PC and Music News

The AudioFire Pre8 offers the same high quality hardware and software found in our AudioFire line, but with the added convenience of 8 auto-sensing universal inputs featuring Echo's Brilliant preamp technology. With the AudioFire Pre8 you can record 24-bit 96 kHz audio with low latency monitoring on any Windows XP/Vista/7 or Mac OS X computer (desktop or notebook) with a FireWire port.

The AudioFire Pre8 is the perfect center for any professional studio, whether at home or on the road. In addition to the 8 universal inputs with Brilliant mic preamps, the AudioFire Pre8 features 8 balanced ¼ inch analog outputs, 2 channel inserts, phantom power, 2 stereo headphone outputs with volume knob, main output volume knob, ADAT (with S/MUX for 96 kHz support), S/PDIF and MIDI I/O. Inputs 1 and 2 feature premium preamps with options for phase reversal, low impedance, direct input, 80 Hz rolloff and pad. It is a single height, rack mountable unit. The AudioFire Pre8 supports 24/96 kHz playback and recording and ships with low-latency drivers supporting all major pro audio software. The AudioFire Pre8 is fully ASIO, WDM, WaveRT compatible with support for Windows XP/Vista/7 (both 32 bit and 64 bit versions) and Mac OS X (10.3.9 or later).

Elysia unveils the plug-in version of its fantastic hardware compressor, the mPressor. It is the first result of a cooperation with Brainworx. According to Elysia, the guys did a tremendous job on translating Ruben's discrete analog circuits into software. This plug-in gives you all the functions and all the character of the famous hardware.

The RTAS/VST/AU trial versions should be available at the mid/end of October. Retail is planned for the beginning of November. The TDM version requires additional programming and will follow a bit later.

Info on pricing :
Native versions (RTAS/VST/AU)
• 293,28 Euro excl. VAT (for customers outside the European Union and EU customers outside Germany with VAT number)
• 349,00 Euro incl. VAT (for German customers and EU end customers without VAT number)

TDM version (including RTAS/VST/AU versions)
• 419,33 Euro excl. VAT (for customers outside the European Union and EU customers outside Germany with VAT number)
• 499,00 Euro incl. VAT (for German customers and EU end customers without VAT number)

Lexicon has introduced the PCM92 Stereo Reverb/Effects Processor.

Features :

• Lexicon studio-standard reverbs, delays, and modulation effects
• Comprehensive library of over 700 finely crafted factory presets, including recognizable classics from Lexicon's immense library of sounds
• Lexicon's flexible Room algorithm used to generate a vast array of room-related effects for music and post
• Multi-voice pitch shift to enhance vocals
• Mono and stereo versions of all algorithms
• Full system configuration and control with HiQnet System Architect
• 44.1 to 96 kHz sample rate, 32-bit floating point processing
• Two channels balanced analog I/O (XLR and ¼")
• Two channels XLR digital AES/EBU I/O
• External BNC Wordclock
• MIDI in, out, and thru
• Ethernet connectivity
• Foot controller inputs make it easy to change presets and adjust parameters during live performances
• High-resolution OLED display is easy to read in all light conditions

The PCM92 has a suggested retail price of US $2699 and will be available in November 2009.

M-Audio presents the redesigned Oxygen series of USB MIDI keyboard controller.

Available in 25-, 49- and 61-key models, the Oxygen keyboards feature full-size velocity-sensitive keys along with a complement of sliders, knobs and buttons for tweaking and performing with software instruments. With DirectLink, these same controls instantly map to a DAW's mixer, pan, and transport functions, providing real time control with a variety of DAWs including Pro Tools, Cubase, Reason, Live, Logic and Garageband.

The Oxygen 25, 49, and 61 are currently shipping and carry an MSRP of $149.95/€87, $189.95/€107, and $249.95/€141 respectively.

Neumann has unveiled the TLM-102, a brand new condenser microphone.

Features :

• Large-diaphragm microphone with cardioid directional characteristic (pressure gradient transducer)
• Compact, characteristic but smaller-scale Neumann design
• Very high maximum sound pressure level (144 dB max.)
• Slight presence boost above 6 kHz
• Transformerless circuitry
• Available in black and nickel
• Stand mount included

The TLM-102 will be available in December at a price of $700.

Tascam has created the Track Pack X1 and Track Pack X2 bundles for musicians looking for an inexpensive way to start recording in their computers.

The Track Pack X1 contains the new US-100 USB interface, dynamic microphone and set of closed-ear headphones for under $150. The Track Pack X2 features the new US-122mkII audio interface, TM-78 large-diaphragm condenser microphone and Cubase LE4 48-track recording software for under $200.

The new US-100 and US-122mkII interfaces are compatible with Mac and Windows computers, even Apple's new Snow Leopard operating system.

Tascam Track Packs will be shipping in time for holiday sales.