PC and Music News

Akai unveils the EWI USB, a new plug-and-play USB wind controller.

Features :

- Electronic wind instrument controller
- Easy to play, easy to use, and easy to own
- Powerful, flexible, and reliable
- Plug-and-play USB connection to Mac or PC
- Custom Garritan Aria Player software, contains wind instrument sounds
- Multiple fingering modes: sax, traditional EWI, flute, oboe, and EVI brass
- Expandable sound palette
- Removable, dishwasher-safe mouthpiece

Includes :

- EWI USB wind instrument
- Neck strap
- Cleaning cloth
- USB cable
- Software DVD
- Quick start guide
- Safety instructions

The EWI USB is available now for $499 MSRP.

On occasion of the Valvet's 10th anniversary Brauner is releasing a new version of this very popular tube microphone: the Valvet X - escpecially designed to excel in delicate vocal and solo recordings. The Valvet X has a pure cardioid pattern and its overall tonal character was optimized to fit this very task.

TechSpecs :

- Equivalent Noise < 9 dB A (IEC651)
- Signal to Noise > 85 dB (1 Pa/1 kHzCardioid)
- Sensitivity 28 mV / PaCardioid
- Pattern Cardioid
- Frequency Range 20 Hz 22 kHz
- Maximum SPL 142 dB SPL @ 0,3 % THD
- Power Supply 115 V or 230 V

The Valvet X will be available for a special offer price (toward €2100) during a limited period of time, as will be the regular Valvet.

Line 6 has begun shipping POD X3 Pro. Like all members of the POD X3 family, it offers two discreet signal paths. Split your single-input guitar or bass signal through two different amp and effect chains simultaneously to create new hybrids, or use its dual inputs to individually process two instruments—a microphone and a guitar, for example—at the same time.

Computer-based studios will want to exploit the USB 2.0 connectivity provided by POD X3 Pro for multi-channel recording as well as its S/PDIF or AES/EBU Stereo Digital Audio I/O for sending a direct digital signal to their DAWs. For additional recording and processing flexibility, it also includes software plug-in functionality for integration with DAW recording applications.

POD X3 Pro MSRP: $979.99

For those of you that downloaded the Nomad Factory "Producer Pack" trial bundle (26 plug-ins) from the DontCrac[k] web store, please note that this $499 promotional offer will end Saturday night (Nov 15) at midnight, US western time.

There will be no time extension to this incredible promotion says Peter Donovan, marketing director at DontCrac[k]. That is part of the deal we signed with Nomad Factory and no sales will be processed after Saturday 15 adds Peter. Peter also mentioned that DontCrack's "Quantitative Discounts" applies to this promotion for up to 20% extra discount. Customers can simply add products to their cart (any products - any brands) for up to 20% extra discount...

Genelec introduces the 5041A, a dedicated Active In-Wall subwoofer designed to complement AIW25 Active In-Wall and AIC25 Active In-Ceiling loudspeakers.

This active subwoofer packs a huge punch in an unbelievably slim enclosure. In fact after installation in a dry / stud wall or even recessed into a solid wall all that is visible is a discrete metal grill, which can even be sprayed to a matching colour to make this subwoofer even more unobtrusive. The 5041A extends the system's bass response down to 35 Hz with an upper cut-off frequency of 95 Hz and delivering an SPL of 105 dB.

The 5041A features two 6.5" low frequency drivers in a very slim (depth 82 mm / 31/4") MDF enclosure and a separate 4U RAM3 amplifier unit that can be installed in an equipment rack using the optional RM2 rack adapter. Thoughtfully the RAM3 is the same dimensions as the RAM2 which powers the AIW25 (in wall) and AIC25 (in ceiling) allowing up to eight amplifier modules to be fitted in one handy rack.

The audio connectors on the RAM3 amplifier include parallel XLR and RCA input connectors and an XLR Link Out connector for daisy-chaining multiple subwoofers together. Adjustable input sensitivity provides easy connection to all types of decoders. Bass roll-off rate and crossover phase can also be adjusted to suit different acoustical environments and subwoofer positioning. Amplifier power switching can be set to manual, automatic signal sensing or remote controlled by a 12 V trigger voltage. The 5041A outputs 105 dB maximum SPL, but if more sound pressure is needed, coupling multiple subwoofers together using the Link Out channel gives an added 6 dB for a system of two, 9.5 dB for three and 12 dB for four subwoofers.

Pricing and availability TBA.

The famous drummer of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Mitch Mitchell, died yesterday 12th of november.

Born in great Britain in 1947, educated jazz drummer, he joined Billy Cox in 1966 to be part of the Jimi Hendrix Experience and will be a band member of Hendrix diverse line-up until his death in 1970. He participates at the famous Woodstock gig in 1969.

Pionner of the fusion he was one of the most important collaborators of Hendrix.

After Jimi's death, he worked closely with Eddie Kramer on the conception of several albums with unreleased materials recorded in the legendary Electric Ladyland Studio.

Another Rock'n roll legend just passed away...