Last Updated on February 25, 2019 by Gareth Patch
With all the latest software announcements and releases, hardware sometimes gets forgotten about. So, here’s a look at a few of the latest crop of hands-on control and physical goodies for your studio, due for release in the next month or two.
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
Portability seems to be the name of the game recently. As laptops become more powerful and tech is getting further integrated into live performance as well as composition when you’re away from the studio, Native Instruments introduces a new keyboard and pair of interfaces to get you to be more mobile.
Komplete Kontrol M32 is a cutdown version of Native Instruments popular controller keyboard, developed with the same integration within NI’s software library and NKS protocol.
The 32-key unit includes 8 touch sensitive control knobs and 2 touch strips for expression control. It also sports a large 4-way push encoder for sound browsing and project navigation using the OLED display. It’s bus powered so can be hooked up directly via USB2 and also sports a TRS input for a sustain pedal.
In the package you’ll also find a good bundle of NI software including Monark, Komplete Start and Maschine essentials.
Due for release on March 6th 2019, the RRP is GBP99.00
For more information go to the Native Instrument’s website here…
Native Instruments Komplete Audio
The market for portable quality audio interfaces is becoming crowded of late, but NI’s offering is both stylish and practical.
Both the Komplete Audio 1 and 2 have a large volume knob on the top of the black, desktop unit, with LED VU meters showing input level, separate headphone output and volume, phantom power and direct monitoring. The differences depend on how many inputs you require.
The Audio 1 has a standard XLR connection for input one with a jack for input two, which can be switched for line or instrument level. Outputs are on twin RCA phono for connection to your monitors or power amp.
The Audio 2 instead has twin XLR/combi inputs which can accept mic, line or instrument level inputs and outputs on a pair of jacks.
Both can run at sample rates of up to 192kHz at 24-bit and, like the M32, are bus powered via USB2.
Slated for release in March 2019, the Audio 1 will be priced at GBP79.00, while the Audio 2 will be GBP109.00 and will come with a range of included software.
For more information go to Native Instrument’s product page here…
Eventide Rose
Eventide, whose wonderful plugins have been reviewed here before, were of course at the forefront of digital delay technology when it was in its infancy. Now, they’re bringing their expertise to a brand new piece of delay hardware in a stompbox format.
The “Rose” effects pedal is designed around digital versions of bucket brigade chips, which give you the warmth of analogue but without the downsides, such as degradation of signal. This also means that delay times can be longer and reverse effects are also possible. Analog circuitry is used for filtering, feedback and mixing.
It has six knobs to control mix, feedback, depth, delay, filter and rate as well as an assignable ‘hotswitch’ for tap tempo, delay repeat, mod hold, mod reset or A/B.
There’s also a secondary jack input for an expression, auxiliary or MIDI TRS controller and the pedal can accept line level signals, as well as instrument, so could be a useful outboard unit in the studio.
Due for release on March 15th 2019, it has an RRP of USD349.00.
For more information visit Eventide here…
Antelope Audio Edge Go
Finally, Antelope Audio have extended their range of the Edge family of microphones to include the first ever USB powered modelling microphone.
The Edge Go builds on the previously released Edge family (see our preview here) and gives you access to some of the industry’s most famous sounding microphones using modelling technology. The microphone itself is a large diaphragm condenser and has variable pickup patterns, from cardioid to figure-8 via omni, so is similar to the Edge Duo. A/D conversion is at 192kHz/24-bit and the onboard 3.5mm headphone jack can be used for real-time monitoring, even with the modelling switched on.
Antelope Audio suggest that the microphone can be used for radio, podcasting and even full album projects.
The package includes the microphone and modelling software, desktop stand, pop filter, custom shockmount, USB-C cable and hardcase for the RRP of USD1595.00 and is expected in the first quarter of 2019.
Checkout Antelope Audio’s product page here…
