PC and Music News

AcousticsampleS has just announced the release of DrumTasteJazz, a Sonor Jazz Drum Kit, with two toms (10' and 14'), a tamburim, two snares, two rides, a 13' hihat and a 18' bass drum.

Features :

- 1,16 Go of samples recorded at 24 bits, 48khz, no loops, 1818 samples.
- Multiple mic positions to make your own mix.
- Custom mapping, you can assign every element to any key.
- Mappings presets: GM, V-DRUMS, IMAP, NSKIT (NDK) or default one.
- cc# controlled Hihat with 5 different openess and automatic closing sound.
- 4 round robins for snares, hihat and rides, 2 round robins for the other elements.
- Playable instrument, right hand and left hand mappings.
- Detailed snares, 6 different hit positions for the 14' snare and 4 for the 10' one.
- Kontakt 2 and 3 format only due to the scripting for the interface, the multiple mic position mixing and the custom mapping.

The Library also features about 100 midi loops recorded live on a v-drums.

Price: €44. It's a downloadable product, but you can also get a dvd shipped at a reasonable price.

The Genelec 8020A 2-way active monitor system has been updated to become the 8020B.

The basic change in the B model is the addition of a mains power switch now located on the enclosure's rear panel. The rotary front panel control is used for sound level adjustement only. The audio signal can still be muted (the front LED stays on) in turning the front panel volume knob fully anti-clockwise, but actual mains power is only switched off using the rear panel on/off power switch which turns the front LED on/off. This also enables turning the power off without changing the set level. Along with this change, the second rear-mounted XLR connector has been removed.

The new Genelec 8020B (Height with Iso-Pod 242 mm, Width 151 mm and Depth 142 mm) has been designed for monitoring work in difficult listening environments, particularly those compromised by lack of space. The die-cast aluminum Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE ) features relatively large internal volumes; softly curved edges and outstanding mechanical strength. The 8020B advanced Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW ) provides a smooth on and off axis response ; while the long, curved reflex port ends in a wide flare for bass articulation.

The 8020B features a 105 mm (4 inch) bass driver along with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) tweeter loaded into a new advanced Genelec Directivity Controlled Waveguide (DCW ). The free field frequency response is 66 Hz to 20 kHz (± 2.5 dB). Maximum peak SPL output per pair with music material is 105 dB at 1 m. Bass and treble are each powered by 20 watt amplifiers.

Genelec introduces the 8260A 3-way DSP Active Monitor. With the new MDC Minimum Diffraction Coaxial Mid/High driver technology, the 8260A aims to be a "master piece in electro-acoustic design".

As we know Coaxial drivers have existed for many years and are common in two way systems but not so much in three way systems reproducing only mid and high frequencies. Typical to all current coaxial design is somewhat ragged frequency response due to inherent diffraction problems. Though, crossover issues due to non-coincident location of sources are solved with a coaxial configuration. Here lay the seeds of Genelec's Minimum Diffraction Coaxial (MDC ) solution: while it benefits from typical coaxial design advantages, it now overcomes several shortages as well.

Genelec is proud to introduce the new 1038CF 3-way active monitoring system. Based on the full range Genelec 1038B 3-way monitoring system, the 1038CF main new features are a very flat enclosure depth (version F) of only 235 mm and dual 8" long throw bass drivers.

It features a limited bass response, with a -2.5 dB point at 57 Hz, as the focus is on Mid/High performance. The system should be used in combination with a subwoofer in either stereo or multichannel applications. The 1038CF very compact enclosure measures only 610 mm x 470 mm x 235 mm (HxWxD) making it highly suitable for on-wall, free standing as well as flush-mounted applications . The system has a built in amplifier unit delivering a total of 420 W into two 210 mm (8") long throw bass drivers, 130 mm proprietary Genelec midrange driver and a 25 mm metal dome tweeter loaded into an advanced Genelec Directivity Controlled Waveguide (DCW ). The system is capable of delivering sound pressure levels of 124 dB maximum peak acoustic output per pair at 1 m measured with music material.

BIAS has announced that all six professional audio processing plug-ins from the Master Perfection Suite, will also be available separately as retail editions. The Master Perfection Suite is aimed at musicians, recording and mastering engineers, audio and video editors, sound designers and other audio professionals. These value packed plug-ins include: Repli-Q (spectral matching), PitchCraft (pitch correction/manipulation), Reveal (analysis), Sqweez-3 & -5 (multi-band dynamic processing), SuperFreq (paragraphic EQ), and GateEx (gate/expander).

The Master Perfection single editions will be available in April from $59 to $149 US SRP through authorized BIAS resellers and distributors worldwide, and directly from BIAS. The entire Master Perfection Suite is also available separately for $599 US SRP. Master Perfection Suite is also included as part of the Peak Pro XT package. Visit the BIAS web site for additional details.

Hercules presents an audio interface specifically designed for DJs: Hercules Deejay Trim 4&6.

Features :

- 4 preamplified inputs, each featuring a view-meter
- Two modes: a 4 input/4 output mode and a 2 input /6 output mode
- A built-in 3-port USB 2.0 hub supplied by an external power adapter
- A steel casing to handle the most intensive uses.

Hercules Deejay Trim 4&6 will be available end of June 2009, at the suggested retail price of $249.99.