New Gear Alert: BUS-COMP from Warm Audio, KORG’s wavestate Synth, StudioLive ARc Mixers by PreSonus & More

Warm Audio introduces the BUS-COMP.

Inject some VCA-style glue into your mix bus with Warm Audio’s new BUS-COMP.

The Warm Audio BUS-COMP is an all-analog, 2 channel, stereo VCA compressor based on classic circuitry that has provided silky smooth tone for decades. Stereo VCA compressors are masterful at controlling dynamics on many sources, but they have become widely known for their magic touch on stereo mixes.

The BUS-COMP will perform well on stereo mixes, drum mixes, drum overheads, acoustic guitars, keyboards, piano, orchestral instruments, voice-overs, and an array of other sources. The BUS-COMP is primarily designed for stereo use, but it can be used just as successfully on individual mono sources. VCA compressors of this type have become widely loved for their ability to control dynamics effortlessly, but also for the added tone and depth they provide to the audio signal that passes through them, even when no compression is applied.

The Warm Audio BUS-COMP is available now, priced at $699.

KORG releases wavestate, a wave sequencing synthesizer.

The compact wavestate synth from KORG delivers a not-so-compact feature set, offering deep modulation, 64-note polyphony, and much more.

Featuring a dramatically expanded wave sequencing engine, the wavestate delivers astonishing, ever-changing sounds with extensive hands-on control. Far from a nostalgic reissue, the wavestate is designed from the ground up for a new generation of musicians, producers, and composers; taking cues from sources as diverse as modular synths, groove boxes, and algorithmic composition. Bursting with knobs and controllers, the wavestate invites you to explore all the basics: filter, envelopes, LFOs, and effects at your fingertips with dedicated front-panel controls. A front-panel button, marked by a “dice” icon, generates new sounds via intelligent randomization.

wavestate combines KORG’s proprietary Wavesequncing 2.0, deep modulation capabilities, plenty of polyphony (64 notes), and up to four parts and 14 effects simultaneously—the most in this category. The compact form-factor, with 37 full-size keys, transports easily and fits neatly into any stage, studio, or desktop setup. 6 GB of PCM delivers over 700 sounds and 240 performances, plus there are 1,000 Wavesequences to explore, and storage for over 10,000 performances.

Check out an introductory video to wavestate here.

wavestate will be available in January of 2020, priced at $799.99.

PreSonus releases the StudioLive ARc mixers.

Available in three formats, the new StudioLive ARc mixers from PreSonus have got your recording and mixing needs covered.

PreSonus’ new StudioLive ARc series combines a multi-channel 24-bit, 96 kHz, USB-C compatible, USB 2.0 audio interface with an analog mixer front-end, to create a hybrid design that simplifies recording and mixing using a single intuitive console. Featuring newly designed high-headroom analog circuits, along with the company’s high-gain XMAX Class A mic preamps, StudioLive ARc audio interface mixers fulfill the needs of both modern musicians and content creators.

Three models are available: the StudioLive AR8c offers 4 mic preamps and 6 balanced line inputs for 8×4 recording/playback, while the StudioLive AR12c sports 8 mic preamps and 12 balanced line inputs for 14×4 recording/playback, and the StudioLive AR16c delivers 12 mic preamps and 16 balanced line inputs for 18×4 recording/playback. All models support recording every channel plus the main mix over USB, and feature a musical, 3-band analog EQ on every channel. Additionally on offer is mic/line boost for low-level vintage synths, broadcast microphones, and consumer electronics, as well as Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.

The new mixers come with a powerful recording software suite for Mac and Windows; make multitrack recordings for your podcast or band with one click using the Capture live recording software.

Check out an introductory video to the StudioLive ARc series mixers here.

All three models are available now, with StudioLive AR8c priced at $499.95, StudioLive AR12c at $599.95, and StudioLive AR16c at $699.95.

Roland introduces the MIDI 2.0-ready A-88MKII keyboard controller.

The sleek and slim A-88MKII keyboard controller from Roland offers deep flexibility and control over your productions.

The A-88MKII is a powerful new 88-note MIDI keyboard controller for studio and stage. The latest in a long line of professional MIDI controllers from Roland, the A-88MKII is supremely playable, with modern creative tools for today’s musicians and producers. Slim and ergonomically designed, the A-88MKII comes equipped with an acclaimed, weighted-action keyboard, plus cutting-edge features like USB-C connectivity, RGB-lit controls, and more. It’s also MIDI 2.0 ready, making it the first Roland instrument to support the new MIDI standard.

With three user-definable zones, you can layer and split the keyboard with different sounds or instruments. Advanced arpeggiator and sophisticated split and layer functions are also on board, providing direct access to performance tools normally only found in standalone synths and workstations. Eight assignable pads are available to control DAW functions, trigger sounds and clips, and more, and pad bank setups can be stored for quick recall. There’s also a dedicated sustain pedal input, plus two assignable control inputs that support expression pedals or footswitches.

The Roland A-88MKII will be available in March 2020, priced at $999.99.

MXL Microphones presents a California-inspired microphone series.

MXL offers warm greetings from California with their new, limited edition color palette for the 770, 990, and Tempo models.

Drawing inspiration from classic west coast ephemera, MXL’s “Greetings From California” series will feature retro color combinations and detailing that harken back to traditional beach and surf culture.

For a limited time, alternate versions of the MXL 770 will be offered in Sky Blue and Vintage White, the MXL 990 in Coral and Surf Green, and the MXL Tempo, a USB-powered condenser microphone, in Surf Green.

For more information, visit the MXL Microphones homepage.

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