Learn Guitar in 7 Days

Archive for July, 2009

PreSonus has announced the FireStudio Mobile, a 10-input, 6-output interface created for portable recording rigs and small studios. With eight analog inputs, the FireStudio Mobile for Mac and PC can be powered from the FireWire bus or using the included 12 VDC adapter. You can simply place it on a tabletop or screw it onto any standard 19-inch rack tray.

The FireStudio Mobile is compatible with any ASIO- or Core Audio-compliant audio application for Mac OS X or Windows XP/Vista and integrates tightly with PreSonus Studio One Artist recording and production software (included).

The front panel features a pair of combination XLR/TS mic/instrument jacks, which are in the inputs for channels 1 and 2. The XLR mic inputs are routed to PreSonus XMAX solid-state mic preamplifiers. The high-impedance, TS instrument inputs let you plug guitars or basses directly into the front panel. All signals are converted to and from the digital domain using 24-bit, 96 kHz A/D/A converters, which offer a claimed 118 dB of dynamic range.

A pair of three-LED level/clip indicators let you check the signal levels for channels 1 and 2, and a button enables 48V phantom power for the two mic channels. Also on the front panel are a stereo headphone output with gain knob and gain knobs for the two mic/instrument inputs and for the main stereo outputs. Gain for the mic inputs ranges from –10 dB to +70 dB; the high-impedance instrument inputs range from -30 dB to +50 dB of gain. Finally, a power/sync indicator LED shows whether the FireStudio Mobile is receiving adequate power and is correctly receiving word clock.

Apogee has announced GiO, a guitar interface for Apple’s new Logic Studio 9, MainStage 2 and GarageBand ‘09. Combining effects control, recording functions and sound quality, GiO delivers total access to incredible sounding guitar amps and effects in a single foot controller and interface.

Features:
» Unbalanced 1/4” high impedance instrument input
» 1/4? MIDI Expression pedal input
» Line-level, 1/4? stereo output for headphones, powered monitors or an instrument amplifier
» A/D and D/A conversion @ 44.1/48kHz, 24-bit
» 5 Stompbox buttons, dynamically color coded to match software effects
» 5 Transport control buttons, dynamically lit when engaged
» 2 Previous/Next preset selection buttons
» Control built into Apple’s GarageBand ‘09, Logic Pro 9, and MainStage 2 software

Designed to work with the new Logic Studio 9 and MainStage 2, GiO allows guitar players to control recording functions, preset changes and plug-ins like Amp Designer and Pedalboard, along with new Playback and Loopback features in MainStage. With GarageBand 09, GiO is truly plug-and-play and lets users quickly connect their guitar, select and control built-in Amps and stompboxes, and record. With GiO, you can audition effects presets in GarageBand, Logic and MainStage, and turn effects on and off while playing or recording… all without touching your keyboard.

GiO frees you from key-command recording allowing you to concentrate on your performance and not the space bar. The five transport buttons on GiO let you record, play, stop and quickly navigate thru your track without taking your hands off the neck of your guitar. Previous and Next preset select buttons let you quickly audition and toggle between guitar amps and effects presets in Logic and GarageBand and the patch lists in MainStage.

GiO’s 1/4” instrument input features Apogee’s instrument preamp and converters. Hear and record your guitar’s true tone straight into Apple’s music software without compromise. GiO is optimized for all pickup configurations from the most basic single coil to sophisticated active electronics setups.

GiO’s Expression control pedal input allows access to traditional effects like wah-wah, and volume. Also, control effects parameters like the length of a delay or the speed of a tremolo. (Expression Control Pedal not included)

AudioEase has released Cabinet, convolution based emulation of 33 classic guitar cabinets with a spring reverb and a recording studio live room.

Plug-in your favourite pre-amped signal from a real hardware amp, or your favourite pre-amp modeling plug-in and use Cabinet to put the real world into your tracks. Cabinet for Mac and Windows showcases 5 boxes from Ease’s Speakerphone product, a good live room, a spring reverb and a several mics.

Features:
» five guitar amp speaker cabinets
» recording studio live room
» classic spring reverb

While AudioEase targets Cabinet at guitarists, it may serve synthesists well to boot.