Q3-4 '08 Archived News

JBL VerTec At The American Music Awards

The 2008 American Music Awards with Jimmy Kimmel hosting will air live from the Nokia Theater at LA Live in Los Angeles. See it this Sunday, Nov. 23 (8:00PM/ET, 7:00PM/CT) on the ABC Television Network. The show will feature performances by Christina Aguilera, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey, Beyonce’, Kanye West, New Kids On The Block, Jonas Brothers, Pink and many more. A JBL VERTEC system with VT4889 full-size line array elements, VT4887 compact elements and supporting VT4880A subwoofers will be provided by rental system vendor ATK/Audiotek (Valencia, CA).

Click here to see all of the performers at this years' American Music Awards

Click here to learn more about the JBL VerTec line

Tascam Miniaturizes The Multi-Track

Tascam's DP-004 Digital Pocketstudio is based on 30 years of easy-to-use cassette Portastudios, updated with four tracks of CD-quality digital recording. Like those groundbreaking Portastudios, a row of knobs set levels and pan instead of a list of menus. The DP-004 can record two sources at once to the included 1GB SD Card. A built-in stereo condenser microphone makes it simple to record anywhere you go, perfect for concerts, rehearsals and songwriting inspirations. A pair of 1/4" jacks on the rear panel allow you to connect your own microphones or sources. You can even switch the inputs to guitar level for recording. The DP-004 allows you to build up your arrangement until you've filled up all four tracks. The Bounce feature allows you to consolidate tracks and make room for more overdub layers. Also available is an autopunch feature for fixing problems, track editing and an undo function. Despite its go-anywhere compact design - smaller than a paperback book - the DP-004 is simple enough for students, songwriters and musicians who want to keep their recording process simple and creative.

Go to Tascam's web site for more info about the DP-004

Lexicon Welcomes I-ONIX To Interface Lineup

With a wealth of features – including dbx high-voltage, ultra low noise mic pre’s, Pantheon II reverbs, and a powerful software mixing board with dbx dynamics and hardware monitor reverb – the Lexicon® I•ONIX FW810S is more than just an 8-in, 10-out FireWireT™ audio interface. It’s a pro recording studio contained in a single rack unit. The high-voltage, ultra low noise dbx mic pre’s on every channel provide optimal timbre and tonality on every track. And the newly updated Pantheon II plug-in provides smooth, lush Lexicon reverbs for creating ideal sonic spaces. With so many powerful and useful recording studio tools, it’s more than just a FireWire interface. It’s the Lexicon I•ONIX FW810S.

Visit lexiconpro.com for more information

AKG Introduces WMS4500 Series

At InfoComm 08, AKG Acoustics introduced its new wireless WMS 4500 microphone system, offering improved audio capabilities flexible enough to handle multiple users and multi-channel applications. Like its predecessor the WMS 4000, the WMS 4500 offers a wide range of available components for operational versatility, but has been modified for more durable use and greater flexibility with wireless applications. The WMS 4500 is available in two new frequency bands: Band 7 (500-530 MHz) and Band 8 (570-600 MHz) that offer more options for multi-channel systems in today's crowded RF environment. The system’s components, the SR4500 receiver unit, the PT 4500 emitter, and the HT 4500 handheld microphone unit all offer new features and sleek new construction.

Need more info? Visit AKG's website

BSS Offers New Online Training Courses

BSS Audio broke new ground in 2005 by being the first DSP manufacturer to provide web based training modules which could take an untrained student and provide him or her with all of the information and skills needed to program the Soundweb London line of DSP products. This online training was coupled with a full-day training session in various cities around the world lead by a BSS Audio instructor. Now, BSS Audio has taken online training one step further by offering online versions of the traditional classroom experience allowing students to attend BSS Audio training classes without ever leaving their desks. Using online training technology, students are able to attend a Soundweb Designer or London Architect training class on their PC. Classroom presentations appear on the students' computers and audio from the instructor is heard over the computers' speakers. BSS Audio has always believed in bringing training to the students rather than making students travel for training. Now, for the first time ever, a pro-audio DSP manufacturer is providing complete training without requiring students to travel any further than their computer.

Find BSS Audio's online training here

Middle Atlantic Helps Save Time And Efficiency

Middle Atlantic Products, leading manufacturer of engineered mounting solutions, continues their customer-first philosophy by creating two new resources for customers in an effort to help them save time and efficiency. A new series of video tutorials that show how to use RackTools® 3.0 are now available. These short, yet informative video tutorials instruct users on how to utilize many of the features that have made RackTools, the premier rack layout software tool available. These are intended to provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to create a Middle Atlantic Products system layout. Currently, the six segments cover topics such as defining rack properties, using dimension tools, creating custom rackshelves, etc. As they continue to add new features to RackTools, they will be adding more videos to the library. You can find the series of video tutorials at: http://www.racktools.com/tutorials.htm .

Middle Atlantic has also created a set of Visio Blocks. Visio Blocks are intelligent Visio Stencils representing the most popular equipment mounting solutions and accessories from Middle Atlantic. These stencils allow engineers and salespeople to quickly and easily create a professional system layout and proposal drawing using the popular Microsoft Visio® platform. You can find Visio Blocks at: http://repnet.middleatlantic.com/MapWeb/VisioBlocks.aspx
Note: this requires Visio 2003 or 2007.

For more information, visit www.middleatlantic.com

Lexicon Introduces PCM96 Surround

Lexicon Introduces Its Newest Professional Reverb and Effects Processor That Increases Inputs and Outputs, Configuration Options and Reverb/Effects Algorithms. Lexicon®is introducing its PCM96 Surround Reverb/Effects Processor at the 125th AES Convention in San Francisco. The Surround version delivers 50 new and legendary Lexicon reverbs, delays and modulation effects, while at the same time offering more presets, configuration options and additional inputs and outputs. Designed for the modern studio, the PCM96 Surround can function as a control-only insert or FireWire streaming audio plug-in inside any Mac VST® or Audio Units software. A new Pitch algorithm has been developed for the PCM96 Surround in addition to the Room, Hall, and many additional algorithms for music and post production. The Pitch algorithm will also be released as a software update for the original PCM96 on Nov 1st.

Learn about the PCM96 at Lexicon's website

Tascam Debuts TM-ST2 And TM-STPRO At AES

TASCAM has premiered the TM-ST2 and TM-STPRO X/Y stereo microphones. The unbalanced TM-ST2 is an affordable microphone with both a 10' cable for live recording and an 18" cable for video camera connection. The TM-STPRO adds a balanced output, includes a 16' stereo xlr cable and has the ability to run on phantom power. Both microphones feature a switchable low cut filter and come with a mic clip, battery, wind screen and protective carry bag. "Part of TASCAM's recording legacy is making recording simple for Musicians," explains Paul Jenkins, Vice President of sales and marketing for TASCAM. "The new TM-ST2 and TM-STPRO make great-sounding tracks simple and affordable, whether recording a live event, school function, house of worship event or studio performance."

Visit Tascam's website to learn more

The Next Generation Has Arrived

For the past 14 years, JBL has led the portable PA market with EON, the best selling powered speaker in professional audio history. Now a new generation emerges to continue the class-leading traditions of design, performance, and quality. Introducing EON, The Next Generation. Representing the next generation of its groundbreaking and industry-standard EON® series portable loudspeakers, today JBL is introducing the EON500 series. The unveiling of the EON500 series self-powered and lightweight speakers immediately raises the bar in the category of molded powered loudspeakers in all aspects, from industrial design to sonic performance, integrated utility and portability. There are three models in the new EON product range. Each of the full-range EON500 series compact, lightweight models features an on-board mini-mixer with loop-thru or mix-out capability, allowing for greater control of the loudspeaker’s output. The EON500 series loudspeakers also offer selectable EQ, multiple suspension points, soft-grip handle and a full screened backed grille for extra component protection. The EON500 series loudspeakers feature a combination of JBL’s patented engineered components, enabling a smaller enclosure and lighter weight than competitive models. When combined with the products’ ease of handling, the EON500 series loudspeakers are ideal solutions for everyone from mobile DJs and musicians to systems integrators.

Tascam Supercharges Digital Portastudios With Neo

TASCAM's best-selling 24-track / 24-bit workstation has been upgraded to the 2488neo. The updated model has a bold new look and new mastering effects to create punchy, polished mixes. Like its predecessor, the 2488neo has eight microphone inputs, seven effects processors, a 80GB hard drive and the simple user interface common to all TASCAM Portastudios. "TASCAM continues to innovate the field of home recording," says Paul Jenkins, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for TASCAM. "We understand that musicians want tools that are simple to use so that they can stay creative. Our Digital Portastudio lineup is second to none, and the 2488neo is the new flagship in that segment." The 2488neo features an 80GB hard drive, enough for hours of 44.1kHz/24-bit recording. The eight microphone inputs, four with XLR and phantom power, can be assigned to any track for recording large ensembles. A reverb effect, multi effect with guitar amp simulation, and up to 9 compressors are also included. The new mastering effect includes multi-band EQ, compression and limiting for professional-sounding mixes which can be burned to CD or transferred to computer through the USB 2.0 jack. Built for musicians who want to record without needing a computer, the 2488neo continues TASCAM's legacy of easy-to-use Portastudios for home recording.

For more information, visit their web site at www.tascam.com.

Soundcraft Unveils New Si3 Digital Console

Currently riding high with tours and engineers thanks to the incredible success of the Vi Series digital consoles, Soundcraft has launched a mid-market partner console in the Soundcraft Si3. This new desk is designed for live use on both touring sound systems and in fixed installations and its intuitive operation and high input and bus count makes it a perfect choice for House of Worship sound systems. Theatre users will also find the Soundcraft Si3 very applicable in their area. What is particularly nice about the Si3 is it all comes in one chassis – console surface, all input and output connections, power supply – so it can literally drop in and replace an existing analogue desk as almost certainly no additional cabling would be required to install it. This compact footprint desk can directly handle 64 mono inputs, 4 stereo inputs and has full connectivity for all 35 output busses (24 Aux/Group, 8 Matrix and Left/Right/Centre mix buses), something you don’t find often on digital consoles at the price level of the Si3. Add to this 4 Lexicon® effects processors, 12 VCA groups, 8 Mute groups and bar graph metering for all 35 bus outputs and you begin to see what a package the Si3 is.

Learn more about the new Si3 here.

AKG introduces new C214 microphone

AKG’s legendary C 414 needs no introduction – it is a tool found in most recording studios and has been used on thousands of hit records; it’s been on stage with artists of every musical genre and is also used by leading broadcast facilities the world over. The new C 214 was designed as a budget-friendly alternative to the leading-edge C 414 family. This new microphone uses the same diaphragm as the legendary C 414 in a single-capsule, cardioid-only design that delivers 90% of the performance of the famous C414B-XLS at ~ 50% of the price!

Features:
- AKG’s legendary edge-terminated, 1-inch large-diaphragm up-front, detailed, “voice-friendly” sound
- Outstanding 143 dB dynamic range for uncompressed, life-like transients (the widest dynamic range in its class)
- 156 dB max. SPL capability – perfect for use on guitar amps, drum overheads, brass instruments, etc. for recording or live use
- Elastically-suspended capsule that greatly minimizes mechanical noise and vibration that could color the sound
- Switchable bass roll-off filter helps minimize wind and LF noise
- 20-dB attenuation switch for micing high-SPL sources o Rugged, scratch-resistant finish – tough, roadworthy construction!
- C 214 kit includes spider-type shock mount, windscreen and metal carrying case
- Designed, engineered and built in Vienna, Austria – backed by a 3-year parts and labor warranty from AKG
For more information, visit AKG's web site

Sound Marketing represents Sony Videoconferencing Products

Sony is one of the largest, most reliable global technology companies in the world. When you choose Sony for your complete videoconferencing solution, you're choosing the highest quality technology and the most sophisticated design. Sony offers products designed for virtually every videoconferencing situation, from full High-Definition conferencing (the only true 1080i conferencing solution) to razor-sharp, fully-integrated Desktop solutions. Sony is the only manufacturer in the videoconferencing industry that can provide a complete, fully-integrated room system, using only Sony products that were designed to work together and look great together, as well. Whether you're looking for a solution to cover three remote sites or 150 offices around the globe, Sony is the best choice for delivering the clear, reliable, and stylish visual communications you deserve and expect — the complete room-to-room solution. For more information, visit Spire Global's home page.