PC and Music News

Steinberg announces that its new CI2 Advanced Integration USB Studio interface is now shipping.

The CI2 USB audio interface features two mic preamps with XLR/TRS combo connectors and 48v phantom power as well as a Hi-Z input, allowing connection to just about any audio signal, including large diaphragm microphones, guitars, basses and line inputs. Designed in cooperation with and built by Yamaha, CI2 also offers the AI Knob controller, which assumes control of any parameter by simply hovering over it with the mouse. Another example of the Advanced Integration technology is the "Cubase Ready LED", indicating that Cubase is connected and the system is ready to use.

CI2 also features many workflow features designed to make the entire hardware and software system very easy to use. The A ...

Blue Sky is pleased to introduce its newest critical listening component to its full line of monitoring solutions: the SAT 265 High Output Near-Field Active Studio monitor.

Blue Sky's SAT 265 is a 2-way, tri-amplified, 300-Watt, High Output Near-Field Monitor which features two 6.5" high excursion hemispherical woofers and a 1" dual ring radiator tweeter with integral waveguide, for superior off-axis response. Powered by a dedicated, low-distortion 100-Watt amplifier for each of the 6.5" woofers, it also features a low distortion 100-Watt amplifier for the tweeter. The SAT 265 effortlessly delivers clean and accurate sound with a frequency response of 80Hz to 30kHz +/-3.0dB (200Hz to 15kHz +/-1.5dB) for full compatibility with Blue Sky's SUB 15 Universal, SUB 212, SUB 12 and BMC (Bass M ...

The M-Audio Fast Track interface has been completely redesigned to provide improved usability and lend a sleek new look to any desktop. Simply connect the unit to any computer via its USB 2.0 connection and use the upgraded preamps to capture any audio source in better than CD quality sound.

Customers can record guitar and vocals at the same time, without any latency, and capture performances without the distraction of hearing delayed playback through headphone monitors.

Additionally, they can use the onboard +48v phantom power to connect professional condenser microphones and add studio quality sound to any project. Compatible with most popular music recording applications, Fast Track provides professional results in a compact, portable package.

Last but not least, this audio interface comes with Pro Tools M-Powered Essential.

The new Fast Track is available now and carries an MSRP of $149.95.

Avid has introduced the M-Audio SBX-10 active subwoofer, designed to give monitoring systems solid, accurate lows for critical mixing. When paired with either the M-Audio Studiophile CX or Studiophile BX Deluxe studio monitors, the SBX-10 becomes part of an integrated system that provides accurate monitoring for the entire 20Hz to 20kHz spectrum, providing customers exacting detail in the bass and sub-bass frequencies.

The SBX-10 delivers tight, undistorted bass response down to 20Hz—enabling customers to experience the extreme low frequencies that are so critical in today's audio environments. The unit also includes a bypass footswitch that enables a user to easily judge the balance of their mixes with or without the subwoofer in the monitor chain without having to unplug any cables or ...

Toontrack Music is very pleased to present the most significant update for Superior Drummer 2 to date. Version 2.2 includes features that radically take users workflow to the next level.

New features:

• Integrated Groove player

Superior Drummer now includes an integrated MIDI player, complete with
drag and drop capabilities. Combine kit pieces patterns from different
grooves to create totally new material that are nonetheless completely
consistent with how a drummer would approach it.

• Full control over the instruments response

Use the comprehensive (and greatly expanded) Velocity Controls to
access the sound libraries most intimate technical and musical aspects.
Change the response curve of any instrument, or change the response for
one of the available ar ...

Digidesign unveils Eleven Rack, a new guitar recording system designed to solve the challenges guitarists face in the studio.

Eleven Rack combines studio-standard Pro Tools software with a high-resolution, dual DSP-powered audio interface so you'll never have to worry about latency when recording with its built-in amp/effects tones -- nor will your computer have to carry the processing burden. Eleven Rack also takes re-amping to the next level by recording both dry and processed guitar signals simultaneously, allowing you to re-amplify later without patching a single cable. Digidesign even found a way to embed the Eleven Rack amp and effects settings into the audio tracks you record, enabling you to automatically recall those settings from your audio files on any Pro Tools system with E ...