DigiTech®, a leading manufacturer of vocal processors, and a Harman International company (NYSE-HAR), has announced the newest addition to the Vocalist® product line, the Live 3. The Live 3 provides guitarists a 3-part vocal harmony, pitch correction, and vocal pre-effects in a single pedal.
The new Vocalist Live 3 is a powerful yet easy-to-use intelligent vocal harmony processor that automatically generates live multi-part vocal harmony by analyzing guitar chord progressions and the lead voice. The Live 3 gives virtually all artists, soloists and groups alike the ability to perform more songs that in the past had been considered too difficult without professionally trained backup vocalists.
The Live 3 combines studio-quality audio performance, state-of-the-art vocal processing, and an easy-to-use control interface to add up to two separate voices of harmony to a lead vocal to create a full 3-part, natural-sounding vocal performance. The Live 3 has Gender Control that gives each harmonizing voice a masculine or feminine sound. Users can customize the natural sound of the harmonizing voices from loose to tight by adjusting the Humanize setting.
Using patented musIQ® technology, the Live 3 continually follows the notes being played on the guitar and the lead voice to generate accurate and musically correct vocal harmonies. musIQ eliminates the need to pre-program the songs’ key or key changes to create get accurate harmonies, making the Live 3 much easier to use.
“The Live 3 is the tool performers are searching for to capture the audiences’ attention and take their performance to the next level.” stated Scott Klimt, Marketing Manager for Vocalist.
The Live 3 is designed to enhance and improve virtually every vocal performance using pitch-correction with Humanize Control and vocal pre-effects. The pitch correction in the Live 3 has the most natural sound available on the market. There are also five different vocal pre-effects available in the Live 3 to help give the vocals a high quality, professional-grade studio sound. These effects include warmth (tube preamp), compression, EQ, and Noise Gate. There are three different room settings for reverb and five separate delay settings for vocals. The Live 3 also has guitar effects, reverb and chorus along with a guitar tuner.
The Vocalist Live 3 is now shipping with a MSRP of $429.95.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Vocalist® Announces The New Live 3, A 3-Part Vocal Harmonizer And Pitch Correction Pedal For Guitarists
DigiTech® Revamps Legendary RP Series With Five New Pedals
DigiTech®, a leading manufacturer of guitar, bass, and vocal processors, and a Harman International company (NYSE-HAR), is introducing five new pedals in a complete upgrade to its popular RP series. With the introduction of the RP 55, RP155, RP255, RP355, and RP1000 DigiTech has thought of every guitarist from the beginner to seasoned musician.
The RP Multi-Effect processors offer tone and effects libraries with up to 200 factory and user-programmable presets, as well as 24-bit A/D/A conversion and built-in tuners. Selected models feature AudioDNA®2 DSP, USB connectivity, built-in drum machines and include library and editing software for PC and Mac®.
The base level RP55 features 80 presets, a built-in drum machine and chromatic tuner. It has 12 amp and acoustic guitar models and can produce 10 effects at once. It has an MSRP of $79.95.
The RP155 gives the user 100 presets, 60 high quality drum patterns and 83 amp, cabinets, stompboxes, and effects. It also features a 20 second looper for on the fly writing and live performance. It has an MSRP of $159.95.
The RP255 offers 120 presets, 94 amps, cabinets, stompboxes, and effects, and also has a 20 second looper for on the fly writing and live performance. The RP255 also has a built in expression pedal and packaged with Cubase® LE4 recording software included. It has an MSRP of $229.95.
The higher level RP355 has 140 presets, 126 amps, cabinets, stompboxes, and effects, and also has a 20 second looper for on the fly writing and live performance. It has a built in expression pedal and is packaged with Cubase LE4 recording software making it perfect for computer recording and writing. It has an MSRP of $309.95.
The most advanced pedal in the series, the RP1000 features 200 presets, external amplifier loop, external stompbox loop switches, external stompboxes, and effects in and out of the effect chain. The amp/cabinet bypass feature defeats the unit’s internal amplifiers and cabinet effects leaving only stompboxes and gear inside the amp and stompbox loop. It has an MSRP of $699.95.
Crown’s Advanced Technology and Engineering Behind New Category Defining XLS Series Amplifiers
Integrated Digital Crossover and Limiter
Most amplifiers in this market category provide limited facilities, if any, for input signal filtering and driver protection. (Typical offerings are simple analog high-pass filters and a limiter, usually selected via rear-panel DIP switches.) In contrast, the new XLS Series utilizes high-resolution digital signal processing to implement a flexible PureBand™ Crossover System and proprietary PeakX™ driver protection limiting.
Using the easy-to-read front panel LCD display and large function buttons, users can select crossover points from 50 Hz to 3 kHz on 1/12 octave centers, allowing precise matching of specified crossover points on most bi-amplified loudspeakers. Filters are fourth-order Linkwitz-Riley, with steep slopes for seamless transition between high and low drivers. Alternatively, the digital filters may be set to optimize both amplifier channels for driving either high- or low-frequency loads, or for driving full-range systems.
The PeakX limiters utilize highly effective yet sonically transparent algorithms derived from the OmniDrive HD loudspeaker drive processing in Crown’s flagship I-Tech HD Series. By precisely matching response to the output characteristics of each amplifier, PeakX enables significantly higher output levels than are possible with conventional analog limiting, yet with assured driver protection. The front panel soft-touch buttons also select limiter on/off (per channel) as well as bridge-mode on/off. There are no rear-panel DIP switches.
Advanced Switched-mode Power Supply
A highly efficient switching power supply is optimized for maximum power transfer from the AC line through the Class D output stage to the loudspeakers. Compared to older, 60Hz transformer-based power supplies, a side benefit is substantial weight reduction: all models weigh less than 12 pounds, but with no compromise of Crown’s traditionally robust build quality.
Proprietary Class D Output Stage with Integrated DriveCore™ Technology
As a type, Class D amplifiers are notable for extraordinarily high efficiency, approaching 90%. In addition, inherently low output impedance makes Class D well suited to driving difficult reactive loads such as subwoofers. However, a number of complexities make it difficult to design – and to manufacture at modest cost – real-world Class D amplifiers with sonic performance comparable to the best Class AB designs. In addition, as a type, Class D output stages are highly dependent on stable internal voltage rails, and can suffer impaired performance on marginal or unstable AC line supplies.
To overcome these obstacles, Crown engineers designed DriveCore™ - a proprietary hybrid analog-digital integrated circuit (IC) that drives the “front end” of the Class D output stage. Placed in the signal chain between the DSP module and the main power output devices, and driven fully balanced from the D-to-A converter stage, DriveCore incorporates highly refined feedback circuits and a single synchronous clock. (The DSP and switch-mode power supply clocks are both synchronized to the PWM master clock for optimum overall system stability.) Crown’s proprietary circuit-modeling techniques were employed to optimize the relationship between the new modulator chip and the power output stage. Here, Crown engineers applied the latest in power FET semiconductor technology, along with an advanced differential drive circuit topology, to offer the efficiency of Class D but with the lower distortion and residual noise typical of Class AB designs.
Other notable technology features and benefits of DriveCore Technology:
• Patented feedback and PWM modulation circuits enable fast recovery on peak transients, accurate reproduction of low-level detail, and precise tracking of low frequencies at high power levels for maximum subwoofer output.
• Integrated thermal management and protection systems ensure maximum power is delivered to the load with minimum stress on output devices.
• Advanced power supply design coupled with a wide-tolerance PWM clock maintains full performance even with sagging or “dirty” AC line conditions. The new proprietary modulator chip can handle large (up to 3:1) variations in power supply noise or sag without adversely affecting audio quality. Consequently, compared to other Class D amplifiers in this market category, performance is far less likely to be compromised by fluctuating generator power or by AC circuits sagging from marginal overloading by lighting rigs, backline gear, etc. (Prior to this development, the only way to maintain consistent performance was use of more complex – and costlier – regulated power supplies.)
Designed and Tested for Reliability
The new XLS Series of amplifiers were subjected to the same rigorous design analysis and prototype testing procedures as all Crown amplifiers, regardless of application or price point. Finite element analysis (FEA) tools simulated design behavior to optimize mechanical and thermal systems for cooler, more reliable operation in warm and high-humidity environments. All XLS Series amplifiers must pass Crown’s uniformly rigorous quality control procedures before shipping.
“The Green Edge”
XLS Series amplifiers conform to the goals of the Harman Professional Group’s “Green Edge” environmental initiative. New, high-technology circuit components not only use fewer resources in manufacturing, but also contribute to significant weight reductions that result in less energy consumption for initial shipping and end-user transportation. At the same time, extremely high operating efficiency translates into less AC line current used for each watt of output. The result is a significantly reduced “carbon footprint.”
Monday, January 25, 2010
Crown Introduces PIP-USP4 Processor For CTs Series Amplifiers
Delivering unprecedented power and flexibility while offering clear sound and the widest dynamic range possible, Crown today introduced the PIP-USP4, the fourth generation DSP-based PIP™ (programmable input processor) module for CTs Series 2-channel amplifiers. The USP4 is a Harman HiQnet™ series component and connects to the audio control/monitor network using 100MB Ethernet hardware. The single plug solution contains audio distribution, control and monitoring.
“We are proud to bring the same next generation OMNIDRIVEHDTM DSP Engine that is featured in our I-Tech HD line to the PIP-USP4. This technology represents what will soon become known as the industry standard and we will continue to implement it for the ultimate in processing for other Crown products,” stated Brian Divine, director of marketing for touring and installed sound for Crown.
The USP4’s OMNIDRIVEHD™ processor gives the user ultra smooth processing with 24-bit, 192 kHz Cirrus Logic SHARC A/D and D/A converters and true 96kHz processing. LevelMAX™peak, RMS and transducer thermal voltage limiters combine for a smooth and accurate response, better sound and higher usable SPL. Also available are proprietary FIR and IIR filters for unmatched clarity and detail. The USP4 is capable of connecting to an Ethernet network, allowing it to be remotely controlled and configured via HiQnet System Architect™. Additionally, the USP4 allows the transport of real-time digital audio via CobraNet™ or Ethernet AVB.
A digital audio on/off ramp allows users to send pre or post processed analog signal out of the module to adjacent amplifiers. This capability can reduce DSP cost for a system by up to 40% on its own.
Other features of the PIP-USP4 include auto standby for increased energy efficiency, SLM (sweep load monitoring) with system-level diagnostics, 25 user selectable presets and over two seconds of delay per channel. Available input options include analog, CobraNet or Ethernet AVB, and AES3 Digital Audio.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Crown Amplifies Tour Sound For The Biggest Names In Music Throughout The World In 2009
Nowhere was Crown more influential than the concert for the 25th anniversary of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October. There, audio installation company Firehouse Productions used 96 Crown I-Tech 12000HD amps for rock and roll legends Metallica, Stevie Wonder, U2 and more. System engineer Mark Dittmar selected the Crown amps for their ability to provide high amounts of power and clarity efficiently and for Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled crossover performance for sonically pure tunings.
“With the lineup of rock and roll legends that we had for the 25th anniversary concert, we knew we needed a sound system that was versatile but powerful at the same time,” Dittmar said. “With the combination of Crown and JBL, we had more than enough power and clarity, and the whole system was extremely efficient.”
This wasn’t the first time that Firehouse turned to Crown at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. At the induction ceremony for Jeff Beck, Run DMC, and Metallica last April, Firehouse used a series of I-Tech HD powered amplifiers to power a PA system in delivering songs from high-profile musicians, including Jimmy Page, Ron Wood, and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Another established superstar that turned to Crown this year was Taylor Swift. Sound engineer Russell Fischer used a combination of 80 I-Tech HD amplifiers at all 52 concerts of the tour. As a loyal Crown customer that has been turning to Crown since the DC series, Fischer was very familiar with the sonic integrity that Crown is famous for, and he was very satisfied to experience the reliability and sonic quality that came with the I-Tech HD series.
“We at Crown have been satisfying the power-needs of musicians for decades, and 2009 was no different,” said Brian Divine, Director of Touring for Crown. “We were used in some of the most high-profile concerts of the year, we came out with some great new products, and we were able to satisfy all of the needs of our existing customers. We are very excited about the success we had this year and we are looking forward to bringing it through to 2010.”
Another leading performer experiencing success with Crown on tour is Bruce Springsteen. In 2009, he turned again to Crown for power on his Working on Dream Tour. Sound reinforcement company Audio Analysts provided Springsteen with a series of 36 I-Tech 5000HDs and 18-Tech 12000HD amplifiers for his 45-show tour. With decades of experience with Crown amplifiers, Springsteen was very familiar with Crown’s precise algorithms, and with the new generation of amplifiers, he wasn’t disappointed.
“We are proud to say we have been working with Bruce for the last 17 years,” said Albert Leccese, Vice President of Engineering for Audio Analysts. “Bruce works very hard to deliver an exciting, high-energy performance and he has the highest expectations for his band and everyone else involved in the show’s production, including his sound company. The Crown I-Tech HD is a testament to this attitude, which validates our continued support for our clients. Audio Analysts strives for innovative technologies that reinforce our efforts to supply our clients with the best equipment at a fair price.”
BSS Audio® Adds Telephone Hybrid Card Option To Soundweb™ London Conferencing Solution
BSS Audio®, a Harman International Company (NYSE-HAR), today added the Soundweb™ London Telephone Hybrid Card to its conferencing portfolio. The new Soundweb London Telephone Hybrid Card complements the highly-regarded Soundweb London AEC Input Card and the two cards represent a highly-integrated, premium solution for conferencing applications.
The Soundweb London Telephone Hybrid Cards are designed to populate any of the four card slots on Soundweb London BLU-800, BLU-320, BLU-160 and BLU-120 devices. These cards enable Soundweb London devices to interface with a standard POTS (aka PSTN or Analog PBX) telephone network and feature line and parallel set connections. The members of the Soundweb London family provide the building blocks of the perfectly tailored system solution.
The Soundweb London Telephone Hybrid Cards also have two analog inputs which allow each Telephone Hybrid Card to receive two microphone or line level signals. These analog inputs offer Phantom Power, configurable per channel and software controlled analog gain in 6dB steps from 0dB to 48dB.
HiQnet™ London Architect v2.08, which provides support for the Soundweb London Telephone Hybrid, offers a fully-featured integrated dialer, speed dial presets and Auto Answer control. All important buttons and feedback from the dialer are accessible from external control and third-party control systems, without the requirement of a PC on the network.
Iain Gregory, market manager for installed sound at Harman Music Group stated, “The Soundweb London Telephone Hybrid Card complements the superbly-performing and already highly-regarded Soundweb London AEC Input Card perfectly. With the reach of Soundweb London extended into conferencing applications, contractors and system integrators are able to leverage existing infrastructure, reduce implementation time and provide a powerful and truly integrated audio solution, using a single platform.”
AKG Introduces Its Comprehensive Line Of Perception Live Series Microphones At Winter NAMM
As AKG’s most comprehensive line of microphones, the Perception Live series can be used in any situation to satisfy any need. The P2, P4, and P3S are all dynamic instrument microphones that come with a cardioid polar pattern and carrying case, with the P2 being suited for any kick drum, bass amp or wind instrument. The P4 has a special H 440 bracket case and can be used for toms, percussion, guitar amps and wind instruments, while the P3S comes with a special SA 45 stand adapter and is primarily suited for instruments and backing vocals.
“The Perception Series is AKG’s most comprehensive microphone line to date,” said Joseph Wagoner, AKG’s Product Manager for Tour and Installed Sound. “With the updated Perception Live Series of microphone, AKG is providing the musical instrument industry with an affordable solution for any recording or live sound application.”
In addition to the P2, P4, and P3S, the Perception Live series also includes the super-cardioid polar pattern P5 and comes complete with a carrying case and an SA 45 Stand adapter. The P5 provides an unparalleled level of versatility and sonic integrity that leave it perfectly suited to handle any and all reproduction of solo vocals.
“Not only is the Perception Live series the perfect answer for all live/onstage applications, but it can also be used for any recording as well,” continued Wagoner. “For on stage performances, the Perception Live microphone features an appealing and scratch resistant finish, high maximum SPL capability and delivers a powerful sound for any venue.”
AKG Integrates The DMS 700 Into Its System Architect Plug-In For Full HiQnet™ Compatibility
The professional digital wireless microphone system DMS 700 is now fully integrated into System Architect. Users have the ability to setup and monitor multichannel DMS 700 systems with tools such as 1 Click Setup, RF Monitor, Environment Scan and Offline Configuration. With AKG’s 1 Click Setup, the frequency coordination of DMS 700 multichannel systems can be done with ease with just a single click.
The 1 Click Setup is easy and straightforward and allows for optimal frequency coordination for most of AKG’s wireless systems. With a single click, the algorithm completes a full frequency coordination by performing an environment/frequency scan, calculating the inter-modulation-free frequencies for each device and programming each device automatically.
The new upgrade allows AKG’s professional wireless systems – including the DMS 700, the WMS 4000/4500 as well as the IVM 4 – to be completely integrated with Harman’s new System Architect™ 2.1. The new System Architect Plug-In allows anyone who has an AKG wireless system equipped with the HUB 4000 Q and System Architect to be prepared for any future wireless implementation.
Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across the Harman Pro Group and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
AKG To Receive Technical Grammy® Award For Contribution To Recording Arts And Sciences
In recognition of more than 60 years contribution to the art and science of music recording and performance, storied microphone and headphone innovator, AKG was recently named to receive a prestigious technical Grammy® award from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS). The award, which will be presented at this coming Grammy Week in Los Angeles in January 2010, represents an historic first in AKG’s history of firsts — not simply in terms of technology innovations, but also in great recordings and performances.
From The Beatles’ watershed performances in Shea Stadium in 1967 to Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, and today’s most progressive and successful artists like Jay Z, Missy Elliot and Kayne West, AKG microphones and headphones have provided great sounding technologies to support the most demanding and creative projects.
AKG is in good company, with this year's only other GRAMMY Technical Award to be presented posthumously to Thomas Edison, inventor of the phonograph, early motion picture technologies, and the incandescent light bulb. Harman's JBL brand also earned a GRAMMY Technical Award in 2005, the first and only loudspeaker manufacturer to be so honored. Founded in 1947, AKG has been providing state-of-the-art microphones and headphones for a variety of live and recording applications.
"This year's honorees are a prestigious group of diverse and prominent creators who have contributed some of the most distinguished and influential recordings," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "Their outstanding accomplishments and passion for their craft have created a timeless legacy that has positively affected multiple generations, and will continue to influence generations to come. It is an honor and privilege to recognize such talented individuals who have had and will continue to have such an influence in both our culture and the music industry."
"We are humbled by this recognition from the recording industry's preeminent organization," said Dinesh C. Paliwal, Harman International Chairman, President and CEO. "Our AKG products have long supported the industry's leading artists and technicians, and we are honored to share the spotlight with them at the legendary Grammy Awards."
This year, AKG continued it’s tradition of innovation; introducing some of their most advanced microphones and headphones to date. With the release of the Perception 120 USB in September, AKG gave users the ability to record studio-quality sound from their desktop; with the C 414 XLS and XL II, they introduced two of the most sensitive and versatile microphones available; and with the DMS 700, AKG presented their first digital wireless audio system.
“From its formation many years ago, AKG has been singularly committed to quality,” said Alfred Reinprecht, AKG Vice President of Marketing and Product Management. “It is not surprising, therefore, that so many quality recording artists, producers and engineers have gravitated to AKG and made our microphones and headphones the tools of their trade and the instruments of their craft. To be awarded this prestigious and rare honor is recognition of the wonderfully creative and committed people who have designed and built AKG products for more than half a century and to the loyal customers who have partnered with us to make our best products even better!”
Everyone at AKG is honored to be recognized by The Recording Academy for Technical Achievement,” “Since the company was founded in 1947, AKG has been dedicated to producing the highest quality microphones and headphones with the most advanced recording technology. This award not only signifies our ability to do so, but it also validates AKG as one of the leading international providers in audio equipment.”
AKG Brings Its Digital Automatic Microphone Mixer To The Studio With The Introduction Of The DMM 4/2/4 At Winter NAMM
AKG is introducing the next addition to its long line of automatic microphone mixers as it presents the DMM 4/2/4 at Winter NAMM in January. Designed as a studio version of the DMM 4/2/2, the DMM 4/2/4 is designed with a unique and highly effective mixing algorithm that gives it the flexibility to handle nearly any mixing application, from boardrooms to broadcast studios and even houses of worship.
The DMM 4/2/4 comes complete with four microphone and two stereo AUX inputs, intelligent mixing algorithms with a noise sensitive threshold to prevent accidental activation of input channels, and a digital signal processor with a dbx® compressor. Each channel on the processor offers switchable gain, switchable phantom power, and an incremental level control with peak hold display, and each system comes with an expansion connector that enables multiple mixers to be linked together for larger audio setups. All functions are run through incremental controls on the front panel which use the intuitive central control concept, similar to the DMM 4/2/2.
“The DMM 4/2/4 is one of AKG’s most exciting mixer to date,” said Mario Siokola, AKG’s Product Marketing Manager Installed Sound. “It has the functionality to be used in virtually any mixing environment, the flexibility to address a wide range of audio needs, and the engineering to process even the most advanced algorithms; and for the price, it simply can’t be beat.”
One of the most unique aspects of the DMM 4/2/4 is the fact that the mixing algorithm also includes a “Last Mic On” function and a “Best Mic On” function; using shiny blue LED’s to alert the user of both. Other new features that were not present in the predecessor include a headphone output and a PC interface, with remote control software that will be available shortly.
“The DMM 4/2/4 is taking the sonic integrity of the famed DMM 4/2/2 and bringing it a few steps further,” continued Siokola. “In addition to the advanced functions of the mixer, it also satisfied all of the aesthetic requirements and comes complete with full 19-inch metal housing and is rack-mountable.”
Soundcraft Showcases Next-Generation Notepad Series At Winter NAMM 2010
Each 124 model has four mono mic/line inputs while the Notepad 102 has two mono mic/line inputs. All models boast four stereo line inputs, and suit a very wide range of applications where simple yet high-quality mixing is required, such as in home recording, small band/cabaret PA systems, AV presentation systems, small broadcast edit suites, educational environments and general contracting.
The Notepad 124FX also has an integral digital effects processor which has a feed from every input and over 100 effects, including a pink noise and test setting. The FX control can also be used to set delay tap tempo, a feature not found in many mixers in this class. On the Notepad 124, the FX send is replaced by a standard AUX send with a dedicated output. Both models provide a recording output of the mix on RCA/Phono connectors as well as a stereo input for CD playback etc.
Other highly desirable functions include a high-pass filter on the mono inputs, a 60mm fader for the mix output selectable sensitivity of +4dBu or 1-dBv on each stereo input (Notepad 124 models only), and multi-segment LED metering on the mix output, along with a headphone monitoring output.
Full details on the new Notepad range are available from www.soundcraft.com
Lexicon® Launches Complete Desktop Recording System with Omega® Studio Bundle
The Omega Studio recording interface is built around a mixer paradigm. This powerful interface is an 8-input, 4-bus, 2-output, USB I/O mixer with inserts, instrument input, MIDI I/O, and complete metering and monitoring functions with the ability to record up to 4-tracks at once. The Omega I/O mixer makes it easy to record, arrange, edit, process and mix music. A user gets intuitive hands-on control over the most important functions, creating an easy-to-use interface for creative recording.
Cubase LE 4 integrates seamlessly with the Omega I/O mixer to achieve an easy-to-use 48-track complete recording solution that includes all of the modules that you need to track, edit, and mix your masterpiece. The Lexicon name is synonymous with “the world’s best reverb” and the Pantheon VST reverb plug-in allows the user to add that full, rich luster of reverb and delay to create a polished and professional mix. In addition, the AKG D 88 S dynamic handheld microphone for lead vocalists completes the package.
“The Omega Studio Bundle represents Lexicon’s continued commitment to give users the highest quality recording options for their home studio. This complete package provides someone with everything they need to capture the moment and begin recording immediately at price points that make this recording bundle accessible to all musicians and recording enthusiasts,” stated Randy Garrett, Director of Marketing for Lexicon.
· Lexicon Omega 8-Input, 4-Bus, 2-Output USB I/O Mixer
· AKG D 88 S Dynamic Vocal Microphone with Cable and Case
· Steinberg Cubase LE 4 Multi-track Audio and MIDI Recording Software
· Lexicon World Class Pantheon VST Reverb Plug-In
JBL Offers Rebates for purchase of MSC1 Monitor System Controller with LSR2300 Studio Monitors
Today, JBL is announcing a program that makes it even easier for customers to purchase complete JBL systems including the MSC1 Monitor System Controller. For a limited time Customers in the United Sates who purchase the MSC1 with LSR2300 Series Studio Monitors through qualified JBL Professional dealers can receive up to $150 cash back when they purchase system combinations by April 30, 2010.
JBL is offering the following system rebates:
• Purchase a system of two LSR2328P studio monitors, one LSR2310SP subwoofer and one MSC1 Monitor System Controller and receive $150 cash back.
• Purchase two LSR2325P studio monitors, one LSR2310SP subwoofer and one MSC1 and receive $100 cash back.
• Purchase a pair of LSR2328P studio monitors with the MSC1 and receive $100 cash back.
• Purchase a pair of LSR2325P studio monitors with the MSC1 and receive $50 cash back.
• Elegantly add a subwoofer to any system. Purchase the LSR2310SP Subwoofer and the MSC1 and receive $50 cash back.
In a convenient desktop form-factor, the JBL MSC1 Monitor System Controller combines essential Monitor System Controls found in the “monitor section” of large mixing consoles along with JBL’s ingenious RMC™ Room Mode Correction technology that tunes speakers to compensate for low frequency problems in the room. The end result is great mixes, in any room.
The MSC1 serves as a desktop switcher than selectable allows monitoring of a range of signal sources, using two pairs of studio monitors. The MSC1 includes a subwoofer output, bass management crossover, and a level control to accurately integrate a subwoofer into any system. RMC technology in the MSC1 tunes the speakers and the sub to eliminate exaggerated low frequency that can occur in the mix room. While the MSC1 works with any speakers, for a truly accurate, full range reference system the ideal combination is the MSC1 with JBL’s new JBL LSR2300 Studio Monitors that are priced to put professional performance within reach of any studio.
“Customers working in acoustically less-than-perfect rooms discover their mixes don’t sound right when played on other systems,” noted Peter Chaikin, Director of Recording And Broadcast Marketing at JBL Professional. “JBL has been leading the charge to fix the problem. The MSC1/LSR2300 Mail-In Rebate Program is JBL’s New Year’s gift to customers, for better mixes in 2010 and beyond!”
The MSC1/LSR2300 Mail-In Rebate coupon and complete program rules are posted for download at www.jblpro.com
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Harman Professional Launches New And Improved HiQnet System Architect™ 2.1 For Faster, More Comprehensive HiQnet™ Support
System Architect 2.1 has been upgraded to allow greater compatibility between HiQnet devices from Harman Professional’s legendary brands, including Crown, JBL, dbx, AKG and BSS Audio.
New with version 2.1 is the support of the new Crown PIP-USP4/CN Card and control of the AKG DMS 700 digital wireless system via the HUB 4000 Q. Frequency coordination of DMS 700 wireless systems can be performed with 1 Click Setup from AKG’s plugin. ‘1-Click Setup’ calculates discrete, inter-modulation-free frequencies for the entire wireless system on the fly with just a single click.
The upgrade means that System Architect takes multiple like-devices within rack and arrays and automatically groups these into master panels. These are then made accessible from icons associated with the relevant racks or arrays directly in the Venue. Additionally, user-defined panels can also be assigned to racks, arrays and areas, putting access to control exactly where it makes sense and where it should be.
“With this new upgrade to System Architect, Harman Professional offers its customers the ability to manage all the products within a HiQnet system with remarkable efficiency,” said Adam Holladay, Market Manager, System Development and Integration Group. “With the operational and performance optimizations that come with the new upgrade, each HiQnet product can effectively work towards providing a more unified system, together reaching a greater potential than alone and with minimal work from the engineer.”
Additional features added to System Architect 2.1 include the ability to readdress devices directly in the venue, both online and offline; the ability to reorder devices in racks and arrays by address and a new region indicator control for use in advanced Custom Panel design. The user interface was upgraded to include a file load progress bar, and also provides enhancements to the intelligent Network Troubleshooter to assist with solving network complications.
“System Architect 2.1 continues our goal of offering users the greatest functionality with the least amount of labor,” continued Holladay. “With System Architect ‘generation 2’, Harman Professional is effectively providing engineers with a helping hand to make the even the most complex audio designs as simple to configure as possible.”
DigiTech® Redefines A Category With Introduction of JamMan® Solo and JamMan® Stereo Looper Pedals
DigiTech®, a leading manufacturer of guitar, bass, and vocal processors, and a Harman International company (NYSE-HAR), has introduced the JamMan® Solo and JamMan® Stereo Looper pedals. The JamMan Stereo features true stereo loops as well as reverse playback, making it perfect for playing backing tracks, while the JamMan Solo is designed for the guitarist or bassist looking for a full-featured looper in a compact form.
Both also feature the ability to store 35 minutes of CD-quality loops in 99 loops internally as well as having a SD memory card expansion slot, giving the artist the ability to store up to 16 hours of material in the JamMan Stereo and 48 hours of material in the JamMan Solo in an additional 99 slots.
The JamMan Solo and JamMan Stereo feature USB connectivity and will sync to DigiTech’s free JamManager™ software that organizes and saves your JamMan loops to a PC or Mac. The software also provides the user with the capability to create JamLists and have them available for use anytime.
“We reinvented loopers nearly a decade ago with the original JamMan® and now we are reinventing loops again with the introduction of the JamMan Stereo and Solo. We are always striving to give guitarists and bassists new ways to be creative and unique with their tone and these new loopers give players the ability to do that whether they are practicing at home, performing on stage or anything in between,” stated Jason Lamb, Marketing Manager for DigiTech.
Both loopers also include a USB port to transfer loops to and from a computer, metronome with multiple rhythm sounds and time signatures, automatic recording, and Hands-Free™ functionality. The JamMan Stereo also features a balanced, professional grade, low impedance XLR mic input with a dedicated gain control.
dbx ® Showcases The DriveRack® PA+ For Enhanced Speaker Management
The DriveRack PA+ is the next generation of the world’s best-selling loudspeaker management system, the DriveRack PA. The original DriveRack PA, known for setting the standard for complete speaker management, has given thousands of users an easier way to make their speaker systems sound better than they ever imagined. The new PA+ builds on this strong reputation by staying true to its predecessor while providing more great features and improved functionality.
The DriveRack PA+ includes a new, updated library of stored speaker and amplifier settings. These built-in settings are a time saving feature only found on dbx DriveRack products. Having the settings included in the DriveRack eliminates the need for users to enter their own speaker settings during setup. A convenient USB connection has also been added that will now allow users to update the preset settings. Other new features include fulltime RTA, front panel mute buttons, a faster Auto EQ® Wizard, and an enhanced Setup Wizard process, which now includes a new, industry-first Auto Level™ Wizard. Setup Wizards have set the DriveRack line of products apart for years. The DriveRack PA+ Wizards enables even less experienced users to set up a system that will sound like a seasoned audio professional tuned it.
While the new DriveRack PA+ has been updated with new features and functionality, it still has all the groundbreaking features that made the original DriveRack PA so popular. These hallmark features include an industry-standard dbx compressor/limiter module, a high-quality 6-channel output system that includes parametric EQs, and Peak Plus™ limiters, the patented dbx Advanced Feedback Suppression (AFS®) system to eliminate feedback, and the bass thumping dbx 120A subharmonic synthesizer function. It also continues to have two independent signal paths linked DPS processing power and linkable 28-Band Graphic Equalizer. These features, combined with the easy to use crossover function and alignment delay, help PA+ users deliver optimal, all-inclusive sound processing for almost any speaker system.
“The best just got even better with the new DriveRack PA+. We have managed to improve upon the incredibly successful DriveRack PA while staying true to what the PA so great,” stated Jay Woolley, marketing director for portable sound, Harman Music Group. “We are confident users will find that the PA+ is easy to use and makes their speaker systems sound better than they ever thought possible.”
Crown’s HiQnet™ Band Manager™ Breaks The 10,000 Download Barrier
Over the past year, 10,000 users have experienced Crown’s ground-breaking HiQnet™ Band Manager™ system configuration and control software and are deploying it in a number of portable PA applications from DJs, to bands and singers. The free-of-charge application provides an intuitive user centric, function-driven interface designed to simplify system setup and management while enabling audio professionals, musicians, and engineers to configure and control a rack of Crown XTi series amplifiers. Band Manager unlocks all loudspeaker-processing capabilities of the XTi Series.
Band Manager makes smart use of browser-style navigation and the ‘Home’ screen displays monitor strips for each amplifier in the rack and front-of-house EQ and level control. EQ for stage monitors and all other processing is accessible on an individual amplifier basis. Upon starting Band Manager, all amplifier settings are transferred from the connected devices but they can also be saved to disk for quick recall if the rack is used often in multiple venues.
Band Manager is a cut-down version of its parent software, HiQnet System Architect™, a much larger application which provides full-system control of over 70 professional audio devices from across the entire Harman Pro group, including the XTi Series. Anyone who has already used System Architect with the XTi will instantly be familiar with the amplifier control layout since Band Manager makes use of the same software plug in. Directly tailoring Band Manager to the needs of portable PA market enables far quicker configuration of a rack of XTi amplifiers by bringing only the essential tools into direct focus. For those who need the more advanced control, any rack configurations saved within Band Manager can be opened in System Architect. By using the plug in concept, Band Manager is all ready to control other future portable PA HiQnet devices.
Commenting on the success of Band Manager over the last year, Andy Flint, Crown Marketing Manager for portable PA stated, “Band Manager is successful because it provides real value. It simplifies the process of setting up and optimizing the PA system, while at the same time allowing users to extract the maximum from their system. Put simply, it’s a performance accelerate.”
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