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3.02.2009

Cubase 5 iPhone app

This is the best thing I didn't see at NAMM. A remote for Cubase 5 to use on your iPhone or iTouch. Available through the iTunes store in Q2 of this year. More details below from Steinberg Steinberg Announces iPhone Remote Control Application Today Steinberg is showcasing the development of a remote control application for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch products at Winter NAMM 2009. The Cubase RC application runs on both handheld devices to provide comprehensive control for Steinberg’s Cubase 5 Advanced Music Production System. Owners of these two Apple products will be able to control Cubase for an interactive and enjoyable mobile controller experience, including functions like activating recording while playing an instrument or performing and remixing a song live on stage using the Arranger Track. Cubase RC will be available free of charge exclusively through the Apple iTunes Store from Q2 2009.

2.21.2009

Grammy Awards Dominated by Indie Artists

Well...I'm not sure if you call 56 of 110 of the 51st Grammy Awards Domination but over 50% is officially a majority.

The American Association of Independent Music reports:

"The continued growth of independent music is underscored by the success of independent artists and labels at this year's Grammy's. Music released by artists on independent labels scored 56 Grammys Sunday night out of a total of 110 awarded including Album of the Year and Record of the Year (Robert Plant & Alison Krauss), Best Alternative Music Album (Radiohead), Best Reggae Album (Burning Spear), Best Comedy Album (George Carlin) and Best Jazz Instrumental Album (Chick Corea & Gary Burton). Last year, independents won 36 awards."

Some people are asking the question, but I am making it a statement: This is the uprising of the Musical Middle Class. This is the time when production and power is being put into the hands of the people. This is the time when people, not corporations, both choose and make the music we listen to. Will you be part of the Revolution or just read about it in the History Books?

1.26.2009

TOP 10 New Home Recording Products from NAMM 2009

NAMM 2009 TOP 10 Products Review
I just returned from NAMM 2009, the annual January show for musical products in Anaheim, California. No time for Disneyland, but I did walk past miles of costumed figures and musicians as giddy as children to bring you what I think are the most exciting home recording products for 2009. So here are my top ten with the main reasons why I think we should care as studio owners. Many of these products were announced but not yet shipping. Make sure you check out the links if you are interested in learning more or always feel free to shoot us an e-mail with comments and questions - sales(at)revolutionaudio.ca
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Product
10

The Warp Lever on the new Cakewalk / Sonar V-Studio 700

I know they call it a "T-Bar" and it's used for useful things like controlling surround sound mixes, video or fading in your effects. And I know it's attached to an amazing motorized console that is perfect for integrating with Sonar. But when I checked out this T-Bar lever on the V-Studio 700, I felt like I was able to push it forward and take us all into warp speed. And anything that makes me feel more like the captain of the enterprise deserves a place in my studio and a mention in my top 10.

Shipping / Pricing TBA

Click here for more info on the Sonar V-Studio 700

Click here for more info on the Sonar V-Studio 700

9

M-Audio Axiom Pro

These new Axioms don't just have a cool new look. They have an upgrade touch sensitivity and a technology called "hyper-control" which I thought was really cool. Other keyboard controllers have preset maps, but this one senses your DAW and automatically maps the controls (on Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic and Reason so far).

Available in three sizes - click here for more information!

8

MXL Gold 35 Microphone

You can't hear a thing at NAMM. So for my selection of the coolest microphone this year, I had to work strictly from looks. This MXL Gold 35 Mic was stunning. Yes that is real gold plating. They say it sounds as great as it looks...

Click for more info on the MXL Gold 35 at MXLMICS.com

7

IK Multimedia Stealth Pedal

Combining a 24bit USB interface with a wah pedal type guitar controller was a very good idea. It can be used as an interface and/or controller. The Stealth Pedal has a rugged feel and comes packed with some great sounding software like Amplitube 2 Live.

Availability TBA

6

UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop Effects Card

I've been a big fan of the UAD cards for quite a while. They combine great, classic sounding effects with DSP power (so they do not bog down your computer CPU). At NAMM they announced a UAD-2 SOLO laptop card for Mac or PC. Now you can take the extra processing power and amazing effects on the road with your portable DAW.

Available Spring 2009 Prices TBA.

Click for the UA Press Release on the UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop
5

Steinberg Cubase 5

For most users, here are the biggest upgrades for Cubase 5:

1. It's 5 and not 4 and so it must be at least better by 1. That's a 20% increase right there.

2. Some cool new tools for Beat Creation and Loop Mangling (see video #1)

3. Vocal editing and pitch correction built in - saves you from having to add a 3rd party plug-in and works like Melodyne in a drag-and-drop way or in keyboard style like the classic Antares Autotune (see video #2)

3. Integrated Convolution Reverb

4. Better hardware integration

5. Groove Agent One included

* Note some of these features are only available in the Full version of Cubase 5 and not Cubase Studio 5

Click here for a complete comparison chart between Cubase 5 and Cubase Studio 5

Shipping in Canada early Feb 2009

4

Pro Tools 8

For me, the biggest upgrade in Pro Tools 8 is the ability to edit MIDI in a separate window. For Cubase and Sonar users, they have had this feature for about 15 years, but Pro Tools has finally become a full fledged MIDI editor in version 8. Marry this with built in Sibelius note editing, this new software is a big upgrade from 7 in the MIDI department.

They have also upgraded the new version to 48 tracks and added a number of new MIDI and audio plug-ins.

Click here for more info on Pro Tools 8 - now shipping with all new Digidesign Hardware and as standalone Pro Tools 8 M-Powered for use with M-Audio hardware interfaces like the Profire 610, the Profire 2626, and the Fast Track Ultra.

3

Recoil Stabilizer

While not a brand new product, EQ magazine said about these simple devices "..they could be the most cost effective upgrade you can make to your monitoring setup." The recoil stabilizer decouples your monitor in such a way that tightens up the bass and helps with detail on the high end. Plus they are a Canadian company, which is an added bonus. I say if they are good enough for Daniel Lanois....

Available soon!

2

Native Instruments Maschine

This integrative hardware / software beat production tool is going to blow away anyone who is into making beats. It's like a computer based MPC and 808 all in one device. You just have to check out the video.

Availible soon!

1

Melodyne Editor - the First Melodyne with DNA

Melodyne's DNA first made waves at Music Messe in Germany. It is the first commercial software that is able to extract individual notes from a stereo file. You just have to check it out. The video does not show the whole process, but the individual notes from the guitar where extracted from a simple stereo file before he started manipulating them. It is amazing. Shipping in spring as a plug-in.

Shipping Spring 2009 - free upgrade for anyone who purchases Melodyne now