Results for hardware

Solid State Logic has introduced the SSL Live, Bus Comp 500 Module and Sigma at the Musikmesse Prolight + Sound 2013.

The SSL Live sports an “up close and personal” control surface.

The ‘Live’ brings SSL’s unique approach to audio quality and console ergonomics to sound for the stage. SSL has been at the leading edge of analogue and digital audio console innovation for over 35 years.

Like so many multi award winning, ground breaking and much loved consoles for Music, Broadcast and Post production SSL has created through the decades, Live promises to bring something very special to the party.

Live is due to ship in September 2013.

The SSL Stereo Bus Compressor for 500 format modular racks is now available.

Often imitated but never equalled, the centre section compressor from the 1980’s G-Series analogue console is an audio production legend. It is a simple unit with a simple purpose; it makes complete mixes sound bigger, with more power, punch and drive. It brings cohesion and strength to your mix without compromising clarity. To this day it remains a key element of the SSL sound and has featured on countless classic recordings.

The availability of the Stereo Bus Compressor in a module for the 500 format makes this essential audio production tool available to users of the popular API 500 format modular rack platform.

The Bus Comp 500 Module is available to purchase from SSL Resellers worldwide, priced at £1329 GBP / $2299 USD / 1679 EUR + VAT or Sales Tax.

Solid State Logic’s Sigma is a remote controlled analogue mix engine.

Designed for the DAW user that seeks the legendary big sound of an SSL console while retaining the convenience of working in the box, Sigma is a unique analogue mix engine in a 2U rack unit, that is remote controlled using MIDI via Ethernet using a DAW or an iDevice compatible software interface.

Using proprietary MDAC control technology first featured in our Duality and AWS studio consoles, Sigma’s 100% analogue summing engine can be driven by automation data created within your DAW of choice. Sigma features 16 flexible input channels which can be individually switched between being mono or stereo for up to 32 channels at mixdown. There is accurate front panel LED metering for all channels. There are two stereo mix busses with dedicated outputs for convenient printing of stems back to the DAW and individual stereo insert points to facilitate implementation of parallel compression. Each input channel also features an individual direct output. Mix Bus B can also be injected into Mix Bus A for final mixdown.

An Artist and Studio monitoring section provides a Monitor and Headphone output. The Main monitor output has Main and Alternative connections to accommodate 2 sets of monitors. A comprehensive switching matrix enables selection of your monitor source. A large front panel rotary control uses a push-select mechanism to determine whether it adjusts Mix A, Mix B, Main Monitor or Headphone levels. There is also a Talkback input with adjustable Dim level. Control and switching of a wide range of functions including; monitor level and source, inserts, talkback, sum B>A and mono check, can all be achieved using any standard MIDI hardware control surface. A MIDI learn feature makes setup simple and easy. A pair of user assignable dual action push/hold buttons on the front panel or a foot-switch can also be assigned to the same collection of switching functions.

The Sigma is expected to ship in August 2013, priced at £2799 GBP / $4499 USD / 3359 EUR + VAT or Sales Tax.

More information: Solid State Logic

SKnote has launched Somma and Ferro, two hardware audio processor units.

Built around the old “analog computing” technique, Somma is designed to provide deep control on the dynamic harmonic content of audio tracks, stems, mixes, masters.

Somma features eight balanced input channels with individual saturation model selection (six independent configurations available on each channel) and saturation level controls, providing deep control on the amount of dynamic harmonic enhancement and on the behavior of each channel.

Somma features

• Eight input channels (linkable as four stereo pairs), expandable.
• Balanced or unbalanced input and output stages.
• Second and third harmonic saturation.
• Individual controls for each channel (saturation curve, saturation amount).
• Texture controls on the master stereo bus (low band for punch, high band for air).
• Independent saturation and volume controls for the master stereo bus.

Ferro is a stereo parallel air EQ.

Including a fully discrete signal path and input and output transformers, Ferro is a passive stereo device (no mains) that dynamically adds mid and high frequency range presence, weight and open-ness to tracks, stems, mixes and masters.

Including custom inductors and transformers, Ferro also features a switchable inter-channel (left-right) coupling control to set the amount of galvanically insulated interaction between the channels, happening in the selected range.

Ferro features

• Completely passive, custom inductors and transformers.
• One stereo or two mono channels.
• Parallel dynamic equalisation.
• Six band-selections available for each channel.
• Input and output transformers bypass individual controls.
• 100% wet switch for parallel processing.
• True-bypass switches.
• Inter-channel crosstalk control for the selected frequency band.

Somma and Ferro are available to purchase for the introductory Musikmesse price of $799 USD / $499 USD respectively. DIY kits are $649 USD / $449 USD. Prices ex taxes and shipping.

SKnote has also released the MCAudioLab EQ1, a passive equalizer effect plug-in for Windows and Mac.

MCAudioLab EQ1 SKnote Plugin – Solid State and Tube power supply edition.

A pultec-style equaliser, with tube output stage, solid state and tube power supply options.
It includes two stacked units for linked or dual control, plus a special 1U device with boosting (driving the inputs), and switchable Left-Right and Mid-Side matrix mode.

The emulation also includes both power supplies options, solid state and tube, independently switchable for each single unit.

The MCAudioLab EQ1 for Windows and Mac (VST/AU/RTAS) costs $29.99 USD. It is free with the purchase of a hardware unit from MCAudioLab.

More information: SKnote

Audient has introduced its new iD22 audio interface at the MusikMesse in Frankfurt.

iD22 provides two classic audient microphone preamplifiers, ALL NEW pristine AD/DA convertors that have been designed to deliver impeccable detail and impressive depth during both tracking & mixing.

iD22 is expandable via ADAT i/o – perfect for partnering with an ASP008 for 10-ch recording [total 10-in, 12-out + headphones]. Our console-style monitor controller functionality and USB2.0 connectivity complete the ergonomic desktop package.

iD22 will transform your DAW into a world-class recording system by connecting directly to your microphones, computer and monitors.

iD22 features

• 2-in, 6-out high performance 24-bit/96kHz AD/DA converters.
• 2 superb class-A mic preamplifiers & 1 discrete JFET instrument input.
• Fully balanced insert points for integrating outboard gear.
• High current headphone amplifier fed by an independant DAC.
• Main and alternative stereo outputs.
• User defined monitoring functionality with hardware control.
• USB2.0 class compliant connectivity with integrated DSP mixer.

Price and availability TBA.

More information: Audient

Arturia has introduced its KeyLab range of professional-grade MIDI keyboard controllers with all-new accompanying Analog Lab synthesizer software at Musikmesse 2013.

25, 49, or 61 keys; velocity sensitivity or velocity sensitivity and aftertouch; beat-making or breath control… whatever your performance preference, there’s a KeyLab MIDI keyboard controller to suit with Analog Lab to boot.

Let your musical ideas flow forth with the greatest of ease with these superb-sounding software/hardware hybrid synthesis combos!

KeyLab features

• 25/49/61 semi weighted keys with velocity and aftertouch.
• Controllers include encoders (incl. clickable), sliders, modulation & pitch bend wheels, switches, assignable control buttons, octave up/down buttons, touch & pressure-sensitive pads.
• MIDI in & out, USB, Sustain pedal, Expression pedal, Aux footswitch, Breath controller inputs.
• High quality aluminum and wooden construction.
• 32 digits LCD screen.
• Functions as an universal MIDI controller.
• Includes Analog Lab with 5000 synth sounds.
• All presets are carefully selected from the Arturia Classic Synths (mini V, Modular V, CS-80V, ARP 2600 V, Prophet V, Prophet VS, SEM V and Jupiter-8V) and from Wurlitzer V, our recreation of the classic 200A electric piano. These TAE® powered sounds offer unparalleled audio quality.
• Fast filter the presets to your requirements: by Instrument, by Type (Bass, Pads, Leads…), by Characteristics (long, bright, dark…).
• In-depth Preset Editing available for the owners of the Arturia Classic Synthesizers (Mini V, CS-80 V, etc.). Edit your sounds on the original instruments within Analog Lab.
• More than 200 Multi patches organized by musical genres, each made of two different synth patches with effects, layers and splits.
• Straightforward editing, with a complete array of parameters for tweaking sounds, directly assigned to the controls of the Keylab.

The KeyLab controller series will be available soon.

More information: Arturia

Sound Performance Lab has announced the Crimson USB audio-interface and monitor controller and the Madison 16+16 channel MADI interface at Musikmesse.

The SPL Crimson combines a USB interface with high-quality preamps and a separate, fully-featured monitor controller. You can play and play back, record and convert, control and listen with one single device.

So all you essentially need for a truly professional recording setup is the Crimson and DAW.

Crimson features

• 30 I/O channels (10 recording channels and 20 playback channels).
• +/- 18V operational voltage for professional levels up to +24dB.
• Two boutique level, discrete Class A, +/-30V high-voltage mic-preamplifiers.
• Two Hi-Z instrument preamplifiers.
• Two separate headphones amps, individually controllable.
• Connect and control two stereo speaker sets.
• Monitor signal mix function for playback and recording paths.
• MIDI input and output via two DIN sockets.
• USB 2.0, S/P-DIF input and output.
• 24Bit/192kHz converter.
• Made in Germany.

The Crimson is scheduled for release in July 2013, with a RRP of 549 EUR (including German VAT) / $725 USD.

The Madison 16+16 channel MADI interface is the “most analog digital converter”, according to SPL.

With excellent converters and a unique 36 volts analog section, the SPL Madison offers the pure SPL analog sound for every MADI equipped digital console, audio router and PC MADI card.

With 16 input and 16 output channels in a single rack space, the Madison combines state of the art signal conversion with highly reliable clock and MADI processing. And as a true SPL unit it is simple to operate, easy to expand and, of course, an awesome sounding conversion system.

Madison features

• 16 AD and 16 DA converters in 1U.
• Superb sounding converters with a sophisticated analog section on 36?V audio rails.
• +24?dBu professional output level.
• Best price/performance value.
• Up to 64 I/Os on 1 MADI port (4 units).
• Latency neutral MADI chaining.
• 44.1 to 192?kHz, ±10% vari-speed.
• SPL clock-shop for jitter-free operation.
• Ultra-compatible, always operational MADI IO with ultra low conversion latencies.
• Four directly selectable reference levels: 15/18/22/24.
• Simple operation and setup right from the front panel controls.
• Ergonomic, distance-readable meters for clear level status indication of any I/O channel.
• Fanless, absolutely silent low-power design (max. 30?W).
• Redundant power supply optionally.
• Four analog, 8-channel multicore DB 25 sockets (TASCAM industry standard).
• Made in Germany.

The Madison is scheduled for release in June 2013, priced at RRP 1.499 EUR (including German VAT) / $1.899 USD.

More information: Sound Performance Lab

Paul Vo has launched a Kickstarter project for the Vo-96 Acoustic Synthesizer, a new product that is allows dazzling new sounds on the acoustic guitar through precise harmonic control of string vibration.

The Vo-96 Acoustic Synthesizer is based on a key invention that enables accurate control of acoustic vibrations. I’m the inventor. My technology was behind the well-known Moog Guitar and the Moog lap steel — instruments based on the same key principle. Since then I’ve been advancing this invention towards its full potential. Now I’m going ahead with the Vo-96 Acoustic Synthesizer. It’s my full ‘inventor’s version’ product and will be produced by my design company Vo Inventions LLC.

The Vo-96 was never intended to be a retail type of product. It is a concept product that takes the technology to the max and demonstrates what’s really possible with acoustic synthesis. It’s the “inventor’s cut” and it leaves nothing out — which makes it impractical to sell through the standard retail channels with their customary price mark-ups. Making the Vo-96 available through Kickstarter allows us to maximize the value to you and provide the most powerful product for the price; and there is simply nothing else available at any price that does what the Vo-96 does.

Our goal is to launch Acoustic Synthesis technology with a bang. We want to put the most powerful instrument possible into the hands of as many forward-thinking guitarists as possible and listen to the new music you all create. This is where Kickstarter really shines! I’m thrilled to have found a way to offer the Vo-96 directly to you at the fairest price possible – about half what it would cost as a retail product!

The project is looking for $50,000 to be pledged by Sunday May 12, 11:59pm EDT. Various pledge rewards are offered, including signed Vo-96 Acoustic Synthesizers, numbered and signed by Paul Vo.

More information: Vo-96 Acoustic Synthesizer