Mac and Music News

From Frankfurt at Musikmesse, Presonus launches its new INSPIRE 1394 audio mobile interface. This expandable FireWire Recording Interface (24-bit/96k) is software controlled and features four analog inputs (two custom-designed PreSonus microphone preamplifiers with +48V phantom power and two instrument Hi-Z inputs), two analog outputs. Software's controls include : input gain, phantom power, limiter (off/on), preamp boost (off/on), sample rate, headphone volume, main output volume as well as zero latency input mixing with playback mixing. Four INSPIRE 1394's can be connected together for up to sixteen simultaneous inputs of 24-bit/96k recording.

INSPIRE 1394 is compatible with ASIO and Core Audio.

Da Fact (Digital Access Factory) is introducing its ground breaking controller. this strange beast is definitely not any-like others. It doesn't play notes even! You play over the MIDI itself: each "key" is pression sensitive and can be freely controller assigned. The DaFact can also turn on itself, another control. And guess what it does when you move it around in space? (up, down, left, right…) it sends controls too! How does it communicate? it receives and sends MIDI other USB or HF and it runs on batteries filled when needed by the USB connection.

Price and availability TBA

FXpansion announces Universal Binary versions for BFD and Guru at Frankfurt Musikmesse. These new Intel-based Mac compatible versions will be released second Quarter 2006. These updates will be free updates for registered users. Guru is a beatbox, it's architecture is perfect for anything from straight-up breaks and stomping floor-fillers to complex polyrhythmic, multi-layered grooves.

K Multimedia has just announced the upcoming support of the Intel-based Apple computer with Intel Core Duo processors. New versions for the MacIntel platform will be available for all IK Multimedia products. IK Multimedia will start shipping these MacIntel compatible versions during the 2nd quarter of 2006,

Presonus is enlarging its DigiMax range with the FS, a brand new 8 class A mic preamp in a 1U rack. It feeds 8 channels in ADAT (i/o) at 24bit/96 kHz in dual SMUX with balanced direct outputs and inserts on each channel.

Price and availability TBA.

Soundcape announced a bunch of MADI 1U racks to come this year:
- iBox MADI-HD2, a converter 2 x 32 MADI ports/Digidesign Pro Tools|HD card, in both direction, with word/wordclock, latency compensation, USB control/update… Available in June 06 for EUR 2395.
- iBox 32|64 MADI-S a converter 32 channels of AES/EBU In (16x AES) and 64 Channels of AES/EBU Out (32x AES) to an optical MADI port. Price EUR 2895.
- iBox 64|32 MADI-S a converter 64 Channels of AES/EBU In (32x AES) and 32 Channels of AES/EBU Out (16x AES) to an optical MADI port. Price EUR 2895.
- Pak 64|64 MADI-S, a bundle of the 2 converters above. Price EUR 5995.
iBox 32|64 MADI-S, iBox 64|32 MADI-S and the pak will be available third quarter 06.

MacMusic is very proud to publish a second photo gallery of the Frankfurt Musikmesse, taken by our crazy correspondents Soif and Nolot. Lots of gear (CME, DaFact, Creamware, RME, Steinberg, Digidesign), all the hottest new products on display, and this year booth babes (not E3 babes, but music babes !).

Live 5, Pro Tools 7, Vienna Symphonic Library, Guitare Rig 2, Genelec 8050A, Arturia Prophet V, Clavia Nord Stage, or M-Audio Project mix I/O, are some of the 2006 MIPA Awards winners in Frankfurt. 58 magazines from all over the world got together to vote for the best products of 2005/2006 in more than 40 categories. The awards have been presented to the winners at a special mipa-Party/Awards-Ceremony held during Musikmesse / Prolight + Sound, March 30th, 2006.

Just clic on the link bellow to read the full list of MIPA'06 winners.

TerraTec announce its forthcoming Area 61 Keyboard. This alien territory is a mix between a 61 keys controller keyboard, a USB 2.0 audio/MIDI interface, an expandable synth and DSP synth host. The controller part adds to the velocity sensitive keyboard an interesting split aftertouch, 10 encoders with LED, 5 buttons, and 2 rubber mod wheels, all assignable. The interface is stereo, 24bit/96KHz, Midi In and Out/thru. The sound generation part is optional, you can add sound modules like the WaveXtable. One of the main interests of the Area 61 is to DSP host the latest TerraTec Komplexer softsynth (ex-waldorf employees development), but sadly it is not supported on the mac at the moment.

Available third quarter 06 for EUR 599.

Mireth Technology has released a Universal Binary version of Music Man, its Mac OS X digital music software. Version 1.7.6 of Music Man will now run native on both Mac Power PC and on the new Intel Mac (MacIntel) under Mac OS X. This version also adds new features, including Audio CD burning capability. Music Man can rip, convert, burn and play MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, AIF, Audio CD and Ogg Vorbis on Mac OS X. Music Man also offers many burning features, such as variable burn quality that allows for burning up to four times as much music on a USB Flash Drive as when using standard burn technology.

Music Man is available for immediate download, or on CD-ROM, starting at $19.95. Registered users of previous versions of Music Man can upgrade for free.

CME extends its audio interface offer by announcing the Matrix K. This affordable audio interface is available in USB or in Firewire connectivity and feature a mic/line combo input, one stereo TRS input, 2 balanced line outputs and works up to 24 bit/192 kHz. There's direct monitoring available, along 2 headphones outs and it can host a firewire optional extension.

Available in August 06, USB $179.99, FireWire $199.99, KF400E FireWire expansion $99.99

M-Audio is shipping worldwide its new Axiom 25 USB MIDI Controller. This 25-key USB mobile MIDI controller features both semi-weighted action and assignable aftertouch, plus eight rubberized trigger pads. Eight endless rotary encoder knobs let you get your hands on synth parameters, virtual mixer controls and more. Six transport controls can also assign to control other MIDI parameters. Virtually everything is freely MIDI-assignable—and the backlit LCD screen makes programming easy and intutive. You get 20 memory locations for on-board storage, plus free Enigma editor/librarian software to manage an unlimited number of setups via computer.

M-Audio Axiom 25 ships at $239.95.

Apple is now shipping the first Universal version of its Final Cut, Studio video production suite. Final Cut Studio that complement Final Cut Pro 5 including Soundtrack Pro, and sound design application: Motion 2 and DVD Studio Pro 4 for professional DVD authoring. The Universal version of Final Cut Studio is available now through the Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $1,299. Registered Final Cut Studio customers can crossgrade to the Universal version for $49. Existing customers of the standalone versions of Final Cut Pro, Soundtrack Pro, Motion, or DVD Studio Pro can upgrade to the Universal version of Final Cut Studio starting at just $99 .

Full details and further information is available at Apple web site.

SPL presents at the Musikmesse a new massive (72 filters) passive EQ, named adequately the Passeq. With 36 passive filters in boost and 36 in cut organised in the interface as 3 bands with 12 frequencies each to choose from, it's a massive contender on the market, not only because it's a 4U rack full of stylish knobs. The Passeq uses SPL SUPRA-OPs on a 120V rail for audio quality: S/N ratio 116 dB, +34 dB of headroom, dynamic range is quoted at 150 dB. All switches and pots are Elma and ALPS, there's a Universal internal power supply and it does look good too.

Available in June 06, price TBA.

The P3 is a sort of a hidden old-timer. it was available in kit form for some time but now, with it's success in electronic circles, it's now a manufactured MIDI sequencer with professional backing support. It gives you 8 tracks, 384 patterns and note, velocity, tie, gate, length, gate delay, and a combo of up to 4 MIDI controllers, extra notes, or other events, per step. Patterns are 1 to 16 steps long, firmware is upgradable by Sysex, and the P3 has already a reputation of his own. and a good one!

Available now! price 499£ including VAT

CME announced its "WIDI X-8" system. This full duplex wireless system for MIDI and USB communication comes with two identical MIDI/USB boxes featuring :

- built-in USB MIDI interface
- Bi-directional MIDI communication (MIDI in/out)
- Up to 64 pairs can be operating at the same time via 64 channels
- Three operating modes (USB/RF, MIDI/RF, USB/MIDI)
- OS X class-compliant for plug-and-play.

The WIDI X-8 will be available in August 2006 and wiil cost $249.99.

Solid State Logic announced Duende, its first entry in the DAW world. Duende is a DSP platform in a rack format, enabling you to have the SSL sound quality directly in your favorite audio software. It connects to your computer via Firewire 400 and the plug-ins are in AU, VST and RTAS so all DAWs are concerned. Each unit handles 32 channels at 96 KHz, and 2 can be daisy chained. Duende will be available in april for about EUR 1600.

Ever dreamed of a SSL?

Behringer has announced at Musikmesse the iAXE393, a 22-fret USB guitar for Mac. It comes with a vintage vibrato bridge, and a stereo headphone output with dedicated level control, The iAXE comes with loads of virtual amps and stomp boxes powered and multi-track recording and editing software. The iAXE393USB is bus-powered and can be plugged directly into the computer.

Behringer USB Guitar will ship 2nd Quarter 2006.

Behringer announces at Musikmesse that two new digital piano are now shipping wordwide. The Eurogrand EG8080-BK features a hand-polished wood cabinet with black lacquer finish and 80-Watt speakers, and the Eurogrand EG540-BK features a wood grain cabinet with black finish and 40-Watt speakers. They both come with an 88-note, weighted hammer-action keyboard and three pedals – Damper, Sostenuto and Soft.

Price : TBA.

CME the new kid on the block in the controller keyboard block, will release in July its VX series of red featured full keyboards. This 4 models range share:

- USB Audio/MIDI interface
- 4 MIDI out, 1 MIDI in
- 2 mic/line input, 2 line output
- 2 headphone outputs
- 2 pedal connectors
- Expandable
- 64 programmable controllers, including 9 motorized 60 mm faders, a ribbon, 12 pads, 8 pots; 8 encoders, switches…
- transport controls
- breath controller input (Yamaha BC3 compatible)
- Initial and after touch, velocity sensitive keyboard
- multi scale support for any scaling system (including non occidental)


VX5 (49 keys), $899.99, VX6 (61 keys) $999.99, VX7 (76 keys) $1199.99 US, VX8 (88 keys) $1299.99.

Behringer announced the C-3, a multipattern (cardio, omni, figure of 8) dual diaphragm condenser microphone. It comes with its transport case, shock mount and integrates a LED that indicates Phantom power is on. Behringer announced too a new mixer in the Eurorack family, the RX1202FX. This is a 8 mono, 2 stereo mixer with 8 mic preamps with a stereo FX processor holding 100 presets to go.

Both available second quarter '06
C-3 $79.99 - EUR 83
RX1202FX $229,99 - EUR 238

Alesis unveiled two new podcasting kits. The "USB kit" contains the Alesis MultiMix 8 USB mixer (2 channels) and the "FireWire kit" contains the Alesis MultiMix 8 FireWire mixer (8 channels). Both kits feature a dynamic microphone, a desktop stand, a mic cable, headphones, Steinberg's Cubase LE and a comprehensive podcasting application.

Price/availability : TBA

Announced at last NAMM, the Line 6 LowDown amplifiers is a powerful range of enhanced amps for bass guitars. it features fast and resourceful amplification (1x12,150W with Tilt Back monitor design; 1x15 w/horn, 175W and 1x15 w/horn, 300W) with Line 6 quality models: 5 Bass Amp (Clean, R&B, Rock, Brit and Grind), 5 Essential Bass Effects (Synth, Compressor, Envelope Filter, Octaver, and Chorus), a Deep switch for "supreme fatness", XLR out with Bass pod modelling, 4 channel memories, headphone out, audio in on 1/8" for cd/mp3 jamming, built-in tuner, Foot Switch Jack for FBV Express or FBV Shortboard.

Shipping now. LowDown LD150 $399.99, LowDown LD175 $499.99, LowDown LD300 Pro $599.99. As a side note, Line 6 updates for free the Vetta I and II software to 2.5 with better models, better tuner stability, tap tempo sync to MIDI clock, additional footswitch assignments…

SM Pro Audio presents at the Musikmesse a festival of new products available now, prices are TBA:
The EP84: 8 independent microphone preamplifiers based on the PR8E circuitry in a 2U rack.
The OC8E: 8 optical compressors (soft-knee design) with individual compression ratio, Class A transformer-less high voltage signal path and individual attack and release controls, Bypass, Output level control per channel; tri-state LED indicator and Output (bluuuue) VU level indicator in a 2 U rack.
The TC01 and TC02: single (desktop unit) and dual channel (1U rack) tube microphone preamp/DI and optical compressor with (bluuuuue) Vu meter.
The VU8: multi-channel passive (bluuuue) VU meter and headphone monitor.
The M-Patch 2: new version of the M-Patch passive volume control/switch box.

At Frankfurt, Sonicbytes announces Phrazor, a rack/sequencer new plugin. Phrazor has 64 Tracks, each providing up to 8 Plugin-Slots. You can see Phrazor as a Rack for all your software Synthesizers. The Basic usage is combining instruments and effects in order to simplify everyday's work. In Phrazor the term Track is used instead of Rack because a Track contains Mixer-States, Programs and optional Clips and Playlist information. Tracks can easily be used in any host, since the file format is independent. But also Projects, Slots, Grooves and Clips can be reused at any time.

The final release is scheduled for April/May '06.

Metric Halo announced that the Universal Binary version of ChannelStrip AU is now shipping. Version 2.2 of ChannelStrip AU is supported for operation with systems running Mac OS X 10.4.3 or later, and Audio Unit compliant host applications. Version 2.2 is available at all Metric Halo authorized dealers, and upgrades are available from the Metric Halo website at www.mhlabs.com.

For the MPC nurtured, pas are almost a second nature, Akai brings back a new pad controller the MPD24. It's a 16 pad MPC style controller with 4 selectable pad banks, 6 assignable Faders, 8 assignable encoders, transport functions (REW, FF, STOP PLAY and REC with MMC). It works in MIDI and USB and can be USB powered if needed. A librarian editor is included as an Akai Sample library of classic drum machines. You can go bang the drums now!

Price and availability TBA.

ADAM announced a new monitor, the A7, along with two subwoofers the Sub8 and Sub10 mkII. The A7 is a small, low price tag (yet unknown) monitor. It features the acclaimed A.R.T. tweeter and a 6.5" Rohacell/Kevlar cone fed by dedicated 50w rms amps. It is housed in a 18 x 33 x 28 cm unshielded box weighting 8 kg (so beware with CRT computer screens). The frequency response is quoted 46 Hz-35 KHz, which can be trimmed by high and low shelving filters in the back as the tweeter level. Front is housing power and general level controls. Connection is in XLR and unbalanced 1/4" jacks.

AMS NEVE announced 3 new modules at the Musikmesse: the 8803, a dual channel EQ; the 8804, a fader pack; and the 9001, their first ever Valve module, a dual channel. All three units share the 88 range characteristics of recallable setting and USB interfacing with your computer. The 8803 is a 1U rack, featuring a dual channel EQ based on the 8108 design with enhancements (frequency and Q ranges) and filter. Balanced inputs with +/- 20dB trims, 12 dB HP filter (25Hz-300Hz corner frequency), 12dB LP filter (3kHz to 15kHz corner frequency). The EQ: selectable shelving, switchable Q on high and low bands, continuously variable Q on the mids. The selection of the frequencies are continuous in the ranges 33Hz to 440Hz, 120Hz to 2kHz, 0.8kHz to 9kHz and 1.5kHz to 18kHz.

Cakewalk announced the world wide availability of Rapture. A free Rapture 1.1 update, available as Universal Binary version for new Intel-based Macs, will be also available in 2nd Quarter 2006. Rapture is a wavetable synthesizer designed to produce pop, dance and electronic sounds, is now shipping worldwide. Rapture combines an advanced modulation system with an non-aliasing wavetable resampling engine. It features 40 Envelope Generators, LFOs, and Step Generators per patch, and comes with more than 500 programs including Basses, Leads, Pads, Arpeggios, Textures, Electronic Percussion and Sequences.

Rapture ships (AU, RTAS, VST) for $259,00.

Pump Up the Volume ? Apple says no ! Apple today announced a software update for the iPod nano and fifth generation iPod, allowing customers to easily set their own personal maximum volume limit. The software update also gives parents the ability to set a maximum volume limit on their child's iPod and lock it with a combination code. The new software update 1.1.1 is available immediately as a free download for the iPod nano and the fifth generation iPod from the Apple web site.

All is so quiet in Cupertino...

TC announced 2 new effect and treatment, the C300 and M350 racks. The C300 is a dual engine dynamics processor (compressor/limiter/gate/expander) in 1U metal rack. Both engine are independent but can be linked either in series or parallel, a stereo link mode enables you to treat a composite stereo signal thru both engines simultaneously. The unit has analogue (jacks 1/4" balanced/unbalanced) and digital I/O (S/PDIF), uses 24 bit A/D-D/A converters, MIDI I/O, and is centered around its 32 presets interface (16 compression/limiter and 16 expander/gate). Universal power supply included in the rack! C 300 available in May, EUR 210.

TC Electronic announced the famous TC Powercore card will be available this summer in PCIe (PCI express) format. The latest G5 owners will be pleased to know it and use it. it'll retail at Euro 1140.

Presonus released the Faderport control interface previewed at last NAMM show. It's both a single fader, transport and MIDI box, hooked up via USB:
- One loooong quality motorized fader
- single channel or group operation
- all the transport controls you want
- all operation in 3 windows: Edit, Mix and Transport
- Pan control, mute, solo, record enable
- Footswitch in for quick punch in/out hands free

The Faderport is supported in Digital Performer, Pro Tools, Cubase and Nuendo, more to come. Price tag should be round $179.

Tc Electronic announced the Konnekt family of Audio interfaces. The Konnekt 24D and Konnekt 8 are firewire interfaces, working with Core Audio drivers even on macintels, aren't' that great? They are bus powered. Feature wise, the 24D is DSP driven so:

- 2 IMPACT Pre
- True Hi-Z guitar in
- 14/14 I/O: 2 mic/inst/line, 2 line inputs and 4 line outputs (all available as balanced too), 8 ADAT and 2 S/PDIF (optical and coaxial) inputs and outputs
- 2 headphones out, one with auto speaker muting function
- Full feature direct monitoring, effected and also between networked units
- up to 24-bit/192kHz, based on the Finalizer and the System 6000 research
- Use DICE anti-jitter, latest TC technology
- DSP Effects: Fabrik C channel strip and Fabrik R reverb,
- MIDI i/o
- Stand alone mode
- stackable, up to 4 Konnekt interfaces
The Konnekt 8 is a less featured DSP-less (no DSP effects, less I/O) declination of the 24D. Specifications still to be known in full.

Price EUR 470 ex. VAT for Konnekt 24D and EUR 320 ex. VAT for Konnekt 8, Avaible summer '06 !

RME has a thing for MADI interfaces and converters and will release shortly two new MADI products, the MADI Converter and the ADI-6432 MADI to AES Converter. The MADI Converter is a 1U rack featuring 6 independent bidirectional converters, each 12 Ins have status LEDs. It supports all MADI formats: 56-channel, 64-channel, any sample rate even out of specifications, and will transfer "invisible" control bits too. Range covers 100 meters using coaxial cables and up to 2000 by using optical cables. A MIDI distributor send a MIDI In to 3 MIDI Out. Available in April.

Genelec announces the launch of its new 8200 and 7200 DSP Series Monitors. Built on the foundation of Genelec's 8000 MDE and 7000 LSE Series products, the new Genelec 8200 Series Bi-amplified Active Monitors and 7200 Series Active Subwoofers are designed for end-users who want a network speaker system that can be set up, measured, analyzed and calibrated quickly. The new DSP Series is comprised of two Bi-amplified Active Monitors. The 8240A utilizes a 6.5-inch woofer and 3/4-inch tweeter. The free-field frequency response is 48 Hz to 20 kHz (±1.0 db). Peak SPL per pair is 115 dB driven by a pair of 90 Watt amplifiers for each driver. The 8250A has an 8-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter set into the DCW with a free-field frequency response of 38 Hz to 20 kHz (±1.0 db). Peak SPL per pair is 120 ...

E-MU Systems has announced at MusikMesse its new 0404 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface for Mac with 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters, two pristine XTC mic/line/hi-Z preamps, and ultra-low jitter clock. From its plug-and-play functionality and hands-on ergonomic design to professional features like independent ground lift switches and signal-to-noise specs. It features two 1/4" balanced outputs, one set of MIDI in/out and a stereo headphone output.

The 0404 USB also comes with E-MU's powerful Production Tools Software Bundle and will ship June 2006 at an estimated street price of €199.99.

Our valiant webmaster Soif and the "infamous" Nolot are in Frankfurt and they can't stop taking pictures of all the booth they see. We have already 98 pics of gear and software to look upon and more to come. G.A.S.* garanteed. Enjoy!

(* Gear Addiction Syndrome ;)

CreamWare just adds a new member to its ASB (authentic sound box) family : the Prodyssey ASB synthesizer, a recreation of the legendary ARP Odyssey. It features 12 voice of polyphony, an effects section and USB computer integration. Patches can be edited directly on the hardware panel or via the supplied remote-control software which wiil be available for Mac OS X.

The Prodyssey ASB will ship May 2006 for 999 euros.

Numark in partnership with ArKaos announce the NuVJ Video Controller. The NuVJ is the perfect tool for DJs who want to synchronize video with their musical performance. The NuVJ allows DJs to incorporate images and video clips in much the same way as mixing music. With the NuVJ , the VJ can trigger images and video clips, add effects to them, mix them through an onboard DJ style crossfader and tweak them in order to create unique and spectacular shows. The hardware controller works seamlessly with existing DJ gear and the software is compatible with most computers and laptops.

Celemony Software presents the new 'Melodyne Sound Library' for the multi-track versions of Melodyne, cre8 and studio. The sounds of the libraries are derived from Ueberschall's 'Liquid Instruments' and are being offered specially to Melodyne owners at the end of April. The series begins with 'Saxophone', 'Bass' and 'Guitar', with 'The Voice 1 and 2' and 'Horn Section' to follow in early summer. The first Melodyne Sound Libraries, 'Saxophone', 'Bass' and 'Guitar' will probably be available at the end of April together with Melodyne cre8/studio 3.1.

Melodyne Sound Libraries will cost 139 euros (US$159).

Native Instruments today announced KONTAKT PLAYER 2, the second generation
of its platform for sample-based software instruments. The powerful Kontakt Script Processor (KSP) of KONTAKT 2 plays a central role in KONTAKT PLAYER 2-based instruments. The virtually unlimited flexibility of KSP allows for instruments with unprecedented functionality and musicality, including extremely authentic emulations of acoustic instruments. The first KONTAKT PLAYER 2 instruments to be made available to musicians will be "Stradivari Solo Violin" from Gary Garritan.

KONTAKT PLAYER 2 is based on the latest KONTAKT 2.1 engine, with the
corresponding update for KONTAKT users scheduled for release in April 2006.

Elemental Audio Systems today announced the release of an update to its Mac compatible plug-in analysis suite InspectorXL. This update affects all InspectorXL plug-in formats, VST, RTAS, and Audio Unit, and is recommended for all Mac users. The version 1.0.3 update fixes graphical issues experienced by some users and should be downloaded as soon as possible to ensure reliable graphical performance.

The update is available for download free of charge to registered InspectorXL owners.

A Design Audio introduces new modules of preamps, the P-1 and EM series. The P-1 is based on their Pacifica model (cream panel). The EM (Erickson/Montessi) are "twists" as they say around the P-1, each is sounding slightly different. In order to achieve this, different input and output custom wound transformers are used in each one (grey, blue and red panel). Every EM module features a DI input and a -20dB pad switch, 48V Phantom power with a LED indicator. The EM-Silver is better suited to ribbon microphones. It features a steel wound transformer. The EM-Red and EM-Blue have a darker sound. The EM-Blue features a nickel wound transformer giving more highs in the end. The EM-Red uses a 50/50 output transformer, along with a different input transformer for "more upfront mids".

Each module is listed for $850.

Attention Ableton Live users! Novation announces at Frankfurt that the latest software update for the ReMOTE SL includes compatibility with Ableton Live 5. Now, with an SL keyboard connected, you can have total, hands-on control over a session in Live 5. The Mixer and Transport controls are immediately available, with every effect and plug-in mapped automatically to the ReMOTEís rotaries and buttons.

And, this free s