PC and Music News

Mix Rack is Digidesign's most affordable entry into the VENUE line, combining all stage, local audio I/O, and DSP processing into a single compact 11U rack enclosure.

The base configuration comes with two powerful Mix Engine cards (expandable to three for additional TDM plug-in processing), and a full complement of primary and ancillary audio I/O, including :
- 48 high-quality, fully recallable analog XLR mic/line inputs
- 16 analog XLR line outputs (expandable to 32)
- 8 analog TRS line inputs and outputs (assignable as discrete inputs/outputs, or insert pairs)
- 2-track analog and digital (AES or S/PDIF) inputs and outputs
- 1x1 MIDI I/O
- Word Clock I/O (with active and signal present LEDs)
- Com/Aux input (XLR/TRS)


It also comes with a built-in ECx Ethernet port, allowing you to gain complete remote control of all VENUE console and D-Show software functions through a connected wired or wireless Ethernet device, such as a laptop.

Edirol by Roland announces the newest addition to its line of portable digital recorders, the R-09HR.

Features :

- 24-bit/96kHz linear PCM high-resolution, low-noise recording
- Newly developed Isolated Adaptive Recording Circuit (I.A.R.C.)
- High-grade, high-sensitivity stereo condenser microphone built in
- Records to SD or SDHC memory card (Up to 8 GB)
- Compact, hand-held body for convenient portable use
- Wide view-ability on large OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display
- Preview speaker built in
- Wireless remote controller included
- High-speed file transfer via USB 2.0 connection to computer
- Cakewalk "pyro Audio Creator LE" wave-editing software included

AQ Interactive presents the Korg DS-10, a music-creation software for the Nintendo DS that combines the superior interface of the Nintendo DS and the design concept of the famous MS-10 synthesizer.

Highlights :

- sound sources come from KORG
- Two patchable dual-oscillator analog synth simulators
- Four-part drum machine that uses sounds created with the analog synth simulator
- Six-track (analog synth x 2, drum machine x 4) /16-step sequencer
- Delay, chorus, and flanger sound effects available from the mixing board
- Three note-entry modes: touch-control screen, keyboard screen, matrix screen
- Real-time sound control mode via touch-control screen
- Exchange sounds and songs and play multiple units simultaneously through a wireless communications lin

The Korg DS-10 will be availible in July, costs 4,800 YEN (30 euro's) incl. VAT and is for Japan only...

MFB launches MFB-SYNTH 3, the semi-modular version of MFBs Synth-II.

MFB-SYNTH3 works as a stand-alone synthesizer without the need to patch any cable. The classic formation of VCO-VCF-VCA is pre-wired internally, complete with essential modulations. Therefore, you can play the SYNTH3 just like any other synthesizer using its MIDI-input. In addition, it may integrate into a full analog environment using control voltages – and benefit, unlike MIDI, from infinite continuous parameter resolution.

MFB-SYNTH3 offers a complete set for powerful and versatile synthesis: three VCOs with hard-sync, 24-dB-lowpass-filter with resonance, noise generator, ring-modulator, two envelope-generators, two LFOs and VCA.

Toontrack Music are announcing EZplayer Pro, the expanded version of Toontrack Musics EZplayer Free.

Basically it is a plug-in MIDI engine that lets you collect and organize all the MIDI on your hard drive. You can combine, put together and fuse drum and percussion MIDI clips from individual kit pieces to entire arrangements and audition them with your favorite drum sampler in EZplayer Pro before dragging them into your sequencer. It includes map-wrappers between different drum sampler formats. These allow you to use the MIDI from one brand of drum sampler with a sampler from another brand as a sound source on the fly. The map-wrapper encompass all common brands in the market.

EZplayer Pro is organized as a multi track arranger where every track can be connected to a virtual instrument in the main sequencer and EZplayer Pro be utilized to audition different instruments in combination before you adjust them in detail. The tracks and the sub tracks with fills and variations can also be aligned to a hardware controller such as a keyboard or percussive controller to trigger MIDI sequences live.

EZplayer Pro is a VST, AU and RTAS compatible plug-in and will be included on disc together with Superior Drummer 2.0 as its MIDI engine. It will also be available separately in april of 2008 both as a download purchase and in a boxed version at €35/£25/$49.

Yamaha has announced the MOTIF-RACK XS.

Features :

• Wide range of dynamic and authentic Voices - total of 1,152 Voices and 65 Drum Kits
• Powerful Arpeggio function - simultaneous playback of four types, total 6,633 available
• Five real-time Control Knobs, for adjusting the sound as you perform or record
• Convenient, intuitive editing of all settings from computer with MOTIF-RACK XS Editor
• Full integration with the popular Cubase series audio/MIDI recording software

The MOTIF-RACK XS is priced at $1499.