PENDULUM AUDIO OCL-500 COMPRESSOR

The new OCL-500 has the same compression circuit as the OCL-2, but uses a transformerless class A solid-state gain makeup circuit in place of the tube stage. The result is clean, transparent compression that can be used to shape the dynamics of any source while preserving its tone. Like the OCL-2, the OCL-500 has a wide variety of time constants and dynamic control to optimize the compres- sion characteristics, including a sidechain hi-pass filter.


OCL-500 Features:

• OCL-2 compression profile with proprietary Pendulum opto cell
• Six time constants with fast, rms, multi-slope, and average settings
• Class A solid-state (no tubes)
• Sidechain hi-pass filter
• Single-space 500 series rack format

OCL-500 Specifications:

• Format: API® 500 series standard, fully compatible
• Input Impedance: 20KΩ, balanced
• Output Impedance: less than 50Ω
• Max. Output Level: +27dBu, balanced
• Threshold: off to 20dB of gain reduction at +4dBu
• Ratio: 1.5:1 to 15: 1, soft knee
• Output: Off to +20dB of makeup gain
• Max. Gain Reduction: 27 dB
• Frequency Response: +/- 1 dB from 10Hz to 95kHz
• Noise Level: better than 78dB below +4dBu, 0-30kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion: less than 0.01% with no compression

Time Constants:

Position	Type	Description
F	Fast	Peak-averaged by the opto-cell
A	Average	RMS response
V1	Vintage 1	Three-stage multi-slope (auto)
V2	Vintage 2	Slower three-stage multi-slope (auto)
M1	Manual 1	Medium attack, medium release
M2	Manual 2	Slower attack, slower release

Genelec 1238CF Tri-amplified DSP Monitoring System

The Genelec 1238CF is a compact three-way DSP monitoring loudspeaker including drivers, multiple power amplifiers and digital signal processing (DSP) circuitry. The 1238CF is compatible with proprietary Genelec Loudspeaker Manager™ (GLM™) control software and can be combined with Genelec 8200/7200 Series products in the same control network. The 1238CF is optimized for systems utilizing one or multiple subwoofers in medium sized control rooms and suited for music recording studios, film and video post-production and general broadcasting monitoring as well as for mastering suites.

The 1238CF is designed to perform well both as a free-standing monitor and flush mounted into the control room wall. When flush mounting the loudspeaker, the space behind the loudspeaker enclosure must be sufficiently ventilated in order to dissipate heat generated by the amplifier unit located at the back panel of the loudspeaker.

The Directivity Control Waveguide™ (DCW™) Technology developed by Genelec provides excellent stereo imaging and frequency balance even in difficult acoustic environments. Versatile crossover controls allow for precise matching of the loudspeaker system to different acoustic conditions.

The rugged amplifier unit is mounted into the enclosure with vibration isolators which also act as quick release hinges making maintenance operations very easy and straightforward. The loudspeaker cabinet is constructed of painted MDF, which is heavily braced to eliminate structural resonances.

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i6 audio interface

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i6 is an 18 in / 6 out USB 2.0 audio interface designed to make home multitrack recording a breeze. Alongside two award-winning Focusrite preamps, six high-quality analogue inputs allow you to simultaneously record guitar, bass, vocals and keys. You don’t need to stop there either – pop in the ADAT optical cable from an outboard eight-channel mic pre unit such as the Focusrite OctoPre MkII and you can track the drums at the same time.

Included with the Scarlett 18i6 is Scarlett MixControl, an 18 x 6 DSP mixer. Offering a superb level of flexibility, the MixControl software enables you to create six separate mixes with ultra-low-latency. Route any combination of input signals and sequencer outputs to any of the Scarlett 18i6 outputs. Intuitive one-click configurations help you track, monitor and mix as quickly as possible. 

Scarlett 18i6 comes with all of the additional tools needed to start making music straight away. Scarlett VST/AU/RTAS Plug-in Suite comes in the box, adding Focusrite compression, reverb, gating and EQ to your recording system. 

Focusrite’s established Xcite+ bundle is also included. The bundle features Ableton Live Lite (for all your production, performance and compositional needs), Novation’s Bass Station soft synth and over 1 gig of royalty-free samples from Loopmasters.

 

Scarlett 18i6’s two award-winning Focusrite preamps ensure low noise and distortion, whilst cutting-edge digital conversion captures your audio with pristine quality. 16 additional inputs allow you to capture inspired takes, without having to constantly re-patch your studio. Combined with the very latest in USB interfacing technology, excellent routing flexibility and rock-solid driver stability, the Scarlett 18i6 is the heart of the modern recording studio.

The Radial Workhorse is a 500 series rack and mixer combined

Radial Workhorse™

• 500 series 8 slot rack with 8x2 summing mixer
• Bulletproof design is backwards compatible
• Plenty of current for power hungry modules
• Dual output headphone buss for monitoring

The Radial Workhorse is a modular rack and mixer that combines the popular 500 series platform with an incredibly flexible patching system to let you create the ultimate studio environment.

Equipped to handle up to eight modules, the Workhorse lets you mix and match preamps, EQs and compressors and bring them all together in one rack. Individual modules may be accessed on the rear panel following the traditional API™ format or bussed to the built-in 8x2 summing mixer for left-right signal panning, level control and muting. Once mounted, a unique 'feed' functon lets you configure modules to feed one another in series to create the channel strip of your dreams!

The master section features a traditional virtual ground mix buss combined with the superb sonic performance of Jensen Transformers on the main mix outs. A separate stereo monitor output provides playback, plus a super-loud dual-output headphone amp lets the engineer share the mix with the artist. Multiple Workhorses may be ganged together using the expansion buss to build 16, 24 or even 32 channel systems.

Rear panel connectivity is extensive: Each channel is equipped with traditional XLR input and output. This is augmented with ¼" TRS jacks for balanced or unbalanced connectivity. A special Omniport™ jack delivers module-specific functionality that can range from an extra output, ducking input or effects insert depending on the module design. The Workhorse comes ProTools™-ready with 8-channel D-subs for the inputs and outputs plus third D-Sub gives you access to the built-in summing mixer for those that prefer the added warmth of analogue summing. Powering concerns are addressed with a unique 'pooled' supply that shares 1200 milliamps of current between the available 8 slots. This allows high current demand modules to exceed the usual limitations of other 500 series racks without the worry of brown outs.

Plug and play easy to use, the Workhorse brings the fun, excitement and creative advantage of warm-sounding analogue to the modern \ digital studio

Mr Alias Pro Glitch IDM Industrial Dubstep Chiptune VST Synth for PC and Mac + 100 new sounds

Mr. Alias Pro is a fully professional software synthesizer which exploits the properties of digital audio to achieve extremely bad sounds. It is an essential instrument for the digital purist, building on Mr. Alias 2 and adding some professional features.

Mr. Alias Pro is available as a VST plugin for Windows (32-bit) and Mac OS X (and Linux, if anyone ever asks), and as an Audio Unit for Mac OS X.

Exclusive features in Mr. Alias Pro include:

• Better-sounding "Pro" GUI with realistic wood sides
• Skinnable
• Auto Randomizer
• Integrated MIDI keyboard - play with mouse or QWERTY keys (right-click to hold a note)
• Modulation of internal parameters from audio input, envelopes, etc
• Extra assignable envelope and two LFOs
• Glide and Retrigger for legato playing in Mono mode
• Set each oscillator to a constant pitch, ignoring MIDI note value
• 2 more banks of patches
• Drawable waveforms (also load/save wav files)
• And much more! (not really)

Everything from Mr. Alias 2 is also included:

• 2 oscillators
• 18 waveforms
• Full stereo processing
• 6 filter types including a formant filter
• Filter envelope
• External audio processing (no need to hire Butch Vig)
• Patch randomizer button
• Highly configurable MIDI control with MIDI learn
• MIDI-controllable patch morphing
• "Amateur" bank of 128 presets
• Drag & drop preset and MIDI map loading

Complete information can be found in the User's Manual.

http://thepiz.org/mralias2/pro.php

Sterling Mastering Studios

                                               www.sterling-sound.com

Jay-Z & Beyonce Featured On Dr. Dre’s “Detox”?

A British newspaper reports that Jay-Z and Dr. Dre recorded verses for an unnamed track for Dre’s upcoming final album Detox, and that there was space left in the track for Beyonce to deliver a chorus. This comes as big news as the megastar power couple has not recorded jointly since 2007 on Jay’s American Gangster album on the song “Pray.”

The full quote from the source read: “Jay and Dre have recorded their verses with the chorus left open for Beyoncé to sing. The producer has worked on Detox for over a decade. He wanted the couple together.” Jay and Beyonce have paired up on hits songs many times such as the Grammy winning “Crazy In Love” and the sweeping “Bonnie & Clyde” tracks. – MTV

I wouldn’t be surprised if Jay & Beyonce are featured on a song but consider it a rumor for now. and I’d personally rather hear the power-couple on two seperate tracks if they are appear on the album. We’ll see!

Firefox 4 For Mac Now Available For Download

Two and half years after the last major version, Mozilla has finally released Firefox 4 for Mac, PC and Linux, bringing dramatic speed and performance enhancements, improved HTML5 support, increased customizability, improved security, a while new interface and cross-platform syncing features to the world’s second most popular browser.

Even though it has taken more than two years for Firefox 4 to creep out the door, Firefox 5 should be coming relatively soon: Mozilla has said that they want to release Firefox 4, 5, 6 and 7 by the end of 2011 as they adopt a more Chrome-like rapid release schedule.

The impetus to catch up in version numbers with the likes of Internet Explorer, Chrome, Opera and Safari are doubtlessly part of it, too: although Firefox is about as advanced as any other browser on the market, the lower version number risks the perception of being less advanced. If you knew nothing about web standards and security, which browser would you pick: Chrome 10, Internet Explorer 9, Safari 5 or Firefox 4? Exactly.

Firefox 4 is a free download, clocking in at around 27 megabytes. You can download it here.

Ga-Ga-Glasses

Polaroid's GL 20 Gaga Camera Glasses John Mahoney

Lifecasting devices are interesting--you wear them as they unobtrusively capture photos, video, sound (or all three) as you make sandwiches, walk the dog, or perform Bad Romance in Rome for 50,000 people. Although "unobtrusive" really isn't the idea behind Polaroid's GL20 Gaga-designed camera glasses, which take and display interval-shot photos taken with a lens on the bridge.

Gaga teamed up with Polaroid starting last year, and the world is finally seeing the fruits of this delightful instance of corporate synergy. A Gaga-designed portable Zink printer and an SX-70-inspired digital camera with built-in Zink printer and a flip up display for displaying the pictures should reach retail later this year as well.

Mind-Controlled Musical Instrument

Music Through the Mind Eduardo Miranda

Paralysis patients could play music with their minds, using a new brain-control interface that senses brain impulses and translates them into musical notes.

Users must teach themselves how to associate brain signals with specific tasks, causing neuronal activity that the brain scanners can pick up. Then they can make music.

It’s a pretty unique use of brain-computer interfaces, which are already being used to do things like drive cars, control robots and play video games. The device was developed by Eduardo Miranda, a composer and computer-music specialist at the University of Plymouth, UK. A composer by trade, Miranda said he was captivated by the idea of using a musical brain-controlled interface for therapeutic purposes. “Now I can't separate this work from my activities as a composer,” he told Nature News.

Patients with neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s can use music to walk to a rhythm or even to trigger memories or emotions. But stroke patients or those with locked-in syndrome can’t interact with music beyond just listening to it. With this system, patients with physical limitations might be able to use music for therapy, too — truly making music the medicine of the mind.

Like other brain-computer interfaces, a user calibrates the system — and his or her brain — by learning to associate certain brain signals with a stimulus. While wearing an EEG cap, patients focus their attention on four small buttons on a computer screen, each of which triggers a series of musical notes. The user must direct his or her gaze at the target corresponding to the action he or she would like to perform, Miranda and colleagues explain.

Miranda and computer scientists at the University of Essex tested the system on a patient with locked-in syndrome, who learned the system in about two hours and was soon playing notes along with a backup track.

By varying levels of concentration, she learned to vary the amplitude of the EEG, which allowed her to choose among the different notes, like striking piano keys.

A future version of the system would not require calibration, relying on advanced algorithms to sense a user’s neuronal response to each button, the researchers say.

Tek'it Audio 8eqp

Tek'it Audio's new VST effect plugin 8eqp is available now.

The 8eqp VST is a parametric 8 band equalizer with a particularity: a fixed center frequency range, according to Tek'it Audio. Each band offers Q-factor, gain and center frequency controls, the company says.

8eqp comes with MIDI automation support, MIDI learn, the possibility to undo your changes and oversampling.

A demo version of "8eqp parametric eq" is available to download as a VST plug-in for Windows.

Pricing & Availability

The full version is available to purchase as a VST instrument plug-in for Windows PC for only 14 EUR / 20 USD.

Tek'it are using a new system on their demo. No more noise bursts, but short audio breaks every 30 seconds.

Coming soon - RAZOR by Errorsmith & Native Instruments

Porsche 918 Spyder Production Model

Porsche has released full details on its upcoming flagship sportscar, pricing the hybrid machine at an astronomical $845,000. Combining the original concept with Porsche's ongoing hybrid race car technology the carbon chassis 918 will get a "high revving" V8 engine making in excess of 500-hp mated to a plug-in hybrid drive system with two electric motors, adding "at least" an additional 218-hp. Those motors will be attached, one at each axle, effectively making the 918 an AWD machine.

The car will hit 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds claims Porsche with a top speed of 199 mph. Porsche is also reiterating that it will be able to lap the Nurburgring below 7:30 seconds, topping the Carrera GT by at least 2 seconds.

As for the car's hybrid performance, Porsche says it will achieve an incredible 78-mpg. (European test cycle). Official EPA fuel economy numbers won't be available until much closer to the car's on-sale date in 2013. As a plug-in hybrid, Porsche says the exotic sports car will recharged in roughly 7 hours using a conventional household outlet and will provide 16 miles of emissions-free range, up to speeds of 94 mph.

A technology teaser, Porsche has yet to release every detail of the car, but other pertinent info includes the fact the car 918 will use Porsche's 7-speed PDK transmission and the V8 engine will be larger than 4.0-liters.

With the new info comes a set of new renderings of what the production model is expected to look like, as well as confirmation that it will feature a manually removable roof that can be stored int he front luggage compartment.

Porsche is now accepting orders for the 918, with deliveries set for 2013.

DDMF NoLimits plugin limiter ($20)

This look-ahead limiter completes DDMFs mixing and mastering portfolio and will be your weapon of choice to bring you up to competitive levels. Features: optional auto-gain, optional transient stereo linkage, advanced mode for variable lookahead, attack and release times, and a state-of-the-art dithering algorithm. Last but not least: it sounds smooth, yet powerful... Available in Windows (32/64 bit) and Mac Universal Binary format.
http://www.ddmf.eu/product.php?id=6

Chris Brown Flips Out At 'Good Morning America'

Chris Brown Today was supposed to be a fabulously exciting day for Chris Brown as he promotes his new album F.A.M.E., which is out in stores now. Let's just say that Brown put on a performance that he is going to regret. Sure, he gave a decent on-air performance but it was behind-the-scenes that Brown showed that those anger management classes didn't do sh*t for him. And quite frankly, I feel let down by him once again. Time and time again I've given Brown the benefit of the doubt. So to hear about this, just really made me do a big fat eye roll. So what went down? Well, apparently Robin Roberts went there. Yes, she brought up the incident that he should know that he is going to be asked for the rest of his life. No Chris, not everyone is past that. After he was asked about his violent past and his legal issues, Chris tried to focus on his new album, but he got effing pissed, throw a fit and then went back to his dressing room not only to tear apart his room, but also smash the window.

Steve Jobs To Undergo 2 Hours “Limited Questioning” on 2004 Apple/RealNetworks DRM Spat

Despite being on medical leave, Steve Jobs has been ordered by a US Magistrate to answer questions in court about the iTunes music store and Apple’s supposedly monopolistic behavior, Bloomberg reports.

The order was imposed by US Magistrate Judge Howard R. Lloyd, who is ruling over a class-action lawsuit aimed at Apple and iTunes. Steve Jobs will have to submit to “limited” questioning of under two hours, with questioning to be focused only on the changes that Apple made to their iPod software back in 2004.

In case you weren’t around then, here’s what happened. Back in 2004, RealNetworks’ Harmony software gained a feature allowing users to transfer songs purchased from the RealNetworks store directly to their iPod by emulating Apple’s FairPlay DRM. Apple got angry, claiming that RealNetworks deployed the “tactics and ethics of a hacker.” Then they fixed the iPod software so that Harmony could no longer connect. T

“The court finds that Jobs has unique, non-repetitive, firsthand knowledge about the issues at the center of the dispute over RealNetworks software,” Judge Lloyd said in relation to his ruling.

Apple disagrees. “Any deposition of Mr.Jobs would be repetitive, at best,” says Apple lawyer David Kiernan

Apple confirms international iPad 2 launch on March 25

Many of those international customers looking to get their hands on an iPad 2 won’t have much longer to wait: Apple confirmed on Tuesday that it will launch the newest revision of its tablet in 25 countries on March 25. That announcement seems to fly in the face of rumors of a constrained supply.

The countries receiving the iPad 2 on Friday were initially announced by Apple CEO Steve Jobs at the iPad 2 launch event earlier this month. They include Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

The iPad 2 will go on sale online at 1 a.m. local time on March 25 and at Apple Stores and authorized resllers at 5 p.m. local time the same day. The devices will bear the same suggested retail prices as their U.S. counterparts, in the respective currencies of those countries: $499, $599, and $699 for the 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB Wi-Fi models respectively, and $629, $729, and $829 for the 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB Wi-Fi + 3G models.

One country absent from the international iPad 2 launch, though, is Japan. Though Japan had been included on the initial list of nations due to get the iPad 2 on March 25, Apple said last week that it would be delaying the launch of the iPad 2 there, due to the natural disasters that have impacted the country in recent weeks.

The iPad 2 launched to great success in the U.S. on March 11, with many retail locations selling out of their supply almost immediately. Even several days after the launch, most Apple Stores held little or no stock, and online shipping times still remain in the range of 4 to 5 weeks as of this writing. One rumorearlier this week suggested that the international launch would be delayed due to short supply, but that, at least, appears to be untrue.

Apple’s announcement also said that the iPad 2 will go on sale in Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, and additional countries beginning in April, with more international availability and pricing announced in the coming months.