New Gear Alert: Focusrite Red 8Pre Now Available, AKG Unveils Handheld Condenser Mic, New Plug-ins From Cakewalk & More

Focusrite announces the availability of Red 8Pre.

The Focusrite Red 8Pre features truly massive I/O capabilities, along with eight channels of specially-developed digitally-controlled mic preamps.

Back in October, SonicScoop covered Focusrite’s announcement of the Red 8Pre at AES 2016. As of January 31, 2017, Red 8Pre — the pinnacle of Focusrite’s interface range — is now available.

With 64 inputs and 64 outputs (including a total of 16 analog inputs and 18 analog outputs) and eight of Focusrite’s specially-developed digitally-controlled mic preamps, the Red 8Pre answers the need for more microphone inputs and a higher I/O count. In addition, in common with the Red 4Pre, the Red 8Pre includes two front-panel high-headroom instrument inputs, dual Thunderbolt™ 2, dual Pro Tools HD DigiLink™ and Dante™ network audio connectivity.

Red 8Pre is available now for $3,499.99.

AKG unveils the C636 master reference handheld condenser microphone.

The AKG C636 is a feature-packed handheld condenser mic specifically designed for live use.

Building on their C535 microphone, AKG debuted the C636 at NAMM 2017. The C636 is a handheld condenser microphone designed for singers in live applications. In addition to a custom-tuned capsule with hand-selected components, the C636 is engineered to reject not only feedback, but stage and pop noise as well, allowing vocalists to fully focus on their performance.

The C636 integrates a new double-shock suspension system, reducing unwanted handling noise. The capsule sits on an absorbent rubber bearing that eliminates any structure-based noise, while an adjustable balancing network cancels vibrations over a wide frequency range.

A multilayer protection system prevents unwanted pop noises. The protection system consists of the grille, a foam layer behind the grille and a magnetically attached mesh layer on top of the capsule, providing singers with a plosive-free vocal performance.

The AKG C636 will be available starting in April 2017; pricing is not yet disclosed.

Cakewalk releases new L-Phase mixing and mastering plug-ins for Mac and PC.

The new L-Phase Series plug-ins from Cakewalk can be used in both mixing and mastering applications, giving users extended flexibility over their EQ and dynamics.

Comprised of the L-Phase Equalizer and L-Phase Multiband compressor, this new series of plug-ins features modes that can be used for both mixing and mastering. The internal 64-bit processing allows for mastering-level sound quality and also offers a zero-latency non-linear mode for mixing at sample rates up to 192 kHz. In addition, both plug-ins feature Stereo and Mid/Side processing, A/B comparison switching, 3 different range scales, and a configurable spectrum analyzer along with output metering at 16dB, 32dB, 48dB, and 60dB.

The L-Phase Equalizer features 20 color-coded bands, 2 phase modes for mixing and mastering, and five filter types. The plug-in also automatically picks the most common filter or EQ curve based on the frequency where the band is created. A diverse set of tools allows for independent Mid/Side processing of a signal’s sides and center, while also allowing independent EQ to the left and right sides in stereo mode.

The L-Phase Multiband compressor features 6 individually sidechainable color-coded bands, external sidechain support with audition, Auto Release to minimize pumping, and also sets the attack time based on where the band is created.

The L-Phase Series plug-ins are available now through authorized retailers, and immediately in the Cakewalk Store. Catch them on sale now through February 8th, 2017 for $99 (includes both plug-ins).

Say hello to JamStack.

JamStack is a forward-thinking, super-portable practice amp with smartphone connectivity.

JamStack is an attachable guitar amplifier that connects to the base of your electric guitar. The lightweight, portable, 10-watt amp connects to any smartphone, enabling the user to access various types of effects on-the-go via (but not limited to) apps such as Amplitube and AmpKit. All of this is possible without the complications of effects pedals and additional cables.

How it works: The cable from your guitar output jack connects to the input of your smartphone. The signal is then modified by your phone, and sent back out the same cable to the input of the JamStack.

JamStack was announced via Kickstarter, and hit its goal very early in the process. Because of this, they have added Bluetooth pairing, enabling JamStack to double as a portable speaker for simple music playback as well.

For more details (like how to use the unit to play along to backing tracks and drum loops), check out JamStack’s Kickstarter campaign here.

Zero-G releases Shadowlands Cinematic Scene Setters library.

Shadowlands is an extensive sound library, featuring 16GB of samples and virtual instruments with Kontakt, EXS24, HALion and NNX-T compatibility.

This 16GB sound library contains 50 cinematic construction kits together with textures and atmospheres, movement FX, cinematic grooves, rhythm loops and vocal effects.

The 50 construction kits present a full musical/sound design piece which is then broken up into its constituent parts (such as soundscapes, pads, atmospheres, FX, strings, guitars and percussion). Fantasy, adventure, mystery, sci-fi, thriller, horror and action genres are all included in this library.

Along with 24bit Acidized WAV and AIFF files, this library also contains over 650 instruments in Kontakt, EXS24, HALion and NN-XT format so you can load the sounds straight into your favorite composition software.

All the samples in this library have been pre-cleared, and are 100% original and royalty-free.

Get Zero-G Shadowlands for 20% off until February 14th, 2017.

MSRP: €88.50 / $95.99.
Intro price: €70.80 Euro / $76.79.

Please note: When you buy products through links on this page, we may earn an affiliate commission.