2009 Summer NAMM Show: This video, via soundonsoundvideo, captures an overview of the Sony PCM-M10 digital audio recorder.

“The PCM-M10 is ideal for budget-conscious professionals who still need high-quality sound capabilities,” said Sony’s Karl Kussmaul.

The PCM-M10 shares several features and design elements with the PCM-D1 and PCM-D50, including the same rugged construction and cool design. The new recorder is 96 kHz/24-bit capable with electret condenser stereo microphones, 4 GB of internal flash memory and a microSD/Memory Stick Micro (M2) Slot.

Key features of the PCM-M10 recorder include

• a built-in speaker
• cross-memory recording
• digital pitch control
• digital limiter
• low-cut filter
• track mark functions
• a 5-second pre-recording buffer and
• A-B repeat capability.

The PCM-M10 comes supplied with Sound Forge Audio Studio Recorder Edition software.

The PCM-M10 includes a USB high-speed port for simple uploading and downloading of native .WAV or .MP3 format recorded files to and from Windows PC or Macintosh computers. The M10 offers durable metal construction and long battery life using conventional AA alkaline batteries.

The PCM-M10 portable recorder is planned to be available in October, at a
suggested list price of $399.

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

When you create a track in Calabarock, it’s available almost instantly in MP3 format on calabarock.com for others to hear.

The new track is also available instantly for other musicians to play on top of, just as if you were in the studio laying down one track at a time on a multi-track recorder.

If you’ve used Calabarock, leave a comment with your thoughts!

NOTE: 3G network access is great for browsing and listening to Calabarock tracks, but WiFi access is recommended (for speed purposes) when recording.

Musikmesse 2009

The free software update, version 1.10, is being quality tested and will be available for download from the TASCAM website at the end of April. The DR-100 now supports sampling rates from 44.1k to 96kHz, 24-bit or 16-bit WAV recording and MP3 recording.

The TASCAM DR-100 has a pair of XLR mic ins with phantom power for adding pro condenser microphones. In addition, the DR-100 has four built-in electret condenser mics – two cardioid and two omni – and a built-in speaker for playback.

It’s powered either through an included Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery or AA batteries. aAnalog line inputs and outputs are also available, as well as a mic stand mounting hole for recording flexibility.

If you’ve used the TASCAM DR-100, leave a comment with your thoughts!

Musikmesse 2009: Introducing: SONAR V-Studio 100

This is a quick overview, via CakewalkSoftware, that shows the key features of the new Sonar V-Studio 100, which combines 4 essential tools for musicians, plus music production software in one portable solution.

Musikmesse 2009: This official video, via Cakewalk Software, shows you how to record basic tracks with the V-Studio 100 without the need to connect your computer.

You can then see how to import those tracks on your Mac or PC into your favorite DAW, like the included SONAR VS, to use as the basis for a new song.

In this IndaMixx walkthrough, GearWire’s Bill Holland takes a look at sequencing drums and using effects. 

The IndaMixx looks very cool – but its tiny size seems like it could be a barrier as much as it is a benefit.

MeTeoR is a digital multi-track recorder designed specifically for the Pocket PC. The program features up to 12 tracks of audio, a built-in mixer and multi-effects processor.

MeTeoR is designed for creating musical compositions and is also a great tool for journalists and business people who need to splice and piece together voice notes, narration or dictation. Compositions can be exported to standard file formats for use on your desktop PC.

Description:

MeTeoR includes a fully featured sound editor allowing recordings to be trimmed or spliced together. You can apply various effects to your recordings either directly, as part of the recording process or in real time during playback. Editor features include cut, copy, paste, fade in/out. clear, reverse, gain, normalize, remove dc offset, time stretch and apply effect. Effects include digital delay, chorus, reverb, phaser, tremolo, graphic equalizer, filter factory, pitch shifter, tone boost and noise gate.

The Mixer and effects are fully automated using definable controller tracks. An integrated metronome with count-in helps you record your masterpiece, and If 12 tracks isn’t enough there is a full stereo mixdown facility.

Meteor retails for $29.95.

Minimum System Requirements

Processor: 400Mhz or better
Storage: High Speed SD or CF card (1GB x133 recommended).
Memory: Requires approx 5Mb free program momory.

Note: MeTeoR uses uncompressed WAV files in order to achieve its speed. Audio data is recorded at 44.1Kb/s (CD quality) and require large amounts of storage space. It is therefore recommended that you use a high speed SD/CF card to store recorded materials. A 1GB SD card for instance will store approximately 6 hours of recordings.

Version 1.07 introduces a new ‘Synchronize Audio Threads’ option which when enabled will help reduce the variable latency problem on most devices.

Free PC Version

Registered users of the product can download a free PC version of the software which allows you to record/play/export compositions from your desktop PC.

Features

• 12 simultaneous CD quality tracks
• Multi-Effects Processor
• Integrated 12 channel Mixer
• Integrated Sample Editor
• Aux Send Effects
• Insert and Record Insert Effects
• Mixer and Effect Automation
• Metronome
• Mixdown / Bounce Facility
• Landscape Mode
• Import from WAV format
• Export to MP3 and WAV format
• Supports SD/CF Cards (recommended).
• Auto Calibration Feature
• Memory Speed Test Feature

2008 Summer NAMM Show: Alesis has introduced the ProTrack, a device that turns an iPod into a professional handheld digital stereo recorder.

Two high-quality condenser microphones are built-in, fixed in XY stereo configuration. ProTrack also offers users a pair of combination XLR – 1/4-inch inputs for connection for external microphones and line sources. When running on plug-in power using the included AC adapter, ProTrack supplies 48V phantom power so that it can power condenser microphones.

ProTrack’s exterior contains a Universal Dock for iPod, LED signal indicators, and controls for 48V phantom power, limiter, and volume. Four AAA alkaline batteries provide four to five hours of operation. A threaded mount is integrated for tabletop use on a camera tripod.

The Alesis ProTrack will be available Q3, 2008. No pricing has been announced.

Key features

• Integrated iPod design
• Records to iPod (Classic or 5th Generation), or iPod nano (2nd or 3rd Generation)
• Professional connectors: two combination XLR – 1/4-inch inputs, 1/8-inch stereo output
• Supplies 48V phantom power to inputs when wall-powered
• Records 16-Bit, 44.1kHz or 22kHz stereo
• Two built-in condenser microphones for detailed recording
• Built-in microphones in XY configuration for optimum stereo image
• Switchable limiter ensures overload-free recordings even in unpredictable aural situations
• AC power adapter included
• Four AAA batteries provide up to five hours of operation
• Tripod stand mount for placing into ideal recording conditions

At the Winter NAMM Show, Edirol released another portable recording unit. The Edirol R-44 4-Channel Portable Recorder is a 2 lbs. device that offers professional recording options, up to 24-bit and 192kHz, and uses SDHC cards to store the audio recorded.

The Edirol R-44 features

• 4 channels
• XLR (with phantom power) & balanced/unbalanced TRS combo inputs
• digital RCA and headphones outputs
• 20Hz to 40kHz frequency response
• built-in effects (limiter, low cut filter, 3-band EQ, 6-band GEQ, Enhancer and DeEsser)
• built-in stereo mic and speaker
• pre-record function (captures the sound from few seconds before you press the rec button),
• level control per channel
• transport controls
• OLED display
• USB and control sync mini jack connections.

The device can be powered by DC adapter, external battery and six AA batteries and with the sync connection you can use 2 recorders at the same time – offering 8 channels controlled by one device.

The Edirol R-44 4-Channel Portable Recorder price and availability have to be announced yet.

2008 NAMM Show: Alesis introduced a really interesting device at NAMM – the MultiPort – a pro-grade USB computer audio interface with playback, control, and the ability to record directly to your iPod.

If you have your computer with you, you an use it as a audio interface and basic DAW controller.  If not, drop your iPod in and record to it instead. Wicked!

MultiPort features include:

• Record directly to iPod (Classic or 5th generation) and iPod nano (2nd or 3rd generation)
• Record directly to computer via USB
• Works with all docking iPod models when used through iTunes
• Playback from iPod while recording at the same time
• Mic/Line inputs for crystal-clear recording of any source
• Level meters for easy-to-read level monitoring

Unfortunately, Alesis didn’t announce a price.

“Until MultiPort, there hasn’t been anything that delivers pro-grade inputs and a USB audio interface in a single, compact desktop design for iPod.” says Alesis Product Manager Jim Norman.

MultiPort makes direct-to-iPod or direct-to-computer recording possible without a tangled mess of wires and confusing software. Simply plug a microphone or musical instrument into MultiPort, then connect MultiPort to a computer with a single USB cable and the rest is easy. MultiPort also supports Windows UPnP and Apple Core Audio, making it compatible with virtually any audio software available for either platform.

MultiPort also has industrial-grade, balanced inputs, 1/4″ stereo outputs, and phantom power for easy use with professional or consumer microphones. All of these features packed into a compact, functional form-factor make MultiPort the perfect iPod companion from the control room to the boardroom.

Alesis MultiPort will be available Q2 – 2008 from musical instrument retailers.

The Pocketrak 2G features 2 tracks of CD quality recording in PCM, MP3 and Windows Media (WMA) formats. It’s designed for podcasting, field and location recording, audio for video and more.

The Pocketrak 2G includes a rechargeable AAA nickel-hydrogen battery capable of providing 19 hours of MP3 recording to its 2GB of internal memory. Plugging its sliding USB connector into a powered USB bus simultaneously recharges the battery and transfers files to a PC or Mac.

The Pocketrak 2G houses an on-board speaker in addition to a headphone jack, making it a handy portable music player that supports MP3 and WMA files with DRM10 support.

Included in the box is the Pocketrak 2G, a USB extension cable, stereo earphones, a leather carrying case and stand adapter, as well as Cubase AI, an “Advanced Integration” version of Steinberg’s digital audio workstation software.

The Pocketrak 2G will be available in April, 2008 and will retail for $449.

A pair of microphones is mounted on a variable angle mechanism, which allows the recorder to record from almost anywhere. The unit includes a generous 1GB SD card for hours of recording at MP3 or WAVE file formats. The DR-1 also includes auto gain control and analog limiting for easy setup and a low-frequency cutoff to eliminate handling or wind noise.

“The DR-1 is the portable recorder that everyone’s been waiting for,” said Paul Jenkins, Director of Sales and Marketing for TASCAM. “It’s the first to include a card big enough for serious recording, and the price point is a wake-up call for the entire industry.”

The DR-1 packs a mobile truck full of equipment into a recorder compact enough to fit in your pocket:

• Portable, Handheld Recording
• Included 1GB SD card media
• Built-in High-quality Stereo Condenser Microphone
• Variable Angle Microphone Mechanism with A/B Configuration
• 48 or 44.1kHz / 24-bit Recording Resolution
• MP3 and WAVE file Recording and Playback
• Switchable Low Cut Filter
• Analog Auto Gain Control
• Analog Limiter
• Rechargable Lithium-Ion Battery
• USB 2.0 Connection to Computer
• Built-in Tuner and Vocal Cancel Features
• Overdub Feature to record narration, singing or instruments over an existing recording

The DR-1 has a MAP price of $299.

Description:

From seminars and conferences, to interviews, electronic news gathering (ENG) and podcasting, to musical performances, songwriting sessions and rehearsals, the H2 provides amazing stereo recording quality. The H2 is the only portable recorder with 4 mic capsules onboard in an W-X/Y configuration, for recording from the front at 90° and the rear at 120°, or use all four mics for 360° recording in 2 or 4 channel mode.

A remarkably robust device that is incredibly easy to use, the H2 features one button recording, gain controls on the side and an intuitive user interface. For maximum flexibility, the H2 can record in up to 96 kHz/24-bit WAV format, or as MP3 up to 320 kbps. Additionally, it can record 360° in 48kHz/24-bit format which can then be converted to Surround 5.1.

The H2 records on Secure Digital (SD) media and a 512MB SD card is included. With a 4GB SD memory card, it provides up to 2 hours recording at 96kHz, 6 hours at 44.1kHz, or 138 hours in MP3. Recordings can be moved to a PC or Mac with its USB 2.0 interface, And it includes time stamping and track marking functions in Broadcast WAV Format (BWF). Earbuds, stereo adapter cable, mic clip adapter, tripod stand, USB cable, AC adapter and a 512MB SD card are included. Two standard alkaline AA batteries provide 4 hours of continuous operation.

With its pocket-sized profile, a weight of just over 4 ounces, and a backlit display, the H2 Handy Recorder gives everyone the power to brilliantly record anything and share it with anyone, anywhere.

The H2 will be widely available for a street price of $199.99.

“Our 7-Series recorders continue to gain new, important features through our no-charge firmware updates,” says Jon Tatooles, Managing Director. He adds, “We are especially excited for customers to explore recording data-compressed files using our on-board FLAC encoder and PC software decompression tool. FLAC greatly enhances CF cards as an effective interchange medium.”

FLAC is an Open Source encoding algorithm used to data-compress sound files. No audio information is lost while compressing files more than 50%. Sound Devices developed a method to extend the protocol in order to keep all Broadcast Wave and iXML metadata intact upon decompression.

At the 2007 Winter NAMM show, TASCAM introduced the 2488mkII, a follow-up to its best-selling 24-track recording and mixing workstation for home studios.

Like its predecessor, eight inputs can be simultaneously recorded into the XLR and 1/4″ inputs. 19 physical faders control the mixdown channels, and each channel has 3-band EQ and access to three built-in effects processors.

The built-in CD-RW drive can record the master mix in addition to backing up the hard drive and importing WAV files. New features include a larger hard drive, new LCD display, new guitar effects and improved CD mastering capabilities.

The 2488mkII adds an 80GB hard drive, double the size of the previous version. Improved guitar overdrive effects have been added, and the “Slow-Speed Audition” feature from TASCAM’s line of CD Trainers is included for learning new music.

A large, bright display makes the unit even easier to use, and new CD mastering features include defining tracks in a live recording and a faster CD burner.

The hand-held MR-1 is capable of high quality 1-bit / 2.8 MHz recording and playback, while the tabletop MR-1000 delivers up to 1-bit / 5.6 MHz, doubling industry DSD recording quality standards. Both MR recorders support multiple recording formats including DSDIFF, DSF and WSD 1-bit formats, as well as multi-bit PCM format (BWF) with resolutions up to 24-bit / 192 kHz.

1-bit recording has been adopted for use in the SACD recording format. Its fidelity, low noise floor, extended dynamic range, lifelike imaging and analog quality depth have been praised by top experts. Another benefit of the 1-bit format is that it can be converted to any other bit depth and sample rate without error or degradation.

Korg’s included AudioGate software (Mac and PC) can convert 1-bit recordings into WAV and AIFF formats at various bit-rates (and vice versa) and offers real-time conversion/playback of 1-bit files. The software can also perform essential functions like removing DC offset, gain control, and fade in/out. Users can easily transfer data from the internal hard drive (MR-1 – 20 GB; MR-1000 – 40 GB) to a computer via high speed USB 2.0 connection.

Korg USA’s Senior Technology Product Manager Jerry Kovarsky explains, “When you have only one chance to capture a great performance, Foley effect, or interview, you need a recording device that will reliably yield the highest quality audio possible. Our MR recorders’ 1-bit technology provides just that, and combined with our AudioGate software deliver the perfect future-proof solution. Now, with 1-bit recording available at affordable price points, we see a continued growth of this format in various market sectors.”

The MR-1000 features studio quality, ultra low-impedance mic preamps with balanced XLR / 1/4″ inputs with phantom power and built-in limiting, plus XLR and RCA outputs. The MR-1 offers dual mini balanced inputs, an included stereo electret condenser mic and a stereo headphone jack.

The portable MR-1 and MR-1000 both feature lightweight yet rugged metal housings with sleek, streamlined designs. A large backlit LCD offers optimum visibility under all lighting conditions. For added durability and location recording, each MR-recorder comes in a stylish and functional soft case that allows the recorder to be used without having to remove it from the case. Both recorders can be powered by batteries (MR-1 – rechargeable lithium polymer; MR-1000 – AA) or via the included AC adaptor.

The Korg MR-1 and MR-1000 Professional Mobile Recorders will be available March 2007 with respective U.S. MSRPs of $899 and $1499.

The iTalk Pro plugs directly into the iPod’s dock connector. One-touch operation allows users to concentrate on what they’re hearing, instead of how to operate the equipment.

iTalk Pro can record in stereo or mono. Built-in twin microphones record in stereo at 44.1 kHz to yield professional, CD-quality recordings. But iTalk Pro also features a stereo 1/8″ (3.5 mm) input jack to accommodate external microphones for greater stereo separation.

Versatile adjustable gain settings give the user control over the volume, making iTalk Pro the world’s most faithful, most portable handheld recording studio.

The iTalk pro is priced at $49.99 and is now available.

Compatibility

iPods with video and iPod nano 2G.

Edirol describes the R-09 as “a serious, top-quality professional recorder with time-stamp capability.” It can record stereo audio at 24-bit resolution with either 44.1 or 48kHz sample rates. It can record and play back in MP3 format, also (up to 320kbps).

Files can be monitored through the R-09’s headphone jack or exported to a computer via USB.

A stereo microphone is built into the unit, complete with a dedicated input control, mono/stereo selector, low-cut filter, and gain boost. The R-09 also offers a 1/4″ mic input.

The R-09 is designed for recording live music events, recording lectures and replacing cassette field recorders.

Source: Edirol