This was bound to happen. Even so, the i-Tab is a great idea, and Audiotechnews can’t wait to try one!

The insanely cool looking i-tab offers guitarists a pocket sized unit that scrolls chords and lyrics in perfect time. The unit allows users to download backing tracks and video cover lessons from a massive library of fully legal tabs, tracks and lessons from the official website.

Once downloaded, the i-tab sits conveniently at the end of your guitar and acts as the ultimate prompt giving you a seamless clear display of chords and lyrics at the tempo of your choice. Now you can take your tab library with you wherever you go and this really will be your best friend on your guitar.

Ideal for players of every level, the i-tab will help you learn songs, remember lyrics whilst storing 100’s of tabs, backing tracks and reels of video. A 4GB memory gives you plenty of room to organise your songs into handy playlists and build your own song library. If you are learning to play you can also download i-tabs free tuition video modules to help you along. Funky video cover lessons will help build your portfolio of cool songs for gigs and parties.

The i-tab unit has a 5” touch screen, in-built speaker and comes with headphones, stylus, USB connector, power charger, soft carry pouch and weighs in at only 0.14kg. The i-tab comes with 30 free song tabs including U2 (Beautiful Day), Oasis (Wonderwall) and The Rolling Stones (Jumping Jack Flash). It also includes TV out leads so you can play synchronized chords, lyrics and backing tracks through the player or through your TV and everyone can sing along!

The unit is available to purchase now for £129 (EU€149, US$199). The first units are shipping mid-March and will hit the streets worldwide from early April 2010. The backing tracks and songs (including the chords and lyrics) can be purchased from the website at a price of 25 pence for the tabs and 50 pence for backing tracks.

Do you want to write for Audiotechnews?

Send us your text and video reviews and we’ll feature them on the site, linking back to your website.

Need some exposure for your band? Let us know.

talktome@audiotechnews.com

FXpansion is proud to present BFD Heavy, a BFD2 expansion pack containing a pair of immaculately recorded Yamaha birch drumkits, supplied with a set of presets perfect for heavy rock, metal and other styles that require powerful, weighty drums.

Features:

* Low-cost, download-only expansion pack for BFD2
* 3 Kicks played with felt and wood beaters
* 9 Toms played with sticks and mallets
* Bonus snare with strainer on and off, played with sticks and mallets

Pricing & Availability:
BFD Heavy is a download only product and is available now from the web shop!
Pricing is GBP £35, Euro €49, USD $70 for all registered BFD2 owners.

The Focusrite OctoPre MkII Dynamic features eight channels of Focusrite’s legendary mic preamplification, with new, single-dial, VCA-based compressors derived from the classic Focusrite Red 3 on every channel.

Each channel has a VCA-based compressor which has been tuned by ear to model the sound of the legendary Focusrite Red 3. When designing the circuitry, Focusrite accurately matched the shape of the Red 3’s knee, to ensure the characteristics of the studio classic were captured. You can use the compressor to provide a clean, controlled sound, or, using the ‘more’ switch, it’s possible to transform the behavior of the VCA, doubling the ratio to deliver and invigorated effect compressor.

The preamp circuits are the same as those found in the Saffire PRO range of high-quality audio interfaces. As expected from all Focusrite preamps, these have an especially fast transient response and tolerance for high SPLs, as well as an unsurpassed, transparent sound.

On-board digital converters, with state-of-the-art clocking and jitter-elimination technology, enable you to stream eight channels of 24-bit/96kHz digital audio to and from an ADAT-equipped computer workstation or hard disk recorder. This makes it the perfect addition to your project studio setup or live recording rig, including those running Pro Tools M-Powered, LE and HD, as well as the likes of Logic, Cubase, Sonar and Digital Performer.

The A-D and D-A converters can operate at common sample rates of up to 96kHz, with dual TOSlink ports carrying the SMUX-compliant ADAT signal to and from your audio interface, mixing console or hard disk recorder. When running at 44.1kHz or 48kHz, the twin outputs are mirrored, so you can feed two ADAT-equipped devices — a computer audio interface and a backup recorder, for example — with the same signal.

In short, the OctoPre MkII Dynamic is the best-equipped, most comprehensive eight-channel mic pre on the market: Eight signature Focusrite mic preamps; Eight Red 3-derived compressors; World-class digital I/O: All in one box and within the project studio budget.

An updated version 3.1 of Voxengo GlissEQ is now available for download.  Voxengo GlissEQ is a dynamic parametric equalizer plug-in for professional audio and sound production applications, available in AudioUnit and VST plug-in formats, for Mac OS X and Windows  computers.
This version implements the following changes:

* Preset “update” function implemented in the preset manager.
* Selected filter’s curve is now always shown, not only when hovered.
* Filter selection (scrolling) buttons added.
* Control points can now be double-clicked to disable/enable the filter.
* The “VST Function Sync” global switch was added that fixes crashes in some hosts (i.e.  Tracktion).
* Control surface readout now displays musical note.
* “Density mode” implemented in the output level meter.
* “Ctrl+Drag” narrow-band sweeping implemented.

The most interesting and unique feature GlissEQ offers you is its filters with dynamic behavior.  Such “dynamic behavior” gives you
a friendly, assisting equalization experience.  Boosting up the highs will not create the fatiguing effect of overload; boosting up the lows
will not make things sound mushy.  Instead, you will get a pleasant transient-emphasizing effect bringing life and dimension to your
tracks.

GlissEQ features:

* Filters with dynamic behavior
* Real-time spectrum analysis
* Real-time spectrum import/export
* Up to 32 filter bands
* 16 filter types
* Harmonically-enhanced filter type
* Narrow-band sweeping
* Multi-channel processing
* Internal channel routing
* Channel grouping
* Mid/side processing
* Up to 8x oversampling
* 64-bit floating point processing
* Preset manager
* Undo/redo history
* A/B comparisons
* Contextual hint messages

Demo version of Voxengo GlissEQ and other pro audio plug-ins can be downloaded at the Voxengo web site.

A massive upgrade of the Amplitubes guitar and bass tone gear modeling software; AmpliTube 3 packs a new punch for sound variety, realism and creative power.

Features:
- 160 guitar and bass gear models now included (nearly 100 more than version 2): 51 stomps, 31 amp heads, 47 cabinets, 15 microphones and 17 rack effects
- 30 brand new models never previously released with a new line of creative effects
- 70 superior sounding gear models from the award winning AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix and Amplitube Metal for a complete vintage to modern gear suite
- Completely new Cabinet module with two freely movable microphones and impulse based ambience
- Incredible new rotary speaker emulation
- New Drag & Drop feature for Stomp and Rack effects
- New full stereo path allows also stereo processing of drums, vocals, keyboards and more
- New standalone with 4 track recorder/player
- New advanced preset browser system with new single gear presets
- New one-click MIDI learn for compatibility with any MIDI controller
- New easy to use best quality/performance settings accessible with a single button
- Improved performance and re-mastered models
- New built-in expandability with products like AmpliTube FenderTM or Ampeg SVXTM directly within AmpliTube 3

Toontrack Music announce the official Superior Drummer 2.0 tutorial presented by Mattias Eklund Toontrack Music Head of sound design and founding partner together with Pat Thrall, Neil Dorfsman and drummer NIR Z,  the team behind the recordings for Superior Drummer 2.0.

As an added bonus Neil Dorfsman also goes through Toontrack drum replacement app Drumtracker explaining its feature set.

The tutorial is available on-line at the Toontrack website as of today.

GETTING STARTED
Setting up Superior Drummer in your DAW.
Presented from BiCoastal Music Studio, N.Y. by: Pat Thrall, Neil Dorfsman & Mattias Eklund.

S20 sound good quickSOUND GOOD QUICK
Walking you through how to get a great drum sound from Superior Drummer in a matter of seconds!
Presented from BiCoastal Music Studio, N.Y. by: Pat Thrall, Neil Dorfsman & Mattias Eklund.

S20 construction windowCONSTRUCTION WINDOW
Explaining the different functions from Left to Right inside the Construction view of Superior Drummer.
Presented from BiCoastal Music Studio, N.Y. by: Pat Thrall, Neil Dorfsman & Mattias Eklund.

S20 mixerMIXER
Demonstrating the Mixer of Superior Drummer and its functionality.
Presented from BiCoastal Music Studio, N.Y. by: Pat Thrall, Neil Dorfsman & Mattias Eklund.

S20 multichannel to hostMULTICHANNEL TO HOST
How to setup Superior Drummer as a Multiple Output plugin.
Presented from BiCoastal Music Studio, N.Y. by: Pat Thrall, Neil Dorfsman & Mattias Eklund.

S20 combined presetsCOMBINED PRESETS
What Combined Presets are and various ways of implementing them from within Superior Drummer.
Presented from BiCoastal Music Studio, N.Y. by: Pat Thrall, Neil Dorfsman & Mattias Eklund.

S20 bounce render to audioBOUNCE / RENDER TO AUDIO
There are many options when looking to export your drums from Superior Drummer. The guys guide you through the process.
Presented from BiCoastal Music Studio, N.Y. by: Pat Thrall, Neil Dorfsman & Mattias Eklund.

S20 drumtracker superior drummerDRUMTRACKER / S 2.0 TUTORIAL
Drummer Nir Z jams and the team uses Drumtracker to render his live audio recording to MIDI as well as showcasing the possibilities when using the retrieved MIDI in Superior Drummer.
Presented from BiCoastal Music Studio, N.Y. by: Pat Thrall, Neil Dorfsman & Mattias Eklund.

S20 interview with NY crewINTERVIEW WITH THE N.Y. RECORDING TEAM
An interview with the team behind the N.Y. recordings for Superior Drummer. With Pat Thrall, Neil Dorfsman, Nir Z & Mattias Eklund.

Library of the Extreme – Blasts & Fills
Toontrack Music is proud to announce the release of this colossus of a Metal MIDI package, featuring one of the most prominent players in today’s metal scene, Dirk Verbeuren, drummer in Soilwork, Scarve and Aborted.

So, ever felt like having insane, extreme world class Metal drumming, executed with such a razor-blade perfection and ingenious brutality that it will hit you like a 20 ton wrecking ball of sheer metal, only a mouse click away, available 24/7?
Thought so.

Enter Library of the Extreme – Blasts & Fills, the ultimate and one of its kind collection of more than 1000 individually played MIDI files.

· All material categorized by Style, BPM and Leading Instrument
· Both Straight and Triplet variations available
· Works with EZdrummer®, Superior Drummer® (optimized for 1 or 2 kicks, 1 snare, 2 toms, 1 floor-tom, 2 crash-cymbals, 1 china and 1 ride-cymbal)
· Includes Dirk Verbeuren custom Kit Selections for The Metal Foundry SDX™ and Superior Drummer 2.0® core library N.Y – Avatar

Updated Voxengo Beeper v2.1 and Voxengo Stereo Touch 2.1 free audio plug-ins are now available for download.  These plug-ins can be loaded into any audio host application that conforms to the VST or AudioUnit plug-in specification.  Plug-ins are compatible with Windows (XP and later versions, 32- and 64-bit) and Mac OS X (10.4.11 and later versions, Intel and PowerPC) computers (2 GHz dual-core or faster processor with at least 1 GB of system RAM recommended).

These maintenance updates include the following changes:

* Beeper’s “Period” parameter’s minimal value is now 1 second.
* “Radial” knob mode can be now disabled completely.
* “Off-Line Render” indication added.
* Knob read-outs now require a single click for keyboard entry.
* Occasional crashes in WaveLab and other hosts fixed.
* Host sample rate switch-related problem fixed.
* Minor visual improvements implemented.
* Plug-in initial loading time reduced.
* The “VST Function Sync” global switch was added that fixes crashes in some hosts (i.e.  Tracktion).
* Parameter automation on AU Mac OS X now shows real parameter values.
* Preset “update” function implemented in the preset manager.

Voxengo Beeper

Beeper is an auxiliary audio processing AU and VST plugin which you can use to insert short beep, noise burst or silence signals to any sound material.  This plug-in may help you protect your work from stealing.  It is safe to apply this  plug-in to any mission-critical material because plug-in does not perform any processing on the audio between signals.

Voxengo Stereo Touch

Stereo Touch plug-in implements a classic technique of transforming a monophonic track into spacious stereophonic track by means of mid/side coding technique.  This plug-in is most effective on monophonic sounds without overly  sharp transients: it works great for both acoustic and electric/overdriven guitars, synthetic pad sounds and even  vocals.

Authorizes Connection Between Pro Tools M-Powered 8 and Onyx-i Series Mixers

LOUD Technologies Inc. (parent company of Mackie) today announced it has signed an agreement with Avid® that licenses the use of Mackie’s new Onyx-i Series Firewire Recording Mixers with Avid Pro Tools M-Powered™ 8 software.

To enable use with Pro Tools M-Powered 8, users will need to purchase the Mackie Universal Driver upgrade ($49.99 USD). Once the driver is downloaded and installed, the Onyx 820i, 1220i, 1620i and 1640i mixers can be used with Avid Pro Tools M-Powered 8 software.

“For years, Mackie customers have wanted to combine the familiar workflow of an analog mixer with the world’s most popular DAW,” remarked John Boudreau, VP of LOUD’s Music Gear group. “Through our newly-signed agreement with Avid, Mackie’s Onyx-i mixers now make this possible.”

Chris Gahagan, Senior Vice President of Products at Avid said, “Avid has made openness a key component of its ongoing strategy, and this agreement with LOUD is a perfect example of how we continue to open up our ecosystem.  As joint developers of the HUI protocol, Avid and LOUD have a history of working productively together, and we’re pleased to be working together on this latest endeavor to provide our customers with more choice and flexibility when it comes to unleashing their creativity.”

Mackie Onyx-i Series FireWire Recording Mixers are now available at Mackie-authorized dealers worldwide. For more information on this series, please visit http://www.mackie.com/onyxiseries.