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YAMAHA AW16G

AUDIO WORKSTATION

The evolution of the hard-disk recorder to an all-in-one workstation continues with the compact Yamaha AW16G ($1,299). It records 16 tracks (eight simultaneously) to a 20GB internal IDE hard drive. Each track features as many as eight virtual tracks, a 4-band parametric EQ, dynamics and digital attenuators. The AW16G also functions as a 36-channel digital mixer. It has an 8-channel Quick Loop sampler with four pads that will capture a max of 16 samples or a total of 47 seconds of sample time. Two stereo multi-effects processors may be routed to any bus or input channel directly or rerouted during mixdown. The cherry on top is a built-in CD-RW drive, to which users can export all 16 tracks of a mix simultaneously as WAV files.

Portability is key to the AW16G's design. It can be a valuable control surface for computer DAWs. It ships with a number of MIDI remote-control templates to control top programs - such as Cakewalk Sonar, Emagic Logic, Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo, and Digidesign Pro Tools - and the Yamaha Motif synthesizer. All data recorded on the AW16G is also compatible with the Yamaha AW4416 and AW2816 platforms for easy track sharing.

Additional features include 16-track playback, 240x64 backlit LCD, eight balanced mic/line inputs (two XLR with +48V phantom power and one hi-Z), stereo 1/4-inch master outs, stereo 1/4-inch aux outs, digital optical I/O, MIDI I/O and two effects buses with four channels of effects returns. Yamaha; tel. (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com ; Web www.yamaha.com/proaudio

EDIROL UA-700

USB AUDIO/MIDI INTERFACE

USB audio interfaces are usually fairly nondescript, but the Edirol UA-700 ($595) is an entirely different animal. A 24-bit, 96kHz audio and MIDI I/O interface, it also packs Roland's COSM mic and guitar-amp modeling, signal processing and effects into a sleek desktop frame. When not acting as a complete audio/MIDI USB solution, it doubles as a stand-alone A/D converter or effects box. Its connections comprise two XLR 1/4-inch combo inputs with selectable +48V phantom power, a single 1/4-inch input for guitar, RCA stereo outs, 1/4-inch inputs and outputs, optical and coaxial S/PDIF I/O, 1/4-inch master outputs, a 1/4-inch headphone jack and MIDI I/O.

Two mic inputs share the mic-modeling section and a compressor with a de-esser. The compressor is preset with normal, vocal, kick, snare, kit and accoustic-guitar settings. The guitar input can be treated with one of 11 amp models, as well as one of five speaker-cabinet settings. The Drive knob controls the distortion amount. A separate guitar-effects section contains flanger, tremolo, phaser, delay and compressor (only one effect is active at a time) and three parameter knobs. Guitar and mic effects cannot be used simultaneously.

The UA-700 also has six patch memories and a Play/Stop button that can control recording software. Edirol promises fast and stable MIDI transmission and low latency. It is compatible with Windows (98/2000/ME/XP) and Mac (OS 8.6 and higher); ASIO 2.0, WDM and Apple's Sound Manager are all supported. Edirol; tel. (360) 594-4273; e-mail sales@edirol.com ; Web www.edirol.com

LINPLUG DELTA III

VIRTUAL ANALOG SOFTWARE SYNTH

VST 2.0 users are already spoiled when it comes to choices of effects plug-ins and virtual instruments. Adding to that cornucopia is the LinPlug Delta III ($99.90) virtual analog synth for PC and Mac VST 2.0 systems. It has a modular design that emphasizes power, flexibility and ease of use. As LinPlug designs new modules, users need only to download the updates and plug the new modules into their configurations. A listen to the online demos proves that the Delta III can accomplish everything from sweet Moog pop leads to aggressive metallic dirges.

This tonal variety comes from a synthesis palette including four oscillators, two filters, eight envelopes and four LFOs per voice. Every oscillator has pulse-width modulation, as well as amplitude and frequency cross-modulation. The five-stage envelopes include attack, decay, sustain, fade and release settings. The LFOs, which include envelopes and wave-shaping capabilities, can sync to tempo. Four effect modules and 23 filter types are also provided. The synth responds to incoming velocity, aftertouch, pitch bend, mod wheels and other controllers. With the extensive modulation matrix, users have hundreds of routing options to nuance their sounds. The Portamento/Glide function is also configurable.

Delta III is 8-part multitimbral and 32-note polyphonic. The program comes with 472 presets, and there is no limit to the number of user programs that can be created. Full automation and sample-accurate timing complete the package. Existing users can upgrade to Delta III for $24. LinPlug; e-mail peter@linplug.com ; Web www.linplug.com

STANTON DFX-1

EFFECTS UNIT

In the world of DJ-oriented effects units, manufacturers have experimented with all sorts of control systems. Now, Stanton introduces the first trackball-controlled signal processor, the DFX-1 ($299). With the trackball, the DFX-1 user can control two effect parameters, such as delay time and feedback, simultaneously on the x- and y-axes. Users also have the option of slow transitional adjustments such as smooth filter sweeps, or wild reactions coming from a quick spin of the trackball.

The DFX-1 contains 85 presets utilizing single or combination effects including echo, stereo pan, transformer, flanger, filter, auto filter, reverb and pitch shifter. A built-in bpm engine synchronizes the effects to incoming audio on the fly or via a Tap button. The unit also has five time-signature buttons to change the effect sync, a wet/dry mix control and an effect-bypass switch, as well as both RCA and 1/4-inch inputs and outputs. The LCD shows the selected preset, the type of effect, the bpm count and the value of the x and y parameters. Stanton; e-mail dj@stantonmagnetics.com ; Web www.stantonmagnetics.com

PIONEER DMP-555

DIGITAL MEDIA PLAYER

The DMP-555 ($1,499) from Pioneer is the first DJ tool to combine CD and solid-state MP3 playback. It is compatible with CD, -R and -RW and with MP3 files stored on Secure Digital (SD) cards. What's more, the DMP-555 can play back audio from a CD and an SD card simultaneously. With the SD Card Syncro button, the DMP-555 will sync the tempo of an MP3 loop with the bpm of the CD for easy on-tempo triggering of MP3 loops. There is also an SD Card Mixout button that assists smooth mixing of MP3 audio and fading CD audio. Familiar Pioneer features such as seamless loop, bpm detection and master tempo control - which slows or speeds audio without affecting pitch - are onboard, but a new feature called Isolator is also present. Isolator lets the user mute the low, mid- or high ranges of the CD or SD card audio.

Bundled with the product is the Pioneer DJ Booth software (also available separately), which simulates a setup with two Pioneer CDJ players and a mixer. With the DMP-555 connected via the included USB cable to a PC (Windows 98/SE/ME/2000/XP), one can use the DMP-555 to control the DJ Booth software and mix loops and tracks stored on the computer. The software also allows for CD ripping, CD burning, audio-file management and transfer to an SD card.

Pioneer supplies one 16MB SD card with the DMP-555, and the unit is compatible with SD cards from 8 to 256 MB. The unit's outputs are all RCA connections; they include one master output, one card monitor output and one digital output. Pioneer; tel. (800) 782-7210; Web www.pioneerprodj.com

VESTAX PVT-E2

PIVOT TURNTABLE

Vestax is putting a slant on the turntable concept with the PVT-e2 ($995). Contained in an adjustable stand, the PVT-e2 pivots from a flat, horizontal plane to an angle as wide as 60 degrees. All the while, the needle traces the groove at any angle without skipping. Like other Vestax turntables, such as the popular PDX-2000, the PVT-e2 takes advantage of the company's active-balanced Anti-Skipping Tonearm System (ASTS) to ensure skip-free play. The PVT-e2 also features quartz lock, pitch correction of [+ or -]10 percent and a durable Vestax AC motor. Besides simply looking cool, the alternate angles of the PVT-e2 can give turntablists more precise control and the opportunity to explore new techniques. Another advantage is that when propped up to the maximum angle of 60 degrees, the PVT-e2 reduces the footprint of typical turntables by as much as half, making it well-suited to cramped spaces like restaurants or bars. Vestax; tel. (562) 623-9881; Web www.vestax.com