Category Archives: Computer Hardware

The Seelake AudioStation Audio Workstation

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Musikmesse 2012: The Seelake AudioStation is a all-in-one audio workstion, combining a powerful CPU, multiple audio and MIDI inputs and outputs and microphone preamplifiers in one device.

AudioStation functions:

  • Powerful Multi-Instrument VST Player
  • VST Multi-FX Rack
  • Advanced MIDI Patchbay
  • Performance Digital Audio Recorder
  • VST and audio Digital Mixer
  • Multi-Track Digital Audio Player

Main features:

  • Powerful processor
  • Large RAM memory
  • 1 or 2 large hard disks
  • DVD writer
  • Main Operative System expressely built and optimized for audio signals, based on Microsoft Windows kernel and compatible with any musical application written for Windows.
  • AudioStation software Audio and VST Mixer-Host integrated in the operative system.
  • Completely independent additional operative environment, to use AudioStation like a traditional computer for word processing, graphics, web or any other, with no risk to the AudioStation audio/musical functionality.
  • operative environment for the maintenance of the device, where users can: restore factory defaults; clone installations into the (optional) backup hard disk and vice versa; wipe the file system in case of shocks or free falls
  • Audio system with 10 I/Os and high quality converters
  • MIDI system with 8 I/Os and ultra precise timing
  • Live Control remote controller for controlling AudioStation in live performances with no need for monitor, keyboard nor mouse

Specifications below. See the Seelake site for details.
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Open Labs Dell Touch Laptop

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Open Labs has introduced the Touch Laptop – a mobile Windows computer optimized for music production.

The laptop is one of the results of Open Labs’ collaboration with Dell and features Intel Sandy Bridge processors, DDR3 memory and a 14″ Multi-Touch Screen..

Here’s what Open Labs has to say about the Touch Laptop:

With our new Dell partnership, we were able to build a customized laptop based off one of Dell’s most stable and powerful platforms. With complete control over the internal components, operating system, and custom tweaks, the Open Labs Touch Laptop was designed specificly for music creation and live performance.

It’s hardend tri-metal casing features an anodized aluminum back, a tough magnesium frame, and a zinc alloy latch. It also features a spill resistant backlit keyboard and a 360 degree bumper surrounding the touchscreen, making it a truly road ready machine.

Included with the Touch Laptop is our own Music OS 3 software. Designed for touch screen use, the fast and user friendly Music OS™ makes creating and performing with virtual instruments and effects easier than traditional DAW’s.

MimiK keyboard cloning software will clone the sounds of any midi equipped keyboard or hardware sound module. Put all your keyboards into your Touch Laptop.

The Open Labs Touch Laptop is priced starting at $1,499.

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Rain Launches New LiveBook A2 Quad-Core Mobile Audio Workstation

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Rain Computers has released the follow up to their LiveBook Mobile Audio Workstation line, the LiveBook A2.

The LiveBook A2 (the “A” is for audio, the “2” because it’s the second generation) offers quad-core processing, discrete graphics and the choice of a glossy or matte high resolution 15.6 inch screen. The laptop has been designed ‘to guarantee the performance and stability audio pros and DJs demand during once-in-a-lifetime recording sessions, live shows and other situations where failure is not an option’.

The LiveBook A2 is available with a quad-core processor up to 2.5GHz, the option to add 16 gigabytes of memory, the NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M graphics processor that can be switched off via a button on LiveBook to save battery power when you’re stuck on an airplane, and a bevy of high speed ports including USB 3.0 and eSATA.

The LiveBook A2 is certified for use with Pro Tools for audio production, Serato for DJs and the Adobe Master Collection.

Pricing starts at US $1599.

What’s Your Backup Plan?

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backup your music computer

We didn’t post a lot of synth news on Wednesday of this week. But it wasn’t because there was less going on in the synth world – it was because I had a catastrophic failure of the startup drive on my primary computer.

My machine is configured to start from a 500GB external hard disk and the drive had died overnight.

Fortunately, the computer was configured to do automatic backups. So, getting the system back up and running was a matter of getting a new drive, starting from a system disk and restoring the backup. But, for a day, I didn’t know if my music library, audio projects, email history and years of digital photos would restore correctly.

I was relieved to find out, Thursday morning, that the restore had worked perfectly. But the experience was a real-world reminder to me of the importance of having a backup plan.

If you don’t have a rock-solid backup plan currently, get yourself an external hard drive and do it. Here are a few links that may help:

And, if you’ve got a computer disaster story of your own, leave a comment with the details and maybe we’ll convince a reader or two to start backing things up.

Music Computing Intros ControlBLADE & DawBLADE OS X Music Workstations

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Music Computing has announced a new line of Mac OS X compatible keyboard and music production stations, the ControlBLADE keyboard workstations and DawBlade music production workstations.

ControlBLADE keyboards are all-in-one music production stations complete with piano keys, drum trigger pads, knobs, sliders, thousands of sound presets and software for live and studio use.

The new models of ControlBLADEs are powered by Mac Mini computers utilizing IntelCore i-series processors. Options include i5 and i7 dual and quad core versions.

ControlBLADE is available in a 25-Key and 61-Key models. About the same size as a typical keyboard controller and weighing 22-lbs (61-key) / 13-lbs (25-key).

Built into each ControlBLADE are a vast number of controls including: 8 velocity sensitive trigger pads, 2X Assignable Pedal Interfaces, 8X Assignable Faders (61-key only), Pitch Bend Wheel and Modulation wheel, 6 Buttons for MTC, Master Volume Fader (61-key only), 8 double Function button with shift, providing 15 functions like (PROGRAM,CHANNEL,CURVE,OCTAVE,TRANSPOSE,BANK M, BANK L, DUAL, SPLIT, MUTE, AFTER TOUCH, CONTROL ASSIGN and etc), 10X numeric pad with +/- buttons, Built-in Memory, which can store/load 6 groups of user’s parameters, MIDI/OUT, and MIDI/IN. ControlBLADEs all come with built-in Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth and even Thunderbolt.

The standard configuration for ControlBLADEs include a 24bit-48 kHz audio I/O with two (2) combo XLR & ¼” mic/instrument 48V phantom power inputs, two (2) balanced outputs and a stereo headphone jack. The optional upgrade gives you a 24bit-96 kHz audio I/O with two (2) combo XLR & ¼” mic/instrument 48V phantom power inputs, six (6) ¼” balanced inputs (line-level), two balanced outputs and a stereo headphone jack.

“We are always striving to provide more advanced and user-friendly products to our customers,” said Victor Wong, CEO, Music Computing. “our new line of Mac OS X compatible keyboard and music production stations clearly demonstrates our dedication and inventiveness to that goal.”

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Rain Computers Debuts Nimbus M2 Audio + Video Workstation

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Rain Computers NimbusRain Computers has released the Nimbus M2, ‘do-anything’ Windows multi-media workstation. The Nimbus M2 offers a 6-core processor, NVIDIA Quadro 600 Workstation Video Card and 8GB or 16GB of memory out of the box.

“The idea was to design the Swiss Army Knife equivalent of a workstation. Something just as good at crunching guitar tracks as it was at figuring out the lighting in a 3D model.” commented Kevin Jacoby, Rain Computers CEO. “But we also wanted it to be really affordable so we could offer it to the next generation of creative geniuses. We definitely got there and that’s the part we’re most excited about.”

Of particular note is the ability to expand the Nimbus M2 to 32 gigabytes of memory, the external hard drive bay allowing for a fast “hot swap” drive to be installed, and a cooling system that combines modular cooling fans with advanced acoustic insulation.

Nimbus M2 Multimedia Workstation is available now starting at $1599 through the Rain Custom Shop at RainComputers.com.

New Windows LiveBook V2 – “The World’s Most Powerful Laptop”

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Livebook laptop computerRain Computers has announced the release of a new flagship laptop, the Intel quad-core powered LiveBook V2 Mobile Video + Graphics Workstation, a high-performance Windows laptop they describe as “the world’s most powerful laptop.”

LiveBook V2 is designed with audio, video and graphics production in mind.

Of particular note is the option to customize LiveBook V2 with a 2.5GHz Intel “Sandy Bridge” Core i7 quad-core processor, two high performance hard drives, a choice of NVIDIA GeForce or Quadro graphics and 32 gigabytes of memory.

The base price is $2499. Here’s what you get for that wad of cash.

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Using An eeePC As A Cheap Computer Music Workstation

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Andrey Gladkov demonstrates how he uses an eeePC netbook as a cheap computer workstation.

While a lot of musicians might dismiss netbook PCs as underpowered or limited, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be used for music. And, as shown here, they can be used to do some pretty crazy stuff.

Anybody else using netbook computers for music? If so, let us know what you’re doing in the comments! Continue reading →

Orange OPC Guitar Amp + Computer First Look

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Remember the Orange OPC Guitar Amplifier + Recording Studio Workstation - the bizarro computer + guitar amp combination that was introduced at this year’s NAMM Show?

Music Radar got their hands on one of the Orange OPC computers and put together this first look at it.

According to Orange, the OPC computer will be leading the way with a number of ‘Firsts’:

  • The first PC to feature an integrated audio interface enabling the user to plug in a guitar or microphone using a standard 1/4? jack plug
  • The first computer of its kind to have built-in high powered speakers which deliver full range studio quality sound as well as producing vintage guitar sounds.

The OPC comes with the following software packages:

  • IK Multimedia Amplitube 3 including Custom Shop Orange Amps – Amp and Effects Modelling Software
  • Presonus Studio One Custom Orange Edition – DAW
  • Acoustica Mixcraft 5 – DAW
  • Toontracks EZdrummer Lite
  • Lick Library Player – Guitar learning and jamming centre

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Music Computing Intros LokBOX Data Vault For Musicians

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Music Computing has introduced a LokBox – a ‘personal data vault’ for musicians.

It’s unique, as far as we know – an 18 gauge steel case that contains a USB 2.0 hub for use with up to 4 USB devices. It can be locked using the keys provided, and a security cable is included so the LokBOX can be chained to any support structure for more security.

It can also be equipped with an optional 500GB SSD Hybrid hard drive for data storage.

“We hear about security all the time, but usually only react when things have gone wrong,” said Victor Wong, CEO, Music Computing, “LokBOX is a simple and elegant way to be proactive about the privacy of your personal data.”

Price for the LokBOX is $99. An optional 500GB SSD Hybrid drive is available for $199.