TURNTABLE LAB

Ableton
Ableton Live 8 Production Software

OVERVIEW
Ableton Live has proved to be extremely popular with producers and DJs, making it easy to produce remixes on the fly, DJ, or do a live performance. Live 8 makes all those things even better by enhancing the Ableton vision of creative, real-time digital music with a wealth of new techniques, effects and most-wanted workflow improvements. These include a new groove engine, revamped warping techniques, live looping, five new effects (including the Ableton Vocoder), crossfades in the Arrangement View, group tracks and a reworked MIDI editor.

FEATURES
New in Ableton Live 8:
- New groove engine: new groove library, extract grooves from audio or MIDI, real-time groove quantize. Includes grooves from the legendary Akai MPC and E-mu SP-1200 machines

- New warping engine: warp audio events by adjusting the events on the timeline, updated Beats Warp Mode, new Complex Warp Mode, slice audio files to MIDI tracks based on transients

- Looper: classic sound-on-sound looping without the limitations of a hardware device. Record, overdub, undo and more without touching the computer. "First loop sync," simple loop management

- New effects: Vocoder, Multiband Dynamics, Overdrive, Limiter and Frequency Shifter

- Workflow enhancements: including real-time crossfades in the Arrangement View, enhanced MIDI editing, group tracks, multiple track selection, a screen magnifier and more

All the other great features from previous versions have been adopted into 8 and the box even includes a selection of loops to start with, Essential Instrument Collection 2: a wide range of sampled instruments for use with Live, and built-in interactive lessons so you can learn as you go.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

go to detail page | close window

Ableton
Ableton Live Intro Production Software

Ableton Live essentials at a low price

OVERVIEW
Ableton Live Intro provides all of Live's essential production tools at a super affordable price. Write songs, make beats, record, remix, DJ and perform live with Live's fluid and intuitive workflow, real time audio manipulation and even an impressive 7GB audio content package of loops and instruments to get you started.

FEATURES
Think of Ableton Live Intro as the new and improved replacement for their LE versions. Intro features Live's renowned non-linear approach to songwriting and beatmaking with multitrack recording up to 32-bit/192kHz, powerful MIDI sequencing of software and hardware instruments, advanced warping, real-time time-stretching, nondestructive editing and unlimited undo. Intro has also added full ReWire support (runs as slave or master) and supports AIFF, WAV, MP3, Ogg Vorbis, and FLAC formats. There are 500 built-in Instrument Racks and Drum Racks plus Simpler (a sampler) and Impulse (a virtual drum machine), 200 built-in audio and MIDI effects, a new groove engine, as well as full VST and AU support that automatically detect plug-ins. In addition, you also get 7 GB of loops, instruments and beats to get you started, built-in interactive lessons, and pactical construction kits. Intro provides everything you need to compose, record, and perform your tracks.

OUR OPINION
For under $100, Intro gives you everything you need to create and perform your tracks. Though it isn't as loaded as the full version of Live or Live Suite, the limitations in Intro do not affect the sound or quality of the music you create in Intro. The limitations are very reasonable considering the price (i.e. you're limited to 64 audio tracks, 2 effect sends, 12 Ableton effects at once, etc.). For a full comparison chart click here. Even with the limitations, this is still an incredible value for the price and an excellent way to get into producing with Live. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

go to detail page | close window

Ableton
Ableton Suite 8 Production Software

OVERVIEW
Ableton Live has proved to be extremely popular with producers and DJs, making it easy to produce remixes on the fly, DJ, or do a live performance. Live 8 enhances the Ableton vision of creative, real-time digital music with a wealth of new techniques, effects and most-wanted workflow improvements. These include a new groove engine, revamped warping techniques, live looping, five new effects (including the Ableton Vocoder), crossfades in the Arrangement View, group tracks and a reworked MIDI editor. Suite 8 includes all that plus a massive, inspired sound library and all the instruments a musician could hope for, including a wide range of synths, a sampler, electric and acoustic drums (new: Latin percussion), mallets (new: Collision), numerous sampled instruments and a new, even mightier Operator.

FEATURES
New in Ableton Live 8:
- New groove engine: new groove library, extract grooves from audio or MIDI, real-time groove quantize. Includes grooves from the legendary Akai MPC and E-mu SP-1200 machines

- New warping engine: warp audio events by adjusting the events on the timeline, updated Beats Warp Mode, new Complex Warp Mode, slice audio files to MIDI tracks based on transients

- Looper: classic sound-on-sound looping without the limitations of a hardware device. Record, overdub, undo and more without touching the computer. "First loop sync," simple loop management

- New effects: Vocoder, Multiband Dynamics, Overdrive, Limiter and Frequency Shifter

- Workflow enhancements: including real-time crossfades in the Arrangement View, enhanced MIDI editing, group tracks, multiple track selection, a screen magnifier and more

New Features Exclusive to Suite 8:
- World-class sound library: completely new sound library with real-world "Sound Objects", presets, grooves, templates and, above all, over 1,600 beautiful sounds

- Collision and Corpus: a unique physical-modeling instrument for authentic mallet sounds and creative percussion. Includes Corpus, a separate effect that reproduces Collision's resonator section

- Latin Percussion: a collection of acoustic percussion instruments from the worlds of Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and African music, plus a wide selection of clips and grooves for authentic usage

- Operator, Ableton's renowned do-it-all synthesizer, has been given a major overhaul. New filter types, more modulation routing options and additive wavetable synthesis with drawable partials make Operator more powerful and flexible than ever.

Plus these existing Ableton instruments: Sampler, Electric, Tension, Analog, Drum Machines, Session Drums and the Essential Instrument Collection

All other great features from previous versions have been adopted into 8 and inludes built-in interactive lessons so you can learn as you go. Ableton is extremely versatile, professional, all-in-one software that will suit all your production needs.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

go to detail page | close window

Digidesign
Mbox 2 Factory w/Plug-Ins

OVERVIEW
This is the Factory Version of the Mbox 2 which includes a discounted package of the most useful Mbox 2 plug-ins including Moogerfooger Analog Delay, Cosmonaut Voice, Joe Meek VC-5 Meequalizer, and SC-2 Compressor. Sold separately, these plug-ins list retail approximately for $1050.00! Get your sound one step closer to professional quality with this package.

The new MBox 2 is the updated version of the most popular Pro Tools solution. It includes both the newly designed MBox 2 interface and the industry standard Pro Tools LE production program.

NEW FEATURES IN VERSION 2
Improved Sound: Digidesign has improved the already excellent sound of the original Mbox by replacing the high quality Focusrite mix preamps with new Digidesign preamps. Also Digidesign has also included new digital and analog converters with better fidelity.

New Interface Design: The Mbox 2 interface can be positioned horizontally or vertically for easy placement. Mbox 2 comes with two faceplates, which are easily swapped using the included hex wrench. One faceplate features a large handle that makes the unit easily portable. The second faceplate, which offers a rubberized grip, allows Mbox 2 to sit flat on a desktop and reduces the space required when the unit is packed for traveling.

More Simultaneous Inputs: 2 analog / 2 digital simultaneously.

New MIDI I/O: MBox 2 adds a very use MIDI input/output.

More Free Software: The Mbox already featured the most free plug-ins and software in its class. Version 2 adds the very powerful Pro Tools Ignition Pack (click the manufacturer's link below for full list of contents)

FEATURES
Mbox 2 is a full-featured, USB-powered studio-in-a-box that works with your Window XP or Mac OS X. With a distinctive hardware interface that delivers exceptional sound quality, Mbox 2 works in conjunction with your computer and the included Pro Tools LE software to provide the creative power you need to achieve professional results. Complementing the hardware interface's analog, digital, and MIDI I/O, Pro Tools LE software offers 32 tracks of simultaneous recording and playback, 128 virtual tracks, 256 MIDI tracks, and a host of additional features. As with all Pro Tools LE systems, Mbox 2 also ships with the Pro Tools Ignition Pack™ —an array of added composition and production tools to extend the power of your system.

OUR OPINION
The MBox Pro Tools solution is always the first Production suite we recommend. In the interface, you get a professional quality component with high quality inputs and mic pre-amp for top-level recording. With its new portable design, it's ideal for your home and mobile setup. As for the software, Pro Tools is simply the industry standard. The LE version offered here features everything you need to record, create, and finish a track; all within, the time-tested Pro Tools environment. If you need more options, Pro Tools has the most third party plug-ins and software enhancements available of all the production programs. And when you want to take your productions to the next level, your tracks will be compatible with any Pro Tools enable studio.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

go to detail page | close window

Digidesign
Mbox 2 Pro Factory w/Pro Tools LE

The Mbox 2 is our bestselling interface and production software bundle. With this new Pro edition, the Mbox 2 becomes even more powerful, bridging the gap between the Mbox series and the more expensive 002 series.

In addition to the smaller, more portable design, the Mbox 2 Pro features these improvements over the Mbox 2:
- Firewire connection (vs. USB)
- higher resolution, 24-bit / 96kHz (vs. 48 kHz)
- more simultaneous I/O channels: 6 inputs and 8 outputs (vs. 4/2)
- more analog inputs: in addition to 2 XLR and 2 TRS inputs, the Pro features (2) 1/4" and 2 RCA inputs.
- more analog outputs, there are 6 1/4" outputs (vs. 2)
- addition of World Clock compatibility
- dual headphone outputs (vs. single)

This Factory version of the Mbox 2 Pro also includes Producer's Factory Bundle, a collection of Pro Tools most popular plug-ins:

Moogerfooger Analog Delay: The warmest delay in the digital domain. The hardware version goes for over $300.

Digidesign Maxim: World-class peak limiting and sound level maximizing. If you mix in Pro Tools and want your final audio tracks to have that professionally mastered sheen, add Maxim to your list of "must have" plug-ins. Maxim also offers built-in dithering, on-line help, and a full-color Histogram, making it an indispensable plug-in for mixing and mastering in any Pro Tools environment.

Joemeek Meequalizer VC-5: Recreates a treble and bass circuit with a sweepable mid, featuring simple controls and warm results. This gives your sound character and warmth.

Joemeek SC-2 Compressor: An effects compressor. It changes the clarity, balance, and even rhythmic feel of music.

Cosmonaut Voice: Achieve telephone voice, CB radio, even interplanetary effects. Cosmonaut Voice effects include distortion, noise, squelch, and even an authentic tone culled from recently declassified Russian space footage.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

go to detail page | close window

Digidesign
Mbox 2 Pro w/Pro Tools LE

The Mbox 2 is our bestselling interface and production software bundle. With this new Pro edition, the Mbox 2 becomes even more powerful, bridging the gap between the Mbox series and the more expensive 002 series.

In addition to the smaller, more portable design, the Mbox 2 Pro features these improvements over the Mbox 2:
- Firewire connection (vs. USB)
- higher resolution, 24-bit / 96kHz (vs. 48 kHz)
- more simultaneous I/O channels: 6 inputs and 8 outputs (vs. 4/2)
- more analog inputs: in addition to 2 XLR and 2 TRS inputs, the Pro features (2) 1/4" and 2 RCA inputs.
- more analog outputs, there are 6 1/4" outputs (vs. 2)
- addition of World Clock compatibility
- dual headphone outputs (vs. single)

reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dj equipment - sales + specials / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

go to detail page | close window

Digidesign
Mbox 2 w/Pro Tools LE

OVERVIEW
The new MBox 2 is the updated version of the most popular Pro Tools solution. It includes both the newly designed MBox 2 interface and the industry standard Pro Tools LE production program.

NEW FEATURES IN VERSION 2
Improved Sound: Digidesign has improved the already excellent sound of the original Mbox by replacing the high quality Focusrite mix preamps with new Digidesign preamps. Also Digidesign has also included new digital and analog converters with better fidelity.

New Interface Design: The Mbox 2 interface can be positioned horizontally or vertically for easy placement. Mbox 2 comes with two faceplates, which are easily swapped using the included hex wrench. One faceplate features a large handle that makes the unit easily portable. The second faceplate, which offers a rubberized grip, allows Mbox 2 to sit flat on a desktop and reduces the space required when the unit is packed for traveling.

More Simultaneous Inputs: 2 analog / 2 digital simultaneously.

New MIDI I/O: MBox 2 adds a very use MIDI input/output.

More Free Software: The Mbox already featured the most free plug-ins and software in its class. Version 2 adds the very powerful Pro Tools Ignition Pack (click the manufacturer's link below for full list of contents)

FEATURES
Mbox 2 is a full-featured, USB-powered studio-in-a-box that works with your Window XP or Mac OS X. With a distinctive hardware interface that delivers exceptional sound quality, Mbox 2 works in conjunction with your computer and the included Pro Tools LE software to provide the creative power you need to achieve professional results. Complementing the hardware interface's analog, digital, and MIDI I/O, Pro Tools LE software offers 32 tracks of simultaneous recording and playback, 128 virtual tracks, 256 MIDI tracks, and a host of additional features. As with all Pro Tools LE systems, Mbox 2 also ships with the Pro Tools Ignition Pack™ —an array of added composition and production tools to extend the power of your system.

OUR OPINION
The MBox Pro Tools solution is always the first Production suite we recommend. In the interface, you get a professional quality component with high quality inputs and mic pre-amp for top-level recording. With its new portable design, it's ideal for your home and mobile setup. As for the software, Pro Tools is simply the industry standard. The LE version offered here features everything you need to record, create, and finish a track; all within, the time-tested Pro Tools environment. If you need more options, Pro Tools has the most third party plug-ins and software enhancements available of all the production programs. And when you want to take your productions to the next level, your tracks will be compatible with any Pro Tools enable studio.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
vinyl to digital transfers - digital djing / vinyl to digital / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window