Feb 10, 2009 3:30 PM

PreSonus StudioLive
Now shipping, PreSonus’ StudioLive 16x4x2 digital live performance/recording digital mixer features FireWire output offering 22 channels of recording and 18 channels of simultaneous playback. A Fat Channel puts EQ and dynamics on every input, as well as on every aux, subgroup and main output. Other features include 100mm faders, talkback, Mac/PC multitrack recording software and the ability to export to WAV file formats for compatibility with any other DAW. The unit has 16 XMAX mic preamps and two programmable 24-bit stereo DSP engines offering reverbs, delays and time-based effects.

Steinberg Cubase 5
More than a mere “update,” Steinberg’s Cubase 5 offers new workflow features and enhancements, with native 64-bit Halion64 sampling, 12 GB of samples, a new user interface and a zero-latency stability engine. New rhythm-oriented tools include the LoopMash and Groove Agent One VST instrument plug-ins and Beat Designer for groove alignment. VariAudio lets users edit pitch directly in the Sample Editor, while the PitchCorrect plug-in uses Yamaha Pitch Fix technology to correct intonation on the fly. The REVerence convolution reverb is also included, as is full Windows Vista 64-bit support. Shipping now. Check out the new features of Cubase 5 in this clip.

TC Electronic PowerCore 6000
Also shipping now, TC Electronic’s System 6000 algorithms are now available on the PowerCore 6000 platform for a fraction of the 6000’s price. The unit’s eight FreeScale DSP engines are the same DSPs used in System 6000, and its SRAM memory design lets users run the 6000’s many reverb and delay algorithms with popular DAWs, as well as with any other VST- or Audio Units-compatible host. PowerCore 6000 is expandable, with MD3 Stereo Mastering Tools. M and S components of a stereo signal can be processed separately and provide even more control, making full use of the Spectral Stereo Enhancer, along with Brickwall Limiter and Unwrap 5.1 for smooth, fast stereo-to-5.1 up-conversion.

Waves Signature Series Tony Maserati Collection
Multi-Platinum producer/engineer/mix engineer collaborated with Waves Audio to create the $800 Tony Maserati Collection, featuring six Native-only, application-specific plug-ins that capture Maserati's personal production, engineering and mixing style. Available now, the six new plugs (Vocal Enhancer, Drum Slammer, Acoustic Guitar Designer, Harmonics Generator, Bass Phattener and Guitar Toner) use a simple, remarkably intuitive interface that provides great-sounding audio results in a hurry. Check out this video demo of the Tony Maserati Collection.

XT Software energyXT 2.5
While other DAW programs move ever closer to bloatware, XT Software has taken a different approach, with energyXT2.5, a no-install-required sequencing/recording/mixing/editing application that lives on a USB thumb drive. Plug into almost any computer—Mac OS X, Linux or PC Windows (including Vista)—and you’ll be recording/creating sounds in minutes, even on a borrowed or friend’s machine. It includes effects, synths and drum sounds, and tracks can be exported to any other DAW. energyXT2.5 is offered in $99 standard and $149 “Plus” versions—the latter adds unlimited tracks and ReWire Energizer support to control apps like Reason and Ableton Live. energyXT2.5 is shipping now and distributed worldwide through Behringer.

NEED MORE NAMM?
Obviously, with some 1,500 exhibitors, there was a lot more to NAMM that what’s covered here. Visit our 2009 NAMM portal for new products, additional video coverage and more. Plus, we’ll present other highlights from NAMM in the future, both in print and at http://mixonline.com.

Meanwhile, Summer NAMM returns to Nashville from July 17 to 19, 2009. For more info, go to www.namm.org/summer.

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