Breaking News from the Summer NAMM 2008 Floor

Essentially a two-track studio you can hold in your hand, the R-09HR WAV/MP3 Recorder offers 24-bit/96kHz resolution and a built-in stereo condenser mic that ensures precise audio reproduction of live music, rehearsals, and moments of musical inspiration. Its large OLED display and wireless remote that gives you extensive control over features such as Split mode, Speed, and Reverb make it a very handy device for field recording. Broadcasters, podcasters, and journalists will appreciate its built-in limiter/auto gain control, level meters, peak indicators, and non-slip rubber-coated body. The R-9HR also lets you transfer files via USB and master with the included Cakewalk Creator software for Windows Vista.

The Edirol R-09HR WAV/MP3 Recorder is now in stock and ready to ship.

The 710 Twin-Finity is a radically new UA preamp which uniquely combines both the classic retro warmth of UA tube design and the transient bite of solid state in a 2U, half-rack, all-metal chassis. The 710 was created specifically to add the tonal versatility and sonic inspiration missing from generic audio interface preamps.

The key to its sonic flexibility lies in its innovative circuit design, featuring a solid state transimpedance input amp simultaneously driving separate, phase-aligned tube and solid-state gain stages, that are then summed to a single output. The mix between the 310 volt single-ended class-A triode tube stage and solid state transimpedance stage is controlled via the Blend knob. Blending is continually variable between 100% tube and 100% solid state offering a practically infinite range of unique preamp tones and the ability to easily dial in your own signature sound. Like all the other UA preamp designs, the 710 features dual gain-stage controls (Gain/Level) which can radically vary the amount of coloration and distortion by allowing you to crank up the input gain like a guitar amp. The VU meter has a unique Drive mode that shows you how hard you are driving the input stage.

Versatility makes the 710 the perfect preamp partner for any mic collection. Plus, the discrete JFET DI input circuit can also easily handle any electric instrument. Guitar and bass players will especially appreciate the 710’s ability to bring out the best of both active and passive pickups. The 710 Twin-Finity is designed and built at UA headquarters in California, and includes a 19" rack-kit for mounting one or two units.

The United Audio 710 Twin-Finity Mic Pre and D.I. is expected to ship in July.

In celebration of both UA’s rebirth 10 years ago as well as the 40th anniversary of the renowned 1176 Limiter, UA is producing just 500 of the AE model—a hot-rodded version of the original. Aside from new cosmetics, The 1176AE borrows the sonically unique program-dependent characteristics from the original, Revision A "Bluestripe," while retaining the Class-A low-noise "LN" circuit and custom transformers of the most popular 1176— Revision E.

Giving the product another sonic distinction, the ratio selections hearken back to the 1176’s predecessor, the UA 176 Limiting Amplifier. The 1176AE offers a gentler ratio array of 2:1, 4:1, and 8:1—perfect for compression duties—but also offers 20:1 at the top, for full limiting applications. This ratio modification also allows a unique range of multi-button ratio combinations, pushing the AE version beyond the famous "all-button" mode of the standard unit.

Lastly, the 1176AE offers something new for bass-heavy tracks or "over-the-top" effects. A super-slow attack setting of 10ms cleverly repurposed from the redundant Off/Bypass position from the 1176’s Attack control gives you an option not achievable with the original— allowing transients to pass more freely—again furthering the versatility of the 1176AE beyond its predecessors.

The 1176AE Limiting Amplifier is expected to ship in June.

Designed to record direct to your iPod, the GoStudio delivers 2 channels of quality audio via its built-in stereo microphones and also offers connections for external mics and headphones. Light and inexpensive, the GoStudio is ideal for field recording, podcasting, creating video voiceovers, and capturing performances and rehearsals.

The Belkin GoStudio is expected to ship August 10.

For the home and project studio owner looking for a visual break from plain black studio gear, Fostex has introduced their popular PMO.4 Studio Monitor in a bright, white cabinet. Diminutive in size, but with a sound that has to be heard to be believed, the PM0.4 is recommended for desktop use, but its superb audio performance and compact size expands its applications to professional console top studio monitoring, audio installation, and portable audio monitoring. Features 36 watts of bi-amped power, UFLC 16mm soft dome HF unit, 100mm LF woofer, and overall volume control.

The Fostex PMO.4 Studio Monitor is expected to ship in July.

Superior Drummer 2.0, a professional sample engine for drums and part of the The New York Studio Legacy Series has been introduced at Summer NAMM 2008. Superior Drummer 2.0 is a complete overhaul of the original dfh Superior engine, but Toontrack has been careful to lose none of the sound quality, attention to detail, and musicality that has made the Toontrack Music drum sampler line a success.

Superior Drummer 2.0 has been redeveloped for optimized use with e-drums with more effective use of sample layers and greatly improved loading times. It will include custom MIDI played by Nir Z accessed through the all-new customized MIDI engine and arranger EZplayer pro, it will feature standalone capacity through Toontrack solo. New features include 5-band EQ, high- and low-pass filter, a compressor, gate, and transient designer filters.

The new interface is reminiscent of EZdrummer with its simple handling and layout, yet it offers layer upon layer of in-depth features to create the ultimate drum track.

The all-new construction windows includes features such as:

• ADSR
• X-pads - Load instruments from any Toontrack library to add positions or to double instruments on the position of your choice.
• Read and combine all dfh Superior and EZdrummer® sound libraries.

• 5-Band EQ
• Highpass and Lowpass filter
• Gate
• Compressor
• Transient

Waves new JJP Collection encompasses some of the most revered pieces of studio gear in audio history: The Fairchild 670, the Pultec EQP-1A, and the Pultec MEQ-5.

Jack Joseph Puig is among the most sought-after producers and mixing engineers in the music industry. When he requires the perfect sound, he turns to these studio legends. Now, Waves has precision-modeled these rare pieces and captured every detail of their rich harmonic complexity. Here is the lineup:

PuigChild 660 & 670 Compressor/Limiter
Throughout the vinyl era, the original Fairchild 670 compressor was ubiquitous. From the recording studio to the record lathe, the Fairchild was renowned for its advanced compression and incomparable sound. Waves has captured every distinctive nuance of Jack Joseph Puig’s Fairchild 670 along with every detail of its rich harmonic complexity.

PuigTec EQP-1A
The Pultec EQP-1A is renowned for its unique ability to boost and cut the same frequencies simultaneously, thereby creating a resonant shelf. The PuigTec EQP-1A is a remarkable replication of Jack Joseph Puig’s original handcrafted unit, heard on dozens of popular recordings from artists including Weezer, Black Crowes, and Panic At The Disco.

PuigTec MEQ-5
The distinctive tonal characteristics of the MEQ-5 have made the original Pultec hardware a mainstay at high-end studios for decades. The midrange PuigTec MEQ-5 and the broadband PuigTec EQP-1A together comprise a full- range vintage EQ chain.

The Waves Jack Joseph Puig Collection is shipping now and is available in Native and TDM editions.

Korg has introduced the most compact family of USB-MIDI controllers ever! The new Korg nanoSERIES USB powered slim-line controllers are so small you can put them on your workstation; in front of your laptop; on a recording console; or anywhere else you need versatile control over your DAW, virtual instrument/effect, or DJ software.

Three Flavors to Satisfy Your Creative Palette

Despite their small size, all three controllers go HUGE when it comes to functionality, yet their intuitive layouts provide extremely easy operation for any user. The nanoKEY features a great-feeling, 25-key velocity-sensitive keyboard that’s ideal for song production. The keys can also be set to send MIDI control data, further expanding its power. The nanoPAD features 12 highly responsive trigger pads, also capable of sending both notes and MIDI control data, plus an X-Y pad with roll and flam functions giving you a unique interface for realistic drum programming. The nanoKONTROL offers nine faders, nine knobs, and 18 switches plus a full transport section for expansive control; plus it features a note input mode to help you lay down your next big groove!

A release date for the Korg nanoSeries USB-MIDI Controllers has not been set yet.

With its 88-key Graded Hammer Action keybed and sounds from Korg's top-of-the-line C-720 Concert Piano, the Pa588 will live up to the playability and sonic demands of the most accomplished keyboardists. Features include:

• TouchView display
• EDS synthesis engine with 80-voice polyphony
• USB and stereo outputs; stereo inputs
• 880 sounds / 320 styles / 4 effects + master EQ
• SongBook memorizes your songs and settings in a searchable database
• Convenient SD and MMC card storage
• XDS Dual Sequencer with step and backing modes

JamVOX gives guitarists instant access to dozens of legendary amps and effects all in one easy-to-use drag and drop software interface. Revolutionary Guitar XTracktion (GXT) technology lets you remove the guitar part of your favorite song with the push of a button. Best of all, you can then take the lead yourself with instant rock star tone! Alternately, you can extract or isolate the guitar part, slow down the tempo, and practice any style of music without changing the pitch.

JamVOX includes authentic software re-creations of 19 famous guitar amps and 54 vintage and modern effects, so you'll be able to perfectly reproduce the sounds of your favorite guitarists. It also comes with a dedicated full-range USB monitor speaker, so there's no need for complex wiring or any specialized knowledge of computer music. A two-CD 28-song bundle of guitar play-along tracks of famous songs, courtesy of Hal Leonard Corporation, is also included.

A release date for JamVOX has not been set yet.

Designed to bridge the gap between writing, performing, and recording, the ProKeys Sono 61 and Sono 88 portable digital pianos with audio interfaces deliver everything that you need to make music whenever inspiration strikes. Both have semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys, advanced scanning technology, and a stereo-sampled Steinway grand sound to deliver an expressive piano experience. Additional instant-access sounds like electric piano, organ and clav—as well as a full onboard General MIDI sound set—round out a top-notch performance solution, with or without a computer. Built-in M-Audio USB audio interface technology lets you record your keyboard performance, plus vocals and instruments, directly to your computer with the included software. The versatile ProKeys Sono 61 and Sono 88 are ideal on stage, as the hub of your personal recording studio, and in educational settings.

The M-Audio ProKeys Sono Keyboards will be released on June 27.

Designed from the ground up for live performers, JUNO-STAGE is a new breed of synthesizer that every gigging keyboardist will love. Decked out with an extra-large display, USB backing-track functionality, a Click output for drummers, dedicated performance knobs, hands-free patch select, instant master MIDI control functionality, and much more, JUNO-STAGE sets a new standard for powerful onstage performance at a friendly price.

• High-quality, versatile sound set, including 88-key stereo multi-sampled piano plus dual SRX expansion bay
• Newly developed 76-note keyboard with first-class touch and response
• Live-performance features such as an extra-large LCD, dedicated Reverb and Master EQ knobs, Click Output for drummers, and hands-free patch-select footswitches
• USB port enables accompaniment-track playback (MP3, WAV, AIFF, SMF) directly from USB key
• Phantom powered mic input plus reverb, great for playing and singing along
• MIDI Controller mode transforms JUNO-STAGE into a MIDI master keyboard with a single touch

The 896mk3 provides eight channels of pristine 24-bit 192kHz analog recording and playback, combined with sixteen channels of optical digital I/O, stereo AES/EBU, S/PDIF and separate analog main outs. Expand your system by connecting the 8pre mic input expander or other MOTU audio interfaces.

The 896mk3 is equally well-suited for studio and stage, with or without a computer. As an interface or standalone mixer, the 896mk3 provides 28 separate inputs and 32 separate outputs, including dedicated main outs on XLRs and two front panel headphone outs.

Connect all your studio gear, including microphones, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines, and even effects processors. Record, monitor, route, and process all of these live inputs using the professional onboard CueMix FX digital mixer— with no latency and no processor strain on your computer. Apply hardware DSP-driven effects processing to inputs, outputs, and buses independent of your host computer. Add Classic Reverb with lengths up to 60 seconds. Further sculpt your sound with 7-band parametric EQ featuring filter types carefully modeled after British analog console EQs. Choose between two forms of compression: a conventional compressor and the Leveler, an accurate model of the legendary LA-2A optical compressor that provides vintage, musical automatic gain control.

When recording from the mic/guitar inputs, the 896mk3’s signal overload protection gives you an extra 12dB of headroom above zero with no clipping or harsh artifacts.

After programming the onboard mixing in the studio, unplug the 896mk3 from the computer and take it on the road for operation as a standalone mixer with effects. All mixing and effects parameters are adjustable using the front panel backlit LCD.

The 896mk3 provides cross-platform compatibility with Mac and Windows and all of your favorite audio software and host-based effects via WDM/ASIO/Core Audio drivers. Or you can use the included AudioDesk workstation software for Mac, with 24-bit recording/editing and 32-bit mixing/processing/mastering.

The MOTU 896mk3 FireWire Audio Interface is expected to ship in late June.

Omnisphere® is a revolutionary 'Power Synth' that breaks completely new sonic ground by combining a wide variety of hybrid realtime synthesis techniques with an epic library of remarkable 'Psychoacoustic' sounds. Omnisphere offers a host of hybrid synthesis and new control capabilities including Variable Waveshaping DSP synthesis, Granular synthesis, Timbre Shifting, FM synthesis, polyphonic Ring Modulation, high-resolution streaming Sample Playback, Harmonia™, Dual Multimode Filter structure, Chaos Envelopes™, an advanced Unison mode, and the innovative Flex-Mod™ modulation routing system - to name a few.

Omnisphere Virtual Instrument is set to ship in September.

The world-renowned Sonic Maximizer processor is the secret weapon of performers, producers, DJs and engineers. The Sonic Maximizer restores the high frequency definition and detail while focusing bass frequencies for any sound source. The new D82 Sonic Maximizer delivers the full capabilities of BBE’s 882i and 482i hardware Sonic Maximizer processors with the convenience of digital. The D82 Sonic Maximizer is compatible with all VST, AU and RTAS hosts on Mac OS X, Windows XP and VISTA. The D82 now works with PRO TOOLS, LOGIC, CUBASE, DIGITAL PERFORMER, CAKEWALK and many more professional audio applications.

The BBE D82 Sonic Maximizer is expected to ship in June.

ABOUT MultiMix 8 Line:
MultiMix 8 Line is an ideal mixer for the stage, studio, boardrooms, conference rooms, health clubs, restaurants, houses of worship, and more. MultiMix 8 Line is also a great fit for any band's live rig, especially for keyboard players and multi-instrumentalists who need to mix or sub-mix multiple sources. MultiMix 8 Line features eight stereo channels with a mic/line input on channel one and stereo effects send and return.

ABOUT ProTrack:
Record stereo direct-to-iPod with ProTrack. Capture live audio anywhere and anytime with the convenience of your iPod (Classic and 5th generation) and iPod nano (2nd or 3rd generation). Just slide your iPod into the integrated sled and you're ready to roll. You can record without additional equipment using the built-in pair of condenser microphones fixed in XY configuration. ProTrack also gives you a pair of combo XLR - 1/4-inch inputs so you can connect any professional sound source. ProTrack is the easiest way to capture sound effects, recitals, jam sessions, speeches, interviews, rehearsals, performances, meetings, lectures, notes-to-self, and anything else you can thing of... directly to your iPod!

Release date for the MultiMix 8 Line and ProTrack has not been announced.

In designing the Lil FrEQ, Empirical Labs set out to offer engineers a high-performance, one-box solution to shaping and controlling frequencies.

EQ sections include:

High Pass section is a sharp filter that cuts all content below one of eight pre-selected frequencies. Empirical calls it a "colored" filter since it is very steep and has a special shape that prevents thinning out frequencies just above the cutoff frequency. The corner frequency is indicated by LEDs that glow softly when the section is bypassed, and brightly when the section is engaged. As with all the EQ sections in the Lil FrEQ, there is a dedicated bypass switch.

High and Low Shelving – These are very similar to standard "Tone Controls", but extremely high performance, providing exceptionally smooth boost and cut on the bass and treble frequencies.

Parametric EQ Sections – There are four sections of fully parametric EQ operating below .0007% THD at extremely high audio levels.

Dynamic EQ Section – The DS section combines filters with a compressor-like circuit that can help contain and control excessive high frequency content such as sibilants, especially in the absence of other lower frequency content. There are two modes of operation, with threshold control as well as a frequency select control. There are four LEDs that indicate the amount of gain reduction: -1dB, -4dB, -8dB, -12dB.

Other features include:

• Built in instrument preamp/direct box
• Three outputs including Class A transformer output for soft saturation and beefy low end
• Hard clip indicator light provides warning when within 1dB of clipping
• Calibrated output level allows speedy setting of tape or live mix levels
• Hand-wired and calibrated in the U.S.

The GW-8 is the next generation of Roland’s unique GW-Series workstations with intelligent backing-track functionality. With its fresh, contemporary sound set and expressive interactive musical styles from pop to rock, plus authentic ethnic styles, and a multi-format USB Memory Player, the GW-8 offers a world of music your fingertips and is especially well-suited for "one-man-band" performance.

• High-quality 128-voice sound engine derived from Roland’s renowned Fantom-X Series
• Wide variety of contemporary sounds and interactive backing styles with special focus on Latin American genres, plus additional banks of ethnic sounds and styles from around the world
• Onboard 16-track sequencer for saving your interactive performances
• USB Memory Player allows direct playback of MP3, .WAV, AIFF and SMF files from USB key; Center Cancel feature for audio files enables karaoke-style sing-along
• Newly-designed graphical display, plus Style Select button, Analog Modify knob, and D BEAM controller
• Style Converter and Playlist Editor software included

Ruggedly built for stage use, the new Telefunken M80 features hand-wound step-up transformers that result in smooth, clear sound that sits easily in the mix with little or no EQ tweaking. With a cardioid polar pattern and a wide frequency response of 30Hz – 18kHz, the M 80 is said to deliver condenser-like performance with minimal proximity effect. The M 80 has excellent feedback rejection and on vocals provides a highly nuanced signal while keeping sibilance and handling noise in check. The M 80 delivers tight, punchy response when used with drums while guitars bloom with richness and clarity. Horns sit easily in the mix and when used with percussion instruments, the M 80 cuts easily.

The M 80 is shipping now.

The TLM 67 incorporates the K 67 capsule and includes a new circuit design that closely reproduces the sound characteristics of the classic U 67, without the use of tubes. Similar Neumann circuit technology has already proved very successful in the TLM 49. The TLM 67 is extremely versatile. Its three switchable directional characteristics (omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8), selectable 10 dB pre-attenuation and high-pass filter permit detailed adjustments to be made, depending upon the specific recording situation.

Due to its extensive control features, the TLM 67 is suitable for a wide range of applications. In addition to its primary role as a vocal microphone for all types of music and spoken voice, in orchestral recordings the TLM 67 can be used as a main microphone and as a spot microphone for individual instruments.

The TLM 67 is expected to ship in July.

The new STAGEPAS 150M and 250M are complete mixer/amplifier/speaker systems are exceptionally lightweight, portable and full-featured. Since virtually everything you need is in one, easy-to-use package, you can be set up and playing within a matter of minutes. And when you're done, you can be packed and back on the road again with the same ease and speed. Yet despite the simplicity and compact size, these systems cut no corners in sound quality or versatility, and in fact give you some advanced features not normally found in systems of this class.

The series now includes the new single-speaker STAGEPAS 150M and 250M, which can be expanded to stereo systems by simply adding a second speaker. They can also function either as an ultra-portable PA system, or as a powerful keyboard amplifier with sound quality and portability that far surpasses any other conventional keyboard amp. No matter what system you choose, you have a high-power, high-performance sound system ready for a wide variety of venues and events, both indoors and out.

STAGEPAS 150M/250M Features

• Ideal for monitor use
• Useful features for keyboard players and other performers
• High-performance 8" 2-way Passive Speaker 1(0" 250M)
• Flexible 8-channel Powered Mixer (10 Channel 250M)
• 150-watt Class D Power Amplifier (250-watt 250M)
• Detachable Powered Mixer
• Speaker Stand Mountable (with optional accessory) pole mount receptacle on 250M

AT2050
The versatile AT2050 provides consistent, superior performance in switchable cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-of-eight polar pattern settings. Its dual large diaphragms are gold-vaporized and aged to achieve optimum characteristics over years of use. Equipped with a switchable 80Hz high-pass filter and 10dB pad, the AT2050 is ideal for studio and live sound use on vocals, piano, strings, drum overheads, guitar amps, and more.

• Three switchable polar patterns: omni, cardioid, figure-of-eight
• Switchable 80Hz high-pass filter and 10 dB pad
• Large diaphragm for smooth, natural sound and low noise
• State-of-the-art surface-mount electronics ensure compliance with A-T’s stringent consistency and reliability standards
• Includes shock mount and protective pouch

• Large diaphragm for smooth, natural sound and low noise
• High SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatility
• Custom shock mount provides superior isolation
• Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and 10 dB pad
• Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source
• Includes custom shock mount & protective pouch