PC and Music News

Cakewalk announces a new line of four cable-based interfaces designed to easily connect musical instruments and other components to a computer.

The three MIDI interface and one audio interface hardware solutions introduced today are compact, affordable products for a wide range of digital music creators — from hobbyists to professionals — who need to connect multiple instruments, MIDI devices, or other equipment to a computer. Each product will have a MSRP of under $100 US and be usable with both a Mac and PC. They are all USB-bus powered, requiring no AC adaptor and affording users enhanced mobility for recording on the go.

The new UM-1G, UM-2G, and UM-3G MIDI interfaces are designed to be affordable solutions to easily connect MIDI devices with a computer through a USB connection. The UA-1G is a compact 1 Stereo In/1 Stereo Out USB Audio Interface that offers excellent-quality sound via multiple connection options and a simple, user-friendly design.

Cakewalk will ship the UM-1G and UM-2G to retailers in the US beginning in March, 2009. The UM-3G USB MIDI Interface and the UA-1G USB Audio Interface will begin shipping in April, 2009.

Novation unveils the brand new FX Suite, its first independent collection of VST/AU plug-ins.

FX Suite provides five key effects from Novation's illustrious synth heritage, including signature effects derived from the legendary SuperNova II. The five independent VST/AU plug-ins include Chorus, Delay, Tremelo, Phaser and the famously flexible, powerful filter featuring overdrive. Each and every one of them offers a significant upgrade from standard sequencer effects.

The Novation filter plug-in is perhaps the most sought-after effect of the five. Modelled on the filter section of Novation's legendary Supernova II synthesiser, this powerful effect has an array of features and a unique sound that sets it apart from any other filter on the market. An audio triggered envelope alongside fi ...

Alesis announces AudioLink, a new series of USB audio cables consisting of GuitarLink, a quarter-inch-jack-to-USB cable; MicLink, an XLR-to-USB cable; and LineLink, a dual-quarter-inch-jack-to-USB cable.

The AudioLink series of USB audio cables enables musicians to connect analog audio sources directly to their computer and record them via a standard USB jack. Each cable outputs studio quality 16-bit, 44.1 kHz digital audio thanks to its internal analog-to-digital conversion system. The AudioLink series features plug-and-play connection for Mac and PC and is compatible with most Mac and Windows class-compliant drivers and software. All models are 16.5 feet in length.

GuitarLink enables musicians to directly connect nearly any guitar, bass or line-level audio source to a computer via USB for mono recording; MicLink enables them to direct-connect any dynamic microphone via USB for mono recording; and LineLink enables them to directly connect nearly any mixer, keyboard, sampler, sequencer, drum machine or other stereo, line-level audio source via USB for stereo recording to a computer.

GuitarLink and MicLink are available now from musical instrument and pro audio retailers at MSRPs of $79.99 and $89.99, respectively. LineLink will be available later in Q1 for $79.99.

Alesis announces M1 Active 520 USB studio monitors with USB audio connectivity.

M1Active 520 USB is a pair of active, bi-amplified, two-way reference monitors that faithfully reproduce frequencies from 20,000 Hz all the way down to 56 Hz, covering nearly all frequencies audible to human ears. Engineers can send audio directly from their DAW via USB to the speakers for extremely low noise, low-distortion signal flow.

The M1Active 520 USB monitors are designed around a five-inch polypropylene low-frequency driver for full, smooth response in the low end and a one-inch silk dome high-frequency driver for absolute clarity in the highs. The low-resonance bass-reflex cabinet features beveled edges to reduce edge diffraction and a tuned port for bass extension. M1Active 520 USB's bi-amplified design delivers 50W to the woofer and 25W to the tweeter. The monitors are magnetically shielded so studios can place them near computer screens and hard drives without concern.

When multitasking, engineers will appreciate the M1Active 520 USB's large, front-panel, bi-color display that indicates presence of signal in blue and clipping in red for instant feedback on system status.

In addition to USB playback capability, M1Active 520 USBs boast a pair of TRS-balanced 1/4" inputs, enabling them to be used as a high-quality computer audio interface. Users can connect a stereo source or two mono sources including a mixer, keyboard, sampler or tape deck and record directly to their computer through the speakers.

Roland unveils the AX-Synth. According to them :

"It's time to escape the keyboard rig and rock the stage. The stylish AX-Synth represents Roland's new generation of remote keyboards, but for the first time, this one has a sound generator onboard. It's self-contained and equipped with powerful, solo-oriented sounds from Roland's latest, greatest synths. Strap on an AX and steal the show."

Features :
- Built-in sound engine with voices from Roland's latest synthesizers
- Ribbon controller, D Beam, modulation bar, knobs, and easy to see display for stage
- USB MIDI for easy connection to PC
- Dedicated V-LINK button for video/visual control
- Long battery operation (approx. 6 hours)

Waves Audio expands its Dorrough Meter Collection with the new Surround Edition. The collection was developed in association with Dorrough Electronics, Inc., and the new Surround Edition includes the entire Waves Dorrough Meter Collection, with all its advanced display features and functions, plus customized meters engineered especially for surround production environments.

The Waves Dorrough Meter Collection—Surround Edition is available in Waves 360° Surround Tools, Waves Mercury and separately. Users of Waves Mercury and 360° Surround Tools covered by Waves Update Plan (WUP) receive The Waves Dorrough Meter Collection—Surround Edition at no additional charge.