EQUIPMENT NEWS
Looking for an inexpensive mixer with a lot of inputs? Check out the PL1602 mixer from SAMSON TECHNOLOGIES. For just $300, you get eight stereo line inputs with 2-band EQ, two sends, two returns, a headphone jack, balanced I/O, and two mic inputs, all in a 2-rackspace unit. (516) 932-3810, fax (516) 932-3815.
FOSTEX adds the D-5 to their line of DAT decks. Features include a 4-motor transport, 32kHz, 44.1kHz, and 48kHz sampling rates, AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital I/O, and more. (310) 921-1112, fax (310) 802-1964.
MACKIE introduces the SR24*4 mixer. At a low $1,499, you get 20 mono inputs and two stereo inputs for a total of 24 inputs on this four bus mixer. Other features include XLR mic and TRS line inputs, 3-band EQ, six sends, four returns, and lots more. (800) 258-6883, fax (206) 487-4337.
SEK'D introduces Samplitude Studio, new Windows-based software for the PC that turns your computer into a 16-track digital workstation. Priced at only $398, the program offers cut and paste editing, "time stretching," digital effects and EQ, 100 levels of undo, and can operate with up to four sound cards simultaneously. Multiple sampling frequencies. A scaled down version, Samplitude Pro, is also available for $199 and provides eight mono tracks. Soundspiration Systems for more info. (214) 298-DISC, fax (214) 298-3472.
AMPEX 488 Hi8 cassettes are now available, specially designed for use with digital audio recorders like the Sony PCM-800 and Tascam DA-88. 60 and 113 minute lengths. (415) 367-3888 or contact your nearest dealer.
The new SPIRIT Absolute 2 near-field monitors feature a 6.5-inch bass driver and a 1-inch tweeter. Frequency response is 45-20kHz. (801) 566-9135, fax (801) 566-7005.
Still in the analog world? Check into BASF's new Studio Master 900 Maxima recording tape. Specs include a dynamic range extended by 5dB with a 2dB lower noise floor as compared to "standard" mastering tapes. Call your nearest dealer.
SYMETRIX has a new A/D converter. The 620 20-bit A/D Converter has analog and digital ins, and outputs the signal in both S/PDIF and AES/EBU formats at 22.05kHz, 32kHz, 44.1kHz, and 48kHz sampling frequencies. Only $995. (206) 787-3222, fax (206) 787-3211.
Looking for a new keyboard? Check out the KURZWEIL K2500 and K2500X, 76- and 88-key keyboards. These are keyboard versions of their recently released K2500R rack-mount synth. The 88-key model sells for $4,995 and comes with a ton of power and options including the SMP-2 sampler upgrade for $600. (310) 926-3200, fax (310) 404-0748.
TASCAM has a new dual-cassette deck. The 202 mkIII is rack-mountable and features CPS (computerized program search), "Intro Check," Dolby HX Pro Headroom Extension, Dolby B and C NR and more for $499. (213) 726-0303.
TRACER TECHNOLOGIES announces the availability of their DART (Digital Audio Reconstruction Technology) software. DART is designed to remove all surface noise, pops, clicks, and other audio disturbances from any audio source recorded with any Windows compatible sound card. A $5 demo disk is available. (717) 747-0200, fax (717) 741-6790.
LEXICON announces the Dual FX Algorithm PCMCIA card for their PCM-80 effects box. The card adds 25 new algorithms and 250 new presets. (617) 736-0300, fax (617) 891-0340.
YAMAHA has a couple of new 8-bus consoles. The RM800-16 features 16 mic/line inputs and four effect returns. The RM800-24 features 24 mic/line inputs and four returns for only $2,400. (714) 522-9011, fax (714) 739-2680.
With the popularity of 8-track digital recorders like the DA-88, PCM-800, ADAT, etc., several manufacturers have begun offering 8-channel dynamics processors to help push the digital dynamic range to its limits. One of the latest comes from PRESONUS. The DCP-8 provides eight independent compressor/limiters with noise gates, mutes, and more. Though processing is done in the analog domain, you get digital storage of up to 100 "scenes" which store processor settings. Only $1,495. (504) 767-7887, fax (504) 767-8881.
MUSIC/SFX LIBRARIES
FIRSTCOM announces the release of several new CDs to their Sound Designer II library. The new additions are Country Volume 3, Dramatic Volume 3, Inter-Urban Volume 4, Promo/Commercials Volume 7, Rock Volume 5, Specialty Volumes 4 and 5, and Underscore Volume 17. (214) 934-2222, fax (214) 404-9656.
AIRCRAFT PRODUCTION LIBRARIES announces the release this month of three new CDs to their Drama/Action Series, Prime Time Vol. 1, 2, and 3. (800) 343-2514.
THE MUSIC BAKERY has released CD #21 of their library and announces new music categories: Contemporary Grooves, Patriotic Themes and Maximum Variety. Free demo available. (800) 229-0313, fax (214) 414-3160.
THE MIX
Add a new DSE-7000 user to the RAP WorkStation Network! Ron Harper adds the Orban workstation to his studio at WWMG/WEND in Charlotte, NC. He can be reached at (704) 338-9600. Enjoy, Ron!
E/MUSIC CANADA is a developing site on the World Wide Web devoted entirely to Canadian music only. It will showcase Canadian artists by allowing people to listen to samples of music, peruse album cover artwork or artist photos, read bios, and contact the artists to buy the music or write fan mail. Any Canadian artist can get their music on the E/music canada web site for an $85 setup fee and $45 per month. (800) 450-6449 or (519) 273-2595.
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