New Gear Alert: System Calibration from Waves, Avantone & CLA’s NS10 Re-creation, Biotek 2 from Tracktion & More

Waves now shipping the TRACT System Calibration plugin and TRACT System Calibration + Smaart Di v2 Bundle.

Waves are now offering their take on system playback calibration with TRACT, and the TRACT System Calibration + Smaart Di v2 Bundle.

With the Waves TRACT plugin, sound engineers can now turn any sound system into a well-balanced foundation for their mixes, quickly and easily. The TRACT plugin integrates with Rational Acoustics‘ Smaart Di v2 audio analysis software to auto-correct EQ issues and time-align any sound system—live or in the studio.

TRACT calculates a corrective FIR EQ curve and time alignment corrections using data from Rational Acoustics’ Smaart v8 or Di v2. Users can quickly take and merge up to eight measurement snapshots of their system and select a reference as the basis for EQ corrections. Included are four common reference curves, or users can create their own reference presets.

Waves is also offering a TRACT System Calibration + Smaart Di v2 Bundle, which includes the TRACT plugin and Smaart Di v2 audio analysis software—the essential tools you need to accurately EQ and time-align your sound system.

Check out an introductory video of TRACT here.

TRACT is on sale now for $299 (reg. $399); the TRACT System Calibration + Smaart Di v2 Bundle is available for $799.

Avantone announces the CLA-10 speaker system.

Avantone and Chris Lord-Alge join forces to create the CLA-10 nearfield monitors—a modern reproduction of the classic NS10.

Designed in conjunction with the expertise of mixer Chris Lord-Alge, the CLA-10 studio monitors are a faithful reproduction of the most iconic studio monitor of the last 30 years, the Yamaha NS10.

The CLA-10TM features a 10.4-liter sealed design cabinet, constructed of non-layered, high-rigidity MDF (chosen for its natural low-resonance characteristics), finished with an outer layer of real wood veneer. Avantone utilizes the latest in FEA modeling to achieve its custom-designed 180mm AV10-MLF low-frequency driver, based on paper cone construction with “old-school” speaker design artistry.

The cloth surround material has unique damping characteristics, enabling a predictable compliance over the lifespan of the driver. Avantone’s custom-tooled frame supports the driver/cone combo to minimize mechanical transfers while the 35mm AV10-MHF high frequency silk dome-based tweeter is as close a match to the original as can be made, making for both a frequency (60Hz – 20kHz) and voicing match to the classic sound it is known for.

The CLA-10TMs will be available in August 2018, priced at $699 per pair.

Tracktion launches the Biotek 2 virtual instrument.

Tracktion is back with the second iteration of their popular Biotek virtual instrument.

Biotek 2 is Tracktion’s latest version of their award-winning synthesizer. This powerful virtual instrument combines organic, natural, and environmental samples with a world-class synth engine and an inspirational user interface, inviting users to explore in depth the world of digital modular synthesis.

The new Spinal Saw Oscillator delivers a total of forty-four sawteeth per sound layer. Biotek 2’s Granular Oscillator extracts sound grains from samples and redistributes them in any density to bring a mighty storm surge of synthesis to this powerful engine. Biotek’s innovative and comprehensive filtering and effects section offers users surgical precision to further sculpt sound with clinical accuracy.

With its new and existing tools, Biotek has become a creative powerhouse capable of producing unlimited sound layers. Users can breathe life into their music with Biotek’s unparalleled two hundred modulation routes for each sound layer. The instant control offered by its signature “Wild” macro page lets composers customize their sound by allowing them instant access to inspirational parameters. The resulting compositions become more natural, animated, spontaneous, and organic.

Biotek 2 is available now for $199, with upgrades from version 1 for $99.

Alesis announces the Nitro Mesh electronic drum kit.

With super quiet, ultra-responsive mesh heads, Alesis offers a robust yet portable electronic drum solution in the Nitro Mesh series.

The Nitro Mesh drum kit by Alesis is made up of 8 pieces (5 drums, 3 cymbals) with highly-responsive, next-generation Alesis mesh heads on all drums, making for a playing experience that far exceeds anything else in its class.

The Nitro Mesh kit is the ideal set for any beginner-to-intermediate drummer looking for a realistic, responsive playing experience in a compact set that’s easy to transport and set up. Mesh heads are the overwhelming preference of drummers for their natural playing feel and for their ultra-quiet response when not disturbing others is the priority.

Along with the drums, cymbals, and Nitro Drum Module, the Nitro Mesh kit also includes a kick pedal, hi-hat pedal, 4-post aluminum rack (super solid for stability and flexibility), connection cables, drum sticks, drum key, and power supply. The Nitro Drum Module includes 40 ready-to-play classic and modern kits (385 drum and cymbal sounds), 60 built-in play-along tracks, sequencer, metronome, performance recorder, and CD/mp3 aux input to play along with your own songs.

The Alesis Nitro Mesh kit will be available in Summer 2018 for $349.

Accusonus releases the ERA Bundle.

Accusonus’ ERA Bundle offers ultra-simple, one-knob functionality for audio repair.

Accusonus’ Enhancement and Repair of Audio (ERA) Bundle ​is a collection of multi-patented, single-knob audio repair plugins that offer both fast and high-quality processing. With this release, Accusonus updates their critically-acclaimed ERA Noise Remover (former ERA-N) and Reverb Remover (former ERA-R) plugins.

The updated ERA product line introduces various user experience improvements, including an auto-gain function for ERA Reverb Remover and a vector-based, retina-ready UI with 3 zoom levels. In addition, Accusonus releases the ERA De-Esser, which automatically detects and reduces excessive sibilance with the turn of a simple dial. The ERA Plosive Remover is a single-knob tool that instantly fixes unnatural plosive thumps (such as “P,” “T,” and “B”). ERA-D, the joint de-noise and de-reverberation plugin for post-production professionals, is also updated, offering unique features such as dual microphone workflow and spectral band processing.

The ERA Standard Bundle is on sale now for $99 until July 31st (reg. $236); the ERA Pro Bundle is on sale now for $299 (reg. $535). Individual pricing for ERA Noise Remover, Reverb Remover, De-Esser, and Plosive Remover is $59 each; ERA-D is priced at $299.

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