Audio-Technica

Artist Series Microphones

Price: $169-549

New from Summer NAMM, Audio-Technica has unveiled its latest upgrade to the Artist Series live-sound microphone line. Divided into vocal, instrument and drum categories, the Artist Series boasts several new, forward-thinking microphone additions, along with improvements to classic, road-tested models. Consistent durability and fidelity define the line, reflecting the needs of touring musicians. The new ATM710, the first condenser mic in the vocal line, has a cardioid pickup pattern and features an 80 Hz hi-pass filter and a switchable 10 dB pad, allowing for customizable SPL sensitivity for various performance situations. The ATM250DE, a kick drum mic addition, characterizes the ingenuity displayed throughout the new Series. Containing both a cardioid condenser and hypercardioid dynamic in the same housing, this dual-element mic brings out every tonal subtlety without phasing problems. For increased versatility, Audio-Technica has also introduced the ATM450, which features a side-address stick design for effortless positioning on numerous instruments. Bundled with helpful accessories and reasonably priced, the new Artist Series represents an impressive expansion on a strong mic line.

www.audio-technica.com

M-Audio Ableton Live 6
Price: $599.95

Ableton Live 6 is music production software that allows you to compose, record, remix, improvise and edit your musical ideas in an audio/MIDI environment. The Live software series integrates loop-based and linear production methodologies — including virtual instruments and effects — together in a single interface for maximum creative freedom. The newest version features Movie Import, Deep Freeze editing technology, multicore/multiprocessor support, new and improved Ableton Devices, project management tools and a comprehensive collection of instruments sampled at supreme fidelity. Live 6 also works with Pro Tools M-Powered.

www.ableton.com

Tascam US-122L and US-144 Interfaces
Price not available at press time

Tascam introduced two new audio/MIDI interfaces at Summer NAMM. Following the popularity of the US-122, the US-122L and US-144 provide all the features you’ve come to expect in a portable audio/MIDI interface. The US-122L and US-144 allow you to record two tracks at a time with zero latency, whether you have a PC or a Mac, and their compact shapes allow you to take the interface anywhere you’d bring your laptop. Both interfaces feature MIDI input and output, high quality mic inputs and better-than-CD quality recording.

www.tascam.com

Hear Technologies Mix Back Monitor Mixer
Price: $2,495

The Mix Back is a flexible and affordable rack mountable monitor mixer that’s designed to reside at the stage, providing 16 inputs, passive mic split, four band EQ, and 16 channels of analog, Hearbus and ADAT output simultaneously. With two stereo and twelve mono analog outputs, ADAT and Hear Bus outputs, it’s the perfect companion to the Hear Back personal monitor system. A talk back mic preamp permits talking to any or all “more me” master outputs and the intercom output. The optional 16-button remote (MSRP $139.95) connects using a standard CAT5E cable.

www.heartechnologies.com