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.
Universal Audio 4-710d Now Shipping
SSL Nucleus: Everything I Dreamed Of Since Seeing Nickelback's Cribs
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.
Bryan's Friday Gear Feast – Apogee One
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
Pro Tools 9 Is Here!!
Listen… you pulled me from eating at Taquiera Arnandas so I can be one of the first to put this up. You better feel important… I literally threw my torta across the restaurant and hit Felipe in the bathing suit area then drove home without apologizing. I’ll probably never be able to eat there again now because my food will be tainted… Thank you Avid…
Open yourself to the possibilities. Pro Tools 9 redefines the world’s most popular, most advanced music and audio production platform with an all-new, completely re-architected, open version of Pro Tools software, giving you what you asked for—and so much more. Work with an audio interface—or without. Create bigger, better-sounding mixes with more tracks, Automatic Delay Compensation, and other pro features included as standard. Open your workflow to projects created in other audio and video software—and to the entire Avid Artist Series and Pro Series (formerly Euphonix) console/controller line. With Pro Tools 9, you can truly compose, record, sequence, edit, and mix the way you want—in more ways than ever.
- Work the way you want—with your favorite Avid audio interface, third-party Core Audio/ASIO interface (up to 32 channels supported), or standalone
- Create bigger mixes with more simultaneous audio tracks—up to 96 or 192* voices
- Get coveted pro features such as multitrack Beat Detective, OMF/AAF/MXF interchange, DigiBase Pro, and full Import Session Data dialog as standard
- Create better-sounding, phase-accurate mixes with Automatic Delay Compensation
- Expand your hands-on control options with EUCON integration for Artist and Pro Series consoles/controllers
- Work with video more easily with the Time Code Ruler and variable stereo pan depths, and mix in surround with the updated 7.1 surround panner*
- Create complex mixes with 256 internal busses, 160 aux tracks, and 512* total audio tracks
- Share your music mixes with anyone with included MP3 Export
For complete details, visit the Pro Tools 9 product page. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going back to pick my food off of the floor and beg Felipe for forgiveness by offering him some sort of ethnic prize like a bull spear or a cape.
IK Multimedia Release iKlip
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
Rupert Neve Designs – 4 Channel Portico 5024 Pre
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)
Neyrinck V-Control iPad Controllers For Pro Tools
Let me set the scene here:
You’ve spent a good deal of money building your studio. You wake up at 2am and have the insatiable urge to record a hippie drum circle. You wake up both of your room mates who have to be at work in a few hours (I don’t charge em rent so its cool. They knew what they were in for before they moved in) and you all gather up in the tracking room. Here’s the problem… whose gonna push record? Well my room mates certainly aren’t because they’re a little mad and very tired and if I go press record, I have to run back into the room which will impede on me getting in the zone. Up until now it would’ve been settled the good ole’ fashion way, punch dancing competition, but now there’s no need for that (unless you just feel the urge.)
A company called Neyrinck has developed a software for iPad that, when paired with Pro Tools, allows for most of the essential functions for transport, editing, and mixing. Neyrinck will be debuting V-Control and V-Control Pro at the AES San Francisco exhibition, at booth 1327. V-Control and V-Control Pro will need to have an iPad running iOS 3.2 or later and are compatible with Pro Tools 7.0 and later on both Mac OS X and Windows systems. The Pro Tools system will need two things, a WIFI access point and the free Ney-Fi utility available for download at neyrinck.com.
In summary this could possibly be one of the most used pieces of gear in my studio. I’ve been debating on what to buy to track drums when its just me in the studio. I already own the iPad because I’m a whore to apple products so I’ll let you know what I think of it as SOON as I’m able to buy this product. Well crap, this whole post has given me the itch to start a drum circle… JOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH WAKE UP.
Keep checking back at Neyrinck for a press release on this genius product.
Antares Mic Mod EFX
I kinda feel bad about posting this stuff because it really makes me sound like I assume you are all broke morons but I promise I don’t think that. Its just tough finding freakin press releases for studio gear. Some companies are really secretive about their products because they don’t want people copying their technologies or ideas, but I promise I’m working on trying to find as much news as I can without just regurgitating info from press releases. I try to add personality to these posts even if you don’t like it. If you don’t want personality HERE’s the polar opposite! ENJOY!
So do you want to pull more versatility out of your mundane microphone but would rather spend money a la Charlie Sheen. Well here’s the answer.
If you’ve ever wished for an extensive collection of exotic mics (but shuddered at the cost), then Mic Mod EFX is the plug-in for you.
Using our patented Spectral Shaping Tool™ technology, we’ve created precise digital models of a wide variety of historical classic and exotic microphones. Simply tell Mic Mod EFX what microphone you are actually using and what microphone you’d like it to sound like. It’s as simple as that.
With over 125 microphones models included in Mic Mod EFX, you can afford to record each track through a model of the specific mic that will best produce that ideal sound you’re looking for. Or use it in live performance to get the sound of mics you’d never consider using on stage. You can even use it during mixdown to effectively change the mic on an already recorded track.
Not only do the models reproduce all of the subtle sonic characteristics that make each microphone unique, but they also give you control of each mic’s specific options. Does the mic have a low cut filter? If so, it’s in the model. Wind screen on or off? Close or far placement? Each option results in the same sonic effect that it would have with the actual modeled mic. And for that final touch of perfection, you can even add some tasty tube saturation.
Don’t get me wrong on this, the software seems very impressive and I would love to try it out to see what its all about. I just don’t want to completely advocate ditching proper EQ techniques and skimping on better quality gear. I think this product would be incredible for adding the “icing” to your mix. I might buy this just to see what’s up. Just look at all the mics this thing models.
AEA R44C
AKG C12A; C414; C414B/ULS Limited Edition Gold; C414B/ULS Modified by Audio Upgrades; 460B/CK61-ULS; D112; C1000S; D790; C3000; C4000B; C 12 VR; C414 EB; C535 EB; The Tube; D1; Solidtube; D5; Perception 120; Perception 220
Alesis AM61
Audio-Technica ATM11; AMT25; ATM31; AT813A; AT853Rx; AT3525; AT4047/SV; AT4033a/SM; AT4050; AT4055; AT4060; AT4051; AT2020;
Audix D4; OM2; OM3-xb; OM5; SCX1; CX111; OM-6; D-1; SCX-one
B&K 4007
Behringer Ultravoice ECM 8000; Ultravoice XM8500
beyerdynamic M-500; M-500 Limited Edition Classic; MC-834; CK-703
Blue Bluebird; Blueberry; Mouse; The Bottle
Brauner VM1; Valvet
CAD Equitek E100; Equitek E200; Equitek E350; C400s; VSM1; 95Ni
Coles 4038
Earthworks Z30x; TC30K; QTC1
ElectroVoice N/D357; PL20 RE55; RE15; N/D868; N/D767A
Groove Tubes MD-1
Langevin CR-3A
Lawson L47MP
Manley Labs Reference Gold
Marshall MXL 2001P; MXL 2003
MicroTech Gefell UM 800
Neumann U47; U 87; U 87 70th Anniversary Gold Edition; M 149; TLM 193; KM 184; TLM103; U 89i
Oktava MC-012; MK-219; MK-319
RCA BK5A
Rode NT1; NT2; NTV
Royer R-121
Sennheiser MD421; MD441; E609; E835S; K6-ME64
Shure Beta 52; Beta 57A; Beta 58; Beta 87A; Beta 98D/S; SM7A; SM57; SM58; SM81; SM98A; KSM32; VP88
Sony C37P; C48; C800G
Soundelux U95S
Tannoy Large Vintage Ribbon; Small Vintage Ribbon
Telefunken U-47 (Original Tube)
For more info on Mic Mod, visit HERE
Price: $159 Full Version $79 Upgrade
Acoustics 101
Ok folks, I’m back after spending a weekend out of town with family but the important part is I’m back and ready to go. Not like THAT ready to go. Sheesh most of my readers are male anyways and that’s just gross. Interesting side note: I didn’t know so many people knew it was my birthday. Everywhere I drove, there were countless people dressed up in crazy costumes waving at me. Some even knocked on my door and asked for candy, which was weird. I thought I was supposed to get presents but who am I kidding, I didn’t care, I just enjoy the attention. ANYWHO
Since I’m in the process of building a studio right now, I figured I would be lazy and post what I learn and make it sound like I’m doing it for you share my knowledge with my incredible followers. (they fell for it… suckers.. oh hello there) Acoustics can be an extremely tricky and very misunderstood topic. I don’t know how many people, when they find out I’m building a studio immediately assume that when building a tracking room you plaster everything with egg crate to “soundproof” it. In some cases that’s exactly what you do but in most not. So if you’re as confused as most of my oblivious friends are, (if you’re reading this friends, not you, the other ones I talk so horribly about insert name here) then here’s a free book that very easily explains what goes into soundproofing or treating a room. So go take this knowledge and build that bedroom you keep talking so creepily about. I hope the cops don’t show up at my door asking about this little chat we had about construction tips because I’m too pretty for prison. Just look at these flowing blond locks.
Link to book found HERE. By the way my rep at Sweetwater showed me this book so go buy some things from them to show them you appreciate it. The book was actually free so that shows what kind of company they a….
what have I told you about interrupting me… yesterday was halloween? And those people weren’t celebrating my birthday? Nobody cares about me? well then whyyyy???? ok you’re right.
Its Time For A New Segment: Bryan’s Friday Gear Feast!!! UA 4-710 D
I’ve decided that on each Friday I’m going to feature a new piece of gear that I think is snazzy and in every possible way I’m going to ultimately take it on myself to force my opinion down all of your throats.
So for my first piece of gear I’ve picked the Universal Audio 4-710 D. I wanna be friends with this thing in a platonic sense. A quick rundown on this is that its basically four channels of preamp that can be tube, class A, or…. wait for it BOTH at the same time. You can even dial in the amount of each. When most people are looking for a preamp for their home studio, they’re looking for versatility and are usually arguing with themselves out loud in a crowded doctor’s office about either picking tube or solid state… Well my friend… there’s no need to scare those poor sickly individuals at the Dr. Flemming’s office anymore because this four channel mass of forged audible deliciousness does it both. It even has compressor based on Universal Audio’s world famous 1176 compressor.
Look… ok… about the price… I’m just gonna come out and say it’s $2000.00 but let’s do a break down of this. One channel of Universal Audio 710 twin-finity is $800.00 a piece. So four of those would be $2400.00 and add just ONE channel of 1176 compression is $2000.00. Thats $4400.00 total for 4 channels of the exact same pre and only ONE channel of compression. So now… how does it look? No not the preamp you buffoon! These flat front khakis I’m wearing! Not bad huh? It almost makes you want to believe every word I say… Well I wouldn’t steer you wrong on this and I’ll prove it… The next preamp I’m buying is this exact one and I don’t buy crap gear. I don’t care what any person from the greater Houston area says. This fine piece of single male makes great life decisions. Just wait to you see this darling new male halter top I just bought from a homeless fashion designer named Ennis! Oh and for all you people into the specs on this here you go.
- Phase-aligned “tone blending” of tube and solid state
- Newly designed 1176-style compression/soft-limiting circuit on each mic channel
- Monolithic balanced output stage
- Dual gain stages
- Balanced send/return inserts
- Discrete JFET DI with 2.2M ohm ultra-hi-Z impedance
- 70dB+ of gain, +48V phantom power, pad (15dB), phase invert, and low-cut filter (75Hz)
- Front-panel hi-Z input (switched from mic/line)
- Rear-panel XLR mic input, XLR line input, and XLR line output
- Digital output via dual ADAT optical or AES/EBU (DB-25)
- 8 channels of high-quality 24-bit/192kHz A/D conversion
Hope you enjoyed this piece of gear and if you have any objections to this piece of gear, you can kindly blow it out your pooper! Or comment about why you don’t think I’m right. Either way it should be entertaining.
Wanna buy one of these? Go get it here
