Products of Interest

Novation Launchkey Controller and iPad Apps

Novation has released a range of keyboard controllers that have 35-50 physical controls, including 16 velocity-sensitive launch pads. The controllers are available in 25-, 49-, and 61-key versions (see Figure 1) and the keys are velocity-sensitive.

The controller can be used to control the mixer, transport functions, and other setting in a digital audio workstation (DAW), using InControl technology. Faders, buttons, rotary knobs, and dedicated transport controls are included on each controller model, along with pitch and modulation wheels, and octave up/down buttons. Sixteen multi-color, backlit, velocity-sensitive launch pads, located above the keyboard, can be used to play drum patterns and to trigger scenes and clips. The controller is USB-powered.

The Launchkey is packaged with a range of software, including Novation's V-Station synthesizer plug-in, Bass Station synthesizer, Ableton Live Lite, and a Loopmasters samples pack. The V-Station is an analog-modeling synthesizer engine, the Bass Station an analog monophonic-synthesizer, and the Loopmasters collection contains more than 1 GB of samples, including drum samples and sound effects.

Contact: Novation, A division of Focusrite Audio Engineering, Windsor House, Turnpike Road, Cressex Business Park, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 3FX, UK; telephone (+44) 149-446-2246; fax (+44) 149-445-9920; electronic mail sales@novationmusic.com; Web www.novationmusic.com/.

Figure 1.

The Launchkey controller from Novation.

Aphex Microphone X and IN2 Audio Interface

Microphone X, from Aphex, is a USB microphone with a built-in optical compressor and the company's Aural Exciter and Big Bottom analog processors (see Figure 2). The analog processing is carried out before the AD convertor stage and is designed to add warmth and depth to the sound. The microphone capsule includes a low-mass diaphragm and provides a cardioid polar pattern. It is capable of sampling rates up to 96 kHz at 24-bit resolution. A headphone amplifier, based on the Aphex HeadPod4, is built into the microphone body. Individual switches are provided for the compressor and analog processors. Control knobs are also located on the microphone body for the Aural Exciter and Big Bottom. Microphone X is compatible with Mac OS X, using Core Audio, and with Windows XP, Vista, and 7.

The IN2 is a desktop audio interface with Class A microphone pre-amplifiers, optical compressors, dedicated knobs for all functions, and a range of input/outputs. The interface has two XLR inputs on the rear panel, with matching microphone pre-amplifiers and optical compressors with LED indicators. Coaxial S/PDIF input/output, and MIDI input/output are also provided. Balanced ¼-in TRS stereo outputs, a USB port, the DC power connection, and a power on/off switch are also located on this rear panel. The interface features the headphone amplifier from Aphex's HeadPod4 and Microphone X. A ¼-in headphone output is accessible on the front panel of the interface.

Among the top panel controls are dedicated buttons for phantom power, a 75-Hz high-pass filter, a -20 dB pad, a compressor on/off switch, and an output level knob with dim andmono buttons. The IN2 is powered by a 12V external power supply. It supports sampling rates up to 192 kHz, at 24-bit resolution, and is compatible with Windows and Mac OSX.

The Microphone X is listed for US$ 299 and the IN2 is listed for US$ 499. Contact: Aphex, 3500 N. San Fernando Blvd., Burbank, California 91505, USA; telephone (+1) 818-767-2929; fax (+1) 818-767-2641; electronic mail sales@aphex.com; Web www.aphex.com/.

Slate Pro Audio Raven Multi-Touch Mixing Surface

The Raven MTX is the first ever multi-touch audio production system, according to its manufacturer, Slate Pro Audio. The system includes a touch screen display, multi-touch mixer for DAW control, and a flexible toolbar that can be customized by the user. It also has an analog monitoring section with multiple speaker outputs, source inputs, and ports for USB, smart phone, and headphones (see Figure 3).

Figure 2.

The Microphone X USB microphone with analog...