STEAL A ROLAND DM-80 HARD DISK RECORDER

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SUMMER NAMM/NASHVILLE 1996
The Summer Session of NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) was held once again at the Nashville Convention Center on July 12 14, and the city of Nashville really put out the red carpet this year! Several of us from Sweetwater Sound attended the show and it turned out to be a very busy (but fun) time. As always we didnt forget our loyal customers and snapped lots of pictures with our Kodak DC50 Digital Camera so you could get a feel for the show, too (all are posted on our Website). AKG showed their MicroMic Series II microphones: C411 Acoustic Pickup, C416 Accordian and Speaker MicroMic, C417 Lapel MicroMic, C418 Drum and Percussion Mic, C419 Wind Instrument Mic, C420 Headset Mic, DB1 Double Bass Bridge Pickup. Very cool! AKG has also developed a new microphone diaphragm manufacturing process that they say will deliver a more natural performance with near perfect transmission. Alesis introduced the QS7, a 64-voice, 76-key expandable synthesizer that will start shipping very soon at a retail price of $1499. It features semi-weighted keys with aftertouch and release velocity, 16 Megs of new and enhanced onboard ROM, 640 programs and 500 multitimbral mixes which can be expanded using its two PCMCIA sound-card slots. The QS7 completes the Alesis keyboard family along with the 61-key QS6 ($1099 retail) and the top-of-the-line 88-key QS8 ($1999 retail). Alesis also showed their ATK Integrated Drum Trigger System, which includes the new DM5 Drum Module, 7 pads plus high hat, and kick trigger. A steal for under $2,000! If you like small, the new 1/3 rack space 18-Bit NanoVerb is a must-have for only $179. Or how about the stereo Nano Compressor with limiter and sidechain feature for just $149? ART has several new products to offer. The ART DST Eighty/Eighty tube preamp/processor and power amp is now shipping. Its preamp section is the fully programmable DST-4 circuitry, and all the control knobs are digitized. This cool guitar processor retails for $799. ARTs Tube MP has been nominated for this years TEC Award in the Mic Preamplifier Technology category. At only $149 (list) the Tube MP is a hit! The Dual MP (retail $329) offers twice the flexibility in a single rack. The PRO MPA offers a professional, no compromise solution if you want to regain the warmth and definition that are the hallmarks of analog technology in a digital environment. Two large, illuminated VU meters plus phantom power, phase-reversal, variable bass rolloff and balanced operation, all at a retail price of just $599. Audio-Technica has released the competitively priced Pro 95, a wide-range, fixed-charge condenser microphone with cardioid polar pattern designed for acoustic guitars and other stringed instruments. They also showed the new 1100 Series True Diversity Wireless Microphone System comprised of the ATW-1127 UniPak transmitter , the ATW-1128 hand-held dynamic microphone and the ATW1129 hand-held condenser microphone. Last year, Clavia DMI made a big splash with the Nord Lead Virtual Analog Synthesizer. Now, with Software ROM Update 2.0, your Nord Lead can have from 10-30 Analog Drum Kits with as many as 8 zones each, plus 100 more Factory Performances, a new Notch Filter and many additional MIDI Features. The retail price of the Nord Lead was also lowered, so call for details. If youve already got 12 voices and still want 12 more, get ready for the Nord 12Voice Expander coming soon. The new dbx 1066 ($549.95 retail) is a stereo compressor, limiter and gate designed to provide simple, flexible operation for recording, broadcast or live sound reinforcement applications. At the heart of the 1066 is dbxs new V2 VCA which, combined with the units design, enables the 1066 to perform like compressors selling for hundreds of dollars more. Digitech has released the GSP2101 Artist guitar preamp/effects processor ($1,099.95 retail) which features 52 new presets written by prominent guitarists and bassists. In addition there are 100 presets from the original award the N-series. Featuring a new design and a metallic, twotone, titanium finish, the 76-key N264 ($2495 retail) and 61-key N364 ($1995) provide the user with 64-voice polyphony, Real-time Pattern Play and Record and a fouroctave arpeggiator. Both use Korgs AI2 Synthesis System, have 8MB of PCM wave memory plus 430 multisounds and 215 drum sounds (for 936 programs/combinations). Both units have 16-track, 32,000-event sequencers and two independent, programmable, stereo digital multi-effects. On the recording end, Korg was showing their SoundLink DRS, a collection of recording components designed to work together as a complete system.These include the 168RC Digital Recording Console (about $3,500), the first truly affordable fully-digital 8 bus automated console. It has a 16x8x2 configuration with a total of 24 Input and 22 Output interfaces in a combination of analog, ADAT Optical and S/PDIF formats. All available later this year! On the Kurzweil Pro Keyboard side, there was an amazing live performance of the companys Take 6 CDROM (due later this year) which features extensive sampling of the vocal group Take 6. They also did demos on their newest 61-note K2vx ($3,495) and K2Svx with sampling ($4,195). Sweetwater got a sneak peek at the forthcoming four stereo bus, all digital multi-effects option for the K2500 Series called the KDFX (price TBA). From what we saw, its going to be a very exciting and flexible addition to the already powerful K2500 series. Kurzweil also previewed the DMTi Digital MultiTrack interface (price TBA) for the K2500 series. This will allow the K2500 to communicate with the Alesis ADAT, Tascam DA-88 and almost any other digital audio equipment via the AES/EBU and S/PDIF standards. Lexicon was showcasing the new PCM 90 Digital Reverberator as a companion to the PCM 80 digital effects processor. The PCM 90 offers Lexicons highest quality reverbs in a compact, single space, affordable package at $2,995. The PCM-90 can create realistic reverbs from large canyons down to incredibly realistic small spaces like phone booths and drum rooms. Youll want one when you hear it! Line 6 may not be a name you know, but their new AxSys 212 Digital Guitar System is likely to make them a familiar name. The 2x12 Stereo Combo Guitar Amplifier has classic tube sound, a full set of integrated digital effects, and total programmability.This technology replicates the sound producing elements of classic guitar amp design and the trademarked TubeTone Modeling makes the AxSys a shape changer with the sound of a whole range of the greatest guitar amps ever made. Mackie featured their new SR408, a large-format, center-master section-style 40x4x3 mixing console with an unbelievable price-point ($8995 retail). There is also a SR568 version ($12,595 retail) now available.Also on display: the 1200-watt (into 4 ohms bridged) M1200 High Current Power Amp, the first in the FR (Fast Recovery) Series, a steal at $599 list. Rane unveiled their new Mojo Series signal processing equipment consisting of the MQ 302 Stereo Equalizer ($399 list price), MC 22 Dual Channel Compressor/Limiter ($299 list), MX 22 Stereo Two-way Crossover ($299 list), MX 23 Stereo Three-way Crossover ($399 list) and MH 4 Four-Channel Headphone Amp ($299 list). Please turn to page 9 for more

Oh no, youre thinking its another mixer! Youve already been fighting with a headache trying to decide which digital multitrack to buy, and now this! Relax, the TASCAM M1600 is far from just another mixing board. According to the folks at TASCAM (and heck, they should know, right?), this mixer sets a new price-to-performance standard with a feature list thats far too long to print here. But lets start with a few basic facts: The M1600 comes in a 16-channel ($1699 list) and 24-channel ($2199) configuration. Both feature 3-band EQ with sweepable midrange, TRS balanced line inputs, signal present/overload LEDs, one stereo and four mono AUX sends, stereo inplace solo as well as mute and insert points for every channel. Of course, the M1600 incorporates XLR mic inputs with new high performance preamp circuitry and phantom power on the first eight channels, plus users can add an optional mic preamp package, the MA8, in 8-channel blocks. The M1600 Series consoles utilize the new TASCAM Selectable Monitor design that enables stereo AUX 12 to perform triple duty on each channel. Normally, AUX 12 takes its signal from the channel input. But by simply pressing the MON to LR switch, Selectable Monitor enables this section of the console to function as the monitor channel for the tape returns during the tracking pro-

TASCAM M1600 MIXER

cess. At mixdown, when tape returns are feeding the units smooth, long-throw faders, Selectable Monitor allows this area of the board to function as a stereo effects send, taking its signal from either pre or post fader. Plus, the Selectable Monitor function also doubles as the control point for any live or virtual MIDI tracks you might be running. What this all means is the choice of effects send, CUE mix or live input control is right at your fingertips, something youll really appreciate during heavy duty session work. Power users will also be excited by just how easy the M1600 is to install, thanks to the 25-pin D-sub connectors which are used for both balanced and unbalanced tape returns (these are selectable in 8-channel blocks). These same easy-to-use connectors are provided on the units Group/Direct Outs. D-subs provide an extremely secure and sonically superior connection to your multitrack recorder and are typically found only on more expensive mixers. There are also optional meter bridges available for either mixer configuration. As we hinted at earlier, theres far more to the M1600 than we have room for here, so this is a great time to call your Sweetwater sales engineer to hear about all the other stuff we couldnt squeeze in here (which is a lot), plus your own special pricing on a 16- or 24-channel M1600 of your very own.

If you havent checked in on our Web Site in a while, we really urge you to do so immediately. Weve added all sorts of new features including animation and an exclusive search engine to make finding the information you need (and theres more and more being added to our site every day) super fast. While we love to win awards and get recognized for our efforts, whats really important to everyone here at Sweetwater is that you, the customer, get the service and support you need and deserve. Were always interested in hearing from you, whether its via the Net, e-mail, fax or even the good-old U.S. postal service. We read each and every letter, mailing or fax personally (really!) and we take very seriously every suggestion you might have. We are totally committed to having Sweetwater continue as the industry leader and to provide musicians around the world with the quality tools and information that they need to make the very most of their music-making experience. Given the fact that Sweetwater is indeed the fastest-growing music retailer, you might not be surprised to learn that we will be once again expanding our facility here in Ft. Wayne. Those of you who have been here in person know how huge our existing building is and have probably seen our giant warehouse which is always filled to the ceiling with thousands of the very latest products. In fact, our warehouse has become so jammed with gear lately that weve been forced to design a brand new warehouse that will actually be bigger than our entire existing facility (all three stories)! By the time you read this, we will probably already have begun construction on this gigantic structure which will probably be completed within a matter of months (honest, we really need the space were afraid one of our shipping people might actually disappear for days back there among all that equipment). Once the warehouse is complete, well begin adding office space in our main building, then begin construction early next year on a brand new recording studio that will be designed by Russ Berger (his credits include Whitney Houstons studio and CNN among many others) making it one of the very best facilities of its kind in the entire nation. Whats more, it will be so big that well actually be able to record a full 48piece orchestra in the main room. Well keep you posted. One final note: Due to huge increases in the cost of mailing Sweet Notes internationally, we have been forced to discontinue sending copies to many of our customers overseas (you folks in Canada are still okay). You can call, fax or send us e-mail to find out if youre going to be affected. Of course, issues will still be posted on our Web Site or you can purchase a subscription for $18 if you want a hard copy for your files.
Q: What is the difference between SMPTE and MTC? A: SMPTE time code, otherwise known as LTC (Longitudinal Time Code), has been commonly used to synchronize tape decks and lots of other audio and video equipment for the past 20 years or so. With the widespread use of MIDI in the mid-1980s, a reliable method was needed to synchronize computer MIDI sequencers to tape machines (many of which already had SMPTE recorded on one tape track for other reasons). MTC (MIDI Time Code) was developed to facilitate this and for all practical purposes can be thought of as SMPTE Time Code in MIDI form. Where LTC is an audio signal usually recorded to tape and decoded by a synchronizer, MTC is specifically for MIDI equipment and is only transmitted over MIDI. Most modern MIDI interfaces (such as a MIDI Time Piece) can convert LTC to MTC for the purpose of synchronizing your computer sequencer to tape. Q: What is DAE? A: DAE (Digidesign Audio Engine) was developed by Digidesign as an application that provides a foundation for digital audio recording on the Macintosh computer. This program, which runs in the background whenever you run a digital audio program on a Digidesign-equipped Mac, contains the programming code that basically provides all of the nuts and bolts for allowing software programs to interface with Digidesign hardware in the computer. The result of this common foundation is that all of the third party programmers just have to make their programs interface with this code (as opposed to the Digi hardware itself). Since the advent of DAE people like Opcode, MOTU, EMAGIC, Steinberg, and others have had a much easier time of updating their software for increased compatibility and features as Digidesign has made hardware changes. There are quite a few different versions of DAE in use with different systems. The version of DAE (and the very important corresponding version of the Digi System Init) is specific to different kinds of hardware that you may have in your system. For example: DAE and Digi Init version 3.0 will ONLY work on PCI Macs. Never install this version on a Nubus-equipped Macintosh. For more information about specific versions, please contact us here at Sweetwater. Q: Why do I hear about DAT machines not being compatible with other DAT machines or other equipment? I thought all DATs were the same. A: In the early days, not all DAT machines recorded to tape in exactly the same way. This could cause compatibility problems between machines. Sometimes a tape made on a Panasonic SV3500 would not play on the Sony PCM2500 at the mastering house for example. These days are as gone as most of those old machines, so you are probably referring to subtle differences between the types of digital inputs and outputs modern machines may have. There are a number of digital formats for data transfer: AES/EBU, SPDIF, IEC type II, etc. We don't really have room to go into detail about Continued on page 9

mate microphone signal path to any recording medium. It features a single channel with an ultrahigh quality mic preamp identical to Green 1, three stages of EQ (Mid parametric with notch switch us low and high shelving), plus a multi-function

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(in this case, you) to subtract any noise that may have been added by compression and equalization, therefore avoiding noise build-up and modulation. The three band, ultra-high quality EQ includes both variable high and low stage filters to tilt the overall frequency response plus a special bell- shaped filter to add presence. The bell filter can also be switched to notch mode to remove any excessive frequencies caused by vocal sibilance. With an addition of a true response VU bargraph meter and output fader, the Voicebox is a complete microphone path to virtually any recording medium, allowing the user to bypass their existing desk and record with greater clarity and control. Green 3 carries a retail price of $1349. At this point, you probably have some questions, so wed like to suggest you grab the phone and call your Sweetwater sales engineer for further information and (of course) your special low Sweetwater price on the Green Range module that makes the most sense for your specific applications.
They dont look like any outboard processor youve ever owned. And with a name like Green Range, they might well be a geographical region rather than some of the best processors on the market. But lets start at the beginning and tell you what these interestinglooking boxes are and what they can do for you. First off, theres the Focusrite Green 1 Dual Mic Preamplifier, a cost effective high quality Microphone Preamp package with two identical stages featuring: Mic Preamp with variable gain from +10dB to +60dB, 48V phantom power and phase reverse switches, high pass filter (at 75Hz), a mute switch with external control, and peak overload LED. The Mic preamp circuit utilizes exceptionally quiet, low distortion amplifiers and operates with an extremely wide frequency response and clarity that youd expect from a Focusrite module (after all, these people have been building high end processors for lots of years). The same level of engineering quality has been repeated in the output stage design: the audio output from the module is electronically buffered from the external load, making the output stage performance independent of cable quality, length or capacitance. A high pass filter has been added to remove rumble and microphone proximity effects before the recorded signal is committed to tape. The mute switch can also be externally triggered via a jack socket to allow the implementation of cough muting. This feature can also be linked to Mic Open fader start system if required. You can use the Green 1 to replace any console mic pre to gain extra clarity or use it to record direct to a two-track recording medium for the ultimate in minimalist recording. Retail price for Green 1 is $1,099. The Green 2 Focus EQ is a multi input Direct Recording Module which features a single channel with: Six stages of quality focusrite Equalization, high and low pass filter, high and low mid parametric low Shelving (with Bell switch) and high shelving (also with Bell switch) There are three separate input stages with individual connectors for mics (balanced XLR), line level signals (balanced XLR) and instrument level signals (a balanced jack optimized for guitar. Green 2 includes a true VU response LED bargraph and output faderpeak overload LED. The Focus EQ uses the same high quality input and output stages as the Green 1, but has also been designed to interface with a wider range of input levels and impedance. The Focus EQ equalizer section is the most versatile yet designed by Focusrite with the possibility of configuring the EQ to operate as either two bell-shaped parametric and two shelving stages or simply to have four bell-shaped stages operating over the whole audio spectrum. The Focus EQ is a complete path to any recording medium at a retail price of just $1249. Finally, theres the Green 3 Voicebox, the ulti-

dynamics section including compressor, de-esser and noise-reducing expander allowing the user to add controlled musical compression (and also to over-compress with the de-esser when excessive frequency-related level is apparent, e.g. sibilance). The Noise Reducing Expander allows the user

MACKIE SR408 CONSOLE

Mackie Designs originally announced the SR408 Mixing Console at the January NAMM Show in Anaheim, but in typical Mackie fashion, Greg Mackie and the engineering team continued to add features even as production was about to begin, but with the stipulation that the list price would remain at an unbelievable $8995. Of course, the Mackie folks always seem to be able to pull off such engineering feats, and the SR408, which will at last begin shipping in limited numbers, has an awesome list of features thats comparable to mixers costing upwards of $20,000. Of course, part of the reason Mackie can do this is because they build mixers. No motorcycles, jet-skis or guitars. Their investment in modern world-class manufacturing technologies (like radial, axial and surface mount parts insertion machines) keeps manufacturing costs low. Equally at home at the prime house mixer in an auditorium, church or other large venue, the unit functions as a 40x8x3 sound reinforcement mixer with 4 extra stereo aux returns, 8 subgroups plus left, center and right main outs. The built-in 12x4 matrix mixer
provides access to any combination of the 8 subgroups. Master controls which include Mackies justifiably acclaimed UltraMute system are located right in the center of the mixer, along with four full-length aux strips. This gives you more control over aux functions (4-band EQ, pan and trim) without sacrificing space on the channel strips. Here youll also find eight aux send masters, complete with mute and solo buttons with LEDs, eight submix buses, more aux and tape returns, plus Mackies unique AIR EQ circuitry. You might have noticed above that we mentioned UltraMute, Mackies computerized group muting system that stores and recalls the particular mute states of the console. Imagine another live or studio board with this function built-in at this price point, not to mention things we dont have room for here like all the cool and creative things you can do with this units EQ controls. Need more channels? Check out the SR568. But most importantly, check with your Sweetwater sales engineer for more info and your special pricing on this great board from those fun folks out in Woodinville, WA.

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Everything in your studio runs on AC power, right? You probably dont have any synths or samplers at all that use natural gas or propane. No coal-burning multitracks? Well, folks, theres power. and then theres power. See, the juice coming out of those little outlets stuck in your walls the electricity that we all take for granted is hardly the clean source of power it should be. Surprised? Well, turns out that voltage dropouts, spikes and radio frequency interference are all common problems faced by todays musicians. And bad power can be the cause of ground loops, pops and clicks on tape, scrambled sampler memory and other nasty glitches you really could live without. In extreme cases, it can even cause irreparable damage to your equipment. This is not something made up by equip-

ETA POWER DISTRIBUTION

complished by these rugged, rack mount units. The most sophisticated ETA models utilize what is now the latest state-of-the-art microprocessor technology that was designed to regulate and control AC power to constant voltage levels, with no dips or peaks. Another unique feature allows audio systems to sequence power up or down in series which further eliminates potentially damaging high levels of incoming power. ETA actually developed the first products in the audio and sound reinforcement markets that can control electrical power with such precision. This sophisticated electronic protection is in use in countless high-end studios around the world, places where potentially destructive power problems absolutely cannot be allowed since surges, dips and spikes could
RED ROASTER CD SOFTWARE FOR PC
You love your PC, right? Sure, millions do. Whats that? You say youve also got a studio setup? Oh, and youre thinking of producing a music CD and the cost of sending your material out to a mastering house, but its just too costly? No problem, since we here at Sweetwater have the perfect, real-world solution for PC owners in the Hohner Midia Red Roaster mastering/writing software package for audio CDs at just $695 list. With Red Roaster, you can record your songs just like you always do, then mix your material exactly the way you want directly to your PC via Red Roasters Samplitude CD audio editor. Use it to arrange the titles in their correct order and give them any last, finishing touches. Samplitude offers extensive editing options like cut, paste, insert, fade in/out, crossfade and normalization. Whats more, the program allows up to 100 undo steps and automatic loop optimization. Then, when youre all done, turn the material over to

ment manufacturers to scare you; this is a very real problem (much of the damaged equipment we see in our own repair facility is here as a result of power problems). Dont panic, though. The thoughtful people at ETA Systems are in business to take care of that nasty AC problem for you with no less than a dozen AC power conditioners, distributors and regulators. For nearly 20 years, ETA has developed, manufactured and sold superior quality, high amperage theatrical lighting systems. And from that knowledge has evolved their extensive line of rack mounted professional power distribution products, all of which were designed to (you guessed it) protect the delicate and sensitive electronic equipment we all use in our studios or on stage. The companys PD Conditioned Power Distribution Series easily deals with all normal AC line power fluctuations, as well as the more drastic abnormalities of the spike and surge variety. Plus, filtering of airborne interferences caused by electronic and radio transmissions is routinely ac-
ruin what might be the most perfect take (or greatest synth patch or sequencer track). You can spend a small fortune on your studio. Does it really make sense to trust that huge investment to the whims and inconsistencies of your local power supply? If everyone in your neighborhood turns on their air conditioners at about the same time, what do you think is going to happen to that perfect vocal performance or guitar riff you were recording? For l than $200, we can equip your studio with a professional quality PD9 Power Distribution System. For more critical applications, or where lots of regulated power is needed, we offer ETA Systems products all the way up to the PD320VS at $1500 (thats list price, of course). Dont wait until you actually have any equipment damaged by unregulated power. Call your Sweetwater sales engineer today for great advice on which ETA System is right for your needs, along with your special low pricing on the unit thats perfect or your studio or stage rig.
DBX MODEL 262 COMPRESSOR/LIMITER
If youre looking for true, world-class performance, a brand name you can be proud of and a price you can afford, the dbx Project 1 Model 262 Compressor/Limiter may seem like a dream come true at a list price of just $199.95. Carrying on the classic design and construction techniques that have made dbx the standard for the pro audio industry, the 262 Compressor/Limiter uses the patented dbx VCA and RMS detector to drive this outstanding processor. But the 262 is more than just affordable, its an absolute breeze to use. With dbxs OverEasy compression, youll get natural sounding gain control while keeping those nasty peaks and unwanted transients from ruining your entire mix. Or use it to get that cool popping sound from your guitar or bass. Or put that vocal track or voice over center stage while maintaining the integrity of your music. Want to get more from your PA without having to add a new, expensive amp? Just add a 262. To find out more about this extremely user-friendly dynamics processor, call your Sweetwater sales engineer today for information, complete specs and your special low price on the 262 from dbx.

TASCAM DA-38

Been thinking about adding a DAT machine to your studio? You have? Good for you. Lets face it: Cassettes will soon be a thing of the past. And why mix your ultra-clean digital tracks down to a less than optimum medium? Or even to a DAT machine of questionable quality? If youve been seriously considering a DAT recorder, seriously consider the Otari DTR-8 Digital Audio Tape Recorder. It features a premium-quality dual-head mechanism and conforms to the EIAJ conference standards for compatibility with other DAT recorders, including consumer models. Built for heavy-duty professional use, the DTR-8 has +4dBu (-10dBV switchable) active balanced analog ins and outs with XLR type connectors and has both AES/EBU and S/ PDIF digital I/O. In search mode the DTR-8 uses TOC information from tape to locate up to 300 times normal play speed. This thing sounds absolutely incredible and is built to hold up under the toughest studio conditions imaginable. Even if we were to tell you the DTR-8 sells for $2,000, you might consider that a good price for a unit this rugged and sophisticated. But supposing it was $1795. Thats even better. Now what about $1499? Wow, thats a fabulous deal for this pro quality deck. But kids, thanks to a special purchase weve made, were blowing these incredible Otari decks out at the shocking price of just. Wait! The price is so low we cant even print it here! This machine has all the features you want, plus it comes with Otaris world-wide reputation for superb quality, and now its super affordable. So dont you dare wait. Theres a very limited number of these great machines in stock here at Sweetwater, so youd better call now before theyre all gone.

OTARI DTR-8 DAT RECORDER

Continued from page one The DA-38 provides you with the two industry-standard sampling rates (44.1 and 48kHz), ensuring full compatibility with other digital equipment. And of course, DA-38 tapes are fully interchangeable and compatible with DA-88s, so any combination of recorders can be linked together for up to 128 tracks of superb digital audio. We mentioned features earlier, and the DA38 really delivers. For example, the units Digital Track Copy function enables you to perform assembly composite edits that provide tremendous creative freedom. Imagine recording three separate takes of a guitar solo on three different tracks and then assembling them into one unified best-of performance onto a fourth track. Digital Track Copy can be used on a single DA-38 or between two units. Whats almost more amazing is how easily this can be accomplished from the front panel via the DA-38s simplified, menu-driven interface. Another innovation is the DA-38s built-in Electronic Patchbay. This intuitive function gives you the freedom to easily route any input to any track right from the front panel. No need to be reaching around to the back panel or messing with patch cables. With this feature, you can permanently leave a mic preamp connected (for example) to input one and still have the freedom to route that input signal to any track you want. Want more? Because the DA-38s transport is so precise, you can define tighter punch in/ out points than previously available in the analog domain, while the units variable digital crossfade assures absolutely seamless punchins under a variety of conditions. Or how about built-in Track Advance and Delay, which lets you slide individual tracks around in time to get just the right feel. The range for track advance/delay is -200 to 7200 samples, enough to change the feel of any track or instrument. Youll even find a handy test tone generator built into the DA-38 for calibrating the meters of your mixer to make sure all signal levels are the same at both board and recorder. The DA-38s operating system is a real breeze to navigate. With a very clearly defined combination of SHIFT and MENU functions, youll have the unit configured to your needs in minutes. You probably wont even have to consult the owners manual to get you going. Thats because the best thing about the DA-38 is that you already know how to use it. Unlike some other formats and hard disk systems, all the DA-38s transport controls are as simple to use as those on your old analog deck: PLAY, RECORD, FF, REW and STOP are right where you expect them to be. And recording with the DA-38 is as simple as inserting a Hi-8mm tape, feeding a signal to any input, setting proper levels and pressing PLAY and RECORD. But the DA-38 is not a closed system. There are options galore, more than we have room to tell you about. So do yourself a favor and grab the phone right now. Your Sweetwater sales engineer is waiting to tell you more and give you a special low price on a TASCAM DA-38 of your very own!

By Daniel Fisher, Chief Soundware Engineer As a Soundware Engineer, I can best remember the seasons of each year by the sounds I was working on at the time. This particular spring was marked by the String Sections we were translating from Roland S-Series format to K2000/K2500 via the new String Sections Power Translator disks. Imagine hearing incredibly detailed 14 meg stereo string sections as controlled by V.A.S.T. and played through a great pair of monitors. These string sections have every performance technique imaginable, including pizzicato, marcato, sul ponticello, tremolo and mute, as well as a variety of dynamic levels which can be crossfaded or switched. There are also separate Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass Sections which also have all of the above performance techniques. The String Sections Power Translator gives the K2000/ K2500 owner the power, variety and flexibility needed to create professional- sounding string tracks. Now that Summer is here were finishing up a new project, and its a hot one! The Sweetwater Sound Ultimate Guitar CD-ROM contains over 300 Meg of the most versatile guitar samples ever made, with all new recordings by Stratus Sounds and the kind of cutting edge programming youve come to expect from us here in the Sweetwater Soundware Development Facility. Owning this disc is like having your own guitar showroom! Youll have access to beautifully recorded acoustic gui-
tars (many in stereo!) with all the top names like Takamine, Martin, Godin, Hernandez and Taylor. Each of these include distinctive knocks, slaps, scrapes, squeaks and taps that create a truly live performance. Next, turn up the heat a few more degrees with our vintage Fender Stratocasters, Jaguars and Telecasters, Gibson Les Pauls and Paul Reed Smith Custom electric guitars. Or you might want to cool down with a smooth collection of Gibson ES335s, ES175s and ES-5s for those late night jazz gigs. We even got our hands on Carlos Santanas guitar of the late 1970s and early 80s, the Yamaha SG2000. For country, rockabilly or a distinctive instrumental timbre, check out the Gretsch Chet Atkins Nashville samples. Theres even some electric 12 strings and plenty of basses (both fretted and fretless). This is the most comprehensive collection of guitars ever offered by any company. If you were to buy these guitars, theyd cost you a small fortune. And where would you keep them all? Lets face it, this CD ROM is smaller, lighter and you can spend Continued on page 11

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TC ELECTRONICS FINALIZER STUDIO DYNAMICS PROCESSOR
You knocked yourself out and recorded some absolutely killer tracks. So you shut off the multitrack, turn off the lights in your studio and hit the sack knowing youve really got some great-sounding material. But the next day you return, only to find that those tracks seem a little less glossy and a bit less punchy than they did last night. Have no fear, TC Electronics has exactly the creative tool you need to bring back all the sparkle and punch. Its called, appropriately enough, the Finalizer, and its probably the only processor youll ever need to fix it in the mix. Strapped across the stereo outs of your mixer, Finalizer is the absolute ultimate digital dynamics tool, adding that essential boost of energy where you need it most, in the final DAT or CDR recording. Building upon the inuitive interface of the hugelysuccessful M2000 (see last issue), the Finalizer is very easy to operate with its large LCD screen and one-level menu system. But it also has the unique Wizard function which can actually identify the best settings for any given situation, something which no other dynamics processor can offer. The Finalizer features a three-band stereo compressor/limiter/expander with extensive control parameters, a five-band stereo parametric equalizer, a normalizer (to assure optimum signal levels onto the target medium without overloading, a
critical factor in todays music), groove emulation and stereo enhancement. Whats more (yes, theres plenty more), the Finalizer includes analyzer functions such as a Phase correlation meter and a High resolution Peak meter (see photo). With a 20-bit conversion path (and 105dB dynamic range), 16-bit dithering and HP-TDF noise-shaping tools to ensure that the optimal signal is always present at the built-in S/PDIF and AES/EBU outputs, plus a near ruler flat frequency response from 10 Hz to 20 kHz (varying by no more than an astounding 0.2dB), the Finalizer has the specs to do the job. Theres even a PCMCIA interface that allows you to store up to 2 megabytes of data on a single card. The Finalizer creates a final mix that not long ago could only have been delivered by one of the nations largest mastering facilities: louder, punchier, groovier, hotter or colder. whatever you prefer. The price? At $2495 the Finalizer is hardly inexpensive, but when you consider that this one single unit does what it used to take a whole rack of equipment to do not long ago, you can appreciate what it will do for your next mixdown session. You can probably guess by now whats coming next: Call your Sweetwater sales engineer for full details and your special pricing on a Finalizer for your studio.

TOO MANY SWEET NOTES IN YOUR MAILBOX?
We love getting Sweet Notes into your hands. After all, everyone works hard to put this newsletter together. But we hate to waste paper, and wasting paper means cutting down trees. So to conserve valuable natural resources, wed like to ask for your help. If you are currently receiving more than one copy of Sweet Notes, please send or fax us a copy of the mailing label from any unwanted copies, noting incorrect names or addresses or duplicate mailings so that we can delete this from our computerized mailing list. Likewise, if youve snatched this particular copy of Sweet Notes from the hands of a friend (or even an enemy), please call, fax or send us an e-mail message and well be happy to add you to our mailing list. Send to: Sweetwater Sound, 5335 Bass Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46808 or fax to (219) 432-1758.
A KILLER DEAL ON SUPER QUALITY PANASONIC TAPES
You can buy cheap tape, but why would you risk your music on a recording medium of dubious quality? That would be like putting cheap tires on a Porche. Inferior tapes often have little or no quality control, which is why theyre cheap. The manufacturing process involved with producing professional quality tapes (the kind your music deserves, right?) is subject to constant scrutiny and tapes that just dont meet the highest standards get recycled. We here at Sweetwater want you to use the best tapes available for your personal recordings. And wed also like to take this opportunity to thank the better than 100,000 customers who have helped make us Americas fastest growing music retailer. So what better way to say thank you than to offer unheard-of pricing on the finest, premium quality Panasonic DAT and S-VHS tapes? We are thrilled to offer you the following pricing:19 minute DAT tape (RTR19M) at just $4.50; 34 minute DAT tape (RTR34M) at just $4.70; 64 minute DAT tape (RTR64M) at only $4.95; 94 minute DAT tape (RTR94M) for $5.85; and 124 minute DAT tape (RTR124M) at $6.80. You can even purchase Panasonics great DAT machine cleaning cassette (RT-RCLP) at a low $9.25. If youre recording on an ADAT or similar machine that uses S-VHS tape, you can get Panasonics best DA88 SVHS Tape at only $9.75. These are not left-over tapes, discontinued items or factory seconds (we leave those for the other guys). Nope, these are the exact same tapes you can buy from other retailers at nearly twice the price. Call around you simply will not find a lower price anywhere on recording tape of this quality anywhere in the country! If youre using Hi-8mm or open reel tape, we have plenty of these in stock from all the best manufacturers at our usual super low prices. So dont waste your money or trust your music to a cheap tape. Call us today for the premium tape of your choice.

However, since I make at least part of my living from creating sample libraries (and thus am indebted to anyone who makes that pursuit easier), and also because I know and appreciate how difficult it is for a new business to be successful in this incredibly competitive market, Im going to make an exception and say wonderful things about a company called Bias (thats an acronym for Berkeley Integrated Audio Software) and a great new software product called Peak. Peak is essentially a do-it-all program for Macintosh computers that lets you record audio directly into most Macs (with or without a soundcard), then edit that audio with a host of ultra-sophisticated tools via a very userfriendly interface, and finally save your work in a variety of formats (including AIFF, SDII,.WAV, QuickTime and AES Red Book audio CD format). You can also use Peak to transfer and edit sounds from a great many of todays most popular samplers (including instruments from Kurzweil, E-mu, Ensoniq and Peavey). One of the handiest tools available from PEAK screen shot within Peak is a little DSP function called Repair Click, which allows you to quickly and painlessly repair just about any pop or click Well, enough of that deep, thought-provoking stuff. that might otherwise spoil your perfect audio document. Were all here to talk about ways to get the most out of There are also some very creative audio processing tools our music, right? Longtime readers of this column know including Convolve (which lets you apply the sonic charthat I almost never jump on the bandwagon of a specific acter of one sound onto another, say convolving a guitar product. Honestly, thats tough because there are so many sample with a dog bark), Reverse Boomerang (which absolutely wonderful products being made these days. mixes a reversed copy of any selected audio with the Manufacturers know that musicians arent going to original) and Rappify (which applies extreme dynamic be fooled into buying an inferior piece of equipment or filtering to a selection, resulting in a reduction of your software package, mostly because the overwhelming original material to its most essential rhythmic compomajority of todays musicians are so well informed thanks nents). Youll have to try all three yourself to really apto consumer-oriented publications like Electronic Musi- preciate the interesting (and often extremely innovative) cian, Keyboard, Recording, Guitar Player and many oth- effects you can produce almost effortlessly, though a little ers that I just dont have room to mention here. Theres creativity on your part will be greatly rewarded by sound also the knowledgeable sales engineers here at files that will make you positively elated. Sweetwater who literally wont be able to sleep tonight if If you do sampling or sound design (professionally you end up with gear that youre disappointed with (thats or just for fun) or create audio on your Mac, get your hot a somewhat shameless but utterly sincere plug, little hands on a copy of Peak. It lists for $499 and, as just in case you maybe missed it). with all the products Sweetwater sells, it comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee that makes this a no-risk proposition. But once you get this program installed on your own Mac, I can safely promise you that the thought Continued from page 9 will never cross your mind, particularly when you realall that extra money on upgrading your studio, then still have enough extra cash for a European vacation. ize that this is brand new program thats certain to be Now that Ive finished this issues Soundware Scene (note to editor: you can stop nagging me now.), I can start packing for the Summer NAMM Show which will again take place in Nashville (though by the time you read this, well have updated regularly with all sorts of new and musicallyuseful creative tools. Call your Sweetwater sales engialready returned). This year were flying to the show in a private plane. Its little things like this that make Sweetwater the neer for more information and special pricing on Peak. coolest place on Earth for those who really love music technology (and such a first-class place to work). And since Ive already sort of broken one of my rules If standing knee-deep in the absolute latest in musical wizardry is your idea of bliss, you too should consider joining our team. We have positions open for Sales Engineers, Sales Assistants and in the Sweetwater Soundware Development (though hardly the first time), Id be remiss if I didnt mention the brand new MIDI TimePiece AV from Mark Facility where we are again ready to hire another Soundware Engineer. Were specifically looking for someone who is experienced at creating a finished piece of soundware including the of the Unicorn. You can find a full description of this recording, sampling, editing and programming for various brands of samplers and synths. The person we select will be remarkable product beginning on page one. I wont go into details except to say that this little unit sets a whole supplied with all the best equipment and training needed to create soundware at Sweetwaters high standards of quality. In fact, construction is about to start on our all-new state-of-the-art Soundware Rooms. This is part of a major expansion new standard when it comes to what a particular piece project that will also include new Recording Studios. If you think this sounds like the type of place youd like to call work of equipment costs versus what it will actually do for you. If you need MIDI control functions as well as synand you have the skills were looking for, send me an e-mail at daniel_fisher@sweetwater.com, fax me at (219) 432chronization in your studio, this box is an unheard-of 1758, or write to Daniel Fisher, Chief Soundware Engineer, Sweetwater Soundware Development Facility, 5335 Bass Rd., value at just $499. Seriously, check this thing out! Ft.Wayne, IN 46808. Sorry, no phone calls, please, but I do want to hear from all interested parties. See you all next issue with more of my ramblings.

you dont already do so, I hope youll take just a minute to appreciate just how lucky we all are to have our music. I know Ill never spend a single minute making music without being grateful for the ability to hold a guitar in my hands or grab a handful of keys or even pound some drums. Life and music is a great and glorious gift that I for one will never take for granted again.