IK Multimedia AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix

Price: $249

Let me stand next to your firewall! What guitarist hasn’t contemplated ending it all at least once upon realizing that he or she will never sound just like Jimi? Well, don’t pop all those sleeping pills just yet. With the recent release of IK Multimedia’s Jimi Hendrix edition of AmpliTube 2, now any voodoo child with at least a gig of RAM, the latest version of DirectX, a decent audio interface, and $249 (only $199 if upgrading/crossgrading from an earlier version of Amplitube) can enjoy a painstakingly accurate virtual re-creation of the racks Jimi used on all the studio versions of the songs in his classic catalogue. Been dying to hear an exact replica of Jimi’s solo from “Foxey Lady”? Simply dial up “Intro 2 — Foxey Lady” on the preset bar in the upper-left corner of the AmpliTube window and prepare to sound (almost) exactly like Jimi!
Of the nine virtual stomp boxes that come with the software, five are fuzz, while the remaining four include a trem, a chorus/trem, a wah, and the “Octa-V,” AmpliTube’s version of the Octavia, which is essentially a fuzz box with accented overtones. But to be fair, the tone replication is fairly uncanny, save for some odd artifacting when playing double stops with the drive turned way up. Those who are not fuzz fanatics, however, may want to opt for the more versatile main release of AmpliTube 2.

www.ikmultimedia.com

-Jon Carter

Cerwin Vega! CVA-121 and CVA-11 Active Subwoofers

Price: $1,999 and $1,499, respectively

Cerwin Vega! has announced the release of its CVA-121 and CVA-11 active subwoofers, boasting trademark Stroker technology. Available in compact 21- and 1-inch models, the subwoofers’ built-in amplifiers provide a completely integrated active system. Additional subwoofers can be daisy-chained with a single signal through the series’ master/slave output connectors. Both units offer XLR and 1/4-inch connectors, a cast aluminum grill that reduces power compression, a 35 mm pole-mount socket, and a hardwood finish with optional Coolex polyurethane paint. The CVA-11 has a 700-watt output for accurate frequency response, while the CVA-121 features a high-efficiency Class H 1,200 watt amplifier. The CVA-121’s built-in Stroker technology utilizes a three-spider driver design to optimize cone excursion and voice coil efficiency. The CVA-121 also includes an on-board parametric equalizer for greater tone control.
www.cerwin-vega.com

Mackie HR624 Studio Monitor

Price: $579.99
Mackie recently released the HR624 hi-definition studio monitor — a compact version of the larger HR824. Like the HR824, the Mackie HR624 is a THX-approved, two-way active reference monitor that provides the same accuracy at a more affordable price. The HR624 is the ideal choice for a professional or home studio in need of a quality, small-footprint monitor with full highs and lows. The 100- and 40-watt FR (Fast Recovery) Series amplifiers inside the HR624 are clean, reliable, and specifically designed for their drivers. The HR624 provides excellent performance at a reasonable price.
www.mackie.com

Akai MPC500 Music Production Center

Price: $699
Akai’s new MPC500 offers the benefits of an all-in-one production center in a completely mobile unit. Powered by just six AA batteries, the MPC500 consists of a pattern-based 48-track sequencer with 16 MIDI channels, as well as 32-voice drum/phrase sampler with 16MB of on-board memory (expandable up to 128MB). 12 pressure- and velocity-sensitive pads allow for efficient programming while myriad effects (flanger, 4-band EQ, phase shifter, reverb, delay, and more) provide creative control. A built-in USB port rounds out the MPC500, an ideal unit for traveling and live performances.
www.akaipro.com

TRUE Systems P-SOLO Ribbon Preamp

Price: $745
Now shipping from TRUE Systems, the new P-SOLO Ribbon preamp offers several unique features designed to bring about the greatest fidelity from ribbon and dynamic mics. The single-channel preamp contains the same balanced, transformerless circuitry behind TRUE Systems’ Precision 8 and P2 Analog preamps, housed within a compact and durable structure. The unit’s undistorted response ranges from 1.5Hz to 500kHz, allowing for excellent dynamic range and low noise. High-pass filtering, dual analog outputs, high-impedance instrument input, and four-level metering bolster the P-SOLO Ribbon. Engineered specifically for use with ribbon mics, the preamp excludes the unnecessary phantom power feature, and offers additional gain capability. Likewise, its higher input impedance prevents sonic variations caused by ribbon resonance frequencies. With hand-matched components and a friendly price tag, the P-SOLO Ribbon stands as a strong addition to the TRUE Systems line.
www.true-systems.com

Superlux R102 Ribbon Mic

Price: $399
New from Superlux, the R012 aluminum ribbon mic features the sensitivity and frequency response to suit a variety of studio applications. Its lightweight, 2.5 micron thick aluminum alloy ribbon allows for excellent transient response across the spectrum. Coupled with an SPL rating of 140 dB, the R102 ensures full sound reproduction for demanding instruments like percussion and electric guitars. The phantom-powered unit is bolstered by a wide 20Hz to 15kHz frequency response and figure-eight polar pattern, as well as design characteristics that limit distortion and deterioration due to environmental factors. The mic comes complete with a stand adapter and dual core shielded cable.
www.superlux.us

D.A.S. Audio PowerPro Amplifiers

Prices not available at press time
D.A.S. Audio recently launched its new line of PowerPro amplifiers. The PowerPro series includes four models: the PS-200, PS-400, PS-800, and PS-1400. The lighter-weight PS-200 and PS-400 are one rack-unit high and have power ratings of 100W and 200W per channel at four ohms, respectively. The larger PS-800 and PS-1400 are two rack-units high and provide 450W and 700W per channel at four ohms. The amplifiers have XLR and quarter-inch TSR connectors and feature a rugged steel chassis, rear-located switches, low-noise fans, and protection against output short-circuits, overloading, and overheating. Clip, protection, and idle LED indicators ensure easy troubleshooting. The PowerPro amplifier series boasts high-quality construction for various applications.
www.dasaudio.com

Behringer U-CONTROL UMA25S

Price: $189.99
Behringer recently unveiled its latest USB-compatible MIDI controller keyboard, the U-CONTROL UMA25S. The unit’s plug-and-play capability and included guitar strap and headset allow users to supplement live performances with over 100 virtual instruments and 50 effect plug-ins. The UMA25S features 25 velocity-sensitive keys and 21 assignable controllers, as well as advanced options like drum triggering and octave shifts. The keyboard boasts Ableton Live Lite 4 recording software, and can be powered via USB bus, batteries, or an adapter, making for a very capable controller at an affordable price.
www.behringer.com