Results for mixing

Native Instruments has announced the release of its TRAKTOR DJ, a unique, hands-on DJ app built from the ground up for iPad aimed at DJs of all levels from novices to touring professionals.

Created by the same team behind the top-selling TRAKTOR brand, TRAKTOR DJ strikes a balance between instant, fun usability and advanced, professional features. TRAKTOR DJ allows users to intuitively access their music in a whole new way while also complementing the TRAKTOR family through bi-directional content synchronization with TRAKTOR PRO software.

TRAKTOR DJ puts the waveform in the center of user interaction, featuring two decks, each with dedicated 3-band EQ and filter sections, as well as 8 proven TRAKTOR effects. Utilizing familiar iOS Multi-Touch gestures like pinch and swipe, TRAKTOR DJ brings a professional quality mixing experience to iPad – equally suited to full performance or on-the-go set preparation. Users can intuitively manipulate waveforms by touch, “grabbing” their music with two fingers to instantly set a loop, perform scratches, mark cue points for live re-editing, and scrub, browse or navigate through tracks – the key functions of the TRAKTOR PRO 2 software, re-designed for touchscreen interaction.

TRAKTOR DJ introduces the completely new Freeze Mode, which lets users slice up a waveform into playable parts for on-the-fly remixing and entirely new musical performances. The app also allows users to create beat grids in real time, intuitively mapping out a song’s groove without having to stop the music. DJs are encouraged to discover the full extent of TRAKTOR DJ’s capabilities at their own speed via the Notification Center, which tracks the user’s progress through the app’s features and unobtrusively offers tips, tricks, and techniques from within the app.

With over a decade of technological refinement through the evolution of TRAKTOR, TRAKTOR DJ’s automatic tempo detection and sync engine are now accompanied by precise downbeat analysis. This makes beat mixing completely straightforward and frees users to creatively interact with their music via the touch interface. Full iTunes music library integration of TRAKTOR DJ means DJs can easily search their library for the next track. Unique to TRAKTOR DJ, the app introduces a recommendation engine that uses advanced tempo, key, and timbre detection algorithms. TRAKTOR DJ recommends compatible tracks from your iTunes library with the same tempo and harmonic structure in real time, facilitating smooth and ear-pleasing mixes for users of all levels. Both the advanced downbeat and key detection features will also be available to TRAKTOR PRO customers with a dedicated 2.6.1 software update.

Complementing the existing range of TRAKTOR products, TRAKTOR DJ bi-directionally syncs track settings and properties with TRAKTOR PRO 2. This gives DJs an ideal workflow for planning a set while on the move. Users can also transfer all their stored work in TRAKTOR PRO directly to TRAKTOR DJ – all beat grids, cue points, loops and BPM counts seamlessly transfer between iPad and TRAKTOR PRO 2 and back via a free Dropbox account.

Additionally, because of the powerful Core Audio engine built into iOS, TRAKTOR DJ also offers ultra-low latency playback, manipulation and recording while also supporting professional class compliant hardware audio interfaces, such as the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 and 10, something currently not possible on any other mobile platform. DJs can connect these and other devices to their iPad using the iPad Camera Connection Kit™ for optimum audio quality and pre-listen and cue functionality, or to a splitter cable with dedicated cue and master controls. All of this allows TRAKTOR DJ users to easily record their mixes live on their iPad, or pump their music out to the house in the highest quality possible.

The TRAKTOR DJ App for iPad (requires iOS 6.0 or higher) is available to purchase for $19.99 USD / 17.99 EUR from the App Store on iPad or at www.AppStore.com/TRAKTORDJ.

More information: Native Instruments / TRAKTOR DJ

Numark has announced that the Serato DJ software is now compatible with its NS6 controller.

“NS6 has the advantage of being developed in partnership with Serato and being designed for their software when it was originally conceived, so the integration with Serato DJ is top-notch,” said Chris Roman, Numark Product Manager.

Serato DJ includes a wide range of all-new features and capabilities, including stunning new effects powered by iZotope®, ultra-flexible and intuitive MIDI mapping, the ability to set and trigger up to eight cue points, a totally refreshed user interface, four-deck mixing, and more. The live-performance-centric design of NS6 combined with the advanced feature set in Serato DJ software will give DJs a powerful and seamless experience with their music and their audience.

“Numark’s approach to DJ hardware perfectly complements Serato’s approach to DJ software,” said Sam Gribben, CEO of Serato. “Both companies take DJs seriously and are committed to giving them premium products—that’s why NS6 and NS7 have been such fantastic products.”

The partnership between Numark and Serato® extends back some six years and has resulted in an entire range of professional controllers that have eliminated the line between hardware and software—NS6 and NS7 II being the most recent to ascend to the top and offer groundbreaking performance capability along with bulletproof build quality.

NS6 owners can upgrade to Serato DJ for $129 USD. An upgrade to both Serato DJ and the Serato Video plugin (normally $149 USD) is also available for $199 USD. Serato DJ compatibility with other Numark controllers will be rolled out gradually this spring and will include N4, Mixdeck, Mixdeck Express, and Mixdeck Quad.

More information: Numark / NS6

Mixed In Key has announced the release of iMashup 2.0, the newest version of its popular iOS app that allows users to easily mix songs together whenever inspiration strikes.

iMashup 2.0 adds new features, such as looping, copy/paste and audio segment rearranging that enables anyone to create professional-quality audio mixes on their iOS device.

iMashup allows users to access music from their iPhone, iPad or iPod to beatmatch and harmonically mix tracks. With the updated version comes the option to copy/paste and loop audio segments, making it easier to fit songs of different lengths together. In iMashup 2.0, segments can be dragged to any location in the project, allowing users to rearrange a song to make it their own. Additional updates include audio export while the application is running in the background and an easy-to-understand listing of audio formats that are available for sharing.

Users can add a track to the project and Mixed In Key’s unparalleled key-detection algorithm will sort the rest of the music collection based on harmonic compatibility with the first track in the project. The most compatible tracks will appear at the top of the browser making it easy to select songs that will mix well together.

iMashup enables users to easily adjust the high, mid, and low frequency ranges to help place emphasis on the desired part of a song, whether that be the bassline, melody or hi-hats. Mashups can be saved and exported as M4A files to be sent over email, shared on Facebook, or synced with iTunes as high-quality WAV files.

iMashup features

• Access iTunes music library on iPad, iPhone or iPod.
• Copy/paste audio segments.
• Ability to loop audio segments.
• Change segment order by dragging sections to desired location.
• Easy-to-comprehend explanation of sharable audio export formats.
• Save mashup projects to work on later.
• Continued audio export while application is running in the background.
• Send finished tracks in M4A format over email or share on Facebook.
• Sync mashups with iTunes to export in high-quality WAV format.

iMashup costs $6.99 USD.

More information: iMashup

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

Urban Dubz has announced the launch of its Online Mixing & Mastering Service, a professional web-based audio mastering studio service by Jeremy Sylvester & Jose Suarez, providing broadcast quality masters to clients across the globe.

Our studios in the heart of the UK’s thriving music community offer superior audio mastering online.

Finalising your own music with high quality mastering in a professional mastering studio has never been easier or faster.
Try our online audio mastering service and make a good first impression for your music. Our convenient and low priced service is efficient and available around the clock.

We specialise in the following genre: EDM, House, Electro, Dubstep, Reggae, Dnb, Pop, Urban, Hip Hop, Rap, Electronica, Rock, Heavy Metal, Minimal Tech, Deep House, Tech House, UK Garage, Jacking House, Techno, Trance, Progressive House, Glitch, Funk, Soul, R&B, Blues, Indie, Breaks & similar styles.

We guarantee 100% satisfaction with your final master.

The service is available now, with prices per track of up to £45 GBP for mastering and £80 GBP for mixdown/mixing.

More information: Urban Dubz

Cakewalk has announced the CA-2A T-Type Leveling Amplifier, with support for VST, Audio Units, and SONAR X2 Producer’s ProChannel.

This legendary vintage electro-optical tube compressor has been meticulously modeled and crafted by Cakewalk’s developers to deliver the classic, highly desirable sound heard on countless platinum recordings.

Cakewalk’s CA-2A emulation of the Teletronix LA-2A compressor.

Since the 1960s, professional engineers have relied on the unique characteristics of this tube-based compressor to work its magic on an array of different types of tracks. Cakewalk developers modeled this unit and originally made it available as a ProChannel module in their flagship DAW, SONAR, and then in late 2012 released the RE-2A version as a Propellerhead Rack Extension. Now with the announcement of the CA-2A, musicians, producers, and engineers can use this highly regarded DSP technology in any VST or AU compatible DAW – at a fraction of the cost and with all the modern technological conveniences.

The CA-2A is suitable for just about any audio material, but it particularly excels on vocal tracks, producing transparent musical results, while preserving the dynamic performance. It also sounds great on electric and acoustic guitars including bass instruments, as well as piano, wind instruments and other tracks needing a smooth rich texture.

Cakewalk developers have put a great deal of effort into the research and development of the CA-2A, and the plugin gets its legendary sound from a variety of different factors. Depending on the incoming program material, the modeled T4 circuit uses an electroluminescent panel to determine the exact attack time (around 10 milliseconds,) and an optical photo cell to determine the release time; all while carefully modeling the amplifier’s tubes and electro-optical device – just like the original hardware unit. The CA-2A also includes a Fast Resetting Photocell Memory feature that will allow the processor to respond with more agility than the original hardware unit when needed on material such as drums and slap bass.

In addition, the compressor serves as a “soft-knee” type slope with a fixed attack time of 10 milliseconds and a two-stage program-dependent release structure which results in warm analogue character. Unlike typical dynamics processors that have a fixed compression ratio across all frequencies, the CA-2A gain reduction varies at different frequencies. It also features an R37 control, true to the original hardware, where the compressors responsiveness to high frequencies can be adjusted. The R37 control has been a secret trick for many world-class engineers who use it as a natural de-esser- on vocals.

“With the CA-2A, we are excited to bring this critically acclaimed DSP technology to a broader range of musicians,” says Cakewalk Product Manager, Brian Desmond. “The response from the SONAR and Reason user base has been overwhelmingly positive, so it made perfect sense to make the CA-2A available to all VST or AU compatible DAWs.”

Cakewalk engineers have also implemented a side-chain function in the CA-2A, allowing the compressor to react to program material from one track, and apply it to another. This is an improvement that many mixing engineers will find useful for a wide variety of use cases, such as ducking or pumping of synth sounds in EDM.

CA-2A T-Type Leveling Amplifier features

• Meticulously modeled.
• With only a few simple controls, it’s easy to use and provides instant gratification.
• Warm, smooth and natural sounding compression characteristics.
• Frequency-dependent gain reduction.
• Compressor and Limiter modes.
• Up to 40 dB of smooth gain reduction.
• Sidechain input for ducking, de-essing and pumping.
• Gain reduction CV output to modulate other effects.
• Zero latency for real-time tracking and mixing.
• Fully modeled “R37″ HF Pre-emphasis control.
• VST, Audio Units & ProChannel compatible.

The CA-2A T-Type Leveling Amplifier will be available in late January for $99 USD / £79 GBP / 99 EUR. Customers who previously purchased the PC2A (ProChannel Module) format can upgrade for $19.99 USD / £15.99 GBP / 19.99 EUR.

Cakewalk has also announced a NAMM special, offering a 20% discount on orders of $149 USD or more.

In honor of NAMM 2013, Cakewalk is offering all customers 20% savings on orders of $149 more. There’s never been a better time to upgrade your studio with critically-acclaimed products including SONAR X2 Producer upgrades, Z3TA+ 2 upgrades, expansion Packs, videos, and of course the new CA-2A Leveling Amplifier. Offer ends January 31st.

More information: Cakewalk / CA-2A T-Type Leveling Amplifier