PC and Music News

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!

How would you like to check out the wide world of Sample Logic before you take the plunge and slap down your hard-earned cash? Now you can, with the $5 TryPack Kontakt sample library!

TryPack delivers 750+ MB, and celebrates a small selection of over 5 years of "blurring the line between music & sound design." The TryPack collection contains 5 Kontakt instruments from each of our award-winning libraries. Even if you already own any of these titles, at $5, TryPack is still the best opportunity for sampling all of our logic.

Libraries included in the TryPack:
- AIR Expanded
- The Elements EXP
- Synergy
- Morphestra
- Cinematic Guitars
- Rumble
- Fanfare

With the ability to play 48 mono or stereo 24bit/44.1 kHz tracks simultaneously, record up to 24 of those tracks simultaneously (through any supported USB multichannel audio interface), and edit and mix with familiar tools and full parameter automation, it's clear Auria sets a new standard for iPad multitracking.

What's more, Auria's 64-bit Double Precision architecture ensures ample headroom for plug-in processing and mix summing, transforming your iPad into a recording and mixing system with sound quality that rivals most DAWs.