DigiTech JamMan Delay Looper

With up to 35 minutes of recording time for each of it's 99 internal loop memories the newest member of the Jamman family provides over 16 hours of recording time and spacious accommodation for the most detailed loop based projects. Featuring true stereo, up to 16 seconds of stereo delay, and control over each effect the Jamman provides complete expressive control and sound shaping capability. It also features a tap tempo control and an expression pedal input for full morphing control for each of its eight delay types and control of the looper playback. The looper’s stereo delay can be recalled through three fully programmable presets via dedicated foot-switches.

Available in May 2010 for an MSRP of $519.95, it comes with USB sync capability for PC or Mac. A downloadable JamManager package allows all compositions to be backed up and also allows musicians to create custom loop JamLists for each gig.

Korg is show casing two new products of interest.

Korg Microstation

Compact and portable, the microStation features Korg’s 61-key Natural Touch mini-keyboard, numerous effects, dual arpeggiators and 16 tracks of MIDI recording power. New features include an easily accessible Loop Recording and Visual Grid Sequencing.

The proportion of the black keys and white keys has been adjusted so that chords are comfortable to play, and the feel is designed to allow rapid phrases to be performed with ease; the waterfall-style keys make glissandos easy to play.

The microStation features the new EDS-i (Enhanced Definition Synthesis – integrated) engine, derived from the EDS system found on Korg’s M3 XPanded and M50 professional instruments. The effect section adds up to five insert effects (including Korg’s proprietary “REMS” amp-modeling technology), two master effects and one total effect.

In addition to the 480 programs and 25 drum kits, the microStation provides 256 Combinations, each of which combines up to 16 programs as layers, splits or velocity-switched elements. The 383 audition riffs play a repeating phrase so the selected sound can be heard in context. Every sound can be edited, tweaked and re-written, with plenty of room for saving custom programs, Combinations and drum kits. For compatibility with other MIDI instruments, there is also a full GM2-compatible sound set. The microStation provides an SD card slot, allowing users to save their programs, Combinations and song data directly onto an SD/SDHC card.

Frequently used parameters can be assigned to the four real-time control knobs for convenient sound editing or for performing with the arpeggiator. With the External switch on, these four knobs can be used to control an external MIDI device. A joystick is provided.

The microStation is bundled with the microStation Editor and microStation Plug-In Editor software. The microStation Editor is a stand-alone program, while the“microStation Plug-In Editor allows the microStation to be used as a VST, AU or RTAS plug-in instrument inside a DAW or other host application on a personal computer.



The Korg microStation will be available July 2010 with an MSRP of $850.

Korg Monotron

Powered by two AAA alkaline batteries, the compact monotron can be held in one hand. The unique ribbon controller keyboard borrows from performing with Korg’s KAOSS products. Simple finger motions can produce expressive effects such as vibrato and glide. When used in a band, the monotron can harmonize with another instrument or take center stage for a monotron solo.

The Monotron’s circuit comprises a voltage-controlled oscillator, a voltage-controlled filter and a low-frequency oscillator. The panel contains only five knobs and one switch. Each knob controls a single function. The LFO knob is equipped with an LED that blinks at the same rate as the LFO.

The Monotron uses the same VCF circuit as Korg’s classic MS-10 and MS-20 semi-modular synthesizers. The monotron’s filter can be “patched into,” allowing any external audio source to be processed by the monotron’s filter. 


It will be available August 2010 with an MSRP of $85.

Metric Halo LIO 8 AD/DA Audio Interface

Metric Halo announced the immediate availability of the new LIO-8 multichannel A/D/A converter, processor and interface. Based on Metric Halo’s ULN-8 technology platform, the LIO-8 is perfect for the audio professional that needs archival quality conversion, processing and interfacing. Equally at home in a mastering suite, mix suite or in a recording studio with external preamps, the LIO-8 provides conversion performance that is as stunning as that provided by the ULN-8.

LIO-8 FEATURES INCLUDE

Eight channels of archival quality, zero-phase distortion DC-coupled, calibrated 192k A/D
Ten channels of archival quality, zero-phase distortion DC-coupled, calibrated 192k D/A
Two channels of exceptional ultra high-Z direct input for instruments
8in/8out 192k AES interface
Full-featured front panel tactile control surface for standalone and connected operation
Eight channels of analog domain send (active split before conversion)
Metric Halo's exclusive per-channel selectable Character
Word clock in and out
Digitally-controlled analog domain monitor control
Full-featured fifteen segment precision metering
SMPTE I/O channels
MIDI I/O for direct connect of Mackie control protocol control surface
Integrated mixing and deep instantiable DSP processing w/basic plug-in bundle
Rock-solid stability - mature, real-world-tested firmware, & time-tested fifth-generation Mac OS software and drivers
FireWire interfacing with ultra-stable, ultra low-latency drivers (FW400 & FW800 supported)
Exceptional power performance (only 25 watts - DC powerable)
Low mass (5.7 lbs. / 2.6 kg.)
Extremely compact (everything in 1 RU)
Rack-mountable

The LIO-8 is a modern conversion system. Combining world-class conversion and interfacing, the LIO-8 provides mastering room, archival quality conversion at multichannel prices. From a quality perspective, the LIO-8 provides a complete mastering toolkit - ready to drive a mastering suite. With transparent converters (A/D/A conversion is inaudible) and transparent reciprocal processing, the LIO-8 provides a load-in, monitoring and processing interface for any mastering suite. Eight channels of conversion and AES interfacing allow for multiple analog and digital processing signal chains as well as monitoring and processing in surround. If more analog processing chains are required, additional LIO-8s may be added. The LIO-8 can also be combined with ULN-8, 2882 and ULN-2 units in a complete recording system.

The integrated mixer in the LIO-8 is not a mere cue mixer. It is a complete digital console with mono to 7.1 bus support, monitor control section, instantiable delay-compensated processing with full delay-compensated send and return support in the mixer. Not only can you mix monitor mixes for performers with essentially zero latency, you can also mix the show live for an immediate stereo reference.

At mix down time, utilize the acclaimed mixing and processing engine in the LIO-8 as your ultra-high-quality digital outboard summing system. Or, if you are an analog-summing aficionado, you can use the exceptional converters in the LIO-8 to drive your analog summing bus and capture the results. The LIO-8 A/D/A is penalty free. But as many engineers have discovered, the exceptional mix-bus quality of the 2d Mix engine coupled with MH's exclusive Character processing may leave you wondering why you would go to the trouble to use an analog summing bus, as it is already in the LIO-8.

The LIO-8 has an MSRP of US $3,995, and is available immediately from Metric Halo and its world-wide distribution channel.

Roland BR-800 Portable Recording Studio

Los Angeles, CA, March 24, 2010 — BOSS continues its top-selling tradition of portable, affordable multi-trackers with the new BR-800 — a battery-powered studio to go. The sleek new design is made possible by touch-sensor switches and SD-card recording media. Up to four tracks can be recorded or eight tracks played back simultaneously, plus an additional stereo track dedicated to the built-in rhythm generator.

Whether you’re creating intricate, multi-layered songs or point-and-capture field recordings, the BR-800 makes the recording process fast and easy. Beginners will love the new EZ Recording mode that interactively guides you through the recording process. Other helpful features include the convenient RETRY function, which re-cues automatically to fix mistakes, and SONG SKETCH recording for instant, one-touch capture. There’s also a built-in stereo condenser microphone, plus a DR-880-quality rhythm generator for adding drum and percussion tracks to your songs.

Enhance your recordings with the powerful BOSS effects onboard the BR-800. Many of the effects are derived from BOSS’ flagship processors, including vocal effects from the VE-20, COSM® guitar/bass effects from the GT-10 series, and modeled acoustic-guitar body effects from the AP-1 preamp, which imparts pro-quality miked-up sound and rich body tone to line-recorded acoustic guitar. You’ll be amazed at how much processing power is built into this little recorder, and how excellent the effects sound.

You can power the BR-800 from the included AC adaptor, or for ultimate mobility, it can be powered from six AA batteries. Record anywhere! The BR-800’s USB compatibility enables a variety of functionality with computers. Connected to a PC, the BR-800 will function as an USB audio interface for recordings that utilize the internal effects. The BR-800 can also function as a control surface for DAW software.

No matter where you roam, you’ll never miss a moment of musical inspiration with the portable new BR-800. The BR-800 is expected to be available in May with an MSRP of $525.00. For more information, please visit www.RolandConnect.com.

R-05 Personal Recorder

Los Angeles, CA, March 24, 2010 — Roland is pleased to announce the R-05 WAV/MP3 Recorder, an easy to use, affordable, and compact digital recorder that provides crystal-clear audio quality, enhanced recording and editing features, and an extended battery life of over 16 hours of recording time per charge.

Whether onstage, in rehearsal, at school, on the street, or in the boardroom, the R-05 provides pristine, uncompressed stereo recording directly to SD card with up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution. Record directly with the built-in stereo microphone, or capture sounds from an externally connected microphone or stereo line input. The R-05 also features the same I.A.R.C. (Isolated Adaptive Recording Circuit) as the flagship R-09HR, a dedicated analog circuit optimized for recording with the onboard A/D converter.

A variety of practice and performance features make the R-05 ideal for the recording musician. Specified regions of audio can be looped, and the playback speed can be adjusted without causing a change in pitch. Rehearsal mode can automatically set the optimum recording level, split songs automatically, and simultaneously record identical WAV and MP3 files.

The R-05 allows for easy file transfer with computers via USB 2.0, and also enables users to conveniently trim, divide, and combine audio files within the recorder itself. For those who desire a high-gloss finish to their recordings, the R-05 is equipped with built-in reverb.

Musicians will naturally gravitate to the R-05, but this pocket recorder is great for many non-musical applications as well. Record lectures, speeches, and meetings, for example. The high-sensitivity, built-in microphone will clearly capture all of the voices in a room. The included windscreen and tripod mount also enhance optimal placement and help produce better recordings.

The R-05 is scheduled to ship in May with a suggested retail price of $299.00. For more information, please visit www.RolandConnect.com.

Roland SH-01 Analog Modeling Synthesizer

Los Angeles, CA, March 24, 2010 — Roland invites you to meet the GAIA SH-01, a 37-key compact synthesizer that brings serious sound, instant control, and ultimate flexibility to the synthesis experience. Combining a classic panel layout reminiscent of vintage Roland synthesizers with the latest in Roland’s analog-modeling technology, GAIA is perfect for any students, songwriters, session players, and live performers of all styles and skill levels.

Weighing less than 10 pounds, the GAIA SH-01 is lightweight, compact, and great for musicians on the go. The 37-note keyboard is full-size for natural playing, and can be powered via AC or batteries. The GAIA SH-01 is able to create rich, massive sound with three virtual-analog sound engines, each with a dedicated oscillator, filter, amplifier, envelope, and LFO. With 64 polyphonic voices onboard, GAIA makes it possible to play massive sounds without experiencing note drop-out.

The instantly selectable multi-effects of the GAIA SH-01 allow for the layering of up to five simultaneous effects. Onboard effects include reverb, distortion, fuzz, bit crash, flanger, phaser, pitch shifter, low boost, delay with panning, and tempo sync that can be controlled in real-time with the built-in D Beam.

The GAIA SH-01 front panel features dedicated knobs and faders for a variety of parameters, with no hidden menus. GAIA is perfect for learning the signal flow of synthesis, or for creating a dynamic live performance. Along with the included Arpeggiator is the Phrase Recorder, allowing synthesists to record, play back, and play over their recorded phrases.

The GAIA SH-01’s EXT input allows for connection and playback of external audio sources such as an MP3 player. Incoming audio can be manipulated with three Center Cancel modes, which let you eliminate pre-recorded vocals, guitar, or bass. GAIA also includes USB ports for transmitting and receiving MIDI data, storing patches and phrases to a memory stick, and recording straight to any computer.

The GAIA SH-01 is scheduled to ship in May with a suggested retail price of $739.00. For more information, please visit www.RolandConnect.com.