Front End Audio Turnkey Computer Recording Package

Prices vary depending on system

Pro audio dealer Front End Audio, in conjunction with Audeum, now offers complimentary turnkey recording system configuration. Audeum’s custom digital audio workstations are built specifically for live and studio recording applications. The Windows XP-based units, divided between the Project, Studio, and Performance Series lines, feature hand-picked internal components, including Seagate hard drives, Kingston memory, FireWire compatibility, Zalman cooling systems, and bundled software. Front End now enables customers to select hardware and software to complement their Audeum computers, which will then be optimized, tested, and delivered. Specifically, Front End institutes over 100 custom changes to each DAW’s operating system, disabling unnecessary background services, performing OS updates and registry tweaks, and enhancing system responsiveness. Front End eliminates the need to conduct software installations and driver set-ups, so customers can begin recording immediately. Audeum’s sound absorption case lining, rubber feet, fan and power supply dampening kits, and anti-vibration hard drive mounts ensure the system will not generate unwanted background noise. Front End provides optimization services free of charge.

www.audeum.com

www.frontendaudio.com

MXL.008 USB Cardioid Condenser Mic
Price: $199
Now shipping from MXL Microphones, the affordable MXL.008 USB carioid condenser mic perfectly suits the home recording environment. With both USB 1.1 and 2.0 compatibility, the MXL.008 easily hooks up to any computer for quick recording. The mic offers a bevy of features for its meager price. With a large, 35 mm capsule, a 20Hz — 20 kHz frequency response, and a three-position, switchable attenuation pad, the MXL.008 delivers big, robust fidelity throughout the spectrum. Additionally, a heavy-duty wire mesh grill with an integrated pop filter ensures recording clarity. The mic’s 16-bit Delta Sigma A/D converter has a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz. Filling out the package are a travel case, a desktop stand, a 10-foot USB cable, and a windscreen.

www.mlxmics.com

Behringer TRUTH B3030A Studio Reference Monitors
Price: $499.99

Behringer recently introduced its TRUTH B3030A two-way active studio reference monitors, which emphasize honest sound reproduction through innovative design technology. The long-throw, 6 3/4-inch woofer boasts a deformation-resistant Kevlar cone to ensure full low-end response. Built-in wave guide technology and controlled dispersion enhance the unit’s sweet spot. The monitors are hand-aligned and come with individual frequency diagrams, allowing for a linear frequency response. With built-in 75- and 35-watt amplifiers, the B3030A is never short on power. The high resolution, two-inch velocity ribbon transducer allows for remarkably accurate fidelity. Magnetically shielded to allow placement near computer monitors, the B3030A also features XLR and 1/4-inch connectors and a durable exterior.

www.behringer.com

Mackie d.pro Series DJ Production Consoles
Price: d.2 pro–$899.99; d.4 pro–$1,149.99

Mackie recently released it FireWire-compatible d.Pro DJ production consoles, consisting of two- and four-channel models. With their built-in 13x6 FireWire interfaces at 24 bit/96kHz, the consoles can be quickly and easily hooked up to any computer to serve as multi-track recording sources and multi-input performance mixers, allowing DJs to play music files from iTunes, Ableton Live, and additional software programs. Both the d.2 pro and d.4 pro feature phono preamps, Infinium “contact-free” crossfaders, and balanced XLR main outputs. Additionally, the d.4 pro boasts Mackie’s new Tracktion 3 software, as well as onboard analog filtering effects and Onyx microphone preamps with 48v phantom power. The d.pro series recently garnered Native Instruments Traktor Scratch certification, enabling users, after the purchase of an upgrade kit, to mix, manipulate and scratch digital music files on their computer using a d.pro mixer, standard turntables and specially coded vinyl disks.
www.mackie.com

KRK Systems VXT Series Recording Monitors
Price: VXT8–$799; VXT6–$599; VXT4–$399

Building upon the principal characteristics of the successful close-field Exposé E8B, KRK Systems recently introduced the carefully designed VXT Series recording monitors, consisting of three distinct models with proprietary woofers and tweeters. The series’ curved cabinet and faceplate reduces diffraction, thereby enhancing fidelity, and allows for increased low-end presence. A silk, rather than cloth, tweeter dome enables faster transient response and extended frequency response, furthered still by a stiffer and lighter cone. The use of ABS structural foam dampens unwanted noise and absorbs shock effectively. The user’s personal settings are protected by tamper resistant switch covers, while defeatable limiter and auto mute controls, along with high and low frequency adjust switches on the VXT6 and VXT8 models, increase user control.

www.krksys.com

Carvin LM Series Loudspeakers
Price: $239.99 to $429.99, depending on model

Now shipping from Carvin, the new LM Series loudspeakers feature lightweight, high frequency, 1.5-inch neodymium drivers and wide dispersion horns, allowing for excellent fidelity at higher sound pressure levels. The series offers four available models in both powered and non-powered configurations with a choice of 12- or 15-inch low frequency woofers, boasting 2.5-inch and 3-inch voice coils respectively. The powered LM12A (pictured) and LM15A units have separate, dedicated power amps for high and low frequency sections, ensuring full spectrum coverage, and also feature two additional inputs. All LM Series active loudspeakers feature a 3-band EQ and a separate instrument EQ. The series’ injection-molded, time-aligned enclosures allow for vertical or horizontal placement due to 30-degree angle design. Likewise, the wide dispersal horn offers 90-degree horizontal coverage and 30-degrees upward and 45-degrees downward vertical coverage.

www.carvin.com

Alesis iMultiMix 8 USB Mixer
Price unavailable at press time

New from Alesis, the iMultiMix 8 USB mixer features a built-in iPod dock for direct-to-iPod recording. Once recordings are completed, they can be easily moved to the user’s Mac OSX- or Windows XP-compatible computer through the mixer’s iTunes transfer feature. All channels are recorded at CD Quality stereo 44.1 or 48kHz. The mixer also allows for playback from and mixing live performances with the iPod. The mixer’s additional host of features are equally impressive. All eight channels include a 3-band EQ, and 100 studio grade 28-bit digital effects provide even greater user control. Four high-gain XLR and 1⁄4-inch balanced mic/line preamps, a built-in limiter, two guitar mic/line inputs, and eight-segment LED meters round out the iMultiMix 8 USB. 48v phantom power and Steinberg Cubase LE recording software are also included.
www.alesis.com