Pardon me for not posting as much. I’m currently working on something big I’m going to try to feature on the site. I promise in a week everything will be back to normal and I’ll be making countless fart jokes and stupid stories that are questionably true.
Continuing the tradition of portable interfaces that can do just as much as the big boys, except light it’s farts, (Well look at that I’m already back) here we have the RME Babyface. I own a Fireface 800 so I can vouch for RME on this one. They really do make a great product and I bet this is no different.
Lets see what RME has to say about their product:

The long and eagerly awaited RME Babyface, the new ultra-mobile USB 22-channel audio interface, is now available.
Equipped with the latest 192 kHz AD- and DA-converters and two reference class microphone preamps the bus-powered Babyface delivers two high end analog recording channels and four analog playback channels, plus ADAT/SPDIF and MIDI I/O in an attractively shaped enclosure.
The Babyface connects to the USB 2.0 bus, but is also compatible to USB 3 chipsets. It has been uncompromisingly optimized for highest performance under Windows and Mac OS by using customized firmwares for every operating system. Like other RME USB interfaces, the Babyface provides revolutionary ultra-low latencies even with multiple channels.
The next generation of Total Mix delivers hardware mixing/routing with lots of new features and a highly improved usability. The unbeaten DSP mixer now not only matches features of high-end digital consoles but even adds effects like a 3-band parametric equalizer, reverb and echo to the mix.

This is a bit pricey for a smaller interface but you really are getting the whole package. Plus it’s one of the first USB3 compatible interfaces. I’ve used the pre’s in my Fireface and I would say they’re just as good if not slightly better than the pre’s on my Digi 003. As usual go buy it HERE. For more info on RME, click HERE
Price: $749.00

Hey you remember this post a while back? Well that bad boy is shipping now.  Just letting you know.
what?
I know this post isn’t funny and informative. You have to realize I have a life outside this site and….
…..
Ok you’re right. I truly don’t. I’m sorry I’ll do better next time.

SSL makes incredible pres. Just ask my buddy Chris Lord-Alge. If you don’t think you know him, odds are you’ve heard his work. Google him and take a look at his laundry list of songs he’s mixed. Luckily SSL has seen the need for control surfaces and I/O’s in smaller project studios and have made the Nucleus. I would ask Chris Lord-Alge what he thinks of the nucleus but I can’t yell loud enough to reach 500 feet right now because I lost my voice at the Jonas Brothers Concert tractor pull. So I will whisper what SSL has to say about this possible replacement to my Digi 003

Solid State Logic, the world’s leading manufacturer of professional analogue and digital consoles, is proud to present Nucleus; a unique, high quality DAW Controller and SuperAnalogue™ audio hub for professional project studios. Nucleus is the perfect blend of workstation control and superb audio performance.Nucleus re-defines the professional project studio with a combination of advanced DAW control, transparent SuperAnalogue™ monitoring, high class analogue mic pres, pro quality USB audio interface and bundled SSL Duende plug-ins. There is no other product available which offers the professional producer/engineer all these elements, with benchmark audio performance and elegant ergonomics. Not only is it unique but Nucleus is also outstanding value; these elements bought separately would cost more and deliver a less elegant solution.
Nucleus is a compact desktop unit that creates a comfortable, efficient, hands on operating environment for DAW based Music and Film/TV Post production. It provides everything you need to record and monitor audio and to control your DAW quickly and efficiently without resorting to your mouse. Nucleus streamlines your workflow and helps you focus on your sound, not your screen.
Key Features;
Advanced DAW Controller;

• HUI & MCU control; compatible with ProTools®, Logic®, Cubase/Nuendo® and all major DAW applications
• Switch between 3 connected DAW’s with a single button press
• Two banks of 8 channel controls plus centre section controls
• Touch sensitive 100mm motorised faders
• Digital Scribble Strips with assignable V-Pots and soft keys
• Completely user customisable DAW & Key Command mapping
• Large heavy duty transport buttons and high quality jog/shuttle wheel
• Standard 1/4” Jack footswitch connection
• Excellent visual feedback via self illuminating buttons, LED’s and DAW Level Metering
• Remote Logictivity Browser for effortless configuration
• SD card for non volatile project storage
• Four USB sockets for use as a 4 port USB hub

Unique audio nerve centre for your project studio;

• Benchmark SuperAnalogue™ quality output to separate +4dBu & -10dBV connections
• High quality USB audio interface stereo record and playback path for your DAW
• Two Combi XLR mic/line/instrument level inputs to audio interface and monitor outputs
• Digital S/PDIF I/O to the AD/DA of the audio interface
• Zero latency Rec monitoring with wet/dry control to balance input and DAW playback
• SSL SuperAnalogue™ Mic Pre’s, identical to those used on SSL Duality and AWS consoles
• Mic inputs have 80Hz High Pass Filters, Phase Reverse and Phantom Power
• Insert send/return connections switched between inputs and DAW playback for mixdown
• Additional ‘external’ SuperAnalogue™ input monitor path for another audio interface
• Two headphone outputs and one iJack monitor input

The Duende Native Essentials Bundle;
Nucleus includes the Duende Native Essentials Bundle of VST/AU/RTAS plug-ins which includes; The SSL Channel EQ & Dynamics plug-in and the Stereo Bus Compressor plug-in.

Nucleus will be available from SSL Resellers Worldwide from Dec 2010 priced; £3000 + VAT, €3599 + VAT. $4999 + VAT.

To celebrate Avid releasing a Pro Tools that works with ANY control surface I’m going to feature a really versatile one. Also, I know last week I featured something a little on the expensive side so this should balance that out.  Like I have said over and over again I travel a lot and I’m constantly looking to track ideas and not have to lug a huge interface and all the bells and whistles along. This interface gives me the option to either bring the rest or leave it and still be able to lay down ideas without feeling like you’re lacking proper equipment. This interface has 44.1/48kHz, 24-bit AD/DA Conversion, a condenser mic, and even software selectable phantom power if you want to use an outboard microphone. The One even features a balanced XLR preamp with +10 to 63dB of gain and an unbalanced 1/4″ high impedance instrument input, 0 to 45dB of gain, ALL IN AN INTERFACE ROUGHLY THE SIZE OF A CELL PHONE!!! If you know Apogee, you know that they don’t make crap. This company makes world class converters and equipment that is second to none and I’m sure this is no different. Now that I don’t need to use my Mbox Micro, I’m pretty sure I will be making the swap very soon. I am however very sorry if you own a PC because I’m pretty sure it only works with Mac OS X, but you know, its really your own fault for buying equipment with an operating system not worthy for such an incredible piece of gear!
Once again, here’s the tech specs:

Single channel input using one of the following three options: Internal condenser microphone, Balanced XLR microphone preamp input with +10 to 63dB of gain, Unbalanced 1/4″ high impedance instrument input, 0 to 45dB of gain

Software-selectable 48V phantom power

Line-level, 1/8″ stereo output for headphones or unbalanced powered monitors

A/D and D/A conversion at 44.1/48kHz, 24-bit

Multi-function encoder knob for input gain control and output level control

4-encoder function LED indicators

3-segment LED input and output metering

Apogee’s Maestro software for advanced control and low latency mixing

Compatible with any Core Audio compliant audio application

Dimensions: 2.25″ W x 4.75″ L x 1″ H

QuickStart Guide

Apogee ONE Single-channel USB Audio Interface for Mac System Requirements:

• Computer: Mac, with an Intel or Power PC G5 processor
• Memory: 1 GB minimum of installed RAM, 2 GB recommended
• OS: 10.5.7 or greater
• Connection and Power: USB, powered by any available USB port on the computer

Apogee One Single-channel USB Audio Interface for Mac Package Contents:

• One
• Breakout Cable
• USB Cable
• Apogee Software & Documentation CD

Price for Apogee One $249.00. Buy Here or I’ll be very disappointed.
For more info, visit Apogee’s site HERE

Own an iPad? Well if you do go buy an iRig right now and thank me later. I just got mine and I’ll tell you all about it in another post but in summary, It’s worth every penny. I was starting to wonder how I was going to use my iPad in live situations where its easy to access. Well IK Multimedia has fixed that problem. iKlip!!

With the new iKlip iPad mounting accessory, musicians and presenters will be able to take their iPad with them on stage, in the studio or at school, making it easy to support and operate their favorite music and presentation apps on virtually any microphone stand.
The iKlip multi-angle, adjustable design allows for optimal viewing and access to all the iPad’s controls, buttons and connection ports, and allows positioning of an iPad in both in landscape and portrait orientation. Its dense thermoplastic lightweight material ensures durability and secure holding of the iPad with most stand types. Its elegant “Made in Italy” compact and easy to assemble design guarantees a perfect sleek match with the iPad.
Now with iKlip, guitar and bass players, vocalists, keyboardists, DJs and any other musicians can use their favorite iPad apps during live performance, learning or training sessions, presentations or a multitude of other music applications.
iKlip features:
·      Sturdy, durable thermoplastic construction with six secure touch points holds the iPad without scratching or marring it
·      Universal stand clip securely attaches to virtually any microphone stand
·      Multi-angle adjustment allows precise positioning for optimal stage or studio viewing
·      Quick-snap clips provide fast, secure iPad insertion
·      Fast installation — iKlip installs on mic stand in seconds with the twist of a knob
·      All controls, buttons and connectors are accessible when the iPad is clipped into iKlip
·      Multi-mount design provides both landscape and portrait orientation of the iPad
·      Can be mounted on the vertical part of a mic stand, or on a horizontal boom for limitless positioning
·      Designed and manufactured in Italy
iKlip can be used for:
·      Score viewing during musical performance and playback
·      Learning tool – with tablature and score apps to learn songs and riffs
·      Live playing and practicing with amp and effects app like AmpliTube for iPad
·      Music creation with apps like GrooveMaker
·      DJ’ing –mounts to tabletop stands as well as standard mic poles
·      Karaoke or  “play along” singing
·      Viewing lyrics, notes, speeches, lessons, presentations and more

Pricing and availability
The iKlip will be shipping in December for only $39.99/€29.99 (exc. Taxes) from select IK Multimedia music and electronic retailers worldwide. Pre-orders are now available from the IK Multimedia online store at: www.ikmultimedia.net
For more info:
www.ikmultimedia.com/iklip

I’m a pretty big Neve guy ever since I had the chance to record in NRG Studios in L.A. so naturally I was very excited when Neve puts out their answer to SSL’s VHD 4 channel pre with the 5024 pre. Instead of using the digital harmonic distortion like SSL, Neve offers what they call the “silk” knob which can provide a burning sounding distortion. I promise I’m not lazy but I can’t seem to get any more info on the pre because Rupert Neve’s site is temporarily down, but here’s what harmony central has to say about it.

At the 2010 AES Conference, Rupert Neve Designs, LLC is launching the new Portico 5024 Quad Mic Amp. Based around custom transformers and class-A topologies, the 5024 combines extraordinary purity with the sweet musical performance expected from a Rupert Neve Design. With four channels of renowned Portico Series preamplification,
independent Silk controls, two channels of DI inputs, and an M-S decoder, the 5024 is a workhorse equipped to enhance the front-end performance of any digital or analogue recording system.
For RND’s founder and head designer Mr. Rupert Neve, the real beauty of the 5024 is found on the inside. “Transformers have always been a signature component of my designs, and the implementation of custom transformers with the class-A circuit topologies developed for the Portico Series have drawn on countless years of knowledge. As the result of countless hours of experimentation, these preamplifier designs greatly enhance sonic performance, and make listening a more enjoyable experience. ”
In addition to 72 dB of gain, the 5024’s mic pres include individually selectable phase, mute, phantom power, a selectable frequency high-pass filter, and the Silk circuit, which yields the rich warmth and presence of the renowned classic designs. Channels 1 and 2 of the 5024 feature a high-Z input designed for instrument level sources. Channels 3 and 4 feature an M-S switch, which enables Mid-Side decoding without the use of multiple console channels.
“Versatility has always been a forte of the Portico Series pres,” says RND marketing director Tristan Rhodes. “Engineers ranging from high end producers to project studio hobbyists have learned to trust Portico modules to sound amazing with virtually any source material or microphone. In the context of a four-channel preamplifier, this flexibility, paired with features like Silk, M-S and DI inputs. makes the 5024 a great choice for studios looking to improve their preamp arsenal.”
Founded by Rupert and Evelyn Neve, Rupert Neve Designs is built on passion, experience and a desire to create products embodying the highest musical quality. In continuing his legacy as a pioneer in audio circuit design, Mr. Rupert Neve is currently focusing his talents on creating innovative solutions to the issues facing the modern recording engineer. For further information on Rupert Neve Designs please visit www.rupertneve.com

I haven’t got a price on it yet but I’m sure its a bit pricey but worth every penny (similar to my dating service for nerdy techies and recording engineers) Send me $1200.00 and a VHS tape of what you are looking for in a girl so me and my friends can laugh at you I can find you a proper match based on my one dimension of compatibility (the girl having a nerd fettish)