PC and Music News

Zoom is pleased to introduce the next generation in its line of portable handheld recorders, the H4n. With a focus on new features and improving the user experience at every level, the H4n is also Zoom's most sophisticated handheld recorder to date.

Zoom's H4n offers superior, built-in X/Y stereo condenser mics that allow variable recording patterns at either 90° or 120°. Audio quality is improved through its new digitally controlled, high-quality mic preamp and the ability to use internal and external mics simultaneously for 4-channel recording. A large LCD screen, a more intuitive interface and onboard reference speaker will take the user's recording experience to the next level.

Additionally, Zoom has incorporated several of the most popular features from its H2 to the H4n such as Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) compatible time stamp and track marker functions and its auto-record and pre-record features so you never miss a moment. Of course, the H4n records high-resolution audio at 24bit/96kHz on SD/SDHC media of up to 32GB and is USB 2.0.

The H4n is also the most robust recorder from Zoom, with a rubberized, shock resistant body for improved chassis protection, all-metal microphone design and a built-in mounting joint for tripod and microphone stand use.

For musicians and songwriters, the H4n has a more user-friendly multi-track recording capability along with Hi-Z Inputs for recording guitar and bass, variable speed playback capability for "phrase training", onboard studio effects, and over 50 guitar and bass amp modeling settings. In addition, a new stamina mode enables the H4n to operate for 10 hours continuously on a single set of AA batteries.

The H4n package includes a 1 GB SD card, wind screen, mic clip adapter, AC adapter, USB cable, protective case and Cubase LE recording software. An optional remote control is also available.

CharterOak Acoustic Devices will make their NAMM debut next week and will demonstrate the new SCL1 discrete stereo compressor/limiter. (NAMM booth 1861, hall E) Generating quite a buzz at the AES Show in San Francisco, the unit began shipping in November and is currently in back ordered status.

The SCL-1 Solid State Compressor/Limiter employs all discreet electronics and is capable of providing a constant output level regardless of input level or frequency, without the familiar pumping inherent in most compressor/limiters. The unit delivers extremely fast attack times without overcompensation, and a release characteristic, which is a function of dynamic range and average program level. Designed to fit any standard 19" rack, the SCL-1 may be used as a stereo unit, or as two independent limiters in the dual mode. This feature enables the end user to employ the device in one or two track production applications.

Like all CharterOak products, the SCL-1 comes with the CharterOak Lifetime Warranty.

Puremagnetik has just released a new Micropak for Ableton Live : RackPak 2. Space modulators, time machines and lo-fi filter banks all await your sonic experimentation in this advanced collection of sound processors for Ableton Live 7.

Programmed by Puremagnetik's expert team of sound designers and engineers, RackPak 2 comes packed with 4 categories of modulators, time manipulation tools and outlandish effects. RackPak 2 includes the following audio effects :

Weird Filters
A bank of 8 band split filters complete with time based effects and dynamic processing. Presets like "Deep Fried Burger" and "Weird Dentist" should keep you tweaking for a while!

Time Machines
Throw 4/4 out the window with this collection of 15 slapbacks, meter crunchers and echo filters. "Beat Infector" and "Underclock5" will instantly melt the space-time continuum around your studio.

Space Modulators
Includes 9 advanced audio racks to explore the sonic stereo spectrum. Widen your mixes or freak out your drums with racks like "Bugs in The Stew" or "Nasal Detuner".

LoFi and NoFi
Get down and dirty with this bank of 8 expertly programmed distortions, bit crunchers and sample massacring racks. Beware: "Phantom Dennis" and "Artifactory" are not for the faint of heart.


System Requirements : Ableton Live 7 and 500 MB of physical RAM
Pricing : Basic Monthly Subscription: $5.75/Month Basic Yearly Subscription: $60/Year All Access Pass - $198/Year.

Fritz and Ulrich Sourisseau of Baden-Württemberg (Germany) unveils the VinylRecorder T-560 which turns your Technics SL-1200 or 1210 MKII into a high-precision master vinyl cutter !

The "starter set" includes everything you need except for a turntable (i.e., Complete Mechanic Stereo Cutter Head fused with 1.2 A slow Diamond Stylus, Mono microscope 40X, Lamp 220V 40W, all cables and adapters and 10 Blank 10" vinyl discs) and is priced at €3200. Additional blank discs are also available from their website.

Discover the VinylRecorder T-560 on 440tv !

Apogee is pleased to announce compatibility with Digidesign's recently released Pro Tools HD 8. All X-HD compatible Apogee hardware, including AD-16X, DA-16X, Rosetta 800 and Rosetta 200 has been approved for use with Pro Tools HD 8 hardware and software running on Mac OS X 10.5.5 or Windows XP SP 2.

All questions regarding Apogee products use with Pro Tools HD 8 can be submitted to Apogee Tech Support at :

Toontrack Music proudly announces that its all-new sound-replacing tool is now shipping in all territories.

Drumtracker is a stand-alone, host independent, multi-track audio to MIDI converter. Specifically designed to convert drum session audio recordings to MIDI files for drum replacement purposes, Drumtracker will grant your drums a new lease of life.

Drumtracker is available now for both Mac and PC and is priced at $149 / €99. Note that a demo version is also available.

By the way, this year Toontrack Music is bringing the entire development crew to the NAMM show in Anaheim, CA from the 15th to the 18th of January (booth 1200 in Hall E). Take this unique opportunity to talk directly to the people behind products like EZdrummer, Superior Drummer 2.0, etc...