10 tracks of uncompressed 24-bit, 44.1 kHz audio, a fully programmable stereo drum machine, as well as a bass track. Each track is accompanied by ten virtual tracks.
The unit houses a 15 GB hard disk, offering as many as 44 track hours of recording. Optionally, you can add a USB or SCSI expansion card for storage and recording.
The built-in mixer offers 24-bit internal processing and effects. Digital signal processing includes reverb, chorus, delay, modulation, compression, effects tailored for mastering, and algorithms drawn from Zoom's guitar processors. You can use six effects simultaneously. Each of the ten audio channels has a dedicated fader and 2-band EQ.
Unlike other portable digital studios, the MRS-1044 offers a full-fledged drum machine. You get eight velocity-sensitive pads that access three banks of drum sounds for a total of 24 drum sounds per kit. You can also use the pads to sequence a wide range of bass sounds, with 250 user and 400 preset patterns available.
The MRS-1044 offers two phantom-powered XLR and two unbalanced ¼-inch inputs, one pair of stereo RCA outputs, S/PDIF optical output, and MIDI In and Out. Samson Technologies Corp. (distributor); tel. (800) 328-2882 or (516) 364-2244; e-mail sales@samsontech.com; Web www.samsontech.com.
STEINBERG HALION
Steinberg's Halion ($399; Mac/Win) is a software sampler for VST-compatible host programs. The sampler supports 32-bit sampling and features a built-in sample editor.
You get as many as 256 notes of polyphony and 16-MIDI-channel multitimbral capability. You can assign a different multimode filter to each sample or deploy filters globally. Filters include notch, highpass, lowpass, and bandpass, with 12 dB and 24 dB slopes. Filters offer a Fatness function to beef up sounds. Two envelope generators are provided, each with a maximum of eight stages.
Halion is compatible with WAV, AIFF, Akai, and E-mu sample formats, with additional formats in development. Halion's sample editor lets you drag and drop samples to key assignments, and you can easily set layers, velocity switching, and velocity crossfading by moving Key Zones. The editor searches automatically for zero crossings and performs nondestructive crossfades for smoother looping.
To get you started, Halion ships with four Wizoo sample CD-ROMs, including grand piano, basses, and drum kits. Running Halion requires a Pentium II/266 MHz computer with 128 MB RAM, Windows 95/98/NT, an approved MME- or ASIO-compliant sound card, and a VST-compatible host application. For the Mac, you will need a PPC 603e/266 MHz processor, 128 MB RAM, OS 9.1, an approved ASIO-compliant sound card, and a VST host program. Steinberg North America; tel. (818) 678-5100; e-mail info@steinberg.net; Web www.steinberg.net.