L-Acoustics has released the LC16D network audio converter, designed to simplify the process of interfacing legacy digital formats with the Milan AVB time-sensitive network.

LC16D is a high-capacity AES/EBU- and MADI-to-Milan AVB audio network converter housed in a compact and rugged 1RU chassis. With up to 80 legacy format inputs and outputs, LC16D can interface with up to 128 channels to and from the network. It offers dynamic mapping of audio channels and comprehensive synchronization options, all controlled via an intuitive, embedded web interface. LC16D features flexible power options, with the innovative use of Power over Ethernet and seamless Milan AVB audio connections, providing robust redundancy features as standard.

The LC16D is simple to use; the embedded web interface enables full control and monitoring from any device with a web browser and internet connection. The ten user configurations make storing and loading different channel mappings easy, while comprehensive clocking options make synchronization effortless and distribution of clock sources across connection formats possible.

The unit acts as a bridge between legacy digital formats and a Milan AVB network, offering expanded connectivity and audio interfacing options in a budget-friendly format. It has a wide range of applications in the rental, corporate, and fixed installation markets, as well as for broadcast, residential, and recording studios.

At festivals, large-scale broadcasts, or other special event applications that use several interfaced digital consoles, LC16D’s integrated asynchronous sample rate converters on each AES/EBU input eliminate the need for complex synchronization management, allowing digital consoles to continue using their independent clock domains. This simplifies the connection process and creates a plug-and-play AES/EBU-to-Milan AVB interface while also expanding the connectivity capacity of the drive system.

The LC16D can be used as a floating converter for fixed installations deployed anywhere a legacy digital connection needs to interface with a Milan AVB network. The combination of AES/EBU and MADI inputs allows any digital console to be connected simply and efficiently, while the converter’s outputs can be utilized to generate and distribute additional feeds as required.

“The first ever network converter from L-Acoustics, LC16D bridges legacy formats to the future of networking,” said Scott Sugden, Director of Product Management, Electronics at L-Acoustics. “The powerful, feature-rich, and cost-effective LD16D will ease and accelerate the adoption of the Milan AVB protocol.”

LC16D will ship in Q4 of 2023. View the LC16D launch video at: https://youtu.be/cDb0aHHFXNM

To kick off a series of new product releases this autumn, Native Instruments has announced the new Traktor X1 MK3 DJ controller, a compact, modular controller for modern DJs who want exceptional portability, powerful effects control, and intuitive operation, regardless of experience level.

Building on the success of the acclaimed X1 MK1 and MK2 models, X1 MK3 adds innovative new features based on insightful feedback from the Traktor community. The result is a next-generation DJ controller with maximum flexibility and extensive functionality for effects control, playback manipulation, looping, mixer mapping, and more.

A highly visual design allows DJs to focus on their performance instead of looking at a laptop. Five OLED displays reveal essential track and effect information, including track progress, track name, loop size, selected effects, and effect parameters. An advanced lighting system notifies performers with key information, like when a track is about to run out or if it’s running in a loop.

DJs can also choose from a spectrum of colours to customise the ambient lighting and button colour, perfect for matching their unique style or brand. Accessibility enhancements include tactile dots across the controller and increased button sizes, making it easier for performers to orient themselves, even in low light environments.

The new ‘Mixer Mode’ allows DJs to press a single button to switch from effects mode to mixer mode, instantly take control of EQs and channel levels, and transition tracks while monitoring all four channel levels on the displays. Highly customisable, X1 can be quickly set up to meet your specific needs. Make adjustments to mapping with a customisation page in Traktor Pro and colour-code each button group to easily identify different functions.

A three-port powered USB hub extends connectivity, allowing you to connect to CDJs, your custom setups, or additional X1 units. X1 MK3 comes bundled with the latest version of NI’s flagship DJ software, Traktor Pro 3, so DJs can plug in and start mixing out of the box. Traktor Pro 3 includes sonic sculpting tools, professional audio quality, and a clear and intuitive interface. Additional features include time-stretching, an improved limiter, a huge array of effects, and a wide range of options for customising your mixing workflow.

Pricing & Availability

Traktor X1 MK3 is now available for pre-order from the Native Instruments website and select retailers.
Traktor X1 MK3 will be fully available online and in stores on September 20, 2023 with an RRP of AUD$449.

Record, produce, and perfect any sound with Arturia’s all-in-one package. The MiniFuse Recording Pack combines a next-level audio and MIDI interface, accessories, and software. MiniFuse 2 features 2 audio inputs and outputs, MIDI for connecting synths and drum machines, and easy to use controls that work right out the box. Capture voice and instrument recordings with supreme clarity without hassle with the included CM1 cardioid microphone. This comes with a shockmount and pop filter to keep recordings clean and noise-free.

Low-Noise Headphones
Monitor any mix in studio-grade detail and comfortably smash out long sessions with the included EF1 closed-back monitoring headphones — great for home production and live recording.

What’s Included

• MiniFuse 2, a 2-in/2-out audio & MIDI interface
• CM1 cardioid microphone with shockmount & pop filter
• EF1 closed-back monitoring headphones with adapter
• 3m XLR cable
• 6 premium music-making software titles

Premium Software Bundle
All the software and sounds needed to freely explore music production and create inspiring tracks.

• Analog Lab Intro
• Ableton Live Lite
• Arturia FX – Rev PLATE-140, Pre 1973, Delay TAPE-201, Chorus JUN-6
• Native Instruments GUITAR RIG 6 LE
• Auto-Tune Unlimited (3 month subscription)
• Splice Creator Plan (3 month subscription)

Apogee Electronics, a leader in digital audio recording since 1985, today announced the latest in its Jam series of guitar interfaces: Jam X. Building on the original Jam interface from 2010, Jam X provides the easiest way to connect your guitar to a computer or iOS device for studio-quality sound. However, Jam X adds a new feature unmatched by competitors, with an analogue compressor built right in. Apogee’s new Jam X interface allows musicians to plug in and start creating immediately with studio-grade sound and tone-shaping compression, meaning that users can experience their instrument in a whole new way.

Built-In Analogue Compressor

Jam X’s analogue compressor introduces an all-new feature to the Jam family. Choose from three presets that respond to how much you drive the input gain. By applying compression before your virtual amp sim, you’ll breathe new life into your guitar tone, providing endless tone-developing inspiration.

Jam X’s compressor lets you shape your clean tone by adding responsive, musical sustain and balance to your dynamics. Use it to fatten up single-coil pickups or tame humbuckers. With three modes — Smooth Leveler, Purple Squeeze, and Vintage Blue Stomp — you can go from subtle to extreme so whatever you choose, Jam X’s analogue compressor will become essential to your tone.

Never Miss A Beat

Stay in the rhythmic pocket with Blend mode, allowing you to record with absolutely no vibe-killing latency. To listen exclusively through your virtual amp software, turn off Blend with a click of a button. Whether recording your latest track or streaming music, Jam X dramatically improves audio playback. With high-resolution sample-rates up to 96kHz and ample headroom, the interface can deliver incredible clarity and volume to your headphones or powered speakers.

Features:

• Apogee’s PureDIGITAL connection for pristine sound quality
• For guitar, bass, keyboards, synths, or any acoustic instrument with
• pickups
• Built-in analogue compressor with 3 presets
  • Smooth Leveler (Low Amount of Compression)
  • Purple Squeeze (Medium Amount of Compression)
  • Vintage Blue Stomp (Aggressive Amount of Compression)
• 1⁄8-inch output connects to headphones or powered speakers
• 1⁄4-inch studio quality instrument input
• 24-bit/96kHz high resolution audio
• Rugged metal body
• Blend Mode – Record with zero latency
• Extended 60-Day Trial of Tim Henson’s Archetype Plugin from Neural DSP
• Ableton Live Lite
• Plug and play with any audio recording app
• Connect to Mac and Windows computers (Compatible with the Apogee ASIO Driver for Windows)
• Connect to iPad Pro with Type C port

Pricing & Availability

Jam X is available for US$199 on April 11th, 2023 from Apogee dealers worldwide.

IK Multimedia has announced AmpliTube TONEX, a complete software ecosystem based on the powerful new AI Machine Modelling technology that lets users model their own rig and play, practice, and record with thousands of already available ultra-realistic Tone Models of amps and pedals.

AmpliTube TONEX ecosystem consists of 4 products:

TONEX for Mac/PC
A revolutionary concept in rig modelling, and the core of the TONEX ecosystem, TONEX for Mac/PC uses breakthrough AI Machine Modelling technology to let users model the sound of any amp, cabinet, combo or pedal (like fuzz, distortion, overdrive, EQ, booster) and turn it into a plug-in, all with ease and a sonic accuracy that’s virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.

Users can not only share their user-generated Tone Models with the TONEX community, but they can also instantly play through more than 1,000 Premium Tone Models available in TONEX. These have been painstakingly created by IK, using its massive collection of the most sought-after amps and pedals in the world. TONEX for Mac/PC works as a stand-alone, as a plug-in for all major DAWs, and also runs seamlessly inside AmpliTube 5 — with Tone Models appearing just like regular AmpliTube gear. 

TONEX has two main sections: the Machine Modeller, where the AI Machine Modelling Tone Models are captured and generated, and the Player, where the Tone Models can be searched, browsed, played, and customised. The Player’s extensive sound-editing section comes with full EQ, noise-gate, pre and post compressor, as well as depth and presence controls, a high-quality reverb, and VIR — IK’s Volumetric Impulse Response technology with multi-IRs per cabinet. 

Thanks to AI Machine Modelling, amps and cabinets captured as Tone Models can also be separated so users can experiment with their own IRs, or use IK’s VIR technology to access hundreds of authentic virtual cabs and IRs to complete their tone. All of this customisation can then be saved into a Tone Model preset.

Consistent with all major software from IK, TONEX for Mac/PC will be available in 3 versions — all with identical features, but a different number of Premium Tone Models included. TONEX SE (200 Tone Models), TONEX (400 Tone Models), TONEX MAX (1,000 Tone Models). A free version will also be available for everyone to experience the power of AI Machine Modelling for creating Tone Models.

TONEX App
TONEX for iPhone and iPad lets users experience the power of AI Machine Modelling Tone Models on their mobile devices. It is available both as a stand-alone app, or as an AU plug-in for all major mobile DAWs. This includes the same exact Player section as the TONEX Mac/PC software allowing users to play, practice, and record anywhere. The TONEX App and Mac/PC software Tone Model library work in sync, so the user’s collection of Tone Models can be played on any device, in the studio, at home, or on the go.

TONEX in ToneNET
TONEX Tone Models will also be available in a new dedicated section of ToneNET, IK’s online tone-sharing and social platform for browsing, demoing, downloading, and sharing. Over 1,000 TONEX Premium Tone Models will be available in ToneNET for instant demo or download within the TONEX software or app, depending on the version owned. New Tone Models from IK — and free user models from the TONEX community — will be continuously posted and available in real time, for an expanding repository of tones.

TONEX standalone, plug-in and app, connect instantly to ToneNET from directly inside the software or app, allowing users to explore the latest Tone Models without breaking their creative workflow. TONEX Tone Models can also be experienced in ToneNET using a regular online browser and selected for subsequent downloads in the computer software or mobile device app.

TONEX Capture
Tone Models can be created in TONEX using a computer, an audio interface, and minimal additional equipment. An interface such as AXE I/O is ideal for tone modelling with its dedicated Amp Out.

To make it easy for everyone to create Tone Models, IK’s new all-in-one TONEX Capture is an accessory that connects to the output of an audio interface to feed into an amp at just the right level. The return stage sits passively between the amp and cab, sending a perfect copy back to the interface at a safe volume without affecting the amp/cab interaction. The result is a pristine copy of the amp’s real tone, ready for TONEX modelling without the need for microphones or perfect room acoustics. TONEX Capture also doubles as a great re-amping device, and includes TONEX SE with 200 Tone Models.

Pricing and Availability
TONEX for Mac/PC and TONEX Capture will be shipping in September. They are available for pre-order now at a special introductory price from the IK Multimedia online store, and from IK authorised dealers worldwide.

TONEX App will be released at the same time in the Apple Store.

TONEX SE: US$/EU99.99 (US$149.99 regular)
TONEX: US$/EU149.99 (US$249.99 regular)
TONEX MAX: US$/EU249.99($399.99 regular)
AmpliTube 5 MAX users will receive a further US$/EU50 discount coupon on TONEX MAX.
TONEX Capture: US$/EU199.99 (US$249.99 regular)