PC and Music News

Audix unveils the CabGrabber XL, an extended version of its CabGrabber that handles larger size cabinets from 14 – 20 inches in depth.

The CabGrabber-XL enables sound engineers and musicians to conveniently place a microphone on large guitar and bass cabinets without the use of a mic stand.

It is constructed of steel tubing and is designed to be capable of holding microphones that are typically used for miking guitar cabinets securely and firmly in place, including large diaphragm condenser mics weighing up to 16 ounces.

The CabGrabber-XL, which is held on to the cabinet by a tension fit design, works equally well on cabinets with a flat surface or a recessed edge, according to the manufacturer. The tubular arm, which is threaded to hold any standard microphone clip, will rotate 180 degrees and can be locked into position with a thumb screw.

The CabGrabber-XL is available from authorized Audix dealers at a suggested retail price of $89.

Tascam unveils the GB-10 Guitar/Bass Trainer/Recorder and LR-10 Instrumental Trainer/Recorder.

The GB-10 Guitar/Bass Trainer slow down and loop MP3 files without changing their pitch to help musicians learn new songs and licks. The latest generation features CD-quality recording with overdub to build up an arrangement. The SD card slot includes a 2GB card, and the new tabletop design makes them the perfect tools for music students, hobbyists or professionals to perfect their instruments.

The LR-10 is designed for strings, wind players, keyboardists, vocalists or any other musician. Use it to loop and transcribe your favorite music, record lessons or capture new song ideas. The LR-10 has a built-in microphone and speaker for recording and playback, and like the GB-10 includes a tuner ...

Voxengo has released an updated version of SPAN, its real-time fast Fourier transform audio spectrum analyzer plug-in for Windows and Mac.

List of changes in version 2.2:

• Correlation meter values around -1 are now displayed correctly in the "density" mode.
• Statistics "reset" function now resets statistics of all channels correctly.
• K-metering modes now use fixed 600ms RMS and release time constants.
• Additional visual look variation settings added.
• Underlay color selection was removed - group's defined color is used now.
• "Hide Meters and Stats" switch added.
• Spectrum display is now more precise in high-frequency region.

SPAN is available now as a free plug-in for Windows and Mac (VST/AU).

Telefunken Elektroakustik needs a name for its newest large diaphragm condenser microphone, which will be introduced at AES 2010 in San Francisco. In development for 18 months, the latest mic in the company's acclaimed R-F-T line was designed by Telefunken's in-house engineering team, with outside consultation from some of the world's top amplifier designers.

The microphone will be based around a unique circuit that features a NOS (New Old Stock) Telefunken vacuum tube, custom audio transformer and a fixed cardioid large diaphragm capsule. Sonically, the microphone carries similar characteristics found in its R-F-T line counter parts, the AR-51 and the AK-47 MkII.

Featuring a custom antique copper finish, the new microphone has a silky, open top end, smooth midrange, and a detailed ...

EastWest presents Hollywood Strings Gold Edition, bringing the sounds from Hollywood Strings Diamond Edition within the reach of any composer.

Designed for film, television, and video game scoring, Hollywood Strings was recorded in EastWest's Studio 1 by their team of Doug Rogers, Nick Phoenix, Thomas Bergersen and engineered by Hollywood veteran Shawn Murphy.

Hollywood String Gold Edition provides all of the sounds from the Diamond Edition in 16-bit resolution and includes a single, mid-tree mic position, all articulations with the exception of bow-change legato, and does not include Divisi mics. The Gold Edition ships on multiple DVDs.

Hollywood Strings Gold Edition is scheduled to ship September 27, 2010 for $795 (€599).

Amp is an Ableton audio effect that adds warmth and drive without hassles. Co-developed with Softube, Amp accurately delivers the sound and simplicity of legendary amplifiers and cabinets.

Ableton has focused on the essentials — tone, vibe and character — so musicians can focus on making music instead of searching for the right knob, allowing them to get good dirt, fast.

Amp comes with Cabinet, a separate effect that provides a selection of classic guitar cabs, with optimized mics and mic positioning. Ableton has also included a wide range of sounds that transform Ableton's instruments and effects with Amp's new sonic character. These include Instrument and Effect Racks, Live Clips and over 400 presets.


Amp is included with Ableton Suite 8 and is available separately for €99/$129 from the Ableton web shop. Live 8 users can also take advantage of a free collection of new Instrument and Audio Effect Racks that use Amp's technology when they download the latest Live update, 8.2.