Music Matter Blog

Ahead of it’s release Music Matter review the MOTU Track16 small footprint desktop audio interface. Boasting a total of 16 inputs and 14 outputs in a compact audio interface, the Track16 takes portability to a new dimension. The interface has two hi-Z guitar inputs, two XLR mic inputs with independent mic preamps, two balanced TRS line inputs and a further stereo 1/8-inch line input alongside eight optical channels. All 16 inputs can be used simultaneously, providing exceptional flexibility.

Buy MOTU Track16 online at Music Matter

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The Focusrite Scarlett range of USB 2.0 Audio Interfaces are the latest computer recording products from Focusrite. Consisting of the 2i2, 8i6, & 18i6 all beautifully finished in Scarlett red, they all look very similar, but what’s the difference, and more importantly which interface is the right one for you?

This quick overview of the Scarlett Audio Interfaces will hopefully help you decide.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB 2.0 Audio Interface – £119.00

• 2 Input / 2 Output
• 2 Focusrite Microphone Preamps
• Phantom Power
• Ableton Live Lite 8 Software
• Scarlett Plug-In Suite
• USB Bus Powered
• Aluminum Unibody Chassis
• Mac OS X
• Windows XP/7

The Scarlett 2i2 from Focusrite is a 2 input, 2 output portable USB recording interface featuring two Focusrite preamps, housed in an anodized aluminum unibody chassis that is solid enough to take on the road. The preamps offer transparent, low-noise and low-distortion performance with sufficient available headroom for using moving coil, condenser or ribbon microphones. Phantom power is switchable. continue reading…

In this article Music Matter run through 5 of the Best Studio Headphones for 2012. Well, it’s pretty much the best studio headphones of all time, with manufacturers like Sennheiser, Audio Technica & Beyerdynamic remaining top of the monitoring game with flagship models in each of the brands range.

Unlike commercial headphones which boost and cut certain frequencies to make the music sound better, Studio Headphones are designed to offer a flat frequency response to give you a real indication of the music actually sounds. Read on for 5 of the best…

Audio Technica ATH-M50 Studio Headphones £134

• Headphone Design: Circumaural
• Operating Principle: Closed Back
• Transducer: Dynamic
• Nominal Impedance: 38 ohms
• Frequency Response: 15 – 28,000 Hz

The ATH-M50 Studio headphones from Audio-Technica offer an incredibly accurate listening experience in a lightweight, comfortable design. The 45mm neodymium drivers provide a wide frequency response of 15Hz to 28kHz so you hear the lowest bass and highest trebles. The adjustable, padded headband and cushioned earcups let you listen for hours without fatigue. The earpieces can swivel for easy single-ear monitoring, and the collapsible design is great for storage and travel. continue reading…

In this article Music Matter run through 5 of the Best Studio Microphones Under £200. You can achieve great recording results without spending more than £200 these days with prices on good quality studio mics always coming down. Manufacturers like Rode, SE Electronics & Audio Technica also throw is additional accessories such as shock mounts, pop shields & cables making these studio microphones excellent value for money.

Rode NT1a Vocal Recording Pack – Large Diaphragm Condenser Studio Microphone £149.00

• Cardioid Polar Pattern
• 1″ Large Diaphragm
• Transformerless Output Stage
• 48V Phantom Power
• Pop Shield & Shock mount Included
• XLR Cable & DVD Included

The Rode NT1-A Complete Vocal Recording Solution is an anniversary microphone package that includes a professional-quality NT1-A microphone and a number of useful recording accessories.

The NT1-A is a large-diaphragm side-address condenser microphone intended for general instrument and vocal recording. The mic features a 1″ diaphragm with a gold-plated membrane, which provides a wide frequency response and exceptional signal-to-noise ratio. The cardioid polar pattern provides excellent off-axis rejection, minimizing noise caused by room ambiance, instruments, monitors, headphones, etc. The balanced, transformerless output circuitry results in quiet, low-noise signal reproduction at high output levels. The NT1-A is powered via 48V phantom power and has a standard XLR connector. continue reading…

In this article Music Matter run through the best MIDI controllers for Traktor, the most popular DJ software on the planet. Over the past 2 years Native Instruments has moved towards manufacturing hardware MIDI controllers dedicated to controlling Traktor. It’s no suprise then that the controllers best suited to Traktor are the ones made in house and developed by Native Instruments. There are lots of other controllers on the market from big name brands, but if you want to get the most out of  Traktor we recommend using one (or as many as you want) of these.

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 MIDI Controller For Traktor £155.00

• Dedicated Controls For Traktor
• Tactile Controls and Layout
• Loop & Browse Knobs
• FX Controls
• Back-lit Buttons
• Traktor Pro 2.5 Included

The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 Performance DJ Controller is a compact tactile control surface for both Native Instruments Traktor, and third-party software. An array of tactile controls that include knobs, back-lit buttons and switches are preset for use with Traktor software, but may be easily reassigned. Native Instruments’ high resolution protocol gives the hardware a smoother and more precise feel compared to regular MIDI controllers. Its compact, lightweight design makes it completely portable and ideal for mobile and nightclub DJs alike.

Bi-directional communication with Traktor via Native Instruments’ high resolution protocol gives the hardware a smoother and more precise feel compared to regular MIDI controllers. All buttons and knobs have been pre-mapped for optimum Traktor use but can be re-configured in any way you like. Traktor Kontrol X1 can also be used as a MIDI controller for any software as well as expanded with a second unit to control four decks and four FX units. continue reading…

Here at Music Matter one of the midi keyboards we get frequently asked for is the M-Audio Oxygen 8V2. Unfortunately the 25 key MIDI controller is no longer available to buy due to M-Audio stopping  production of the Oxygen 8 V2 back in 2008.

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Music Matter can officially confirm the UK price and release date for the Nektar Panorama P4. Technology manufacturer Nektar confirmed the Panorama will be due in on the 3rd July 2012, competitively priced at £329.00. The Panorama faces stiff competition against other high end MIDI keyboard controllers from AKAI & Novation, but if Reason 6 is your prefered DAW  the Nektar keyboard trumps anything else on the market.

Pre-Order Panorama P4

The Panorama P4 from Nektar Technology is a 49-key controller with a comprehensive Reason implementation that makes it feel like one is controlling hardware in real-time. Additional extensive programming options for controlling other ReWired DAWs, virtual instruments and MIDI hardware enhance performance and creativity.

The keyboard and pads have a solid feel and respond in a dynamic manner. Velocity sensitivity allows for complex expression. Combined with ninety-three real-time controls available at any one time, and cross-platform computer compatibility, makes the Panorama P4 the definitive keyboard controller for Reason and other MIDI software and hardware.

From Now until June 15th, purchase any Ableton software from Music Matter and get 33% off. This includes Ableton Suite 8, Live 8 and Live Intro.

Get Ableton Live at 33% off now! continue reading…

In this article Music Matter run through the best MIDI Controllers for Ableton in 2012. Hardware manufacturers such as AKAI, Novation & Vestax work closely with Ableton to develop dedicated controllers giving users instant control over the main functions including triggering clips, launching scenes and manipulating effects. Stop using your mouse and get hands on control with any of these Ableton controllers.

Novation Launchpad – MIDI Controller For Ableton (£129.00)

• Multi-Color 64-Button Grid
• Integrates Seamlessly with Live
• Designed in partnership with Ableton
• Dedicated scene launch buttons
• Ableton Live 8 Launchpad Edition
• Automap-enabled

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Audio Interface manufacturer MOTU announce an exciting new addition to the MOTU range, the Track16 priced at £499.00.

MOTU Track16 takes the key technologies that make the MOTU rack-mountable audio interfaces such a popular choice and re-packages them in an elegant, contemporary form-factor that is a perfect match for a moder computer-based personal studio. Despite its compact size there is plenty of I/O available in multiple formats – 14 input channels and 16 output channels in total – either directly on the chassis or via the high-quality custom breakout cable that is included:

• two microphone preamp inputs with individually adjustable 48V phantom power and -20dB pad
• two Hi-Zguitar inputs
• 2 x balanced quarter-inch inputs switchable between -10 dB or +4 dB
• Stereo mini-jack input, ideal for iPad or other consumer devices
• four balanced analog outputs
• two headphone jacks
• optical I/O configurable as 8-channel ADAT, 4-channel SMUX or 2-channel TOSlink continue reading…