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Audix DP QUAD

In my opinion the Audix D6 is the best kick mic for the money and actually is my preference over the Shure, AKG, and Beyer kick mics.  But then again, what does my opinion matter, I really like Nickelback.
This kit is taking a page out of the Blue, Sontronics, and Earthworks book by making the minimalist 4 piece (Led Zeppelin) style mic packs. These kits are perfect for the limited pre-amp setups in home studios or the lazy live sound engineer at Warehouse Live in Houston who looks like Planet of the Apes and gripes everytime you ask to have a functioning monitor in front of you… sorry… I had an axe to grind.

The Audix DP QUAD pack is the simplest, most effective combination of microphones needed to capture the depth and imaging of a full drum kit. Featuring the D6 for kick, i5 for snare and two ADX51’s for overhead, the DP-QUAD is intended to create a blend effect between close and overhead miking.
The D6 and i5 are high SPL dynamic microphones which are excellent for close miking; a technique that is required in order to capture the attack and percussive sound of the drum. The D6 will help provide earthshaking lows and the attack of the kick; the i5 will reinforce the depth and crack of the snare. These two mics are the core of any drum kit and the foundation for every groove, making them a must have for all drummers.

This mic kit comes with a very nice aluminum flight case and is priced at $825.00.
To buy this incredible kit, click HERE
And if you know who I’m talking about at Warehouse live, make sure if you see him around, get a pic of you giving him a swirlie , email it to me [email protected] and I’ll mail you something really nice.

Deals: Antares Has You Covered

UPDATE: I cracked and bought it
There are a few days left to get the technology that allowed Lil Wayne to bless us with the majesty of song last night at the VMAs as a very low price.
Antares has AutoTune EFX for $49.99 and the entire AVOX Evo bundle for $199.99. Now what does this mean for you? It basically means you can sound JUST like everyone else in pop music at almost half the price. But is that what you really want? If everyone was jumping off of a robitic sounding cliff, would you? Well for the right amount of $$$, I would too and probably will on day. (Just Watch)

Just a quick reminder that there are only three days left to visit your Antares Dealer or the Antares Online Store to save over 60% off of the regular MSRPs of Auto-Tune EFX and AVOX Evo, the Antares Vocal Toolkit.
Until midnight (PDT) Wenesday, August 31, you can buy Auto-Tune EFX for an estimated street price in the USA of only $49 and AVOX Evo for an estimated street price in the USA of only $199 (that’s over 60% off their regular MSRPs in the USA of $129 and $499).
Auto-Tune EFX
Powered by the same core technology as Antares’ world professional standard Auto-Tune 7, Auto-Tune EFX is the quickest, easiest-to-use tool for real-time pitch correction and creating the iconic Auto-Tune Vocal Effect. Auto-Tune EFX makes genuine Antares pitch processing accessible to anyone engaged in computer-based audio recording.
AVOX Evo
AVOX Evo, the Antares Vocal Toolkit, combines ten state-of-the-art vocal processing modules (including Harmony Engine Evo)  to give you the power you need to create stunning vocal tracks in any musical style as well as design unique vocal effects for audio post-production applications.

Auto-Tune EFX and AVOX Evo are available at your local Antares dealer for estimated street prices in the USA of $49.00 and $199 respectively (as well as at the Antares Online Store). But remember, this offer is only available until midnight (PDT) on August 31, so don’t procrastinate.
To buy, click HERE

Presonus Central Station Plus

Ok, I can vouch for this product because I actually use a Central Station at Everything Recording’s in house studio, HSL and I couldn’t be happier with this one. When you’re running multiple monitor setups, testing out new speakers, and auditioning mixes, you need a transparent hub with very easy switching. I even have an Aux input ran to a headphone plug for those situation where a client wants to show you an idea. On top of that you get a talkback mic built in.
What makes this one better is they’ve bundled the satellite unit with it as well, taking out the strain of reaching across the console to switch or talk back to the person who is in the other room trying to warble through a dubstep track like Wynona Judd with a bladder infection… “A little less suck in the track please.”  Long of the short, for the money, this is the BEST control solution for any mid level professional or home studio.

The PreSonus Central Station studio-monitor control system and its CSR-1 remote control are widely considered standard equipment in commercial and personal studios, providing outstanding audio performance at a great price. In the past, the Central Station and its remote control have been separate purchases, but most people bought both; so PreSonus is now offering the two items exclusively as a single package, the Central Station Plus. With an estimated street price of $599.95, the new Central Station Plus package saves customers $50 over the previous separate purchases.
With no polarizing debate or political posturing, PreSonus is simply providing better value and helping customers avoid deficit spending without raising taxes.
Providing the perfect combination of stereo inputs, outputs, and recording-communication functions, the Central Station allows you to easily manage multiple audio sources and monitor speakers. Boasting an audiophile-quality, passive signal path, with no op-amps or ICs, it delivers pristine audio quality; the ability to switch between multiple analog and digital sources and three sets of speakers; fast, accurate metering; and all of the extras that make your studio work easier and more efficient, it’s obvious why the Central Station is the professional engineer’s choice for monitor control.
The CSR-1 provides remote control of volume, talkback, muting, input-source switching, and speaker-output switching. It is wired to the Central Station via a proprietary DB15 cable (included), enabling you to keep the Central Station in your rack and control it from your desktop, providing maximum convenience with minimum wiring.

Price on this is $599.95, which is considerably less than how much I paid.
For more info, click HERE

IK Multimedia Ships iKlip Mini

I’m pretty sure if you’re reading this, you use your iPhone for everything other than toiletries, but judging by how many Facebook statuses say “dropped my iPhone in the toilet LOLZ” I would say some of you are apparently trying that too. IK understands this and has made the iKlip mini, which is the little brother of of the iPad’s iKlip. This would be great for that person who uses their iPhone for Reason loops OR that rapper who uses their iPhone for all of their lines. (I’m looking your way John and Ike)

IK Multimedia is pleased to announce iKlip™ MINI, the universal microphone stand adapter to support iPhone® and iPod touch® devices on stage, in the studio, at school or in the office, is now shipping. Features:
-Sturdy, durable thermoplastic construction holds your iPhone and iPod touch securely without scratching or marring it
-Compatible with all current and previous iPhone and iPod touch models
-Firmly attaches to virtually any microphone stand, pole and tripod with diameters of 11 – 20 mm /.43” – .79”
-Horizontal or vertical mounting with multi-angle adjustment and easy rotation
-Can be placed on the mic stand’s vertical pole or its horizontal boom
-All controls, buttons, connectors and camera of the iOS device are accessible
-Fast installation — can be mounted in seconds
-Includes detachable iRig bracket for use with the AmpliTube range of apps or any other iOS guitar effects app
-Perfect companion to the iRig Mic handheld microphone and vocal processing apps such as VocaLive
-Can be used with a variety of apps including karaoke, score and tablature, DJ, recording, mixing, video, photography, teleprompting and many more
-Designed and manufactured in Italy
Modeled after the popular iKlip for iPad, iKlip MINI firmly holds your iPhone and iPod Touch in place in both horizontal and vertical positions. iKlip MINI’s multi-angle adjustable design provides optimal viewing and accessibility to all controls, buttons, connection ports and camera free from obstruction. It can also be easily rotated from portrait to landscape position by simply loosening or tightening a knob with no need for tools. It can be mounted on the vertical pole of a mic stand as well as on its horizontal boom.
Whether playing live or practicing, iKlip MINI can be used for many types of musical activities such as effects editing, score viewing, DJ work and karaoke singing. Plus, it can also be used for other practical applications such as taking steady pictures or capturing video.
Users of iRig, another popular IK Multimedia mobile accessory device, can support their guitar interface adapter with the iKlip MINI with the included detachable bracket mount. This makes iKlip MINI the perfect accessory for the AmpliTube range of apps or any other guitar effects app.
iKlip MINI is also ideal for another IK Multimedia mobile accessory, iRig Mic, the handheld  microphone for iOS devices, that allows singers to conveniently operate the device at a close distance on the same mic stand with their device running IK’s VocaLive or any other vocal processing app.

Pricing and availability:
The iKlip is available at select IK Multimedia music and electronic retailers worldwide or from the IK online store for only $39.99/€29.99 (excl. tax).
For more info, click HERE

Elysia Xpressor: 19" Rackmount Version

The Xpressor is an extremely versatile dynamics processor. Not only does it compress and tame transients but it can also be used as a sound shaping tool. Just watch THIS video. So you pretty much want one now right? Well you can either get the 500 series version or in the new nineteen inch version.

The xpressor is back!
Many of you have asked for this, so we have created this 19“ version which comes in a full aluminum enclosure, making it very light and rock solid at the same time. Further additions to the xpressor are send and return connectors for an external sidechain, plus a superior linear power supply with a shielded toroidal transformer. And just like with our ‘bigger’ machines, you’ll find no cables in the complete audio path at all.
Looking for a great sounding, super flexible discrete class-A stereo compressor?
The xpressor is shipping right now, and it is more affordable than you might think
 

The xpressor 500 is now available for $1,499 / 990 €* and can be found HERE
And just when you thought Elysia was done, they also offer 25% off of the alpha compressor, the mpressor and the alpha & mpressor bundle until 15 September 2011.
25 % discount code for payments in USD:
49ZO0J1FMY14PGZ6TMGPOYEZ
25 % discount code for payments in EUR:
KXHREO369TZG583B75WH5JWK
To redeem your coupon code, click HERE.

Blue Reactor: Now Available

Impressive looking right? The Reactor is Blue’s newest multi-pattern large diaphragm condenser mic. It’s a very classy futuristic looking mic that allows you to switch patterns on the fly and also has a swivel head for precise mic positioning. I haven’t yet messed with this mic but after my review on Spark, (here) I can say with almost complete confidence that this will be nothing short of greatness. You would think by looking at this mic that it would be pretty high dollar, but at $500.00, you can’t go wrong. Don’t believe me? I figured you wouldn’t. Watch this video then.

 

 Blue Microphones, a leading innovator in microphone technology and design, announces the wide availability of Reactor (www.bluemic.com/reactor), a multi-pattern, large diaphragm condenser microphone that pushes the envelope of microphone design in functional versatility, sound and aesthetics. Reactor unites Blue’s proprietary pre-amp circuit and innovative pattern selection method (cardioid, omni or bi-directional) with a swiveling capsule head for precise positioning, making it inherently well-suited for multiple mic setups. Reactor, MSRP $499 is now available at authorized Blue dealers.

Tone 2 AkustiX Enhancer

If there is one thing I can’t resist, it’s darling window treatments crazy filters and effects and this one looks very promising. This is geared towards mixing and mastering to add that special something to a song. Tone 2 has a filter, stereo enhance, bass enhance, phase enhance. breast enhance… Ok… I added the last one but this plug-in looks very promising. I really wish they would come out with an RTAS version so I can throw this into Pro Tools.
I’m starting to see a trend in virtual synth companies making effects plug-ins for DAWs and from what I’ve used (Rob Papen RP Verb and Delay) they are more comprehensive than the big names in the business. So lets take a look at what this plug-in can do.

Each effect is based on the latest developments in psycho-acoustic research and offers multiple ways to customize your recordings by using psycho-acoustic processing to shape and enhance your sound.
AkustiX Enhancer features six powerful mixing effects:
Psycho EQ
The Psycho EQ dynamically boosts and equalizes frequencies based on the nonlinearity of the human ear.
Stereo Width:
With up to 3 frequency bands available the stereo width effect uses exclusive new technology to provide independent frequency control over the stereo width & spatial image without introducing negative artifacts.
Ultra Stereo
The Ultra Stereo section adds transparency while enhancing perceived spaciousness and auditory distance within a mix, it can also be used to up mix from mono to stereo.
Phase Enhance
Phase Enhance masks non linearities and simulates a more natural dispersion and propagation of the sound.
Multi Exciter
Designed to enhance presence and brightness the multiband exciter adds vibrancy and depth to your mix by adding additional harmonics.
Smart Filter
The Smart Filter section enhances transparency and adds more detail by using frequency-domain masking

Looks like I’m going to have to get my Vienna Ensemble Pro up and running so I can throw AU plug-ins inside of Pro Tools and buy this as soon as it comes out.
Info on this product is not available on their site but keep an eye out HERE

U-HE Updates Zebra

Zebra is an extremely powerful synth / soundscape creation virtual instrument with an array of options, giving you complete control over every nuance of the sound. And now they’re joining the ranks of JZ Mics as a company who works tirelessly even in the summer when all the other companies are out drinking fruity drinks on the beach and listening to Jimmy Buffet. Let’s see what great additions this stellar company has done to this intuitive virtual synth.

Zebra is a wireless modular synthesizer. It combines many different types of synthesis with a powerful modulation engine. Imagine – you can create any additive, freehand or spline-based waveform you like, apply a vast selection of spectral effects, morph between those waves and send them through classic synth filters. Perhaps use that entire sound as modulator for an FM oscillator, or route it through a comb filter – the building block of physical modeling synthesis. All generator modules, all signal paths, all effects are stereo.
Although the possibilities are practically infinite, you will never be overwhelmed by needless complexity – Zebra’s adaptive interface only shows the modules you are actually using. It’s a fascinating playground for sound designers! That’s what Zebra is all about, that’s why it has become so popular. That’s why thousands of free presets are available online.
Some new features in V 2.5.2:
– Added “Slew” switch to LFOs.
– Fixed “enter registration” out of Zebralette.
– Improved compatibility with Pro Tools Mac.
– Improved compatibility with Cubase Mac 64 bit.

To see what Zebra can do, watch this video.

Zebra 2.5.2 is available for Windows and Mac (VST/AU/RTAS), priced at $199 USD (excl. VAT)
For more info, and to buy, click HERE

JZ Microphones Michael Wagner Kit

Unfortunately for all of you, I am in fact not dead. There just isn’t much to post about music news around this time. I’m guessing either all of our industrious little fellows are busy doing the same thing I’m doing and trying to get some semblance of a tan. Truth be told, I just turn dark white.
JZ Mics are NOT one of the slackers right now and have released the Michael Wagner Kit. It appears to be two small diaphragm condenser mics used for drum overheads and acoustic guitar. I’m not sure on price for these but I would bet my newly (fake) bronzed legs that they are a pretty penny, but if you watch the video at the end, you’ll see why.

JZ Microphones introduces a special Michael Wagener signature microphone kit, consisting of two microphones; a BT-201 small diaphragm cardioid condenser and a limited edition BT-301 medium diaphragm condenser.
Legendary engineer Michael Wagener (Metallica, Queen, Alice Cooper, Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe, W.A.S.P, Janet Jackson, Megadeth, Skid Row) recently discovered the brilliant sound produced by the combination of two unique JZ microphones. While tracking acoustic guitars on a recent project, Michael used the BT 201 and BT 301 microphones with magical results. “I tried the BT-201 / 301 combination on acoustic guitar and it was the best sound I’ve heard from any new mic.” The BT-201 / 301 combination can be heard on all recent Michael Wagener productions, including the recent Lordi project where the kit was used for acoustic guitars as well as drum overheads. “The BT 301 is my go-to microphone for ride cymbal and the 201 sees a lot of use on hi-hat” said Michael Wagener.
The BT or Bat series was the second range to be released by JZ, following the hugely successful Black Hole series microphones. The BT range is unique in many respects, including interchangeable, magnetically attached capsules, offering cardioid, open cardioid, padded open cardioid (-20dB) and omni capsules. The distinctively shaped BT-301 is a limited edition medium sized cardioid condenser, which boasts an extremely low self noise spec of a mere 5.5 dBA. Both microphones excel on instruments that benefit from a high frequency presence boost, making them ideal for string and percussion sections, as well as acoustic guitar. The kit will be available in the market soon.

Check out this video with some of the best overhead drumming this side of the Mississippi

JZ Microphones the Michael Wagener microphone kit from JZ Microphones on Vimeo.
For more info, click HERE

Rob Papen: Punch Update

Rob Papen has issued an update for their beat making Punch plug-in. I’ve actually got a review on the way for this program and a few other of Rob Papen and so far I’m really digging this drum module. It is extremely versatile, especially for house and dance music. There is a reason this is a go-to program for a great deal of producers and it just got even better.

With Punch, Rob Papen delivers a brand new speaker busting, body rattling software instrument. Punch delivers synthesized drums in the finest audio quality and with breathtaking features for the contemporary producer.
You can can use synthesis and the build in samples to build your own unique sounding drum-kit, but also your own samples can be loaded into Punch to complete your kit. Your sounds can then be crafted using the stunning features, filters and huge synth power we all know from other RP synthesizers.
Punch has a unique sound but also built in sequencers, allowing you the user to have multiple patterns at your finger tips. These grooves can be triggered in a live environment to build a song, but are also great for just improvisation and jamming!
Also featured are a growing amount of drum-kits built by 3rd party designers and famous DJ’s which complete the arsenal of power that is Punch…
Some features for V1.02:
– Mac version update for making compatible with OS-X 10.7 (Lion).
– Option to change HD location user samples.
– Mute & Solo for drum pad via mixer screen.
– Sample pitch & amp decay curve.
– Pattern folder command.
– Better memory usage.
– 32 bit float wav support.
– Other small bug fixes.
– A few more presets and drumpresets.

For more info, and to buy, click HERE

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