PC and Music News

SKB Corporation displays two new 4U models in its Shock-Rack case line of products. The 24" deep (3SKB-R904U24) Shock-Rack model expands the 24" series to seven different sizes while the 30" deep model (3SKB-R904U30) expands the 30" line to four different models.

As with all SKB 24" deep shockmount cases, the 4U Roto Shock-Racks provide a rotationally molded tough shell with integrally molded valance, and they each come standard with eight elastomeric shocks (load up to 150 lbs). The load range can be enhanced by adding an additional shock on each mounting point.

The 4U Roto Shock-Racks feature field-replaceable, black powder coated stainless steel latches, as well as a patent pending compound hinge door system that allows the lid to swing out and completely around and lie flat against the main body of the case (or alternately go lid-less with an effortless lift motion) and then be reinstalled with the same ease in seconds. The front and rear lids are designed to protrude into the base of the case approximately 1", and their unique double wall structure makes them incredibly stiff where this intersection occurs. Each 4U Roto Shock-Rack is securely stackable with the wheels on or off. In addition, this revolutionary design is the only such product that will open front and back while stacked. Other features include removable 4" casters, gasketed doors and pressure relief valve. Finally, both 4U Roto Shock-Racks are covered by SKB's unmatched Million Mile Guaranty (Lifetime Warranty).

The 3SKB-R904U24 24" deep x 4U Roto Shock-Rock and 3SKB-R904U30 30" deep x 4U Roto Shock-Rack are available now with U.S. estimated street pricing as follows :

3SKB-R904U24 24" deep x 4U Roto Shock-Rock $949.99
3SKB-R904U30 30" deep x 4U Roto Shock-Rack $1,149.99

Cakewalk has announced Craig Anderton's Electronic Guitars Expansion Pack for Rapture and Rapture LE. Using Rapture's advanced engine and unique processing options, Craig has turned the sound of the electric guitar inside-out to create "stunning" synthetic sounds that retain the guitar's organic qualities.

As displayed in his 'Minimoog Tribute Expansion Pack,' Craig's programming style combines musicality and innovation and takes full advantage of Rapture's advanced synthesis capabilities. In the new Electronic Guitars Expansion Pack, he leverages LFOs, StepGenerators, FX, and creative use of modulators to do everything from layering to patch morphing to providing alternate bass sounds within the same patch. Craig has even created evocative one-finger chord patches that change from major to minor with mod wheel use.

Craig Anderton's Electronic Guitars uses sounds from PRS, Gibson, Peavey, and Fender guitars, as well as Roland's VG-8 guitar synth, to create unique textures that sound like nothing you've heard before, according to Cakewalk.

Craig Anderton's Electronic Guitars Expansion Pack is available to registered Rapture, Rapture LE, SONAR 7 & 8, and SONAR V-Studio 700 customers for $49 via download. In addition to the programs and waveforms, the package includes 10 free audio loops crafted from these sounds, and a video detailing the story behind the programs.

M-Audio unveils an updated version of its DMP3 preamp. It features a 20Hz to 80kHz frequency response, 67dB of gain plus a redesigned new look.

Features :

- 2-channel preamp with XLR microphone inputs and 1/4"¯ instrument inputs
- balanced outputs on TRS jacks deliver hum-free professional audio
- low harmonic distortion (THD+N: .0005% @ 20Hz-20kHz) for ultra-clean sound
- exceptional dynamic range to capture all the nuances of your music
- 20Hz to 80kHz frequency response (+/- 0.5dB) ideal for high-resolution recording
- high and low gain range controls offer up to 67dB of gain
- phantom power to accommodate all types of microphones

Our dear friend Nolot has taken those pictures at the Winter NAMM 2009 exclusively for you, check it out !

Our Team has made a selection of the most significant videos we've found about this Winter NAMM 2009.

Give it a try at : NAMM 2009 Videos on 440tv !

Keep an eye on it because new videos are coming !

Digidesign is now offering two new Pro Tools LE system bundles: 003 Factory Complete and 003 Rack Factory Complete. Both bundles combine a Digidesign 003 hardware interface with the new Complete Production Toolkit - the powerful new expansion option for Pro Tools LE systems that combines a variety of plug-ins for both music and post production applications. The bundles offer up to nearly $500 in savings from standalone purchases.

The Complete Production Toolkit, made available with the release of Pro Tools 8 last month, dramatically expands the creative and production power of Pro Tools LE 8 by adding full 7.1 surround mixing, and support for up to 128 simultaneous audio tracks to any Pro Tools LE 8 based system. This bundle includes Digidesign virtual instruments and professional plug-ins valued at $2,650 including: Eleven LE classic guitar amp emulator, Structure® LE advanced sample player, Hybrid 1.5 high-definition synthesizer, Smack! LE compressor, DINR LE noise reduction, TL Space Native Edition convolution reverb, X-Form® time compression/expansion and pitch shifter, and Neyrinck SoundCode Stereo surround-to-stereo down mixer.

Additionally, the toolkit unlocks several powerful, professional processing tools in Pro Tools LE, including multi-track Beat Detective rhythm analysis and correction tool, DigiBase Pro file management, DigiTranslator 2.0 for importing/exporting of OMF®, AAF, and MXF files, and much more.

Both bundles are currently on display at the NAMM show in Anaheim, booth 6606, and both will be available for purchase in Q1 2009 from authorized Digidesign dealers for $3,995 and $2,995 respectively.

The Complete Production Toolkit software option for Pro Tools LE systems can also be purchased stand alone for $1,995.