Pro Music Apps

RME have unveiled their latest half rack size audio interface, featuring a comprehensive list of analogue and digital connection options, that is compatible with PC, Mac, Linux, and iPad thanks to the Class Compliant mode. Read on for a full run down on this exciting new device -

RME has announced the Fireface UCX, a highly integrated pro audio solution in an ultra-compact format for studio and live recordings. It continues RME’s long tradition of designing compact high-end interfaces, packing into a half-rack size unit what usually would be spread out over two or three 19 inch panels.

In doing this the Fireface UCX marks a new packing record: 300 electronic components more than inside the already well-stocked Fireface UC! In a tremendous effort RME packed once again all the latest technologies, introduced with the award winning flagship UFX, plus a bunch of newly developed ones, into a half 19 inch housing with full mobile usability.

The result is an awesome combination of RME’s most successful products: Fireface UFX, Firefaces UC/400 and Babyface. The Fireface UCX is not just a smaller version of the smash hit UFX, with the X-core, the preamps and the complete effects engine, the UCX continues the tradition of RME’s tremendously successful compact interfaces, and combines it with the great usability of the Babyface through the included RME remote. With the Fireface UCX RME reinvented an already perfect product, by improving existing features and characteristics plus adding sophisticated new ones:

• Low Latency mastering grade converters with outstanding specifications.
• Two mic preamps with the premium technology from RME’s high-end recording bestsellers Micstasy and UFX, including the AutoSet overload protection.
• A newly developed Hammerfall audio core, supporting USB and FireWire with the maximum performance and ultra-low latency operation, combined with the legendary RME driver stability and maintenance, on both bus protocols.
• TotalMix FX with the complete Fireface UFX DSP engine, including all effects up to 192 kHz.
• Monitoring Controller: combining the impressive flexibility of the TotalMix FX monitoring tool set and the included RME Remote Control.
• RME’s unique DIGICheck metering and analysis toolbox for Windows PC and Mac.
• Plus support for RME’s Advanced Remote Control, active jitter suppression technology, professional reference level support, advanced stand-alone functionality, full 192 kHz operation, and last but not least two high speed MIDI I/Os.
• The Fireface UCX is the first professional audio interface with Class Compliant mode to work with Apple’s iPad, for perfect stereo up to 8 channel recording and playback, and the addition of truly professional I/Os.

18 Input / 18 Output channels of connectivity

• 8 x Analog I/O
• 2 x Mic/ Line Preamps, digitally controlled
• 2 x Line / Instrument inputs, digitally controlled
• 1 x SPDIF I/O coaxial
• 1 x ADAT I/O (or 1 x SPDIF I/O optical)
• 1 x Word Clock I/O
• 2 x MIDI I/O (via breakout cable)
• 1 x FireWire 400
• 1 x USB 2.0 (USB 3 compatible)
• Remote Control

For more details, check here - http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_fireface_ucx.php

Seamlessly integrating your iPad’s beautiful touchscreen display, the MasterLink Live 16 and MasterLink Live 24 provide a mixing experience above and beyond any other mixer in their class. Their hybrid designs bridge the gap between high-quality analog consoles and sophisticated DSP technology.

The MasterLink Live 16 and MasterLink Live 24 offer channel compression, three-band semi-parametric EQ, four aux sends, four group buses, built-in Alesis digital effects and the unprecedented capability of the Alto Professional Live Drive App*. With the MasterLink Live 16 and MasterLink Live 24, Alto Professional is delivering iPad integration at its finest. Both give you affordable pro-grade performance and seamless integration with iPad or iPad 2.

• Seamlessly integrates iPad with fitted enclosure, 30-pin dock and exclusive software
• Works with iPad and iPad 2
• Process and record your main mix with Alto Professional’s Live Drive App*
• Dedicated analyzer/talkback microphone input
• 16 input channels: 10 Mono, 3 Stereo
• 10 high-headroom low-noise microphone preamps
• Built-in Alesis DSP, including reverbs, choruses and delays
• Three-band EQ with sweepable mid-frequency on all mono channels
• 10 independent channel compressors for dynamic control
• Four aux sends with aux one and two configurable as “post” or “pre” fader
• Four-bus operation, offering main and monitor mix separation
• Real-time audio analysis*
• 12-band parametric EQ*
• Compressor/limiter*
• Two-channel audio recording capability*
• Built-in programmable SPL meter*

For more details, check the Alto website - http://www.altoproaudio.com/products/masterlink-live-16

Ever since the “dawn of digital” audio engineers the world over have had a love-hate relationship with their consoles. The new BEHRINGER X32 digital mixing console lets you focus on your event, instead of navigating a vast sea of knobs, buttons and menus like most other live digital mixers. X32 is intuitive and powerful with 40 processing channels and 25 mix buses, all equipped with serious signal processing (dynamics, EQ and inserts), which can be configured quickly to meet the demands of virtually any gig, large or small.

Ready for your input

Use any combination of the local 32 console mic inputs or the networked digital snake inputs on stage—their audiophile quality programmable preamps always ensure full control, purity and impeccable dynamics. The dedicated channel strip section puts 17 backlit buttons and 13 rotary controls with LED-collars right at your fingertips for nuanced adjustment of each channel’s compressor, 4-band parametric EQ and much more. Each input and output channel strip features its own color backlit 128×64 graphic LCD, which provides vital channel information at-a-glance.

Virtual FX Rack

The onboard virtual FX Rack provides access to eight true-stereo, multi-effects processors (16 mono) including delay, chorus, dynamics—and it can run 4 production quality true-stereo reverbs concurrently with 8 channels of 31-band graphic equalization, all without the need for expensive, space-consuming external hardware.

High-count I/O options

I/O abounds with 32 high-end programmable mic preamps; 6 Aux Inputs on 1/4″ TRS; 16 balanced XLR Outs, plus balanced Control Room outputs on both XLR and 1/4″ TRS connectors. A single CAT5 cable from FOH to the stage can receive up to 48 channels of audio input—and deliver all bus outputs, along with 16 individual monitor feeds for BEHRINGER’s brand new P16 personal monitoring system.

For a full rundown on the features click here -http://www.behringer.com/EN/products/X32.aspx

NAMM last week was filled with a suprising amount of iOS friendly product announcements, which only goes to prove that Apple’s mobile and tablet platforms have become serious contenders in the music world. I’ll continue to sift through the interesting news that came out of the show all this week, but let’s kick things off with this collection of innovative new mixers from Behringer.

Just in time for the 2012 NAMM Show, BEHRINGER unveils three small format premium mixers that directly interface with the ever-popular iPad. Drawing on the power of the most ubiquitous mobile digital device, the XENYX iX Series mixers are designed to handle live performance and provide state-of-the-art tools to create professional recordings. Users can also sync performances to video by utilizing the iPad‘s video out capability.
iX1642USB
The new XENYX iX Series, which include the XENYX iX3242USB, iX2442USB and iX1642USB, feature a built-in iPad docking station designed to send signal to and from the iPad with a wide range of routing options.

The innovative feature set included in the new XENYX iX Series USB mixers makes it possible to record and mix on a professional level thanks to the built-in, stereo USB audio interface. Connect these mixers directly to a PC or Mac computer via a single USB cable to record any signal source connected to the mixer.

All iX mixers include the new dual-engine KLARK-TEKNIK FX processor with 32 editable, studio-grade presets such as reverb, chorus, flange, delay, pitch shifter and multi-effects. In addition to literally thousands of apps, the iX mixers use the iPad to control the new KLARK-TEKNIK FX Processor App, enhancing the mix by allowing the user deep control of EQ’s, compressors and reverbs and a full spectrum analyzer.
iX2442USB
The iX series mixers also feature high performance XENYX mic pre amps, which represent a major step in the evolution of audio technology. Comparable to far more expensive, stand-alone mic preamps, XENYX preamps offer a staggering 130 dB of dynamic range, with a bandwidth that extends from below 10 Hz to 200 kHz for transparent, crystal-clear performance.

XENYX mixers’ 3-band channel EQ is based on the same circuitry used in British consoles that allows users to create signals with incredible warmth and detailed musical character. Additionally, “one-knob” compression is available on all mono channels. Dial in the perfect amount of compression for instruments and vocals, creating powerful mixes with punch and clarity.

“The new XENYX iX mixers demonstrate the innovation that stems from our massive investment in Research and Development,” says Mark Wilder, VP of Marketing Communications. “These are the first of many more ground-breaking products to be announced at NAMM 2012.”

More info here - http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/iX1642USB.aspx

On paper it sounds like the killer DAW app for iPad, but will Machine Labs’ recently announced Auria be able to deliver on it’s feature rich list of can-dos? I sure as hell hope so!! Here’s what we know so far about this impressive looking app…

• 48 mono/stereo, 24-bit/44.1kHz tracks, with recording for up to 24 tracks (you’ll obviously need a USB audio interface that can do that – see notes below)
• 64-bit, double precision mix architecture (something even Pro Tools only just acquired)
• Full delay compensation
• “Vintage-inspired” channel strips, with a desktop-like UI and VU/RMS switching
• Plug-in support (Out of the gate, PSPaudioware, Overloud, Fab Filter and Drumagog all work. You need to do custom wrapping of plug-ins for this host; standard plug-ins won’t work. The format is based on VST, but it’s not VST in the traditional sense in that they have to be custom-wrapped for sale through the app. See developer notes below.)
• Dropbox, SoundCloud, AAF, MP3 export
• Advanced channel strips, EQ, expansion/compression and dynamic controls ready to go
• Convolution reverb. (Really.)
• AAF import/export, making one definite application using this as a satellite for your desktop DAW (more on that notion below)

This teaser video gives a great overview of the app -

For a full rundown on the specs - http://www.auriaapp.com/Products/auria

NEW to iPad 2! (Limited functionality on iPad 1) Customize audio Multi Tracks! Remove instruments or vocals, adjust individual track levels, and more.. Specially designed for gig practice and band performance!

- Load special Multi Tracks (*.mtf format) through iTunes or Dropbox.
- Each instrument is on a separate track, so you can mute instruments or vocals you want to play or sing yourself.
- Playback your customized backing track on your iPad through Multi Tracker.
- Your changed settings are automatically saved for easy reloading.
- Optional Click Track and Count In features for your drummer.
- Attractive and user-friendly layout.

PLEASE NOTE: Current version will only play 4-5 channels smoothly on iPad 1. We plan to optimise the performance for the next update.

One FREE track built-in to let you experience this exciting format! Two more free tracks can be downloaded by PC or Mac on the App Support page and transferred to the App by iTunes or Dropbox.

Find out more about Song Galaxy’s Multi Track system at www.songgalaxy.com

If you are fond of music and knows all about music apps for iOS, you will be delightful to find out that the second major update of Rhythm Studio for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad has beed just released. The app features such handy novelties as:

- New analog modeled synth with two oscillators modeling analog waveforms, a 24db resonant filter, oscillator sync and ring modulation
-New FX with Phaser, D-Verb, S-Verb, Amp Distortion, 2 band Equalizer and Auto Filter.
- Improved navigation with a zoom button and panning which snaps to each device.
- Full multi-touch allows users to control and move as many knobs and switches as they want.
- New ST-1 sound patches provided by professional music producer and Senior Sound Designer, Red-Eye.

Rhythm Studio takes the classic software to a whole new level making it a must-have for musicians of all levels. The app has been well received in the world music community reaching number 1 for the iPad music category in 12 countries and staying at the top of the iPhone and iPad charts for weeks upon release. The second major update takes music recording experience to the whole new level, introducing new instruments as well as improved controls that provide the smoothest recording experience then ever before.

Grab Rhythm Studio now –

GarageBand made it’s way onto iPad earlier this year, and from today an update makes it possible to use on iPhone and iPod Touch. There’s also a few new features to behold.

Click here for details on the iPad version

Here’s what’s new -

• Universal app designed for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch
• Create custom chords for Smart Instruments
• Support for 3/4 and 6/8 time signatures
• Reset song key without transposing original recordings
• Transpose songs in semitones or full octaves
• Additional quantization options for recordings including, straight, triplet and swing
• New audio export quality settings for AAC and AIFF (Uncompressed)
• Arpeggiator available in Smart Keyboard
• Adjustable velocity settings for Touch Instruments
• Numerous enhancements, including automatic fade out and improved audio import options

The official word from Apple -

GarageBand 1.1 for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch is available on the App Store™ for recommended retail price US$4.99 to new users, or as a free update for existing GarageBand for iPad customers. GarageBand is a universal app that runs on iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPod touch (3rd & 4th generation).

MonitorMan is a complete personal monitoring application for digital mixers. Features include:

- Control your consoles aux send mixes from on-stage.
- Control your aux send master volume.
- Set your aux send EQ.
- Unlike other applications, sound engineer can configure which settings musicians can access.

Also included is a set list viewer, sheet music viewer, and messaging system (standalone or integrated with Planning Center).

For supported digital mixer list, or more information, visit http://www.monitormansystem.com/

REQUIRES a monitor man rackmount server connected to your digital mixer.

Control your Peavey MediaMatrix® / NION® system from your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad.

NWare mobile brings Peavey’s powerful Kiosk technology to iOS. The look and feel of the screens are fully customizable through the use of the complete set of NWare graphics tools.

Interface elements include re-sizable faders, buttons, knobs, meters, LEDs, bump panels, text labels, and bitmap backgrounds. Control and monitor any aspect of your audio/video system such as volume, source selection, EQ, presets, amplifier status, and faults.

Any number of pages of controls can be created, and any number of NION systems can be discovered and accessed. Access can be restricted through the use of PIN codes.

***IMPORTANT***
Note that NWare mobile is designed to work solely in conjunction with NWare™, nControl™, and nTouch180™.

Grab NWare mobile Designer Edition now –