| On
the Road
American Audio
4295 Charter Street
Los Angeles CA 90058
800-322-6337
www.americandj.com
American Audio has expanded
its ProTek Series of professional roadcases. The new additions
include the ProTek/CD600 hard CD roadcase; the ProTek/CD300
hard CD roadcase; the ProTek/LP/Trans transparent LP roadcase;
and the ProTek /LP/DIA W Heavy-duty LP roadcase. The Pro Tek/CD600,
which can store 600 CD view packs, is made from aluminum and
includes heavy-duty roller blade-type wheels, with a retractable
pull-up multi-position handle and a lock-type latch with key.
The ProTek/CD300, available in silver or black, can hold up
to 100 jewel cases or 300 view packs.
Vinyl-loving jocks may wish to opt for the ProTek/LP/Trans,
capable of holding up to 70 records. This case has a transparent
acrylic design with shiny silver trimming. The ProTek/LP/DIA
W is the heavy-duty big brother to the Trans. It, too, can hold
up to 70 records, but also has two storage compartments, an
external flap pocket and internal zippered mesh pocket to carry
headphones and other accessories.
Scanned
Environment
American
DJ
4295 Charter Street
Los Angeles CA 90058
800-322-6337
www.americandj.com
The Ultra Scan 250 is a DMX-512 intelligent scanner with nine
rotating changeable gobos that spin out patterns in nine colors.
Equipped with six DMX channels – two more than the customary
four – the Ultra Scan 250 also has six stepper motors,
making for easier gobo transitions. The piece can be used with
any DMX-512 protocol controller, including the American DJ DMX
Operator or Show Designer.
ProTools
HD
Digidesign
2001 Junipero Serra Boulevard
Daly City, CA 94014-3886
(650) 731-6800
www.digidesign.com
Pro Tools HD is an all-new, high-definition Pro Tools system
geared for professional studios. Featuring DSP power, comprehensive
sample rate support, high-resolution audio interfaces and peripheral
options, track counts and I/O capacity and extensive routing
flexibility, the system has an intuitive software interface
and dedicated hardware and is available in three expandable
core configurations: Pro Tools HD 1, HD 2 and HD 3.
Pro Tools HD 1 features the HD Core PCI card, supporting up
to 32 channels of I/O, 96 simultaneous audio tracks, and housing
a host of DSPs. Pro Tools HD 2 includes the HD Core card and
an additional HD Process PCI card, offering double the mixing
and processing power of HD 1 systems, support for 64 channels
of I/O, and up to 128 simultaneous audio tracks. Pro Tools HD
3 features the HD Core card and two additional HD Process cards,
supporting up to 96 channels of I/O and 128 simultaneous audio
tracks.
All three Pro Tools HD systems require at least one HD audio
interface – 192 I//O or 96 I/O – for I/O functionality.
The 192 I/O gives you, along with sonic specs that support sample
rates up to 192 kHz, an additional I/O option bay, so you can
add more inputs or outputs. The 96 I/O offers a high-resolution,
multi-channel audio interface with sonic performance that supports
sample rates up to 96 kHz.
The rest of the Pro Tools HD hardware series consists of three
new peripherals designed to complement Pro Tools HD: SYNC I/O
serves as the master synchronization device for Pro Tools HD,
supporting all major industry-standard clock sources and time-code
formats. PRE offers eight channels of mic pre-amplification,
providing an analog path into Pro Tools HD.
Finally, MIDI I/O is a custom-tailored, USB-powered MIDI solution
for Pro Tools systems. Featuring 10 MIDI input/output ports,
MIDI I/O also supports the soon-to-be-released DigiDesign Time-Stamping
for timing accuracy. DigiSnakes and DigiLinks connect it all
together and include various connector configurations, facilitating
transmission between your studio and Digidesign ’s ProControl
or Control 24 control surfaces or 192 I/O or PRE interfaces.
DigiSnakes are available individually or in kit form (for control
surfaces). All DigiSnakes are designed with 110-ohm digital
grade cable (TDIF-to-TDIF is data-grade), so they can carry
either digital or analog signals. They’re offered in 12-
or 25-foot lengths, are backed by a lifetime warranty, and include
cable bales (except on DigiSnake Kits) as well as custom coloring
and labeling for identification.
It’s
An Upgrade
Eastern Acoustic Works
1 Main Street
Whitinsville, MA 01588
508 234-6158
www.eaw.com
With the KF300z, EAW has upgraded its KF300 Series. Additionally,
the KF360z is a new addition to the line. Both models feature
a curved grille that matches the companion KF600 Series products.
Going mobile? The updated enclosure has five fly points, three
on top and two on bottom, plus an integral pole-mount cup.
EAW’s new KF300z, according to the company, is one of
the smallest, full-range, 3-way loudspeakers available. At the
same time, the horns are constructed of materials chosen to
reduce weight without sacrificing performance. The mid-range
section incorporates a new radial phase plug, based on EAW’s
patented radial phase plug used in other KF Series products.
The internal crossover is user-switchable for either bi-amplified
or passive operation. Neutrik input connectors allow loop through
connections for both modes of operation.
The new KF360z is suited for portable applications – club
systems and corporate AV. The KF360z expands the KF300 Series
by providing a narrower 65-degree H x 45-degree V pattern for
applications that require smaller coverage angles or have reverberant
environments. The KF360z was designed to use the same drivers
as the KF300z to maintain uniform sonic characteristics for
the KF300 Series. Like the KF300z, the internal crossover is
user-switchable for either bi-amplified or passive operation.
Neutrik input connectors allow loop through connections for
both modes of operation.
Headphone
On The Run
AKG
Acoustics
914 Airpark Center Drive
Nashville, TN 37217
615 620-3800
www.akg.com
AKG Acoustics has debuted its new K 240 Studio and K 141 Studio
headphones. These headphone models can be used for a variety
of applications, but they are particularly well-suited for applications
that traditionally have low impedance headphone amps, such as
keyboards, mixers, portable CD players and laptop computers.
These new Studio headphones are AKG’s first headphone
products to incorporate its Varimotion XXL diaphragm technology.
The AKG Varimotion XXL technology offers a diaphragm that yields,
according to the company, higher db levels.
The K 240 Studio headphones are of a semi-open, circum-aural
design and provide solid bass response. The overall frequency
response for the K 240 Studio is 15 Hz – 25 kHz.
The K 141 Studio headphones are a semi-open, supra-aural design
made up of the same construction materials as the K 240 Studio
product. The K 141 Studio offers a frequency response of 18
Hz – 24 kHz.
Both sets of headphones include a single, plug in oxygen-free
copper cable for mobility while a self-adjusting headband conforms
to every head. These headphones are well suited for studio and
home environments as well as single-ear monitoring applications.
On The Rack
GLI
Pro
2691 West 15th Street
Brooklyn NY 11224
(718) 946-4134
www.glipro.com
AmeriCo.’s AMX series of mixers features the AMX-Pro 10,
Pro 25 and AMX-50. The AMX-Pro 10 mic mixer is a 19-inch rackmountable
piece with two phono, five CD inputs and six mic inputs. It
also features cue on/off for each channel, -12dB talkover mute,
and assignable and replaceable crossfader. The AMX-Pro25, also
19-inch rackmountable, is a four-channel stereo mixer with two
phono and six line inputs, one DJ combo mic input, rotary tone
controls, a kill feature on high, mid and low, balance/gain
control on channel 1-4 and stereo headphone amp with level faders.
The AMX-50 is a two-channel stereo mixer with two phono, two
line and two CD inputs, and one mic input. This also has the
kill feature on each channel, rotary tone controls, LED master
output display and weighs only five pounds.
Making
Kontakt
Native
Instruments
5631A Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 467-5260
www.native-instruments.com
Kontakt, Native Instrument’s new sampler, supports all
the standard sample playback and manipulation abilities of its
hardware and software predecessors and adds things like Realtime
time-stretching and resynthesis, graphical breakpoint envelopes,
an integrated loop editor, analog-modeled filters and visually
displayed modulation into the mix. With a sample library that
contains three gigabytes of sounds, Kontakt lets you use up
to 256 stereo voices per instant on a standard computer. The
semi-modular architecture of Kontakt’s audio engine corresponds
to its on-screen layout and filters, effects, and modulations
can be added with one click. If an audio-process is not active,
it’s neither displayed on the screen nor calculated by
the CPU.
Unlike a conventional sampler, where pitch and length are always
linked, Kontakt’s integrated granular resynthesis engine
lets you compose with pitch and time-stretch independently.
You can play back each sample in one of three modes: Classic
mode, Time Machine mode, and Tone Machine mode. The Time Machine
allows real-time manipulation of length, pitch, and format.
The Tone Machines imprints a playable pitch onto the sample
and maintains the same length across the keyboard. The filter
section offers 14 varieties from analogue lowpass and highpass
to sound-design filters. A range of insert and send effects,
including EQs, waveshapers, delays, and reverbs, are available
to position the instruments in the mix. All effects are inherent
parts of the instrument, no matter how many instruments are
playing at once.
Almost all of Kontakt’s parameters can be dynamically
modulated by LFOs, breakpoint envelopes, step-sequencers, or
via MIDI velocity or controller. All time-based modulation can
be synced to song tempo and all modulation is shown graphically.
For instance, if a filter cutoff is modulated by a step-sequencer,
the filter cutoff knob will display its modulation movements
in along with its current value.
Kontakt’s user interface is flexible, featuring an integrated
file-browser supporting drag and drop to set up multisamples.
You can then trim and loop the samples within the main sampler
window. The built-in graphical loop-editor features seamless
looping with an autocorrelation algorithm and supports up to
eight loops per sample.
More than three gigabytes of samples are included, ranging from
acoustic pianos, drums and percussion, basses and guitars, to
vintage instruments. The library, produced by Yellow Tools and
Native Instruments, makes use of Kontakt’s modulation
abilities for patches that are truly alive. Kontakt ships with
five sample CDs, each within a different musical category, and
it can also import Akai CDs and many other formats. Kontakt
supports every professional native interface so it can fit into
all computer-based studios.
Get
Converted
Acoustica
PO Box 728
Oakhurst, CA 93644
(559) 692-2224
www.acoustica.com
Acoustica helps you convert music files with its MP3 to Wave
Converter Plus version 2, a Windows application that lets you
create custom CDs or edit songs in your favorite sound editors.
With this version, you can convert from WAV to MP3, and from
MP3 to MP3, so you can correct data and music files with portable
MP3 players. As part of the conversion process, the program
creates new music files, and never alters the original files.
The MP3 to Wave Converter Plus, according to the company, creates
an entry in the context (right-click) menu that lets you convert
the files that you’ve highlighted. The program will also
convert Winamp play lists (.M3U’s or .PLS’s) to
Wave format automatically.
The MP3 to Wave Converter Plus can detect and alert you to incomplete
or truncated songs, remove silence from music files, and even
normalize your music so that the sound levels don’t fluctuate
from song to song. With its emphasis on speed and ease-of-use,
the program creates CD-quality (44Khz 16-bit stereo) music,
and doesn’t require you to be familiar with bit-rate calculations.
It simply converts MP3, MP2, and MP1 files into CD-quality WAV
files that are ready to burn.
This version runs under Windows 95/98/Me/NT4/2000/XP and can
be purchased online. Registered users receive free MP3 to Wave
Converter Plus upgrades for life. You can download a free, fully
functional trial version of MP3 to Wave Converter Plus that
will convert up to 33 of your music files.
Go Wireless!
Shure Incorporated
222 Hartrey Avenue
Evanston, IL 60202-3696
(847) 866-2200
www.shure.com
Shure Incorporated has introduced its new ULX Standard and ULX
Professional UHF Wireless Systems. The systems, designed for
both live performance and systems integration, feature Automatic
Frequency Selection circuitry, which simplifies system set-up
by automatically scanning a user’s environment for open
frequencies.
Both tunable models operate between 554-865 MHz and offer up
to 1440 selectable frequencies across 36 MHz that are organized
into pre-programmed compatible groups. These groups enable a
user to quickly set up and operate up to 40 compatible systems
simultaneously (area dependant) when both U.S. frequency bands
are utilized. ULX receivers also include Predictive Diversity
circuitry, which eliminates RF drop-out, as well as multi-function
liquid crystal displays for monitoring group/channel selection,
battery level, and TV channel.
ULX Professional systems are able to scan all frequency groups
to locate the one with the maximum number of compatible frequencies.
Additional ULX Professional System features include: frequency
and volume lockouts, front-panel controls, indicators for RF
signal strength, furnished rack hardware, and an extruded metal
chassis.
Along with ULX, a number of optional new wide-band accessories
are being offered, as well. Among them are the UA844 antenna/power
distribution amplifier, which enables the use of up to four
ULX receivers with just one pair of antennas; the UA830WB line
amplifier for boosting the RF signal from remote mounted antennas;
and the UA870WB powered directional antenna.
ULX Systems are available in over 30 system configurations with
a variety of handheld, headworn, instrument, and lavalier microphone
options, including the SM58, Beta58, Beta 87A, Beta 53, and
WL50.
Sound
Is A Factor
JBL
Professional
8500 Balboa Blvd.
Northridge, CA 91329
(818) 894-8850
www.jblpro.com
JBL Professional announces the introduction of the SoundFactor
series of live sound reinforcement speakers. According to the
company, there are new innovations such as crossover networks
and a patent-pending waveguide.
The initial SoundFactor line-up consists of three models. The
SF15 is a 15-inch two-way front-of-house speaker with 1000 watts
peak power capacity. In reality, this is more of a three-way
system in that the lower woofer is actually rolled off at a
lower frequency than the upper woofer.
Rounding out the line is the SF12M 12-inch two-way stage monitor.
The SF12M was designed as a monitor. It is compact, so it won’t
block audience sightlines or take up too much space on stage.
And it’s voiced to let you hear the pitch, harmony, and
rhythm cues you need for a tight sound.
SoundFactor uses heavy gauge wire in its inductors, to assure
that distortion due to coil saturation is minimized. All three
SoundFactor models are constructed of carpet-covered, ¾-inch
MDF instead of particleboard.
Send
’Em Packing
RoadWired
Division of Three Point Ventures, LLC
235 Middle Road
Henrietta, NY 14467
(877) HELLO RW
(716) 334-6960
www.roadwired.com
RoadWired Digital Daypack for notebook computers is the latest
in its line of carrying cases and accessories. This new backpack
is built around an internal suspension system that holds any
laptop, mounted to an “expedition-grade” shoulder
harness and waist belt.
The Digital Daypack gives you 12 compartments and pockets, including
a main compartment large enough for LCD projector books, files
or clothes. Attached inside the back of the main compartment
is the laptop suspension system, which has a padded sleeve with
vertical and horizontal adjusters so your computer fits snugly.
Designed to “float” the computer above the bottom
of the pack and to reduce shock when setting down, the sleeve
and the adjacent floor and walls are padded for protection.
The entire system is supported by an internal frame sheet, which
in turn is attached to the carrying harness.
Other spaces include a large accessory compartment with two
zippered storage pockets, elasticized organizer for disks and
pens, business card window pocket, and key clip. There is also
a separate exterior pocket for a portable CD player or other
small items. An angled “holster” near the hip gives
you the ever-needed access to your cell phone and separate weather
flap and security closure makes sure all your stuff stays dry.
Roll
With It
Procases
3825 Willat Ave.
Culver City, California 90232
(800) 435-8737
www.procases.com
Sky-high chiropractor bills? Flight-attendant envy? Procases
think they have a solution for you. Their Rolling DJ bag features
1-inch thermal protective heat-resistant foam interior, water-resistant
nylon construction, re-enforced bottom and side protection built
inside, large front pocket to hold headphones and other accessories,
telescopic built in handle and wheel, and removable padded shoulder
strap. The bags come in two sizes (100 LPs and 60 LPs) and are
available in black, silver, and yellow.
In
Effects
Alesis
12509 Beatrice Street
Los Angeles CA 90066
(310) 301-9563
www.alesis.com
Alesis new ModFX line of performance effects boxes includes
14 individual units, each one providing a different set of sound
effects and signal processing. The company hopes the boxes’
versatile modulation section will appeal to DJs who want control
over the sound of the effects, including the ability to sync
modulation to incoming music tempo. Every box in the ModFX line
digitally processes analog stereo signals. Including an array
of funky-titled pieces (Smashup, Nastify, Faze, Crush, and Metavox),
the products are designed with internal 28-bit digital processing,
allowing you to connect to multiple units within the family
via the link ports (in and out) located on either side of each
box. These links allow the units to pass digital audio, word
clock and power between ModFX line family members. Analog I/O
is provided via four separate ¼-inch unbalanced connectors,
and each unit comes with an Alesis AC power supply. A fifth
¼-inch connector allows an external footswitch to control the
Bypass function. Each unit is sized to fit a 1/3-U rack space;
an optional rack mount adapter will also be available.
|
