PC and Music News

Tascam has released the DR-07 Portable Digital Recorder, a handheld digital recorder priced under $200.

Based on Tascam's DR-1, the DR-07 records to SD or SDHC Card Media, and a 2GB SD card is included with the unit. A stereo pair of electret condenser microphones captures great-sounding performances as 24-bit WAV or MP3 files. The DR-07 is powered by AA batteries and files can be transferred to computer using a high-speed USB 2.0 connector.

Musician-friendly functions of the DR-07 include the ability to loop and slow down playback without changing the pitch to learn new music. A mic stand mounting hole and included windscreen add recording flexibility.

The DR-07 is now shipping with an estimated street price of $199.

SM Pro Audio released the AD-8, a multi-channel analog to ADAT converter designed to deliver an additional 8 inputs to many of today's current digital audio products.

Features :

- 8 x Balanced and line inputs (combo)
- 8 x Passive level attenuators
- 8 x Transformer isolated inputs
- 24-bit 96kHz Delta Sigma converter
- Internal and external sync
- Word clock I/O
- 44.1/48kHz operation
- 1 RU rack-mountable chassis
- Rugged metal construction

All housed in an external chassis, the AB-8 is shielded from any stray electrical interference. Robust combo connectors are provided for all inputs.

SM Pro Audio presents the CT3, a multi-format automatic cable tester. Simple to operate, the CT3 tests a plethora of cable and connector types from BNC through to RJ45. Simply connect each end of a cable to the appropriate connector and the CT3 will automatically report the status of the cables integrity.

Features :

- Tests a multitude of cable and connector formats
- 8 x automatic LED test indicators
- Banana connectors for continuity (beeper and LED indicator)
- Road-ready construction and durability
- 2 x MIDI (5-pin DIN)
- 2 x BNC
- 2 x RCA
- 2 x XLR
- 2 x MIDI (5-pin DIN)
- 2 x Speakon
- 2 x 1/4" (6.5mm) TRS/TS
- 2 x RCA Phono
- 2 x RJ45
- 2 x RJ11

Empirical Labs unveils a brand new unit called EL9 "Mike-E".

The Mike-E is a modern digitally-controlled Microphone Preamplifier chocked with unusual features to warm and soften the source, along with an excellent compressor/limiter. Mike-E offers an incredible performance transformer-coupled mic preamp, whose noise floor is far below any microphone's self noise. The one-of-a-kind 'CompSat' section is an uncompromising compressor and saturator circuit that offers versatile 'coloring', and classic knee compression.

Mike-E's Seven Circuits :

1. Mic Preamplifier with super low noise & stepped gain switching.
2. Built in 'Direct Box', called the 'Inst In', offers unparalleled distortion, noise, and frequency response when pre-amping instruments.
3. 'Colored' 80Hz High pass filter emulates the warm low frequency cut of our favorite vintage equalizers.
4. Phase Switch to invert the audio signal 180 degrees.
5. CompSat offers both a musical Compressor/Limiter and a unique tape-like saturation circuit.
6. Emphasis high-frequency emphasis system softens high frequency 'pile-ups' and further the creamy color of the Mike-E.
7. Mix Control allows the blending of the Compressed/Saturated signal with the clean unprocessed "Dry" signal.

ART has unveiled not less than four new mics : the M One, M Two and M Three which are large-diaphragm, solid-state condensers ; and the M Five which is a ribbon mic.

Upgraded 32mm gold sputtered diaphragms deliver precision, warmth and character from the M-One, M-Two and M-Three FET condenser microphones. Precision-tooled zinc/aluminum alloy chassis and dent resistant stainless-steel wire-mesh windscreens to protect the high quality capsules, ensuring long-term reliability in even the most demanding studio environments.

The M-Five classic ribbon microphone delivers precise sonic detail with a smooth, natural extended low frequency response and unrivaled clarity from its proprietary low-tension 2-micron aluminum ribbon element. Housed in a machined brass body and protected by a stainl ...

Roland introduces the newest member of its VIMA recreational keyboard line, the RK-300. With the same multimedia capabilities and ease of use as the RK-500, this keyboard brings a new dimension of musical enjoyment and entertainment to the mainstream market.

The RK-300 features Roland's 88-key PHA II keyboard with escapement for an expressive acoustic-piano touch. Users can play along with the onboard VIMA Tunes and SMF files, as well as with their own audio CDs and MP3s. The Center Cancel feature allows for karaoke-style play-along, and users can also change the tempo of a song. Like its predecessor, the RK-300 allows for real-time play-along with slideshows of still images via an easy interface and large color LCD. It also includes a new graphic "ANIME" application with eight ANIME types, including Petal, Musical Notes, Note Names, Snow Crystals, and more. As a musician plays notes, graphics simultaneously appear onscreen, creating an exciting visual and auditory experience.

Offering various connectors for instruments such as microphones and guitars, everyone can sing and jam along with the RK-300. Dedicated effects such as Vocal Auto Harmony for Vocal, Overdrive, and Chorus, are included for each input. The RK-300 even can record performances and burn CDs with onboard CD Drive right on the spot.