Waves and Abbey Road Partnership

The iconic plug-in designers have joined forces with the legendary recording studio to offer the public a piece of the sound known round the world.  Waves Audio and Abbey Road Studios have just announced a long-term strategic partnership that will surely benefit every audio engineer on the hunt for that classic sound on a budget.  There's no details yet, but one can assume that the series will likely bear the name and model the gear (R.E.D.D. desk strips, TG desk strips, etc.) of the recording studio where they were originally developed as analog processes by EMI.

The partnership comes as a result of the companies first collaboration, The King's Microphones.  The plug-in was crafted to emulate the microphones used by the royal family in the 1920's, the microphones were also put back to work for the recent movie The Kings Speech. Since The King's Microphones series managed to make such a mark in the niche pro audio world it's no doubt the two have decided to extend their partnership to something much more long term.  Below you'll find a bit of chatter from the respective company representatives regarding the partnership.  Hopefully as the partnership becomes more of a reality more information will become available from both sides.  As always, thanks for reading and happy geeking!

Gilad Keren, Waves CEO: “Abbey Road Studios is without a doubt the most famous recording complex in the world. We are thrilled to be able to continue our collaboration with them on what is sure to be an outstanding series of audio plugins.”

Jonathan Smith, SVP at Abbey Road Studios: “Since the early 1990s, Waves has been developing ground-breaking plugins for the audio industry. We are very proud to be working closely with Waves in the creation of exciting new products based on Abbey Road Studios’ legendary equipment and expertise.”

All the best,

Nick

Reason 6 Release Date Announced by Propellerhead

I'm not really a Reason guy but the software carries a lot of weight with some producers and it seems to be the first step for many people entering the DAW world. Taking this into account it seems a post here is especially necessary. Propellerhead has made some additions to the Reason platform that should help it to regain some footing in the production DAW market. A market which is rapidly being consumed by Propellerhead's formidable competitor known as Ableton.

Pictures From AES 129

Hey everyone!  Here's a little album of all the pictures I took while I was in San Francisco at AES 129.  Hope you enjoy & thanks again for the continued support of ZeSoundSuite!



Best,

Nick

Rodec MX2200 Professional Performance Mixer

Pioneer...  It's fantastic gear for DJ's.  But, is it the best?  If you ask the guys at Guitar Center they will tell you it is, while their standing in front of the massive Pioneer display.  Fact is, it probably isn't.  Yeah all the pro's use it but it's not the only gear the pro's use.  Professional DJ's & Performers use gear from Allen & Heath, Korg, & even Dennon (sometimes).  Have you ever heard of a Rodec Mixer?  I hadn't heard of them until just a couple months ago, I came across their EFX unit while doing some digging for new ways for DJ's & Performers to make their show one of a kind.

Rodec products are all designed and manufactured in Belgium, and they've been doing it this way since 1954!  Their MX2200 DJ Mixer is one of their newest products from their Progressive Line and I must say that it might just be the ultimate analog DJ mixer out there.  The MX2200 is a 6 channel 12 1/2" professional analog DJ mixer.  All of Rodec's products have been made famous due to their ultra high quality studio ready analog sound.  Nothing sounds like a Rodec... Period.  Now that we've got the "amazing sound" aspect covered we can move on to the specifications of the Rodec MX2200.  The MX2200 features 5 multiple input channels which can handle; balanced XLR inputs, Phono inputs, & 2 stereo RCA inputs.  Channels 1 & 5 also include a digital S/PDIF input as well as an option for a USB audio I/O signal from your computer.  Each of the 5 input channels feature a mic pre with gain adjustment, Pan, EQ, Crossfader routing, PFL Solo for cues & an analog fader for level control.  The 6th input channel doesn't feature RCA or digital inputs but, it does have the same balanced microphone input with pre, gain settings, and PFL functions as the other 5 channels.

There's one more feature to each channel that's a world exclusive, and that's Rodec's FX wet/dry selection potentiometer. (potentiometer= geek speak for knob)  The Rodec doesn't feature an on board FX section, instead they have two FX inserts on the rear of the unit for connection to outboard FX units.  IE: Korg's Kaoss Pad, Rodec's Restyler, Kalediloop.  With the Rodec mixer you have dual wet/dry control over both effects units for each individual channel.  Do you understand how cool that is?  Forget standard and tired Pioneer DJ EFX everyone's heard, you can use a Rodec with two EFX units to create totally original and unique EFX for your sets.  You could even hook a computer up to one of these FX inserts and use EFX plug-ins as one of your inserts on the Rodec.  Then imagine a Kaoss Pad on the other insert.  You could then be rocking a set whilst using the Kaoss Pad EFX blended with any number of EFX from your computer to create truly insane sounds.

Rodec build their mixers in a modular fashion and you can even make changes to the mixer to suit your style.  You can add USB audio I/O to the mixer or Digital Faders (I'm not sure if the digital faders can send midi info though)  Looking at this modular concept it's no wonder they didn't add an EFX unit to their Progressive Line of DJ Mixers.  Rodec has definietly taken the "build your own" setup idea to heart.

The MX2200 has multiple outputs for performance and tracking in the studio.  Their is one standard balanced XLR output, and then a second balanced XLR output with an EQ that allows you to control the high and low end of your master channel. (great for adjusting your overall sound to meet the acoustic specifications of where ever you're playing.) The master channel features Rodec's exclusive dual wet/dry EFX control.  For live recording the mixer features 3 RCA & 2 digital S/PDIF outputs.

The bottom line is... Rodec Mixers are built like tanks in Belgium (not china) with quality materials by passionate craftsmen.  They have a reputation of sound that can't really be rivaled in the DJ Mixer world and their products allow the end user to get something that will suit their needs perfectly regardless of how insane their current setup might be.  I hope this has been a decent introduction into the world of Rodec DJ & Sound products.  Maybe one of you looking into some Pioneer of Allen & Heath gear might give Rodec a look.  I highly doubt you'll be displeased.

I had a hell of a time finding a video of the MX2200 but, I did find one of Rodec's Restyler analog EFX units.  Be sure to give Rodec's Website a look so you can check out all of their products!

Teenage Engineering OP-1 Synthesizer

I first saw this little beast on Livid's facebook page, the product has since been made more famous, post its appearance in Sweedish House Mafia's video for One. You know that madness in the beginning of the song? That's all from the OP-1. You're intrigued now, might as well keep reading.

The OP-1 is a portable synthesizer that also features MIDI & Teenage Engineering's exclusive "tape" feature. Inside is multiple types of synthesis (8 to be precise) including a form of analog emulation for you tone lovers. Most of you are used to controlling synthesis through the basic ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) envelope which is obviously built in to the OP-1. But, the OP-1 also features other types of envelope forms giving you even more control and customization over the sounds you create on the OP-1. Add to this a built in sequencer and sampler for creating drum loops and small samples of program info. The synthesis and drum sampler are all cool enough but, that isn't really what sets the OP-1 apart.

What does make it quite unique is the OP-1's "tape" emulation function. With this little tool you can record and manipulate sounds you've created to the tape function (HD) in real time. It's a 4 track tape recorder that's capable of capturing sound from the built in synth/sampler or from the inputs available with the OP-1's audio interface. A tape machine can in fact be a very cool sounding instrument. The first time I hit play on a 24 track I instantly re-wound the tape to record the sound of the tape starting up. It's truly an epic sound and while the OP-1 obviously isn't a Studer, it does it's best to emulate the effects of one.  There are a ton of unique sounds you can concoct using the tape feature that will surely set your music apart from the masses. There's a small built in mixer so you can easily blend the sounds between the 4 tracks you've built up while jamming on top of the OP-1. The OP-1 connects to your computer via USB and shows up as a storage device. This allows you to easily pull material you've created onto the OP-1 right into your DAW for mixing and placement into your songs. The USB functionality also enables the OP-1 to act as a basic MIDI controller.

The built in audio interface features in's & out's via 3.5mm jacks @ 24bits & 96kbps. The OP-1 also has a small built in speaker so you can jam anywhere, did I mention the unit can be battery powered. Another neat feature of the OP-1 is it's G-Force motion sensor. This allows the user to shake or move the OP-1 complete with an effected audio response from the OP-1. Shake this beast and the sound will in turn shake as well! There is even rumors from Teenage Engineering that you will be able to connect multiple OP-1's for jamming with your friends without wires. That's what I just said, wireless digital jam sessions! The OP-1 might be worth buying just to keep in your glove box for long road trips with people like me who don't shut the hell up.

The OP-1 has gotten incredibly fantastic reviews from the audio world and if it's good enough for Sweedish House Mafia it's certainly good enough for all of us!  You can't buy the OP-1 yet but as soon as you can I'll surely let you all know via ZeSoundSuite!  Check out the video below of the OP-1 in action and for more information on the OP-1 & the company behind it; Teenage Engineering be sure to check out their webstie! 

Pro Tools HD Native Now Available from AVID

Am I a fan of all of AVID's restrictions and BS they make you work around with their LE systems? Not really what-so-ever.   Do I think it's the best DAW out their for Mixing & Recording... No doubt.

Nothing works like Pro Tools, it's seamless and beyond efficient for applying a speedy work flow to any project.  Pro Tools just works, bottom line, regardless of all the hardware restrictions. (They are only trying to protect their product from piracy. Can you blame them?) Pro Tools LE with the Music Production bundle was a pretty hefty beast of a DAW and you could do quite a bit with it but, it still lacked some very important features that were available with Pro Tools HD.  IE: Automatic Delay Compensation, 5.1 Feature, High Channel Counts, 192khz Resolution, Synchronization, Multiple Solo Modes, etc.  These limitations made working with LE a trying process at times and their is no doubt I've opened up and used Cocko's Reaper more than a couple times when I was just fed up with Pro Tool's limitations.  Still, I always ended up using Pro Tools in the end.  I honestly just can't change my DAW, I love the work flow I've created inside of Pro Tools way too much.  Maybe one day but, for now I'm a dedicated Pro Tools user and very excited about the new Native HD Systems that were just released.

With the release of Pro Tools HD Native, Pro Tools has changed the DAW game.  It's not even really "native" though, it still requires a PCIe card from AVID.  So the whole name is a little misleading.  They should have just called it, Pro Tools HD That Costs Less.  I guess it is kind of native, since it does take some advantage of your computers processing power unlike previous HD Systems.  However, I feel that to call a system "native" it needs to only use the power from the computers processor.  IE: Logic, Ableton, etc.  Now you can have all the benefits of a Pro Tools HD System (Minus TDM Plug-ins) at a price that's actually affordable though.  Who could really ever afford an actual HD system on a home budget anyways.  I don't know about you but I can think of about 100 other things I'd buy with 10 grand as opposed to some of Digi's other PT HD Systems.  Don't start thinking that Pro Tools HD Native will be "cheap" it's not trust me, it' retails for $3,500 without AVID's new Omni or HD Interfaces.  You can score a decent deal by picking up the Native HD System bundled with one of AVID's new Omni interfaces (8x8) for just under $6,000.  Compared to an HD 1 system you're saving a fairly big chunk of cash while still having the great quality, features & plug-ins that HD is known for.

Let's talk about who this system is for first because, it requires a few things which put it beyond the reach of some users.  In order to run the new Pro Tools HD Native system you need to have at least one of AVID's HD Interfaces.  Whether it's their new HD line of interfaces or an older 192/96 I/0 you still need one of these to run the HD Native system.  The HD Native system supports up to 4 interfaces.  Like I said before it doesn't have support for TDM Plug-ins but does support RTAS/AudioSuite Plug-ins.  You also need to have a computer with at least one open PCIe slot (Laptop Users Check this Out, you can get the PCIe power too)  AVID also recommends at least 2 gigs of ram and either Windows 7 or Mac OSX 10.6.4.

I suppose it's time for the specs now... Pro Tools HD Native features up to 64 channels of simultaneous I/O.  More than you'll likely ever fill.  Maximum number of audio tracks allowed varies depending on what sample rate your session is set to.  Since most of the new age kids are making their sessions all stereo (please stop doing this, there is nothing wrong with a mono kick) I'll list the stereo specs, these audio track counts are doubled for mono tracks.  @ 48kHz you can have up to 96 Stereo Audio Tracks, @ 96kHz you can have up to 48 Stereo Audio Tracks, and @ 192kHz you can have up to 18 Stereo Audio Tracks.  As I said before if you're using mono tracks these audio track counts are doubled.  There are other caps on numbers of instruments tracks, midi tracks, aux tracks, VCA tracks, & master tracks but they are such high counts most of you wouldn't be affected by these limitations.  If you still want to see them check out the specs page over at AVID.  Yes it does still require one of AVID's "native" PCIe cards and cannot just run off of your computer's host processor.  Beyond that, it's loaded with all the goodies and features of previous HD Systems, Including all the plug-ins and instruments!

Is this a truly "native" system? No, far from it in fact.  It still will cost you a nice chunk of cheese to set up a new Pro Tools HD Native system from AVID but, this is the most professional and highest quality format of Digital Audio Workstation available at an affordable price.  You can't expect it to be cheap, you're paying for quality and if you've ever used a Pro Tools HD system you know it's worth every cent.  The great thing is they've made this HD system affordable enough for serious home studio enthusiasts & producers.  I've included a few links below to AVID's website so you can do some digging of your own.  They haven't really made that much information available yet.  I'm sure we will all learn more as the days go by and the product begins to sell though, I'll keep you all posted on any updates related to this release, including the general consensus on it over at GearSlutz.

Pro Tools HD Native Overview

Pro Tools HD Native Features

Pro Tools HD Native Specifications 

Pro Tools HD Native Bundled Plug-ins

Best,

Nick

Dj TechTools Handbuilt MIDI Fighter

Buttons, Good... MIDI Buttons, better... Arcade Style MIDI Buttons, INSANE!  DjTechTools.com is a blog/resource/store for DJ's based around the equipment, techniques & tricks of the Digital DJ world.  Fear not producers, they haven't forgot about you.  Case & Point: The MIDI Fighter.   This piece was originally sold out but, as of October 1st, 2010 DJTechTools.com is now taking orders for this beast once again.

The MIDI Fighter is a hand built, completely customizable MIDI Controller for use with any software that accepts MIDI messages.  The MIDI Fighter features a high quality sturdy frame sporting 16 spring loaded durable & smooth Japanese Sanwa Arcade Buttons & blue LED's.  If you've ever used any type of spring loaded controller button you know how absolutely epic they are for bouncing between cue points, loops and firing samples.  Allen & Heath's Xone DX features 4 tiny spring loaded buttons for memory cues and this was hands down my favorite feature of the controller.  I'm getting all turned on thinking about 16 massive spring loaded buttons to jam on.  The MIDI Fighter isn't some cheap crumby standard MIDI Controller, quite the contrary in fact.

Each one of these controllers is completely hand built and unique from the acrylic base plate up.  DJ TechTool's store allows you to customize your controller in real time on the web and see exactly how it will look before your purchase it.  They can build your controller for you, for an extra $15.00 (a very fair shake I must say, props) or you can have it shipped to you in pieces and you can build it yourself.  No need to worry about soldering either, none is required with their DIY MIDI Fighter kits.  Don't forget that since these are built DIY style in pieces your MIDI Fighter is also completely customizable and ready for an upgrade anytime you feel the urge.  The main board comes with an extra 8 inputs. (4 Analog, 4 Digital)  This means you can add your own controls aside from the Sanwa Buttons (IE: Faders, Knobs, Ribbons etc) thus turning your MIDI Fighter into a truly one of a kind machine.  If you're still skeptical about the whole DIY idea, don't be.  DJ Tech Tools put together a great video to help you out and guide you through the process step by step.  I feel like I could show my 8 year old niece this video, give her the pieces and she could build it.  Plus, think how much better you'll feel about your controller knowing you built it yourself.  That's worth the DIY time right there not to mention you save 15 bucks.

Worried about mapping this controller to your software? You worry to much... no need to trip DJTechTools.com has taken care of that for you too.  At their site they have mappings available for Traktor Pro & Serato Scratch.  Mapping in Ableton is beyond easy and it's also a program that's used in such a variety of ways by each user it's obvious they don't have a map for it.  I know three people who use digital lighting software to control their DMX capable stage lights, I have to say that I think the MIDI Fighter might be the perfect option for those lighting guys looking for a durable controller to orchestrate their light shows with too.

Lets re-cap this thing really quick.  Hand Built, High Performance/Quality, DIY Option, Customizable, Upgradable, Supported, Versatile MIDI Controller.  It also has quite the community of passionate and dedicated digital geeks standing behind it to ensure you're never left in the dark if you have questions regarding the MIDI Fighter.  What are you waiting for? Go buy one! Even I must admit that I had given up on spending money on DJ/Production equipment so I could save up for more engineering based analog gear but I think I'll be breaking that little pact with myself to grab one of these before they're sold out again.  For more information regarding the MIDI Fighter check out the video below and visit DjTechTools.com.



Best,

Nick

Ableton and Serato Have Finally Released The Bridge

We've all heard the rumors and seen the epic Rane Mixer but it's hard to be stoked on something until it's really here and in front of your face. Well my friends, The Bridge is finally here! Ableton and Serato got together to smash up the best of both worlds when it comes to live electronic music performance, and I must say, I think they've hit the mark.

The Bridge was released on Septemeber 22nd and is available for Ableton Suite & Live users. Since it's so new to the market a lot of infromation isn't available yet but will surely trickle onto the net as more users put The Bridge to work. In order to use The Bridge you need to have Ableton Live/Suite 8.2 or above and Serato Scratch Live 2.1.1 or above. Support for Serato's Itch is also in the works and will no doubt be available here in the near future.

Essentially The Bridge gives your Ableton productions DJ Turntable style control with Serato and your CDJ's. You can drag clips from Ableton into a deck inside of Serato and have all of the typical "DJ" tools and tricks at your disposal for your Ableton clips.  Looping on the fly efficiently and EQing two tracks at once is nearly impossible with Ableton so The Bridge will be a much needed god send for those old school DJ's who now use Ableton to perform.  Basically, if you can do it in Serato you can now do it with Ableton and if you can do it in Ableton you can now do it with Serato.  I hope that makes sense if not think of it like this...  The Ableton Session View now lives inside of Serato.  You can also record you Serato mix sets directly into Ableton. With this feature you can use plug-ins available in Ableton to tweak and perfect your recorded live DJ mixes.  The programs accomplish their respective tasks seamlessly together and unlike ReWire it doesn't matter which program you open first. You don't need an interface either, Ableton and Serato have perfected the routing so that all the audio is being routed inside of the box. And yes all your Ableton Midi Hardware will also work with the Bridge. An APC 40 ripping Ableton clips to shreads next to a set of CDJ's mashing up bangers... if that doesn't stimulate creativity I don't know what can.

Scope this video to learn more about The Bridge and for even more info on The Bridge be sure to visit Ableton's site.  They have done a fantastic job introducing the world to the The Bride and you can even try the demo for free!  After all, actually using the software and putting it to work with your personal work flow is the best way to learn.

ICE AV's HoloDesk The Future of Digital Software Control

You've all seen holographic displays before, they are very prevalent in Hollywood movies and often now used by news anchors and sports casters on television. However, they aren't quite as prevalent in the musical performance scene. Kevin Andreassend is the inventor of the HoloDesk and he's looking to change that. Kevin was kind enough to leave a comment on ZeSoundSuite and helped me promote this place by linking ZSS to some of his sites. I figured I would return the favor by doing some research on the HoloDesk and preparing a post for all of you to enjoy.

ICE AV is a company from the New Zealand that has created the HoloDesk for DJ's and digitally based performers. The HoloDesk is a holographic 2D touch sensitive display that projects images on both sides of the unit. This gives the audience a front row seat to whatever is being displayed on the HoloDesk. The crowd can now see all the madness the DJ or Performer is manipulating in their software during the show. Obviously the HoloDesk can be put to more uses than just DJing but for now being that it's so new to the market that's all we have a preview to at the moment. The HoloDesk can convert your hands touch into MIDI messages which can then be sent into your DJ software to manipulate the various parameters and controls.  Imagine being able to see exactly what the DJ is doing as they're doing it. The HoloDesk has the ability to connect the artist and the crowd in new ways never before thought of. A live performance is all about the connection and the HoloDesk will certainly be that link between performers and audiences as it gains popularity in the industry.

Currently you have to purchase a DIY kit to get your own HoloDesk but, a plug & play complete version from ICE AV is in the works currently.  However, a DIY kit does give you the advantage of choosing from a variety of options ICE AV offers.  There's no doubt within a few years we will all of seen this live and in use as DJ's & Performers from around the world are itching to get their own HoloDesk.   ICE AV is even working on a 10.2" LCD Touchscreen computer running Windows 7 for use with DJ Software as well.   The basic function of the HoloDesk is simple, you touch it and your computer responds just like any other MIDI Controller. The difference being that this is coolest looking most epic MIDI Controller ever created! If you're interested in a HoloDesk you can contact ICE AV Directly or do some more research on your own at their website. Check out this video of a user putting Traktor Pro to work with the HoloDesk and you'll understand why the the HoloDesk is indeed the future of live performance!