Austin Summer Namm
2006 Report
page 2
M-Audio
info at http://www.m-audio.com
Manufacturer with the most New Studio
Products (that Tweak liked) of the
Show
I think M-Audio takes the crown here, as they
were there in force showing new hardware and software for the home studios.
Friendly product reps who knew their products were there. Nice
Show!
First Up: Conectiv 4x4 USB Audio Interface with Torq
Performance Software
M-audio demonstrates their new DJ
package at Namm 2006
Here's the Scoop:
Conectiv, developed by M-Audio’s SynchroScience
division, is the world’s first bus-powered 4 x 4 USB audio interface designed
for DJs who perform and produce tracks with a laptop. Together, Conectiv and the
included Torq software form the ultimate DJ tool—high-fidelity audio, all the
right kinds of I/O (including dual phono preamps), and the ability to mix,
beat-match and cue digital files with ease. Use them as a completely digital
solution and leave the heavy stacks of vinyl or bulky wallets of CDs at home—or
process your vinyl and CDs on the fly. You can even create a hybrid
digital/vinyl DJ rig by using Conectiv and Torq with specially encoded control
vinyl discs or CDs. Torq supports popular formats such as MP3, WAV, WMA and AAC
files and is configured to automatically work with Conectiv—no messy set-ups.
And unlike most digital DJ systems, Conectiv works with other third-party
software as well.
I like that M-audio has not missed the
point that for devices to work in a live context, they must be simple.
This package could actually lead to a large scale infusion of computer technology
for DJs
M-audio Pro Fire-audio Light Bridge
This box is going to make a lot of large
studios really happy. Its a 34 in 36 out Firewire Interface. Yep,
those are 4, yes four ADAT lightpipe i/o's on the back, each carrying 8
channels. No
analog Ins and only 2 outs, so this kind of interface assumes you are going to
add stuff like 8 channel preamps with ADAT, converters, and digital mixers,
while it handles the traffic to and from your computer. Word Clock, MIDI
and s/pdif are provided by a breakout cable.
MidAir 25 Keyboard Controller
Yep. another keyboard controller from
M-Audio. (They have no less than 20 in their line). But this
one is different. It's wireless. And that open a new
dimension on to things. The composer does not have to be slaved to an
office type chair as they do their work. Indeed, you can get quite
far away from the computer if you want to.
- 25-key velocity-sensitive wireless
keyboard > perform and produce with
total freedom
- 8 MIDI-assignable knobs
> wirelessly tweak controllers
onstage or in the studio
- USB 1.1 and MIDI in/out ports on
receiver > control software or
traditional MIDI instruments
- powered via 9V DC power adapter or
batteries > total wireless freedom
- class-compliant with Windows XP
and
Mac OS X > no drivers needed
More info
The EX66 is distinguished by its digital as
well as analog inputs as you can see form the impressive looking backside.
An M-audio rep said the EX66 was designed to compete with high end studio
monitors like the DynAudio and Genlec. It was too loud in the convention
center to evaluate them, but they certainly looked the part.
The Sputnik
M-audio debuted a new Tube Mic, in the shape of
the Solaris, but with a shiny finish, called the Sputnik
The sputnik is a multi-pattern mic with a
dedicated power supply and low current 6205M dual triode tube, custom tuned with
Los Angeles studio engineers, they told me.
Overall, I was impressed by M-Audio's showing.
As one of their reps told me, the company is serious about delivering for the
pro and home studio market. I don't doubt that. It's nice to have a
company that thinks about what their customers need. What a
concept.
Next Page
About Microphones and Preamps
Build a Home Studio Mic Cabinet
How the Preamp Affects Audio Quality
Shure SM57
Shure SM81
Sennhesier MD421
Review of the Shure SM7b
ElectroVoice RE-20
Rode NT1
Neumann TLM 103
Solaris
CAD E-200
Great River ME1-NV
FMR RNP
Focusrite Voicemaster Pro
Poll: Best Condenser Under $200
Best Large Condenser $100
Best Preamp $800-$3000
Best Preamp $400-700
Hi End Preamps
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