NEW PRODUCT: Universal Audio LA-610 MKII

In the Revolution Audio studio we love our Universal Audio LA-610, now we can't wait to hear the new LA-610 MKII preamp compressor in the very slick "black on black" that was announced this week at AES 2008. Please call or e-mail for availability. Here are more details from Universal Audio:

The LA-610 defined the affordable, ultimate vintage tone channel strip. So how can UA improve on tonal perfection and what was already a hit product? Enter the sequel... LA-610 Mk II, a second-generation revamp of the original 2005 LA-610 design. While the preamp and compressor are identical to the original LA-610 that users have come to know and love, user-requested features such as true compressor bypass, larger metering, improved output signal, an auto-sensing power supply have been added bringing the end user an enhanced user experience. The LA-610 Mk II also features the highly popular black on black cosmetics of the LA-610 Signature Edition.

• Based on Legendary Bill Putnam 610 Tube Mic Pre and EQ Used on Countless Classic Recordings
• Authentic Teletronix LA-2A-style T4 Opto-Compressor
• Complete vintage channel-strip at groundbreaking price within project studio reach
• Mic Pre with Gain and Level controls, variable impedance switching, and Instrument DI for recording tone color
• Mk II Features such as True Bypass, Larger Metering and Improved Signal Output
• UA build quality and heritage, audiophile components, hand-assembled in the USA

Click here for more information or to buy the Universal Audio LA610 MK II online

Pro Tools 8 announced - is it worth the upgrade?

Digidesign has just announced Pro Tools 8. It should be shipping in Canada by the end of the year. It may be available as a downloadable upgrade before that. New Features So, as with every software update you have to ask the question: Is it worth it? Will it give me more than just a new number at the end of my software name? At first glance, this seems like a very impressive update. Knowing Pro Tools 7, here are a few features that point to the fact that this upgrade will be worth it: Advanced MIDI Editing and New Software Instruments MIDI is the area that I felt Pro Tools 7 was lagging behind Cubase and Sonar for functionality. They have now added some more virtual instrument plug-ins right out of the box: inluding Mini Grand piano, Boom drum machine, DB-33 tonewheel organ, and Vacuum and Xpand!2™ synths. These are not just "light versions" of other full software expecting you to upgrade. There are also some new MIDI editing features that seem promising including a separate MIDI Editor window! For avid Cubase users for myself, this is a huge upgrade. You will be able to open your MIDI information in a new floating window, or split the screen (looking a little bit like Garageband, if you are familiar with that program). Pro Tool 8 also includes a "Scoring Feature." While it will not be as feature rich as Finale or Sibelius, it's nice to have for some situations. New Look Pro Tools is now starting to look like it has joined the rest of their competition in the new millennium. Looks are not everything, but it's a nice change. More Tracks The default for Pro Tools LE will be 48 tracks now. Nice upgrade, especially as computers are much more powerful now and can one could easily take up the 32 voices available before, especially I found if you are doing anything with post production. Other Features It seems they have also added a few more audio plug-ins, more control surface integration and a number of other audio editing and mixing functions. We will review Pro Tools 8 at a later date when we have our hands on it, but from the feature list and videos it is looking like a great upgrade. Available (hopefully) by the end of 2008 for Pro Tools LE, Pro Tools M-Powered and Pro Tools HD.

New AKG C 214 Mic review : The coveted C 414 at a home studio price?

ORDER THE AKG C 214 MICROPHONE HERE One of my favourite "go-to" mics of all time is the AKG C414 (specifically the B-XLII). It is super quiet, has multiple patterns and attenuation switches and just simply sounds great. The diaphragm is based on the AKG flagship microphone the C12. But having this quality with this number of features comes at a higher cost, often higher than home studio users want to spend. So, in steps the new AKG C 214. A lower cost alternative to the 414 without the sacrifice of quality. What do you get? I the package you get the mic, hardshell case and AKG shockmount. The mic sounds fantastic and has a fixed cardioid polar pattern, used most often when micing vocals or instruments. It also has a 20 db attenuation switch and a bass roll off. It's a clean, killer vocal mic without the extras. What do you miss? If you need the multiple patterns, and multiple roll-off and attenuation switches, go for the AKG C414 XLII instead. It will cost you more, but this is a lifetime investment if you take care of it that will be usable in many situations. Final Assessment If you are looking for a quality, large diaphragm, cardioid microphone that should last for a long time, the AKG C 214 is a great pick. If you need more flexibility in your polar patterns, you may want to do the upgrade or find lower quality microphone with more features in this price point. Some other competing Large Diaphragm Microphones: M-Audio Sputnik : Multi-Pattern Tube Microphone AKG Perception 420 : Multi-pattern Mic SE Electronics Z3300A : Multi-pattern LD Condenser Mic CAD M179 : Multipattern Condenser Microphone Audio Technica AT 4040 : Fixed cardioid condenser Browse all of Revolution Audio's Mics here