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Native Instruments and Stanton Team Up to Create Integrated Hardware/Software Bundle Around New Version of Traktor DJ Studio

September 15, 2004 by Leave a Comment

Software instrument developer Native Instruments has announced a new version of its Traktor DJ Studio software, and plans to penetrate the professional DJ market through closer collaboration with Stanton Magnetics.

The version 2.6 update fuses two of the most advanced digital DJ platforms into one complete solution: Traktor DJ Studio is now fully compatible with the latest version of Stanton’s vinyl-controlled DJ system, FinalScratch 2.

The update to version 2.6 will be available in November 2004 as a free update for all registered users of TRAKTOR DJ STUDIO 2.5.

Stanton will bundle the FinalScratch 2 System, consisting of Traktor DJ Studio, the FinalScratch 2 controller, and a new Firewire sound card called ScratchAmp 2. Stanton will also ensure that the software is positioned right at the heart of the DJ market by taking over worldwide distribution of Traktor DJ Studio.

“Traktor DJ Studio’s integration with FinalScratch 2 makes for a complete Digital DJing package that is hard to beat,” says Daniel Haver, CEO of Native Instruments.

“Since both products have grown so close now, we are very happy to have Stanton leverage their longstanding experience in the DJ market to distribute Traktor DJ Studio and FinalScratch alongside each other in the future.”

Traktor DJ Studio 2.6 offers several new features: live broadcasting via Internet, live audio input with on-the-fly audio recording, a revised filter section, added support for WMA and AAC audio files, along with several other enhancements.

New features in Traktor DJ Studio 2.6 include:

* Compatible with FinalScratch 2 – Traktor DJ Studio now works together with Stanton’s FinalScratch 2 hardware, which makes the software fully controllable via turntables and DJ CD players
* Internet Broadcasting – your performance can be streamed live over the Internet, thanks to integrated support for the Icecast streaming server protocol
* Live Input / Live recording – an external audio signal can be integrated live into the mix via a third dedicated mixer channel, which allows for announcements, voice-overs, MCing and much more: the input signal can even be recorded on-the-fly, and the recordings can be dragged directly into the mix
* Mix Recording – the mix can now be directly recorded into an audio file on hard disc during the performance, as an alternative to the existing non-destructive mix recording method
* Enhanced Filter Section – Traktor DJ Studio now offers a revised filter section which is sonically optimized for the treatment of full audio tracks
* Support for AAC and WMA – Traktor DJ Studio now also plays tracks in AAC format (Apple iTunes, non-DRM files only) as well as in WMA format (Windows Media Player)
* Browser Favourites – the file browser now offers a special “favourites” section where up to 12 selected folders or playlists can be stored, which can then instantly be accessed via keyboard shortcuts
* Playlist History – a new history function gives a detailed overview about all recently played tracks, and the list can also be printed out or exported – especially useful for professional DJs who have to take care of license payments to copyright associations

Traktor DJ Studio is the most powerful and versatile software solution for professional DJ mixing, live remixing and mix recording using tracks in MP3, WAV, AIFF, and audio CD format. It exceeds the possibilities of traditional DJ equipment by implementing a vast range of mixing features that only software can provide. This includes graphic waveform displays, tempo recognition and automatic synchronization, real-time time stretching, up to 10 cue points and 10 tempo-precise loops per track, and a track database with ultra fast search function.

Key features of Traktor DJ Studio carried over from previous versions include:

Displays
The tracks are graphically shown as waveform displaying the sound in two frequency bands for visual control of beats, breaks and instrumentation. An additional display now shows the entire track for fast navigation.

Tempo Detection
TRAKTOR DJ Studio’s tempo detection uses complex algorithms for reliable beat alignment of two tracks on the fly. Tempo reading for complex beats can be improved by additional user tapping.

Tempo Correction
Pitch tracks +/- 100% or change their tempo in real-time using true-to-sound time stretching.

Precise Cue-Points and Loops
Up to ten available cue-points and loops per track open new dimensions for accurate cueing and live remixing. Cue points can be beat-quantized, loops can be set accurately on the bar, resized, moved, all without losing the groove.

Filters and Equalizers
High-end filters and equalizers radically transform the sound of the tracks.

Track Database
The easy-to-use track database provides a comfortable tree navigator, powerful quick search, MP3 browser, MP3 browser, automatic playlist icons keeping track of the set and direct pre-listening of tracks.

Automation and Mix Export
Full automation of functions and actions, recording of all user actions, seamlessly resuming mixing sessions, editing, overdubbing and exporting the entire mix as WAV or AIFF files.

Total Control
All of TRAKTOR’s over 400 functions and actions can be operated by mouse, user programmed keyboard shortcuts, MIDI controllers or MIDI note events. Comprehensive learning functions provide straightforward allocation of external equipment. In addition TRAKTOR DJ Studio 2.5 can be synced with other music programs via OSC or MIDI clock.

Native Instruments Web Site

Stanton Magnetics Web Site

Filed Under: Home Recording

Axiom Millennia M80 Floor-Standing Tower Loudspeaker

September 2, 2004 by Leave a Comment

AudioWorld Rating:

Top-of-the-Line Loudspeakers Make a Worthwhile Surround Package Upgrade

Some time ago, I reviewed Axiom’s Epic Grand Master 5.1 surround audio speaker package, and found that it was an exceptional value in mid-price home theater, providing excellent overall performance and value for money. In fact, I liked the system so much that I bought it for myself and have continued to use the Axioms as my reference home theater reproduction system.

The only real flaw in the system I noted at the time was a rather light-weight bottom end. So I have been eager to try a pair of Axiom’s top-of-the-line full-range tower speakers model M80, as the main front speakers, in place of the smaller M22 bookshelf speakers supplied with the Epic Grand package.

In a perfect world, this would allow me to do away with bass management (re-channelling low frequency content to the subwoofer) for the main pair, allow the sub to focus properly on the deep bass content originally mixed to the LFE (“.1″) channel, and extend the full system’s response more gracefully from 150 Hz down to the sub’s lower limits.

I’ve had my wish for the past couple of months, a pair of M80’s sitting alongside the M22’s in my listening room for direct comparisons, and the results have very nearly lived up to my high expectations.

In common with the whole Axiom line-up, these speakers are characterized by silky smooth response throughout the audible spectrum, except for the very lowest frequencies. In this case, the bottom is solid and tight down to the 35-40Hz region, thanks to a pair of 6.5″ aluminum woofers. The 3-way complement of drivers (dual 5.25″ aluminum midranges, dual 1″ titanium tweeters to go with the woofers), crossovers and Axiom’s distinctive slightly-wedged cabinet design with vortex porting are superbly engineered to deliver sweet, well-rounded sound without a trace of undesirable coloration.

The M80’s also deliver a flattering, yet precise, sound stage – every instrument and sound element clearly located and defined, without the overly-analytical focus that sometimes comes along with such clarity. These speakers are dead easy to position for a pleasing stereo image or surround field in typical home listenting rooms.

The other family characteristic the M80s shares with the rest of the Axiom line is an airy, transparent top end, extending well out beyond audible range – the 1” titanium tweeters found in every Axiom main, surround and center-channel speaker, working their magic.

All of this makes the M80ti’s another example of the outstanding value offered by the entire Axiom line. You will not find loudspeakers that sound nearly as good as this, anywhere close to the modest price of $1,100 (US) per pair.

So what’s not to like? For me, it’s still the bottom end. As compared to my reference system, which has Axiom’s M22 bookshelf model as the main L/R speakers, the M80ti’s go down nearly a full octave further into the depths (the M22 bottoms out around 55-60 Hz). Even so, these speakers still need a sub to reproduce the lowest lows with full weight.

No question, the M80 makes for a major upgrade to the overall performance of my surround system. My receiver’s bass management crossover comes down from 80 Hz to 40 Hz, which means that much less of the main L/R low-frequency audio is redirected to the sub. This makes the subtle taint of flabbiness in the bass that sometimes bothers me with the Epic Grand Master system go away. The subwoofer performs better with the material it must handle, and the M80ti’s do a superior job with the bottom end down to 40 Hz.

But I still can’t do away with bass management altogether, as I had hoped. In some of my listening and testing, I used the M80ti’s as a regular pair of stereo speakers, without the subwoofer to assist the bottom end. They sounded gorgeous in this mode with classical and acoustic jazz recordings, but notably light on the bottom with pop and rock material featuring aggressive bass content.

In summary, the M80’s are superb speakers in the home theater / surround audio context for which they are designed. But they wouldn’t be my first choice for stand-along stereo speakers in a 2-channel-only system.

If you are considering Axiom for your surround environment (and you should be!), I strongly recommend that you opt for these tower speakers if a large part of your listening is music (as opposed to movies), or if you have a large listening room. For a moderate price differential (the M80’s are $700 US more than the M22’s, for example), you will get a significantly tighter and smoother bottom end that will be particularly noticeable with well-recorded rock, hip-hop, electronica and other pop music. And in a big room, the bigger speakers will definitely have an edge in every respect, as long as you have a powerful amp to drive them.

On the other hand, if your system is mostly for movie listening, and your room is average living room size or smaller, you’ll probably be just as happy to save the cash and go with the Epic Grand Master system and its M22’s – they really are that good!

Of course, there are several intermediate options available from Axiom as well, surround packages built around smaller floor-standing tower models, with varying configurations of the same drivers, technology, and design approach found in the M80ti. The consistency of the whole Axiom line makes it easy and safe to mix and match models to suit your particular room and budget requirements.

Next: Listening to the M80ti’s

Filed Under: Tech

Universal Audio Releases New Precision Limiter Mastering Plug-in for the UAD-1 DSP Card

September 1, 2004 by Leave a Comment

Universal Audio, manufacturer of high-quality vintage audio hardware and DSP software plug-ins for digital audio workstations, has announced the new UA Precision Limiter plug-in for its UAD-1 DSP Card.

“We spent considerable time researching both the audio processing characteristics and metering/ballistics of the world’s best mastering limiters to ensure our own UA Precision Limiter was perfectly-tuned for maximum transparency and sonic integrity,” said Joe Bryan, VP of Engineering for Universal Audio.

“The UA Precision Limiter with its new, proprietary UA algorithm, leverages the floating-point, vector processing power of the UAD-1 DSP to allow up to 10 stereo instances at 44.1k, and of course, like all our other UAD-1 plug-ins, it performs its magic all the way up to 192k sample rates and is compatible with VST, AU, DX or MAS based software applications.”

Universal Audio's Precision Limiter allows mastering engineers to deliver the maximum hot levels demanded for many commercial CD releases, without introducing undesirable artifacts

The UA Precision Limiter is a single-band, look-ahead, brick wall limiter. It achieves 100% attack within a 1.5ms look-ahead window, which prevents clipping and guarantees zero overshoot performance. Both the attack and release curves are optimized for mastering.

The Precision Limiter also features comprehensive, high-resolution metering and conforms to Bob Katz’s “K-system” metering specs. This metering allows the user to see what is happening to audio with a great deal of accuracy, with simultaneous RMS and Peak metering and adjustable Peak Hold; the plug-in can also be bypassed and used strictly as a high-resolution meter.

Other features include options for a user-adjustable Release or intelligent Auto Release, which allows for fast recovery–minimizing distortion and pumping. The unique Contour Mode switch offers two different methods to tailor the attack shape and can affect overall “presentation” or perception of how “up front” a track feels. Switching the Contour Mode can be useful on minimal and/or acoustic program material, yielding a more subtle touch.

“Don’t let the $199 price tag fool you,” said Mike Barnes, UA’s Director of Marketing.

“The Precision Limiter is truly pro quality and will get you the maximum “hot” levels you find on commercial CD releases today but with absolutely minimum artifacts. Make no mistake, we are expanding UA’s legacy of no-compromise sonic quality into the area of mastering tools. We are confident that the UA Precision Limiter will stand proudly against any Limiter, hardware or software costing hundreds or thousands more.”

The UA Precision Limiter is designed as a colorless, transparent mastering limiter and therefore no up-sampling is used, nor does the UA Precision Limiter pass audio through any filters. Audio remains pristine and untouched unless the compressor is working, in which case, only gain is affected.

The Precision Limiter plug-in is available immediately at the Universal Audio Web site, along with the new v3.6 software for the UAD-1 card. Registered UAD-1 customers (at my.uaudio.com) can purchase a fully-authorized version of the Precision Limiter for $199 (US). A fully-functional 14-day demo version is available as part of the free v3.6 software upgrade.

Universal Audio Web Site

Filed Under: Pro Audio

Axiom’s M80 Tower Loudspeakers Mansfield Beech Finish

September 1, 2004 by Leave a Comment

Top-of-the-line Full-Range Sound


Filed Under: HiFi, Home Theater, Tech Tagged With: ,

Axiom Millennia M80 Loudspeaker Review Summary

September 1, 2004 by Leave a Comment

AudioWorld Rating:

PLUS

  • outstanding mid- and high-frequency response: transparent, smooth and detailed
  • tight, well-balanced bass extends down to 35-40 Hz
  • rich, enveloping sound stage, easy to position in most listening rooms
  • excellent overall performance and value for money

MINUS

  • light in deepest bass, requires bass management and subwoofer for full weight at the bottom
  • 4-ohm load, requires high-power receiver or amplifier to perform up to potential

AudioWorld Recommends:
In common with the whole Axiom family of loudspeakers, the M80’s are characterized by silky smooth response throughout the audible spectrum, except for the very lowest frequencies. In this case, the bottom is solid and tight down to the 35-40 Hz region, thanks to a pair of 6.5″ aluminum woofers. The 3-way complement of drivers (dual 5.25″ aluminum midranges, dual 1″ titanium tweeters to go with the woofers), crossovers and Axiom’s distinctive slightly-wedged cabinet design with vortex porting are superbly engineered to deliver sweet, well-rounded sound without a trace of undesirable coloration.

The M80’s also deliver a flattering, yet precise, sound stage – every instrument and sound element clearly located and defined, without the overly-analytical focus that sometimes comes along with such clarity. These speakers are dead easy to position for a pleasing stereo image or surround field in typical home listenting rooms.

The other family characteristic the M80ti’s share with the rest of the Axiom line is an airy, transparent top end, extending well out beyond audible range – the 1″ titanium tweeters found in every Axiom main, surround and center-channel speaker, working their magic.

All of this makes the M80 another example of the outstanding value offered by the entire Axiom line. You will not find loudspeakers that sound nearly as good as this, anywhere close to the modest price of $1,380 (US) per pair.

So what’s not to like? For me, it’s still the bottom end. As compared to my reference system, which has Axiom’s M22 bookshelf model as the main L/R speakers, the M80’s go down nearly a full octave further into the depths (the M22 bottoms out around 55-60 Hz). Even so, these speakers still need a sub to reproduce the lowest lows with full weight.

Product Description

  • 3-way speaker system, with two 1-inch titanium tweeters, two 5.25-inch aluminum midrange drivers and two 6.5-inch aluminum woofers
  • anti-standing-wave wedge-shaped cabinet suppresses internal resonances
  • vortex-ported cabinet to reduce port noise
  • 5-way gold-plated binding posts… bi-wirable and bi-ampable
  • available in Maple, Black Oak, Mansfield Beech and Boston Cherry veneer finishes

Next: Read the full, detailed review

Filed Under: Tech Tagged With: ,
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