New Gear Alert: Focusrite RedNet Control 2.4, Steinberg’s Dorico 3, MicroLab Controller from Arturia & More

Focusrite Pro releases RedNet Control 2.4.

Centered around DDM (Dante Domain Manager) compatibility, Focusrite releases the free RedNet Control 2.4 software update.

RedNet Control 2.4 is a free software update that adds Dante Domain Manager (DDM) and AES67/AES70 compatibility, as well as an AES3 Kill Switch function, background mode, and other enhancements.

RedNet Control 2.4 makes all Focusrite Red audio interfaces, plus RedNet devices with Audinate Brooklyn 2, Ultimo and Ultimo X architecture, compatible with Dante Domain Manager. This new functionality brings advantages to administrators of large networked audio systems, who can now assign the privilege structure of Dante Domain Manager to RedNet Control users.

Currently a RedNet D16R always sends information (a series of zeroes) on its AES3 outputs, making it impossible for downstream devices, such as amplifiers, to distinguish between “mute” and “fault” status. With the new Kill Switch feature, you can set channel pairs to automatically cut the AES3 transmission from the D16R in certain conditions, meaning that downstream devices can identify a failure and deal with it appropriately.

For more information on RedNet Control 2.4, click here.

RedNet Control 2.4 is available now for free download on Mac and PC via your Focusrite customer account if you have a registered Red or RedNet product. (Note that there is no PC compatibility for Red/Thunderbolt users.)

Steinberg launches Dorico 3.

Dorico 3 marks an expansive new upgrade to the popular music notation software by Steinberg, offering automatic conductor’s scoring, the introduction of tablature, and more.

Steinberg has launched the latest iterations of their music notation software, Dorico Pro 3 and Dorico Elements 3. Exclusive to Dorico Pro 3 is the ability to produce a condensed conductor’s score automatically; you can input the music for each player and click a single button to automatically produce a condensed conductor’s score.

Dorico 3 also introduces tablature for fretted instruments, and greatly expands its capabilities in guitar notation. Dorico is the only professional music notation software where notation and tablature are dynamically linked, so that edits made in one representation are automatically reflected in the other.

Additional features include (but are not limited to): comprehensive support for harp pedal changes, customizable playback templates, new editors in Play mode for note velocity and pitch bend, and much more.

For further information, including pricing on the various tiers and crossgrades for Dorico 3, click here.

Arturia announces the MicroLab controller.

Meet Arturia’s new MicroLab—a sleek, compact, and road-ready portable MIDI controller.

The MicroLab is a small-scale MIDI keyboard with smart design features that you can take anywhere. Featuring the same professional slim-keys as their KeyStep controller, the 25 expressive, velocity-sensitive keys on MicroLab are a joy to play. The Hold button gives you instant sustain, and by holding the Shift key, you can access the “Chord” mode, letting you program in a chord and replay with just one finger.

The rubberized shell protects the MicroLab from and bumps and scrapes when you’re on the move, and also features a recess that perfectly fits the USB cable, letting you store or pack it easily. MicroLab also includes capacitive mod and pitch controls that work in the same way that touchscreens do—these also let you swipe through and select presets with a tap. You can also quickly switch MIDI channels via the dedicated knob and numbered keys.

MicroLab also includes 3 free software titles: Analog Lab Lite, UVI Grand Piano Model D, and Bitwig Studio 8-Track—a powerful and innovative software studio to record, sequence, and mix your tracks.

Watch an introductory video to MicroLab here.

MicroLab is available now, priced at €/$79.

Focusrite offers free Virtual Guitarist Iron plugin & added UJam discounts.

Aimed at guitarists, Focusrite and UJam partner to offer attractive deals via the Plug-In Collective.

Focusrite has announced the latest free software giveaway for the Plug-in Collective community: UJam’s Virtual Guitarist Iron plug-in, and 30% off the Guitarists Bundle, comprising Virtual Guitarist Amber, Sparkle, Silk and Iron.

Virtual Guitarist Iron is an expressive MIDI-controlled playback and control system for over 1,000 sampled phrases in 100 rock and metal styles. It is complete with guitar tone shaping and amp/cab simulation, roaring overdrive, effects, and the unique “Thrust” control, which dials in harmonics for cutting-edge, hyper-real sounds.

To join the Plug-in Collective, simply register any Focusrite hardware product, then look out for a new offer every couple of months; this offer runs until November 7th, 2019.

Meet the I Heart NY parallel compressor plugin by Baby Audio.

Parallel compression just got a bit easier, thanks to the new “I Heart NY” plugin by Baby Audio.

The I Heart NY compressor does all the legwork of setting up parallel compression for you—and delivers it with an addictively punchy flavor.

I Heart NY creates a duplicate track of your audio—hosted within the plugin—and lets you spank it hard. This process replicates the true parallel compression workflow, unlike compressors with just a Wet/Dry knob.

The plugin features unique compression algorithms, labeled “Smack” and “Punch”, offers the ability to work as a regular compressor in “Solo” mode, and supports Mac and PC, VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats.

I Heart NY is available for purchase now, priced at $29; a free demo is also available here.

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