PC and Music News

M-Audio has introduced a new series of USB MIDI keyboard controllers designed for professional musicians.

Available in 25-, 49- and 61-key models, the Axiom Pro series offers easy software integration to digital audio workstations (DAW) including Pro Tools(R), Cubase, Logic and Reason — as a result of M-Audio's HyperControl(TM) technology, which automatically maps keyboard controls to commonly accessed parameters in software instruments and DAWs. The constant two-way link with the host DAW means that the Axiom Pro series keyboards are always in sync with the software's active parameters. The intuitive graphic LCD constantly updates the current values, to ensure seamless editing and prevents parameter jumps—even when plug-ins are closed. Users can also easily toggle between Mixer and Instrument control modes, making the music creation process much more seamless.

Axiom Pro series keyboard controllers are also the first to combine MIDI control with ASCII keystrokes, allowing users to assign any button to send QWERTY key commands like cut/paste or undo directly to the host software. The controllers offer M-Audio's premium TruTouch semi-weighted keyboard action for a more tactile and responsive playing experience. They are also equipped with eight velocity-sensitive trigger pads with M-Audio's exclusive Trigger Finger technology for triggering loops and samples.

The Axiom Pro 49 is currently shipping and carries a MSRP of $599.95. The Axiom Pro 61 is expected to ship in the first quarter of 2009 and will carry a MSRP of $699.95. Pricing and availability for the Axiom Pro 25 will be announced at a later date.

Overloud announces TH1 Triode, its Essential Guitar Effects Suite.

TH1 Triode shares with the flagship TH1 the same new twist on the guitar player's stage and recording system by implementing both revolutionary features and a user interface that appeals to every level of player and producer, regardless of experience and technical know-how. Exclusive features such as SLR amplifier morphing, free life-like microphone positioning around cabinets, ReSPire cabinet technology, and Breverb-based reverb, are combined with a radically different and transparent user interface, a selection of mics, cabinets, and amps, stomp-boxes, pedals and rack effects, easy and powerful memory management, and unprecedented real-time control capabilities.

TH1 Triode will ship in February 2009 in RTAS, AU, VST and Stand-alone formats for Mac OS X and RTAS, VST and Stand-alone formats for Windows and lists for €69 worldwide and $99 in the USA and Canada. A 14-day full-featured demo will be available for download.

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.