PC and Music News

Alesis announces the USB Recording Kit, a complete computer-recording system, which is available now.

The USB Recording Kit enables anyone with a computer to record high-quality audio. Consumers simply connect the pair of AM2 condenser microphones to the iO|2 digital-audio interface to record detailed, stereo audio into their computer using the included Steinberg Cubase LE 4 digital audio workstation software. They can monitor sessions and playback with the accurate, clean output of the M1Active 320 USB speakers. No extra sound cards, no special connectors or adapters and no software drivers are needed. All the user needs is a Mac or PC with two available USB ports and a pair of common, inexpensive microphone cables.

The AM2 stereo microphone set contains a matched-stereo pair of AM2 condenser microphones, an XY-stereo mount, stand clips, windscreens and a carry case. The low profile, miniature cardioid condensers offer a switchable pad and high-pass filter.

The iO|2 is an USB audio interface with two XLR-1/4-inch combination inputs and 48V phantom power. The inputs enable users to plug in microphones, instruments and line-level inputs for easy recording of guitar, bass, keyboards and more.

The M1Active 320 USB studio monitors feature one-inch silk-dome tweeters and three-inch lightweight woofers and both analog and USB inputs for clean, low-distortion signal flow. The speakers have additional inputs, enabling users to employ them as a standalone recording solution when connected via USB. When used within the bundle, the speakers' inputs add to the input count of the system.


The USB Recording Kit is available now at an MSRP of $399.99 and an estimated street price of $299.99.

Behringer has announced a pack of 2 professional true condenser microphones for studio recording and live applications.

Features :

- Low-mass diaphragm for ultra-wide frequency response and ultimate sound reproduction
- Designed for acoustic instruments, overhead, piano, etc.
- Cardioid pickup pattern for effective feedback elimination
- Switchable low-frequency roll-off and -10 dB input attenuation
- Custom microphone stand adapters, windscreens, stereo-bar and transport case included
- Ultra low-noise transformerless FET input eliminates low-frequency distortion
- Gold-plated 3-pin XLR connector for highest signal integrity
- Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany

The Behringer C-4 will be available at a price of $99.99/€83.

ADAM Audio is now shipping the new Sub7 Powered Subwoofer in the US market. Built on the heritage of ADAM's professional studio monitors, the Sub7 has been designed to complement the A5 and A7 monitors of the A-Series. It features a compact size, three attractive finishes, and an affordable price point starting at $479.

Garritan has announced Garritan Orchestral Strings 2. This new string library will be powered by the Garritan ARIA sample engine.

This library includes the complete string sections of the orchestra as well as an extended complement of solo strings. The stringed instruments recorded in this collection include Stradivarius, Guarneri, Gagliano, Montagnana, Testore, and many other rare instruments, and were recorded in 24-bit at the world-renowned Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
The library includes a rare solo Stradivari violin, a solo Pallotta viola, a solo Gofriller cello, a solo Amati double-Bass, 1st violin section, 2nd violin section, viola section, cello section, double-Bass section, and a full string orchestra.

Each string section and solo instrument allows performance o ...

Audio-Technica introduces the new ATH-M35 Dynamic Stereo Monitor Headphones. Employing the company's latest transducer technology, the ATH-M35's offer the highest level of sonic accuracy in a design engineered to provide maximum comfort for hours of listening. Key features include a foldable design for easy storage and a rugged storage pouch, enhancing the headphones' durability and lifespan. They are an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, from professional studio and home recording use to more portable situations such as live sound, broadcast audio-for-video and field recording.

The ATHM35's employ a low-profile, closed-back design, providing exceptional clarity and superior isolation in high-volume listening situations. Extremely accurate, the headphones feature a neodymium magnet structure and have a frequency response of 20-20,000 Hz.

The ATH-M35's also have a lightweight and adjustable cushioned headband to provide maximum listening comfort. In addition, they feature a gold-plated stereo 1/8" (3.5 mm) connector with strain relief and professional screw-on 1/4" (6.3 mm) adapter, and a sturdy, ultra-flexible 11' (3.4 m) cable with single-side exit.

The ATH-M35 Dynamic Stereo Monitor Headphones will be available February 2009 with a U.S. MSRP of $139.00.

Steinberg has announced that all European customers who have bought Cubase 4 or Cubase studio 4 between December 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, (GB/DE version) or April 30, 2009, (FR/IT/ES version) are eligible to obtain a Grace Period Update to Cubase 5 at a special price.

You are eligible for the Grace Period Update if you have purchased one of the following products within the eligibility period above :

- Cubase 4
- Cubase 4 Updates (all variations)
- Cubase 4 Upgrades (all variations)
- Cubase 4 Competitive Crossgrade
- Plus Education Versions of these products

- Cubase Studio 4
- Cubase Studio 4 Updates (all variations)
- Cubase Studio 4 Upgrades (all variations)
- Cubase Studio 4 Competitive Crossgrade
- Plus Education Versions of these products

Not eligible are Cub ...