N is for new music technology

 

In discovering the latest music technology - hardware and soft – tried and trusted names, like Korg and Roland, still lead the way, alongside newer brands from the home production revolution, like ProTools and Logic.

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Let’s see what’s available and how the engineers have made it better.

Korg M3

Sound the squelchy single-note organ: the Korg has released its third generation of workstation, the M3. The concept of a music workstation (M1) has been all Korg since 1988, but today, although the M1 remains the most popular digital keyboard of all time, the M3 synthesiser/ sampler could overtake it.

Based on what is known as the HD1 synth engine, it offers all the conveniences you would want from a keyboard workstation, such as a 320 MB sample memory, 128-note polyphony (that’s myriads of possible chords), 16-track sequencer, thousands of sounds and extensive scope for old skool analogue notes for the Mono/Poly software synth.

It also comes as a keyboardless version called the M3M, for those who wish to enhance their current keyboard/ computer set up.

Visit Korg.co.uk

Roland SH201

Roland SH-201

Roland’s latest synth on the market is not technically a synth reborn to the golden SH-series. Despite its call to the past, it has VSTi integrated into the facility to mix the hardware with the latest synthesiser software.

The light and portable synth comes with editor/ librarian software and its 10-voice polyphonic synth engine is based on the two-oscillator/ oscillator mixer/ filter/ amplifier structure. For sound quality, below the oscillators are the modifiers: the ADSR envelope and two low frequency oscillators (LFOs) – a secondary audio oscillator for the low frequencies – then reverb, delay/ chorus and overdrive effects all augment the sound output.

The synthesiser can also work as a simple sequencer able to record, play back and edit MIDI data of eight phrases, up to eight measures in length.

Visit Roland.co.uk

Logic Pro 7

Logic Pro 7

Now something for the Mac. This is software enabled for the broadest music creation imaginable. Logic Pro 7 aims to give you all the best features from music creation software and has the scope to grow whenever your workstation does.

For internal processing, it supports 16-24-bit resolution and sample rates of up to 192 kHz, allowing for optimal audio recording and playback; a 32-bit floating-point mathematics unit provides amazing headroom to make it pretty much impossible to overload the signal.

The software incorporates new instruments and effects, the latest loop composition tools as well as optimisations for the PowerPC G5 processor and Mac OS X to create a state-of-the-art studio environment.

It also can grow along with additional Apple Macintosh computers in a network (LANs) situation, combined through Ethernet connections for more digital signal processing (DSP) power – the result is an audio music production system that has an enormous processing power of up to 128 stereo streams.

Visit Apple Logic Pro website

Pro tools 7.3

Pro Tools 7.3

The latest Pro Tools features a selection of speed and tool enhancements, but you will need a Mac OS 10.4.8 or XP for Windows, Vista users will have to wait for a customised version released this summer. And a word of warning if you are upgrading to 7.3, existing plug-ins might need to be downloaded again to suit 7.3. Check with the Digidesign news online to check your plug-ins’ compatibility.

The aim for the user enhancements this time around is to increase what they call post production workflows. It includes new features such as Dynamic Transport Mode – to allow playback to operate independently of a selection; and, the Loop Trim tool for the users to turn audio or MIDI tracks into loops easily.

However, one of the most welcome additions for those with a musical background, although it has been integral to other software programs, is the inclusion of a notation facility. The software is bridged with Sibelius Notation Software with a ‘Send to Sibelius’ function in the menu. This feature enables composers and educators to export entire MIDI or Protools compositions to the other program (sold separately) to print arrangements or instrumental parts.

Visit Digidesign

Computer recording

Digidesign 003 Rack

Digidesign’s 003 and 003 Rack computer recording systems are a much needed improvement from the earlier models 002 and 002R. Both systems are designed for Pro Tools software and are a result of their manufacturer listening to their users.

Both 003s have word clock inputs and outputs on its connectors and two headphone outlets rather than the one on earlier models. As far as MIDI inputs are concerned, there is only one of those, but two outputs. By improving the 002s, they included the very useful ‘alternative source’ inputs and improved the monitor section.

However, the second headphone facility has the option to send the output at ¾, making it ideal for mobile and headphone based recording.

Visit Digidesign

Zoom multitrack recorder H series

Zoom multitrack recorders come from the Japanese hardware manufacturer (Zoom), who have announced an array of new products as part of their ‘H’ series of low-cost portable hard disk recorders. Zoom have announced the release of H8CD and H16CD.

The market newbies not only look much more modern in comparison to their older products MR802 and MRS1608, but they include a five-segment LED metering on each channel as standard. The CD-RW drive is now a standard as is the USB 2.0 port.

With eight audio inputs and 16 playback tracks, it comes with the option to save up to 160 takes. Both models have an 80GB hard disk and comes with its own drum’n’bass machine with over 500 onboard sounds. Furthermore, with 60 seconds of sampling memory to load your own samples, Zoom knows how to record its way into the heart of everyone’s recording dream. 

Visit Zoom

Taster

This is a taster of what new products are out there, but if you are just starting, research will never be more important. So look at reviews, as well as manufacturer websites, and make sure the sound is not only the best, but also the best for you.

Further reading

scenta's A - Z of makig music

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