OS X Lion is now on the Mac App Store

OSX Lion is now listed on the mac App Store for $29.99. Download only. No install DVDs.
Please note: If you use Protools do not install OSX Lion. PT 9 is not yet compatible.


From Apples website:
"OS X Lion is the next major release of OS X, the world’s most advanced desktop operating system. It includes over 250 new features that will transform how you interact with your Mac....."


FEATURES:
Multi-Touch gestures
• Fluid and realistic animations make gestures feel natural and direct.
• Tap or pinch to zoom in on text and images.
• Swipe left or right to move from one page to another in an app or switch from one full-screen app to another.
• Swipe up to enter Mission Control.
• Pinch to access Launchpad.

Full-screen apps
• A new full-screen button takes an app window full screen.
• Run multiple full-screen apps at the same time.
• Switch between full-screen apps and your desktop with a gesture.
• Apps stay full screen when you switch to another app.
• OS X Lion includes full-screen Mail, Safari, Preview, iCal, FaceTime, Dashboard, Screen Sharing, and Photo Booth.

Mission Control
• Brings together Exposé, full-screen apps, Dashboard, and desktop spaces.
• Gives you a bird’s-eye view of everything running on your Mac, allowing you to navigate anywhere with a click.
• Exposé view shows all open windows on your desktop grouped by application.
• Create and organize desktop spaces in Mission Control.

Launchpad
• A new home for all the apps on your Mac.
• Apps downloaded from the Mac App Store automatically appear in Launchpad.
• Launchpad automatically adds pages to accommodate all your apps.
• Apps can be organized on multiple pages and grouped in folders.

Mail
• The widescreen layout displays the message list and selected email side by side in full-height columns.
• The favorites bar gives you one-click access to your favorite mail folders.
• Search suggestions dynamically present the best matches for your search.
• Search tokens help refine search results based on people, subjects, mailboxes, dates, and attachments.
• Conversations automatically groups related messages, displaying them in chronological order and hiding repetitive quoted text.

Other great Lion features
• Auto Save automatically saves your changes as you go, so you never have to worry about losing your work.
• Versions keeps a history of your document as you work and presents it in a timeline you can browse.
• Resume reopens an app exactly as you left it.
• AirDrop is the simplest way to send files to anyone around you, wirelessly — no setup or special settings required.
• Reading List in Safari lets you easily save web pages to read or browse later.

Some features require an Apple ID and/or compatible Internet access; additional fees and terms apply.

Some features require apps developed to work with Lion.

Gestures require a Multi-Touch trackpad or Magic Mouse (some gestures are not available on Magic Mouse).


Get more info  here.

CIRCLE OF FIFTHS WATCH

This would make a great gift for the family member or friend that's a musician or producer.

"CIRCLE OF FIFTHS WATCH The face of the watch shows how many sharps or flats go with each of the 12 major and minor keys. Guide to harmonic progressions and other patterns. This reference tool on your wrist makes it easy to master the circle of fifths and understanding music's grammar. The watch is available in a silver-tone finish or 18K Gold electroplate. 1.25: dial. Shipped from the manufacturer as a special order. Allow 2 weeks for delivery . No express delivery. No returns."

$34.95 at Music Treasures Co.

There's also a Circle Of Fifths clock for $29.95
This would look great in the studio.

Danfield Audio's MX30-t Desktop Recording Channel

The Danfield Audio MX30-t would make a great choice for a small or portable studio setup. 

It's the perfect channelstrip to use with a laptop and your favorite interface to record while on the go. The built in compressor with variable attack/release and sidechain HP filter, and the variable input impedance along with switchable HP filter are features that are hardly seen in a unit this compact.

"The MX30-t is an innovative new recording channel for the studio desktop. It is designed for the contemporary recording facility where tabletop rack space is a premium, and there is a necessity for a high degree of control whilst tracking. It is especially suited to applications such as voice recording, ADR post sync recording and voice dubbing. Furthermore, a handy optional mic stand attachment allows the unit to be located within a recording studio - so that it can be located right next to the musician or the sound source."

SPECIFICATIONS:
Input Stage: discrete solid state
Input Impedance: default 1500 Ohms, variable 600-100K Ohms
Output type: Solid state servo floating
Input symmetry: better than 100dB
Output symmetry: better than 100dB
Frequency range: 2Hz to 210KHz
Noise: -124dB
CMMR: 100 dB
Linearity: 0.006%
Distortion (1KHz): <0.0002%
Maximum system level: +27dB
Min gain: +9dB
Max gain: +73dB
Output  Impedance: less than 30 Ohm
High pass filter type: 12 dB /Oct
27-630 Hz

Power requirement:
< 25W supplied by Danfield Audio U500
PSU
size: 16*18*7cm
weight: 1.8 Kg 

Cost: 1,709.00 EUR/2,419.98 USD

Get more info at Danfield-audio.com

UAD Neve 1073 plugin

UAD Neve 1073

This is the EQ setting I used for Amy Winehouse lead vocal on the song "Unholy War" produced by Salaam Remi, recorded by Frank Socorro from the "Back To Black" album. The 1073 ($249) is one of UAD's many Neve emulations. The GUI is an exact replica of the hardware and the sound is very close to the original. 

The 1073 consists of a gain knob and 3 bands of EQ. A high shelf at 12Khz with ±18dB of gain. A mid band with a choice of 6 frequencies also with ±18dB gain and a low shelf with 4 selectable frequencies and ±15dB gain. There is also a low cut knob with a 18db per octave slope at frequencies of 300,160,80 and 50hz (see pic). 

Notice the knobs on the mid and low bands are bi-functional. The outer ring selects the frequency and the inner knob adjusts the gain. As with the hardware there is also a phase switch which comes in handy when using this EQ on live drums where you might run into phase issues because of the use of multiple microphones. The bypass switch (EQL) allows for quick A/B comparisons of the sound before and after processing. The 1073 has a thick, full bodied sound but with tons of sheen if needed. 

For more info and to purchase the 1073 plugin visit UAD's website at http://www.uaudio.com/stor​e/equalizers/neve-1073.htm​l

Waves API 2500 Giveaway

The API 2500 is a versatile dynamics processor that lets you shape the punch and tone of mixes with absolute accuracy. Its dual channel design lets the 2500 also function as two separate mono channels via a single compression setting. Using auto-makeup gain, you can adjust Threshold or Ratio while automatically maintaining a constant output level. With both "feed back" and "feed forward" compression types, the API 2500 boasts a wide range of incredibly musical parameters which have made it a favorite of engineers the world over. Read more:http://www.waves.com/Content.aspx?id=3612#ixzz1Sav0oaBM Look for the API 2500 Giveaway, and simply enter your name, age and email address. You’ll automatically be entered into a random drawing, and we’ll announce the winners on Waves.com. The API 2500 Giveaway runs from July 18 through July 25, 2011, with more on the way. Last week we gave away the C6 Multiband Compressor. This week it’s the API 2500 Compressor, a $400 value (Native). What’s it going to be next time? Join us on Facebook or Twitter to find out! Send to a Friend

Waves Inc. | 2800 Merchants Drive | Knoxville, TN | 37912 | United States

Buy a UAD-2. Get up to 3 Premium Plugins FREE!

UAD plugins are some of my favorites. I use them on every mix 

and they're having a Premium Plugin Promotion until Sept 30th.

"If you've been thinking about adding the world's finest analog emulation plug-ins to your Mac or PC-based studio, or turbo-charging your existing UAD system, NOW is the time. Add a UAD-2 DSP Accelerator to your studio — any UAD-2 SOLO, DUO, or QUAD model — by September 30th, and you'll receive up to three of our top-selling plug-ins, FREE!"

The World's Best Plug-Ins on the UAD-2 Platform

Whether you record in Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Nuendo, Live, Performer, or Sonar, UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins provide dead-on emulations of a wide range classic analog equipment. And thanks to their onboard Analog Devices SHARC processing, UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins packages provide a significant processing "boost" to your host computer, allowing for more complex mixes with higher-quality processing.

FREE Plug-Ins from Studer®, Manley®, EMT®

Now through September 30th, new UAD-2 DSP Accelerator registrants will receive up to three of our most popular plug-ins automatically, including the Studer A800 Tape Recorder, Manley Massive Passive EQ, and EMT-250 Classic Electronic Reverb. Existing UAD customers buying new hardware will receive equivalent plug-in coupon amounts (see below).

Quick Links

• Find a Dealer
• UAD-2 Basics & FAQ
• UAD-2 Satellite Basics & FAQ

Visit uaudio.com 

for more details.

In 2020 We Can Wear Sony Computers On Our Wrist

Sony Nextep Computer Concept for 2020 by Hiromi Kiriki & Yanko Design

I came across this on Stumbleupon.com. Its's a prototype of a wearable computer that's currently being developed by Hiromi Kiriki and Yanko Design for Sony. They say it will be available in 2020. I'm willing to bet that you will see ads for this in time for the 2014 World Cup.

"Our present need for internet connectivity is so profound that secondary devices like the Nextep Computer are bound to happen. Developed to be worn as a bracelet, this computer concept is constructed out of a flexible OLED touchscreen. Earmarked for the year 2020, features like a holographic projector (for screen), pull-out extra keyboard panels and social networking compatibility, make the concept plausible. Ten years from now is not too far away, so how many of you think we’d be buying such gadgets?"


Visit their website here

McDSP 70% Off Retro Pack - 24 Hours Only!

In this issue... 70% Off Retro Pack Links McDSP Newsletter Plug-ins for Professional Audio July 2011 70% Off Retro Pack 24 Hours Only! For 24 hours only, McDSP offers 70% off all Retro Pack purchases! Retro Pack HD is available for just $249 and Retro Pack Native is only $149. This is a sale you won't want to miss out on, but act fast, this sale ends in 24 hours! The McDSP HD product line supports TDM, RTAS and Audio Unit formats and operates on Pro Tools HD, HD|Native, LE and M-Powered as well as Logic, Digital Performer (DP), Ableton Live and GarageBand. The McDSP v5 line currently supports Intel-Mac and PowerPC systems running Mac OS 10.5.x (Leopard) and 10.6.x (Snow Leopard). A Windows version will be made available later in 2011. The PowerPC version does not support the Audio Unit (AU) plug-in format - it is a Pro Tools only version. Special available only via electronic delivery. Offer ends at 10:00am PST on July 20, 2011. Buy Now email: info@mcdsp.com phone: (408)-732-3500 web: http://www.mcdsp.com

Benchmark MPA1 2-Channel Mic-Pre

Benchmark Systems is well known for their excellent AD/DA Converters and the MPA1 continues the tradition of transparent sound, form and function.
"The MPA1 is a 2-channel microphone preamplifier designed and manufactured by Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. to their exceptional standards of transparency, ultra-low distortion, and ultra-low noise performance - making the MPA1 a perfect choice for stereo pairs, ribbon mics, and any other application where purity is the goal."
It's half-rack, space saving design has no compromising effect on its sound and combined with Benchmark's ADC1 both units are an excellent choice as the input chain for your DAW. So if transparency is what you seek test drive the MPA1.


Here's a short video from Sweetwater featuring some of the MPA1's features:

FEATURES:

• Two Transformerless Microphone Inputs

• Two Balanced Direct Outputs (XLR)

• Monolithic Low-Noise Transistor Quads on Each Microphone Input

• Precision-Tuned, Two-Stage RF Filter on Each Microphone Input

• Precision-Matched Resistor Gain Control Switches on Every Microphone Input

• 2-dB per Switch Step; Maximum Gain - 74 dB; Maximum Gain - 0 dB (Unity)

• ‘Virtual’ 38-position Gain Control Switch for Continuous Gain Control

• Four Segment Gain Range Indicator

• +27.5 dBu Maximum Input Level

• +27.5 dBu Maximum Output Level on Balanced Outputs

• Actively Balanced Transformerless Outputs

• High-Current High-Speed Low-Capacitance Phantom Protection Circuits

• Fully Protected Against Phantom Hot-Plug and Cable-Shorting Scenarios

• Phantom-Disable Feature for Dedicated Ribbon Microphone Application

• +48v Phantom Power Switch on Every Microphone Input

• 40 Hz High-Pass Filter Switch on Every Microphone Input (12 dB/octave)

• Polarity Switch on Every Microphone Input

• Four-Segment LED Output Level Meter (-20 dBu, +4 dBu, +24 dBu, +29 dBu)

• HPA2™ “0-Ohm” 1/4” TRS Headphone Output

• +23.5 dBu Maximum Headphone Output Level

• 41-Detent Headphone Level Control

• Ultra-Quiet Linear Power Supply with Rear-Panel Input Voltage Selector

• Complies with FCC and CE Regulations

• RoHS Compliant

$1795 at Sweetwater Sound

SPL Plugin Sale (this week only) 25% off

I've been a fan of SPL hardware for many years and they have brought that same great quality, sonics and attention to detail into the software realm with their series of plugins. They're currently having a sale on their entire line of plugins so now would be a great time to make a purchase. Not sure if you would like them? Then download the demos and have a go. Guaranteed you're going to find something you like. Hurry the sale is this week only.

	This week only: 25% off all plug-ins!

	Transient Designer, Vitalizer, Passeq ... Analog Code® plug-ins starting from 75 Euros. Since our radical price reduction of almost 50% there is only one price for everyone. These prices are even below our former best prices so we will not have further reductions. Still, lots of people keep asking us if we have a "Student Version" of our Analog Code plug-ins ... So ... Just in time for the beginning of the new term we will cut our prices a further 25% On all our plug-ins For EVERYBODY... We never stop learning, do we? When? NOW! Only the week from July 18-25, 2011 Where? At the SPL Store Download Page All installers of our Analog Code plug-ins Note: All installation packages work either as demo or full version. When running a demo you only need to register it during the test period to get the full version. MAC  PC  TDM  VENUE  RTAS  VST  AU Prices and product specifications may change at any time. Check the detailed information on our sales terms and conditions. SPL electronics GmbH, Sohlweg 80, 41372 Niederkruechten, Germany. TM and Copyright © 2010 SPL electronics GmbH. Analog Code® is a registered trademark of SPL electronics GmbH.		SPL Store Demos & Downloads

Bias Pitchcraft $20 - that's 87% off!

Audiomidi.com is having a "No-Brainer" deal on Bias Pitchcraft which "corrects pitch problems in vocal or instrumental recordings, using its high-quality algorithm, while formant correction retains a voice's natural sound." . If you're on a tight budget this seems like a good alternative to Autotune and Melodyne.

Applications

• Correct and/or change pitch in monophonic vocal or instrumental recordings
• Create pitch-based special effects
• Voice disguise

Features:

• Reference Source Menu- Choose whether the reference source being fed into PitchCraft is a single (left or right) channel of a stereo file, or both channels simultaneously
• Pitch Range Menu- Select the desired pitch range to use in the pitch correction/transposition process
• A/B/C/D "Snapshots"- Use up to four temporary memory "snapshots" for quickly comparing different settings
• Tuning History Graph- Visually monitor the pitch correction & transposition process over time. The Tuning History graph shows the input and output pitch, displayed either in notes or frequency
• Pitch Transposition Slider- Allows raising or lowering the pitch value in cents, while maintaining the original formant structure (i.e., the "timbre" or "tonal color" of the voice.
• Formant Transposition Slider- Adjust the formant value, or "cavity size" of the source to help to maintain natural sounding pitch change effects. This control can also be used to transform a vocal from one gender or age to the next, or create other special effects.
• Pitch Correction Tuning Menu- Choose the desired type of tuning to be used in the pitch correction process.
• Pitch Correction Scale Menu- Set the desired scale to be used in the pitch correction process. Select from common scale types to more exotic ones or create and save your own custom scales.
• Pitch Correction Key Menu- Choose the root note of the scale selected in the Scale pop-up menu.
• Pitch Correction Time Slider- Adjust the speed at which pitch correction is applied — for small corrections, generally a slower correction time works best while a faster time may be used for more exaggerated pitch correction effects such as those used by many popular artists.
• Pitch Correction Detune Slider- Allows setting the reference frequency used for tuning (i.e., from 440 Hz to 445 Hz
• Pitch Correction Custom Scale Controls- Define custom scales using the keyboard, a MIDI keyboard, and the Ignore Note checkboxes.
• Tuning Meter- Displays the current amount of tuning in real-time

The $20 introductory price is for a limited time (list price $149).

Purchase Pitchcraft from Audiomidi.com

iKlip™ MINI Universal microphone stand adapter for iPhone and iPod touch

IK Multimedia who brought us the iKlip has released the iKlip mini.

" iKlip MINI is a universal microphone stand adapter for the iPhone® and iPod touch® to support your iOS device on stage, in the studio, at school or in the office.
Made of sturdy, durable thermoplastic, iKlip MINI is compatible with every existing iPhone and iPod touch, from the original models to the latest generation devices."

Features:

• Sturdy, durable thermoplastic construction holds your iPhone and iPod touch securely without scratching or marring it
• Compatible with all previous and current 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 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 the AmpliTube range of apps or any other 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

Price: $39.99

Get more info at ikmultimedia.com

12 Gauge microphones - Green12 Cardioid Condenser (made from shotgun shells)

12 Gauge Microphones is owned by Brad Martin. Each mic is handmade at his home studio in North Adams, Massachusetts.
Available July 25th

Here's a previous post I did on the Red 12 Omnis ($35):

http://garynobleshow.blogspot.com/2011/04/red12-omni-condenser-microphone-is-made.html

The RED12 Omni Condenser Microphone is made from shotgun shells!

"The RED12 Microphone is perfect for drum overheads and acoustic instruments such as guitar, mandolin, and violin. The custom assembly achieves the dependable and consistent performance you need for recording inside a compact, aesthetically pleasing shell that is as unique as it is bad ass.  

These omni microphones are built into an actual spent 12-gauge shotgun shell casing!"
Talk about going GREEN!

http://www.12gaugemicrophones.com/