PC and Music News

Roland is pleased to announce the release of the latest system update for the V-Synth GT elastic audio synthesizer. Version 2.0 adds new enhancements to the V-Synth GT that include new effects and patches :

- New cutting-edge sounds
- 22 new multi-effects and 5 new reverbs
- Added chromatic-scale pitch bender function
- Improved File Import Function (Patch/Tone/Wave/Sample)
- Improved User Interface
- More USB storage functionality

SM Pro Audio releases the MC03 MK2 which offers the same functionality, warmth and detail engineers have come to expect from the original MC03 microphone with the addition of a secondary switchable vintage style circuit. The new circuit offers a smoother more classic vintage style sound typical from days gone by.

The alternative microphone circuit is engaged when phantom power is delivered to the external power supply. Engineers can simply toggle phantom power on and off from the mixing console in order to compare characteristics of the two individual circuits.

Features :

- Powered by a dedicated AC power supply
- 48-Volt ± 4 V Phantom powering
- Nine different selectable polar patterns
- Equivalent Noise Level: 18dB (A weighted)
- Polar Patterns: Omnidirectional, cardioid, figure 8
- Max SPL for 0.5% THD@1000Hz: 130dB
- Polar Patterns: 6 additional intermediate stages, all selectable
- Special multi-pin valve mic cable included
- Valve Model: 12AX7
- Size: F71mm x 183mm
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz
- Aluminium road case included
- Sensitivity: 12mV/Pa OR -38.5±2dB (0 dB=1V/Pa 1000Hz)
- Rugged Shock Mount included
- Impedance: = 200 ohms.

Tascam has released the DR-07 Portable Digital Recorder, a handheld digital recorder priced under $200.

Based on Tascam's DR-1, the DR-07 records to SD or SDHC Card Media, and a 2GB SD card is included with the unit. A stereo pair of electret condenser microphones captures great-sounding performances as 24-bit WAV or MP3 files. The DR-07 is powered by AA batteries and files can be transferred to computer using a high-speed USB 2.0 connector.

Musician-friendly functions of the DR-07 include the ability to loop and slow down playback without changing the pitch to learn new music. A mic stand mounting hole and included windscreen add recording flexibility.

The DR-07 is now shipping with an estimated street price of $199.

SM Pro Audio released the AD-8, a multi-channel analog to ADAT converter designed to deliver an additional 8 inputs to many of today's current digital audio products.

Features :

- 8 x Balanced and line inputs (combo)
- 8 x Passive level attenuators
- 8 x Transformer isolated inputs
- 24-bit 96kHz Delta Sigma converter
- Internal and external sync
- Word clock I/O
- 44.1/48kHz operation
- 1 RU rack-mountable chassis
- Rugged metal construction

All housed in an external chassis, the AB-8 is shielded from any stray electrical interference. Robust combo connectors are provided for all inputs.

SM Pro Audio presents the CT3, a multi-format automatic cable tester. Simple to operate, the CT3 tests a plethora of cable and connector types from BNC through to RJ45. Simply connect each end of a cable to the appropriate connector and the CT3 will automatically report the status of the cables integrity.

Features :

- Tests a multitude of cable and connector formats
- 8 x automatic LED test indicators
- Banana connectors for continuity (beeper and LED indicator)
- Road-ready construction and durability
- 2 x MIDI (5-pin DIN)
- 2 x BNC
- 2 x RCA
- 2 x XLR
- 2 x MIDI (5-pin DIN)
- 2 x Speakon
- 2 x 1/4" (6.5mm) TRS/TS
- 2 x RCA Phono
- 2 x RJ45
- 2 x RJ11

Empirical Labs unveils a brand new unit called EL9 "Mike-E".

The Mike-E is a modern digitally-controlled Microphone Preamplifier chocked with unusual features to warm and soften the source, along with an excellent compressor/limiter. Mike-E offers an incredible performance transformer-coupled mic preamp, whose noise floor is far below any microphone's self noise. The one-of-a-kind 'CompSat' section is an uncompromising compressor and saturator circuit that offers versatile 'coloring', and classic knee compression.

Mike-E's Seven Circuits :

1. Mic Preamplifier with super low noise & stepped gain switching.
2. Built in 'Direct Box', called the 'Inst In', offers unparalleled distortion, noise, and frequency response when pre-amping instruments.
3. 'Colored' 80Hz High pass filter emulates the warm low frequency cut of our favorite vintage equalizers.
4. Phase Switch to invert the audio signal 180 degrees.
5. CompSat offers both a musical Compressor/Limiter and a unique tape-like saturation circuit.
6. Emphasis high-frequency emphasis system softens high frequency 'pile-ups' and further the creamy color of the Mike-E.
7. Mix Control allows the blending of the Compressed/Saturated signal with the clean unprocessed "Dry" signal.