PC and Music News

The Mackie DL1608 redefines live mixing by combining the proven power of a full-featured digital mixer with the unmatched ease and mobility of an iPad.

With 16 boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps and the performance of 24bit Cirrus LogicAD/DA converters, you have unparalleled sound quality. Seamless wired to wireless iPad control means you can mix from anywhere in the venue.

- 16 Onyx mic preamps
- 6 aux sends for monitor mixes
- Master L/R output for mains
- Powerful, touch-sensitive plug-ins
- 4-band EQ, gate and compression on inputs
- 31-band GEQ and comp/limiter on outputs
- Global reverb and delay
- Seamless wired to wireless mixing
- Use up to 10 iPad devices simultaneously
- PadLock feature locks down iPad for permanent installs.

The device can be quickly rotated between its horizontal and vertical position to suit any app, and convenient openings in the housing allow accessibility to every port of the device for charging or connecting to external speakers with handy slots for keeping the cables neatly organized.

A detachable bracket is also included to hold the iRig interface adapter in place and keep it from hanging from the iPad. For maximum portability, iKlip Studio folds completely flat so it can be quickly inserted into any iPad bag and carried anywhere.

ReSonus has announced new updates to its industry-leading StudioLive series digital mixers.

- QMix. Up to 10 musicians can simultaneously control their PreSonus StudioLive monitor (aux) mixes using an iPhone or iPod touch and PreSonus' QMix app, a free download from the Apple App Store.
- Smaart Engine Technology. PreSonus has begun incorporating Rational Acoustics' highly regarded Smaart Measurement Technology for sound-system analysis and optimization directly into PreSonus Virtual StudioLive remote-control/editor/librarian software.
- Universal Control 1.5.3 and StudioLive Remote 1.2. Universal Control 1.5.3 features an improved version of Virtual StudioLive that supports the new QMix iPhone app, including QMix permissions (so that each user controls only one specified aux mix) and the ability to name aux buses.

From its 49 semi-weighted keys and 12 real MPC pads, to its groundbreaking LED touch faders and vintage CV & Gate outputs, MAX49 combines cutting-edge Akai Pro technology with classic capability to give you an unprecedented music-making experience.

Some features:

- 49 semi-weighted keys with Aftertouch for complete musical expression
- Built-in step sequencer for detailed track construction
- Expanded arpeggiator with latch and time division controls
- Included AkaiConnect software automatically maps to VST plug-ins
- 12 backlit, real MPC pads with MPC Note Repeat and MPC swing
- Eight backlit LED touch faders for gradual or instant parameter value changes
- Mackie Control & HUI modes
- Four pad banks & four fader banks provide a total of 80 assignable pads & faders
- CV & Gate outputs for use with vintage analog synths (1V/Oct)
- Large, centrally-positioned transport controls & rubberized pitch and modulation wheels...

Panorama uses a communication protocol that has been custom designed for Reason 6, putting control - every control - at your fingertips.

Some features

- 49-note velocity-sensitive keyboard (with Aftertouch)
- Pitch bend & Modulation wheels
- 4 keyboard function buttons
- 3.5" high-resolution TFT display
- 16 encoders
- 9 45mm faders
- 100 mm ALPS motorized fader
- 10 assignable LED buttons
- 28 additional assignable buttons
- 12 pads with velocity/pressure sensitivity
- 4 LED mode buttons
- 5 menu buttons under display
- Pads and motorized fader select buttons
- Sustain pedal jack
- Expression pedal jack
- USB port for communication with computer
- USB Micro B connector for extra and external power
- Mac OS X and Windows XP, Vista & 7 compatible.

What Else?

Toontrack have revealed that they will be releasing EZmix 2 which promises to deliver even better results through a wider variety of features.

EZmix 2 continues to build on the same fundamental idea: having mix-ready effect chains designed by audio professionals only one click away, making mixing music not only easy and incredibly fast, but offering results second to none.
What's more, you can expand your EZmix 2 with a huge collection of optional EZmix Packs, created by various producers and engineers for different musical genres and mixing situations.

EZmix 2 is due for release on 7th February and will be available as a download and a physical product with an RRP of £115 / €139.
However, if you buy and register the original EZmix for just £42.95 / €52.00 before 7th February you can upgrade to EZmix 2 for just £28.95! That's a saving of over £43!