Results for preamp

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

Ignite Amps has updated its free NRR-1 custom 3 channels tube preamp effect plug-in to version 2.0.

NRR-1 is a digital emulation of a three channels tube preamplifier for guitar. It has been developed to accurately model its real harware counterpart, built for Fleshgod Apocalypse guitarist Cristiano Trionfera by Ignite Amps, back in 2009.

The NRR-1 core circuit is mainly based on a famous boutique preamplifier made in ’88, modded to suit Cristiano’s needs in the best possible way. It can deliver tones from jazzy clean, to blues or rock crunch, to modern bonecrushing metal rhythms and leads, with everything in between.

Changes in NRR-1 v2.0

• Native x64 support for Windows/OSX (VST/AU).
• New modeling engine for circuit simulation:
  • Improved math models stability and accuracy.
  • Improved dynamic and transient response for triode stages.
  • Improved frequency dependent triode/load interaction.
  • Increased filters complexity and accuracy for interstage circuits and tonestacks.
• Changed VST ‘UniqueId’.
• Reworked GUI.
• Minor bugs fixed.

The NRR-1 plug-in for Windows and Mac (VST/AU) is a free download.

More information: Ignite Amps / NRR-1

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

Universal Audio has announced the Apollo 16 Thunderbolt-ready audio interface.

Delivering world-class conversion with 16×16 analog I/O, this uncompromising FireWire/Thunderbolt-ready interface combines superior sound and flexible routing with powerful onboard UAD-2 QUAD processing. With its professional DB-25 connectivity and multi-unit cascading for up to 32×32 analog I/O, Apollo 16 sets a new standard in high-resolution recording with classic analog sound.

“Building on the success of the original Apollo interface, the Apollo 16 is our flagship audio converter,” says Bill Putnam Jr., Universal Audio founder and CEO. “Its sound quality and scalability make it ideal for pairing with mixing consoles and outboard preamps, and the ability to track through UAD plug-ins in real time provides powerful sonic options for professional studios.”

Building upon decades of UA hardware expertise, Apollo 16 features meticulous analog circuit design, top-end converters, and DC-coupled outputs — providing the lowest THD and highest dynamic range of any converter in its class. Apollo 16′s deep, wide soundstage and exceptionally open and transparent sound makes it the ideal centerpiece for professional recording facilities.

With its standard UAD-2 QUAD processing onboard, Apollo 16 allows real time processing with UAD Powered Plug-Ins — with as low as sub-2ms latency — so recordists can monitor, audition, and “print” audio through stunning analog emulations from Ampex, Lexicon, Manley, Neve, Roland, SSL, Studer, and more. Apollo 16′s onboard UAD processing is also available during mixing and mastering, so that music producers can employ UAD plug-ins (VST, RTAS, AU) throughout the creative process.

Apollo 16 boasts straightforward 16×16 analog I/O via convenient DB-25 connections. Two Apollo 16 units can be cascaded over MADI for an expanded system with eight UAD processors and 32×32 simultaneous analog I/O, capable of handling large professional mixes. Dedicated XLR monitor outputs and stereo AES-EBU digital I/O round out the Apollo 16′s rear-panel audio connections.

Apollo 16′s routing capabilities include four stereo cue mixes with individually assignable outputs, and a new “Virtual I/O” feature that allows for Realtime UAD Processing of DAW tracks and virtual instruments.

Apollo 16 also offers compatibility with Intel’s high-bandwidth Thunderbolt technology on Macs via a user-installable dual-port Thunderbolt Option Card (sold separately). Thunderbolt provides greater UAD plug-in instances, improved performance at high sample rates, and reduced UAD plug-in latency in the DAW versus Apollo’s standard FireWire connection.

The Apollo 16 is expect to ship in Q2 2013, with an estimated street price of $2,999 USD. Apollo’s Thunderbolt Option Card is now available for an estimated street price of $499 USD.

More information: Universal Audio / Apollo 16

Nick Crow has released Wagner Sharp, a free tube guitar preamp emulation plug-in for Windows and Mac OS X.

Wagner Sharp features

• 64-bit floating point processing.
• All sample rates support.
• Two channels (stereo mode to be able to handle double tracks). Each channel is activated when there is a signal at its input, which saves CPU resources.
• Up to 64x oversampling (depends on the host sample rate).

Wagner Sharp is available to download for Windows and Mac (32/64bit, VST/AU) at no cost. Donations are welcome.

More information: Nick Crow

Ignite Amps has released version 2.0 of The Anvil, a free custom tube preamp effect plug-in for Windows and Mac.

The Anvil is a digital emulation of a three channels tube preamplifier for guitar. It has been developed to accurately model its real hardware counterpart, designed by Andy Zeugs. The Anvil has three completely independent channels, with different signal paths and separate tonestack controls, to maximize its versatility.

Ignite Amps The Anvil custom tube preamp (front & back panel).

Changes in The Anvil v2.0

• Native x64 support for Windows/Mac (VST/AU).
• New modeling engine for circuit simulation:
  • Improved math models stability and accuracy.
  • Improved dynamic and transient response for triode stages.
  • Improved frequency dependent triode/load interaction.
  • Increased filters complexity and accuracy for interstage circuits and tonestacks.
• Changed VST ‘UniqueId’.
• Minor GUI changes.
• Minor bugs fixed.

The Anvil is a free download for Windows and Mac (VST/AU).

More information: Ignite Amps