New Gear Alert: Gainlab’s Dictator Comp & Empress EQ, Yamaha’s MSP3A Reference Monitor, VerseLab MV-1 by Roland & More

January 15th, 2021 by Dan Gluszak

Gainlab Audio unleashes the Dictator dual pentode vari-mu compressor and Empress tube EQ.

Offering high quality outboard vari-mu compression and passive equalization, Gainlab Audio releases the Dictator and Empress.

The Dictator is a tube-based dynamic controller which is designed after classic vari-mu compressors. It is theoretically similar to the legendary Fairchild 670 and Gates STA-Level, in addition to other contemporary solutions, in order to have a better control over the sound. The two channels of the compressor can provide synchronized operation throughout the whole range of the transition curve, and thus excellent gain reduction can be achieved. The time-wise working parameters and saturation characteristics are very familiar to well-known tube based compressors.

The Empress is a dual channel passive equalizer equipped with a tube amplifier that has three bands on each side. Thanks to the compact design it only needs 2U space in the studio, but it will have a significant impact on your sound. It is suitable from recording to master coloring, or can be used in any equalizer task. This unit dominates the entire frequency range, and much of the time it can be pushed to extreme conditions and still sound great.

The Dictator and Empress are priced at €1.203 and €1.286, respectively.

Yamaha unveils the MSP3A reference monitor.

Featuring crucial upgrades from its predecessor, Yamaha releases the MSP3A.

The new MSP3A powered monitor speaker builds on the company’s MSP3 model, highly regarded for years by pro audio professionals as a great portable tool for high-end sonic evaluation. This new iteration shares its predecessor’s use of multiple input connectors, controls, and compatibility with optional brackets, while adding enhanced audio quality, increased sound pressure levels, and straightforward operation in a compact, lightweight cabinet design. These upgrades also broaden the speaker’s uses to include monitoring audio from digital musical instruments, along with information and communications technology (ICT) devices, and surround sound playback.

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A built-in 22W power amplifier is optimized for the speaker unit, comprising a 4″ woofer and a 0.8″ tweeter. The cabinet features a refined, simple design and weighs only 7.9 pounds, improving portability and making it easier to reposition the unit in different room configurations.

The MSP3A reference monitor is priced at $250.

Roland unleashes the VerseLab MV-1 Song Production Studio.

A one-stop shop for full song creation, Roland offers the VerseLab MV-1.

The VerseLab MV-1 Song Production Studio is an innovative new composition tool for modern music creators. Offering an all-in-one design for go-everywhere production, VerseLab allows composers to create professional multi-track songs with vocal recording, 16 velocity-sensitive pads, and Roland’s famous 16-step TR-REC rhythm sequencer.

VerseLab’s onboard ZEN-Core sound engine provides a vast library of premium instrument and rhythm sounds to choose from, while future integration with Roland’s Zenbeats music creation app will allow you to enhance your workflow with a computer or mobile device.

VerseLab gives vocalists and beatmakers everything they need to develop songs anywhere. With templates, pattern generators, and a guided workflow that smoothly moves through the process of making tracks, VerseLab eliminates option paralysis and lets creators focus on what matters most—finishing their music. The unit also includes an arsenal of pro mixing and mastering effects to create polished tracks ready for distribution.

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