Odyssey :: Leading Through Innovation

December 28, 2009 by diemelproductions  
Filed under Blog, DJ, hardware

Odyssey Innovative Designs is an industry-leading design and manufacturer of professional mobile accessory solutions for the DJ, musical instruments, and pro audio markets. Founded in 1995, Odyssey has brought to market hundreds of unique solutions and continues to lead the industry with innovative patents. With numerous technology and design awards, Odyssey has established a worldwide reputation for innovation, quality and design. The Odyssey group of companies includes Show Solutions and BC Cases.

Visit the Odyssey website >      http://www.odysseygear.com/

download the online PDF catalog http://www.odysseygear.com/catalog.php

Open Labs DBeat | Open Minds And Move Crowds, Anytime, Anywhere.

October 8, 2009 by diemelproductions  
Filed under Blog, DJ, Mixing, News, Software, hardware

Open minds and move crowds, anytime, anywhere.

DBeat is the first professional studio you can play live onstage, yet it’s small enough to stow away in your carry-on luggage. You can also stream a live-quality set online to fully conquer studio, stage and screen.

Run away with your creativity – literally – with DBeat.

DBeat Diagram

DBeat is…

A revolution. DBeat is the first professional studio that you can play as a musical instrument. Compose, record, mix and master, all “in-the-box,” then use it to perform any way you like. Weighing less than 20 lbs, DBeat can be carried onto most airplanes.

A studio powerhouse. DBeat is where power and portability meet. Capable of running virtually any Windows XP-based music application or Digital Audio Workstation software (DAW), DBeat is your computer, mixer, MPC, virtual instrument (VST) host and mastering station. It will even burn your CDs or DVDs and distribute your music online.

A VST hardware brain. DBeat is the perfect companion for traditional electronic keyboard players, and a simple solution for playing your favorite VSTs on stage with rock solid stability. Run more than 200 standard VSTs at once using Open Labs’ critically acclaimed RiFF virtual instrument host, which is integrated into each DBeat.

Revolutionary features – such as a 12.1″ touch screen that allows you to create on-the-fly set lists comprised of songs and virtual controls – bring your virtual instrument to life. Physical controls, such as nine assignable faders, are perfectly matched for those that require drawbar controls for organ instruments.

And let’s not forget that DBeat comes standard with a plethora of sounds, making it the world’s most well-stocked hardware sound module. If that’s not enough, every DBeat is capable of cloning your favorite virtual instruments. By using Open Labs’ MimiK keyboard cloning software (included in DBeat Pro), you can even clone any hardware keyboard workstation, synthesizer or sound module.

A producer’s dream. DBeat is the ultimate tool for any producer, regardless of genre. Massive processing power, instant multi-track recording, integrated MPC functionality, a multi-card reader/writer and DVD burner, Internet connectivity, plug-and-play ability with third party keyboard controllers and the opportunity to produce more than 4 billion sounds are just a few features we’ve perfected with producers in mind. DBeat allows you to compose more music, produce better songs, be more creative, and make more money.

The first real DJ instrument. DBeat lets you elevate yourself to the next level as a DJ. Produce, remix and perform in ways you’ve only dreamed about. Consolidate your laptop computer, controllers, audio I/O, and cabling into a single portable instrument that you can literally set up in 30 seconds.

DBeat lets you plug in your turntables via Serato Scratch or other time-code vinyl solutions to beat, mix and scratch. But that’s only the start. The audio chain can then be routed into Ableton LIVE, allowing you to use the built-in effects or any other VSTs in real-time, on the fly. Cue points, single hits or drops can be assigned to the Bump MP drum pad controller, allowing you to play along with the track you’re spinning. You can even plug in microphones, run Auto-Tune and vocoder vocal effects, and mix them right into the tracks.

CPU
3.0 GHz Intel® Core2 Duo ®

Control Surfaces
Trackball with 2 buttons
Mix/Edit Controls
BumpMP
DJ Panel with Penny & GilesTM Crossfader

Memory
4 GB

Audio I/O
Comprehensive I/O capable of up to 24bit / 96KHz audio with 4 in / 6 out including 2 phantom-powered mic-pres with instrument inputs, S/PDIF I/O and MIDI I/O;

Storage
320 Gigabyte

Drive
High Speed Dual-Layer 8.5GB/disc CD/DVD Burner

Display
12″ resistive touch screen

Connection
Midi In/Out
1) 4 USB 2.0 ports
2) (1) FireWire 400 port
3) (1) Gigabit (10/100/1000) Ethernet port
4) (1) DVI-I Video Port

Included Software
Open Labs RiffTM
AbletonTM Live 7 (available only on DBeat PRO)
REAPERTM
GURUTM
DeckadanceTM

PREMIUM Factory Sound Library
Thousands of high-quality sounds. DBeat PRO includes an additional 14 GB from the full-feature version of AbletonTM Live 7. (Check our Software Bundle webpage for more information)

Dimensions:
26”(W) X 14”(D) X 5”(H), Weight (base configuration) 20 lbs. (Actual)
33”(W) X 19”(D) X 9”(H), Weight (base configuration) 33 lbs. (Shipping)

DBeat is serious enough for the pros – be they scratch or electronic – but simple enough for the aspriring DJ.

Digidesign Eleven™ Rack | Revolutionary Guitar Recording/Effects System

September 24, 2009 by diemelproductions  
Filed under Blog, Pro Tools, Recording, Software, guitar, hardware

Eleven™ Rack is a revolutionary new guitar recording and effects processing system designed to eliminate the challenges guitarists have faced in the studio and on stage. Say goodbye to the lackluster guitar amp “models” of yesteryear: Eleven Rack utilizes a unique tone cloning design and one-of-a-kind, custom-designed True-Z input to re-create the experience of playing through a full guitar rig. By combining studio-standard Pro Tools® software with a DSP-accelerated high-resolution interface, Eleven Rack puts professional recording into the hands of every guitar player. Whether you’re tracking in the studio or playing on stage, Eleven Rack delivers fresh, mind-blowing, hyper-realistic guitar amp and effects tones that will inspire your best performances.

Eleven Rack in the Studio
Eleven Rack combines studio-standard Pro Tools software with a high-resolution, dual DSP-powered audio interface so you’ll never have to worry about latency when recording with its built-in amp/effects tones — nor will your computer have to carry the processing burden. Eleven Rack also takes re-amping to the next level by recording both dry and processed guitar signals simultaneously, allowing you to re-amplify later without patching a single cable. We even found a way to embed the Eleven Rack amp and effects settings into the audio tracks you record, enabling you to automatically recall those settings from your audio files on any Pro Tools system with Eleven Rack.  THAT IS HOTNESS!

Eleven Rack On Stage
Eleven Rack also rocks onstage as a standalone amp tone and effects signal processor — we pulled out all the stops to make sure it sounds and feels just like playing through the real deal. We also included a classic collection of effects, from must-have stompboxes to world-class rackmount studio processors. Eleven Rack has all the I/O flexibility you need to integrate it into your existing rig, and easily incorporate the tones you’ve recorded with into your live setup — closing the gap between studio and stage. Eleven Rack also offers incredibly powerful control options using affordable MIDI controllers and expression pedals, giving you full foot control over everything from vintage wah effects to tempo-driven delays and more.

Eleven Rack combines hyper-realistic guitar amp and effects tones with a dual-DSP-powered interface and studio-standard Pro Tools LE® software to create the ultimate recording solution for guitar players.

Introducing True-Z
Among guitar tonehounds, it’s a well-known fact that input impedance — the electronic resistance found in the input circuit of the amp or effect you’re plugged in to — has a huge impact on your guitar tone. We realized that re-creating this electronic relationship was critical in nailing the sound and feel of our emulations. Others have tried to fake this with signal processing but we weren’t satisfied with a one-size-fits-all-approach. Each guitar reacts uniquely with each amp or effect — so we had to come up with a true analog solution that allows your guitar to interact realistically with our amp and effect re-creations.

That’s why we developed True-Z — a unique analog input circuit that replicates the input impedance of classic stompbox pedals and guitar amps, resulting in amazingly realistic sounds. It’s almost as if the True-Z input on Eleven Rack morphs into the 1/4″ input jack of whatever classic stompbox or amplifier you are using. When you plug into Eleven Rack, you get the same response — and same great tone — as when plugging in to a vintage stompbox or guitar amp. You can also manually control the impedance of the True-Z input and set it to a value that suits your playing best.

Eleven Rack Hardware

  • Unique True-Z auto-impedance matching guitar input

  • Incredible emulations of classic guitar amp tones inspired by Fender®, Vox®, Marshall®, Soldano, and Mesa/Boogie® amps*
  • Refined collection of sought-after classic stompbox tones inspired by effects from MXR®, Electro-Harmonix®, Ibanez®, ProCo, Univox®, and more*
  • Powerful collection of studio-quality rackmount effects processors
  • Convolution-based cabinet emulations deliver unprecedented realism in cabinet tones
  • Convolution-based microphone emulations inspired by classic dynamic, condenser, and ribbon mic designs
  • Integrated FX loop switchable to incorporate existing mono or stereo rack and stompbox effects
  • Controllable via MIDI controllers and expression pedals
  • Built-in tuner

  • Tap-tempo control of time-based effects
  • High-speed USB 2.0 connection
  • Supports up to 8 simultaneous channels of high-resolution recording up to 24-bit/96 kHz
  • Stereo balanced XLR outputs and dedicated 1/4” outputs
  • XLR mic input with 48V phantom power and pad switch
  • 2 x 1/4” line-level inputs
  • AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital I/O
  • Stereo 1/4” headphone jack
  • 1 x 1 MIDI I/O

Up until now, amp modeling solutions haven’t really delivered the full depth, dimension, and response of a mic’d up rig. We decided to take this challenge head on to ensure Eleven Rack truly re-creates the experience of playing through the most coveted guitar amps in the world. Check it out:

  • We spent years scouting a connoisseur’s collection of vintage and modern amps and cabinets, paying special attention to choosing amps that represented the best of their generation and remained unmodified from their original design. We then painstakingly inspected every component, took detailed measurements, and captured every stage of the signal path — point to point.
  • We incorporated nuances like power amp sag, ghost notes, and cabinet resonance that other amp modeling developers overlooked, giving our clones the truly multi-dimensional tone and hyper-realistic response previously only achievable by mic’ing a real amp.
  • We set out to invent an input circuit that re-creates the electronic relationship between your guitar and an actual amp or effect. This can’t be done digitally — so we developed a unique True-Z direct input that automatically adjusts the input impedance to match that of the particular amp/effects rig signal chain. Thanks to the True-Z input, plugging into Eleven Rack sounds and feels just like plugging into a real amp or effect.
  • Using convolution processing, we captured the exact sound of the cabinets and mics used to create the tone of a mic’d combo — instead of using EQ filters to “fake” this sound the way other amp modeling solutions have done.
  • We enlisted guitar recording expert John Cuniberti (Platinum and Gold recording engineer/producer and inventor of the Reamp® box) to ensure the mic’ing techniques used during development were absolutely top notch.
  • We also emulated an assortment of vintage and classic effects processors — from must-have stompbox effects to high-end studio processors culled from our coveted Pro Tools|HD® TDM plug-ins used in pro studios around the world.
Guitar amp emulations based on*:
  • ’59 Fender® Bassman®
  • ’59 Fender® Tweed Deluxe
  • ’64 Fender® Black Face Deluxe Reverb® Normal Channel
  • ’64 Fender® Black Face Deluxe Reverb® Vibrato Channel
  • ’66 VOX® AC30 Top Boost
  • ’67 Fender® Black Face Twin Reverb®
  • ’69 Marshall® 1959 100 Watt Super Lead Plexiglas Head
  • ’82 Marshall® JCM800 2203 100-Watt Head
  • ’85 Mesa/Boogie® Mark IIc+ Drive Channel
  • ’89 Soldano SLO100 Super Lead Overdrive Head Clean Channel
  • ’89 Soldano SLO100 Super Lead Overdrive Head Crunch Channel
  • ’89 Soldano SLO100 Super Lead Overdrive Head Overdrive Channel
  • ’92 Mesa/Boogie® Dual Rectifier® Head Vintage Channel
  • ’92 Mesa/Boogie® Dual Rectifier® Head Modern Channel
  • Digidesign Custom Vintage Crunch
  • Digidesign Custom Modern Overdrive
Speaker cabinet emulations based on*:
  • ’59 Fender® Bassman® 4×10” with Jensen P10Qs
  • ’59 Fender® Tweed Deluxe 1×12” with Jensen P12Q
  • ’64 Fender® Black Face Deluxe Reverb® 1×12” with Jensen P12N
  • ’66 VOX® AC30 2×12” with Celestion Alnico Blues
  • ’67 Fender® Black Face Twin Reverb® 2×12” with Jensen C12Ns
  • ’68 Marshall® 1960A with Celestion G12H “Greenbacks”
  • ’06 Marshall® 1960AV 4×12” with Celestion Vintage 30s
Microphone emulations based on*:
  • Shure SM7 Dynamic Microphone
  • Shure SM57 Unidyne III Dynamic Microphone
  • Sennheiser MD 409 Dynamic Microphone
  • Sennheiser MD 421 Dynamic Microphone
  • Neumann U67 Condenser Microphone
  • Neumann U87 Condenser Microphone
  • AKG C 414 EB Condenser Microphone
  • Royer 121 Ribbon Microphone
Effects emulations based on*:
  • Spring Reverb (based on the Fender® Deluxe Reverb*)
  • Green JRC Overdrive (based on the Ibanez TS-808*)
  • Tri-Knob Fuzz (based on the Electro Harmonix Big Muff Pi*)
  • Black Op Distortion (based on the ProCo Rat*)
  • Shine Wah (based on the VOX® V-846*)
  • C1 Chorus/Vibrato (based on the Boss CE-1*)
  • Orange Phaser (based on the MXR® Phase 90*)
  • EP Tape Echo (based on the Maestro Echoplex EP-3*)
  • BBD Delay (based on the Electro Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man*)
  • Grey Compressor (based on the Ross Compressor*)
  • Vibe Phaser (based on the Univox Uni-Vibe*)
  • Black Wah (based on the Thomas Organ CB-95 Crybaby*)
  • Flanger
  • Roto Speaker
  • Volume Pedal
  • Eleven SR (Stereo Reverb)
  • Graphic EQ
  • Tuner

Avalon VT-747SP | TWIN SIGNAL PATH OPTO-COMPRESSOR-EQUALIZER

post747

The Avalon VT-747SP combines a creative STEREO tube-discrete Class A spectral-opto-compressor with a musical six band program equalizer, L-R output level and gain reduction metering and internal regulated power supplies in a 2U space. Ideal for high performance DAW input signal conditioning, stereo buss compression-EQ, stereo keyboards and analog mastering applications.

SPECTRAL-OPTO-COMPRESSION
The opto-compressor features a minimum signal path design utilizing sealed silver relays for all signal routing and by pass functions. The optical attenuator acts as a passive level controller with a Class A, variable gain make-up amplifier. Full dynamic control from soft compression to hard-knee limiting can be achieved with master threshold, ratio-compression, attack and release controls. Gain reduction indication is a large analog VU meter. Low frequency and high frequency contour parametric spectral controls can be routed into the side-chain path for enhanced frequency dependent compression with variable frequency and threshold levels. SC listen provides side-chain listen mode for monitoring.

SIX BAND PROGRAM EQUALIZER
The VT-747SP equalizer utilizes 100% discrete, Class A high-voltage transistors for optimum sonic performance. The six band STEREO program EQ incorporates the smooth characteristics of an all passive design. The frequency turnover, Q and amplitude ranges have been carefully chosen for each band to provide the most natural harmonic balance and lowest phase change while offering simple and effective tone control. The EQ can be placed pre or post the opto-compressor for enhanced effects.

TSP – TWIN SIGNAL PATH
The VT-747SP features TSP which gives you the choice of either tube tone or the classic, Class A discrete transistor sound by exchanging, three (3) high-voltage dual triode tubes with discrete amplifiers in the opto-compressor and primary output stages.

INPUT-OUTPUT and METERING
Fully balanced DC coupled, Class A discrete amplifiers are utilized for the input and output drive interface with+36dB input headroom. A high quality analog VU meter indicates accurate gain reduction. Twin 60dB range LED meters provide fast L-R output status of all levels.


CLICK TO SEE ENLARGED VERSION

VT-747 SP
CLASS A, VACUUM TUBE-DISCRETE
TWIN SIGNAL PATH OPTO-COMPRESSOR-EQUALIZER
VT-747SP FEATURES
  • Stereo Class A opto-compressor with spectral control
  • Stereo Class A six band discrete passive program EQ
  • TSP twin signal path, vacuum tube bypass
  • Low noise -92dB
  • Fully balanced Class A input and DC coupled outputs
  • Stereo dynamic 60dB high resolution output meters
  • High quality analog VU meter for gain reduction
  • High headroom+36dB input before overload
  • Spectral side-chain monitor for pre listen
  • EQ pre-post selection for opto-compressor
  • Sealed silver relays for all signal routing
  • Internal discrete regulated power supplies
  • Military spec vacuum tubes for long life and low noise

M-AUDIO – Torq Xponent – Advanced DJ Performance/Production System

August 5, 2009 by diemelproductions  
Filed under Blog, DJ, Mixing, hardware

Advanced DJ Performance/Production System

via M-AUDIO – Torq Xponent – Advanced DJ Performance/Production System.

The professional-grade Torq® Xponent® system seamlessly integrates high- performance DJ software with a fully functional hands-on controller, representing a new era in digital DJ performance and production. The Xponent hardware combines the features of a two-channel DJ mixer with CDJ-style tactile controls, letting you cue, mix and manipulate digital files without touching the host computer. In addition to the essentials, M-Audio® Torq 1.5 software delivers a variety of real-time creative tools to take your sets beyond the ordinary—and the Xponent hardware control surface puts all that power right at your fingertips. This integrated solution opens the door to new techniques that are simply impossible with traditional DJ setups.

4011-TL Cardioid Microphone | The 3511 Stereo Kit | A Matched Pair In Heaven

June 29, 2009 by diemelproductions  
Filed under Microphones, Recording, hardware

dpa4011TL

The 4011-TL cardioid microphone is an upgraded version of the classic DPA 4011 renowned in recording studios all over the world as an exceptional mic. State-of-the-art components have been carefully selected to provide optimal neutrality, accuracy and extremely low distortion. The first order cardioid pick-up pattern gives superb separation between sound sources while spot-miking on every kind of live music. The mic is equally suitable for close-up work on acoustic guitar, grand piano, overheads, percussion, wind instruments and vocals.  It can handle incredibly high sound levels and even includes a 20 dB pad switch to attenuate the output of the microphone.  A flat on axis frequency response and excellent phase response deliver a totally faithful reproduction of the original sound.  The off-axis response is similarly smooth so that any leakage is an accurate reflection of the original, though attenuated according to the true first-order cardioid pick-up.

The 3511 is a complete stereo kit for a broad range of recording applications using two 4011-TL Cardioid Microphones, carefully matched within ±1 dB on frequency response, sensitivity, and self-noise.  These cardioids are exceptionally linear in their frequency response – also off axis, giving you the natural experience.

Several standard set-ups such as ORTF and XY are possible.

Click here to visit the DPA Site

Often used for piano recordings of jazz or pop with a placement closer to the hammers or as overheads for drums.

The kit includes microphones, a carrying case, two windscreens, two very effective shock mounts, a precision-crafted stereo boom for secure mounting of microphone pairs for A-B stereo recordings, and a spacer to allow XY or ORTF stereo set-ups on the boom.

Click here to visit the DPA Site
Directional characteristics:
Cardioid
Principle of operation:
Pressure gradient
Cartridge type:
19 mm (0.75 in) pre-polarised condenser
Frequency range, ± 2 dB:
40 Hz – 20 kHz
Sensitivity, nominal, ±2 dB:
10 mV/Pa; -40 dB re. 1 V/Pa
Equivalent noise level A-weighted:
Typ. 19 dB(A) re. 20 μPa (max. 20 dB(A))
Equiv. noise level ITU-R BS.468-4:
Typ. 25 dB (correct with the attenuator in 0 dB
or -20 dB setting)
S/N ratio, re. 1 kHz at 1 Pa (94 dB SPL):
75 dB(A)
Total harmonic distortion (THD):
<0.5% up to 110 dB SPL peak, <1% up to 116
dB SPL peak
Dynamic range:
Typ. 97 dB
Max. SPL, peak before clipping:
158 dB
Attenuators, filters etc.:
0 dB, -20 dB
Output impedance:
<200 Ohm
Cable drive capability:
Up to 100 m (328 ft)
Power supply:
48 V Phantom power
Power consumption:
2.60 mA
Connector:
3-pin XLR-M (Standard P48)
Weight:
165 g (5.82 oz)
Capsule diameter:
19 mm (0.75)
Length:
175 mm (6.89 in)

The ALLEN&HEATH Xone:4D | Get Out Your Robitussin® Because This Mixer is Super Sick

June 28, 2009 by diemelproductions  
Filed under DJ, Mixing, hardware

xone4d

The Xone:4D continues the seamless integration of computer-based digital media into the traditional DJ workspace, but with a further enhanced feature set. Combining a fully featured, high specification professional analogue DJ mixer with 105 MIDI controllers and 227 MIDI messages, a completely new, high-end, 96 kHz / 24-bit 20 channel Allen & Heath-designed USB 2.0 soundcard, the progressive XONE:4D has been developed in conjunction with some of the world’s most cutting-edge DJ/producers. New features for the 4D include the new 20-channel USB 2.0 soundcard, a completely new BPM counter, assignable LFO with step VCF-filter and fresh new paint. Mixer: • 4 multi-input stereo channels: RIAA preamps for turntables on 3 inputs, (channel 4 is Line/Line) • Soundcard output routing switches for each channel (1-2, 3-4, 5-6 & 7-8) • 3-band total kill EQ

xone4drear

SSL X-Desk

The SSL X-Desk SuperAnalogue Mixer is Built from the same SuperAnalogue™ DNA as our AWS 900+, Duality and Matrix consoles.

Meeting the demand for a world class, compact SSL mixing desk, X-Desk combines a 16 channel SSL SuperAnalogue™ summing mixer with a compact analogue audio hub for your studio. Small enough to be easily transported, X-Desk fulfills all the essentials of the audio mixing process, with typical SSL attention to detail and depth, including smooth 100mm faders, comprehensive artist & studio monitoring with Dim & Cut buttons, Stereo and Mono Aux sends, channel and Master Bus Inserts and accurate bar graph level metering.

For easy integration into your existing studio, X-Desk can be used as an elegant and ergonomically refined desktop mixer with removable rack ears for standard 19″ rack mounting (7U space required). Like all SSL SuperAnalogue™ products, it is extremely robust, hand-built in the UK with an all metal chassis and high quality controls and components. Up to eight X-Desks or X-Desk & X-Rack combinations can be cascaded via D-Sub connection to expand up to 160 inputs on mixdown.

X-Desk brings benchmark audio performance to the compact mixer format.

The SSL X-Desk SuperAnalogue Mixer Key Features include:

* SuperAnalogue™ – analogue purity at the highest level
* 8x dual input Mono Line channels : 16 channel mixdown
* 8x Insert Send/Returns on channels
* Stereo CUE and 2 Mono Auxiliary Sends
* Cascade with X-Rack and other X-Desks for bigger systems
* Talkback – for artist communication
* Dim & Cut buttons
* Independent Main and Alternate stereo monitor outputs
* SSL Stereo Mix Bus with External summing and Inserts
* 2x Stereo Returns with Level, Pan and Bus assignment
* iJack front panel input for portable playback devices
* High quality internal PSU
* D-Sub Channel I/O connection for studio integration
* 19″ Rack mount ears included