PC and Music News

MOTU unveiled the MicroBook II, an updated version of the compact, studio-grade audio interface that turns a Mac or PC into a personal 4 x 6 recording studio with professional I/O and monitor mixing. The MicroBook II will replace the original model at the same price.

The four inputs (mic, hi-Z guitar, and stereo balanced line in) can be recorded simultaneously. The mic preamp delivers neutral coloration and pristine sound, with 20 dB pad and 48V phantom power for condenser mics.

Building on the proven configuration of its predecessors, the new 01V96i now offers USB 2.0 connectivity along with new multi-track recording features and improved sonic quality.

The 01V96i continues our tradition of digital mixing innovation with 16-in/16-out USB 2.0 computer connectivity, Virtual Circuit Modeling effects and advanced DAW control for Cubase® (as well as Pro Tools,® Logic,®, Sonar,®and Digital Performer®).

The long-awaited follow up to the GT-10 has arrived. Meet the new BOSS effects flagship, the GT-100, boasting next-generation amp modeling that recreates vintage amps as well as providing new COSM tones that soar into the future.

The user interface has been improved with a unique dual-LCD system, and EZ TONE has been enhanced with newly designed AMP CUSTOMIZE and OD/DS CUSTOMIZE features. The GT-100 is a powerhouse processor that spans from classic to futuristic in a friendly, rugged, road-worthy unit.

Some features:
- Advanced COSM amps that model vintage amp tones and delivers never-before-heard tones
- Dual-LCD for simple and intuitive operation with direct access to every parameter
- Improved EZ Tone TONE feature with graphical TONE GRID for constructing new patches; AMP CUSTOMIZE and OD/DS CUSTOMIZE lets you easily create original amps and overdrive/distortion by customizing their behavior
- Newly developed ACCEL pedal for simultaneous control of multiple parameters.

Toontrack Music announces the pending release of EZmix 2 - the second generation of the company's widely popular preset-powered multi-effect mixing tool.

EZmix 2 introduces a completely revised and more intuitive user interface, a large amount of new presets, effects as well as, perhaps most notably, the inclusion of ready-made signal chains for guitar and bass, modeled after some of the world's most popular vintage and contemporary amps, speakers and stomp boxes.

TASCAM's DP-24 is a 24-track Digital Portastudio with solid-state recording, a color LCD and channel strip controls to make recording simple so you stay creative. Up to eight tracks can be recorded at a time through its combination XLR and ¼" combo jacks. Input processing like compression and limiting are available during recording, as well as guitar amp simulation and multi-effects for use with the instrument-level input.

Once recorded, tracks can be viewed and mixed on the large color LCD and dedicated mixing controls like nineteen linear faders and a dozen channel strip encoders. Two Mixdown effects including reverb and chorus are also available, as well as a mastering effect. Once finished, songs can be transferred to computer over USB or written to CD with the built-in CD-RW drive.

Ivory II–American Concert D is a 1951 New York Steinway® model D lauded by some of the world's greatest concert artists.

This instrument has an exceptionally pure and clear tone, a remarkably expressive dynamic range and has been described by many artists as among the finest they've ever played. In fact, the plate of this particular piano is signed by pianists Glenn Gould and Rudolf Serkin, a testament to high praise for the instrument by two of the world's great masters.