MOTU MICROBOOK II AUDIO INTERFACE RRP £199. The new Microbook II adds more I/O, a volum control knob and USB 2.0 connectivity.

 

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In a post-NAMM announcement, MOTU unveiled the MicroBook II, an updated version of the compact, studio-grade audio interface that turns a Mac or PC into a personal 4 x 6 recording studio with professional I/O and monitor mixing. The MicroBook II will replace the original model at the same price. continue reading…

Reason 6 Box Shot

Reason 6 New Packaging

Propellerhead’s virtual studio environment Reason has long been a favourite of electronic music producers for its incredible selection of instruments and effects, and rock-solid reliability. Reason 6 breaks new ground however, by introducing multitrack audio recording into the software for the first time. As well as composing pieces using only the built-in instruments, musicians can finally incorporate elements outside the Reason studio, such as vocals.

Among the new modules in Reason 6 are the Line 6 amp and cabinet modellers. As well as being useful for adding amp emulation to DI’d guitar and bass parts, these can also be used as an effect with the built-in synths and samplers, giving these sounds a new timbre. The Line 6 modules include both the Guitar POD and the Bass POD, each with five different vintage amp and cabinet models to choose from. continue reading…

Australian microphone manufacturer Rode has announced the release of the Rode VideoMic HD at the 2012 NAMM exhibition in Anaheim.

Claiming to be the world’s first professional digital recorder video microphone, the VideoMic HD conveniently features a slot for a microSDHC.

Rode VideoMic HD

The Rode VideoMic HD mounted on a DSLR Camera

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MIDI Hardware manufacturer AKAI has announced the release of the AKAI MAX49 at the 2012 NAMM show.

Resembling an MPK style keyboard, beautifully finished in Red the AKAI MAX49 is a 49-key semi-weighted MIDI keyboard controller with after-touch, incorporating a built in step sequencer and arpeggiator with MPC note repeat and MPC swing.

AKAI Max49

The AKAI Max 49 could be the essential studio controller keyboard

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Rode Stereo VideoMic Pro

The back of the Rode Stereo VideoMic Pro

Australian microphone manufacturer Rode has released the Stereo VideoMic Pro, an update to the long established Stereo VideoMic.

Rode announced the release of the Stereo VideoMic Pro at the 2012 NAMM Exhibition in Anaheim, California.

Rode proudly designed and manufactured the Stereo VideoMic Pro with precision engineering in Australia, and back that up by offering a superb 10 year warranty.

Weighing only 115g the Rode Stereo VideoMic Pro is a compact, lightweight on-camera microphone, housing a matched pair of condenser capsules configured in an XY position. continue reading…

Line 6 Mobile Keys

Line 6 Mobile Keys 49 connected to Ipad 2

Line 6 has announced the release of a new range of MIDI Keyboard controllers. The Mobile Keys come in a 25-key and 49-key version taking power from an iPad, iPhone or computer. Both keyboards feature full size velocity sensitive keys and provide additional control such as modulation and pitch bend.

Why spend time readjusting your brain and your hands to a new keyboard every time you want to go from your iPhone or iPad to your computer? If you like to work in multiple platforms CoreMIDI, Mac, PC or all of the above then Mobile Keys controllers are the perfect choice. They seamlessly integrate with each platform, are plug-n-play simple without downloads or drivers, and are powered by the connected device there’s no need for batteries or a power cable. continue reading…

Software and hardware manufacturer Native Instruments give us a glimse of a new controller for their popular DJ and production music software.

NI Kontrol X2

NI Kontrol X2

The Kontrol X2 appears to feature a 4 x 4 multi-coloured grid with pads for triggering clips, 4 linear faders, and rotary pots in the same size chassis as the Kontrol X1.

Watch this space for more news.

Bitwig

Bitwig Company Logo

Bitwig Studio is the latest DAW to hit the music production software market. Formed in 2009 by experienced software designers, believed to previously work for a major loop based software company in Berlin, Bitwig’s GUI appears to be a cross between Logic and Ableton, utilising a simple to use arranger view with the power of Ableton style effects. The GUI also incorporates a clip launch grid view, for DJ’s and performing live. continue reading…

Audio-Technica ATH-M50s Limited Edition

ATH-M50s Limited Edition

50 years is a long time in business, so to celebrate Audio-Technica has released a limited edition version of their best selling studio headphone. The ATH-M50s LE features all the characteristics of the original black headphones, but finished in silver.

These headphones are a one off promotion and numbers are limited, so buy yours now from MusicMatter.co.uk

IK Multimedia iRig Mix

iRig Mix Mixer

The latest product from IK multimedia is a 2 channel DJ mixer with 2 band EQ. Compatible with popular DJ software for OS devices such as the included DJ Rig, iRig Mix makes Djing on an iPad more fun than ever before.

Both channels feature a sturdy fader for volume control, cue buttons, gain control and Eq. The smooth cross fader enables DJ’s to scratch like the pros.

On the front are a 6.3mm Guitar / Mic input jack to connect external devices, and a headphone output to monitor your mix. Stereo RCA outputs are located on the back to easily connect to the main rig.