AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS — Sound Devices will introduce the USBPre 2, an all-new version of its popular USBPre computer audio interface at IBC 2010 (Stand 8.E72). The two-channel USBPre 2 offers professionals a powerful, yet easy-to-use, portable interface to interconnect audio sources to Mac OS and Windows computers over USB. Featuring an entirely new electronic design, USBPre 2 uses the same extended-bandwidth, low-noise microphone preamplifiers and digital converters as Sound Devices award-winning 7-Series Digital Recorders. more

German-born producer, engineer and mixer Michael Wagener has been a part of legendary hard rock and heavy metal albums from such bands as Dokken, Metallica, Skid Row, Mötley Crüe, Extreme and more, and he is also known as a co-founder and early guitarist for the well-known German band Accept. Operating his own studios since 1979, Wagener recently opened his new WireWorld Studios in Nashville, with gear supplied by Guitar Center Professional (GC Pro), the outside sales division of Guitar Center that focuses on the needs of professional users. Chad Evans, Nashville-based GC Pro Account Manager, was on-hand throughout the studio development process, recommending gear and helping with setup. more

— Coming off their first number-one album and single for country artist Jerrod Niemann, Brainard and Kolb are applying CLASP®’s unique true analog front end recording solution to tracks for up-and-coming artist Ray Scott’s next record—

The remarkable CLASP® (Closed Loop Analog Signal Processor) system from Nashville-based Endless Analog, has reinvented analog tape recording for the digital age, and it has opened up other production techniques never before possible: namely, processing digitally-recorded audio to analog tape and back to the DAW, using variable tape speeds within the same session. Analog tape remains the gold standard for sonic quality of music recording, but tape’s linear nature had always meant that it could run at only one of several standard speeds on any one set of tracks – 7.5, 15 or 30 inches per second (ips). more

VOX AMPLIFICATION ANNOUNCES NEW HAND-WIRED SERIES
VOX Amplification has announced an entirely new lineup of hand-wired AC15 and AC30 amplifiers. Created for the amp enthusiast, the Hand-Wired Series includes innovations to satisfy the versatility a modern player needs. Included are four combo models, plus a head and matching extension cabinet. more

KORG UNVEILS microKEY USB POWERED KEYBOARD/CONTROLLER
Korg unveils its new microKEY USB Powered Keyboard and MIDI Controller. For computer-based musicians on a budget seeking portability and power without sacrificing keyboard feel and function, the microKEY is an ideal way to create a compact and customized MIDI command center. Unlike its competitors, the microKEY features a built-in two-port hub to connect other controllers, computer peripherals or Korg nanoSERIES controllers for added flexibility and control of all the users’ software. Free editing software and a number of included software bundle licenses and discount coupons make the microKEY even more cost effective. more

Difficult conditions + Powersoft = no problem

New Orleans, LA, August 2010 – Powersoft amplifiers, the most efficient, green-designed amplifiers in the industry, were used by Kingston Audio Services to drive the sound at the recent 2010 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, presented by Shell, and the 37th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Powersoft amplifiers provided the clear, clean sound necessary to inspire audiences listening to artists ranging from Jeff Beck, Elvis Costello, José Feliciano and Irma Thomas for Jazz Fest to Lyle Lovett, Alison Krauss & Union Station, and Brandi Carlile for the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. more

NEW YORK, NY — Aviom’s Pro16® personal mixing system is a big hit on Broadway, where it is being used as part of the monitoring setup by three of the season’s hottest musicals — Promises, Promises, Come Fly Away, and La Cage aux Folles — to help the orchestra to stay on cue. This is no small feat, as each show presents its own unique audio challenges. more

Los Angeles, CA… From the time he was a student in school, Justin Stanley knew he wanted to record and engineer music. “I started with a TASCAM Portastudio 244,� he says, “and spent every day recording something. Years later, I joined a band that went on to sign a record deal. I then found myself in a ‘proper’ studio—sitting behind the producer and engineer while trying to learn as much as I could without bugging the hell out of them.� From that point on, it’s been a steady climb that has led Stanley to his present level of success: engineering the latest Eric Clapton recording “CLAPTON� (release date September 28, 2010), with the help of his Royer Labs microphones. more

Pictured (L-R) at Ocean Way Recording in Hollywood are recording engineer Ryan Freeland,

“House” Star Works with Top Musicians on New Orleans Blues Project

British actor/musician Hugh Laurie is recording an album of New Orleans Blues at Ocean Way in Hollywood. The star of the TV series “House,” is teaming up with producer Joe Henry, known for his fine work with artists such as Elvis Costello, Solomon Burke, Aimee Mann, Ani DiFranco and Loudon Wainwright III. Audio engineer Ryan Freeland is tracking the album. more

Life for the DJ has never been more exciting. The electronic music industry is flying high, the range of toys is vast, the tunes are massive, and the opportunities are there for the taking. As every DJ knows, its not just about spinning the tunes. Increasingly, producing tracks and putting your own signature on the sounds of the dance floor is key to success. BPM and SAE Institute know that the transition to production is not always easy. more