LIVORNO, ITALY, JUNE 13, 2008—When Italy’s Spazi Sonori recording studio recently hosted Grammy award-winning jazz musician Joey DeFrancesco and his band as they recorded nine new tracks for an upcoming release, it entrusted Aviom to help make monitoring a breeze. more…

LAS VEGAS, NV – Auralex Acoustics, the industry leader in innovative sound control solutions, introduces new Ceiling Tiles at this year’s InfoComm show (Booth C4984). Auralex’s premium acoustic Ceiling Tiles can easily be installed into new and existing drop and suspending ceiling grids, and are ideal for upgrading in-room sound quality by controlling ambient noise and reducing noise transmission.

The fabric-faced acoustical panels, which are available in standard ceiling grid sizes (23.875″ x 23.875″x 1″ and 23.875″x 47.875″x 1″), can be customized in terms of size and thickness to meet any project’s requirements. With an overall Noise Ratio Coefficient (NRC) of .80, Ceiling Tiles are the perfect choice for controlling many common acoustical problems at a wide range of frequencies. Available in standard white and black color options, Auralex’s new tiles are also available in custom colors upon special request. more…

CME, makers of the BitStream 3X MIDI Controller, have released version 1.8 firmware for the unit, adding new features and enhancing its functionality.

As the world’ s first 3 axis MIDI controller, CME Bitstream 3X is a completely new direction in MIDI controllers and is perfect for controlling Virtual Instruments, DAWs, and even other MIDI hardware. This compact desktop unit includes 35 knobs, 8 sliders, 16 buttons, a joystick, a cross-fader and controller.

The new version 1.8 firmware update adds the ability of the Bitstream 3X to generate SMPTE Sync at 24, 25, 30 dropped and 30 frames per second, 64 new Arppegiator Scenes independent from the 100 existing Snapshot Scenes, and an enhanced Switch (Jump/Toggle) Mode.

Workflow improvements include independent enabling/disabling of Hook Mode, Scenes can now be changed via incoming program changes (0-99), the Arppegiator is now initialized in Automatic Mode after a factory reset, and Start/Stop/Pause bitmaps are now updated when the unit is synchronized from external source.

The Bitstream 3x is fully programmable and includes more than 13,000 presets for popular samplers, synthesizers, and software including Propellerheads Reason and Rebirth, Steinberg Cubase, Ableton Live, Native Instruments Reaktor, Traktor, Kontakt, and Absynth, Fruity Loops and more. An 8 track motion sampler, transport functions, and a large LCD display round out this versatile unit.

Version 1.8 Firmware for the CME Bitstream 3X can be downloaded free of charge for registered users at http://www.waveidea.com/en/products/bitstream_3x/download_fw.php.

For more information, please visit www.cme-pro.com.

LAS VEGAS, NV - How many times have you reached for a cable only to find it has the wrong XLR connector on the other end? In direct response to high professional and consumer demand, Neutrik, designer and manufacturer of the XX series XLR cable connector, introduces the world’s first unisex 3-pin XLR connector, ConvertCon®, at InfoComm 2008 (Booth C3657).

ConvertCon (NC3FM-C) is a new 3-pin male and female cable connector in a single housing. ConvertCon is also available with black chrome housing and gold contacts (NC3FM-C-B). By simply sliding the housing back and forth, ConvertCon is transformed from a male to female connector. This new male/female cable end XLR allows for use of one connector, as it can mate with either a male or female 3-pin XLR. more…

Zero-G introduces five new titles to its SoundSense Series: Street Beatz, LA Drums for Songwriters, Grime Scene, Old Skool House and Elektrolytic. In the spirit of the series, EASTWEST, exclusive U.S. distributor for Zero-G products, is helping to cost-effectively expand users’ libraries with these new collections that span various musical genres. more…

HOLLYWOOD, JUNE 5, 2008 — Harmonization of both vocals and brass has been made easier with Best Service’s Vielklang harmonization instrument, created by Z.Plane Development. EASTWEST, exclusive U.S. distributor of Best Service products, is helping to bring this cutting-edge harmonization technology to musicians, songwriters and producers. more…

Elkton, MD, June 5, 2008 — Renowned bassist Derek Jones is going the distance with Elixir™ Cables as he uses the company’s first non-string product for performances during Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV. Jones, who has worked with such artists as Sheila E., Crystal Gale, and Nickel Creek says that Elixir™ Cables are proving most beneficial. more…

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, JUNE 5, 2008—Aviom, exclusive developer of the world’s most powerful audio transport protocol, A-Net®, is now shipping its remote-controllable 6416m Mic Input Module and its companion products, the RCI Remote Control Interface and the MCS Mic Control Surface. more…

St. Paul, MN, June 5, 2008 – McNally Smith College of Music is pleased to announce that André Fischer, previously Dean of Music Industries, has been promoted to Executive Director of the McNally Smith Foundation. In his new role, Fischer is responsible for reinforcing and strengthening the college’s presence in St. Paul and its surrounding areas as well as throughout the country. more…

London, England, May 28, 2008 – James Lewis, one of the UK’s rising producers, engineers, mixers and songwriters in genres ranging from indie rock to dance, continues to choose Avastor’s HDX-800 triple interface drives for tracking via Pro Tools. Working with such artists as Arctic Monkeys, The Pistolas and Simon Webbe, whose single “Ride The Storm” was produced and mixed by Lewis and chosen as the main title track for Fantastic Four: Rise of Silver Surfer, it’s no wonder why Lewis required a drive that would outlast the competition. more…