computer music workstation

It looks like Akai is responding to the scorching criticism of it’s latest workstation, the Akai MPC 5000.

Akai Professional has released new Operating System firmware for all its current MPCs, including the MPC5000, MPC2500, MPC1000 and MPC500.

MPC5000 OS update
Operating System version 1.02 for MPC5000 resolves 14 issues, most notably enabling producers to load their old MPC2000 programs.

MPC2500 OS update
MPC2500 Operating System version 1.24 enables allows beat-engineers to save and open Chop Shop 2.0 files and improves upon 13 performance details.

MPC1000 OS update
Like its larger sibling, MPC1000 now provides its users with Chop Shop 2.0 support for file opening and saving. Operating System version 2.12 enables MPC1000 to auto-detect split points for Chop Shop, loop patched phrases, record Track Mute events and load MPC5000 .all files. Additionally, this release resolves 17 concerns.

MPC500 OS update
Even the smallest member of the MPC family, MPC500, gets a new Operating System. Version 1.31 enhances performance in two areas.

PCAudioLabs now offers the Eclipse server, an AMD-based dual processor hardcore monster system featuring 14 terabytes of storage housed in a 3U rack using Windows XP x64 software.

If you’re always running out of space for audio files, this may be what you need….as long as you’ve got an extra 14k to spare. It can hold up to 3,500,000 songs.

“Modern recording and composing require a lot of storage, transfer and fast access. Be it for sample libraries or high resolution tracking, the process of sharing information with multiple systems can cause chaos and bog down your whole production. The Eclipse server provides the power to easily manage all of these issues,” said Gregory Butler of PCAudioLabs.

Eclipse 3U Server Chassis:

• 16 Hot-Swap Removable Hard Drives
• Slim DVD-ROM drive
• Redundant 800W power supply
• Dimensions: 5.2″ x 17.2″ x 25.5″ (H x W x D)
• 7 Full-Height, Full-Length Expansion Slots
• 3 x 80mm Hot-Swap Fans + 2 x 80mm Rear Fans
• 2 x USB Ports on the front

Motherboard:

• Tyan Dual Opteron Motherboard
• Expansion Slots: 2x PCIe x16, 3x PCI-X, 1x PCI
• USB 2.0: 4 ports (back) + 2 ports (front) + 2 ports (back optional)
• FireWire: 1 port (back)
• Network Ports: 2 x 1000Mbps ports
• Memory Slots: 8x DDR-400 slots (16GB max)
• Onboard Serial ATA: 4 x SATA ports w/RAID options
• Built-in Audio: Built-in AC97 audio with I/O ports

CPU: Dual AMD Opteron 275 dual core 2.2GHz
Memory: 4GB DDR400 ECC (4 x 1GB)

PCAudioLabs has released Impact, a computer case designed specifically for use with professional studio/music applications. The case was designed from the ground up taking into account how computers are used during the process of making music.

Features:

• Modular Design: The external 5.25″ drive carriage can rotate 360 degrees, allowing impact to be set up as a rackmount or a desktop. This provides compatibility with the large variety of hardware configurations on the market today and in the future.
• Aluminum Shell: Aluminum cases are lighter and they conduct heat more efficiently than steel or plastic, so the fans don’t have to work as hard (less noise, less wear and tear).
• Shock-Mounted Hard Drive Carriage: Inside Impact is a shock-mounted hard drive carriage capable of holding 7 internal hard drives. Shock mounting the hard drives serves two purposes: one is that it blocks hard drive vibrations from transferring to the case (reducing noise), and the other is that it protects the hard drives in transit.
• Acoustical Foam Insulation: The inside of Impact is lined with a rubber backed sound dampening foam which reduces internal ambient noise and noise caused by vibration to keep it operating quietly under any CPU load. The inside front door of impact is also lined with the same acoustic material for extra sound absorption.
• Near-Silent Cooling Fans: Air flow throughout impact is handled by near-silent 120mm and 80mm cooling fans, featuring optimized fan blade geometry allowing for 10% more cooling efficiently than ordinary high-end fans, and at a low dBA.
• 80 PLUS Power Supply: The 80 PLUS performance specification requires power supplies in computers to have 80% or greater energy efficiency at 20%, 50% and 100% of rated load with a true power factor of 0.9 or greater. This translates into better sounding audio, a lower electricity bill, more stable power under heavy CPU load, and in our case, a near-silent power supply.
• Recessed USB 2.0 and FireWire 400 Front Ports: On the front of impact are 2 USB 2.0 ports, and 1 FireWire 400 port. Both ports are recessed 1/2″ to prevent a USB dongle or external hard drive from being unplugged or damaged accidentally. Because of the location and orientation of the front ports, access to them is unrestricted and in an Impact tower configuration, cables can be more easily routed out of harm’s way.
• Recessed Power Button: Impact features a recessed power button to prevent accidental power-off. This also allows impact to be powered on without opening the front door.
• Recessed Expansion Slots: A 3/4″ recessed rear panel adds protection for the cables and ports on the back of your system during transport and during use.

Prices for configured Impact audio workstations start at US $2,675. Details at the PCAudiolabs site.

PCAudioLabs is now offering Windows XP Dual-Boot systems configured for audio, using swappable hard drives, with Windows XP Professional 64 and Windows Vista Ultimate 32/64.

With a Dual-Boot Vista DAW, you can still have access to the files stored on other hard drives from either version of Windows. Switching from your Windows XP applications to Windows Vista is as simple as removing one drive bay, and inserting the other.

“Upgrading to a new operating system can be a real headache. All software and drivers must be fully compatible and functional with the new OS before the upgrade makes sense. PCAudioLabs takes the guesswork out of when to make the switch with the Vista Dual Boot option, ensuring that the transition can be made comfortably, on your own time.”

Rain Recording has introduced the Nimbus AS1, an audio computer designed for the musician on a budget.

Starting at just $1299.95 (£749), the base model comes standard with dual-core processing, 667MHz RAM, dual SATA II hard drives and room to grow.

The scissor doors and top USB/FireWire ports provide easy access for audio peripherals and drive bays while the all aluminum construction keeps internal components passively cool and quiet. The case provides room for 4GB of RAM, 2 Terabytes of hard disk space and 3 PCI slots.

Shipping with Windows XP, Nimbus is also ready to roll with Vista, a no-cost option if you’re ready to switch to Microsoft’s newest OS.

Nimbus AS1 retails for $1,299.95 (£749)