PC and Music News

Ableton has just announced the release of Live 8 and Ableton Suite 8.

New in Ableton Live 8:

- New groove engine: new groove library, extract grooves from audio or MIDI, real-time groove quantize. Includes grooves from the legendary Akai MPC and E-mu SP-1200 machines
- New warping engine: warp audio events by adjusting the events on the timeline, updated Beats Warp Mode, new Complex Warp Mode, slice audio files to MIDI tracks based on transients
- Looper: classic sound-on-sound looping without the limitations of a hardware device. Record, overdub, undo and more without touching the computer. "First loop sync," simple loop management

On the software side of its product range, SPL has announced the availability of the first bundle of Analog Code plug-ins. Transient Designer, TwinTube Processor, Bass Ranger, Vox Ranger and Full Ranger are now available in a package for Mac OS X and Windows in all major formats (TDM, RTAS, VST and AU).

Pricing : €479 +VAT

In order to give customers greater access to the workings of Origin, the new-generation modular synthesizer, Arturia announces at Musikmesse two major updates to be released this year.

Version 1.1, to be released in June 2009, includes :

Tascam presents a new series of mixing consoles with 16 input channels, featuring numerous connections, a compact size and light weight, equally suitable as keyboard mixers or sub-mixers on stage, for home-recording purposes or at the heart of a small mobile or fixed PA system.

M-164, M-164FX, and M-164UF are analogue mixers with 16 input channels outstanding for their versatile connection concept, compact and stylish appearance and little weight. These consoles are perfect as keyboard or sub mixers on stage or for home recording or can be used as the heart of a small PA system on the road or installed in conference rooms, shops or restaurants.

Each model is equipped with six Mic/Line channel strips with XLR and TRS connectors as well as five stereo channel strips allowing virtually any possible audio source to be supplied to the mixer. A mini jack on the units' top panel, for instance, allows users to plug in their MP3 player. And a Phono input for a vinyl turntable is also available.

M-164FX and M-164UF feature an additional digital effects processor with 16 presets, and the M­164UF is additionally equipped with a USB audio interface providing 16 audio inputs and two audio outputs on a connected computer – ideal for multi-track recording in a home studio or on the road.

The SPL Cabulator is a unique combination of variable power soak, speaker cabinet simulator and D. I. box. As a direct descendant of the Transducer it is perfectly suited for all live and studio applications. With the Cabulator a fully torqued amp can always be played without necessarily being loud. Full analog design guarantees authentic sounds for direct DAW recording or to rely on a hum-free connection for the live mix – provided in recording signal quality.

The Cabulator comes in ... well, May again.

Solid State Logic unveils a new compact and very flexible, high quality mixer : the SSL X-Desk. Designed to be at the heart of high-end project studios, it's a "superanalogue" line mixer with eight dual-input mono channels, stereo and mono auxiliary sends and comprehensive monitoring control.


Key Features:

Main channels:
- 2 inputs per channel (e.g. line inputs and DAW returns)
- Insert point on each channel
- Direct out on each channel (Pre- or Post-fader)
- Stereo Cue send on each channel (can be used as a "small fader" second input) with volume and pan
- 2 mono Aux sends per channel
- 100mm Alps faders