Results for gear

Shure has announced the introduction of the SE846 Sound Isolating™ Earphone, featuring a Quad High-Definition MicroDriver with a three-way system configuration for dedicated low, mid, and high frequency distribution. The SE846 patent-pending design includes a groundbreaking low-pass filter, a true subwoofer that enables deep low-end performance without sacrificing clarity or detail.

Designed for professionals and audiophiles, the SE846 extends the legendary heritage and performance of Shure’s widely-adopted SE215, SE315, SE425, and SE535 Sound Isolating Earphone models. The SE846 delivers strong, impactful bass, enabling the midrange and high frequencies to shine individually. The natural roll-off of the subwoofer provides the tweeter and midrange drivers the acoustic space they need to be heard clearly and accurately.

“Audio quality and durability are signatures of Shure products, and these innovative earphones are no exception. The SE846’s unprecedented low-pass filter is a combination of simplicity and effectiveness that ensures an unequalled, perfectly tailored listening experience,” said Matt Engstrom, Category Director for Monitoring Products at Shure. “The SE846 achieves subwoofer sound quality with clarity and detail in less than half of a square inch.”

The SE846 provides a combination of sound quality, noise isolation, and durability, in a comfortable, sophisticated design. Lightweight with a low profile shape, the SE846 has a detachable cable for easy replacement, and an optimized nozzle angle that’s designed to rest comfortably in the ear. A first for Shure, the earphone features a customizable frequency response allowing adjustable sound signatures — balanced, warm, and bright options are included. A premium accessories package includes sleeves in multiple shapes and sizes, an additional detachable cable, and two carrying cases.

The SE846 Earphones carry a two-year limited warranty and will begin shipping in June with an MSRP of $1250 USD.

More information: Shure

Nektar has announced it has started shipping the Panorama P1, a compact control surface with 66 real-time controls, a color high-resolution TFT display and deep integration for Cubase, Nuendo and Reason.

Build on the established Panorama workflow originally developed for Reason, the latest Cubase and Nuendo support offers full navigation of the sequencer tracks, mixer, insert and instrument plug-ins as well as project navigation. Tactile control has never been more intuitive with parameters automatically mapped once a menu is selected. Panorama comes pre-mapped for more than 250 plug-ins including all Steinberg branded plug-ins. Each map can be customized by the user using the unique Panorama “Learn” function. Users can also utilize the “Learn” function to create basic maps for plug-ins that have not yet been pre-mapped by Nektar.

Just like the Reason implementation which has been regularly updated with support for Rack Extensions over the past 12 months, the Cubase and Nuendo implementation for Panorama will continue to evolve. New plug-in maps will be added regularly and provided free to all registered Panorama users.

Both worlds simultaneously
Panorama users who ReWire Reason to Cubase/Nuendo can also take advantage of the real-time DAW switching that allows Panorama to control either Reason or Cubase at any one time. There is no loss of control functionality so the full 3 modes, Mixer, Instrument and Transport are available as you switch back and forth between Cubase/Nuendo and Reason.
The TFT display provides ongoing navigation and parameter feedback so there is no need to look at the computer monitor. The ReWire switching is color coded to make sure you always know which DAW you are controlling.

Panorama P1 in addition is a comprehensive USB MIDI controller with an easy and transparent user interface. Each assignable control can be programmed to send MIDI messages and any of the buttons are capable of sending QWERTY macros of up to 8 computer shortcut commands, as well as be programmed to load any preset or map.

Panorama P1 is available now at music dealers dealers world wide for MSRP $349.99 USD/289.99 EUR/£244.99 GBP.

The Cubase/Nuendo implementation supports the entire Panorama range. Existing P4 and P6 users can download it immediately from the Nektar website.

More information: Nektar

Focusrite has announced the 18i8 and 6i6, the latest Scarlett USB 2.0 audio interfaces which aim to suit producers and bands small or large.

Scarlett 18i8 – 18 in/8 out USB 2.0 audio interface with 4 Focusrite mic preamps.

Scarlett 18i8 (18 in, 8 out) and the 6-in, 6-out 6i6 are the two latest additions to Focusrite’s popular range of Scarlett USB 2.0 interfaces. Both are aimed at recording artists, producers and bands, and both feature the award-winning Focusrite mic pre, designed specifically for Focusrite’s computer interfaces, alongside Focusrite’s renowned precision 24/96 conversion. In addition to Mac® and Windows® operation, both are compatible with iOS® devices like the iPad®.

Scarlett 18i8 includes four Focusrite mic pres, plus the ability to also record up to four line inputs at the same time. With the on-board ADAT input you can connect external mic preamps such as the OctoPre MkII, for up to 12 mic inputs, and the unit also includes S/PDIF I/O.

In addition to dual Focusrite mic pres, Scarlett 6i6 features a stereo line input, making it possible to capture, for example, two vocals, stereo piano and guitar at the same time. Both models feature Scarlett’s signature red unibody metal chassis for road-ruggedness and the unique “signal halo” LED rings around the input controls, indicating green for good levels and red for overload. Both also include dual independent headphone outputs with level controls and a large main monitor knob.

The interfaces will be available in June, 2013, priced at £199.99 GBP (Scarlett 6i6) / £299.99 GBP (Scarlett 18i8). Prices inc. VAT.

More information: Focusrite

Sonoma Wire Works has announced that its GuitarJack 2 USB studio quality audio interface for desktop and mobile is now available to pre-order.

GuitarJack 2 USB portable audio I/O connects mics and instruments to your PC, Mac, and select mobile devices through a Micro USB connection.

Featuring a 1/4 inch instrument input, 1/8 inch stereo mic/line input, and 1/8 inch stereo headphone/line output with increased drive for headphones, GuitarJack 2 USB contains the same pristine sounding 24-bit AD/DA converter as the acclaimed GuitarJack Model 2.

GuitarJack 2 USB features

• Studio quality sound from a 24-bit A/D and D/A converter with analog front end and digital circuitry designed by renowned audio designer, Joe Bryan, famous for his work on the UA 2192.
• 1/4 inch (6.5 mm) instrument input – nickel-plated, solid brass Switchcraft (10,000 MTBF) jack.
• 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) stereo mic/line input – (no phantom power is provided).
• 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) stereo headphone/line output with increased drive for headphones provides incredible sound quality.
• Micro USB connector.
• Sleek and rugged aluminum shell with a brushed finish.
• Device powered for ultimate portability – requires no batteries or power adapter.
• Input Modes:
  • Instrument (1/4 inch) – mono Hi-Z.
  • Mic/Line (1/8 inch) – mono or stereo.

The GuitarJack 2 USB is available to pre-order for the introductory price of $129 USD ((U.S. shipping only, $199 USD MSRP). It is estimated to ship in June 2013. GuitarJack 2 USB is estimated to be available from select dealers worldwide in June 2013.

More information: Sonoma Wire Works / GuitarJack 2 USB

Sunsine Audio has announced the release of Vanishing Point, a dual gain stage silicon transistor fuzz featuring high-quality components and true bypass switching, designed for both traditional and electronic musicians.

The Vanishing Point fuzz is extremely sensitive to your instrument controls including volume, tone, pick-up selection etc. It can deliver both soft clipping (creamy tube-style distortion) as well as hard clipping (square-wave fuzz distortion).

Roll the Shape and Fuzz knobs, or your guitars volume knob back and you will find a slightly distorted and boosted classic overdrive sound, bringing to mind pushed pre-amp tubes. Crank the knobs up and it smears into a velvety chainsaw fuzz, chopping the guitar signal into a squarewave and delivering shades of late-60s nostalgia. Additionally, turning the volume knob up provides enough additional gain to overdrive the first stage of an amp. Stomp the effect off, and you have your original signal, unaffected in any way.

Designed with a very wide frequency response range to accommodate guitars and basses as well as synthesizers, drum machines, vocals, iPads and just about anything else – this pedal does not weaken your bass frequencies. Perfect for rudely smashing up beats or adding some analog grit or bite to any signal.

Manufactured in the USA utilizing high quality parts. Entirely hand drilled, wired and assembled with love, including testing and selecting “matched” transistors to ensure quality and consistency. Each unit is numbered, signed and dated and comes with a One Year Service Warranty on all electronic parts.

Vanishing Point features

• All Analog.
• Dual Gain Stage.
• Hard and Soft Clipping.
• High Quality Components.
• Hand Wired and Assembled.
• Numbered, Signed, Dated.
• One Year Electronics Warranty.
• Rugged Aluminium Knobs and Enclosure.
• True Bypass.
• Designed for all musicians.

The Vanishing Point effect unit is available to purchase for $140 USD.

More information: Sunsine Audio / Vanishing Point

Korg has announced Kross, a mobile synthesizer keyboard with impressive features.

With the KROSS, the sounds and songs that you’ve created at home and the system that you use every day can go with you onto the stage or into the street! Featuring rich sounds that exceed its class, yet remaining highly portable, the KROSS is designed for practical usability.

There’s a convenient mic input and a built-in audio recorder, and it can run on 6 x AA batteries. It’s a distinctive new standard in music workstations, with specs and style that set it apart from all others.

Kross features

• Stylish and distinctive red and black two-tone color design.
• The lightweight body is only 4.3 kg/9.5 lbs (61-key model) or 12.4 kg/27.3 lbs (88-key model), and can be powered by 6x AA batteries.
• Piano, electric piano, and drum sounds that exceed its class.
• A wide variety of sounds that utilize twice as much PCM memory as previous instruments, and meet the needs of a broad range of musical styles.
• Sound Selector makes it easy to find the sound you’re looking for.
• Favorites function lets you register 64 selected sounds or audio songs for one-touch access – a great feature for live performances.
• Pro-quality EDS-i sound engine built-in, with a total of seven effects available for simultaneous use.
• External input jacks allow a mic or external audio source to be directly connected..
• Quick Layer/Split function for on-the-fly versatility.
• Stereo audio recorder allows you to record and overdub your performances and vocals.
• Step sequencer inherited from the Electribe, a 16-track MIDI sequencer, a drum track, and an arpeggiator.
• Connects to your computer via USB for plug-in integration with your favorite DAW.

The Korg Kross will be available in August 2013, priced at $699 USD (61-key) and $999 USD (88-key).

More information: Korg / Kross