Studio Equipment Recommendations August 2014

Review: There are not many modern synthesizers which can claim to have shaped the sound of music -- from electronica to soundtrack -- as much as the Virus line of synthesizers has. The Virus is known as much for its flexibility and powerful sound as for Total Integration, our award winning way to interconnect a hardware synthesizer with your DAW.

The first Virus was released in 1997 and each new iteration has added more features more powerful hardware, and greater musical potential. That evolution explains why the Virus TI series is so sought after and why it receives such praise from owners, press, and fans all over the world.

Artists including Depeche Mode, Madonna, Linkin Park and The Prodigy tour with a Virus-based setup. Producers such as Sasha, Pete Tong, Roger Sanchez and Dr. Dre consider the Virus a core part of their studios. Composers such as Hans Zimmer, James Newton Howard, John Powell and Mark Isham are enthusiastic Virus users, utilising its signature sound for their Hollywood blockbuster soundtracks.

The Virus TI line of synthesizers includes 4 different variations: two keyboard models and two desktop versions. The great news is that all of these instruments produce the same award-winning sound. In this way, Access offer you a choice of formats without compromising the most important aspect of any instrument: how well it performs musically.

Designed as the ideal companion to any DJ or project studio, this 37-key model is not only compact but also stunningly beautiful. The side panels are a mix of wood and pure aluminium, while the white LEDs add class and style. The sound engine is exactly that used in the powerful and versatile TI Desktop and Keyboard models.

Even though the Virus is truly multi-talented instrument with great range, you still instantly know it when you hear a it in a production. That's because Access really "get" synthesizer basics: outstanding oscillators, amazing filters and breathtaking effects.

Every part, even in multi-mode, comes with its own chain of independent effects (including reverb and delay). The massive voice count makes it possible to stack even complex sounds for the first time without breaking a sweat.

Review: Introducing iRig MIDI 2, the first Lightning/USB compatible mobile MIDI interface that works with all generations of iOS devices as well as Mac and PC. It features everything you loved about iRig MIDI but with even greater pocketability, connectivity and control. Simply put, it's the perfect MIDI solution for the musician on the move.

As we've said, iRig MIDI 2 is the first portable MIDI interface that's compatible with Apple's Lightning cable. This, however, does not come at the expense of universal support. At the center of iRig MIDI 2 is its detachable Mini-DIN connector, which lets you attach a Lightning (included), USB (included) or 30-pin cable (sold separately) depending on the mobile device or computer that you'd like to use. Now you have the flexibility to use MIDI with whatever device you want, anytime, and anywhere.

iRig MIDI 2 is small, but it can be made even smaller when all of its cables are detached. Because of its Mini-DIN connector, you can remove all cables for extreme portability: Now you have something that you can easily carry with you in your pocket to any gig, performance, studio or jam session. In addition, all iRig MIDI 2 cables are bumper friendly, which means you can connect and start jamming without having to remove your mobile device's protective carrying case

Like iRig MIDI before it, iRig MIDI 2 features three MIDI ports: IN, OUT and THRU. But this time around the ports are standard-sized and require no adaptor or special cable to use - in fact, you can use any standard MIDI cable you'd like. These ports give you all the control and connectivity that MIDI allows: Use the IN port to use external keyboards and controllers to play your favorite software sound modules and synthesizers. Use the OUT port to control external hardware or synthesizers from your mobile device or computer. And you can use the THRU port to send MIDI data to multiple instruments at once. Monitoring MIDI data with iRig MIDI 2 is easy, it comes with two LEDs that give you an at-a-glance readout of the note data as it passes through the IN and OUT ports.

With iRig MIDI 2, you get more than just a supremely portable MIDI interface; you also get a full suite of music creation apps. As soon as you open the box you'll be ready to go. iOS users get two of IK's most popular mobile apps: SampleTank FREE is a sound and groove workstation filled with hundreds of high-quality instruments and patterns. iGrand Piano FREE is a concert-quality piano app that puts world-class piano sounds at your fingertips. And Mac and PC users can enjoy the full creative power of SampleTank 3 SE, a free version of IK's next generation SampleTank 3 desktop sound workstation. Beyond all that's included, iRig MIDI 2 works with all MIDI-compatible Mac and PC software as well as the entire spectrum of Core MIDI apps for iOS such as GarageBand, Cubasis, Beat Maker 2, Auria and many more.

iRig MIDI 2 has been designed and manufactured in Modena, Italy - a city famous for high-performance Italian industrial design. Like all IK products, it's been through rigorous quality testing to ensure the utmost in dependability i iRig MIDI 2 is housed in a durable rubberized enclosure designed to last performance after performance and gig after gig. IK Multimedia uses only the best components, materials and processes to create solid, smartly manufactured products at an affordable price.

(Included/free apps: http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigmidi2/index.php?pp=irigmidi2-app)

Review: The new Yamaha MG20XU USB mixing desk has a full array of features for the professional band or music producer. Boasting 20 channels, a group of 24 effects, internal USB interface and 2 bus groups, this Yamaha mixer has everything you could need. Featuring faders instead of knobs of other versions, this MG20XU is more visual and easier to control. The included Cubase AI software also enables studio production straight out of the box.

The Yamaha MG Series of mixers feature a design and construction that will handle the standard wear and tear of the active musician. Featuring the steel chassis that is impact resistant and powder coated, this mixer will take any bumps and scratches without it getting damaged or looking old. The sleek design does not compromise any part of the finished product. A state of the art design allows for convection cooling, meaning your power unit will not overheat your unit after continuous use. Separating the power supply from the analog circuitry inside the mixer allows for near silent background noise, allowing for a serious and high quality output sound. As well as this, the knob placement has been put above the chassis of the console, thus not damaging circuitry underneath should the device ever be dropped or mishandled.

Rather than the standard MG Series mixers, a select number of mixers also feature the XU functions. This includes a built in USB interface, which allows a stereo output to be sent straight from the mixer and can be plugged in to any computer or laptop ready for recording. The bonus with this Yamaha mixer is the USB In feature, which allows one of the stereo tracks to be used in order to playback any recording through the mixer once recorded. This is a great tool for those who want to plug all their equipment in through one desk. On top of that, recording is possible straight away with the included version of Cubase AI. Lastly, the XU range of MG mixers has an in built SPX range of digital effects ranging from reverbs to phasers and pitch shifting.

Review: Modern classics. Open-backed design means they leak some sound but give a really clear impression of your music. Solid option for production work and mixing.

Supplier notes:
The DT 990 PRO is an open dynamic headphone for studio applications. Due to a weight reduction of the diaphragm an excellent sound reproduction quality is achieved. Its rugged design with a spring steel headband ensures a secure fit and withstands all demands. Soft headband and ear cushioning systems ensure a high comfort over long periods of time.

Beyerdynamic's DT PRO headphone series has it's roots in the early 1980s. Since then, millions of audio professionals from all parts of the world have become loyal users of beyerdynamic products. The series has been designed to cater for listening in a wide variety of environments, thanks to different headphone construction.

Review: Four tracks of simultaneous recording and interchangeable mic capsules make the H5 flexible and powerful enough to meet the evolving needs of today's creators.

The design of the XYH-5 mic capsule allows the H5 to handle up to 140dB SPL- equivalent to the sound of a jet aircraft from less than 200 feet away. And to keep your levels under control, the H5 offers compression limiting.

The H5's rubberized housing and shock-mounted microphones minimize vibration and handling noise, while a low-cut filter helps to eliminate wind noise and other kinds of low frequency rumble.

The H5 utilizes the same high-quality, low-noise preamps as Zoom's H6, ensuring great-sounding recordings in all sonic environments.

The Pre-Record function captures and saves two seconds before you hit Record- perfect for unexpected starts.

The Auto-Record function allows the H5 to automatically start and stop recording at predefined sound levels.

The H5's Backup-Record* function automatically records a duplicate set of L/R tracks with 12db less input gain. The audio safety net helps to protect your recordings.

*44.1 and 48kHz WAV files only.

Inputs and Outputs
Ins: The H5'sXLR/TRS combo inputs can handle both mic- and line-level signals for microphones, wireless receivers, mixers, keyboards and more. Each input has a dedicated gain control knob. The supplied XYH-5 capsule also provides an additional mic/line input via a 1/8" mini phone jack.
Outs: A Line Out with adjustable volume allows you to send audio from the H5 to the input of a camera or other device without the need for an attenuator cable. IN addition, there's a separate headphone output with a dedicated volume control. You can use both outputs simultaneously to route audio to your DSLE while monitoring with headphones.

Record continuously for over 15 hours with just 2 AA batteries or extend your recording time infinitely with the optional AD-17 AC adapter. The H5 can record up to six monophonic WAV files (or up to three stereo files) in any of the following formats: 44.1kHz/16-bit, 44.1kHz/24-bit, 48kHz/16-bit, 48kHz/24-bit, 96kHz/16-bit, 96kHz/24-bit.

Included with the H5:
Operation manual
XYH-5 X/Y mic capsule
AA size (LR6) battery x2
USB cable
Foam windscreen
Case
Steinberg WaveLab LE software download
Steinberg Cubase LE software download

SPECS:

General
RECORDING MEDIA: SD card: 16MB to 2GB , SDHC card: 4GB to 32GB
DISPLAY: Backlit LCD (128 x 64 pixels)

Inputs:
INPUTS L/R [XYH-5 X/Y MIC]: Mic type: Unidirectional
Sensitivity: -45 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
Input gain: -8 to 52 dB
Max sound pressure input: 140 dB SPL
PHONE OUT: Connector: 1/8" stereo mini jack
Output Level: 20 mW +20 mW into 32 O load
BUILT-IN SPEAKER: 400mw 8 O mono

Recording Formats

STEREO MODE: WAV (BWF-compliant)
Sampling frequency: 44.1/48/96 kHz
Bit rate: 16/24 (Stereo)
Maximum simultaneous recording tracks: 2
MP3
Sampling frequency: 44.1kHz
Bit rate: 48/56/64/80/96/112/32/160/192/224/256/320kbps
MULTITRACK MODE: WAV (BWF-compliant)
Sampling frequency: 44.1/48 kHz
Bit rate: 16/24 (Mono/Stereo)
Maximum simultaneous recording tracks: 6 (L/R + INPUT 1/2 + L/R backup)

USB
MASS STORAGE CLASS OPERATION: Class: USB 2.0 High Speed
AUDIO INTERFACE OPERATION: MULTITRACK MODE: Class: USB 2.0 High Speed
Sampling frequency: 44.1/48kHz
Bit rate: 16/24 bit
Inputs / Outputs: 4 / 2
AUDIO INTERFACE OPERATION: STEREO MODE: Class: USB 2.0 Full Speed
Sampling frequency: 44.1/48kHz
Bit rate: 16 bit
Inputs / Outputs: 2 / 2
USB bus powered operation possible
(iPad operation supported in Stereo mode only)

Power Requirements
AA size (LR6) battery x 2
AC adapter: AD-17 (DC5V/1A/USB-type) (optional)
USB bus power

Review: The TG 100 is the first entry-level wireless system that includes a pilot tone function which provides a lot of advantages. Speech clarity combined with user-friendly handling and improved protection against interference makes the TG 100 a handy all-round wireless system. Developed for smaller sound installations as well as for ambitious hobby musicians the TG 100 wireless system is equally adept to both speech and singing.

Live show or band practice, the handheld transmitter containing a professional dynamic microphone capsule meets all needs. The handheld set is the perfect stage tool for ambitious hobby musicians and offers the necessary flexibility for any kind of performance.