Hot new DJ kit and studio gear

Hot new DJ kit and studio gear

19 October, 2007 | 1.57PM

• Section: Music News
• Written by: francispreve

Welcome to Beatportal’s seasonal series on the hottest new gear and technology releases.

Everything covered here is something that we’ve actually tested extensively, so you can rest assured that the opinions contained herein are not subsidized by advertiser dollars.

If we’re raving about it, it’s because we believe in it.

Dave Smith Instruments’ Prophet 08

MSRP $2399
www.davesmithinstruments.com

As synth legends go, Dave Smith is right up there with Bob Moog in our book.

In 1978, Dave invented the first fully programmable polyphonic synth, the Prophet 5.

From there he created a little protocol called MIDI.

After that, he designed Korg’s Wavestation and then, the pioneering softsynth Reality.

So what does he do for an encore? Create the definitive fully analog synth for the new millennium.

For a street price of about $2000, the Prophet 08 is an 8-voice, dual-oscillator analog synth with tons of modern amenities like four tempo-synced LFOs, four assignable gated sequencers (not unlike Reason’s Matrix device, times four, per voice), and FM modulation on the filter.

But features alone do not make a synthesizer a true legend.

The ultimate benchmark is the sound — and nothing compares to real analog.

This is where the Prophet 08 really delivers.

Capable of everything from silky pads to punchy bass to WTF sound effects, the P’08 will be on every electronica producer’s wishlist even after the holidays have passed.

Propellerheads Reason 4

MSRP $499 (Upgrade $129)
www.propellerheads.se

Almost every remixer/producer has a version of Propellerhead Reason in their toolkit.

Some producers use it as an affordable arsenal of ReWire synth sound sources for their primary digital audio workstation.

Others rely on its flexible studio tools for start-to-finish productions.

So naturally, there’s a lot of commotion about the new version 4 release.

The biggest buzz is around their latest wündersynth, Thor.

Sporting a completely modular structure with an array of both classic and cutting-edge modules, Thor is quite a powerhouse when it comes to hardcore sound design.

Each of its three oscillators can be based on a different classic synthesis model, like PPG wavetable, DX-style FM, and even Casio-esque Phase Modulation, in addition to traditional analog emulations.

The three filter modules offer two modes that resemble classics from Moog and Oberheim, as well as more exotic comb filter and formant shaping options.

Throw in a mother of a modulation matrix and you have a recipe for some serious sound design.

This is one of those synths that everyone will be using in 2008.

Then there’s the completely redesigned sequencer, which now features vector-based automation, color-coding, collapsible tracks, tempo automation, real-time groove re-quantization tools and a slew of modern amenities that bring it fully in step with higher-end audio workstation software.

Other doodads include a floating tool palette for quickly accessing your favorite devices and a super-flexible arpeggiator module that will keep trance-heads in an ecstatic state, at least until the next revision.

Bottom line? This is a must-have upgrade for all Reason users.

Apple Logic Studio

MSRP $499 (Upgrade from Logic Pro 7 $199)
www.apple.com/logicstudio

When a developer takes three years between upgrades, you know they’re working on something big.

And when that developer is Apple, said upgrade is assuredly going to shake up the scene.

With the introduction of Logic Studio, Apple has flung the gauntlet in the face of the entire music software industry.

Not content to have one of the most comprehensive software studios on the market, Apple is now bundling the content from their critically acclaimed JamPack loop and instrument libraries, including all of the orchestral, world, remix and guitar/bass collections.

In addition to this, they’re including a full version of Soundtrack Pro (Apple’s easier-to-use answer to Sony’s ACID), MainStage (a configurable rack of synths for live PA use), and an updated version of their CD mastering tool, Waveburner Pro.

Logic itself has undergone extensive cosmetic surgery, including a new single panel view that’s reminiscent of both Ableton Live and Apple’s GarageBand.

That’s not to say that Logic is now as flexible as Live as a performance instrument and improvisational tool — Live is still very much the leader in this area — but it’s a heck of a lot easier to find commonly used editing and mixing tools.

Logic veterans will be pleased that they can also work in a traditional multi-window mode, if preferred, which is a wise move on Apple’s part.

What’s most astounding about the Logic Studio package is the fact that Apple has ditched eMagic’s evil dongle and dropped the price of the entire package to $499.

Some may call Apple arrogant and even ruthless, but Logic Studio is incredible value for money and will inspire producers as much as it irritates the competition.

M-Audio EX66

MSRP $699 (each)
www.m-audio.com

It’s a cold hard fact that your studio is as good as its weakest link.

With affordable computers, soundcards and software, guess what that lame link is now? Yep. Monitors.

In a mature market, it’s almost impossible to be revolutionary, yet that’s exactly what the engineers at M-Audio have done with their new EX66 line of monitors.

They’re taking on giants like Mackie and even Genelec by creating powered speakers that deliver truly precise lows (critical for producing club music), balanced mids and highs, and an incredible clarity that makes mixing on these monitors a near-religious experience.

Part of this innovation stems from the fact that these speakers are very differently designed, with 6” woofers on both the top and bottom of the speaker housing.

Throw in a ton of frequency response customization switches and you’ve got one hell of a product.

The fact of the matter is that I switched to the EX66s about two months ago and I’ve had numerous remarks from artists like Gabriel & Dresden that my mixes suddenly sound better.

I guess that’s because I can finally hear every detail in my productions and make adjustments based on what’s actually happening sonically.

When guys like G&D are taking notice, it’s safe to say that these speakers are worth a little extra financial indulgence.

Next update

What’s coming next hot kit update? Well, here’s a sampling of what’s on the horizon for next season: Ableton Live 7 and their new Live Suite, Yamaha’s Tenori-On, some new in-ear monitors for gigging with style, and a few interesting items that we just can’t talk about yet.

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