Frontier AlphaTrack

Price: $249

Frontier’s new desktop DAW controller, the AlphaTrack, facilitates quick mixing and editing without consuming valuable space or money. The USB-compatible unit features a 100mm motorized fader and comes standard with solo, mute, punch, in and out, and flip controls. Through three encoders, users can adjust plug-ins, EQ, and pan and automation settings, all made visible on a backlit display. The touch-sensitive jog and shuttle strip enables users to quickly search their project’s timeline and markers in differing shuttle speeds. The AlphaTrack is compatible with all popular editing software and does not require a power supply.

www.frontierdesign.com

Sennheiser LX 90 Style, OMX 90 Style, and MX 90 Style Headphones

Price: $69.95, $79.95, and $89.95 respectively

Sennheiser, combining casual listening with superior fidelity, has created its Style line of lightweight earphones. The three new models feature a miniaturized driver that utilizes a specifically tuned damping system to ensure a comprehensive and clear sound image. Boasting a unique “Twist-to-Fit” design, the MX 90 has a stabilizing pad above the earbud that properly situates the earphone for a comfortable fit and unobstructed response. The LX 90 connects both earbuds via a flexible, self-coiling neckband that hugs the head and supports the earphones correctly. Lastly, the OMX 90 features individually adjustable clip-on earpieces that secure themselves behind the ear. The new Style line optimizes portability and faithful sound at an affordable price.

www.sennheiserusa.com

Karma Audio K6 Ribbon Microphone

Price: $600

Pro Audio fledgling Karma Audio demonstrates its merit with the K6 phantom powered ribbon mic, the company’s first product release. The K6, with its figure eight polar pattern and sleek design, comes in at roughly a third of the cost of comparable units. With a frequency response ranging from 40Hz to 15kHz and the capacity to withstand sound pressure levels up to 130db, the K6 stands up to the high-quality reproduction typical of ribbon mics by capturing the full audio spectrum with accurate detail. Complete with leather case and patented shockmount, the K6 can currently be purchased directly from Karma for the sale price of $360.

www.karmamics.com

AKG Perception 400 Microphone

Price: $559.95

AKG’s Perception 400, a multi-pattern, large-diaphragm condenser mic, allows for tremendous versatility in both live and studio settings. With two back-to-back, one-inch vibrating surface capsules, the true condenser can be set to a cardioid, omni-directional, or figure-eight polar pattern. The Perception 400 has a full frequency response and, thanks to a switchable bass roll-off and 10dB pad, can handle SPLs up to 145 dB. The unit’s sturdy design features a zinc/aluminum alloy metal chassis and a stainless steel dent-resistant grille. A spider-type shock mount and metal carrying case accompany this general-purpose addition to the Perception line.

www.akgusa.com

Alesis USB and FireWire Podcasting Kits

Prices unavailable at press time

Alesis recently released its fully-equipped podcasting kits, enabling users to record, edit, and publish high-quality podcasts. Available in both USB and FireWire models, the kits feature Alesis’ MultiMix 8 mixers with Cubase LE recording software, a dynamic mic with desktop stand and cable, headphones, a carrying case, and 30 days of free podcast hosting at www.alesispodcast.com. With four high-gain mic/line inputs, two stereo-balanced 1/4-inch line inputs, 3-band EQ and more, both MultiMix products are fully capable of handling all podcast recording needs. The Alesis Podcasting Center offers 500Mb of space and does not require the user to embed RSS or XML files; simply upload your mp3 podcast and Alesis will automatically aggregate the file to iTunes and the like.

www.alesis.com

Audio-Technica 700 Series Wireless System

Price: $349.95 and up

The younger brother to the expansive 3000 Series system, which was released concurrently, Audio-Technica’s 700 Series UHF wireless system boasts remarkable capabilities in a very comfortable price range. Equipped with an automatic frequency scanner, the 700 Series quickly and easily locates open frequencies free from interference. The series also features eight selectable frequency-coordinated channels, all of which are compatible so that they can be used simultaneously. The system’s receiver can be interfaced with a variety of inputs through balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4-inch output connectors. The UniPak transmitter, included with all body-pack systems, provides a litany of features such as a soft-touch power/mute/off switch, a separate instrument/mic trim control, and an internal channel selector. In addition to the UniPak system, other available configurations include the guitar, headworn, lavalier, and dynamic mic systems.

www.audio-technica.com

Behringer Europower PMH518M Powered Mixer

Price: $229.99

Now shipping from Behringer, the Europower PMH518M powered mixer, at less than 16 pounds and nearly half the depth of standard models, provides a compact alternative with equal facilities. The 180-watt unit features Behringer’s ULN ultra low-noise technology for clear fidelity and comfortable headroom. The mixer section consists of five mic/line channels and separate 2-track in/output channels. Additional features include five mic preamps with switchable Pad and Clip LEDs, a 2-band EQ on all channels, a 7-band graphic EQ, and the FBQ Feedback Detection System for feedback removal. The mixer’s 24-bit multi-FX processor boasts 100 useful presets. With speaker outputs on 1/4” jack and professional speaker connectors and rack mount brackets, the PMH518M comes equipped to handle all power needs.

www.behringer.com

Klein + Hummel O 300 Studio Reference Monitor

Price: $2,495

Klein + Hummel has recently introduced its newest studio reference monitor, the O 300, a downscaled variant of the popular O 300 D model. This triamplified three-way nearfield monitor excludes the digital input and control hardware featured on the O 300 D, allowing for a significant price reduction without sacrificing sound quality. Molded from LRIM, a very low-resonance material, for uncompromised fidelity, the monitor features an elliptically-shaped high-frequency horn to widen the engineer’s horizontal listening area. The eight-inch cone woofer, made from a self-damping polypropylene material, delivers accurate low frequencies even at high SPLs while the three-inch voice coil, with its treated fabric dome, ensures expansive tonality in the midrange. All three drivers are magnetically shielded, enabling the user to place the monitors anywhere in the studio.

www.klein-hummel.com