mediaspec

Pro Tools 11 launch event in Glasgow, 30th May

Eric Joseph — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:51:08 +0000

Are you ready to get up close and personal with Pro Tools 11?

To coincide with the announcement of the latest and most exciting version of this leading audio editing software, Mediaspec, in conjunction with our friends at Avid, will be hosting an event on May 30th at The Lighthouse in Glasgow.

Pro Tools 11 has just raised the bar in audio technology, offering groundbreaking capabilties in an all-new, ultra-efficient audio engine. With 64-bit performance, new features include: ultra-fast off-line bouncing and outstanding performance gains.

Since Pro Tools is the first choice for both music and post production audio editing, we have decided to produce two demonstrations - tailored for each specialist area. The time slots are detailed below.

At the event there will also be a Q&A, hosted by Mike Thornton from the legendary Pro Tools Expert website, with guest appearances from Producer and Engineer, Stuart McCredie (credits include: The Fratellis and Kelly Clarkson) and Kahl Henderson, dubbing engineer from leading Post Facility, Savalas (credits include: Microsoft’s blockbuster game, Halo 4 Spartan Ops and BBC’s Case Histories).

Time slots:

4pm: Music demonstration folled by Q&A session hosted by Mike Thornton. Guests: Producer/Engineer Stuart McCredie and and a live performance from Georgia

6pm: Post Production demonstration followed by Q&A session hosted by Mike Thornton. Guest: Dubbing Engineer Kahl Henderson, Savalas

The Venue

The Lighthouse
11 Mitchell Lane
Glasgow
Scotland
G1 3NU

This promises to be a great event—so make sure you don’t miss out. Register now.

AVID RELEASE PRO TOOLS 10.3.5 UPDATE

Eric Joseph — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:17:54 +0000

This new version addresses bugfixes, some minor changes and compatibility updates.

For Pro Tools 10 and Pro Tools HD 10

Version 10.3.5 is officially qualified and recommended for:

Pro Tools|HDX systems on Mac OS X 10.7-10.7.5, 10.8*, 10.8.2*, 10.8.3* or Windows 7 SP1 (details)
Pro Tools|HD Native systems on Mac OS X 10.6.7-10.7.5, 10.8*, 10.8.2*, 10.8.3* or Windows 7 SP1 (details)
Pro Tools|HD Native Thunderbolt systems on Mac OS X 10.7.5, 10.8*, 10.8.2*, 10.8.3* (details)
Pro Tools|HD Accel systems on Mac OS X 10.6.7-10.7.5, 10.8*, 10.8.2*, 10.8.3* or Windows 7 SP1
Pro Tools systems on Mac OS X 10.6.7-10.7.5, 10.8*, 10.8.2*, 10.8.3* or Windows 7 SP1

Pro Tools 10.3.5 Read Me & Additional Notes

The Read Me file documents the issues fixed in this release as well as important compatibility information, known issues, error messages, etc.

Downloads

Review the Read Me file before updating to 10.3.5 for known issues that could impact your workflow.
The Avid Virtual Instruments Mac installer was updated to 10.3 on Mac to add support for Gatekeeper.
The Avid Virtual Instruments Win installer remains at 10.0.

Pro Tools 10.3.5 Mac [2.2 GB] - Download

Pro Tools 10.3.5 Win [1.7 GB] - Download

Save the date! Mediaspec to host Pro Tools 11 launch in Glasgow on 30th May

Eric Joseph — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:21:47 +0000

We shall soon be publishing details of our forthcoming Pro Tools 11 event that will held in Glasgow on 30th May. Watch this space!

ANTELOPE AUDIO ORION 32: A versatile multi-channel AD/DA converter.

Eric Joseph — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:05:20 +0000

Orion 32 is a 32-channel A/D & D/A converter and audio master clock, supporting both MADI and USB interfaces, clocked by Antelope’s renowned 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking (AFC) technology.

Orion 32 allows 192 kHz I/O streaming of 32-channel digital audio through its custom-built USB chip, which provides simple connectivity to any USB-enabled DAW or computer. The converter also provides 32 channels of 96 kHz audio through its Fiber Optic MADI I/O connections, which can be used to connect with any suitably equipped MADI device.

Orion 32 also supports ADAT protocol by offering 16 I/O channels, for even greater compatibility with a large number of audio devices. The multi-channel converter inputs and outputs pass the analog signal through 8 D-SUB 25 I/O connectors.

Antelope clocking for increased sonic accuracy

Orion 32 is ideally suited to a sound engineer’s needs for high quality, clean and transparent conversion, combining the efficiency of MADI and USB interfaces with the perfection of Antelope clocking.

In addition to being an extremely high quality audio converter, Orion 32 is also an audio master clock. The Orion 32 employs Antelope’s proprietary 4th generation of AFC and oven controlled oscillator, both technologies that made Antelope Audio clocks an industry leader for accuracy and reliability in recording, mastering and post-production facilities around the world. The four word clock outs, together with the 10 MHz input, make Orion 32 ideally suited to be in the center of any project or high-end studio.

Exceptional routing & mixing flexibility

With its seamless digital routing and mixing options, the Orion 32 offers extended flexibility. The routing feature allows sound engineers to, for example, use the AD conversion and output the signal simultaneously both through the MADI and USB interfaces, while live mixing and monitoring the signal. The device is managed through a user friendly desktop application available for both Windows and OS X. Moreover it is equipped with five preset buttons for fast and easy recall of favourite settings.

Specifications:

Inputs

Analog Inputs	4 x D-SUB 25 (32 channels)
Digital Inputs	1 x Fiber Optic MADI 2 x Fiber Optic ADAT 1 x S/PDIF

Outputs

Analog Outputs	4 x D-SUB 25 (32 channels)
Digital Outputs	1 x Fiber Optic MADI 2 x Fiber Optic ADAT 1 x S/PDIF
USB I/O	USB 2.0 Hi-Speed; Data stream up to 480Mbits/192kHz, 32 channels I/O, Type B
Word Clock	1 x 10M Atomic Clock input @ 75 Ohms 3Vpp on BNC 44.1 – 192kHz 1 x Word Clock Input @ 75 Ohms 3Vpp on BNC 44.1 – 192kHz 4 x Word Clock Outputs @ 75 Ohms 3Vpp on BNC 44.1 – 192kHz square wave signal

D/A Converter

Dynamic Range	118dB
THD + N	-98 dB

A/D Converter

Dynamic Range	118dB
THD + N	-105 dB

Clock Specs

Clocking System	4th Generation Acoustically Focused Clocking 64-bit DDS Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator
Clocking Stability	<+/-0.02 ppm, oven controlled at at 64.5ºC/ 148.1ºF
Clock Aging	< 1 ppm per year
Clock Calibration	<+/-0.001 ppm
Atomic Clock Input	10MHz @ 1Vpp, BNC
Sample Rates (kHz)	32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192
Operating Temperature	0-50ºC/32- 122ºF
Weight	3 kg/6.6 lb approx.
Dimensions (approx.)	Width: 483 mm/19” Height: 44 mm/1.75” Depth: 220 mm/8.66”
Power Supply	AC Universal input 95-245VAC 20 Watts Max Consumption

For pricing and availability click here.

AUDIENT iD22: HIGH PERFORMANCE AD/DA INTERFACE & MONITORING SYSTEM

Eric Joseph — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:08:24 +0000

iD22 will transform your DAW into a world-class recording system by connecting directly to your microphones, computer and monitors.

iD22 provides two classic audient microphone preamplifiers, ALL NEW pristine AD/DA convertors that have been designed to deliver impeccable detail and impressive depth during both tracking & mixing. iD22 is expandable via ADAT i/o – perfect for partnering with an ASP008 for 10-ch recording [total 10-in, 12-out + headphones]. Our console-style monitor controller functionality and USB2.0 connectivity complete the ergonomic desktop package.

Features include:

2-in, 6-out high performance 24-bit/96kHz AD/DA converters
2 superb class-A mic preamplifiers & 1 discrete JFET instrument input
Fully balanced insert points for integrating outboard gear
High current headphone amplifier fed by an independant DAC
Main and alternative stereo outputs
User defined monitoring functionality with hardware control
USB2.0 class compliant connectivity with integrated DSP mixer

Pro Tools 11 Compatibility

Eric Joseph — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:02:42 +0000

Now that Pro Tools 11 has been announced, many people would like to know if their existing hardware will continue to work. Our friends at Avid have produced a list of compatible, and non-compantible devices. There was a fear that hardware such as the mbox 2 would not be supported, and fortunately, this is not the case.

The list can be found here.

The current estimate for Pro Tools 11 shipping is May 28th. Pre-order from Mediaspec now!

Novation Bass Station II

Eric Joseph — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:12:47 +0000

Novation is proud to announce the launch of Bass Station II – a powerful analogue synth that’s made for bass but equally well adapted to leads. Based on the classic Novation BassStation from 20 years ago, Bass Station II has been completely re-worked for the 21st century, with two filters, three oscillators, patch save and a fully-analogue effects section. Plus there’s a step sequencer, arpeggiator, a two octave (25-note) velocity-sensitive keyboard with full-sized keys and a powerful modulation section. There’s even MIDI I/O and USB connectivity.

Key Features
Analogue synth: brand new version of the classic BassStation. Bass Station II has a pure analogue audio signal path, reviving the spirit of the original BassStation with an all- new design optimised for bass
Two distinct analogue filters: In addition to the original ‘Classic’ BassStation filter, there’s a brand new ‘Acid’ diode ladder filter for squelchy 303-esque bass sounds
Load and save patches: 64 factory patches on-board with room for 64 more of your own. Save more to your computer via USB
Pattern-based Step Sequencer and Arpeggiator: Bass Station II has an arpeggiator with a programmable step sequencer that enables you to store and call up patterns as well as quickly sketch out ideas

Instant hands-on control: Instant hands-on control of the sound engine via a traditional analogue synth control panel
Two Oscillators plus an additional Sub Oscillator: Bass Station II has two sync-able, tune-able oscillators with four selectable waveforms, plus a third sub-oscillator for generating enormous bass sounds

Analogue effects section: Bass Station II includes fully analogue distortion and filter- modulation effects and a separate filter overdrive to add aggression and crunch Powerful modulation section featuring two Envelopes and two LFOs: Two ADSR envelopes for amp, filter, pitch and pulse width modulation alongside two LFOs with waveforms including triangle, sawtooth, square and sample & hold

Bass Station II

Twenty years ago, Novation released the groundbreaking BassStation: a compact, analogue synth designed for fat bass sounds and bubbly leads. The original BassStation became a classic; now we present the new Bass Station II: an analogue monophonic synth but with a total re-design that brings it firmly into the 21st century, bigger and bolder than ever. It’s more than a bass synth; it’s versatile enough to kick out sharp leads and crisp arpeggios.

Bass Station II’s signal path is all analogue, including the effects section. It is based on three analogue oscillators (two independent oscillators plus a sub for rich bass sounds) and a noise generator; two discrete filters, Classic and Acid, with built-in overdrive; Distortion and Osc Filter Mod effects; two ADSR envelopes, two LFOs, and an Arpeggiator and programmable Step Sequencer. And that’s just scratching the surface of the synth engine. Bass Station II’s traditional control layout breaks everything into modules with dedicated pots, switches and sliders. Unlike a traditional analogue synth, there’s plenty of storage for your own sounds – there are 64 factory presets plus 64 more slots for your own sounds in the hardware – and you can store more on your computer.

About Bass Station II’s Design

The original BassStation was released in 1993, but its heritage goes back a lot further: to the 1970s, thought of by many as the golden era of synthesis. Synth designer Chris Huggett has remained a constant design force for Novation over the years. Huggett has decades of experience in hardware synth design, having pioneered the development of digitally controlled analogue synths including the OSCar. He also designed such classics as the Wasp, released by Electronic Dream Plant in 1978 – and there is a direct line of descent from the Wasp filter to the awesome ‘Classic’ filter in Bass Station II.

Newsflash: Avid launch Pro Tools 11

Eric Joseph — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:03:37 +0000

The NAB show in Vegas was the chosen arena for Avid to launch Pro Tools 11, a powerful new 64-bit version of the audio workstation. This release heralded many new exciting features including:

New Avid Audio Engine
64-bit architecture
Expanded metering (for Pro Tools HD 11 only)
Direct HD video workflows
Satellite Link/Video Satellite LE now included
Offline Bounce Low Latency Buffer mode
New integrated Avid Video Engine
Redesigned Workspace Extended Metering* UI
UI Improvements/Retina Support
Mixing Workflow Enhancements
Automation While Recording

Pricing for Pro Tools 11, including upgrades, can be found at our Mediaspec store. Pre-order now for shipping towards the end of May 2013.

Get a complimentary Pro Tools 11 upgrade (once it’s available) when you buy, upgrade, or crossgrade to Pro Tools 10 on or after April 7, 2013 and register your purchase.

RedNet now available

Eric Joseph — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:15:48 +0000

After an extended period of rigorous testing, Focusrite’s Ethernet audio interface system is now available. Imagine running up to 512 channels of audio through a single Ethernet cable…

As one of the few exclusive authorized RedNet dealers, we have pricing on our Mediaspec store.

Novation Launchpad S The no.1 Live controller: now brighter, faster and universal

Eric Joseph — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:09:33 +0000

Launchpad S is an update to the best-selling grid controller for Ableton Live: the Novation Launchpad. The 64 tri-colour pads can launch loops and clips, trigger drums and samples, and also control effects, volumes, mutes, solos and more. Launchpad S can do all this but has vastly brighter LEDs, a significantly faster refresh rate and is now plug and play with other software such as FL Studio. It also now works with iPad!

Launchpad S is an evoluton of the ubiquitous Launchpad, the Ableton Live controller that re-defined the way we perform music with computers. A grid of 64 ‘launch’ pads allows hands-on control of music software such as Ableton Live and FL Studio. It is especially designed for launching loops/clips and triggering effects as well as getting full mixer control including volume, effects sends, pan, mute, solo and track arm. The grid can also trigger drums and one-shot samples. A second user mode allows users to freely assign pads to control other software parameters.

KEY FEATURES
64-button music software controller Launch loops/clips, trigger drums and

samples, and control effects and volumes.

Brighter, faster and works with more software Launchpad S is an update to the best selling original Launchpad.

Comes with Ableton Live Launchpad Edition Feature-packed version of Ableton Live lets you create music straight out of the box.

Plug and play with FL Studio and other software Now including custom software control overlays in the box.

Now supports iPad Launchpad S connects to iPad® with the Apple Camera Connection Kit — no drivers required!

New #1 iPad music app Trigger loops and remix on the fly with just a Launchpad S and your iPad

Create and perform anywhere Launchpad S is bus powered, even from an iPad, so you don’t need to connect it to mains power!

Launchpad S comes with the Launchpad Edition of Ableton Live, so you can start making music straight away. It also comes with custom overlays for using other grid-based music software such as FL Studio.

Novation has developed a Launchpad iPad app that enables loop triggering and effects from your iPad, independent of Ableton Live. Launchpad S can be connected to, and powered by, an iPad using a standard Camera Connection Kit. The app features a 1GB sample pack of brand new hand-picked loops curated by Loopmasters, ranging from drum samples to artist packs across a variety of modern genres.

UK Availability: Shipping April 2013