Western Dynamo 500 Series 19-09 Opto Comp

Western Dynamo is a company with a design approach based on years of experience in the audio industry as Engineers, Studio Techs and consultants. Their first product is the 500 Series 19-09 Optical Compressor.

"The 500 Series 19-09 Optical Compressor is like nothing you've ever heard.... it's been designed from the ground up to deliver a unique sonic signature and incredible mid-range detail and control...... The 19-09's Compress control allows the engineer to easily dial in gain reduction from 2 to 30 decibels, with automatic ratio detection ranging from 0.5:1 to 30:1 (ALL IN)."

FEATURES:

• Class-A, Fully Discrete Audio Path
• True Hardware Bypass
• Floating Transformer Balanced I/O
• Twin Push-Pull Optos for Automatic Ratio Control & up to 30db of Gain Reduction
• Butterworth High Pass Sidechain Filter
• Strobing GR Meter for Precise Visual Feedback
• Single-Knob Comp/Ratio Operation
• 20db Makeup Gain

Here's a video of a pair of 19-09s being used on drums. It gives you an idea of the sonic capabilities and shows the versatility of the unit which I'm sure would be just as adept with bass, guitar, vocals etc.

Cost: $799 but is currently on sale till Sept. 30th for $550.

RAVEN Multi-Touch Consoles: Workflow Truly EVOLVED

Check out this new video by Steven Slate showing how the Raven MTi/MTX consoles can greatly increase your workflow.





The Raven MTi is available at Guitar Center for $2499

Audient iD22 Interface and Monitor Controller

 I've been hearing/reading good things about the Audient iD22. It's described as a USB DAW recording interface but seems to offer much more:

"iD22 provides two classic audient microphone preamplifiers, ALL NEW pristine AD/DA convertors that have been designed to deliver impeccable detail and impressive depth during both tracking & mixing. iD22 is expandable via ADAT i/o - perfect for partnering with an ASP008 for 10-ch recording [total 10-in, 12-out + headphones]. Our console-style monitor controller functionality and USB2.0 connectivity complete the ergonomic desktop package."

Not only does the iD22 provide 2 top notch mic pres and 6 AD/DA converters but it can also be used as a monitor controller with the ability to control 2 sets of speakers.

Features:

• 2-in, 6-out high performance 24-bit/96kHz AD/DA converters 
• 2 superb class-A mic preamplifiers & 1 discrete JFET instrument input 
• Fully balanced insert points for integrating outboard gear 
• High current headphone amplifier fed by an independent DAC 
• Low latency DSP mixer for artist mixes 
• Main and alternative stereo outputs 
• User defined monitoring functionality with hardware control 
• USB2.0 class compliant connectivity - Mac OS10.6.8 or later 

Here's a video with Audient's Luke Baldry giving a quick overview of the iD22 features.

and here's another video showcasing a song by the band Kielo in which the iD22 was used to do the recording session.

Available at VintageKingAudio for $795

CalDigit Thunderbolt™ Station

CalDigit's Thunderbolt™Station will make the perfect accessory for my portable studio. At first glance it's small size is hardly indicative of its capabilities.

It provides a multitude of connections for a Thunderbolt equipped computer.

At a reasonable price of $199. I added my name to the waiting list and will let everyone
know as soon as its available.

I want a PUC for Christmas

Zivix announced the PUC which is a WIFI interface for IOS devices. It is also compatible with standard Macs and some PCs.

"The PUC is a wireless MIDI interface designed specifically for iOS devices. The PUC allows you to wirelessly connect any MIDI device (keyboard, DJ controller, drum pad, floor pedal controllers, etc.) directly to your iPad. PUC can also work with any platform that supports a MIDI connection over WiFi. 

The PUC communicates directly to the iPad via WiFi directly as a device, no "host" WiFi network is necessary. PUC uses an open standard for CoreMIDI over WiFi. Once your legacy MIDI signals are translated into CoreMIDI by the PUC, any CoreMIDI compatible app can recognize it."

Here's a video overview:

Features:

• Wirelessly connects to iOS devices, connecting your controller using a 5-pin DIN cable
• Pocket-sized rugged design allows for easy portability
• Micro USB port can power the PUC while in use, or two AA batteries can power PUC
• 1 MIDI port: software switchable IN/OUT

Zivix is currently running a Indiegogo campaign to fund final production of the PUC and early adopters will be rewarded in several ways.

Perks for Funders:

· Initial backers of the PUC will receive the Disrupt Special, which includes an unlimited three-day offer for only $69.

· Early bird special price of $79.

· Early adopter price of $89.

· 1000 backers will receive 20% off the purchase of their PUC.

· Backers who pledge $129 will have the option to choose a special edition color.

via Engadget

Blue Cat' MB-7 Mixer 2.0 Plug-in with VST hosting

Blue Cat Audio has released v 2.0 of their Multiband MB-7 Mixer plugin. It has "the ability to host up to 4 VST plug-ins per band and sports a brand new modular user interface, with lots of new features and enhancements: a spectrogram display, a new presets manager, multiple display sizes, new MIDI and automation mapping capabilities, and much more..."

Take a look at this show and tell video by Russ Hughes at Protools Expert. Plus there's an exclusive 30% off deal.

Features:

• Multiband mixing console: adjust the levels, panning and "stereoness" of each band separately.
• Multiband VST Host: insert third party VST plug-ins and process each band independently.
• Pre and post fader VST plug-in inserts, with full latency compensation.
• Up to 7 bands, with crossover filters from 6 to 96 dB/Oct for optimal separation.
• Multiple instances linking: group bands within a single instance or between multiple instances of the plug-in. Modify the spectrum on multiple tracks with a single slider.
• Bypass, mute, solo on every band.
• Mono switch on master for mono compatibility check.
• Dual Mode: independent left and right or mid and side channels control.
• Complete visual feedback with real time response curves, spectrogram, and levels display for each band.
• Side chaining made easy: a unique way to perform multi-band side chain compression, ducking, gating and much more.
• Fully customizable modular user interface, with multiple sizes.
• No additional latency.
• Available as: Mac-AAX, Mac-AU, Mac-RTAS, Mac-VST, Win-AAX, Win-DX, Win-RTAS, Win-VST, Win x64-AAX, Win x64-DX, Win x64-VST.
• Native DSP code for optimal performance.
• Full MIDI control and automation support with silent, zipper-free parameters update, advanced response control and MIDI Learn.
• No CPU load on idle: when the plug-in is fed with silence, the processing smoothly shuts down, to optimize the CPU usage of your Digital Audio Workstation.
• Skinnable and customizable user interface with transparency management.
• Automation and MIDI output: record output parameters as automation curves or send MIDI CC messages to other plug-ins for powerful side chain effects.
• Smooth Bypass: activate/deactivate the plug-in with absolutely no noise.
• Undo/Redo.
• Full featured integrated presets manager.
• Any sample rate supported.

Cost $103/79 EUR (20% off) at Blue Cat Audio

Sound Radix 32-bit to 64-bit Audio-Units plug-ins adapter

For all those hesitating to purchase Logic X for fear of losing access to some of their favorite plugins, there is hope.

Sound Radix has announced an open beta of their new  32 to 64 bit adapter for Logic Pro X called 32 Lives.

"32 Lives is a new application, capable of generating a 64-bit Audio Units versions of your loved and hard-earned 32-bit legacy plug-ins, helping you to cross-over to the new Logic Pro X smoothly and transparently. Older Logic Pro sessions will completely load into Logic Pro X, including all parameters and automation. No special re-wring or routing is required. All your 32-bit only plug-ins will again re-appear in the plug-ins menu as they always were."

Features

• Creates 64-bit adapter plugins for your 32-bit only Audio Units plug-ins
• Transparently loads your legacy TC PowerCore, Abbey Road, URS and other plugins into Logic Pro X and other 64-bit Audio Units compatible DAW’s.
• Fully compatible with older sessions, loads all presets, parameters and automation
• Ultra-low latency
• Includes a 32-bit plug-ins manager for easy plugins conversion

Cost $69 during the Beta period $99 thereafter. Be sure to check their compatibility chart before purchase.

Focal's Spirit Pro Headphones

Focal who is known for high end studio monitors has announced the imminent launch of their Spirit Professional Headphones ($349 at select dealers).

"The Spirit Professional headphones benefit from Focal’s years of expertise. Focal has been designing and manufacturing speaker drivers and loudspeakers since 1979. These headphones have been designed for sound engineers and musicians. The neutrality of the sound combined with the dynamics of the transducers will enable you to work with great precision. The memory foam ear cups provide excellent insulation and outstanding comfort.""The highly accurate reproduction of bass frequencies will reveal the smallest defects in the mix, while avoiding acoustic constraints of the workspace. Spirit Professional offers excellent acoustic insulation to address the constraints of the often noisy environments specific to Broadcasting and Home Studios."

Features:

• 2 x matched 40mm transducers featuring mylar/ titanium composite membranes and neodymium magnet 
• Closed-back design 
• Memory foam ear cups and headband 
• Two cables are supplied with the Spirit Professional headphones:
• A coiled cable providing extremely faithful reproduction of the audio signal and optimal performance. We recommend using this cable.
• A straight cable with built-in remote control. This enables you to use your headphones in hands-free mode with your telephone or other devices equipped with remote-control functions compatible with this remote control. 

Specifications:

Type	Closed back, circumaural headphones
Impedance	32 Ohms
Sensitivity	102dB SPL / 1mW @ 1kHz
THD	<0,3% / 1kHz / 100dB SPL
Frequency response	5Hz - 22kHz
Driver	matched 40mm (19/16") ; Mylar/Titanium
Net weight	0.9lb (255g)

McDSP's new 6020 Ultimate EQ, AE400 Active EQ, and SPC2000 Serial / Parallel compressor

Acclaimed plugin manufacturer McDSP has added 3 new plugins to their list of plugins. I'm sure the plugins exhibit the high sonic quality and versatility that McDSP is known for.

The 6020 Equalizer is like having 10 world class Eqs in one.

6020 Features:

• Unique variations of every-day classics and hard-to-find boutique gear
• Analog Saturation modeling
• Double precision processing
• Ultra low latency
• Mono and stereo versions

Here's a video by Russ at Protools Expert showing the 6020:

The AE400 is a 4 band Active Equalizer with "A key filter for each band that allows the active gain response to be as selective or broad as needed, based on the Q (bandwidth) control. Each band can use the input signal or selected side chain signal to trigger the active EQ response."

AE400 Features:

• Four fully overlapping fixed and active EQ bands
• Independent control over all active EQ parameters per band
• Unique active EQ ratio response control
• Side chain support
• Double Precision Processing
• Ultra Low Latency
• Mono and Stereo versions

Here's another video by Russ of the AE400:

The SPC2000 Compressor (which is based on their classic CompressorBank) is a serial/parallel compressor that can be configured as 2,3 or 4 way compressor.

"Common controls such as Output (make-up gain), Threshold, Compression (Ratio), Attack, and Release are provided as well as non-standard Knee and Bite controls which allow the articulation of compression characteristics in unique and exciting ways. Multiple peak detection circuit types provide flexibility previously achieved only by owning different compression units."

SPC2000 Features:

• Multiple parallel and serial compression combinations
• Compression curve modeling
• Multiple peak detection circuits
• Multi-compressor control linking
• Analog Saturation Modeling
• Double precision processing
• Ultra Low Latency

These plugins are currently only available in Avid's AAX format. Hopefully they will add other formats soon as they would be great assets to users of other DAWs besides Protools.

For further details go to http://www.mcdsp.com

Tech Tues.: Logic Pro X - Drummer Conversion Tutorial

One of the great new features in Logic Pro X is the Drummer. Here's a quick tutorial by Anthony Finfrock on converting the standard rock kits into custom kits of your own sounds.

The Wizards of OZ - HandCrafted Labs

The OZ Passive Equalizer from HandCrafted Labs should be available any day now and I think will become popular with mixing and mastering engineers alike.
It is based on the Pultec design but has added features such as extended frequency bands and stepped controls which makes for quick and easy recalls. It can also be ordered with dual output transformers and is equipped with an outboard power supply to reduce noise and hum. Note also the the ground lift switch on each output and separate split output connectors on the rear panel.

FEATURES:

• - all stepped controls
• - pure tube singal path with tiodes, A class
• - big octal outstanding soviet military tubes
• - powerful customwound input/output transformers
• - excellent Cinemag inductors
• - point-to-point internal wiring on metal chassis, with no PCB in signal path
• - outboard PSU, to supress all noises and hums
• - dual transformer balanced outputs on demand

SPECIFICATIONS:

Input/Output level,balanced	+23dBu
Gain	up to 15dB
Noise Floor	>87dB
Input  Impendance Output Impendance	10K can drive load=0,5к
Frequency response,(+/-1,0dB)	30Hz-20Khz
THD %	< 0,23%@+23dBu
Mains	230/120V,50-60Hz, 60WA

Price TBA. For all inquiries/purchase requests etc. go here

Fri. Feature: MaCk WiLdS "OWN IT" and the UAD EMT 140 & Lexicon 224 reverbs

Grammy Award Producer and label exec Salaam Remi approached me about mixing the upcoming "New York: A Love Story" album for Tristan (Mack) Wilds who is mostly known for his acting skills (such as HBO's "The Wire" and the war epic "Red Tails"to name a few.) After listening to a few of the tracks and meeting Mack at Salaam's studio I immediately signed on to do the album.

The single named "Own It" has an "ol' skool" feel but with "new skool"elements that work really well. Salaam's production combined with Mack's delivery and energy really brings the song to life. When I first heard the song it reminded me of the many summer block parties we used to have in Queens, New York years ago.

Here's the video:

You can like Mack's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/TheMackWilds

and follow him on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/MACKWILDS



"Own It' was mixed  on a Macbook Pro with Protools 10 and a UAD Apollo. All the tracks were well recorded by engineers Ryan Evans and Gleydor (Gee) Disla with assistance from engineer Neil (Disco) Dyer. I was able to focus more on balance and finding the right effects which made mixing the song even more enjoyable.

The main reverbs used on the vocals, synths and strings were UAD's Lexicon 224 and EMT 140.
The EMT 140 was the main verb on the lead vocals, hook and main synth while the backgrounds and strings are mostly the Lexicon 224. I say mostly because on the backgrounds I also mixed in a lesser amount of the EMT 140 so all the vocals would sound like they occupy a similar space. 

Here are the actual settings I used:

These plugins are software replicas of the well known classic reverbs of the same name. I've used the original hardware on many songs over the years and UAD emulated the sonics extremely well. Both reverbs are fairly easy to use especially if you are familiar with the hardware and if not UA's extensive manual (Chapters 10 and 17) explains all the parameters in detailed layman's terms so you can use them on your next sonic masterpiece.

Visit UA's website for more info on the Lexicon 224 and EMT 140 plus the many other great plugins
and hardware in their product line.

What do you think of D16's SigMund?

D16 Group announced the impending release of The SigMund which is the newest addition to their list of plugins; The Sigmund is a highly versatile multiple delay unit. I like the layout which reminds me of a DJ controller. With the MIDI learn function and parameter mapping it should become a favorite with producers/remixers/DJs.

From the website:

"Sigmund is far from just another delay: it consists of four discrete delay units, each with its own, independent set of parameters offering an incredible degree of sound-shaping freedom. There's an ancient saying, often attributed to Aristotle: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. With Sigmund, this is especially true: each of the delay lines has complementary modules built in, independent from the feedback loop:"

Features

• 4 independent delay lines, each with:
  • Multimode filter
  • Overdrive unit
  • Separately configured pre and delay times with optional Tempo sync.
  • Delay times down to 0.1ms
  • Selectable channel mode (L+R or M+S)
  • Stereo spread
• High quality delay line alghorithm (no aliasing, no artifacts)
• Two multipurpose LFOs:
  • LFO phase retrigg option via MIDI
  • 6 waveforms
  • Tempo synchronization as an option
• Flexible Routing (9 possible topologies)
• Convenient mixer
• Master Limiter
• Presets
  • Over 200 factory presets
  • Advanced, file-based preset browser
• Miscellaneous
  • Advanced MIDI learn
  • Parameter mapping for VST / AU automation

System requirements

PC

OS:	Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7
CPU:	1.8 Ghz with SSE (Multicore system 2.1 Ghz recommended)
RAM:	2 GB (4 GB recommended)
Software:	VST compatible host application (32bit or 64bit)

Mac

OS:	10.6.x or 10.7.x or 10.8.x
CPU:	Intel based 1.8 Ghz (2.1 Ghz recommended)
RAM:	2 GB (4 GB recommended)
Software:	AU / VST compatible host application (32bit or 64bit)

Visit the D16 website for complete details on the SigMund plus take a listen to the many sound examples on the page.

Tech Tues: Engineer/Producer Tony Maserati - Pensado's Place #126 plus a Vocal fix ITL

This episode features none other than Tony Maserati who mixed Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines"and an ITL that shows how to fix a vocal track that's been over de-essed ( I've used this trick many times in the  past to fix over compressed vocals).

Music Monday: Vendetta_Luv Dis featuring MH ChannelStrip3 & HaloVerb

A few months ago I was approached by good friend and producer Shomari "Sho" Dillon to mix a project for his artist Vendetta who is a rising star on the Miami hip-hop scene. I like his delivery and storytelling style. 

Here is the video for his single "Luv Dis":

For his vocals I used Metric Halo's ChannelStrip3 and HaloVerb which is included in their Production Bundle. The delay is the stock delay included in Avid's Protools.

The ChannelStrip3 is one of my favorites. It works well on a large variety of sounds and is exceptional on vocals. Vendetta's vocals were well recorded so didn't require much "surgery". The above pic is the actual settings I used for the mix. I dialed in the eq and compression then adjusted the limiter to get the vocal to sit properly on the track. The output was adjusted to maintain unity gain.
(Note the built in RTA on the graphs which is based on Metric Halo's Spectrafoo.)

The HaloVerb is a great sounding reverb that allowed me to add space to Vendetta's vocals quite easily.
All the controls are well laid out and easily adjusted. There are also multiple presets to get you started.
In this case I started with the "Vocal plate 1" and then tweaked the diffusion.

Download demos of the Production Bundle here.


Vendetta's album/mixtape can be heard and downloaded at:

http://www.datpiff.com/  and  http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/

Metric Halo’s 2013 Summer Sale

Metric Halo is currently having a Summer Sale on their product line which means huge savings for everyone. The sale prices are good until 9/15/2013.
I've been using Metric Halo products for over a decade and use my MIO 2882 +DSP along with their Production Bundle and Spectrafoo on every project.

SPECTRAFOO

From the website:

Don’t Miss Out on These Amazing Deals!

ULN-8 - The Ultimate

$5995 Now Only: $3995






2882 - The Original

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Production Bundle - Must Have

$699 Now Only: $399






LIO-8 - TEC Award Winning

$3995 Now Only: $2695






LIO-8/4p - "Astonishing"

$4695 Now Only: $3145






LIO-8/8p - Best Value

$5320 Now Only: $3495






ULN-2 - Boutique Quality

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ULN-2 + 1 Jensen - Smooth

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ULN-2 + 2 Jensen - Smoother

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This special pricing is available through your local Metric Halo dealer or distributor, as well as directly from Metric Halo via the Online Store. This pricing cannot be combined with any other Metric Halo discounts or offers including educational accounts.

Pensado's Place #122 featuring Engineer Dylan (3D) Dresdow

In this episode Dave and Herb sit with Dylan Dresdow (Will.i.am, Nicki Minaj, Britney Spears, Usher, Far East Movement) who shares a lot of great info on how they created the sound on some of the records he mixed. I like the analogies made between the analog gear and techniques used in the past and the plugins currently used.

This episode includes an ITL on using multiple mono reverbs on vocals.

Russell Simmons, Universal Music launch label -- on YouTube

Russell Simmons who is one of the original founders of Def Jam (along with Rick Rubin) and helped to make Hip-hop a household word and globally recognized music and culture has launched a new label venture with Universal Music on Youtube.

Here's an excerpt from CNet's article:

"Simmons's latest venture, a YouTube multichannel network called All Def Digital -- which he and business partner Brian Robbins announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in January but which has yet to officially launch -- has teamed up with Universal Music Group to create a new label, All Def Music. When it rolls out later this summer, All Def Music will become the first label created to discover and develop artists on YouTube that's tied to one of the majors, a move that Universal's CEO is betting will go down as a key moment for his company....
Google-owned YouTube boasts more than 1 billion monthly viewers, and music videos are consistently among the most popular content. Most importantly, YouTube has become the go-to place for young people to find, listen to and share music -- not just from the majors but from aspiring artists hoping to break through all the noise. Which, in short, is why Simmons and his team knew they needed to be there.....
To take this on, Simmons has brought in another icon of urban music: Steve Rifkind, who is responsible for breaking some of hip-hop's biggest acts, such as Wu-Tang Clan, is now president and CEO of All Def Music and ADD Artist Management. And Robbins, who Simmons refers to as "my boss," is a veteran Hollywood producer and the founder of AwesomenessTV, a YouTube network that Dreamworks paid $33 million for in May -- less than a year after it launched...."

To read the entire article go here.