7aliens’ Catanya is a polyphonic pattern-based software arpeggiator VSTi MIDI plugin.

It retails for about $70.

Features:

• next generation pattern arpeggiator
• easy to use
• fully editable patterns
• multiple instances
• 9×32 note matrix
• 1100 presets (music phrazes)
• supports recording final output into DAW for additional editations
• presets browser with ability to choose genre, style, rhythm, instrument, tempo
• applicable with any VSTi plugin or external HW synthesizer (via DAW’s midi out)
• unique AI Random functions for making unique velocity Groove
• realtime velocity spread
• support Cubase, Ableton Live, Reaper, FL Studio, Mackie Tracktion, NI Kore 2, EnergyXT

Predefined Presets
By Musical Instrument

• Basic Arpeggios 54
• Basses 386
• Drums&Percussion 101
• Guitars 50
• Pads 27
• Pianos 262
• Strings 31
• Synth 217

By Music Style

• Dance 330
• Classical 19
• Free (Universal) 192
• Funk 27
• Jazz 48
• Pop 147
• Rock 93
• Urban (Hip Hop, R&B) 155
• World 123

“Due to our small market capitalization, we have not enjoyed many of the benefits traditionally associated with a NASDAQ listing and Exchange Act registration,” said Rodney E. Olson, Chief Executive Officer of the Company. “Our Board believes that shareholder value is best served through reducing costs and focusing on our business plan rather than maintaining our current public reporting status and NASDAQ listing.”

In deciding to delist the Company’s common stock from NASDAQ and deregister its common stock under the Exchange Act, the Board of Directors concluded that the costs of maintaining its listing on NASDAQ and remaining a public company outweigh the benefits to the Company and its shareholders on continued NASDAQ listing and Exchange Act registration.

In addition to this news, we’ve heard rumors that Loud is having trouble with its suppliers. 

Do you think that the recession is going to be a bloodbath for music companies?

Among the factors the Board considered were:

• the costs, and expenses, both direct and indirect, associated with the Company’s stock being listed on NASDAQ and compliance with its obligations under the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;
• the substantial management time and effort required to maintain NASDAQ listing of the Company’s stock and Exchange Act registration, which would be better spent implementing the Company’s goals and strategies;
• the limited trading volume and liquidity of the Company’s stock on the NASDAQ;
• the likelihood that the Company will fail to meet the NASDAQ financial tests for continued listing of its common stock under NASDAQ Rule 4310(c)(3)(C), in any event, based on its financial results for 2008; and
• the lack of analyst coverage for the Company’s stock.

LOUD Technologies today announced that it received a notice from the Nasdaq Stock Market indicating that the Company is not in compliance with the requirements for continued listing under Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(14), because it did not file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (the “Form 10-Q”) by the prescribed due date (the “Nasdaq letter”).

The Nasdaq letter indicated that the Company has until January 20, 2009 to submit a plan to regain compliance.

LOUD’s Chief Financial Officer quit earlier in the year, after just a year, and LOUD recently announced it would cut its staff by 18 percent – about 90 employees.

It doesn’t look good for LOUD.

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.

2008 Summer NAMM Show: Mackie announced a new line of powered mixers — the PPM608, the PPM1008, and the PPM1012. 

“While they may be lightweight, the new Mackie PPMs deliver mad power,” said Gilbert Perales, Mackie product manager. “You won’t see smoke when driving dual S225 15″ towers from our mixer.”

Description:

A complete set of professional mixing tools includes premium Mackie preamps, 2 built-in DI boxes, 3-band Active EQ, and in-line compressors. The onboard 32-bit RMFX+ effects processor boasts a sane, useable set of premium Mackie reverbs, choruses and multi-tap delays.

• The PPM608 8-Channel, 1000W powered mixer includes 8 premium Mackie mic preamps, 48V phantom power and 6 TRS inserts.
• The PPM1008 8-channel powered mixer provides 1600W of power, 8 premium Mackie mix preamps, 48V phantom power and 6 TRS inserts.
• The PPM1012 12-Channel Powered Desktop Mixer features 8 mic/line mono inputs and 2 stereo line inputs.

The PPM608, 1008 and will be available in the U.S. in June 2008 and internationally in July 2008. PPM1012’s availability is Q3 of 2008. The PPM608 has an MSRP of $779.99. The PPM1008 has an MSRP of $939.99. The PPM1012 has an MSRP of $1,199.00.

I’ve got a set myself, and can vouch that they sound great and are built like tanks.

Now Mackie has announced the next generation of its SRM Series, with the SRM450v2 and SRM350v2.

The new models feature efficient switching power supplies, a lightweight neodymium woofer and a titanium dome compression driver. The SRM450v2 is 11 pounds lighter than its predecessor and now cast in a distinctive midnight blue enclosure.

“The change in sound from the originals is noticeable across the entire frequency range- the low end is punchier, the highs are more brilliant and the clarity of the mids are greatly improved,” said John Boudreau, Mackie Brand Group VP. “The original SRM’s have been the industry standard for sound quality for a decade; we needed to step it up and create a new standard- that’s what we’ve done with the SRMv2.”

The sound improvement may be great – but, in my book, cutting 11 pounds off the weight may be the best new feature.

The SRM450v2 features a built-in 300W class-D, Fast Recovery LF amp/100W HF amp and weighs 40 lbs. The SRM350v2 features a built-in 165W class-D, Fast Recovery LF amp/30W HF amp and weighs 26 lbs.

The SRMv2s are now available world-wide. The SRM350v2 will have a U.S. MSRP of $699.99. The SRM450v2 will have a U.S. MSRP of $899.99.

2008 Summer Namm Show: Mackie expands its VLZ3 compact mixer line with the release of the 402-VLZ3 and the 802-VLZ3 Premium Mic/Line Mixers.

“The 802-VLZ3 is the perfect mixer for someone who wants the overall quality of a 1202-VLZ3, but doesn’t need that many input channels,” said Greg Young, Mackie Product Manager. “The 402-VLZ3 is designed to be compact with an intelligently scaled feature set that maintains the sound quality and performance of the other Mackie VLZ3s. These are the only mixers available for those whose input counts are low, but whose standards are not.”

Here are the details:

The 402-VLZ3 features 2 mono mic/line channels, a dedicated stereo line channel and an assignable stereo RCA input channel. Mono channels each include an XDR2 preamp, switchable high-pass filter, 2-band EQ and a channel overload LED, and can be hard-panned for stereo applications.

The 802-VLZ3 includes 5 channel strips with 3 XDR2 mic preamps, the Alt 3-4 bus, a pre-/post-switchable aux send, a dedicated stereo aux return, plus a comprehensive control room section.

The 402-VLZ3 and 802-VLZ3 are now available world-wide. The 402-VLZ3 has a U.S. MSRP of $129.99. The 802-VLZ3 has a U.S. MSRP of $259.99.

Mackie has launched a new type of mixer designed for musicians, DJs and producers – the U.Series Production Mixer.

“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 vice president. “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.”

Here are the details:

Each model features a micro-master section with otherwise full-size qualities such as a prominent master volume knob and high resolution metering. Mic or stereo line 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.

“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 offers 2 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 will be available in the U.S. and Canada in April 2008 and internationally in May 2008. The U.420 will be €249 and have a U.S. MSRP of $249.99 . The U.420d will be €299 and have a U.S. MSRP of $319.99.

Musikmesse: Mackie introduced the HRmk2 high-resolution studio monitor series. The THX-approved HR824mk2 and HR624mk2 monitors replace their predecessors, the HR824 and HR624, and offer a wide range of technological breakthroughs to meet the demands of the modern studio.

“While others have spent years copying the industry-standard HR824, we reset the bar with the HRmk2s. Engineered specifically for use with High Definition audio, they produce ultra-accurate—and incredibly natural—sound,” said James Woodburn, Mackie recording product manager. “Through improved tuning, frequency response and depth of field, the Mackie HRmk2s turn your studio’s sweet spot into a full-on sweet zone,” continued Woodburn.

Crafted from a single piece of cast aluminum, the HRmk2’s new Zero Edge minimizes diffraction for a crystal clear mix image, while its Optimized Waveguide delivers wide, even dispersion as well as full, articulate mids. Coupled with the passive radiator, the new baffle design also ensures tight, articulate bass extension. And with a real wood enclosure, the HRmk2s perform with maximum detail, clarity and warmth.

The HR624mk2 features a 6.7-inch low distortion LF transducer (woofer) and a 1-inch titanium dome tweeter. The HR824mk2 has a 8.75-inch low distortion LF woofer and a 1-inch titanium dome tweeter. They will be available late April 2007 and have a U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $779.99 for the HR824mk2 and $579.99 for the HR624mk2.

Musikmesse: Mackie unveiled its new d.pro Series of DJ Production Consoles with FireWire I/O. These new 2- and 4-channel DJ consoles are highlighted by their FireWire capabilities, studio-quality sound, immense routing flexibility, and certification for Native Instruments Traktor “Scratch” software—letting DJs mix and scratch digital music files using standard turntables with specially coded vinyl discs.

“The d.2 pro and d.4 pro consoles go well beyond anything that’s ever been offered in a DJ-style mixer,” commented John Boudreau, Vice President of Product Development for Mackie. “With their unprecedented feature sets and Traktor Scratch certification, these consoles eliminate the need for separate computer audio interfaces, mic preamps or, in the case of the d.4 pro, standalone compact mixers.”

Mackie’s d.2 pro (2-channel) and d.4 pro (4-channel) consoles start with premium analog circuitry throughout, including VCA-based design, audiophile-grade phono preamps, an Infinium “contact-free” crossfader, and a variety of rear-panel connections including balanced XLR main outputs. The d.4 pro is further distinguished by onboard analog filtering effects and Onyx microphone preamps with 48v phantom power.

The d.pro’s most notable feature, however, is their built-in 13×6 FireWire interface at 24 bit/96kHz—enabling these mixers to function as a multitrack recording source and a multi-input performance mixer when connected to any FireWire-equipped Mac or PC. DJs can simply plug either the d.2 pro or d.4 pro into a laptop and start playing digital music files from iTunes, Traktor, MixVibes, Ableton Live, and more.

The d.pro series Traktor Scratch certification brings an entirely new level of performance. By purchasing Native Instrument’s Traktor Scratch Upgrade Kit, DJs can mix, manipulate and scratch digital music files on their computer using a d.pro mixer, standard turntables and specially coded vinyl disks—without the need for separate converter boxes or any additional hardware.

For music producers and remixers, the d.4 pro delivers all the simultaneous I/O needed to connect turntables, CD decks, a beat machine, two studio microphones, a keyboard and a computer—with studio sound quality and without repatching. It also includes Mackie’s easy-to-use Tracktion 3 software with hundreds of inspiring beats, samples and loops to get started.

The d.pro mixers will be available starting May 2007 and have a U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $899.99 for the d.2 pro and $1,149.99 for the d.4 pro, respectively.

Musikmesse: Mackie today announced the Mackie Control Pro control surface series, the next generation of the Mackie Control Universal line of controllers. Comprising Mackie Control Universal Pro, Mackie Control Extender Pro and Mackie Control C4 Pro, the series provides a complete feature set and software compatibility. Mackie Control Pro series controllers are designed to seamlessly work together to deliver ultimate hands-on control of mix and plug-in parameters, thereby making the user’s music production software complete.

“Mackie Control Pro controllers allow users to get the most out of Logic, Pro Tools and other major audio production software by giving them control they simply can’t get from a mouse or generic controller. Our new series once again sets the standard for precision, expandability and ease of use,” said James Woodburn, Mackie Recording Brand Manager.

Sporting a new streamlined appearance, the Mackie Control Universal Pro control surface boasts the ability to connect directly to a Mac or PC via USB, and support for connections of up to three additional pieces of external MIDI gear. Like the Mackie Control Universal, the MCU Pro features nine motorized, touch-sensitive Penny + Giles faders, eight V-Pots and more than 50 master buttons, as well as a sophisticated communication protocol that enables ultra-precise control, makes setup easy and gives real-time visual feedback via the huge backlit LCD and eight LED rings.

The Mackie Control Extender Pro control surface extension shares the new appearance of the MCU Pro, and allows for easy expansion of the master module. Users can add eight precision Penny + Giles faders and V-Pot channels at a time — up to 24 faders and V-Pot channels total — by way of MIDI ports supplied by the MCU Pro.

The Mackie Control C4 Pro plug-in and virtual instrument controller offers hands-on control of up to 32 simultaneous parameters as well as extensive visual feedback via four backlit LCD “scribble strips.” Like the Extender Pro, the C4 Pro has been designed to seamlessly connect to the MCU Pro, but can also operate in standalone mode. The unique communication protocol employed by the C4 Pro allows for plug and play setup, and enables users to view parameter names and values in real time. When the C4 Pro is combined with Mackie’s free C4 Commander Pro software, users can also take control of MIDI hardware such as synthesizers, effects and amp modeling processors, all without leaving the mixing sweet spot.

The new Mackie Control Pro series will be available in March 2007 and will have a U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1549.99, $899.99 and $1299.99 for the Mackie Control Universal Pro, the Extender Pro and C4 Pro, respectively.

SWA Video, a product of Streamwork Audio, has partnered with Mackie to bring an exclusive offer for all registered users of Tracktion 3. In Tracktion 3’s Ultimate bundle users will find SWA Video’s extensive 4-hour instructional video covering everything from setting up to the Final Plug. SWA Complete Tracktion 3 will allow you to explore the depths of Tracktion 3 like never before to truly maximize your potential with the application.

Users of Tracktion 3 Project Bundle will find a quickstart overview video, also produced by Streamworks Audio, to get you up and running in no time. The Project Bundle also includes an exclusive offer to upgrade the quickstart video to the full-blown 4-hour SWA Complete Tracktion 3.

About SWA Complete Tracktion 3:

With over 4 hours of instructional material, Dan Worrall will take you into the depths of Tracktion 3. From setting up Tracktion 3 for optimal performance on your computer through working with Tracktion 3’s new loop feature, right down to polishing your masterpiece with the Final plug – Dan has not left out any details.

Tracktion has brought to the DAW world the much desired ‘non cluttered’ workspace with the single screen model – everything to can be accessed in just one simplified interface, and with SWA Complete Tracktion 3 you will find all the content you need to master all these functions and features of the program.

Not only does Dan offer clear explanations of the fundamentals of Tracktion 3, he dishes up some helpful tips and tricks when working throughout the program, such as getting the most out Tracktion 3’s looping feature or even tweaking your mix with Mackie’s included plug-ins.

For more information, visit their web site at www.swavideo.com.

NAMM Update: The TAPCO Link.FireWire 4×6 audio interface is a portable recording solution for musicians, composers and producers. The interface offers a 4-input/6-output format, and is bus-powered and compact so you can easily take it with you.

Features:

• 4-input/6-output
• Superior sound quality
• Low-latency 24-bit/96kHz operation
• Mackie-designed high-headroom/low-noise mic preamps
• 48V Phantom Power
• Dual combo mic/line/instrument inputs
• Main Line outputs
• Stereo Headphone output
• Stereo S/PDIF I/O
• Complete Front Panel control of all I/O
• Ultra-portable with FireWire bus power
• Includes Tracktion Music Production Software
• Mac or PC compatible
• ASIO2, WDM, and Core Audio compatibility
• Kensington Lock Port
• Collapsible swivel-foot for easy transport

2007 NAMM Update: Mackie announced final pricing and availability of the monster TT System32 Digital Live Mixing System. The TT System32 Digital Live Mixing System consists of the TT24 Digital Live Console, DS3232 Digital Snake, and the U100 Networking Card.

“TT System32 represents a giant step for Mackie,” commented Mackie Brand Group Vice President John Boudreau. “It’s the first time anyone has offered a complete digital mixing package, and at a price you’d normally expect to spend for the console alone. The U100 Network Card, along with the DS3232 Digital Snake, represents the first implementation of our U-Net digital audio and control protocol. U-Net tapped into all of Loud’s design and engineering resources to deliver the low-latency, high-bandwidth audio network that is used in the TT System32.”

TT System32 Digital Live Mixing System

The TT System32 combines Mackie’s powerful TT24 Digital Live Sound Console with the DS3232 Digital Snake and everything needed to connect the two for a complete, plug and play digital live mixing solution—just add stacks and racks. TT System32 provides stage-to-console connectivity via the DS3232 digital snake with 32×32 analog I/O, 32 ultra high-quality Mackie mic preamps, and complete remote recall and control of all preamp settings (gain, pad, phantom power) all through a single, lightweight Cat-5 cable (up to 300′). A total DSP package (gate, compressor and EQ) is available for all 32 input channels, 8 more than the stock TT24’s DSP channel count. The TT System32 includes a U-100 Network Card and 100′ shielded Cat5 cable for out-of-the-box mixing capability in mere moments. TT System32 saves you money by adding complete, remote stage connectivity and control at what was previously a “console-only” price point.

DS3232 Digital Snake

The DS3232 Digital Snake puts 32 balanced XLR ins and outs of 24-bit/96kHz digital audio where it belongs—on stage. Designed specifically for use with the TT24 Digital Live Console, the DS3232 carries I/O from up to 300 ft via standard Cat-5 cable. This digital connection is noise-free and impervious to RF interference, making traditional analog cable exponentially more troublesome, expensive and cumbersome by comparison. The 32 ultra-high quality Mackie mic preamps in the DS3232 are digitally controlled from the TT24 mixing console, with full DSP (Gate, Comp, and EQ) functionality and full recall of mic preamp gain, pad and phantom power settings. Both A/D and D/A converters are internal to the DS3232, further eliminating the signal degradation typically associated with long analog snake runs—making it perfect for mobile FOH applications, fixed installations and houses of worship.

U100 Networking Card

The DS3232 uses U-Net to transfer 32 channels at up to 96 kHz sampling rate to the TT24 and back. In addition, control data is passed in both directions allowing you to control the preamps in the snake remotely from the TT24. The U-Net network provides rock solid timing and lightening fast transfer rates – with only 0.8 ms added latency at 96 kHz. The network is also extremely scalable and will be used for a number of alternate applications including linking two TT24 consoles (for dual front of house use) or connecting the front of house and monitor console to the same snake. It will support routing signals to and from other U-Net capable proprietary and 3rd party devices. And because it can be upgraded, any new U-Net products and features can be added to the TT24 and DS3232 Digital Snake in the future.

The new Mackie TT System32 Live Mixing System will be available Q2 – 2007 and will have a U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $12,999.99. Purchased separately, MSRP will be $7,199.99, $5,599.99 and $739.99 for the TT24 Digital Live Console, the DS3232 Digital Snake, and U100 Network Card, respectively.

2007 NAMM Show: Mackie announced the Mackie Control Pro control surface series, the next generation of the Mackie Control Universal line of controllers.

Made up of the Mackie Control Universal Pro, Mackie Control Extender Pro and Mackie Control C4 Pro, the series is designed to seamlessly work together to deliver ultimate hands-on control of mix and plug-in parameters.

“Mackie Control Pro controllers allow users to get the most out of Logic, Pro Tools and other major audio production software by giving them control they simply can’t get from a mouse or generic controller. Our new series once again sets the standard for precision, expandability and ease of use,” said James Woodburn, Mackie Recording Brand Manager.

The Mackie Control Universal Pro control surface has the ability to connect directly to a Mac or PC via USB, and support for connections of up to three additional pieces of external MIDI gear. Like the Mackie Control Universal, the MCU Pro features nine motorized, touch-sensitive Penny + Giles faders, eight V-Pots and more than 50 master buttons, as well as a sophisticated communication protocol that enables ultra-precise control, makes setup easy and gives real-time visual feedback via the huge backlit LCD and eight LED rings.

The Mackie Control Extender Pro control surface extension shares the new appearance of the MCU Pro, and allows for easy expansion of the master module. Users can add eight precision Penny + Giles faders and V-Pot channels at a time — up to 24 faders and V-Pot channels total — by way of MIDI ports supplied by the MCU Pro.

The Mackie Control C4 Pro plug-in and virtual instrument controller offers hands-on control of up to 32 simultaneous parameters as well as extensive visual feedback via four backlit LCD “scribble strips.” Like the Extender Pro, the C4 Pro has been designed to seamlessly connect to the MCU Pro, but can also operate in standalone mode. The unique communication protocol employed by the C4 Pro allows for plug and play setup, and enables users to view parameter names and values in real time. When the C4 Pro is combined with Mackie’s free C4 Commander Pro software, users can also take control of MIDI hardware such as synthesizers, effects and amp modeling processors.

The new Mackie Control Pro series will be available February 2007 and will have a U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1549.99, $899.99 and $1299.99 for the Mackie Control Universal Pro, the Extender Pro and C4 Pro, respectively.

Tracktion 3 introduces more than 150 new features and improvements, while retaining the clutter-free, single-screen user interface that made previous versions of Tracktion a success. Tracktion 3 also continues to offer cross-platform compatibility, as well as full support for industry-standard plug-in, virtual instrument and video formats.

“Since its release, Tracktion has developed a large and loyal following of users, ranging from first-time recordists to professional composers and engineers. For Tracktion 3, we listened closely to user feedback and made significant enhancements to the core application, so it’s now even faster and more powerful,” said Mackie Recording Brand Manager James Woodburn.

Among the enhancements in Tracktion 3 are the addition of time stretching and pitch shifting, two powerful capabilities that round out the functionality of the audio production suite and bring it in line with more expensive pro recording software. Tracktion 3 also boasts a new user-friendly loop browser for quick and inspired music creation. Unlike many competing products, the Tracktion 3 loop browser supports three major loop formats — Apple, ACID and REX — on both Mac and PC for flexible music-making on any platform.

Tracktion 3 is available in two boxed bundles: the Tracktion 3 Ultimate Bundle and the Tracktion 3 Project Bundle. Both bundles feature the identical core Tracktion 3 application, plus training videos. They also include premium sounds, plug-ins and loops from the world’s top virtual instrument, effects plug-in and sound library companies —including IK Multimedia, Drumcore, LinPlug, Garritan and Sonic Reality.

The Project Bundle provides everything musicians need to get started making professional music. The Ultimate Bundle is a complete production suite, with an additional 5GB DVD of content, including more powerful plug-ins and huge sound sets.

Tracktion 3 bundles are available now and have a U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $319.99 and $129.99 for the Ultimate Bundle and Project Bundle respectively. Owners of qualified versions of Tracktion can upgrade to the Ultimate Bundle for $259.99 via the Tracktion 3 Ultimate Bundle Upgrade.

NAMM Show News: Mackie introduced the VLZ 3 line of compact mixers, the next generation in their VLZ series, with significant performance and ergonomic enhancements.

“Our VLZ3 line improves on the legendary sound and performance of the VLZ Pro series, whilst retaining form and function that enables users to easily upgrade from previous models,” said Mackie Recording Brand Manager James Woodburn.

VLZ3 mixers feature studio-grade XDR 2 Extended Dynamic Range mic preamps. The XDR2 mic preamps boast a wider frequency range than their predecessors, including more detailed low end extension, with less noise, even at very high gain settings.

VLZ3 mixers incorporate numerous other enhancements as well. They have a wider dynamic range than previous VLZ mixers, including better low frequency response, with less than 0.0007 percent total harmonic distortion (THD) per channel. VLZ3 EQ controls now operate more independently of each other, offering additional creative control over the full frequency range. The ultra-clean summing bus offers improved headroom and the ability to mix hotter signals together without clipping, even in extreme real-world applications.

The VLZ 3 line of mixers includes the 16-channel 1604-VLZ3 mixer with 16 XDR2 mic preamps, the 16-channel 1642-VLZ3 with 10 XDR2 preamps, the 1402-VLZ3 14-channel mixer with 6 XDR2 mic preamps, and the 12-channel 1202-VLZ3, which has 4 XDR2 mic pres. All VLZ 3 mixers boast a built-in universal power supply, and are encased in a rugged steel chassis.

The new VLZ3 series are available now and have a U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1099.99, $779.99, $519.99 and $389.99 for the 1604-VLZ3, the 1642-VLZ3, the 1402-VLZ3 and the 1202-VLZ3, respectively.

2007 NAMM Update: Mackie announced the debut of the newest member of the SRM family, the SRM150.

I’ve got a pair of SRM450’s, and have been very happy with them, so it’s great to see a compact member of the family.

The Mackie SRM150 Compact Active PA System is a versatile and expandable solution for a variety of sound reinforcement needs. With 150 watts of Class D amplification and the 5.25″ EAW-designed, full-range neodymium driver, the SRM150 delivers higher sound pressure levels (SPL) than competitive products.

“The SRM150 integrates the proven technology from the SRM series — along with an easy-to-use onboard mixer — in a compact package,” said Mackie Brand Group Vice President John Boudreau.

“It makes the SRM150 the perfect choice for a wide range of applications such as boardroom and classroom A/V, and live music performance in venues such as coffee houses, piano bars, and rehearsal rooms,” added Boudreau. “Plus, the SRM150 outperforms everything in its class by delivering higher output and wider frequency response.”

The built-in 3-channel mixer features two combo XLR/Line inputs (with 48V phantom power and a hi-Z instrument input), a stereo channel for CD/MP3 players, and Mackie’s musical 3-band active EQ. The SRM150 can even be mounted on a mic stand, making it the ideal personal monitor. And like its SRM counterparts, the SRM150 boasts Mackie “built-like-a-tank” construction.

The new Mackie SRM150 will be available March 2007 and have a U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $389.99.

• Custom Control Surface Creation: Control Tracktion’s transport, navigation, options, and channels via your favorite low-cost hardware controller, or even the sliders, buttons, and keys on your MIDI controller keyboard.
• MP3 Import and MP3/OGG Export: Import MP3 files using the LAME codec, and export both MP3 and OGG files with the new menu item Export>Create an MP3/OGG file.
• MIDI Loop Recording: Create and build MIDI clips in loop record mode much like the way you can with audio files.
• Support for the Frontier Design Group TranzPort: Control Tracktion with the Frontier Design Group TranzPort Wireless DAW Controller.
• Filter Icon “Quick Control Parameter: All filter icons can now display any automatable parameter as a small horizontal slider on the filter icon for even quicker adjustments.
• File Import Improvements: Select and import multiple files from the import file dialog. Even drag and drop, or import from a CD on the PC.

Tracktion 2.1 is a free update for registered Tracktion 2 users. Just visit http://www.mackie.com/products/tracktion2.

Also new this year are six new mixing plug-ins that are free for registered users of the boxed Tracktion 2 Music Production Software budle. These fabulous plug-in processors will greatly enhance your sound and productivity. Here’s what you get with the new Mackie Mixing Tools bundle:

• MRVB-1 Studio Reverb: Simulate the effect of playing in a small garage with a concrete floor, or pretend you’re the headliner at a concert hall with the great-sounding MRVB-1 stereo reverberation plug-in.
• SP-1 Stereo Panner Plus: Boldly use this plug-in for basic panning to Tremolo, Vibrato and Rotary Cabinet effects, or get totally crazy with AutoPan mode.
• CM-1 & CS-1 Mono & Stereo Compressors: Great-sounding, easy-to-use tools for anything needing some dynamic intervention.
• EQ6M & EQ6S Six-Band Mono & Stereo Multi-Mode EQs: Six bands of frequency, gain and “Q” control with parametric and shelf mode selection for ultimate tonal control.

Download

To get the new plug-ins, Tracktion 2 users just need to log onto their my.mackie.com account. This will take them to a special section that determines eligibility. If eligible, simple instructions will walk users through the simple download, installation, and authorization process.

The Satellite FireWire Recording System features a two-part audio interface designed to get the best out of computer recording in both live and studio environments.

The heart of the Satellite System is the Satellite Pod, a portable two-channel FireWire interface that incorporates two of Mackie’s acclaimed Onyx preamps, as well as 24-bit/96kHz A/D and D/A converters. Additional Satellite Pod features include dual headphone/control room outputs with individual level controls, two inputs, two outputs, and a rugged portable design.

A unique feature of the Satellite System is the Satellite Base Station, which the Satellite Pod snaps into to provide AC power, additional I/O, talkback and monitor switching functions. By plugging the Satellite Pod into the base station, the Satellite System becomes a two-input, six-output FireWire audio interface with professional features such as an advanced routing matrix, built-in talkback microphone, advanced monitoring functions and surround speaker control.

The Satellite System’s two inputs can be switched between mic, instrument or balanced line input sources, and its six-channel volume control provides for surround sound mixing. Its control room section provides for switching between two separate monitor outputs for multiple monitor speaker setups.

Both Mac and PC compatible, the Satellite System works with all ASIO and Core Audio compatible software. It comes bundled with a full version of Mackie’s award-winning Tracktion 2 software, providing a complete out-of-the-box recording setup with professional features like a 64-bit high-definition mix engine, unlimited track count, ReWire and VST support, MIDI controller mapping, external synchronization, and integrated support for Mackie Control Universal and C4 control surfaces. Also included is a full set of Mackie’s Mixing and Mastering plug-ins.

Mackie Satellite FireWire Recording System Features:

• * Innovative 2-piece FireWire Recording System for professional recording to Mac or PC
• * Dual Onyx mic preamps for superior sound quality versus competing interfaces
• * 8 inputs (2 active at any time) for connection of microphones, line sources, and instruments
• * 6 line-level outputs
• * 24-bit/96kHz capable sound quality
• * Built in control room functions include talkback and A/B monitor switching
• * 6-channel volume control allows for surround sound mixing
• * FireWire protocol for low latency real time recording
• * Satellite Pod can be bus powered for field use, or externally powered, for added convenience

The Mackie Satellite FireWire Recording System will be available Q2 2006.

More information is available at the Mackie site.