New Gear Alert: Sequential Prophet X Synth by Dave Smith, Thunderbolt 3 Option Card for UA Apollo, IK’s UNO Synth & More

May 4th, 2018 by Dan Gluszak

Dave Smith Instruments announces the Sequential Prophet X Synthesizer.

The new Sequential Prophet X by DSI boasts a brand new synthesizer engine, a massive 150GB internal sample library, and plenty of flexibility to sculpt its many sounds.

The Sequential Prophet X is a new, bi-timbral, 8-voice-stereo (16-voice mono) synthesizer that combines samples and synthesis. At the heart of its sound is a newly-developed engine that powers two simultaneous 16-bit, 48kHz sample-based instruments, plus two high-resolution digital oscillators with waveshape modulation—all processed through analog filters.

The 150GB sample library in the Prophet X includes numerous acoustic and electronic instruments, as well as an extensive collection of ambient and cinematic effects. You can shape the samples through loop manipulation, sample stretching, and the synthesizer’s many sound-sculpting functions, which include 4 envelope generators, 4 LFOs, a deep modulation matrix, and other tools. The Prophet X also provides 50GB of internal storage for importing additional samples.

The Sequential Prophet X will be available in the second quarter of 2018 with a projected MAP of $3,999.

Universal Audio ships Thunderbolt 3 Option Card for Apollo interfaces.

Universal Audio is now offering Thunderbolt 3 expansion for compatible Apollo interfaces.

The user-installable card is compatible with Intel’s new Thunderbolt 3 technology on the latest Mac and Windows computers. It includes two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, and easily slides into the expansion bay of Apollo 8, Apollo 8p, and Apollo 16 MkII audio interfaces. Bus power is provided to all downstream Thunderbolt 3 peripherals, allowing music producers to connect devices in series with the Apollo interface—including additional Apollo or Arrow interfaces, UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt devices, hard drives, monitor displays, and more.

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Dynaco announces the ST-70 Series 3 Tube Amplifier is now shipping.

Dynaco’s ST-70 Series 3 employs several major updates from its predecessor, including improvements to the power supply, new tubes, and more.

Dynaco (a division of Radial Engineering Ltd.), states that the ST-70 improves upon the design philosophies of the original David Hafler-designed Stereo 70, with contemporary design techniques resulting in exceptional performance improvements that meet the requirements of modern audiophiles. The ST-70 provides 35 watts per channel and is switchable between both 4 and 8 Ohm outputs, with Class-A push-pull stereo topography that has long been characterized as a reliable design with exceptional audio quality.

This latest rendition has seen a substantially overhauled power supply from the original version, employing a larger dual-primary power transformer with improved line regulation, increased filter capacitance, and a solid-state rectifier that results in a much more articulate response. The redesigned front end of the Series 3 amplifier replaces the obsolete 7199 pentode signal tubes from the original Stereo 70 with more commonly-used 12AU7 dual-triode tubes, while the output stage and EL34/6CA7 output tubes retain the same elements as the original Stereo 70. A set of front-panel recessed trimmers has been provided, allowing the bias adjustment to be fine-tuned for each output tube.

MSRP for the ST-70 Series 3 is $2,999.99.

Blue Cat Audio releases Axiom software and new Axe Pack Bundle for guitar and bass.

Axe Pack is the pinnacle of Blue Cat’s amp simulation technology, offering full access to Axiom, Destructor, and Late Replies.

Axe Pack is the ultimate software package to shape the tone of your favorite axe, and play your instrument “in the box.” Full versions of the Destructor and Late Replies plugins are part of this bundle, to let you use them outside of Axiom, anywhere in your favorite DAW.

With Axiom’s dual amp simulation channels based on the innovative Destructor engine, it sports 40 built-in effects and the ability to load third party plugins. Axiom offers an infinite number of amp models and effects that can be tweaked indefinitely.

The two amp simulation channels (with pre- and post-effects) can be blended together or used alternatively like a real amplifier, and they can even process two separate instruments. Amp models can be chosen from hundreds of presets, or personalized with the amp editor that offers complete control over all the parameters. The tone can also be adjusted at the input and output stages of Axiom with the additional input and master sections, containing 4 additional effect slots each. An optional brickwall limiter also protects the output from overshoot.

Axiom is available as a standalone application or plugin (VST, VST3, AAX, Audio unit) for Mac and Windows, and can be purchased independently, or within the new Axe Pack bundle.

Axiom is available for $149 (reg. $199; 25% off until May 19th). Axe Pack is available for $249 (reg. $299; 16.5% off until May 19th). There are also several upgrade paths for registered customers.

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