PC and Music News

Solid State Logic has just updated the Duende software. Duende 2.5.9 is the first release to include the optional plug-in Vocalstrip. This release covers the full Duende product line; Duende Classic, Duende Mini and Duende PCIe.

For more information, please visit their website.

Korg has expanded its MR Series of digital recorders with the MR-2000S 1-Bit Studio Recorder.

Sleek and flexible, the MR-2000S is a single rack height digital stereo 1-bit recorder, offering 5.6 MHz or 2.8 MHz 1-bit recording, or up to 24-bit 192 kHz PCM recording and playback. 1-bit file formats DSDIFF (used in SACD production), WSD and DSF are all supported, as well as PCM support for standard WAV, BWF (Broadcast WAV) and even MP3 playback. Sampling frequencies for PCM formats range from 44.1 kHz through 192 kHz. AudioGate version 1.5 audio file converter software is included, supporting reading/playback of MR project files and for converting to various file formats

Analog connectors include XLR balanced input/output jacks, and RCA unbalanced input/output jacks. The reference level of the XLR jacks can be switched in a range of -12/-14/-16/-18/-20 dB, allowing the MR-2000S to be used in any recording environment from a music-related studio to a broadcast facility. Digital connectors include S/PDIF coaxial jacks for PCM sources, as well as word clock jacks for synchronization with other devices or a second MR-2000S unit. The MR-2000S also features a multi-step LED level meter with excellent response speed and high visibility.

The unit's built-in 80 GB hard disk allows up to approximately 120 hours of recording (44.1 kHz 16-bit two track), or approximately 14.5 hours at the highest quality (1-bit 5.6448 MHz two track). Up to 400 projects can be created for each of up to 400 recording date folders (160,000 possible projects total). USB 2.0 "high speed" mode is supported for rapid file transfer to and from users' computers.

The Korg MR-2000S 1-Bit Studio Recorder will be available in December with a target U.S. MSRP of $1,999.

AKG Acoustics recently announced the acquisition of the worldwide distribution rights for the Crown family of microphones. The integration of Crown microphones into AKG Acoustics' product portfolio adds to AKG's global position as one of the world's leading sources of high-quality microphones. As a result of the partnership, AKG distributors now handle the worldwide distribution for two of the industry's leading microphone brands.

Celemony has announced that its long-awaited Direct Note Acess technology will not be available until the end of the first quarter of 2009.

In their own words :

"For Direct Note Access, we have had to reprogram virtually all Melodyne leaving scarcely two consecutive lines of code intact. We are nearly there; the software runs; but there are still a few things that require work and some road works that are causing delays. We expect therefore that it will be some time yet before all the features have been fully implemented and the program assumes its final form.

At the moment, we are planning to commence shipping towards the end of the first quarter of 2009. Shortly before that, we will inaugurate the Public Beta phase, in which all registered Melodyne users – whether of Melodyne essential, Melodyne uno, Melodyne plugin, Melodyne cre8 or Melodyne studio – are warmly invited to participate and put the beta version through its paces in their own studios. All registered Melodyne users will receive notification by e-mail of the Public Beta phase."

Meanwhile, you can still take a look at what this amazing technology promises you on 440tv !

Image Line has just released Hardcore, a collection of 10 classic effects designed with Guitarists in mind. It includes : Distortion, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Reverb, Delay, Noise Gate, Equalizer, Compression and Modulator.

Five stomp-box simulations can be arranged in any order on the Hardcore pedal board. The output then passes through an 8-band graphic EQ and Cabinet Simulator, tying it all together into one massive sound.

Hardcore is available now for both Mac (VST/AU) and PC (VST) at a price of $79. Note that until the end of October every order of Image Line Software products comes with a free copy of Hardcore.

Audio Engineering Associates (AEA) have announced the RPQ, a new dual-channel mic preamp that's specially designed for use with ribbon microphones.

Each channel has two controls for gain: a notched step knob that sets the gain range, and a trim pot that allows the user to make fine adjustements to the level. There are also low-frequency filter and high-frequency boost controls for shaping the tone, so the user can tame the results of the proximity effect at the low end and regain some brightness at the top end. Both tone controls can be bypassed. The RPQ can also supply 48V for "active" ribbons mics which require a phantom power supply to operate.