Apogee Duet 2 – Audio interface for Mac

Duet 2 : Apogee’s Duet is the most respected portable audio interface ever. Along with receiving many industry awards, Duet has also been instrumental in the creation of numerous GRAMMY winning records. While others have been trying to emulate its sound quality, ease of use and innovative design, we have been busy making an even better Duet. Duet 2 builds on the incredible success of its predecessor by incorporating customer feedback, adding advanced new features and delivering even better sound quality than the original.

New in Duet 2

  • Completely redesigned mic preamps and converters.
  • 4 outputs, Independent speaker and headphone outs.
  • Balanced outputs.
  • USB 2.0 high speed connectivity.
  • 24-bit/192kHz recording.
  • Full color OLED display.
  • Configurable touch pads.
  • Maestro 2 software.
  • Breakout box (sold separately).
  • Redesigned Breakout Cable.
  • Soft Limit.

Price: USD 595.00

Visit: Apogee

Free synth for Ableton Live

One of the things I want to do with this site is to share some of the tools I use to create music. If you are an Ableton Live user, this post is for you.

I created this synth using a sample of my laptops speakers belting out a screeching feedback from the internal microphone. As unpleasant as the sample itself sounds, it makes for a pretty atmospheric and dreamy sounding synth.

The Laptop Feedback instrument rack for Ableton Live is available to download from AfroDjMac.

Visit: AfroDjMac Laptop Feedback

IK Multimedia iRig Mic – microphone for iPhone & iPad

IK Multimedia has announced it is now shipping iRig Mic, a handheld microphone for iPhone and iPad.

iRig Mic is ideal for the vocalist and songwriter on the move, and it is also perfect for recording speeches, instruments, performances or any other sound sources in the studio, on stage or in the field.

With thousands of Apps available on the iTunes Store, iRig Mic is your perfect partner for your iOS device – for all your vocal and mobile needs.

iRig Mic features

  • Ideal for all vocal applications from singing to speech.
  • Great for all types of sound recording or processing in music or any other audio application.
  • Quality condenser-electret unidirectional capsule.
  • Dual mini-jack connector allows real-time monitoring on headphones, speakers, mixers, PAs.
  • Rugged, durable metal housing.
  • Easy to set-up for any sound source.
  • Can be handheld or placed on a standard mic stand.
  • Comes with apps for singers and songwriters.
  • Can be used with a wide variety of other apps.

Price: USD 59.99

Visit: IK Multimedia

Rane introduces MP25 Classic DJ Mixer with USB

The MP25 satisfies the audio and ergonomic demands of performing DJs, in a 19” rack format preferred by nightclubs, with a compact 4U design that drops easily into a mobile rig. Sporting two microphone inputs, four studio-grade phono preamps, four analog aux inputs, four low-latency stereo USB inputs, analog and USB effects insert loops, and a variety of analog and digital outputs; the MP25 remains rooted in analog tradition while reaching new heights of digital connectivity.

Integrating a twenty-two channel USB audio interface, the MP25 enables simultaneous playback of four stereo sources, recording five stereo channels, and inserting computer-based VST effects. Reliable, low-latency, multi-client ASIO and Core Audio drivers interface the MP25’s twenty-two USB audio channels directly to your favorite multi-track mixing, beat-making, looping, effects, and recording applications. Additionally, the MP25’s front panel controls are MIDI enabled, allowing manipulation of software parameters directly from the mixer’s control surface.

The MP25 also features Rane’s powerful FlexFX architecture, allowing DJs to apply a variety of effects to any combination of mic and program inputs. Insert effects into individual channels, a sub-mix of channels, or the entire main mix. Combine outboard effects processors with VST effects running on your computer. FlexFX makes it easy to create unique, compelling mixes in a variety of mixing styles.

Two microphone inputs put the DJ and entertainer in direct contact with the audience. Each microphone includes independent Talkover control. Engage a mic to put it into the mix, or engage Talkover to put the mic in the mix and duck all other sources. Talkover makes it easy to jump into the mix for quick, intelligible announcements.

The Rane MP25 ships March 2011.

Visit: Rane Corporation

Zoom announces H1 – Handy Recorder

It’s our smallest recorder ever. But don’t let its size fool you. The H1 Handy Recorder has our renowned recording technology and studio-quality microphones in our easiest, most portable device ever.

Now Zoom recording technology is available to everyone. And with an infinite variety of applications, you’ll want to take your H1 everywhere. From musical performances, songwriting sessions and rehearsals to seminars, conferences, journalism or capturing audio for video, the H1 gives you clean, clear stereo sound effortlessly.

H1 – Handy Recorder features

  • Stereo X/Y mic configuration captures perfect stereo images
  • Same frequency and SPL handling as popular Zoom H2
  • Records Broadcast WAV (BWF) at 96kHz/48kHz/44.1kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit
  • Records MP3 from 48 to 320kbps for maximum recording time
  • Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port
  • Built-in reference speaker
  • Includes 2GB microSD card and one AA battery
  • One AA size battery allows 10 hours operation
  • Accommodates up to 32GB microSDHC memory cards
  • Track marker function
  • Low cut filter
  • Built-in tripod mount
  • 1/8″ external mic input
  • Stereo 1/8″ line output
  • Auto record level
  • Optional accessory package (APH-1) includes windscreen, AC adapter (USB type), USB cable, adjustable tripod stand, padded-shell case and mic clip adapter

Price: The Zoom H1 will available in stores July 30th, priced at $99 USD. An H1 accessory kit — includes a windscreen, AC adapter (USB type), USB cable, adjustable tripod stand, soft carrying pouch and mic clip adapter, will be available for $24.99 USD.

Visit: Zoom H1

The Alesis Palmtrack Handheld SD Audio Recorder

With the PalmTrack, you can record stereo or surround audio directly to an SD or SDHC card up to 16GB. The alesis-palmtrackPalmTrack is designed for recording quality sound in a wide variety of settings from rehearsals, jam sessions, and gigs to conferences, lectures, and classes to interviews and meetings.

Features:

  • Handheld SD recorder with stereo and four-capsule omni pickup patterns
  • Record 44.1/48kHz, 64–320kbps MP3 and 16/24-bit WAV
  • Four onboard mics with high, low, and auto gain for overload-free recordings
  • Bass compensation, Chorus, Pitch Shift, Delay, Reverb, MP3 Voice Cancel, and Tuner
  • Inputs for connecting 1/8-inch (3.5mm) mic and line-level audio
  • Stereo 1/8-inch (3.5mm) headphone output and built-in monitoring speaker
  • Includes SD card; works with virtually all SD cards up to 16GB
  • USB jack for mass storage connection to Mac and PC
  • AC/DC operation on 2 AA batteries (included) or AC adapter
  • Threaded mounting point for tabletop and stand-mounted applications

Includes:

  • PalmTrack recorder
  • SD card
  • (2) AA batteries
  • Quick start guide

The PalmTrack will be available in February 2010.

Visit: Alesis