PC and Music News

NAMM 2008 sees the unveiling of Focusrite's new 'ISA One' microphone pre-amplifier. It features the classic vintage microphone pre-amplifier topology from the original ISA110 module in a rugged and portable chassis, including the Lundahl L1538 transformer and bespoke zobel network. (The original 110 pre amp formed the cornerstone of each channel of Focusrite's legendary Forte console.)

The pre amp is complemented by a line input (XLR and TRS Jack) and an independent D.I. channel, complete with dedicated gain control, active or passive impedance switch, a TRS Jack output for routing to an amp and an independent XLR output on the rear.

A variable impedance circuit has been added, allowing the user to switch between four carefully selected input impedance settings. In addition to the or ...

Novation unveils a new USB controller called Nocturn. Featuring the latest Automap Universal 2.0 software, exclusive to Novation controllers, Nocturn provides automatic, instant and intelligent control of all automatable plug-ins within every major sequencer, including Pro Tools.

Features :

- 8 touch-sensitive rotary encoders, each equipped with a bright eleven-LED ring
- 8 user-assignable illuminated buttons
- smooth, professional 45mm cross-fader
- Novation's unique 'speed dial'; a touch-sensitive rotary encoder that instantly takes control of whatever your mouse is focused on!

Featuring a revolutionary new 'heads-up transparent control GUI', Automap Universal 2.0 places a transparent control map across your computer screen, to be recalled or hidden at will. Little or no user ...

Sonnox has announced the launch of its first new plug-in since the Company became independent in April 2007. The Sonnox Oxford SuprEsser is both a very highly-featured professional De-Esser and a Dynamic EQ at the same time. There is a basic mode for quick fixes, but also an advanced mode for increased functionality and fine-tuning. The combination of an intuitive FFT display and three listen modes enables the user to easily see and hear exactly where the problem frequencies are, allowing the rapid reduction or removal of the offending audio. Rather than simply allowing a frequency to trigger full-band compression, only the offending frequencies are carefully carved out leaving the rest of the mix untouched. Since the SuprEsser can operate at all frequencies, 'plosives' and other annoyances can also be removed effortlessly, making it more than a simple De-Esser. Additional features include Automatic Level Tracking, Linear Phase Filtering and a Wet/Dry blend control for final balancing.

Sonnox will be unveiling its new Oxford SuprEsser plug-in at the Winter NAMM 2008 show in Anaheim, on January 17-20. Stand 201-18, Room 201, 2nd Floor. The company will also be giving away a Native Oxford 6-Pack bundle, (worth $1,250) each day at the show, and attendees will be given a voucher entitling them to a special NAMM deal.

EastWest announces that Quantum Leap SD2 - The Next Generation virtual instrument, the sequel to Stormdrum is now shipping.

ESI will showcase the Firewire Audio Interface DuaFire at the Winter 2008 NAMM show, booth #6832.

Features :

- high-grade 24-bit/96kHz analog-digital-converter
- high-grade 24-bit/96kHz digital-analog-converter
- 2 channels of audio input with level controls
- microphone preamps and phantom power for XLR inputs (selectable)
- Hi-Z input circuitry for guitar and other Hi-Z devices
- selectable switch between line-level inputs phono pre-amps
- 4 line-level audio outputs on rear of unit
- direct input monitoring with level control
- bus powered via FireWire-Bus or with separate power supply unit (selectable)
- support for DirectWIRE 3.0
- supports EWDM driver: MME, ASIO 2.0, GSIF 2.0, DirectSound
- CoreAudio devices for Mac OS X
- Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS 10.3.6 (and higher) compatible
- 1 headphone output with amp and volume control
- world's first FireWire audio interface with EWDM driver support
- bundled with Steinberg Cubase LE 4.0 for PC and Mac

DuaFire is available at a retail price of €249.

EastWest has given one of its most popular collections, the EastWest/Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra, a turbo boost by upgrading the line (Platinum and Gold) to the company's Play 64-bit sampling engine.
Play-upgraded versions of Symphonic Orchestra will be introduced at NAMM 2008.