PC and Music News

SPL unveils a brand new product : Phonitor. The name already implies the key feature: SPL announces that with the Phonitor headphones now become a full alternative to monitoring speakers. To allow for control of sound impressions comparable to speakers in a room, the Phonitor offers new parameters such as Crossfeed, Speaker Angle and Center Level.

Based upon SPL's unique 120 V technology which was initially developed for their mastering product series, the Phonitor aims at high-end users to fulfill highest demands in sound quality. It is SPL's flagship of a new sort of headphone amps they call Headphone Monitoring Amplifiers. The company plans to launch further units in standard technology soon, e. g. a RackPack module.

Availability of the Phonitor is scheduled for May 2008.

Algorithmix has announced two new VST 3 plug-ins - K-Stereo and LP SplitComp.

K-Stereo is based on a patented psychoacoustical process that extracts the ambience inherent in ordinary recordings and is capable of spreading it around the soundstage as well as enlarging its depth and width without adding any artificial reverberation. K-Stereo does not have a sound of its own - it fills in what's been missing. It is also capable to make a natural mono to stereo conversion.

LP SplitComp is a high-resolution linear-phase mastering split compressor featuring parallel mode, linear-phase split filters, adjustable soft knee, intelligent auto-release, and parameterized soft clipper. It is compatible to the newly released VST 3.0 and thus multichannel compliant.

Pricing and release dates are not yet available.

Mackie today unveils its new U.Series production mixers with the U.420 and the U.420d. Designed for the needs of todays musicians, DJs and producers, Mackie U.Series provides flexible connections and an intuitive, centralized user interface to ease workflow and maximize creativity.

Each model features a micro-master section with otherwise full-size qualities such as a prominent master volume knob and high resolution metering. Mic or stereo line channel strips with 3-band active EQ, a built-in DI box and RIAA phono preamps allow you to plug-in, and turn up for live sound and recording via integrated stereo Firewire I/O. Ingenious "loop-thru" routing enables you to mix and record analog and DAW playback with a couple of simple moves. Each offers a stereo aux send, headphone out with pre-main level control and self-monoing outputs.

The U.420 4-channel high-headroom stereo line mixer offers 3-band "full-kill" active EQ on each channel, a built-in DI box and a Mackie designed RIAA phono preamp. The U.420d is loaded with 2 premium Mackie mic channels with 30mm faders, and features 3-band active EQ with mid-sweep, while 2 high-headroom stereo line input channels include 2 Mackie designed RIAA phono preamps, 3-band active EQ, a full headphone cue system and a 30mm crossfader.

Both units will be available in the U.S. and Canada in April 2008 and internationally in May 2008. The U.420 will be €249 and the U.420d will be €299.

ProjectSAM has announced Symphobia, a new orchestral libraries.

Featuring all-new orchestral recordings of strings, brass and woodwinds, Symphobia gives you out-of-the-box, big, playable symphonic ensembles and cinematic effects. The library delivers extremely fast results and endless inspiration with the deadline-driven, modern day composer in mind. Full string ensemble in numerous articulations, tutti orchestra sustains, staccatos and rips, aggressive violin section glissandi, horrific brass clusters and woodwind textures. These are just a few examples of what Symphobia has to offer. The new "must-have" for any film, TV or game composer ? Listen to the music demos to find out...

Symphobia will ship in July 2008 and will be released with the Mac OS X / Windows Native Instruments Kontakt 2 Player. Pricing TBA.

Based on the technology already proven with Octopus, genoQs Machines is excited to announce NEMO, their new MIDI sequencer.

NEMO is a highend machine, continuing their tradition of realtime everything MIDI instruments. With the interaction and function model of Octopus being adapted to a new interface, NEMO's particular strength lies in its compact, portable format.

NEMO will be available starting July 1st, 2008 for a price of €1399. Further details will be available on their web site in the coming days.

Stanton announces the launch of the SC System, a highly innovative new set of digital controllers for the professional DJ. The SC System is comprised of the SCS.1d deck and the SCS.1m mixer which can be used standalone or together.

This system boasts a feature set including built-in FireWire (tm) connections, a high-torque motorized platter with vinyl control disc, motorized faders, rotary encoders, massive flexibility, and integration into DJ software with advanced two-way feedback.

Key features of the Stanton SC System include :

-High-torque adjustable motorized platter with real vinyl
-Motorized pitch fader
-Velocity sensitive pads
-Highly tactile and complete user feedback (out of the box)
-LCD "scribble strips" for two-way communication with selected DJ software and LED backlit buttons
-Universal, class-compliant MIDI and Audio

Prices: SCS.1d: €1199 incl. VAT and the SCS.1m: €799 incl. VAT