Studio Equipment Recommendations June 2016

Review: Two Legends. One Instrument:
The OB-6 is a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between the two most influential designers in poly synth history, Sequential and Tom Oberheim. The OB-6 takes the classic bold Tom Oberheim sound - with its true voltage-controlled oscillators, 2-pole filter, and amplifiers - and adds modern enhancements such as studio-quality effects, a polyphonic step sequencer, an arpeggiator, and more. No other modern analog poly synth can boast such a pedigree or such a massive, in-your-face sonic signature.

Vintage SEM Tone:
The OB-6 sound engine is inspired by Tom's original SEM, the core of his acclaimed 4-voice and 8- voice synthesizers. It features two discrete voltage-controlled oscillators (plus sub-oscillator) per voice with continuously variable waveshapes (sawtooth and variable-width pulse, plus a triangle wave on oscillator 2). The classic Oberheim-inspired 2-pole, state-variable, resonant filter provides low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch functionality. Voltage-controlled amplifiers complete the all-analog signal path.

Dual Effects:
The dual effects section provides studio-quality reverbs, delays (standard and BBD), chorus, flangers, and faithful recreations of Tom's original phase shifter and ring modulator. While the effects themselves are digital, with 24-bit, 48 kHz resolution, a true bypass maintains a full analog signal path.

X-Mod and Poly Step Sequencing:
Also present is X-Mod, which expands the tonal palette and makes it easy to create dramatic and unconventional sounds. Modulation sources are filter envelope and oscillator 2, both with bi-polar control. Destinations include oscillator 1 frequency, oscillator 1 shape, oscillator 1 pulse width, filter cutoff, and filter mode. The polyphonic step sequencer allows up to 64 steps and up to 6 notes per step. You can create sequences polyphonically, with rests, and sync to an external MIDI clock. The full-featured arpeggiator can be synced to external MIDI clock as well. Unison mode features configurable voice count (1-6 voices), chord memory, and key modes.

Easy to Program:
The knob-per-function front panel puts virtually all OB-6 functions at your fingertips. Included are 500 permanent factory programs and 500 rewritable user programs. Turning on the Manual button enables live panel mode, in which the sound of the OB-6 switches to its current front panel settings. In this state, what you see is what you hear.

Easy to Play:
This analog powerhouse is packed into a four-octave, semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch, making it perfect for stage or studio.

*For audio demos, please visit - https://soundcloud.com/davesmithinstruments

Review: The Soundcraft Signature 12MTK incorporate Soundcraft's iconic Ghost mic preamps, directly drawn from the company's top-of-the-line professional consoles, to deliver extraordinary audio quality with high headroom, wide dynamic range and exceptional resolution and clarity with a superb signal to noise ratio. They employ Soundcraft's Sapphyre Assymetric EQ for perfectly equalizing every vocal and instrumental element in a mix with the unmistakable musicality inherent in every Soundcraft console, plus the GB Series audio routing technology famous in thousands of live venues worldwide.

It includes a wide variety of built-in Lexicon studio-grade reverb, chorus, modulation and other effects and dbx limiters on the input channels. In addition, the console's multi-track USB audio interface allows any VST/AU/AAX/TDM/RTAS plug-ins to be inserted on any input channel, enabling studio plug-ins to be seamlessly integrated with live performances. Accompanying the consoles are free downloads of the Lexicon MPXL native plug-in and Ableton Live 9 Lite.

The console is designed to deliver pristine recordings. Both have an ultra-low-latency USB interface that flawlessly captures every channel, which can then be mixed or transferred to a DAW for further mixdown and production. The consoles offer XLR and switchable Hi-Z inputs that enable guitars, basses and other instruments to be directly connected.

The Soundcraft Signature 12MTK features smooth, premium-quality faders with GBr Series audio routing with flexible pre/post switching on each Aux, and subgroups with powerful routing and switching options as well as dedicated outputs.

Both the Soundcraft Signature 12MTK and Soundcraft Signature 22MTK are built using tour-grade robust metal construction and top-quality components. Both have an internal universal power supply.

Features:

High-Performance 12-input small format analogue mixer with onboard effects and multi-track USB recording and playback
14-in/12-out ultra-low latency USB playback and recording interface*
Iconic Soundcraftr Ghost mic preamps with ultra-low noise performance
Renowned Soundcraftr Sapphyre British EQ with sweepable mid-bands per channel
Lexiconr Effects Engine featuring award-winning Reverbs, Delays, Choruses and Modulations
dbxr Limiters (High-ratio Compressors) on input channels
Switchable Hi-Z inputs for guitars, basses and other instruments
Hi-Pass Filters (low-cut) and 48V Phantom Power on all mic channels
Comprehensive Soundcraftr GB series audio routing with Auxes (flexible pre/post switching) and subgroups with switching and dedicated outputs
Smooth premium-quality faders
Robust metal construction for tour-grade build quality and reliability
Internal universal power supply
* USB Interface Compatibility:
PC: Supports Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.
Mac: Supports Mac OS 10.7.x Lion through 10.11.x El Capitan

Review: Heralded Heritage:
Think of delays and chances are our delays are what you hear in your head. Not to toot our own horn (though we'd probably never leave the house again if we could), but our delays are the best out there - end of story. With D-Two we wanted to combine our awesome delays with fun - we've added the truly musical Rhythm Tap feature: Not only tempo, but actual rhythm patterns can be tapped directly on the unit for results that are sure to quickly whip your creativity to new highs!

- TC quality delays and effects
- Multitap rhythm delay
- Absolute repeat control

TC Quality. 'Nuff Said:
We're not into repeating ourselves - we like to let our delays do that. They sound great and D-Two houses some cool chorus effects and soem sweet filters. All the TC classics are here from a Ping Pong to a Reverse delay, all ported straight from our 2290.

Terrifically Tappable:
D-Two offers 3 ways to control your delays: 'traditional', which is the setup used by every delay unit since the dawn of mankind, 'straight' which allows you to control the exact number of repeats and 'rhythm mode' which allows you to tap a tempo.

Control Your Repeats:
Absolute repeat control is a nifty feature that allows you to do exactly what you thought it did when you read it: absolutely control your repeats. It's great for sculpting some awesome sounds with precision and ease.

Review: The Impact GX49 and GX61 are dynamic and expressive instruments, tailored to composition & performance with your computer music system. The no-fuss interface is a great entry into the world of Nektar controllers.

Featuring a 49-note (4 octave) or 61-note (5 octave) keyboard, pitch-bend wheel, modulation wheel and foot switch socket. Two multi-colored octave buttons enable shifting the keyboard range up or down -3/+4 octaves with the LED colors changing to show the exact status, Impact GX are well equipped to deliver a great workflow.

Dedicated transpose buttons allow you to shift the keyboard range up to +/- 12 semi tones. The buttons can quickly be re-purposed to change the Global MIDI Channel or send Program messages. Additionally an assignable potentiometer provides control over any MIDI parameter, by default controls mixer volume.

Nektar DAW Integration for many of the most commonly used DAWs makes it easy to get going, and a pleasure to use. With Impact GX49 your controller keyboard is part of your system, giving you the creative freedom to compose, perform and play, without having to reach for your mouse constantly.

Transport - Extended!

Eight buttons intended for DAW control, are at the center of the Impact GX. Essential tasks like transport activation or navigating tracks are highly repetitive and reaching for the mouse every time, can kill any seed of inspiration. Used with Nektar DAW integration, the 8 buttons extend functionality to include control over transport and a host of other important DAW functions, right from Impact GX.

The buttons can also be assigned to MIDI messages for use with any MIDI software that's not supported by Nektar DAW Integration. A primary and a secondary message can be programmed for each of 7 buttons, delivering 14 programmable options total.

Nektar DAW integration - ticking all the right boxes:

Nektar DAW integration is carefully crafted to give the best experience with your Nektar hardware. It delivers the freedom to create, instead of having to reach for the mouse constantly when you are in the middle of capturing an idea.

With Nektar DAW integration, the hard work is done, so you don't have to. Once installation is complete, Impact GX offers an extended feature set, normally unavailable on a compact controller.

MIDI control & setup functions:

Impact GX is a MIDI controller as well as a DAW controller. If you use MIDI software that's not supported by Nektar DAW Integration, a host of options are available for you to set up MIDI control yourself.

Each of the 14 assignable MIDI buttons, the modulation wheel, foot switch and of course the big control knob, can be assigned to send out MIDI cc messages. The assignable buttons (14) can in addition be configured to send out Program message or MMC transport control. MMC (MIDI Machine Control) is often supported by DAWs that don't allow for advanced integration, so with this option Impact GX covers all the bases.

Connectivity & Apple iOS:

As a low powered USB device, Impact GX works with all USB devices that feature a Class compliant MIDI driver. That includes all version of Windows from XP and higher, Apple OS X 10.5 and higher plus Linux (as long as a USB MIDI driver package is installed).

And if you are often on the move you can easily hook your Impact GX keyboard to an Apple iPad using the iPad's optional USB camera connection kit (optional). Of course the Impact GX is powered by the iPad so you can work away for as long as your iPad remains charged.

Bitwig 8-track included:

Bitwig 8-Track in included with every Impact GX so you can start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro from day one. Bitwig 8-Track gives you access to over 50 software instruments and effects for use on up to 8 audio or MIDI project tracks, and you can use any 3rd party VST plug-ins you might own too if you like. The 'Bitwig Essentials Package', a highly versatile handpicked selection of loops, clips, and samples, is also included to help you get started. So put all that together and you have a powerful sketchpad for your musical ideas featuring the acclaimed workflow of Bitwig Studio.

Review: The perfect size for intuitively controlling your music. A physical MIDI controller that you can use via USB or MIDI.

The nanoKONTROL Studio provides transport keys and a mixer section, giving you stress-free control of your DAW or DJ software. It is battery operated and can connect wirelessly with your iPhone/iPad or Mac/Windows. It's a light-weight, compact mobile MIDI controller that lets you create music more intuitively than ever.

A compact physical MIDI controller that's ideal for mobile or desktop uses:
Smaller than a letter-sized sheet of paper, the nanoKONTROL Studio is designed for thinness. It's the perfect size to easily carry in a bag and use with your computer. In spite of its compact size, its controllers provide generous power and a solid feel, making it a convenient and versatile MIDI controller.

USB and wireless for more music production freedom:
The nanoKONTROL Studio can connect not only via USB but also wirelessly. It can easily connect to iPad/iPhone music apps such as KORG Gadget and Apple GarageBand, or to your Mac/Windows music production software. Freed from annoying cables, you can set up your equipment easily and efficiently. Due to careful tuning, you can enjoy low latency and high stability.

Refined and stylish design:
The simple, refined, and stylish design features illumination with beautiful white LEDs. The design has been modernized to use alongside new devices such as your laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

A full array of controllers that cover everything from DAW control to DJ performance:
You have the all controllers you need to operate your DAW: sliders that feature generous spacing and stroke, plus a convenient jog wheel. Whether you're controlling your DAW and plug-ins, or putting on a performance, the nanoKONTROL Studio provides everything you need in any situation.

Supported software:
The nanoKONTROL is compatible with any software that supports MIDI input, including KORG Gadget, Logic, GarageBand, Live, Reason, Cubase, Studio One, FL Studio, Sonar, Pro Tools, Digital Performer, and Traktor.

A lavish bundle of powerful music software is included free of charge:
The nanoKONTROL Studio comes with the incredible "KORG Software Bundle" that lets you start enjoying popular music software right away. Whether you're on mobile or laptop, you can start creating music as soon as you purchase this unit.
The sounds and functionality of "iPad / iPhone apps" can be expanded by connecting them to a nano Studio series unit.

Customize using dedicated "KORG KONTROL Editor" software:
We provide "KORG KONTROL Editor" software that lets you freely customize the settings of the nanoKONTROL Studio. You can specify the MIDI messages that are assigned to the sliders, knobs, and buttons, customizing the unit in detail to suit your needs.

"Control Surface plug-in" provided for GarageBand/Logic users.
We also provide a plug-in for using nanoKONTROL Studio with Apple GarageBand/Logic Pro X. Simply install this plug-in and connect it to the nanoKONTROL Studio.

Review: Control your performance:
With advanced Mic Control, you choose what your four buttons control, when to activate effects and where on stage to trigger those moments. Want to switch to a new preset for the chorus? Add effects to your loop? Punch in a custom tone on your second verse? You can do it all - and so much more.

Under the grill:
The MP-76 rejects what you don't need in the signal - focusing solely on the power of your voice. This is because its been specially designed to deliver the best off-axis feedback suppression in its class, as well as rejection of pitched sources nearby that can impact Harmony and other pitch-sensitive effects.

Choose your weapon:
The magic of the MP-76 is activated by these TC-Helicon Vocal Processors: VoiceLive 3, VoiceLive Touch 2, VoiceLive Play, Play Electric, Play Acoustic, and VoiceSolo FX150. If you haven't yet joined the TC-Helicon user fraternity, welcome! It's fun here.

New LCD FX display:
The backlit LCD display lets you know what preset you're on and the status of the HIT function. The number of wired microphones that have a lit display onboard can be counted on one hand - minus four fingers, of course. The MP-76 is it!

No batteries required:
Unlike voltage-hungry wireless mics, or other types of remote audio gear, you'll never have to worry about, change, or throw away a battery ever again. All this FX capability is achieved with a standard mic cable; the microphone itself is powered simply by the trickle of phantom power sent from your TC-Helicon processor.

The secret of it's sound:
The MP-76 gives you a uniform vocal performance that cuts through the mix. It features a Super-cardioid dynamic Lismer capsule with a wide responsive range and a high output. A dual material diaphragm with light and rigid sections produces optimal high frequency response.

Power in your hands:
The MP-76 is designed to work with the latest vocal effects technology and is packed with what it takes to give your sound that studio-produced edge.
- 50Hz-18kHz frequency response
- Patented neodymium magnet structure for high output
- Internal suspended dual shock mount

Endurance, endurance:
Designed to endure a life on the road, the MP-76 has a special heat-treated wire mesh which makes it up to 10 times stronger than the world's most popular mics. This means that its grill is going to stand up to drops unlike any other mic - and still look pretty.

Added extras:
If you've ever traveled to sing, you'll be relieved that the included Mic clip comes with both US and EU type threads - without need for a pesky adapter. Most carrying cases with mics are made to include a clip with the mic - but who takes their clip off the mic stand? Our case is designed to keep your mic shock-protected in a case that hugs your mic perfectly.

Review: The Whammy Ricochet lets you bounce your playing up or down in pitch in controlled or crazy shifts. A momentary switch and customizable independent rise and fall time ballistics, allow you to get the Whammy action you know and love without the use of a treadle. Just hold your foot on the footswitch and let the Ricochet do the rest. Seven pitch selections - 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th, Octave, Double Octave, and Octave+Dry, as well as a toggle to select up or down for the selected pitch. The Whammy Ricochet also has latching footswitch mode so you can rise or fall to pitch and stay there, and an LED ladder that shows your shift trajectory at all times. All these controls combine to create classic Whammy pitch-shifting as well as new sounds never heard before.

General Specifications
ControlsBallistics Control, Pitch Control, Range Switch, Momentary Switch, Effect On/Off
Sample Rate44.1 kHz in classic mode, 22 kHz in chords mode
Frequency Response20 Hz-16 kHz (classic mode), 20 Hz-11 kHz (chords mode)
Signal to Noise Ratio> -106dB (A weighted); ref = max level, 22 kHz bandwidth
A/D/A Converter24-bit
THD0.004% @ 1 kHz; ref = 1 dBu w/ unity gain
Power Consumption2.1 Watts (235 mA typical @ 9 VDC)
Power Requirements9 VDC External Adapter (sold separately)
Power SupplyPS0913DC-01 (US, JA, EU); PS0913DC-02 (AU, UK)
Power Adapter Output9 VDC 1.3 A
Dimensions
Length4.75"
Width2.875"
Height1.75"
Weight0.8 lbs.
Audio Output
Output1/4" Unbalanced (Tip-Sleeve)
Max Output Level+10 dBu
Output Impedance1 kO (Effect enabled or effect bypassed w/ Momentary switch on) True Bypass (Effect bypassed w/ Momentary switch off)
Audio Input
Input1/4" Unbalanced (Tip-Sleeve)
Max Input Level+5 dBu
Input Impedance1 MO (Effect enabled or effect bypassed w/ Momentary switch on) True Bypass (Effect bypassed w/ Momentary switch off)