TURNTABLE LAB

Apogee
Duet Firewire Audio Interface

OVERVIEW
Apogee's Duet is a Firewire interface that provides top notch, professional sound quality in an ultra-compact and portable unit. Capture records, record keyboards, instruments, or vocals, and control functions in any Core Audio compatible application effortlessly, intuitively and on the go with Duet.

FEATURES
Duet features two channels of professional-quality 24-bit/96kHz audio input and output for studio reference sound quality, Two balanced XLR inputs, with selectable 48V phantom power and up to 75dB of gain and two unbalanced high impedance instrument inputs for loud and clear recordings, one high-level stereo headphone output, and two unbalanced -10 dBV line outputs for powered speakers. The multi-function controller knob allows you to manage of all your I/O functions while the multi-segment LED's display input and output levels so you can always keep the sound in check visually. In addition, the Duet's control functions built directly into Apple’s Logic Pro, Soundtrack Pro and GarageBand, and is also compatible with any Core Audio-compliant application. Includes firewire cable, breakout cable with all connections, and Apogee’s Maestro software for advanced control and low latency mixing.

OUR OPINION
Apogee built its name on sound quality and this little gadget features the same big sound and high quality converters they are famous for. If you need rich, pro sound recordings, and the ability to take it on the road, the Duet is definitely a top choice. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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

go to detail page | close window

Griffin
iMic USB Audio Interface + Recording Software (Mac + PC)

The iMic is a USB audio adapter that lets Mac and PC users add stereo input and output to USB computers even if they lack audio-in or -out ports. Connect your mic, turntable, tape deck, mixer, or anything with a line out to any computer with a USB port. iMic supports both mic and line level inputs via a selectable switch, and provides a line-level output for connecting speakers or headphones. Use this as an affordable interface to record your records, mixes and tapes directly into your computer simply and easily. he included CD-ROM provides all the software you need: for Mac users, Final Vinyl (with advanced features such as waveform-based cue editing and 10-band EQ, including a special RIAA filter that properly equalizes LPs without having to connect your turntable to a pre-amp); and, for PC users, the popular open-source, full-featured recording application, Audacity. The iMic package also includes a special stereo audio cable with a ground connector, to prevent hum or line noise when recording directly from a turntable. It's everything you need to become home-recording-ready, in one package. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

go to detail page | close window

M-Audio
Fast Track Pro USB Interface

The Fast Track Pro USB Interface gives you mobile recording flexibility with professional recording features. It features 2 front-panel mic/line inputs complete with phantom power for condenser microphones, inserts for outboard effects balanced and unbalanced analog outputs, S/PDIF digital I/O, MIDI I/O, and more.

Fast Track Pro also features near-zero latency direct hardware monitoring and low-latency ASIO software monitoring, plus an A/B source switch and dual output pairs for DJ-style cueing. It is compatible with most popular PC and Mac music software including Pro Tools M-Powered. USB connection (or optional DC adaptor) make it a snap to set up. Compatible with both PC and Mac.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

go to detail page | close window