Studio Equipment Recommendations February 2015

Review: The TASCAM US-16x08 captures 16 mic and line inputs to your computer with clear sound quality and advanced features to manage big sessions. Eight Ultra-HDDA microphone preamps deliver the cleanest and quietest operation in their class while delivering up to 56dB of gain. An additional eight line inputs are provided, two of them switchable to instrument level for direct guitar or bass recording. Eight balanced line outputs are also available, two with a level control on the front panel for monitoring.

Built into the US-16x08 is a DSP Mixer for low-latency digital mixing. Each channel has four-band EQ and compression for polished-sounding monitor mixes. In addition to interface mode, the US-16x08 can be used stand alone as a standalone mic preamp. Mac and Windows drivers are provided, as well as USB Class Compliant 2.0 drivers for tablets like Apple's iPad. MIDI input and output are also available on the rear panel.

Whether using the ergonomically-designed angled desktop stand or mounting with the included rack ears, the US-16x08 includes analog I/O for almost any music recording application.

TASCAM's own Ultra-HDDA mic preamps are the cleanest, quietest, and best-sounding from any interface in their range. A gain range of 56dB makes them ideal for any type of mic - dynamic, condenser, or ribbon. With preamp performance well beyond any interfaces in their price range, the Ultra-HDDA preamps on the US-16x08 makes your tracks sound like a record.

TASCAM's Ultra-HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamp design is based on discrete components, just like classic professional gear. They achieve an incredible EIN rating of -125 dBu, meaning their noise level is practically below the range of hearing. Other impressive specs include a signal-to-noise ratio of 100 dB, out-speccing anything in its price range. But instead of judging the design merely by test measurments, key components were selected following extensive listening tests.

The first two channels can be switched to direct guitar inputs. They're ideal for direct recording of electric and acoustic guitar and bass without the need for a preamp. Use them with amp modeling software, like the TH2 effect included with SONAR X3. (Guitar effect plug-ins sold separately.)

The Ultra-HDDA mic preamps and line inputs offer 20dB of headroom for distortion-free recordings of percussive, high SPL instruments like drum tracks.

Eight XLR mic inputs and eight TRS inputs can be used simultaneously for 16-track live recordings. Capture every detail of live performances or rehearsals for later mixdown.

The eight XLR mic inputs have switchable +48V phantom power to use up to 8 condenser mics at the same time. The two front panel TRS line inputs are switchable between instrument level and line level input with adjustable gain. An additional six TRS line ins on the rear of the unit are switchable between -10dB and +4dB. All of the jacks support balanced or unbalanced 1/4" signals.

When powered on with out a USB connection, the US-16x08 functions as an 8-channel microphone preamp. Mics pass through the Ultra-HDDA preamps to the eight balanced line outputs on the rear panel. Use the interface to add additional high-quality mic inputs to a mixer an another audio interface.

Digital processing features like the DSP Monitor Mixer and advanced USB drivers make sessions with the US-16x08 comfortable for the musicians and engineer. The DSP Mixer includes processing for a polished-sounding headphone mix without latency delay from your DAW software, fueled by a Blackfin DSP processor. And new drivers, re-written from the ground up, provide beter compatibility and performance on Mac, Windows and iPad recording systems.

The converters and electronics on the US-16x08 allow you to record at audio resolutions up to 96kHz/24-bit for detailed acoustic productions. No matter what your session's sample rate is set for, the high-quality analog and digital design make your recordings sound their best.

The US-16x08 uses USB 2.0 to connect to your computer, found on nearly every computer manufactured in the last 10 years. Simply connect the interface to any available USB port. USB 2.0 provides plenty of data bandwidth, even when recording 16 channels at 96kHz/24-bit. The US-16x08 will also work with USB 3.0 jacks on your computer.

Powered by an Analog Devices BlackFin DSP processor, the US-16x08 includes an advanced digital mixer for monitor mixing. Each input includes 4-band EQ, a low-cut filer, and compressor. The DSP mixer can store up to 10 snapshots as scenes - making it easy to recall mixer settings. An additional tab opens a digital patchbay to route signals to any output.

Review: Building on Electro-Harmonix's looper legacy, the EHX 45000 Multi-Track Looping Recorder takes the looper platform and adds studio recording elements like multiple tracks, stereo panning, and quantization. Each loop has four mono tracks and one stereo mixdown track for creative live loop manipulation.

The 45000 records CD quality audio direct to a removable SDHC card (4 to 32GB). Each card holds up to 100 individual loops accessed with the optional 45000 Foot Controller (sold separately).

Download free drum loops for the EHX 45000

Includes a 4GB card delivering up to 125 minutes of recording time
Non-compressed, 44.1 kHz / 16-bit CD quality audio
Import .wav audio files from PC or Mac
Auxiliary Input mixes MP3 players with the loop output
Stereo mixdown track frees tracks for re-use
Overdub or punch in/out recording
Quantize or non-quantize (free running) modes
MIDI Clock Sync as master or slave
Most user parameters are MIDI controllable
USB port enables backup/restore with PC or MAC
Power adapter included

Specifications:
Circuit: Digital
Bypass: Buffered Bypass
Audio: Stereo
Power Supply: 9.6VDC-200mA power adapter included
Dimensions (in): 9.5 x 6.5 x 2.75
Current Draw: 190mA
Year Released: 2013

Review: Perfect for use with Ableton Live and Traktor, the Killamix-Mini is a compact USB controller housed in a sturdy brushed aluminium case with solid aluminium knobs. It is the perfect companion to your laptop, whether you are using a sequencer, DJ-ing or VJ-ing, just plug in the USB cable and go. Despite having only 9 knobs, 9 buttons and a joystick, the Killamix-Mini can in effect be 144 knobs,144 buttons and a joystick.

By pressing a single knob you can select any MIDI transmit channel from 1 to 9, or, with a combination of two knobs, select the remaining channels 10 to 16. When you select a new MIDI channel, the current values of the knobs for that channel are stored so that they can be restored when you next select this channel, thus avoiding any parameter jump difficulties typical of units with traditional knobs and faders.

When the values are restored, the LED rings around the knobs indicate their new positions.

Review: The latest addition to the critically acclaimed M-Series line, the ATH-M70x professional monitor headphones feature proprietary 45mm large-aperture drivers and are tuned to accurately reproduce extreme low and high frequencies (5 to 40,000 Hz) while maintaining perfect balance. They are ideal for studio mixing and tracking, FOH, DJing, mastering, post-production, audio forensics and personal listening. Crafted for lasting durability with a collapsible, space-saving design, the headphones provide excellent sound isolation and are equipped with 90- swiveling earcups for easy, one-ear monitoring.

Critically acclaimed M-Series professional monitor headphones deliver accurate audio and outstanding comfort, perfect for long sessions in the studio and on the go. Contoured earcups seal tight for excellent sound isolation, with minimal bleed. And the pro-grade materials are durable, yet comfortable. Find out why online reviewers, top audio engineers, and cult followers agree, M-Series is an unmatched combination of audio and build-quality that gets the job done. Hour after hour, year after year.

Review: The SM63 is designed for handheld use on stage and in broadcast, recording, and television studios. The SM63L and SM63LB are ideal for remote interviews, sports broadcasts, and other situations where longer microphones are desirable.

The smooth, wide frequency response of the SM63 is tailored for optimum speech intelligibility, and includes a controlled low-frequency rolloff for reduced pick-up of stand and wind noise. A built in humbucking coil makes the microphones virtually immune to strong hum fields, such as those produced by studio lighting.

All three models use a patented Shure shock mount system to minimize handling noise. They also include a VERA-FLEXTM grille that protects against damage from a drop of up to 2 meters (6 ft), and is impervious to dents, rust, corrosion, and moisture. An integral pop filter effectively reduces breath noise. The SM63L and SM63LB include a two-stage windscreen accessory designed for outdoor use.

Review: Unique sub-bass monitoring system that you wear like a backpack, allowing you to feel the low end of your tracks to get a sense of how they'll work on a club soundsystem.

Supplier's notes:
Accurate, immersive, and portable - the SubPac S2 is the latest addition to our line of revolutionary tactile audio systems that have quickly become essential tools for music production and enjoyment from the top studios in LA and London, to basement apartments and bedrooms worldwide. Not just for musicians and producers, the SubPac adds real depth, connection and enjoyment to whatever you play through it - your music and media comes to life with the added dimension of physical bass. Imagine standing in front of a beautifully tuned club system and feeling the bass - this is the experience the SubPac delivers, all without any external noise.

Building on the success of the original SubPac S1, our engineering team has taken a radical approach in redesigning the S2. Featuring an all-new ergonomic design with a flexible strapping solution for your chair, improved materials inside and out, newly optimized tactile transducers, improved battery life and the addition of Bluetooth 4.0 A2DP streaming for casual listening, the SubPac S2 is the most powerful and accurate seated tactile bass solution on the planet. Feeling is believing!