The Soundcraft Guide to Mixing, embedded above, is an 18-video series on mixing live sound for music performances, aimed at beginners in the art.

The information isn’t specific to electronic music, but there’s a ton of info here.

Samson representatives are promoting the Zoom R16 as “three production tools in one device“:

• a multi-track recorder
• an audio interface and
• a control surface.

The R16 runs on six AA batteries. Recording onto SD memory allows for up to 32 GBs of audio files, and lightens the weight of the recorder. The R16 connects to the user’s computer via USB, and comes bundled with Cubase LE audio software.

The Zoom R16 retails for $399, making it a cheap all-in-one multitrack recording solution, especially for location work.

Product features include:

• Digital recorder with 16-track playback and 8-track simultaneous recording  utilizing SD memory
• 16/24-bit/44.1kHz linear PCM recording in WAV format
• Built-in stereo condenser microphones
• Included 1GB SD card and with support for up to 32GB SDHC
• Allows simultaneous recording on up to 8 tracks
• Battery operation for remote recording
• USB power for audio interface and control surface operation
• 8 mic inputs / 2 outputs (8 x 2)
• 8 combination XLR-1/4-inch inputs
• High-definition 24-bit/96kHz recording capability using digital audio software
• 100+ built-in studio effects coming from advanced DSP which can additionally be used as outboard effects
• Hi-Z input for direct connection of guitar or bass
• Included preamp with phantom power on two channels
• Mackie control emulation via USB for popular DAW software including Cubase, Logic, Digital Performer and more
• Amazing guitar amp and effects models
• Professional quality mastering effects including multi-band compressor, normalizer and more
• Operates as USB storage device for quick data transfer
• Connect two R16s via USB for synchronized operation and 16 tracks of simultaneous recording
• Undo/Redo functions
• Comes with Steinberg Cubase LE 4
• Supports Windows XP/Vista, Mac operating systems

Finally, the R16 can be connected with a second R16 unit via USB; one can be designated to function as the USB master and the other as the USB slave, allowing synchronized transport operation and recording on 16 tracks simultaneously.

The Zoom R16 will be available in stores “in the next few weeks,” according to a company representative, and will retail for $399.

via Podcasting News

Using the StudioLive in the Studio

via presonusaudio:

Heres a look at a typical recording session in a studio using the StudioLive as my interface as well as sending headphone mixes to an entire band.

More below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This is an official overview video of the Numark HDMIX DJ system.

via NumarkVideo:

What do you enjoy about being a DJ? Is it the hours of moving heavy racks and cases, running cables, and testing levels, or actually playing the gig that makes DJing fun and exciting? HDMIX gives you everything you need to DJ anywhere. Just add a pair of powered speakers or patch into the house PA, and HDMIX puts everything at your fingertips in a single, rugged console.

Musikmesse 2009: This is an overview of the Thermionic Culture Little Bustard, a valve-summing mixer, via soundonsoundvideo.

Musikmesse 2009: Sound On Sound takes a look at the Cakewalk V-Studio 100.

via soundonsoundvideo

Musikmesse 2009: This is an official video overview of the new ProSonus Studio One.

More videos below.

PreSonus Studio One – Control Link

Click here to view the embedded video.

PreSonus Studio One – Drag and Drop

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Driver Version 1.1 offers new functionality, including:

• Vista x64 support
• Compatibility with SONAR Producer versions 7 and 8
• RSS M-400 1.5 and 2.0 firmware support
• RSS M-48 Live Personal Monitor support

Included in this update is full support for Vista x64 operating systems and SONAR 8 Producer. REAC customers can now upgrade to the x64 version of Windows Vista to access the improved processing efficiency and extended RAM that the OS provides.

The SONAR REAC driver update also includes support for audio monitoring through SONAR V-Studio 700’s VS-700R audio interface. By combining RSS V-Mixing Systems and Digital Snakes with SONAR V-Studio 700, customers can now have a fully integrated, cost-effective, end-to-end solution that takes their productions from live events through post production and delivery.

REAC technology allows up to 40 simultaneous channels of audio to be recorded into SONAR through any RSS V-Mixing System or Digital Snake, via a single Cat5e cable to a PC Ethernet port connection. Once recording is finished, customers can simply shift into production mode to take full advantage of SONAR V-Studio 700’s extensive capabilities for editing, mixing, mastering and delivery of their productions.

Availability

The REAC Driver 1.1 update is available as a free download to registered SONAR REAC Recording System customers with Windows XP 32-bit and native Vista (32- and 64-bit) at http://www.cakewalk.com/Support/REAC/Default.aspx

Musikmesse 2009: Cakewalk announced the VS-700C V-Studio Console as a standalone control surface for SONAR 8 Producer.

The VS-700C was designed jointly by Cakewalk and Roland, and offers control over all aspects of SONAR 8 Producer’s creative, editing, and mixing capabilities. The VS-700C’s dedicated implementation of ACT (Active Controller Technology) dynamically remaps controls based on how the user is working in SONAR. Also, with the press of a button, the VS-700C provides instant control over any V-Link compatible video and imaging hardware, including the Edirol DV-7 line of direct linear video editing systems.

Details below.

VS-700C Highlights:
Channel Section

• Nine 100mm touch sensitive, motorized faders arranged in a bank of eight channel strips with a master channel
• Users can tab between fader banks and lock/unlock tracks and buses to faders for maximum efficiency when mixing large projects
• Channel Branch Mode is an innovative new mixing mode, where channel strip 1 will control the volume of a selected track while the remaining channels control the associated sends for that track
• One-level undo for all faders and encoders, using the “Revert to” feature
• Total control over SONAR 8 mute and solo functionality including Dim Solo, Exclusive Solo, and Layer Mute/Solo

EQ, Send, ACT Section

• Dedicated section of 12 continuous push-button rotary encoders which can be used for EQ, Sends, or ACT control
• When controlling EQ, the rotary encoders edit four stages of parametric EQ gain, frequency, and Q for whichever channel has the focus
• In ACT mode, encoders automatically remap to control effect, instrument, or mix parameters of whatever view or plug-in has focus within SONAR

Surround and Video Implementation

• Full surround implementation with Joystick Panner, F/R Balance, LFE Send, and Width controls
• Multifunction T-bar for surround F/R balance and video hardware control
• Automate multiple surround parameters simultaneously
• Control video mixers/editors/presenters that support V-LINK protocol

Access, Project Navigation, Editing

• Control plug-in for SONAR provides user-definable presets that change the functionality of the VS-700C depending on tasks or workflow preferences
• Access Panel provides one-button functionality to call up different views and utilities; allows custom assignments from over 45 SONAR commands
• Joystick can move plug-in windows around your screen
• In addition to F/R balance and Video hardware control, the T-Bar offers: X-Ray option to fade plug-in windows in/out to allow access to the views below and the T-Bar can also be used as a dedicated ACT controller
• Complete SONAR transport functionality not available from any other control surface, including Audition, Rewind, Fast Forward, RTZ/GTE, and Pause
• Jog and shuttle wheels and Free Edit cursors for project navigation, scrubbing and zoom; provides c omplete scroll and zoom functionality, including flyover mode which lets you navigate around a project
• Use jog wheel to move, crop and fade clip(s), as well as time-stretch
• Select clips and time ranges, even across tracks and layers
• Split and mute clips with the touch of a button
• Insert, delete, bypass and control any VST effect from the control surface
• Mackie Control protocol support, provides basic compatibility (transport, faders, jog/shuttle, etc.) with other Windows DAWs

Display

• A 2×13 LCD display for track names, parameter values, and markers
• 7 Segment LCD display for time code and now time position
• Responsive metering for each channel

SONAR V-Studio 700 and the VS-700C

The release of the SONAR V-Studio 700 system marked a new era of inspired, Cakewalk branded hardware and software music production solutions. SONAR V-Studio 700 addresses the gap between under-powered “budget” solutions and over-priced competitive solutions by offering a compelling, feature-rich music production system that is accessible to a broad range of users. SONAR customers who purchase the VS-700C can later purchase the VS-700R I/O to experience the full benefits offered by the complete SONAR V-Studio 700 system, which includes hardware control of the VS-700R from the VS-700C, 19 input channels, 8 digitally-controlled mic pres with compression on each channel, and onboard Fantom VS synthesizer featuring 1,400 patches with ARX expansion board capability, among many other features.

Pricing and availability

VS-700C console for SONAR 8 Producer will be available Summer, 2009 through Roland and Edirol distribution partners and select retailers worldwide. Local prices may vary, please check with your local Roland or Edirol distributor, or to find availability in your area using the dealer locator, please visit www.sonarvstudio.com.

A video tour of the DJ Tech booth at the 2009 NAMM Show. 

via AbstractSteeloShow

A look at the new SC System from Stanton.

SCS.1d Features:

• Flagship deck controller for laptop DJs and remixer / producers
• Adjustable high-torque 10 motorized platter with vinyl surface and superior tracking
• 100mm motorized pitch fader with recall for sync with software
• Velocity-sensitive pads assignable to loops, cue points, etc.
• Assignable Encoder section with 360° of LED feedback
• LCD scribble strips for two-way communication with selected software
• Familiar Transport section for direct music control
• Perfect for adding maximum control capabilities into existing DJ software
• Easily controls multiple virtual decks for powerful multi-channel mixes

SCS.1m Features:

At the 2009 Winter NAMM Show, Cakewalk announced that SONAR V-Studio 700, Cakewalk’s “ultimate solution for music production”, is now shipping worldwide.

Here are the details:

SONAR V-Studio 700 matches SONAR 8 Producer with the VS-700C V-Studio Console multifunction control surface and the VS-700R V-Studio I/O, which includes an onboard Roland Fantom VS Hardware synthesizer.

SONAR V-Studio 700 includes:

• SONAR 8 Producer Digital Audio Workstation
• The full version of Rapture Virtual Instrument
• The VS-700C V-Studio Console
• The VS-700R V-Studio I/O
• The integrated Roland Fantom VS hardware synthesizer
• VS-700C V-Studio Console

The hardware centerpiece is the VS-700C V-Studio Console.

The VS-700C, designed jointly by Cakewalk and Roland, offers deeper integration into SONAR’s editing and mixing capabilities than any off the shelf control surface. The VS-700C offers dedicated implementation of ACT (Active Controller Technology), which automatically remaps controls to what has the focus.

VS-700R V-Studio I/O

The VS-700R V-Studio I/O audio interface was designed to complement to SONAR’s internal 64-bit audio quality, and to provide extensive I/O options to take advantage of SONAR’s flexible bussing capabilities and integration with external hardware.

The VS-Studio 700 includes the best mic preamps and converter technology Roland has to offer. The preamps are also digitally-controlled. This lets you adjust preamp gain from the same control surface where you mix, and save gain settings as presets.

Roland Fantom VS and ARX expansion capability

The VS-700R also includes the Roland Fantom VS hardware synthesizer which adds to the full complement of inspiring synthesizers that are included in SONAR 8. The Fantom VS operates as a hardware VSTi instrument with complete access over all parameters accessible via a dedicated software plug-in interface and editor within SONAR.

Because the Fantom VS is DSP powered within the VS-700R I/O, it offers zero latency and CPU loading. SONAR V-Studio 700 provides even more hardware synthesis capabilities with an onboard ARX Expansion Slot. Just like with the Fantom VS, when you plug in an ARX Series Expansion Board you get a second hardware VSTi instrument that integrates seamlessly into SONAR’s workflow. Each ARX expansion board has its own dedicated custom graphic interface and powerful editor.

The ARX-01 Drums and ARX-02 Electric Piano expansion boards powered by Roland’s SuperNATURAL™ sound technology are currently available. A new board, the ARX-03 Brass, will be available March, 2009.

The SONAR V-Studio 700 system ships with SONAR 8 Producer, Rapture software synthesizer, the VS-700C V-Studio Console, the VS-700R V-Studio I/O with onboard Fantom VS synth, cables, and user guide.

Andy Rigby-Jones from Allen & Heath does a quick walkthrough of their new Xone:22 dj mixer.

via Scratchworx

2009 NAMM Show: Alesis has announced that its iMultiMix 16 USB mixer is now available.

The mixer is a “prosumer” level mixer that offers recording direct to iPod. iMultiMix 16 USB is the second entry in a new class of iPod mixers that started with the iMultiMix 8 USB.

iMultiMix 16 USB features a Universal Dock for iPod that let you record directly to any iPod Classic, 5th generation (video) and 2nd or 3rd generation iPod nano. The mobile recording mixer has iPod transport controls and a control wheel built into the surface for complete control of the iPod while it is docked in the mixer. The USB connection lets you transfer tracks into iTunes upon connection to a computer. Files recorded into the iPod are CD quality, 16-bit, 44.1kHz WAV files.

You can also connect the iMultiMix 16 USB to Mac or PC using USB for direct-to-computer recording. In addition to its computer connectivity, iMultiMix 16 USB offers eight analog inputs, 100 digital, 28-bit effects, phantom power and two switchable mic/line/guitar inputs.

iMultiMix 16 USB has an MSRP of $799.99 and a street price of $599.99.

2009 WInter NAMM Show: Allen & Heath has unveiled the Xone:22, a 2 channel analog DJ mixer – a mixer which A&H says offers pro-quality sound and features, but at an entry-level price.

“We’ve raised the bar on entry level mixer design with the Xone:22. It’s the first mixer at this price point to have a full cut isolator/EQ, accurate metering, quality faders and pro standard audio headroom. Incorporating a “lite” version of our now legendary Xone filter system is the icing on the cake,” explains Xone designer, Andy Rigby-Jones.

Description:

At the heart of the feature set is a lite version of the renowned analogue Voltage Control Filter (VCF) system offering Low-Pass and High-Pass filters, frequency sweep and ‘mild to wild’ resonance control. There is also a soft switched effects loop to bring in external effects, which are routed back in through the filter system.

The new mixer has 2 stereo channels with dual phono/line inputs, and phonos can be configured to line if no RIAA sources are in use. There is a 3-band total kill EQ, crossfader curve control switch, and the maximum output level is a generous +25dBu.

The main mix output and mic input are on professional standard balanced XLR’s, and there is a dedicated record output. The Xone:22 is equipped with comprehensive monitoring facilities, including a booth output with its own volume control, a cue mix control, and ‘cue-to-master’ switch to preview the master output. There are also 10-segment LED meters with selectable bar or dot mode display for each channel.

The Xone:22 is finished with UV sensitive ink screen for improved low light legibility.

Available from March 2009, SRP for the Xone:22 is £266 (+VAT).

2009 NAMM Show preview: Numark is now shipping the HDMIX uber-DJ mixer. 

HDMIX isn’t just a DJ mixer, though: it’s also a CD player with standard controls, an iPod and USB-device mixing station, and a computer that plays MP3 and other digital files from its removable, upgradeable hard drive.

HDMIX has been designed for mobile DJs and club owners who need a complete, portable system. HDMIX features an internal hard drive and an internal CD/DVD drive that plays CD, MP3-CDs and MP3-DVDs, and allows field-ripping music from a disc into the hard drive.

HDMIX is now available, with a list price of $1,299.00.

This is Numark’s video intro to the Numark M Series Tabletop Scratch Mixers.

Cakewalk, in collaboration with Roland, has introduced SONAR V-Studio 700, the flagship product in its “next generation” V-Studio line of Cakewalk branded hardware and software solutions. 

SONAR V-Studio 700 includes:

• SONAR 8 Producer + the full version of Rapture
• The VS-700C V-Studio Console
• The VS-700R V-Studio I/O
• The Integrated Roland Fantom VS hardware synthesizer
• Direct control of EDIROL video hardware such as the DV-7 line of nonlinear video editors and other hardware with V-Link support

“The original Roland V-Studio and VS products were groundbreaking in that they provided powerful digital recording capabilities to musicians with an easy to use hardware interface,” said Hidekazu Tanaka, President of Roland Corporation “With the advent of PC-based recording, times and musician’s needs have changed, but a few things have stayed the same. Musicians still want something easy to use that offers superior sound. In working with Cakewalk on the next generation V-Studio we wanted to create a recording solution that kept those goals in mind while innovating in new and exciting ways. The integration of video hardware control is one of those ways, deep hardware-based control of PC-based editing is another. We are happy to announce that SONAR V-Studio has met and exceeded those goals. It is the perfect successor to the V-Studio legacy.”

Mackie has introduced a new line of mixers, designed for computer music production, the U.Series Production Mixers. Mackie U.Series provides flexible connections and a simple user interface.

in a nutshell, Mackie is introducing a new line of simple mixers for people that don’t need the bells and whistles, but do want great sound. 

“The keyboardist, DJ and producer of today are forced to use over-complicated mixers designed for their dad’s era, or compromise with low-quality features and severely limited connectivity options,” said John Boudreau, Mackie Brand Group VP. “U.Series mixers bridge that gap — making them ideal for vinyl, modular analog synths and anything in between. These are the simplest, most intuitive mixers on the market today.”

Each model features a micro-master section with otherwise full-size qualities such as a prominent master volume knob and high resolution metering. Channel strips with 3-band active EQ, a built-in DI box and RIAA phono preamps allow you to plug-in, and turn up for live sound and recording via integrated stereo Firewire I/O. Ingenious “loop-thru” routing enables you to mix and record analog and DAW playback with a couple of simple moves. Each offers a stereo aux send, headphone out with pre-main level control and self-monoing outputs.

The U.420 4-channel stereo line mixer offers 3-band “full-kill” active EQ on each channel, a built-in DI box and a Mackie designed RIAA phono preamp. The U.420d is loaded with 2 premium Mackie mic channels with 30mm faders, and features 3-band active EQ with mid-sweep, while 2 high-headroom stereo line input channels include 2 Mackie designed RIAA phono preamps, 3-band active EQ, a full headphone cue system and a 30mm crossfader.

The U.Series mixers are now available in the U.S. and Canada. The U.420 is $299.99 U.S. MSRP and the U.420d is $359.99 U.S. MSRP.

Numark has introduced HDMIX, a DJ mixer that also offers:

• a CD player with standard controls;
• an iPod and USB-device mixing station;
• a computer that plays MP3 and other digital files from its removable, upgradeable hard drive.

HDMIX features an internal hard drive and an internal CD/DVD drive that plays CD, MP3-CDs and MP3-DVDs, and allows field-ripping music from a disc into the hard drive.

Features:

• Professional DJ mixer with CD and expandable playback options
• CD player plays CDs, MP3-CDs, and MP3-DVDs
• 80GB hard drive is replaceable and upgradable up to 1TB
• High-definition color LCD screen
• Three input channels, each with with EQ and gain
• Two USB ports for connecting iPods, thumb drives, and hard drives
• Two mic, three line, and two phono inputs
• XLR master and RCA zone outputs;1/8″ and 1/4″ Headphone outputs
• Scratch with MP3, WAV, and AAC (unprotected) files
• Massively-wide pitch control -100% – +25%
• Key Lock lets you independently shift tempo and pitch
• Jog wheels for seamless looping, pitch control, and scratching
• Text search, letter-pick scrolling, and on-board playlist creation
• Track search by artist, album, song, genre, and BPM
• Create custom playlists while performing
• Keyboard included for fast searching
• Beatkeeper™ technology for auto-syncing loops and samples; TAP override
• Transfer tracks between HDMIX and your Mac or PC via USB