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9.18.2012

Acorn Instruments Masterkey series MIDI keyboard controllers

Acorn Instruments is a new line for us. They make super affordable, bare-bones USB MIDI keyboard controllers for home studios.
Available in 3 sizes, they have a great synth-style action, a handful of essential controls, and come bundled with Presonus Studio One Artist!
Find out more

Masterkey features
• 25/49/61 note, velocity sensitive, synth-style keyboard
• Pitch bend and modulation wheels (assignable)
• 1 assignable fader
• 4 assignable knobs for real time control
• 3-character red LED segment display
• 1 sustain foot switch input jack, type-sensing (foot switch not included)
• Quick-toggle between real-time functions Octave, Transpose, Program Change and MIDI Channel
• Advanced MIDI functions
• USB class-compliant. No driver needed
• Includes Presonus Studio One™ Artist


Acorn Instruments Masterkey series keyboard controllers are available in the Revolution Audio Online store.

Why RME Rocks. Ultra Low Throughput Latency

Looking for a high-end audio interface with ultra low latency? Have a look at RME and get the best performance for your home or project studio DAW.

RME UFX 30 i/o USB2/Firewire audio interface
RME Germany: AVID, well known and respected manufacturer of the ProTools system, just released a HD Native Thunderbolt bridge to their interface PCIe link port. The AVID webpage is accompanied by a chart comparing the 'Throughput Latency' of AVID's syst ems to Apogee's Symphony 64 system, and to 'Top performing FireWire' and 'Top Performing USB systems'
 
 

At 96 kHz sample rate and a buffer setting of 64 samples their chart shows the best USB interfaces to have a 'throughput latency' of 7.0 ms. The term 'throughput latency' here seems not to be used for direct monitoring, but the complete input - DAW software - output chain. The total value depends mostly on the buffer size used, but has been given in this comparison already as a fixed 64 samples. RME would recommend a setting of 128 samples. With this setup RME's USB interfaces (Fireface UC, Fireface UCX, Fireface UFX, Babyface) measure a total roundtrip time of 365 samples, which - at the given sample rate of 96 kHz - equals 3.8 ms - half of what Avid thinks a 'Top Performing USB interface' can achieve. RME FireWire interfaces have a similar performance. 
Conclusion: RME's FireWire and USB interfaces are double as quick as the industry leader in music production tools and hardware expects.


Check out the full line of RME audio interface at Revolution Audio

9.10.2012

Featured Equipment: Audio-Technica AT4040SP Mic Pack

Audio-Technica AT4040SP Mic Pack
The AT4040SP Studio Pack offers two of Audio-Technica’s renowned 40 Series studio condenser microphones: the AT4040 large-diaphragm side-address condenser and the AT4041 cardioid condenser. Each microphone is transformerless, resulting in exceptional transient response and extremely clean output signals; each is engineered to meet the most critical acoustic requirements of professional recording, broadcast and live sound. A shock mount, stand clamp and windscreen are included, along with a protective wooden carrying case.

Find out more: Audio-Technica AT4040SP

   
 AT4040 Side-address cardioid condenser microphone
  • Technically-advanced large diaphragm tensioned specifically to provide smooth, natural sonic characteristics
  • Externally polarized (DC bias) true condenser design
  • Exceptionally low noise, wide dynamic range and high-SPL capability for greatest versatility
  • Transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high-speed transients
  • Precision-machined, nickel-plated brass, acoustic element baffle provides enhanced element stability and optimal sensitivity
  • Open acoustical environment of the symmetrical housing assembly minimizes unwanted internal reflections
  • State-of-the-art surface-mount electronics ensure compliance with A-T's stringent consistency and reliability standards
  • Switchable 80 Hz hi-pass filter and 10 dB pad
AT4041Cardioid condenser microphone
  • Smooth, extended frequency response with a slight rise occurring in the high-frequency region
  • Ideal for drum overheads, acoustic guitar, piano, horns and under snare
  • Low-mass diaphragm improves transient response, increases response bandwidth and reduces handling and mechanical noise transfer
  • Transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high-speed transients
  • State-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques ensure compliance with A-T's stringent consistency and reliability standards
  • Switchable hi-pass filter and rugged turned-brass microphone housing
Buy Audio-Technica AT4040SP at Revolution Audio.