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

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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

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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

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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

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Digidesign
MBox 2 Micro w/Pro Tools LE

OVERVIEW
The Mbox 2 Micro makes your Pro Tools system portable for on the go production, mixing and editing. Simply connect the tiny Mbox 2 Micro in your laptops USB drive, plug in your headphones to its output and start editing or mixing down your Pro Tools session, or create loop based and virtual instrument driven music anywhere. By far the smallest Pro Tools LE playback system (fits in your pocket) and includes valuable software (Pro Tools LE) and plug-ins.

FEATURES
As with the other Mboxes, The Mbox 2 Micro allows you to run Pro Tools LE and features pro sound quality up to 24-bit, 48kHz (higher sample rates require pre-conversion), but its ultra portable size (fits in your pocket - about the size of a thumb drive) and USB connectivity lets you take your Pro Tools system on the road. It features 1 1/8" stereo output with volume control for headphone or speaker monitoring, but NO AUDIO INPUTS. This means you cannot use it as an interface to record into - it is simply for using your Pro Tools system on the go (assuming you have an interface in the studio to record, or if you simply edit, mix, or produce using internal files on your laptop). It does however include the popular Pro Tools LE software, DigiRack and Bomb Factory plug-ins, and the A.I.R. Xpand! sample-playback/synthesis workstation to start creating right out the box.

OUR OPINION
If you're a producer that already uses Pro Tools LE, this is the way to go to be able to keep working on your files while on the road. If you are new to Pro Tools LE, this is an affordable way to get the program (as well as valuable plug-ins and soft synths), but you may require a separate interface if you need audio inputs.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Digidesign
MBox 2 Mini

OVERVIEW
The MBox 2 Mini is Digidesign's smallest, most affordable Pro Tools LE solution. You get a high quality Digidesign interface, Pro Tools LE software, and extra-bundled software, all for under $300; this is clearly an excellent value for both the beginner and experienced producer.

FEATURES
The MBox Mini features the same high-quality audio components that make the MBox the industry standard interface. It features professional quality sound up to 24-bit/48kHz.

The other major feature is the inclusion of the industry standard Pro Tools LE software and all the bundled software. Pro Tools is an easy to learn, powerful program; and your tracks will work with any Pro Tools studio when you are ready to master or go into the studio. Bundled software includes: Xpand Sample Workstation (1000 professional sounds), world famous Bomb Factory plug-ins, Pro Tools Ignition Pack (which includes an instructional DVD, Ableton Live Lite 4, Reason Adapted 3, and much more), and over (30) DigiRack plug-ins!

The price difference between higher priced MBox models is primarily reflected in the number of inputs and outputs. The MBox Mini features (2) 1/4" inputs, (1) XLR mic input, and (2) 1/4" outputs. It does not feature MIDI I/O or SPDIF I/O, the only two major omissions (for MIDI I/O, try one of M-Audio's solutions).

OUR OPINION
As stated before, the MBox 2 Mini is an excellent value. The price makes this accessible to Pro Tool novices, as well as Pro Tools experts that need a portable solution. In our book, Digidesign easily gives you over $300 worth of software; it's like getting the interface for free.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
vinyl to digital transfers - digital djing / vinyl to digital

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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

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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

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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

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Digidesign
Producers Factory Bundle

OVERVIEW
The Producer Factory Bundle is one of the first options Pro Tools users look to when they want their tracks to sound more "professional." The Factory Bundle conveniently offers 5 of the most useful RTAS plug-ins at a discounted bundle price. The plug-ins here are mostly software versions of expensive hardware pieces, and are designed to give your sound extra character, feel and depth. The Factory Bundle is compatible with Pro Tools TDM, LE and M-Powered.

USES
• 5 of the most useful plug-ins for Pro Tools
• make your tracks sound more professional
• add character to your sound
• add effects

FEATURES
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:
dj equipment - sales + specials

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Digidesign
Producers PRO Factory Bundle

OVERVIEW
The Producer Factory Pro adds 7 more professional plug-ins to the popular Producer Factory Bundle, to get your tracks sounding even more professional. The Factory Pro conveniently offers 12 of the most useful RTAS plug-ins at a discounted bundle price. The plug-ins here are mostly software versions of expensive hardware pieces, and are designed to give your sound extra character, feel and depth. The Factory Bundle is compatible with Pro Tools TDM, LE and M-Powered.

USES
• 12 of the most useful plug-ins for Pro Tools
• make your tracks sound more professional
• add character to your sound
• add effects

FEATURES
• Digidesing D-FI more info
• Digidesign Maxim more info
• Bomb Factory Sansamp Psa-1 more info
• Bomb Factory Bf-3a Classic Compressor more info
• Joemeek Meequalizer VC- 5 more info
• Joemeek SC-2 Compressor more info
• Moogerfooger Analog Delay more info
• Moogerfooger Ring Modulator more info
• Tel-Ray Variable Delay more info
• Voce Spin more info
• Voce Chorus/Vibrato more info
• Cosmonaut Voice more info
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dj equipment - sales + specials

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Griffin
iMic USB Audio Interface + Software for Recording

This the most inexpensive option for transferring vinyl audio or recording audio into your Mac. Just plug your mixer into the iMic; and plug the iMic into your USB port. Features ultra compact design with no drivers to install and no power brick to attach and a side mounted selector switch to choose between mic and line input. In addition to having better audio quality than most built-in soundcards, the iMic also comes with a free download of the Final Vinyl recording software which allows you to custom EQ and add CD-readable tracks before you record (saving you lots of time). A quality alternative to expensive I/O devices.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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M-Audio
Pro Tools M-Powered 8.0 Production Software

OVERVIEW
Pro Tools M-Powered 8 software puts the industry standard in audio/MIDI production on the fast track, letting you enter the powerful world of Pro Tools on your own terms. Pro Tools M-Powered has the same user interface as Pro Tools|HD and Pro Tools LE, all while expanding your creative hardware options to dozens of M-Audio interfaces. Session compatibility with all current versions of Pro Tools software means that you can easily move your projects between pro, project and mobile personal studios at just under $300. Pro Tools M-Powered 8 is the serious music production choice for power, compatibility, options and ease of use without spending serious money.

FEATURES
PRO RECORDING EDITING AND MIXING
Pro Tools M-Powered 8 software enables M-Audio hardware enthusiasts to easily access the powerful recording, editing and mixing features of Pro Tools. Now with up to 48 simultaneous stereo tracks of 16- or 24-bit digital audio, and support for up to 96kHz sample rates, Pro Tools M-Powered 8 is an ideal companion for M-Audio interfaces and audio interface keyboards, whether you're recording solo or entire bands. And the optional Music Production Toolkit 2 expands Pro Tools M-Powered 8 to up to 64 mono or stereo tracks, and adds more effects and instruments, a multi-track version of Beat Detective and the Pro Tools MP3 Option.

STOCKED STUDIO PLUG-INS
Pro Tools M-Powered 8 comes fully packed with a huge, comprehensive collection of music creation and sound processing plug-ins, giving you a well-stocked studio right out of the box. You get an incredible array of 70 DigiRack, A.I.R. and Bomb Factory plug-ins right out of the box, including EQ, dynamics, delay, reverb and many more. You can also create and play music with six groundbreaking virtual instruments from the renowned Digidesign Advanced Instrument Research (A.I.R.) group: the Mini Grand piano, Boom drum machine, DB-33 tone-wheel organ, Structure Free sample player, and Vacuum and Xpand!2 synths.

LOOPING TOOLS
Pro Tools M-Powered 8 features a variety of tools that make loop-based music creation faster and more imaginative than ever. In addition to importing REX and Acid files, the Loop Trim tool also makes it easy to turn audio or MIDI regions into loops. The Elastic Time and the new Elastic Pitch features make it a breeze to change tempo/time and pitch on the fly. As a result, you can integrate a wide variety of loops and audio files with your current session throughout the entire writing process. And DigiBas, the program's internal database, even has a Loop Preview feature that allows you to preview loops in sync, in real time, before bringing them into your session.

REWIRE TORQ
ans of M-Audio Torq DJ software and other standalone applications can utilize ReWire within Pro Tools M-Powered for the best of both worlds. Simply send Torq software's output streams into Pro Tools M-Powered via ReWire for further mixing and processing. Pro Tools M-Powered also accepts MIDI directly from ReWire applications for recording controller data to a Pro Tools MIDI or Instrument track. With Pro Tools M-Powered and ReWire, the creative possibilities are endless.

EASE OF USE
Elegance and power are the reasons why Pro Tools is used in the majority of professional recording studios around the world. At the same time, Pro Tools M-Powered 8 is very simple and intuitive. And once you know how to use one version of Pro Tools, you know how to work in any Pro Tools environment, from personal to pro studios.

FLEXIBLE AND PORTABLE
A wide variety of M-Audio PCI, FireWire and USB hardware interfaces are compatible with Pro Tools M-Powered software, giving you more options in where, when and how you work. Whether you need just a little I/O or a lot,or a desktop, mobile or hybrid system, you'll find the perfect solution with our PCI, USB/USB 2 and FireWire audio interfaces. Mix live and in the studio with the NRV10 interface/analog mixer. Experience compact productivity with an M-Audio audio interface keyboard. And DJs can enter the world of Pro Tools with our Torq products.

read more about Pro Tools M-Powered 8 here.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Native Instruments
Maschine Groove Production Studio

complete music production system with hands-on control

OVERVIEW
Maschine combines the flexibility of computer-based music production with the ease of a groove box into one powerful creative tool. Utilizing onboard samples or your own audio files, Machine’s unique combination of hardware and software not only ensures a fast and fun workflow, but lets you easily turn your ideas into professional productions.

FEATURES
With the Maschine package you get:

- intuitive hardware/MIDI controller
- built-in effects
- browser, sequence, and sampler

The hardware unit is both instrument and MIDI controller in one. Sixteen illuminated, velocity-sensitive pads form an interface to intuitively make beats, tweak sounds, create patterns and sequence whole songs with the powerful Maschine software. Two large, high-resolution displays with eight corresponding rotary encoders, buttons, and transport controls also integrate perfectly.

Maschine connects to your Mac or PC via USB 2.0 and comes loaded with over 5GB of production-ready sounds and patterns. Everything from fat drum kits to state-of-the-art synthesizer sounds and pristine acoustic instruments have been sampled, sliced and tagged for your convenience. The unit also features studio quality effects ranging from dynamics processors to beat-mashers and even mastering tools, all tweakable in real time via the hardware controller. You get 300 drum kits, 280 multi-sampled instruments, 400 sliced loops, 6,500 one shots, 50 complete projects, and 100 effects.

Maschine's pattern-oriented concept frees you from the limits of linear arrangement. Build song "scenes" by layering patterns, and re-arrange the scenes on the fly. It also offers external sampling through your computer’s audio interface as well as internal re-sampling, precise editing and slicing, auto-mapping, effects and an ultra-convenient browser â€" all perfectly attuned to the hardware controller.

please check the Native Instruments site for more details.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
samplers + effects / traktor pro - digital djing

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Propellerheads
Reason 4.0 Production Software

OVERVIEW
Propellerhead's Reason has been one of the major players in the production software market ever since they debuted version 1.0. It is a powerful all-in-one music production environment designed to work and look like a classic studio rack. With version 4.0 they expand the already huge repertoire of synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, REX loop player, effects, pro mastering tools, etc. with a brand new sequencer, a revolutionary groove tool, a stunning arpeggiator and a powerful new virtual synth. Please click on the manufacturer's link for a full detailed description of this product.

NEW FEATURES
Reason 4 has expanded its rack to make it the most powerful and versatile version yet. The new additions include the Thor Polyphonic Synthesizer, RPG-8 monophonic Arpeggiator, the 4th generation sequencer, and the ReGroove Mixer.

Thor Polyphonic Synthesizer
A multi-synthesis synthesizer with six oscillator types, four different filters, a step sequencer and a modulation matrix. Where other synths use one specific form of synthesis and one single filter, the Thor polysonic synthesizer features six different oscillator types and four unique filters giving you one of the most the most powerful synths ever created; an unstoppable monster of a sound generator that utilises synthesizer technology from the last 40 years.

RPG-8 Monophonic Arpeggiator
Reason's stunning new monophonic arpeggiator with multiple play modes, an insert function and a pattern section. With a wide range of on-panel controls and mode selectors, a pattern section for muting selected notes in an arpeggio and a large display showing values and positions, this device gives you full creative control over your arpeggios.

4th Generation Sequencer
Reason's new revamped sequencer now features multiple track lanes, vector automation, dedicated device tracks, clips, count-in and more. The new features and functions added to the Reason version 4 sequencer all strive toward making your Reason experience smoother and snappier. Like the new Tool window, an ever present floating window that provides lightning fast access to those detailed editing functions you use all the time; quantize, transpose, note velocity, note length and legato. Always in sync with your flow, forever adapting to you and your working methods, Reason's new sequencer simply gets you there faster.

ReGroove Mixer
A realtime, 32-channel timing and groove handling mixer. Applies non-destructive, freely editable grooves to Reason's sequencer tracks. You can lock all your tracks together into one unified feel. Or you can apply different settings to up to 32 musical elements in your song, for ultimate control. Each of the groove channels feature controls for groove amount, slide and shuffle plus more detailed settings. The Reason soundbank comes with a great selection of groove patches, many of them created from analyzed recordings of real musicians as well as classic groovy tracks.

OUR OPINION
Reason is an incredibly powerful production program with enough options for creating the most advanced and complex productions. If you like the this potential, Reason is a great choice. The fact that it is modeled after a real studio rack will appeal to producers familiar with real equipment, but it may be a bit daunting or confusing having to virtually wire rack pieces together. In our experience, electronic and dance producers tend to favor Reason, while hip-hop producers tend to go for less complex programs.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Propellerheads
ReCycle 2.1 Software

OVERVIEW
ReCycle is a powerful tool for "chopping up" samples and sounds. It was designed with sampling-based producers in mind so you won't find most of these features in your average software or samplers. The time it will save on you working with loops make it a strong addition to any music studio.

USES
• easily chop samples
• eq + effect samples

NEW 2.1 FEATURES
• MAC OSX compatible
• includes Reason Adapted and Reload
• full 24-bit audio resolution (previously limited to 16-bit)
• multiple undos.

FEATURES
First you must understand what "chopping up" means. When something is "chopped" it means the producer took a loop (drums, bass, horns, whatever), cut it into different pieces and replayed the separate pieces in a different order or at a different tempo. While the SP, MPC and ASR made this process famous, ReCycle makes it very easy. After importing your WAV. or AIFF. loop into ReCycle, the program slices your sound recording into little pieces so that each drum hit (or whatever sound you are working with) gets its own slice that can be played independently of the rest of the loop. This slicing can either be performed manually by you, or automatically by letting the computer analyze the sample and make the most logical rhythmic since of the loop. After these slices are made each one is assigned to a different key on your midi-controller(keyboard or drum pads) from which you can trigger the slice in what ever order and pattern you desire.

You also can change tempo by replaying or editing the slices to whatever tempo you prefer, without losing any of the original sound character. On-screen signal processors include: Compressor, EQ and Transient Designer, to give the drums more punch and distinction.


Recycle-created files are easy to import into Reason, Cubase, and other production programs, just save it as a REX2. ReCycle can also be connected to hardware samplers (depending on the sampler's capabilities).


OUR OPINION
Recycle is an invaluable tool for producers who sample drums and loops. You'll save an incredible amount of time in this usually tedious process. For Reason users, this Recycle is easily integrates to your system, make it that much more powerful.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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