Digital Audio
Yamaha™ has just introduced the all new Pocketrak C24 digital recorder $199 and the new Pocketrak W24 digital recorder $299. The C24 is a perfect fit for the music teacher looking for something really light and portable (2oz), gets great recordings, comes with a clip for a music stand, and has a built in tuner and metronome, and built in USB (no cable needed).
Looking for the most affordable way to get into a Pro Tools system? Introducing the new Fastrack II with Pro Tools Essentials software for only $119. Comes complete with the M-Audio Fastrack II audio interface and Pro Tools Essentials software all in one bundle. 10+ units ordered on an official school PO gets AVP (Academic Volume Pricing) @$99 each.
Steinberg has introduced a new software/hardware solution for digital recording call Steinberg C12 @$199. This is a complete hardware (the C12 audio interface) and software (Cubase AI 5) solution.
Propellerheads has introduced Record @$249.
Record gives you unlimited audio tracks, world-class effects and mixing gear, and a whole new take on music recording. With an intuitive, straightforward interface and a hands-on approach to capturing performances, Record was designed for musicians - not audio engineers. This is recording done right.
The new Zoom Q3 Video/Audio Recorder @$249 is shipping. The Q3 uses the same microphone capsules as our industry-leading H4n Handy Recorder and is perfect for recording anything where great audio and video are a must. From live musical performances and rehearsals, interviews, conferences to video podcasts, journalism, education, perfect for CBPA assessment recording for Washington music teachers, the Q3's pristine audio quality takes your videos to another level. Designed with everything you need to make your movies right out of the box, the Q3 includes HandyShare software for editing, and a 2GB SD card for up to 1 hour of video recording time. And the Q3 will also accept up to 32GB SDHC cards for a staggering 16 hours of moviemaking!
Looking for a portable hardware recording unit? The Zoom H4n @$349 is an updated version of the original H4 and is much more sturdy with lots of better features. This one promises to be the hottest seller of portable recorders for 2010!
Need to be able to convert all of those old album LP's into digital recordings in your computer? Alesis has introduced the Alesis PhonoLink adapter @$49.
PhonoLink makes it easy to direct-connect nearly any turntable, tape deck, mixer, or other stereo, line-level audio source to USB for stereo recording. The AudioLink Series USB-audio cable outputs studio quality stereo, 16-bit, 44.1 kHz digital audio thanks to its internal analog-to-digital conversion system. PhonoLink connects plug-and-play to your Mac or PC for an all-in-one USB audio solution.
Fun Things!
Yamaha has introduced the new Tenori-onW @$999. A radical idea in music making,
the Tenori-on combines a MIDI controller, tone generator, sampler and stunning visual user interface. Most importantly it’s a unique new way for anyone to approach playing and composing music. Music instantly becomes a wall of light graffiti as you paint the sounds across its 256 LED buttons. Also available is the Tenori-onO @$699 for those on a budget.
Notation Software
A major new development is the introduction of Sibelius Student Network Pack @$1249.
The Network Pack includes one seat of the full Sibelius 6 product for the teacher, and 20 seats of Sibelius 6 Student for the student workstations, all linked together using the Sibelius Licence Server. With the Licence Server, schools can install Sibelius Student on as many computers as they like, including those in, say, the library as well as in the music classroom, and the Licence Server will only allow 20 client copies to run at any time. Once the original network pack has been purchased, schools can add on additional student seats at only $49 a seat.
Theory and Ear Training
Auralia 4 music ear training software is just being released $124. This major update introduces an exciting new series of features including courses, enhanced lessons and solfege support. There is also built in support for many standard syllabi including AP* Music Theory! The interface has been extensively revised - it's clean and fresh, and best of all...its cross platform (Mac/Win)! The new setup wizard allows you to quickly configure the most important settings and automatically sets up the record keeping and assessment.
Musition 4 drill based music theory principles is just being released $124. This is the perfect companion for Auralia 4 ear training software. Complete with 34 topics, a clean and simple interface and sophisticated yet easy to use record keeping features, Musition is the ultimate music theory tool. Musition 4 now has support for AP* Music Theory! This includes a Syllabus, Tests and Courses that have all been customized for students taking an AP* Music Theory class. Best of all...its cross platform (Mac/Win)!
Keyboards
Yamaha has introduced the all new CP1 Premium Piano @$4999. Words cannot describe how good this piano sounds and how well it feels to play. 17 acoustic and vintage electric pianos are included with the all new NW Stage wooden keys. Incredible!
M-Audio has introduced the 3rd generation of the Oxygen keyboard series to include the 25,49, and 61 note keyboard controllers. The Oxygen family of USB MIDI controllers delivers next-generation functionality from M-Audio®, the leading innovator in mobile music production technology. Oxygen controllers feature eight assignable knobs and nine assignable sliders*, plus dedicated transport and track select buttons. DirectLink mode automatically maps these controls to common DAW functions** including transport, mixer, track pan and plug-in parameters. Built-in factory presets offer support for popular virtual instruments right out of the box—no complicated setup required. Velocity-sensitive keys and a sleek, compact design round out a portable keyboard that’s perfect for both production and performance.
Song Creation Software
Fruity Loops Studio 9 has been released @$59 educational pricing and Lab 5 @$249.
Fruity Loops Studio 9 is a music production program. It is fully featured and is used by many of music industy's top producers today. Load it up and start making professional beats and music straight from your home computer.
Band in a Box 2009 for Macintosh is here. Designed for the new Mac Intel, they have added additional "Real" instruments, including guitars, piano, bass, saxes, trumpet, trombone, pedal steel, fiddle, banjo, mandolin and many more. RealDrums replace the MIDI Drum track with real recordings of top studio Jazz/Rock/Country drummers. These are not "samples," but are full recordings, lasting from 1 to 8 bars at a time, playing along in perfect sync with the other Band-in-a-Box tracks.
Sound Libraries
Digidesign has just introduced Pro Tools Instrument Expansion Pack $459.
The Pro Tools Instrument Expansion Pack is the ultimate professional virtual instrument collection for Pro Tools, featuring all five best-in-class virtual instruments — Structure, Strike, Velvet, Transfuser, and Hybrid — at an unbelievable price!
Gary Garritan has introduced the new Garritan Personal Orchestra 4 @ $149. This is much improved sound quality as well as a price drop and the new Aria player is much more efficient and works better with all other music software. This is a great add on for Sibelius 6 or Finale 2010 users.
