PC and Music News

A guitar/bass channel strip dedicated to your guitar/bass preamp is now available on their website.

The Torpedo PI-101 is composed of the following sound processing sections :

- Power amp simulation with 8 different power amp topologies
- "Miking" section with more than 30 cabs and 8 studio standard micrphones available
- "Post-FX" section, including low cut filter, 5-band EQ, exciter and compressor.
Price: 238€ with a special offer: a Free iLok2 key. VB-101/VM-202 customers have a special discount (50%).

FabFilter has released updates for all plug-ins, adding great new features to the Pro-Q EQ plug-in and the Timeless 2 delay plug-in, next to general improvements and bug fixes. New in FabFilter Pro-Q are an intelligent solo mode, a notch filter type and spectrum analyzer improvements, while FabFilter Timeless 2 has got a new wide interface layout option. Finally, all effect plug-ins now support the Pro Tools AudioSuite format, in addition to RTAS.

The updated plug-ins are fully compatible with previous versions, free for existing FabFilter customers, and now available on all formats and platforms: VST/VST 3, AU, RTAS/AS, Windows and Mac OS X, 32-bit and 64-bit.

X-Panda provides 8 mono channels (each with Main and Alt inputs giving 16 mono inputs) and 4 stereo channels, giving a total of 24 channels at mix down. All channels feature an input Level Trim with a centre détente at Unity Gain, tri-colour signal indicator LEDs, Phase Invert, an Insert and a Direct Channel Output (which can be switched post fader).
Each channel has a Stereo Cue section with dedicated Level and Pan controls. When tracking this is traditionally used to create a monitor feed to the Stereo Cue Buss Output but on mono channels Alt buttons flip the Stereo Cue section controls to adjusting the Alt input Level & Pan for mix down. Each channel features independent FX1 and FX2 send level controls (globally switched Pre/Post fader). Self illuminated heavy duty Solo and Cut buttons, Pan/Balance controls and precision 100mm faders complete the channel strip.

The update also includes a new 'Capo Mode' that compensates when a capo is being used, and best of all, the update is completely free of charge to all PolyTune users! The software update is available on TC Electronic's website, and it is simple to install via PolyTune's USB port – it's just a matter of hooking up the pedal to a computer and uploading the new software version.
PolyTune obviously has a chromatic tuner as well, rivaling the best current tuning technology out there, with an amazing +/- 0.5 cent accuracy. MonoPoly, another unique new TC Electronic technology, recognizes whether you play one or more strings and seamlessly switches between the polyphonic or the chromatic tuner on the fly.

PolyTune offers unprecedented visibility using an ambient light sensor, which automatically matches the intensity of the super bright LEDs to its surroundings. This ensures that the PolyTune display can be seen in any lighting conditions. So whatever the gig, whatever the light, whatever the situation, guitarists can now strum, tune and rock in an instant.

Native Instruments has just announced KOMPLETE AUDIO 6, a high-performance six-channel audio interface for studio and live usage. As the successor to the acclaimed AUDIO KONTROL 1, it provides more connectivity, increased audio performance and a host of practical new features, complemented by a versatile software package for music production and DJing.

Based on the latest generation of Native Instruments' USB audio interface technology, the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 addresses the typical needs of musicians and producers in a highly portable and affordable package. With four balanced analog inputs and outputs, complemented by a digital S/PDIF stereo I/O and an integrated MIDI interface, the unit can be used as the centerpiece for a wide range of setups. Due to 24- bit/96kHz Cirrus Logic converters and powerful +11dBu analog output stages, KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 delivers pristine audio quality for studio and stage, while revised Mac OS X and Windows audio drivers enable robust low-latency performance.

With a pair of premium VS Preamps onboard, plus 24-bit/192 kHz audio quality, ultra-low latency performance, and convenient USB bus power, QUAD-CAPTURE sets a new standard for portable USB2 audio interfaces.

- Two combo XLR/TRS inputs with premium mic preamps (VS Preamps), two TRS outputs, coaxial I/O, headphone out, and MIDI I/O
- Graphical Control Panel software provides fast, intuitive control of the VS Preamps
- Phantom power, ground lift, and Hi-Z switches
- One-click AUTO-SENS function intelligently sets optimal input levels for the preamps
- Extreme low-latency VS Streaming driver
- Low-noise, wide-range power supply
- Compact with durable aluminum body and Direct Box functionality
- Bundled with Cakewalk SONAR X1 LE