ALIENWARE OZMA-M

Alienware's Ozma-m ($2,915 and up) is a notebook computer that's custom-built for pro-audio applications. Based on a Hyper-Threading Pentium 4/3 GHz running Windows XP Professional, the Ozma-m contains an Nvidia Quadro FX Go1000 video card. The computer offers a choice of a 16.1-inch UXGA 16:10 or a 15.4-inch WideSXGA+ LCD display. The M-Audio FireWire 410 interface is included as standard equipment.

The 7.5-pound base model comes with 512 MB of PC3200 RAM and a 40 GB, 7,200 rpm hard drive. Removable bays house the main hard drive, a DVD+RW/CD-RW combo drive, and an optional second hard drive. Standard features include Gigabit Ethernet, a FireWire port, three USB 2.0 ports, a media-card reader, four built-in speakers, and an infrared multifunction remote control. A selection of optional software is available. Alienware Corporation; email support@alienware.com; Web www.alienware.com.

ELEMENTAL SYSTEMS NEODYNIUM

You seldom see a totally new approach to dynamics processing, but some companies never do anything ordinary. Case in point: Elemental Audio Systems, developer of the EQ plug-ins Firium and Eqium, has introduced Neodynium (Mac/Win, $159), a plug-in that takes a unique approach to compression and dynamics processing. Instead of turning knobs and viewing transfer curves as you do with other compressors, you interact with a graphic representation of Neodynium's compression settings. It displays a color image of your signal's audio levels and the amount of compression applied to those levels, allowing you to visualize compression as never before.

Neodynium applies compression or expansion to user-determined level ranges, rather than to frequency ranges as a multiband compressor does. You can define as many as four compression zones, each with independent attack, release, and ratio settings. Cloud meters indicate where audio levels are concentrated, and compression meters indicate the effect of your settings. You can select key input from the left channel, the right channel, both channels, or a sidechain, and choose peak or RMS analysis of your selected key. Neodynium also offers an auto-limiter, automatic gain compensation, look-ahead capabilities, target and processed key meters, and as many as three key filters from seven filter types.

Neodynium supports sampling rates to a maximum of 192 kHz and is available in VST, RTAS, and Audio Units formats. Elemental Audio Systems; email customerservice@elementalaudio.com; Web www.elementalaudio.com.

TC ELECTRONIC POWERCORE COMPACT

When TC Electronic first unleashed the PowerCore, it took the load off of computer processors by supplying additional horsepower for running audio plug-ins; the PowerCore FireWire did the same, but without the need for expansion slots. Nevertheless, some notebook-computers users wanted something smaller. Enter the PowerCore Compact ($995), a lightweight, portable unit that fits into a laptop case with your PowerBook or PC notebook. It offers the same 266 MHz PowerPC and half the Motorola DSPs as the PowerCore FireWire at just over half the price.

Included with the PowerCore Compact are a dozen plug-ins (Mac/Win) ranging from a soft synth to dynamics and effects. One of these is Noveltech's new Character plug-in, a nonlinear adaptive filter that reshapes audio material in response to its content. Other bundled plug-ins include the Filtroid dual filter bank, the Tubifex guitar-amp simulator, and the Master X3 virtual Finalizer.

The PowerCore Compact works with any VST or Audio Units host application and runs all the same plug-ins as previous PowerCore models. It connects to your computer by FireWire, for portable processing power in the studio and on the road. For even more power, it can be used in combination with additional PowerCores — Compact, Element, or FireWire. TC Electronic; email infous@tcelectronic.com; Web www.tcelectronic.com.

SE ELECTRONICS GEMINI

Until recently, microphones manufactured in China have been exclusively imported as OEM models by companies that sold them under their own brand names. Sonic Distribution USA, in partnership with Chinese manufacturer SE Electronics, has formed SE Electronics International, offering a full line of condenser mics. One especially nice company policy is that SE Electronics will loan qualified prospective buyers any mic for one week. In addition, if a mic that's returned for repair can't be fixed within a week, it will be replaced with a new one.

Holding down the top of the line is the Gemini ($1,499), a dual-tube condenser with a 1.07-inch gold-sputtered diaphragm and a fixed cardioid polar pattern. Instead of a traditional transformer, the Gemini contains two pretested, dual-triode vacuum tubes: a 12A×7 on the input stage, and a 12AU7 on the output stage. SE Electronics says that the result is a detailed and intimate sound that is similar to that of classic tube mics. According to specifications, the Gemini handles an SPL of 130 dB with 0.5% THD, and its impedance is rated at 200ž. This model is recommended for close- or ambient miking, stereo x-y recording, or any application in which off-axis rejection is crucial onstage, on location, or in the studio. It has an external power supply and an internal shockmount. SE Electronics/Sonic Distribution (distributor); email sales@sonic-distribution; Web www.seelectronics.com.