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Kick Port Expands With D-Port

Chill out my illegal alien readers, not THAT kind of D-port. This is a port that you can use on your toms and snare that works like the sound hole on a kick to get more projection and tone.

Based on the same acoustic principles that have made the KickPort one of the world’s most popular drum accessories, D-Ports are one, two and three-inch, double-flared extrusions made from a soft, pliable, composite material that enhance the sound of snare drums and tom-toms. D-Ports are removable and reusable and can be quickly and easily installed in virtually any drum by cutting a small circular vent in the drumhead and mounting the port using a double-sided, adhesive D-Port ring. This procedure, in conjunction with the D-Port’s unique design, vents the drums to create a deeper, fatter, more balanced sound with increased clarity and articulation.
“Everyone knows what an incredible sound is created due to the relationship between the heads of a double-headed drum,” explains KickPort’s inventor Sam Millender. “But up to now, what happens inside the drum has stayed inside the drum. The KickPort showed us how much better bass drums perform when we let the sound that’s inside out, and that inspired us to begin experimenting with porting other drums. What we learned is that the same rule applies.”
“Just venting a drum won’t achieve the level of sound enhancement the D-Port offers,” KickPort President Jesse Bradman adds. “After extensive research we developed the D-Port’s proprietary materials and double-flare design to fully compliment and optimize the natural acoustics of a two-headed drum. Because D-Port lets the sound out, drummers, sound engineers and the audience can now hear all the sound that every drum produces.”
D-Ports are available in a choice of black and white and come individually and in convenient drumset pre-packs that include one 1″ port, two 2″ ports and one 3″ port with graduated mounting/reinforcement rings that can also be used as hole-cutting templates. Additional D-Port Rings are available as after-market accessories.

For further information visit your favorite drum dealer, go online to www.kickport.com

Focusrite RedNet

Move over Pro Tools HD, Focusrite wants in the sandbox to play and they’ve brought in a big shovel. This is RedNet and what it does is serve as the hub for any DAW you want. Plus it uses Ethernet to interface, thus eliminating all of those proprietary cables you would need.

RedNet is Focusrite’s new professional audio networking system, delivering all the features required in a professional studio environment. Its robust, reliable networking technology makes design, installation and configuration easier than ever before. With RedNet, your audio computer system can be running any audio software you wish to use: you are not locked into a single system.
RedNet is a powerful digital audio system that will change the way you build and operate a studio forever.
At its heart is the robust, tried-and-tested digital audio networking technology Dante™, by Australian company Audinate. Dante uses standard IP-based networking and components, such as Ethernet cables, routers and switches, to carry up to 256 channels (128 in and 128 out) of high-resolution digital audio over a standard Ethernet network.
Now Focusrite brings Dante technology into the studio as part of a complete system. RedNet comprises a range of extremely high quality digital audio interfaces and components that do a great deal more than simply allow you to connect your digital studio through an Ethernet network: they will revolutionise the way you work in other ways too. Also, unlike other digital audio systems, it is non-proprietary, meaning it will work with any ASIO or Core Audio compliant DAW software, including ProTools 9, Logic and Nuendo.

Confused about how it works? Me too buddy… me too. Here’s a diagram. Its a stackable Ethernet patchbay for those thousands of outboard pre-amps you have in that multimillion dollar garage studio you have.
Price ???? Do we really wanna know?

Sennheiser MK4

Whew, for a second there today, I thought nothing good was gonna come through the newswire. Seriously, how many posts about new sample libraries can one take before they lose it and start watching “Limitless Studios TV” on YouTube. Seriously, if you want a good laugh, go take a look… bless their hearts they try.
Well what do we have here? That’s a sleek looking piece of gear. This is the Sennheiser MK4 and it has the company diving into new territory.

Presenting the new MK 4, a large-diaphragm true condenser microphone. This cardioid microphone, which is manufactured in Germany, is Sennheiser’s first large-diaphragm side-address microphone and focuses on giving the best possible sound quality rather than technical extravagance. It provides a powerful yet warm sound that is both direct and tight with fine treble resolution.
The MK 4 with its nickel-coloured finish was developed for professional users in project studios, but is equally well suited for other recording environments and is tough enough for use on stage. It is also a microphone that is affordable for home recordists and musicians. The finest sound structures are well resolved, and sound coming from the sides is picked up without colouration and so does not change the overall sound quality. The microphone has a very harmonious presence; it has vivid mids and is also very detailed in the bass range. At the same time, typical cardioid cancellation is relatively frequency-independent.

Can’t wait to hear what this thing is made of. The MD 421s are a go-to in any drummer’s mic locker so we know the company knows what they’re doing. I’m eager to see how their take on the large-diaphragm condenser sounds.
Price: $299.

Aviom Pro 16

This was supposed to post a couple of weeks ago and I just found it in the back of my archives. SCORE!!! Its like finding $20 in your pants pocket while doing laundry.

The exclusive developer of the world’s most powerful audio transport protocol, A-Net®, is introducing prepackaged Pro16® digital snakes in a variety of configurations that are tailored for a range of applications and ensemble sizes.
While Aviom is best known for its industry standard personal mixing system, the company has also been a leader in distributing audio over Cat-5. Both its Pro16® Series of digital snake components and its Pro64® Series of audio networking products have proven to be high fidelity, flexible, yet simple solutions for creating digital audio systems for houses of worship, schools, theaters, sound companies, studios, and broadcast companies. Users span the world and include most Broadway shows, live tours, studios, major televised sporting events, numerous network television productions and major motion pictures.
“The Pro16 Series was specifically designed to be a plug-and-play system with user interfaces that are intuitive for both the audio professional and for users new to digital audio,” explains Chandler Collison, Aviom’s director of marketing. “With these preconfigured snake packages, Aviom is making the transition to digital signal transport even easier for small contractors and do-it-yourselfers by reducing design and setup time.”

Waves 8

Hey look! Waves, purveyor of all things expensive plug-ins has upgraded their pricey software to Version 8. Yes I own quite a bit of waves plug-ins and they’re really powerful, but I do think they’re a bit pricey, but now you can buy more of the individual plug-ins, instead of trying to figure out what bundle you need like you’re a trophy wife in line a McAlister’s while your insides are screaming OOOOOOOOOORRRRDEEEEERRRRR!!! I WANT MY SWEET TEA. YOU HAD 30 minutes in line to figure out what you wanted. You ALL know you do that.
We’re excited to announce the release of the new Waves Version 8. V8 adds the horsepower of the vintage-modeled V-Series to selected Waves bundles, and brings a fresh new look to several classic plugins. V8 includes a host of new technical features and bug fixes. In addition, more Waves plugins than ever are now available individually.
Important Notes

  • V6, V7, and V8 can all run concurrently on the same computer. However, V8 and Waves versions V4 and V5 cannot.
  • All previous versions of products that you update will be removed from your iLok and replaced by V8. After updating to V8, you will not be able to use these versions again.
  • V8 is not supported on Mac G5 and below. To ensure your system is compatible with Waves V8, check our Tech Specs page

To buy the Waves Mercury bundle (WORTH IT) Mortgage your house and click HERE

Have A Heart And Help

Ok all jokes aside, we got a serious matter on our hands. One of our own needs help. His name is Roger Nichols and he’s been in the business for a long long time. Go donate some money to help someone who pioneered the industry. He’s a seven-time Grammy Award-winning recording engineer and producer.
Nichols is best known for his work with the group Steely Dan and John Denver, but his work includes numerous major music acts including the Beach Boys, Stevie Wonder, Frank Zappa, Crosby Stills & Nash, Al Di Meola, Roy Orbison, Cass Elliot, Plácido Domingo, Gloria Estefan, Diana Ross, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Rickie Lee Jones, Kenny Loggins, Mark Knopfler, Eddie Murphy, Michael McDonald, James Taylor, and Toots Thielemans, among others.
He also invented disc to disc recording and was one of the first to use digital drum replacement.

Last summer, our friend and clleague was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic cancer and has been fighting for his life ever since.
Although a serious cancer, some do survive for years but the medical costs are staggering – in just six months, they have redered the Nichols Family all but bankrupt, making it next to impossible for Roger to take part in any of several new treatments, which could make a major difference in his recovery.
PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY. TIME IS OF THE ESSENXE!
Your donation will help Roger pay for the treatments and all costs directly associated with his illness.

To donate anything you can, click HERE.

Earthworks 15th Birthday

Most 15th birthdays end with some chick crying because someone else wore the same thing to the party that she did. Good grief I don’t miss those days. No no no you read that wrong, I DID NOT wear girls clothes at 15. Not that my mom didn’t try to make me. I really think they wanted a daughter.

Earthworks, Inc., the world’s only manufacturer of High Definition Microphones™ for recording, live sound, and test/measurement applications, is pleased to announce that November 2010 marked the company’s 15th anniversary as a leading manufacturer of microphones for a wide range of audio applications. To celebrate this milestone in the company’s compelling history, Earthworks is pleased to announce the introduction of an unrivaled, 15-year warranty for all new purchases. This provides customers the peace of mind that comes from knowing the company is dedicated to superior products with industry-leading support.

Man that would suck if you bought some mics a week before they announced this. I’d show up at Earthworks HQ and do this

To buy Earthworks Mics, Click HERE. I even set the link so you can see everything. Aren’t I handy?

Holy Balls: Alesis StudioDock Pro

They just won’t stop with the great inventions for the iPad. Now Alesis has really raised the bar with the StudioDock Pro. THEY’VE put XLRs and Line In jacks on an iPad. I can’t handle this. I NEED TO GO TO MY QUIET PLACE!
There’s a video after the jump.

The StudioDock is the first device that enables anyone with an iPad to create, produce, and perform music with virtually any pro audio gear or instruments. The StudioDock is a universal docking station specifically designed for the iPad, and it gives musicians, recording engineers, and music producers the connectivity they need to create and perform with iPad. Connect all your pro audio gear to virtually any app in the App Store with the StudioDock.
With the StudioDock and an iPad, musicians and producers can record, perform, craft and create music in virtually any situation or location. Built to accommodate all current app-development standards including Core MIDI, the StudioDock is a universal device that bridges your choice of music-creation apps, instruments, and devices.
The StudioDock provides microphone and instrument users with two combination XLR and 1/4-inch inputs, each with its own gain control and switchable phantom power for condenser microphones. Guitarists and bassists will appreciate the StudioDock’s guitar-direct switch, enabling them to play, perform and record right into amplifier- and effects-modeling apps. Bands can connect outputs from their mixer and easily record their performances and rehearsals or use the StudioDock as a metronome or loop-playback device. Producers can use the StudioDock’s MIDI jacks to sequence external keyboards, samplers, drum machines and synthesizers, or perform using the StudioDock as the sound module and their favorite MIDI-compliant keyboard, drum pad or other controller. An assignable 1/4-inch footswitch input enables remote control of any app-defined function such as stop/start or record. Users can also connect the StudioDock to their Mac or PC using the USB port to send MIDI back and forth for creative, new applications of the iPad and computer used in tandem.

Check the video out.

For more info, Click HERE
Price: $200

Elysia Has Updates For Plug-Ins

One of my Top 10 Favorite Recording related gear of 2010 finalists has just made their products even better by offering updates for their stellar software. You really should read the review on the Alpha Compressor and go buy it (review HERE)

FREE UPDATES FOR ALL ELYSIA PLUGINS
All of our plugins have been worked on and now feature some nice improvements. The mpressor and the niveau filter have been updated regarding the display issue in WaveLab 7 and also feature the parameter display from now on. On the alpha compressor, the gain reduction meter in unlinked mode and parameter linking in linked M/S mode have been fixed, and a multichannel mode for the RTAS mix version has been added.
MPRESSOR ALL-IN-ONE INSTALLER INCL. TDM
The new mpressor installer includes all formats in one, enabling all users to use TDM as well. Customers who have bought an “mpressor TDM” license please contact us to receive a new authorization free of charge which is needed to run the new version 1.0.4 – “mpressor” and “mpressor Native” customers can go ahead and use the new installer without needing to change anything first.
ALPHA COMPRESSOR TDM VERSION
Now that the few known issues of the alpha compressor plugin have been fixed, programming the TDM version will be the next thing on the agenda. The release will take place a little bit later than originally scheduled. We hope for your understanding that we preferred to release an optimized version of the alpha (which we now have) in the TDM format right from the start – we’ll keep you updated!

To grab these updates, click HERE
Also there are some great videos for the Plug-Ins HERE and HERE

Zildjian AE Cymbals

Finally, Something worth while in the trampoline-head ridden electronic drum industry. I’ll be the first to tell you, I have a hatred for electronic drums. They have horrible response and are way too bouncy. On top of that, the cymbals are always plastic and feel like I’m 3 years old, hitting my moms Tupperware lids (there mom you CAUGHT me I admit it.) This could be a step in the right direction and who better to do it than my favorite cymbal company, Zildjian. Plus just look at that thing with its LEDs and crazy holes.

One of the biggest stories at this year’s NAMM Convention is the debut of Gen16’s the AE (Acoustic Electric) Cymbal.
While electronic drums and percussion have been around for years, the AE Cymbal is a completely new twist that uses established technology to create essentially a completely new instrument. “The Acoustic Electric Cymbal is capable of creating a wide range of sounds, from that of a classic Zildjian cymbal to some very non-traditional sounds,” explains Zildjian’s VP of New Business & Product Development, John Roderick. “For drummers, it will have an inspirational impact akin to what the acoustic electric guitar has done for guitarists.”
Unlike most existing electronic percussion systems, the AE Cymbal is not a sample trigger device. Instead, it’s an actual cymbal, and plays like one, but at reduced volume levels, utilizing a unique dual microphone and DSP engine to amplify and model the cymbal’s output.

Wanna see a short video? Of course you do

I have no clue the price of these but I’m interested. To keep up to date, keep checking HERE

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