AES Roundup
The annual Audio Engineering Society Expo (AES) is one of the premier showcases for the newest gear of the upcoming year. Performer was there and we’re bringing you the highlights of the most anticipated gear of 2009.
Abbey Road Studios
Audio Unit & VST versions of TG Mastering Pack
$335
This digital software features Tone Control and Presence/Filter modules designed to emulate those used in the original 1970s EMI TG12410 console. The software provides four-band equalization and a range of filter options. Compatible with all major Mac and Windows workstations.
www.abbeyroadplugins.com
ADK
D7 Dynamic Vocal Microphone
$179
This ADK microphone delivers high-quality large-venue
performance at an affordable price. One can expect a remarkably clear sound when working with this microphone, which is suitable for both lead and back-up vocals, as well as other instruments. An improved capsule design allows for a purer sound with less interference and feedback.
www.adkmic.com
AKG
C214 Microphone
$599
Modeled after the now-classic C414 microphone, the C 214’s cardioid single-capsule and ultra-low noise electronic design delivers the C414’s high quality performance at a more affordable price.
www.akg.com
Apogee Symphony
64 PCIe Card
$995
The Apogee Symphony 64 is a 64 channel, 24bit PCI Express card. It is tailored to work with Apogee’s X and Rosetta line of products in a synergetic fashion. The ultra low latency performance the 64 boasts allows for a flexible solution for those who are looking for a workstation that can work with any of the Core Audio products. It is compatible with Apple’s Mac Pro.
www.apogeedigital.com
Audio-Technica
AT8022 Stereo
Microphone
$499
Suitable for professional or commercial use, the AT8022 stereo condenser mic can operate on a 1.5V AA battery or on phantom power and is compatible with XLR or 3.5mm TRS inputs. It offers an 80 Hz high-pass filter and is built to withstand day-to-day use. Lightweight design makes it ideal for use with handheld recording devices.
www.audio-technica.com
BIAS
Peak Pro 6
$599
Whether used independently or as a companion to another application, the Peak Pro 6 suite provides a plethora of creative solutions for recording, editing, mastering and delivery. The new edition includes both new tools, such as the Peak Pro Production Pack, and changes to the interface. Requires Mac OS X v. 10.4.3 or higher.
www.bias-inc.com
Blue Microphones
Stage One BottleRocket
$899
This transformerless solid-state mic is compatible with Blue’s interchangeable capsule system (Bottle Caps). Capsules can be swapped for quick changes to tone and pick-up patterns, creating a microphone with maximum versatility.
www.bluemic.com
Cakewalk
SONAR 8 Producer
$619
Cakewalk’s newest edition of the SONAR series features new instruments and effects processors, enhanced sample rate conversion and Vista compatibility in addition to a host of new editing, mixing and control enhancements. Also available in SONAR 8 Studio.
www.cakewalk.com
Digidesign
Pro Tools 8(Includes Pro Tools | HD, Pro Tools LE and Pro Tools M-Powered)
Pricing Not Available
The latest edition of the popular software series offers a host of new features and enhancements. For composers and musicians, the program has been expanded to include new sound processing plug-ins, virtual instruments, loops and high quality amplification simulators. For production, the software is now able to support up to 48 audio tracks and provides 10 inserts per channel. The program’s user interface has also undergone some redesigns to make the software more efficient and user-friendly. Pro Tools 8 requires Windows XP or higher for PCs and OS X 10.5 for Macs. The product is expected to be available late 2008.
www.digidesign.com | www.avid.com
Focusrite Forte
Suite Plug-Ins
Pricing Not Available
This Pro Tools exclusive channel strip plug-in is designed to emulate the 1980s Focusrite Forte recording console. Features include ISA 110 EQ, ISA 130 multichannel surround compressor, noise gate, expander and de-esser and frequency filters for dynamics processors. The suite will be available in November. Additionally, a 14-day trial version will be available for download. Pro Tools 6.4 or higher is recommended.
www.focusrite.com
 Gepco
X-Band Audio Cables
Varying prices
Gepco is launching a complete line of X-Band audio cables, which boast increased flexibility and a low-noise design. Their conductors consist of oxygen-free copper, serving to protect against long-term corrosion, as well as conductivity.
www.gepco.com
Glyph Technologies
GTKey
Pricing Not Available
This hot-swappable storage drive is interchangeable among the entire range of GT drives. Firewire technology makes for increased portability and easier expansion. It is available in a range of capacities and operates roughly 15% faster than its predecessor.
www.glyphtech.com
Heil Sound, Ltd.
PR40 Dynamic Cardioid Microphone
$375
With a frequency range of 28 Hz – 18 Hz and a rejection of -45 dB at 180 degrees off-axis, this cardioid mic is ideal for use with a bass drum, bass cabinet, horns, vocals or radio broadcasts.
www.heilsound.com
 JazzMutant
Lemur V2
Pricing Not Available
The latest edition of the Lemur controller delivers the same versatility and user-friendly features—such as the JazzEditor, which allows the user to create multiple interfaces—as the older models and offers a variety of new innovations such as the ability to send mouse and keyboard messages and other additions to improve workflow and efficiency.
www.jazzmutant.com
JBL
EON500 Professional Series
Varying Prices
The newest line of speakers from the JBL family boasts not only an incredible amount of power, 450 watts, providing clearer sound but also portability, weighing less than 33 pounds. The three-piece speaker system uses low-frequency drivers that help minimize distortion while also diminishing weight and includes features such as built-in mixers for short set-up time.
www.jblpro.com
Mackie
PROFX 12
This compact 12-chanel mixing console is designed to deliver professional sound to budget-conscious small acts solo performers and small venues. It features high-headroom, low noise preamps, 3-band EQ, built in DI and integrated effects as well as other tools. A USB/IO connection allows the user to connect the mixer to a laptop for recording or streaming purposes.
www.mackie.com
PreSonus
StudioLive 16.4.2 Digital Recording and Mixing Console
Pricing Not Available
This 16-channel console contains numerous effects and award winning preamps, making it ideal for live mixes or studio recording. QuickTouch design allows for quick control in recording or live mix settings. Great for musicians looking to record live shows or seeking a streamlined way to produce professional-quality studio recordings.
www.presonus.com
Radial Engineering
Primacoustic FlexiVoice
$400
This wall-mounted cupboard-like device can turn any room into a 48” X 48” recording space ideal for vocal recording. Shipping is expected to begin in November.
www.radialeng.com
SoundToys
EchoBoy
$349
This vocal echo effect plug-in for Pro Tools contains 30 different echo styles, including vintage tape echo, smooth analog chorus delays, super clean digital delay and gritty driven tape slap. Controls include MIDI sync, groove control and automation, among others.
www.soundtoys.com
StompIO
Tour Rack
Pricing Not Available
Designed to allow guitarists and bass players to carry their entire rig in a single rack and built to withstand the physical demands of touring, this rack contains a 14ru rolling rack case and 17" rack mount LCD screen, with plenty of room for a rackmount computer, amplifiers and other rackmount gear.
www.ikmultimedia.com/stompio/accessories
 TASCAM
2488neo Workstation
$799
An upgrade of the popular 24-track/ 24-bit portable studio. Includes an 80GB hard drive, the traditional user-friendly interface, eight microphone inputs, four of which have phantom power, seven effects processors, up to nine compressors and new mastering effects.
www.tascam.com
Universal Audio/ MOOG
Multimode Filter
$199
UA and MOOG joined forces to create the first analog-sounding VCF (voltage controlled fiber) emulation. The digital-only tabletop filter contains features such as the classic MOOG Four-Pole filter system and sophisticated filtering with self-oscillation, smooth saturation and zero artifacts.
www.uaudio.com
Universal Audio
LA-610 MK II
$155
UA has updated their most popular analog product featuring new enhancements such as true compressor bypass, larger metering and improved signal performance while still maintaining the original 610’s signature same signal path.
www.uaudio.com
-Brian E. King |
