PC and Music News

British mixer manufacturer, Allen & Heath, has chosen the forthcoming Pro Light & Sound show in Frankfurt to unveil an exciting new addition to their portfolio. For the first time in 15 years, Allen & Heath has designed a broadcast console, which will be introduced from the ZED range of small-format USB mixers.

More info coming soon...

Tascam has updated the DR-1 and GT-R1 Portable Digital Recorders to Version 2.0. The update offers additional features during recording, including a manual track increment for breaking a long session into individual tracks. The new pre-record buffer feature can store audio in a buffer to begin a recording two seconds before the record button is pressed.

Recording can also be delayed by 300ms to eliminate handling noise when the record button is pressed. Editing features have also been added to the recorders in version 2. "File Divide" separates a recording into two files. The DR-1 and GT-R1 automatically make a new file while recording if the file becomes too large. A new "All Delete" function deletes all of the files in the selected folder.

The free update for the DR-1 Portable Digital Recorder and GT-R1 Portable Guitar/Bass Recorder is now available on :

Novation has just announced the release of Automap 3 Standard and Automap 3 Pro, the latest incarnations of its intelligent software system. Automap is unique to Novation's MIDI controllers, and has now been enhanced with a wealth of eagerly anticipated features. Until now Automap had focused on plug-in control, but exciting developments bring a new level of DAW control.

Automap 3 PRO supports multiple hardware devices. This enables any of Novation's hardware controllers to be stacked within the Automap server (software). Mutiple Novation controllers can then work side by side to access separate parameters on different plug-ins.

The new 'Keystroke Assignment' feature enables Automap 3 PRO to assign almost any computer keyboard shortcut to hardware controls, giving you access to navigation and other features from your SL or Nocturn controller.

You can now assign parameters in the Automap Server (software) to the XY pad, expression pedal, control pedal and drum pads. This means that Automap's ultra-quick 'learn' facility can now be used on all of the above.

Another key new feature in PRO is the ability to drag and drop parameters between controls, making re-assignment incredibly simple.

When activated the 'Autoview' feature automatically displays Automap 3 PRO on-screen as soon as a hardware control is touched, and then hides the GUI after release.

Automap 3 is available in two forms, Automap 3 Standard and Automap 3 PRO. Automap 3 Standard is a free download and Automap 3 PRO (which has extra features) is available to download for £19.99 / $24.99. No matter what music software you use, Automap offers an instant controlling solution for all your plug-ins. It supports VST, AU and Pro Tools (TDM/RTAS) plug-in formats (TDM/RTAS support is currently Mac only. PC will follow soon).

Applied Microphone Technology, a.k.a. AMT, unveils its 3rd generation of Harmonica microphone systems : the HR3.

Designed and manufactured by hand, the HR3 aims to reproduce the sound of a harmonica as natural as possible. This microphone is intended to fit different sized harmonicas from diatonic to 16 hole. The HR3, unlike the former HR1 and HR2 systems from AMT has a clamp that adjusts by a thumb and an allen screw to fit different sized instruments. It also includes AMT's new DCT (Disconnecting cable technology) which allows easy replacement of the cable from the microphone as well as giving it the ability to interface with various wireless systems on the market. The included AMT inline preamp can be placed on the floor, a belt clip, or in a pocket and has a low roll-off filter as well as a dB cut.

Applied Microphone Technology begins shipping the HR3 Harmonica Microphone System in March of 2009.

Pricing : List $299 Map $239

If you already own one or two Abbey Road Plug-ins, you can now complete your collection at a much reduced price by purchasing an Abbey Road Bundle Upgrade.

Until 6pm GMT on 23rd February, they are offering a special introductory price on the upgrades, with discounts of up to 43%. So if you've been waiting to complete your set of Abbey Road Plug-ins, there's never been a better time to do so.

Pricing details :

. Brilliance Pack to Bundle — $399 Native / $649 TDM
. TG Mastering Pack to Bundle — $349 Native / $599 TDM
. TG12413 Limiter to Bundle — $349 Native / $599 TDM
. Brilliance Pack & TG Mastering Pack to Bundle — $234 Native / $389 TDM
. Brilliance Pack & TG12413 Limiter to Bundle — $234 Native / $389 TDM
. TG12413 Limiter & TG Mastering Pack to Bundle — $174 Native / $349 TDM

Parker Guitars has announced the availability of the Fly Mojo MIDI Guitar to their stellar line of electric guitars. Designed for the professional player, the Fly Mojo MIDI combines cutting edge MIDI technology with the innovative breakthroughs pioneered by Parker Guitars.

The Fly Mojo MIDI Guitar features a Roland GK-KIT-GT3 Divided Pickup Kit, which allows for full integration with the Roland V-Guitar System, GR-20 Guitar Synthesizer or any BOSS GK- Effect Series Pedals. Utilizing plug and play connectivity, the Fly Mojo MIDI Guitar allows players to create a world of unique tones with the simplicity and quality that musicians have come to expect from Parker.

Along with the MIDI capability, the guitar features Seymour Duncan Jazz (N) and JB (B) pickups, Sperzel Trim-lok tuners and an exclusive Fishman Piezo electronics system. The Fly Mojo MIDI is constructed from a carbon glass epoxy fretboard fused to a single solid piece of Mahogany.

The Fly Mojo MIDI is currently available at Parker retailers.