Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio

Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio Review

Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio Feature

• Record up to 2 tracks at once
• 44.1kHz to 48kHz sample rates, 16-bit or 24-bit resolution
• One XLR mic, two TRS line, and one Hi-Z instrument inputs
• Two TRS and RCA line outputs
• Software suite includes Cubase LE4 and Lexicon Pantheon VST reverb plug-in

The Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio continues the tradition of excellence established by its popular siblings, the Lambda and Omega desktop recording studios. Alpha Studio is a bus-powered 2x2x2 USB I/O Mixer packaged as a complete recording solution with Cubase LE and the Lexicon Pantheon VST Reverb plug-in. The Alpha Studio features one XLR microphone input, two TRS line inputs, and two TRS & RCA line outs. Alpha's front panel features an ultra high-z 1/4-inch instrument input for direct to computer recording and a 1/8-inch high powered headphone output for use with professional or consumer headphones. Record anywhere you can carry your laptop! Studio quality hardware and powerful software that turns your PC or Mac into a 24-bit recording studio. FOUR INPUTS: RECORD UP TO TWO TRACKS AT ONCE! Stereo line inputs for keyboards, drum machines or analog output of a CD/MP3 player. RF-filtered TRS active-balanced inputs accept either balanced or unbalanced signals. Low-noise mic preamp with balanced XLR inputs. High-impedance front panel input for electric guitar or bass. PROFESSIONAL MIXER FEATURES Separate mic and line level input controls with individual peak indicators. Monitor mix control for balancing an audio source between live input and playback mix level while recording. Can be switched to stereo or mono. High-powered headphone amp offers ultra-clear fidelity while delivering ample power for any type of headphones. RF-filtered and TRS balanced Line outputs for speaker monitoring. USB POWERED Connect to your computer with the included USB cable and record with the included Cubase LE software. No need for a power supply... so you can record anywhere you can take your laptop.

Focusrite TwinTrak Pro Platinum Stereo Mic Preamp

Focusrite TwinTrak Pro Platinum Stereo Mic Preamp Review

Focusrite TwinTrak Pro Platinum Stereo Mic Preamp Feature

• 2 award-winning Class A discrete transistor-based pre amps
• Dual mono/stereo optical compressor, featuring custom fast-acting optos
• Latency free monitoring with total control over balance, effects, mix and monitor levels
• Variable impedance for improved microphone performance and extended creativity
• Direct inputs on the front fascia for both instruments (Jack) and microphones (XLR)

An affordable, high-specification dual mono/stereo tracking device, TwinTrak Pro also boasts comprehensive latency-free monitoring, unmatched digital connectivity, and all within a sturdy 2U 19" rack-mount chassis. Each channel features Focusrite's award-winning Platinum pre amp, embellished with the option of instant air and variable input impedance for improved microphone performance and extended creativity. A mid-scoop EQ follows, and provides variable frequency and depth of cut for vocal problem solving and miked-up cabinet ambience. TwinTrak Pro is equipped with a powerful dual mono/stereo optical compressor. This optical compressor features Focusrite's custom fast-acting optos, alongside side-chain inputs and the ability to operate as a true 'twinned' stereo pair. These circuit design innovations are complemented by a comprehensive set of focussed controls. TwinTrak Pro is the first Platinum to feature a D/A converter as standard, alongside its optional analogue to digital converter. The D/A converter enables the user to feed mono or stereo digital signals into TwinTrak Pro. These signals can be fed either into the stereo latency-free monitoring section, or via line inputs (post- the pre amp stage) for further processing. The signal can then return to the digital audio workstation via Focusrite's established stereo A/D converter option.

Focusrite TrakMaster Pro - Single Channel Strip

Focusrite TrakMaster Pro - Single Channel Strip Review

Use the TrakMaster Pro as a front end to your system and enjoy quality vocal and instrument recordings, tracked in seconds. The TrakMaster Pro boasts professional quality preamp and compression circuits, setting a new standard for project studios.

Focusrite Platinum PRO ADC - A/D Card (for TrakMaster Pro, TwinTrak Pro, VoiceMaster Pro and Penta)

Focusrite Platinum PRO ADC - A/D Card (for TrakMaster Pro, TwinTrak Pro, VoiceMaster Pro and Penta) Review

The Platinum PRO series (VoiceMaster Pro, TwinTrak Pro and TrakMaster Pro) all feature the option to install this ADC, which can be retro-fitted at any time.

Focusrite ISA220 ADC 24/96 A-D Card

Focusrite ISA220 ADC 24/96 A-D Card Review

Focusrite ISA220 ADC 24/96 A-D Card Feature

• The ISA 220's optional A/D is stereo and allows for inputs from internal (post-processing and external sources simultaneously giving a clean, protected, high-quality path to stereo digital media.
• With the Stereo A/D card installed, the ISA 220 can be used as a high quality mono/stereo tracking converter, or at mix down as a stereo converter channel for routing complete mixes to digital media.
• Two ISA 220 Session Packs can take full advantage of the one A/D converter, with one ISA 220 acting as the master and the other as the slave.

The optional A/D card can be purchased with the unit, or retrofitted at a later date. At the heart of the A/D card is a high quality 24bit 96KHz Delta Sigma converter running at 128KHz over-sampling for maximum conversion performance. Focusrite proprietary designs are used for all internal clocking and phase lock loop circuits to guarantee the absolute minimum jitter possible, whether free-running or locked to wordclock.

Focusrite ISA One Classic Single-channel Mic Pre-Amplifier with Independent D.I.

Focusrite ISA One Classic Single-channel Mic Pre-Amplifier with Independent D.I. Review

Focusrite ISA One Classic Single-channel Mic Pre-Amplifier with Independent D.I. Feature

• Single Channel Original ISA Series Pre Amp in a robust portable metal Chassis
• Choose one of four carefully selected input impedances, including the original ISA 110 setting, to suit any microphone.
• Direct Instrument inputs including high and low impedance options to provide a comprehensive DI solution
• Dedicated insert point allows you to place extra processing between the pre-amp or D.I. and the optional converter

Focusrite is dedicated to bringing you the tools you need to enhance the way you work. Our products are made with pride and principle by engineers who themselves are musicians and understand the part our products play in your process. The ‘ISA One’ microphone pre-amplifier delivers Focusrite's prestigious ISA transformer-based pre-amp in a rugged and portable chassis, at a groundbreaking price. ISA One features the classic vintage microphone pre-amplifier topology from the original ISA110 module, including the Lundahl L1538 transformer and bespoke zobel network. The pre-amp is complemented by a line input and an independent D.I. channel, complete with dedicated gain control, active or passive impedance switch, a TRS Jack output for routing to an amp and an independent XLR output on the rear. This flexible independent D.I. makes the ISA One ideal both for engineers wishing to blend a D.I.’d guitar signal with a mic’d guitar cabinet, and for demanding performers who require a single classic solution for both guitar and vocals. ISA One also features an insert point, for extra processing between the pre amp or D.I. and the optional converter. Phantom power, phase reverse and a 75Hz, 18dB/octave high-pass filter are also available from the angled front fascia. Independent input metering for both channels is provided by a moving coil VU meter with variable calibration to suit analogue and digital recording media, alongside two six-LED peak meters; inputs can be metered either pre- or post-insert. The meter calibrations utilize all the same reference points as Digidesign's Pro Tools HD system, allowing effortless line-up. ISA One’s headphone output features a dedicated volume control to deliver an external stereo cue mix fed to the headphones via two TRS jack inputs on the rear of the unit. At Focusrite our focus on quality is all-consuming. All of our products are easy to use, logically designed, and give years of class-leading, top-notch performance.

Focusrite Trackmaster Pro Channel Strip Compressor

Focusrite Trackmaster Pro Channel Strip Compressor Review

Focusrite Trackmaster Pro Channel Strip Compressor Feature

• Award-winning Class A discrete transistor-based Focusrite pre-amps
• Pro Series' Latency-free monitoring monitors your source signals within the mix, directly at source, avoiding having to resort to monitoring via your DAW or digital desk
• With the addition of variable attack and the unique 'Squash' mode (ideal for intense drum sounds), this compressor gets you the compression sound you need in seconds.
• Optional Stereo 24 bit / 96kHz ADC
• Switchable impedance, allowing you to get more from your microphone and make the most of ribbon mics
• Pro Series' Latency-free monitoring monitors your source signals within the mix, directly at source
• With the addition of variable attack and the unique Squash mode, this compressor gets you the compression sound you need in seconds.

Use the TrakMaster Pro as a front end to your system and enjoy quality vocal and instrument recordings, tracked in seconds. The TrakMaster Pro boasts professional quality preamp and compression circuits, providing enviable performance specifi cations and setting a new standard for project studio signal processing. A high quality preamp, front panel DI, problem-solving midscoop EQ, intuitive optical compression and latency-free monitoring come together in this unit to ensure you have all you require to get a quality signal tracked. You even have the option to fi t a Focusrite A-D card, taking you directly from the TrakMaster Pro into your digital workstation, whilst retaining the Focusrite signature sound as you fl ow from analogue to digital. TrakMaster Pro utilises a preamp derived from the award-winning Green range, exhibiting a quality never before seen at this price point. This preamp demonstrates the same wide-bandwidth philosophy and ensures low noise and distortion. It delivers clarity and warmth without unwanted artefacts, displaying the sonic signature for which Focusrite has become famous. Also available alongside this section are Phantom Power and a High Pass fi lter for controlling rumble, proximity effect and pop reduction, enabling TrakMaster Pro to handle any audio source in style. The Low Impedance switch brings yet further sound options to your recording, allowing you to get more from your microphone and make the most of ribbon mics, which perform best when combined with a low impedance preamp. An Optical Compressor is provided, featuring Focusrite’s custom fast-acting optos and operating in Class A mode, which allows for smoother, lower distortion performance than off-the-shelf VCA-derived circuits. With the addition of variable attack and the unique ‘Squash’ mode (ideal for intense drum sounds), this compressor gets you the compression sound you need in seconds. Add to this the ability to create latency-free monitor mixes, blending backing tracks from the DAW with the input signal, and stylish ocean blue ‘port-hole’ style peak level metering and you have a unit that both plays and looks the part as the centrepiece of your project studio.

Focusrite Platinum Pro Adc Analog-Digital Converter

Focusrite Platinum Pro Adc Analog-Digital Converter Review

Focusrite Platinum Pro ADC Analog-Digital Converter

PreSonus FireStudio Mobile

PreSonus FireStudio Mobile Review

PreSonus FireStudio Mobile Feature

• 10-input, 6-output professional recording system with plug-and-play FireWire 400 connectivity
• XMAX Class A microphone preamplifiers; six line-level, analog input channels; S/PDIF digital input and output
• High-defi nition analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters; JetPLL jitter control for improved imaging and clarity
• Bundled with PreSonus Studio One Artist DAW software and over 4 GB of virtual instruments, plug-ins, loops, and samples to get you started
• Powered via FireWire bus or using included power supply

Offering a studio-quality FireWire interface that you can use anywhere, the FireStudio Mobile ten-input, six-output professional recording system enables you to record a whole band with one portable device. All you need is a computers with a FireWire connection, a few microphones and cables, monitor speakers or headphones, and (of course) your instruments. It features two PreSonus XMAX Class A microphone preamplifiers; six line-level, analog input channels; S/PDIF digital input and output; MIDI I/O; and headphone monitoring with separate gain control.

The PreSonus FireStudio Mobile recording system (see larger image).

Back ports (see larger image).

The FireStudio Mobile includes custom-designed, high-voltage, discrete, XMAX Class A microphone preamplifiers that are suitable for use with all types of microphones. XMAX preamplifiers are built with three key elements:

• High Voltage. The XMAX preamplifier runs on power rails of 30V. Most off-the-shelf, op-amp-based designs run on power rails of 10V to 18V. Higher-voltage power rails deliver more headroom, deeper lows, smoother highs, and a richer overall sound.
• Discrete components--not op-amps. We only use genuine transistors, resistors, and capacitors. Op-amps add noise, coloration, and harshness to a signal. Our discrete design delivers ultra-low noise and transparency.
• Class A. Class A circuits have no crossover distortion and deliver purer, clearer, and more musical results than the Class AB designs that are found in many preamps.

A pair of 3-LED level/clip indicators let you check the signal levels for channels 1 and 2, and a button enables 48V phantom power for the two mic channels. Also on the front panel are gain knobs for the two mic/instrument inputs and for the main stereo outputs and a stereo headphone output with gain knob. Gain for the mic inputs ranges from –10 dB to +70 dB; the high-impedance instrument inputs range from –30 dB to +50 dB of gain. Finally, a power/sync indicator LED shows whether the FireStudio Mobile is receiving adequate power and is correctly receiving word clock.

Loaded with inputs and outputs, the FireStudio Mobile includes a pair of combination XLR/TS mic/instrument jacks, which are in the inputs for channels 1 and 2. The XLR mic inputs are routed to the XMAX solid-state mic preamplifiers. The high-impedance, TS instrument inputs let you plug guitars or basses directly into the front panel. On the back are 6 more balanced, 1/4-inch line level inputs for channels 3 through 8, plus a DB9 connector that accepts a breakout cable (included) to provide stereo S/PDIF digital I/O and MIDI I/O. You get two FireWire 400 ports: one port connects to your computer, and the other can be used to connect a hard drive or to daisy-chain any FireStudio-family interface

The FireStudio Mobile is bundled a software package that includes PreSonus Studio One Artist DAW software for Mac OS X and Windows XP and Vista, which makes producing high-quality projects easier than ever before. As part of the Studio One Artist package, you get 20 new PreSonus Native Effects plug-ins and virtual instruments and a generous bundle of third-party loops, software, and instrument sounds.

What's in the Box
PreSonus FireStudio Mobile, FireWire cable (6-foot; 6-pin-to-6-pin), power supply, software discs, user manual

Key Features

• Plug-and-play, high-speed FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394)
• 24-bit resolution with 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz sampling rates
• Record/playback 10 inputs and 6 outputs
• 2 XMAX PreSonus microphone/instrument preamplifiers with true 48V phantom power for condenser mics
• 8 line inputs, 2 line outputs
• Stereo S/PDIF and MIDI input/output -- DB9 break-out cable included
• Zero-latency monitoring
• Headphone output with gain control
• Software router/mixer
• Powered via FireWire bus or using included power supply
• Windows- (32- and 64-bit) and Macintosh-compatible
• Universal Control control-panel software
• DICE II Chipset -- extremely efficient data transfer
• JetPLL -- jitter-elimination technology
• Road-rugged construction
  • Shockproof, reinforced metal chassis
  • Silky-smooth, sealed rotary controls
  • Military-grade circuit board
  • Chassis-mounted input/output sockets resist strain from jacks
  • Full shielding from external interference

Focusrite LIQUID CHANNEL Dynamic Convolution Strip Mic PreAmp

Focusrite LIQUID CHANNEL Dynamic Convolution Strip Mic PreAmp Review

The Liquid Channel transports classic front-end processing into the digital age, removing the need for endless patching and adding fluidity and reliability to the studio environment.

Focusrite VRM Box - Headphone Monitoring/Mixing Solution

Focusrite VRM Box - Headphone Monitoring/Mixing Solution Review

Focusrite's VRM (Virtual Reference Monitoring) technology which first made an appearance in their Saffire Pro 24 DSP interface has found its way into a dedicated headphone monitoring interface the VRM Box. Launched at NAMM this clever gizmo connects to your computer via USB and endows it with a stereo 24-bit/48kHz headphone output (though it can work at any standard sample rate up to 192kHz when used with its S/PDIF input).

M-Audio Fast Track Pro Mobile USB Interface with Pro Tools SE

M-Audio Fast Track Pro Mobile USB Interface with Pro Tools SE Review

M-Audio Fast Track Pro Mobile USB Interface with Pro Tools SE Feature

• Fast Track Pro Mobile USB Audio/MIDI Interface'' Insert jack ( 1/4 TRS) for outboard processors 2 balanced outputs ( 1/4 TRS)
• Headphone A/B source switch for DJ-style cueing input/playback mix control for hardware direct monitoring mono switch for input/playback direct

Avid Technology Fast Track Pro Audio Mixer 9900-65145-12 Audio Mixers

Mackie Onyx Blackbird Premium 16x16 FireWire Recording Interface with Tracktion 3 Music Production Software

Mackie Onyx Blackbird Premium 16x16 FireWire Recording Interface with Tracktion 3 Music Production Software Review

Mackie Onyx Blackbird Premium 16x16 FireWire Recording Interface with Tracktion 3 Music Production Software Feature

• Eight boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps with class-leading fidelity and dynamic range
• High-headroom design with ultra-low noise and distortion
• High-end Cirrus Logic® AD/DA converters with 114dB dynamic range (A-weighted)
• Includes Tracktion 3(TM) Music Production Software
• Includes powerful Blackbird Control DSP Matrix Mixer o Route any input to any output o Zero-latency tracking of all inputs o Quickly set up independent mixes for headphones and more
• High-end Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters with 114dB dynamic range (A-weighted)
• Includes powerful Blackbird Control DSP Matrix Mixer o Route any input to any output

Mackie's Onyx Blackbird Premium 16x16 FireWire Recording Interface delivers industry-leading recording quality via eight boutique-quality Onyx preamps and high-end 24-bit/96kHz conversion in a sleek rackmount design. True analog hardware monitoring, in both mono and stereo, provide simple zero-latency recording, while onboard word clock and 8x8 ADAT I/O allow for ultimate expandability. Two front panel Super Channels provide quick access to crucial recording tools and the powerful Blackbird Control DSP Matrix Mixer allows for quick mix creation and routing of any input to any output. Plus, since it works as a standalone 8-channel preamp rack, Blackbird offers a single box solution ready for integration into your studio or digital live setup. Mackie Onyx Blackbird Firewire Audio Interface Features Eight boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps with class-leading fidelity and dynamic range High-headroom design with ultra-low noise and distortion Professional 16x16 24-bit/96kHz recording/playback Flexible FireWire routing 8x8 ADAT I/O for ultimate expandability Onboard word clock I/O for studio and live integration Acclaimed JetPLL jitter elimination technology High-end Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters with 114dB dynamic range (A-weighted) Compatible with most major DAWs Logic SONAR Cubase Ableton Live Final Cut Pro & 160 and more Powerful and flexible Super Channels Front panel connectivity for easy access True analog hardware monitoring of inputs, in mono or stereo, for easy zero-latency recording 80Hz low-cut switches

Focusrite ISA-828 High End 8-Channel Mic Pre Mic PreAmp

Focusrite ISA-828 High End 8-Channel Mic Pre Mic PreAmp Review

The ISA828 eight channel microphone pre-amplifier provides eight original ISA transformer-based pre amps in a single robust 2U chassis, offering the Focusrite signature sound at its lowest cost per channel to date.

PreSonus FireStudio Mobile

PreSonus FireStudio Mobile Review

PreSonus FireStudio Mobile Feature

• 10-input, 6-output professional recording system with plug-and-play FireWire 400 connectivity
• XMAX Class A microphone preamplifiers; six line-level, analog input channels; S/PDIF digital input and output
• High-defi nition analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters; JetPLL jitter control for improved imaging and clarity
• Bundled with PreSonus Studio One Artist DAW software and over 4 GB of virtual instruments, plug-ins, loops, and samples to get you started
• Powered via FireWire bus or using included power supply

Offering a studio-quality FireWire interface that you can use anywhere, the FireStudio Mobile ten-input, six-output professional recording system enables you to record a whole band with one portable device. All you need is a computers with a FireWire connection, a few microphones and cables, monitor speakers or headphones, and (of course) your instruments. It features two PreSonus XMAX Class A microphone preamplifiers; six line-level, analog input channels; S/PDIF digital input and output; MIDI I/O; and headphone monitoring with separate gain control.

The PreSonus FireStudio Mobile recording system (see larger image).

Back ports (see larger image).

The FireStudio Mobile includes custom-designed, high-voltage, discrete, XMAX Class A microphone preamplifiers that are suitable for use with all types of microphones. XMAX preamplifiers are built with three key elements:

• High Voltage. The XMAX preamplifier runs on power rails of 30V. Most off-the-shelf, op-amp-based designs run on power rails of 10V to 18V. Higher-voltage power rails deliver more headroom, deeper lows, smoother highs, and a richer overall sound.
• Discrete components--not op-amps. We only use genuine transistors, resistors, and capacitors. Op-amps add noise, coloration, and harshness to a signal. Our discrete design delivers ultra-low noise and transparency.
• Class A. Class A circuits have no crossover distortion and deliver purer, clearer, and more musical results than the Class AB designs that are found in many preamps.

A pair of 3-LED level/clip indicators let you check the signal levels for channels 1 and 2, and a button enables 48V phantom power for the two mic channels. Also on the front panel are gain knobs for the two mic/instrument inputs and for the main stereo outputs and a stereo headphone output with gain knob. Gain for the mic inputs ranges from –10 dB to +70 dB; the high-impedance instrument inputs range from –30 dB to +50 dB of gain. Finally, a power/sync indicator LED shows whether the FireStudio Mobile is receiving adequate power and is correctly receiving word clock.

Loaded with inputs and outputs, the FireStudio Mobile includes a pair of combination XLR/TS mic/instrument jacks, which are in the inputs for channels 1 and 2. The XLR mic inputs are routed to the XMAX solid-state mic preamplifiers. The high-impedance, TS instrument inputs let you plug guitars or basses directly into the front panel. On the back are 6 more balanced, 1/4-inch line level inputs for channels 3 through 8, plus a DB9 connector that accepts a breakout cable (included) to provide stereo S/PDIF digital I/O and MIDI I/O. You get two FireWire 400 ports: one port connects to your computer, and the other can be used to connect a hard drive or to daisy-chain any FireStudio-family interface

The FireStudio Mobile is bundled a software package that includes PreSonus Studio One Artist DAW software for Mac OS X and Windows XP and Vista, which makes producing high-quality projects easier than ever before. As part of the Studio One Artist package, you get 20 new PreSonus Native Effects plug-ins and virtual instruments and a generous bundle of third-party loops, software, and instrument sounds.

What's in the Box
PreSonus FireStudio Mobile, FireWire cable (6-foot; 6-pin-to-6-pin), power supply, software discs, user manual

Key Features

• Plug-and-play, high-speed FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394)
• 24-bit resolution with 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz sampling rates
• Record/playback 10 inputs and 6 outputs
• 2 XMAX PreSonus microphone/instrument preamplifiers with true 48V phantom power for condenser mics
• 8 line inputs, 2 line outputs
• Stereo S/PDIF and MIDI input/output -- DB9 break-out cable included
• Zero-latency monitoring
• Headphone output with gain control
• Software router/mixer
• Powered via FireWire bus or using included power supply
• Windows- (32- and 64-bit) and Macintosh-compatible
• Universal Control control-panel software
• DICE II Chipset -- extremely efficient data transfer
• JetPLL -- jitter-elimination technology
• Road-rugged construction
  • Shockproof, reinforced metal chassis
  • Silky-smooth, sealed rotary controls
  • Military-grade circuit board
  • Chassis-mounted input/output sockets resist strain from jacks
  • Full shielding from external interference