Results for audio interface

Propellerhead has announced Reason 7 and Reason Essentials 2, a new major version of its award-winning Reason music software.

Reason 7 brings a slew of enhancements to help you create more and better music—and have even more fun doing it.

With over 90 third party Rack Extensions expanding Reason’s rack of instruments and effects already available, Propellerhead has focused its attention on new creative and inspirational improvements for the mixer, the rack and the sequencer.

With Reason 7, users can integrate all their instruments into Reason with MIDI out, automatic audio slicing and audio quantize, and even convert their recordings into REX loops for further creative possibilities in the rack. For mixing, Propellerhead is introducing a spectrum analyzer with visual EQ controls; group and parallel mix channels; and many workflow improvements to help users sound better, easier. To inspire, Reason 7 makes it easier to import audio from users’ music libraries and the web with support for mp3, aac, wma and more. The enhanced Factory Sound Bank comes fully loaded with tons of new loops and drum kits, while the new Audiomatic Retro Transformer effect unit adds a futuristic-vintage sound to any tracks, never more than a mouse-click away.

Reason users are invited to sign up for the limited public beta testing at the Propellerhead web site.

Reason 7 and Reason Essentials 2 begin limited public beta testing today and will be available for purchase worldwide in Q2 of 2013 at the following suggested retail pricing:

• Reason 7 EUR €405 / USD $449.
• Reason Essentials 2 EUR €120 / USD $129.
• Reason 7 Upgrade (from any previous Reason version) EUR €129 / USD $129.
• Reason Essentials 2 upgrade from previous versions FREE.
• Balance (includes upgrade to Reason 7 for owners of previous versions of Reason) EUR €429 / USD $449.

Propellerhead is also offering a grace period for purchasers of current versions of Reason, Reason Essentials and the Balance audio interface. Purchasing and registering a qualifying product today makes users eligible for a free upgrade to Reason 7.

More information: Propellerhead / Reason 7

Native Instruments has announced a price drop on its critically acclaimed TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 DJ system, reducing the price permanently to $899 USD / 799 EUR.

TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 represents an unparalleled level of software and hardware integration that makes DJing more versatile, intuitive and fun. The full-featured controller combines a four-channel mixer section with ergonomic, high-quality control elements and an integrated audio interface – all built to professional specifications.

The included TRAKTOR PRO 2 software offers powerful performance functions such as Remix Deck™ technology, a loop recorder, and newly designed Macro FX. Based on ten years of digital DJing expertise, the highly successful TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 gives DJs of all genres unparalleled creative possibilities with supreme workflow and ease of use.

TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 is available at retailers worldwide and at the NI Online Shop, while supplies last.

More information: Native Instruments / TRAKTOR KONTROL S4

Tascam has announced the US-322 and US-366, two new USB audio interfaces

Tascam’s new US-366 USB 2.0 audio interface with DSP Mixer.

These interfaces combine compelling new technologies like on-board digital mixers (DSP Mixer) and on-board digital effects (DSP Effects) along with advances on the wildly popular US-122mkII and US-144mkII interfaces. The US-322 and US-366 sport similar aluminum casings for the same rugged reliability plus new improved HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic pres. These HDDA Mic Pres offer a wider frequency response (10Hz to 68kHz), high S/N ratio (98dB), low EIN (-120dBu) and low THD+N (0.0045%); qualities rarely achieved in interfaces this affordable.

These all-new interfaces boast low S/N ratio, low THD and the US-366 flaunts 24bit/192kHz recording; certifying these as the best sounding interfaces to be released by TASCAM yet. The 2-in/2-out US-322 features 1 Mic XLR/Line-Guitar TRS input, 1 Mic XLR/Line TRS input, 2 Line TRS and 2 Line RCA outputs. The 6-in/4-out or 4-in/6-out US-366 adds 2 Line RCA inputs and 1 Digital RCA/Optical input/output. One click of the top-loaded “Mixer Panel” button will access TASCAM’s new mixing console screen and on-board insert/send effects for easy-to-use, versatile recording. The digital mixer offers two operational modes, multi-track mode and stereo-mix mode.

After months of organized tests by TASCAM’s esteemed engineers and R&D department, the new TASCAM interfaces are guaranteed to offer new luxuries, reliability and value not found before in competing models. TASCAM’s US-322 and US-366 are bundled with Cubase LE6, feature easy-to-use controls, amazing quality, and feature-rich technology, advantages sure to please professional and amateur recording artists alike.

The US-322 and US-366 are priced ESP $149.99 USD and $199 USD respectively.

More information: Tascam

Waves, DiGiCo, and Soundtracs have introduced DiGiGrid, a product range destined to provide the audio market with a new solution that delivers an open approach to audio, plugins, control and audio resource networking.

From the studio to the stage and back again, today’s digital productions are getting more and more complex, with higher track counts, CPU-hungrier plugins and increasingly demanding real-time requirements – not to mention portability, expandability and connectivity issues. Now, Waves, DiGiCo and Soundtracs have joined forces to create hardware and software processing solutions to address these needs with DiGiGrid, which enables users of Native DAWs, Pro Tools and MADI-enabled live and broadcast mixing consoles access to Waves SoundGrid audio networking and real-time processing. DiGiGrid offers a full line of SoundGrid I/Os, Pro Tools-to-SoundGrid I/Os and MADI-to-SoundGrid I/Os.

In the studio, DiGiGrid systems provide the power and performance needed to meet the most taxing mixing challenges. DiGiGrid systems are expandable and ideal for users of all levels, from budget-minded audio enthusiasts to full-fledged multi-studio facilities. And because they use Intel-based SoundGrid DSP Servers to perform audio processing, DiGiGrid systems ensure maximum versatility and compatibility today, tomorrow, and into the future.

Live on stage, DiGiGrid MADI-to-SoundGrid interfaces enable users of any MADI-enabled console to take advantage of low-latency networking and processing, perfect for both FOH and monitor applications. Live processing and recording has never been easier, thanks to the flexibility and simplicity of DiGiGrid systems.

DiGiGrid Components features

• DiGiGrid IOS — Perfect for personal production studios, the DiGiGrid IOS is an 8 x 8 I/O which includes a built-in SoundGrid DSP server and certified SoundGrid switch. With 8 mic / line inputs, 8 line outputs, 2 headphone outputs, MIDI In/Out/Thru, SPDIF and AES outputs, DiGiGrid IOS is an all-in-one audio interface that brings the power of SoundGrid in a convenient, comprehensive solution.
• DiGiGrid IOX — Ideal for professional facilities with separate performance rooms, the DiGiGrid IOX expansion I/O features 12 mic / line inputs and 6 line outputs, plus 4 individual headphone outputs, for customizable mixes for each performer.
• DiGiGrid IOC — An I/O custom-designed with control rooms in mind, the DiGiGrid IOC includes 2 mic inputs, 8 line inputs, 8 line outputs and 2 headphone outputs, plus 16 AES digital outs ADAT for additional connectivity options.
• DiGiGrid SWI — The DiGiGrid SWI 5-way network switch is tested and certified for full SoundGrid compatibility, ensuring smooth setup and flawless performance straight out of the box.
• DiGiGrid DLS — With 64 digital inputs / 64 digital outputs plus a built-in SoundGrid DSP server and certified SoundGrid switch, the DiGiGrid DLS Pro Tools-to-SoundGrid Interface is the ideal integrated solution for users who want to expand their existing systems while enjoying the convenience of an all-in-one hardware interface.
• DiGiGrid DLI — With 64 digital inputs / 64 digital outputs, the DiGiGrid DLI Pro Tools-to-SoundGrid Interface was custom-engineered for users of large Pro Tools systems who require the extra processing power of a dedicated SoundGrid DSP server.
• DiGiGrid DMI — Interface option to allow Digigrid system devices to access DiGiCo SD Rack and D Racks for massive system input expansion with a wide range of format configuration choices.
  • MGB MADI-to-SoundGrid Coaxial Interface – 2 MADI ports, up to 128 Inputs & 128 Outputs
  • MGO MADI-to-SoundGrid Optical Interface – 2 MADI ports, up to 128 Inputs & 128 Outputs

More information: DiGiGrid

Apogee Electronics has introduced the completely redesigned ONE, a 2 IN x 2 OUT USB audio interface and microphone.

The all new ONE is the first studio quality audio interface and microphone that makes a direct digital connection to Apple’s iPad (iPhone, iPod touch) and Mac.

ONE features Apogee’s Maestro control software, iOS device charging, optional battery power for portable recording with iPad and professional sound quality. ONE is the all-in-one solution that makes it easy for musicians, songwriters, recording engineers, film makers, audiophiles, and anyone else to enjoy professional sound quality on iPad and Mac.

The new ONE will be available March 2013, priced at $349 USD.

Apogee has also introduced Duet for iPad and Mac, a 2 input, 4 output USB audio interface.

The new Duet is the first professional stereo audio interface that makes a direct digital connection to Apple’s iPad (iPhone, iPod touch) and Mac. Duet features Apogee’s Maestro control software, iOS device charging, MIDI connectivity and professional sound quality. Duet is the ideal personal studio interface for stereo music recording, mixing and audiophile-quality listening on iPad and Mac.

The new Duet will be available February 2013, priced at $595 USD.

Furthermore, Apogee has announced iPad compatibility for the Quartet 4 input, 8 output USB audio interface.

Quartet is the first professional multi-channel audio interface that makes a direct digital connection to Apple’s iPad (iPhone, iPod touch) and Mac. Quartet for iPad and Mac features Apogee’s Maestro control software, iOS device charging, MIDI connectivity, advanced monitor control and professional sound quality. Quartet is the ideal studio control center for multi-channel music recording and mixing on iPad and Mac.

The Quartet will be available February 2013, priced at $1295 USD.

More information: Apogee Electronics

Universal Audio has unveiled numerous future enhancements for its award-winning Apollo High-Resolution Interface — turning the popular unit into a scalable system capable of recording larger music projects on both Mac and Windows 7 machines.

Among the new Apollo interface features slated for delivery in the first half of 2013 is multi-unit cascading, which combines two Apollo interfaces into a single elegant system via FireWire or Thunderbolt. Multi-unit cascading provides simultaneous use of 16 analog inputs / outputs, including eight Apollo mic preamps, plus 12 digital inputs and outputs — perfect for tracking a full band.

New Apollo Software to Deliver Multi-Unit Cascading & Numerous Console Software Enhancements; Separate UAD / Apollo Software Updates Bring Softube Amp Room, New LA-2A Collection, and API 500 Series EQ Plug-Ins.

The boost in Apollo connectivity is navigated via a redesigned Console application, offering better visual feedback, a new Mix-Merge mode, and a Pro Tools mode which greatly simplifies integration with Pro Tools systems.

“A year after its introduction, Apollo has become the top-selling audio interface in its class,” says UA CEO and Founder, Bill Putnam Jr. “We’re committed to enhancing its creative possibilities, through ongoing software improvements and a growing roster of new plug-in titles from UA and Direct Developer partners like Softube.”

Apollo owners will soon be able to play and record in real time through some of the world’s finest guitar amp emulations, courtesy of the acclaimed Softube Amp Room plug-ins — including Vintage Amp Room, Metal Amp Room, and Bass Amp Room. Softube Amp Room plug-ins will be available as part of an upcoming UAD/Apollo software update, along with the brand new LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection and API 500 Series EQ Collection plug-ins.

Apollo is a high-resolution 18 x 24 FireWire/Thunderbolt-ready audio interface that delivers the sound, feel, and flow of analog recording. Using Apollo, music producers and performers can track audio through a range of classic UAD analog emulation plug-ins — from Neve, Studer, Manley, Lexicon and more — in real time, and with a sleek, elegant workflow on both Mac and Windows 7 systems.

More information: Universal Audio / Apollo