PC and Music News

Digidesign just unveiled the easiest way to edit sessions on the move: the Mbox 2 Micro. It is of USB key size and provides in an aluminium enclosure, Pro Tools LE and a headphone out only.

Interface:
• Connector: One 1/8" stereo jack (for headphone or speaker monitoring) with volume control
• Maximum Output: +3 dBV into 600 Ohms
• Frequency Response: -2/+0 dB, 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Dynamic Range: 103 dB A-weighted (THD+N: 0.002%)
• Supported Sample Rates: 44.1, 48 kHz
• Maximum Word Length: 24 bit
• Host Connection: one USB 1.1 type A connector (extension cable included)
• USB powered

Pro tools LE:
• Digidesign-qualified Windows XP- or Mac OS X 10.4-based computer
• 768 MB of RAM (1 GB highly recommended)
• DVD-ROM (or equivalent) drive for software installation
• Available USB port (USB hubs not supported)
• Minimum 1024 x 768 screen resolution

• $ 279, available in the first half of November

Steinberg flagships Cubase and Cubase Studio reach 4.1, a free update for all registered owners from their website. New features include:

• Redesigned Sample Editor
• Sidechaining for VST3 Plug-ins
• MusicXML Import & Export provides exchange of musical scores with specialized score layout applications from Cubase projects.
• Full Sequel Project Import and complete compatibility to Sequel content allows full editing of Sequel projects and instant access to all Sequel content installed on the same system within the advanced MediaBay database.
• Free routing and recording from summing objects enhance recording and routing functionality to offer complete flexibility as well as lightning-fast setup for stem recording
• Advanced MediaBay options enhance speed and efficiency working with the media database system with new user options.
• Track Quick Controls with integrated MIDI Learn provide direct access to any track parameter from the Track Inspector, ideal for easy control of any setting using hardware remote controllers.
• Global Transpose Track allows transposition of all audio and MIDI parts within one track for quick and easy experimentation with key and chord changes.
• Arranger Track replaces the Play Order Track to extend the Cubase system for improvising and trying out new song arrangements and provides new features for using Cubase as a live
performance tool.
• Project Logical Editor is a powerful new project-level editing system that allows automated processing of whole sections and groups of objects within a project, including full mapping to key commands.
And many others…

Native Instruments has just released TRAKTOR 3.3, a free update for its DJ software. The new version includes an extensively refined and more flexible user interface, a reworked effects section, extended MIDI sync options, improved Beatport integration, enhanced iTunes and iPod support, compatibility with Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard", and a revised user manual. Furthermore, it includes performance and stability improvements in every area of the software. It also brings seamless integration with TRAKTOR SCRATCH, extending its versatility and flexibility with up to four simultaneous playback decks and other powerful creative features.

The 3.3 update for Windows and Mac OS X is now available as a free download for all registered users of TRAKTOR 3 from NI website. A demo version of TRAKTOR 3.3 with TRAKTOR SCRATCH integration is also available for download. Owners of TRAKTOR SCRATCH can purchase TRAKTOR 3 at a special price of $99/EUR 119.

Solid State Logic presents its 2 new modules for the Xlogic rack series. The Stereo Bus Compressor Module is the center section compressor from SSL G-Series Consoles with ultra high bandwidth and ultra low noise SuperAnalogue circuit design. The True Stereo Side Chain Input is accompanied by a 'link' feature that enables multiple Stereo Bus Compressor Modules to be combined for surround processing. The Stereo Bus Compressor, 4 Input, 8 Input & Master Modules make a nice summing mixer.

The VHD Input Module is based on the input section of the popular SSL E-Signature Channel 1U rack processor. It combines: a high bandwidth mic amp stage that can handle mic, instrument or line inputs, SSL's Variable Harmonic Drive circuit, an additional line input/ trim control section, a set of High and Low Pass Filters and the classic Listen Mic Compressor. A 100% analogue circuit that adds a variable blend of 2nd or 3rd harmonic distortion to your signal

Mico is a compact, feature packed twin Mic Pre with built in ultra-high quality ADCs, making it an ideal front-end for desk-top users. The front-end design is Audient's renowned balanced discrete Class A design which is also used in the ASP008 and the ASP8024 mixing console - guaranteeing outstanding sonic transparency and detail.

The 2 channels of the Mico are not exactly similar :
-It features one channel (left) of the unique HMX harmonic sculpting technology from the Audient Black Pre making the creation of vintage style character and complexity as simple as turning one knob.
- For recording a single source with twin mics or mic+DI, the Variphase control on Mico's second channel allows precise phase alignment (or creative mis-alignment) of the two signal paths.

For the "lunch box" frantics, LaChapell presents a small imprint vacuum tube preamp the 583s. The input stage is based on the company 992EG platform in single-ended form coupled with high quality Burr-Brown and THAT Corporation output drivers. The 583s will be able to deliver 70dB of gain with a typical non-weighted EIN of -120dB referencing 150 ohm load. Equipped with one 12AX7/ECC83 tube and a frequency response of 12 Hz to 70 kHz, the 583s utilizes the Cinemag CMMI-10 or the optional Jensen JT-115k input transformer and features a max output of >26dBu.

A mysterious 583e is on the way…

The 583s is shipping and available for $1,249