Do you need a new Plasma TV? How about some Waves Plug-ins!
Yes that’s right you read that correctly. When you visit your local Musical Instruments equipped Best Buy you will now be able to grab some Waves plugs and beef up your DAW’s processing power. Hat’s off to whoever is pulling the strings at Best Buy to make this happen. It’s most definitely a good look for your Musical Instruments departments street cred!
Waves has grown into the world’s leading developer and supplier of software-based audio signal processing tools, while expanding to meet the demand for Waves processing in hardware-based products. Waves’ current product line has increased to over 60 processors that have been embraced by the audio industry in music production, film, post, and broadcast. In fact, the name Waves itself has become synonymous with top-of-the -line audio processing, and the company’s products are used where superior quality is a pre-requisite: hit records, major motion pictures, and top-selling games worldwide.
Digidesign Eleven™ Rack | Revolutionary Guitar Recording/Effects System

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.
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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
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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
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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.
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Avalon VT-747SP | TWIN SIGNAL PATH OPTO-COMPRESSOR-EQUALIZER
August 23, 2009 by Aaron Diemel
Filed under Blog, Mic Pre's | EQ's, Mixing, Recording, hardware

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.
| VT-747 SP CLASS A, VACUUM TUBE-DISCRETE TWIN SIGNAL PATH OPTO-COMPRESSOR-EQUALIZER |
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The world’s favorite mic pre/EQ | Neve 1073
July 24, 2009 by Aaron Diemel
Filed under Mic Pre's | EQ's

Born in May 1970, the 1073 preamp is the world’s most desirable and famous preamp. Originally
fitted to the custom console for Wessex A88, the module was used extensively during the 1970’s
on the Neve Consoles that defined recording techniques on a generation of classic records.
This hand built Class A module offers 3 bands of EQ with one fixed high frequency band and
two switchable bands with cut and boost and a high pass filter.
Low noise and distortion and generous overload performance are important features of the 1073
design. The reissue modules are exactly the same as the original designs and contain all of
the original components, the transformers are manufactured exclusively for Neve to very
precise specifications.

The mic pre and EQ combination add warmth and depth to recordings, bringing out ambience,
maintaining spatial positioning and capturing a precise image. These very popular sounding mic
pre’s are considered by many to capture the very essence of the legendary Neve sound.
Key features:
• World famous 1073 mic pre
• Legendary Neve Sound
• Classic three band EQ section
• High Pass Filter
• Add warmth and depth to any recording
• Hand made to original specification
• 2 channel or 8 channel racks
• Unique Neve Transformers
4011-TL Cardioid Microphone | The 3511 Stereo Kit | A Matched Pair In Heaven
June 29, 2009 by Aaron Diemel
Filed under Microphones, Recording, hardware
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.
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
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)
SSL X-Desk
June 5, 2009 by Aaron Diemel
Filed under Mic Pre's | EQ's, Mixing, News, Recording, hardware
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
      






