PC and Music News

EKS unveils Otus, a 2-in-1 DJ controller. The virtual audio technology enables the use of multichannel soundcard inside Otus with different DJ software. This makes it possible for a DJ to play two audio channels simultaneously with just one controller.

Otus is equipped with a big, configurable 7.5" jog wheel and new features for effects control, including touchpad and two motion sensors. It also brings you an innovative switch key which enables the DJ to flexibly use two layers of controls. To add more show into the mix, the effect controls are placed to make performing more visual. With the advanced MIDI support and MIDI mappers it will be easy to configure Otus with just about any software application imaginable, be it audio, video or something else altogether.

Otus is expected to be released on June 2008 with a price around €700.

Musicrow has released Modular Dreams, a collection of 200 high-quality presets for the Arturia Moog Modular V.

Modular Dreams presents modular synthesis at its best, while it makes a full use of all the features that Arturia Moog Modular V has to offer (And it has a lot !). The classic moog tones are there, but you might be surprised by how innovative and up to date "grandpa" moog can sound ;-)


Modular Dreams is now available for EUR29/USD39. Note that a demo bank with 20 free presets is also available for instant download.

AnaMod presents the ATS-1 Analog Tape Simulator, the first product that uses the AnaMod process for modeling complex analog circuitry entirely in the analog domain.

Specially developed analog building blocks are 'coded' to emulate the behavior of a complex analog system. Unlike digital plug-ins or processor-based outboard gear, there is no latency, and no A/D or D/A conversions to compromise the sound. The result is a faithful recreation of the original response, without using the original analog hardware.

All of the important features of a two-track analog tape machine are found in the ATS-1, including speed selection, bias, LF record and HF Repro EQ, and the option of adding tape hiss, if desired. The reference 'record' level, as indicated on the illuminated VU meters, can be adjusted from 0 to +12 dBu in 3 dB increments.

The ATS-1 accurately models the behavior of specific tape machines and tape formulations, and allows the user to select from up to four machine and tape types. Optional machine and tape types are available on easy-to-install SIMM cards. Standard tape formulation cards shipped with the ATS-1 are the GP9 and 456. Standard machine cards are the A800 and M79.

The ATS-1 is available at a suggested price of $2995 / €2750.

SPL unveils a brand new product : Phonitor. The name already implies the key feature: SPL announces that with the Phonitor headphones now become a full alternative to monitoring speakers. To allow for control of sound impressions comparable to speakers in a room, the Phonitor offers new parameters such as Crossfeed, Speaker Angle and Center Level.

Based upon SPL's unique 120 V technology which was initially developed for their mastering product series, the Phonitor aims at high-end users to fulfill highest demands in sound quality. It is SPL's flagship of a new sort of headphone amps they call Headphone Monitoring Amplifiers. The company plans to launch further units in standard technology soon, e. g. a RackPack module.

Availability of the Phonitor is scheduled for May 2008.

Algorithmix has announced two new VST 3 plug-ins - K-Stereo and LP SplitComp.

K-Stereo is based on a patented psychoacoustical process that extracts the ambience inherent in ordinary recordings and is capable of spreading it around the soundstage as well as enlarging its depth and width without adding any artificial reverberation. K-Stereo does not have a sound of its own - it fills in what's been missing. It is also capable to make a natural mono to stereo conversion.

LP SplitComp is a high-resolution linear-phase mastering split compressor featuring parallel mode, linear-phase split filters, adjustable soft knee, intelligent auto-release, and parameterized soft clipper. It is compatible to the newly released VST 3.0 and thus multichannel compliant.

Pricing and release dates are not yet available.

Mackie today unveils its new U.Series production mixers with the U.420 and the U.420d. Designed for the needs of todays musicians, DJs and producers, Mackie U.Series provides flexible connections and an intuitive, centralized user interface to ease workflow and maximize creativity.

Each model features a micro-master section with otherwise full-size qualities such as a prominent master volume knob and high resolution metering. Mic or stereo line channel strips with 3-band active EQ, a built-in DI box and RIAA phono preamps allow you to plug-in, and turn up for live sound and recording via integrated stereo Firewire I/O. Ingenious "loop-thru" routing enables you to mix and record analog and DAW playback with a couple of simple moves. Each offers a stereo aux send, headphone out with pre-main level control and self-monoing outputs.

The U.420 4-channel high-headroom stereo line mixer offers 3-band "full-kill" active EQ on each channel, a built-in DI box and a Mackie designed RIAA phono preamp. The U.420d is loaded with 2 premium Mackie mic channels with 30mm faders, and features 3-band active EQ with mid-sweep, while 2 high-headroom stereo line input channels include 2 Mackie designed RIAA phono preamps, 3-band active EQ, a full headphone cue system and a 30mm crossfader.

Both units will be available in the U.S. and Canada in April 2008 and internationally in May 2008. The U.420 will be €249 and the U.420d will be €299.