PC and Music News

Alesis announces AudioLink, a new series of USB audio cables consisting of GuitarLink, a quarter-inch-jack-to-USB cable; MicLink, an XLR-to-USB cable; and LineLink, a dual-quarter-inch-jack-to-USB cable.

The AudioLink series of USB audio cables enables musicians to connect analog audio sources directly to their computer and record them via a standard USB jack. Each cable outputs studio quality 16-bit, 44.1 kHz digital audio thanks to its internal analog-to-digital conversion system. The AudioLink series features plug-and-play connection for Mac and PC and is compatible with most Mac and Windows class-compliant drivers and software. All models are 16.5 feet in length.

GuitarLink enables musicians to directly connect nearly any guitar, bass or line-level audio source to a computer via USB for mono recording; MicLink enables them to direct-connect any dynamic microphone via USB for mono recording; and LineLink enables them to directly connect nearly any mixer, keyboard, sampler, sequencer, drum machine or other stereo, line-level audio source via USB for stereo recording to a computer.

GuitarLink and MicLink are available now from musical instrument and pro audio retailers at MSRPs of $79.99 and $89.99, respectively. LineLink will be available later in Q1 for $79.99.

Alesis announces M1 Active 520 USB studio monitors with USB audio connectivity.

M1Active 520 USB is a pair of active, bi-amplified, two-way reference monitors that faithfully reproduce frequencies from 20,000 Hz all the way down to 56 Hz, covering nearly all frequencies audible to human ears. Engineers can send audio directly from their DAW via USB to the speakers for extremely low noise, low-distortion signal flow.

The M1Active 520 USB monitors are designed around a five-inch polypropylene low-frequency driver for full, smooth response in the low end and a one-inch silk dome high-frequency driver for absolute clarity in the highs. The low-resonance bass-reflex cabinet features beveled edges to reduce edge diffraction and a tuned port for bass extension. M1Active 520 USB's bi-amplified design delivers 50W to the woofer and 25W to the tweeter. The monitors are magnetically shielded so studios can place them near computer screens and hard drives without concern.

When multitasking, engineers will appreciate the M1Active 520 USB's large, front-panel, bi-color display that indicates presence of signal in blue and clipping in red for instant feedback on system status.

In addition to USB playback capability, M1Active 520 USBs boast a pair of TRS-balanced 1/4" inputs, enabling them to be used as a high-quality computer audio interface. Users can connect a stereo source or two mono sources including a mixer, keyboard, sampler or tape deck and record directly to their computer through the speakers.

Roland unveils the AX-Synth. According to them :

"It's time to escape the keyboard rig and rock the stage. The stylish AX-Synth represents Roland's new generation of remote keyboards, but for the first time, this one has a sound generator onboard. It's self-contained and equipped with powerful, solo-oriented sounds from Roland's latest, greatest synths. Strap on an AX and steal the show."

Features :
- Built-in sound engine with voices from Roland's latest synthesizers
- Ribbon controller, D Beam, modulation bar, knobs, and easy to see display for stage
- USB MIDI for easy connection to PC
- Dedicated V-LINK button for video/visual control
- Long battery operation (approx. 6 hours)

Waves Audio expands its Dorrough Meter Collection with the new Surround Edition. The collection was developed in association with Dorrough Electronics, Inc., and the new Surround Edition includes the entire Waves Dorrough Meter Collection, with all its advanced display features and functions, plus customized meters engineered especially for surround production environments.

The Waves Dorrough Meter Collection—Surround Edition is available in Waves 360° Surround Tools, Waves Mercury and separately. Users of Waves Mercury and 360° Surround Tools covered by Waves Update Plan (WUP) receive The Waves Dorrough Meter Collection—Surround Edition at no additional charge.

Alesis announces that TapeLink USB, a digital-archiving cassette tape deck, is available now.

TapeLink USB is a dubbing and playback deck that connects directly to a computer via USB. The plug-and-play USB-audio interface requires no drivers for use with most computers. TapeLink USB's CD-quality 16-bit, 44.1 kHz audio output accurately captures tape recordings for secure digital archival. Normal and high-speed dubbing modes save time when copying music, while dynamic noise-reduction circuitry and Alesis' software suite assist in cleaning up aging tapes. TapeLink USB works with metal and CrO2 tapes and contains an LED level-meter for visual level reference. Full auto stop saves irreplaceable older tapes from breaking.

TapeLink USB comes with a software suite containing three applications. EZ Tape Converter makes transfer simple and convenient, Audacity audio-editing software enables musicians to edit their audio files once they've been transferred and BIAS SoundSoap professional noise-reduction software removes hiss, room noise, rumble, hum and other background noise.

TapeLink USB is available now from musical instrument and pro audio retailers at an MSRP of $299.99 and an estimated street price of $199.99.

Waldorf unveils Largo, a virtual instrument offering the same powerful synthesizer engine as found in the Waldorf Q-, MicroQ- and Blofeld-synthesizers.

Largo offers three fat oscillators, two of them with sub oscillators. These oscillators include models of classic analog waveforms as well as a selection of waves from the PPG and Waldorf Wave stored in two Wavetables. All these run through two Waldorf multimode filters with steep cutoff, resonance up to self-oscillation and a drive stage to add even more punch and grainyness to the sound. Ultra-fast envelope generators and flexible LFOs as well as an easy to understand, yet extremely versatile modulation matrix make for a sound designer's dream.

Largo contains a flexible arpeggiator with 16 freely programmable steps as known from the exclusive Q synthesizer line plus an array of high quality effects such as Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Overdrive, Delay and Reverb.

General Features :

- up to 256 voices per instance (depending on available CPU power)
- up to 4 layers per sound
- 4 stereo outputs (alternatively 1 stereo sum)
- host automation of almost all parameters
- MIDI Controller automation of the most important parameters

Largo works as a VST and AudioUnit instrument. Pricing and availability TBA.