Superior Drummer and SDX's on sale in May

ToonTrack seems to have a sale every month, and this month is no exception! If you’ve been thinking about getting Superior Drummer now is the time to buy. The sale price expires May 30th.

If you already have Superior Drummer and have been thinking about adding more drums, the SDX are all on sale this month as well.

Tascam DR-07 MKII Digital Recorder Updated

TASCAM’s has updated their DR-07 digital recorder and called it the DR-07 mkII. It improves on the original model by adding adjustable microphones, clear sound quality and a great new design. The stereo recorder features a pair of adjustable condenser microphones. The built-in cardioid pattern mics can be moved from an XY position, for tight imaging, to an AB position, for a wider ambient sound. Choose the best sound depending on the source and environment.

The DR-07mkII is a compact digital recorder and records to microSD or microSDHC media, recording in MP3 or WAV (BWF) file format at up to 96kHz/24-bit resolution. Despite the small size, it still includes features found in Tascam’s larger digital recorders, such as a playback speaker, a tuner and Variable-Speed Audition, which changes playback speed without affecting pitch. Looping is also available and you can even overdub or add reverb. It offers 17.5 hours of battery life at 44.1kHz/16-bit, WAV (BWF) recording.

For the price and size, it is an amazing value – especially with all of the extra features that Tascam has included.

Pro Tools Compared: Pro Tools 9 vs Pro Tools MP 9

Pro Tools 9 is the "full" version of Pro Tools and will work with any audio interface.  Pro Tools MP, however, doesn't have as many features, and requires an M-Audio interface to work.  However, Pro Tools MP is less expensive than Pro Tools 9.  If you already own Pro Tools, you can upgrade to to Pro Tools 9 from LE or upgrade to Pro Tools 9 from M-Powered.

How does Pro Tools 9 compare to Pro Tools MP9?  What features are in Pro Tools 9 that aren't in Pro Tools MP 9?  Check out the comparison below for details:

Pro Tools Software Comparison

Software Feature	Pro Tools SE	Pro Tools MP 9	Pro Tools 9
Max simultaneous tracks	16	48	96
Max audio record tracks	2	18	32
Max sample rates supported	48 kHz	96 kHz	192 kHz
Max virtual instrument tracks	8	32	64
ASIO / Core Audio / EUCON support	No	No	Yes
Support for 3rd-party plug-ins	No	Yes	Yes

Detailed Software Comparison

Pro Tools System Comparison	Pro Tools SE (included w/ select M-Audio interfaces)	Pro Tools MP	Pro Tools 9	Pro Tools 9 + CPTK 2
Audio Tracks	16	48	96	192
Aux Tracks	N/A	128	160	160
Busses	N/A	32	256	256
Instrument Tracks	8	32	64	128
Simultaneous Audio record tracks	2	18	32	32
Maximum resolution	24-bit/48 kHz	24-bit/96 kHz	24-bit/192 kHz	24-bit/192 kHz
Auto Delay Compensation		X	X	X
Support for 3rd party plug-ins		X	X	X
Core Audio / ASIO Support			X	X
EUCON Support			X	X
OMF/AAF/XMF Interop			X	X
Timecode Ruler			X	X
Surround Mixing				X
VCA Mixing				X
Destructive Record				X
Advanced Automation				X
Advanced Audio Editing				X
Advanced Video Editing				X

Free Sonar X1 Studio with purchase of UA-1010

Purchase an OCTA-CAPTURE™ USB audio interface between April 1, 2011 and May 31, 2011 and get SONAR X1 Studio for Free from Roland. Offer valid in the US only, see rebate form for details.

For more details on the UA-1010 Octa-Capture, check out our review from the NAMM show.

Stealthplug and Amplitube Fender Studio – price drops!

IK Multimedia’s iRig is a hugely popular way of connecting your guitar to your iPod, iPhone or iPad. Now they are hoping to replicate the popularity with their Mac and PC version: the Stealthplug and the Amplitube Fender Studio. IK has significantly reduced the price on both units to offer an even more affordable way to connect your guitar to your Mac or PC.

Pro Tools 9 MP (M-Powered)

Pro Tools 9 has been hugely popular - especially the academic version that includes four years of free upgrades from Avid. Pro Tools 9 will now work with any audio interface – you don’t need an mBox to use Pro Tools 9.

The only disadvantage with Pro Tools 9 is the price – and now Avid has released a low cost Pro Tools solution with Pro Tools MP 9. Replacing Pro Tools M-Powered 8, Pro Tools MP 9 has most of the features as the full version of Pro Tools 9, but requires an M-Audio audio interface.

Get Samplitude Pro for only $499!

With a list price of $1249, Samplitude Pro is one of the more expensive DAW programs available. It is also extremely powerful and well worth the money. However, instead of paying over $1000, you can now get Samplitude Pro for only $499 by purchasing the Samplitude Pro Crossgrade. Everyone qualifies for the Crossgrade, so you can take advantage of this offer to get the power of Samplitude for only $499!

Buy SONAR X1 and get the SONAR X1 Sampler Video for FREE

Until April 30th if you purchase any version of SONAR X1, you will automatically get Groove 3's "SONAR X1 Explained" Sampler Video as a free download from Cakewalk. The "SONAR X1 Explained" Sampler Video contains the first two chapters of the full-length tutorial. To receive the free video, you will need to create a store account using the same email you entered for your SONAR X1 registration (you must register the product first). Once you create your Cakewalk Store account, proceed to the My Account section and go to "My Registered Products" where you will see the new video tutorials.

Hercules DJ Console 4-MX

The new Hercules DJ Console 4-MX is a Large DJ controller with metal casing, built-in audio and large jog wheels. It includes VIRTUAL DJ7 LE and although it is pricier than the other Hercules DJ Consoles we carry, I think you will find that the price is warranted by the features, the sturdy metal casing and the usability offer by its larger size. It is definitely not a toy!

TC-HELICON MP75 Vocal Mic

The new TC Helicon MP75 was engineered for the sonic realities of modern vocal performance and includes simple one button control of TC-Helicon vocal effects.
So how is this any different from other vocal mics? First, it includes a button for controlling TC’s popular vocal effects units. Secondly, the effects used by modern vocalists require off-axis noise rejection and frequency response that the majority of dynamic instrument microphones repurposed for singers just can’t deliver.

The MP75 is a great sounding vocal mic that will be useful for any vocalist. It will be especially useful if you use any of TC-Helicon’s USB enabled vocal processors, including VoiceLive 2, VoiceLive Touch, VoiceTone Singles, Harmony-G XT, Create XT and Synth since it gives you one button access to controlling your effects.

AudioLink II - aluminum USB audio capture - back in stock!

We recently received some more AudioLink II from Germany. We love this audio interface – here’s why:

• Class compliant, which means you don’t need to worry about drivers!
• Inexpensive – especially with the current sale price!
• Aluminum construction instead of plastic like most other audio interfaces – this means it can withstand travelling with your laptop!

With switchable phantom power, you can connect dynamic or condenser microphones to the XLR or 1/4" input. Use the Hi-Z connection for a guitar or bass, and connect line level devices through the RCA in/outs on the back. Both the mic and guitar inputs have gain level dials, making it easy to control your levels without having to use your mouse! The adjustable headphone out is perfect for monitoring your mix. The built in hardware reverb makes it easy to add effects without taxing your CPU.

VoiceLive Touch - perfect performance tool for vocalists

The VoiceLive Touch is the first vocal processor and looper with a touch interface. Not only does it sound great, but it looks good too! It is also very easy to use and is the perfect companion for any vocalist whether you sing live or record in the studio. TC designed it so that it can easily be mounted on a mic stand or put next to your computer or keyboard.

In addition to the usual vocal harmony and effects, the VoiceLive Touch includes VLOOP for vocal looping of vocals and guitar input. It supports up to 30 seconds of stereo looping and you can create up to 25 separate loops and then use features such as as overdub, undo and multiply. If harmony is more your thing, it offers 8 voices of NaturalPlay harmonies controlled by guitar, MIDI, or USB/Aux input. Of course, all of the usual vocal effects are included to make your vocals shine.

Obviously the engineers who designed the VoiceLive Touch must have used it in performance, since they included a “talk” button that bypasses all effects so you talk with the audience. It also offers 25 favorites settings that allow you to store and recall your customized effects quickly.

EastWest - Buy 1, Get 1 Free until April 30th

Buy 1, Get 1 Free! Purchase any of the following EASTWEST/QUANTUM LEAP products between April 1 and April 30, 2011 and get one of equal or lesser value FREE from East West by filling out and mailing in this rebate form before May 15, 2011. See rebate form for details, as shipping charges apply.

You Rock Guitar - guitar to MIDI/USB and Wii/PS3

We are really excited to be carrying the new You Rock Guitar. Although it can be used with a PS3 or Wii, it can also be used with a Mac or PC – in fact, you can use like a stand-alone guitar! Unlike most guitar controllers for games, the You Rock Guitar has strings, and both a USB and MIDI output. In other words, if you have been looking for an inexpensive way to connect a guitar to your computer, the You Rock Guitar is your answer!

New mBox options from Avid - with or without Pro Tools 9

As promised at NAMM back in January, Avid now has two versions of their popular mBox audio interfaces available. You can now purchase the mBox series with our without Pro Tools 9.

Native Instruments – new Traktor 2, new hardware

The popular Traktor DJ software line from Native Instruments has been updated with lots of new features. Now available for ordering the Traktor 2 line includes:

• TRAKTOR DUO 2 (entry level price, but still many great features!)
• Traktor Pro 2 (pro version, software only)
• Traktor Scratch Duo 2 (entry level with hardware)
• Traktor Scratch Pro 2 (pro level, with hardware)

They have also updated their DJ hardware to include:

• Traktor Audio 6
• Traktor Audio 10

We are clearing out the stock we have left on the Audio 2 DJ so if you've been looking for a small DJ interface, the Audio 2 DJ is a great value while supplies last!

Free Max for Live with Live Suite

This is a great deal if you’ve been thinking about getting involved with some of the awesome development going on with Abelton’s popular Live program. From April 1 to April 30 customers who buy Ableton Suite 8 (including the academic versions) will get Max for Live (MSRP $299) FREE from Ableton. A Max for Live serial will automatically be added to the user account of any customer who purchases during April.

EZ Drummer on Sale

If you’ve been thinking about getting EZ Drummer to provide realistic sounding drum parts to your next song, now is the time to act. EZ Drummer is on sale until the end of the month for $79.99 – almost 50% off the regular price of $149.99. ToonTrack also has a sale on their EZX Expansions, but hopefully you took advantage of the much better offer last month. If you didn’t, well, you can still save a bit off the regular price, but ToonTrack usually has a new promo every month. They don’t offer price protection, so if it goes on sale for less next month, there isn’t anything we can do if you buy it this month. (I know, we don’t like it either!)

IK Multimedia Synths - $99 until May 31st!

Looking for some great sounds for your next project, but don’t want to spend more than $100? Normally, spending less than $200 isn’t going to get you much. However, until the end of May you can get IK Multimedia’s software synths for a penny less than $100. Sonik Synth 2, SampleTank 2.5 XL, SampleTron, SampleMoog and Miroslav Philharmonik are all on sale for 1/2 price – only $99.99.

Waves – 20% off all Native plug-ins

Until the end of April you can get Waves plug-ins for 20% off the regular price. This is a great opportunity to save on some of the more popular plug-ins that never seem to go on sale! Waves is well known for great sounding, high quality plug-ins that are both powerful and usable. If you are wanting to move your mixes to the next level and sound like a pro, consider adding some of the Waves bundles to your studio.

Mixcraft 5 Sale!

Mixcraft 5 has always been an incredible value. Not only is it easy to use, but Mixcraft includes lots of great sounding synths, loops and effects. With our current sale price (while supplies last) it is an even more amazing value! Note that the sale only applies to electronic delivery.

Often called “GarageBand for Windows” Mixcraft 5 offers multi-track recording, virtual instruments, loops, video support and notation. Check out the video below for more details, then download the demo to try it out yourself!