New Gear Alert: SPL 8-Channel Mic Pre, Fire Controller by Akai, Softube Eden WT800 Bass Amp & More

SPL ships the Crescendo 8-Channel microphone preamp.

SPL implements 120V technology into their new Crescendo 8-Channel mic preamp.

Crescendo is the first mic preamp that functions with an internal operating voltage of 120V. SPL pioneered the 120V technology in their Mastering Series hardware (seen in the PQ Equalizer and IRON Compressor), and have now brought 120V technology to their recording products with the Crescendo.

Each of the 8 preamplifier sections of Crescendo provide individual gain control, their own VU meter, a phase reversal switch, phantom power, a -20dB pad, and a reduction for the display of the level on the VU meter (VU -10). Crescendo offers 18dB to 70dB of preamplifier gain, or when using the -20dB pad for extremely high-level signals, the range shifts to -2dB to 50dB of control.

SPL’s proprietary “SUPRA Op-Amp” is at the core of its 120V technology and featured in the Crescendo. The discrete buildup of the high-voltage amplifiers creates an internal operating voltage of +/- 60V, allowing it to provide unprecedented technical performance. Crescendo is capable of amplifying the fastest transients, the finest sonic details, and an extremely wide frequency range—very cleanly, and almost without any distortion.

Crescendo is distributed by Audio Plus Services in the US and Canada, and retails for $6,499.

Akai Professional announces the Fire controller for FL Studio.

Working in FL Studio has never been more streamlined, thanks to the new Fire controller from Akai and Image-Line.

Created in close collaboration with software manufacturer Image-Line, Fire gives FL Studio producers a dedicated hardware controller to help speed up the creative workflow and enhance the overall user experience. Released shortly after the launch of FL Studio 20, Fire celebrates the highly-anticipated arrival of FL Studio to the Mac OS platform.

Featuring plug-and-play integration, at the heart of Fire is a 4×16 velocity-sensitive RGB pad matrix. Quickly input patterns on the Step Sequencer or switch over to Performance Mode for live playing and recording of notes and launching patterns. Bringing a tactile, mouse-free mixing solution to the FL Studio environment, Fire includes four banks of four touch-capacitive knobs, enabling you to instantly see and adjust parameter values. This facilitates a more intuitive workflow, giving the ultimate control over channel, mixer and user-assignable parameters.

Akai Fire is priced at $199.99.

Softube launches the Eden WT800 bass amp plugin.

Softube and Eden team up to deliver the versatile sound of the WT800 bass amp in plugin form.

Fully endorsed and authenticated by Eden, Softube’s WT800 features physical modeling of two of their best-loved cabinets—a 1×15 and a 4×10—each mic’d with four different high-end classic microphones. Featuring a ​three-channel mixer section​, you can blend the two cabs with the direct signal to perfectly craft your tone.

The WT800 is great for grungy, dirty vintage sounds, as well as modern hip-hop, R&B, pop, metal, and jazz. Featuring a full range of tools—from compression and 5-band EQ, to easy bi-amping and an “Enhance” knob for quick and effective scooping of mid-frequencies—the “World Tour” amp suits nearly any application.

Check out an introductory video of the WT800 here.

The WT800 is on sale for $99 until October 27th (reg. $149).

Propellerhead announces free Reason 10.2 update.

Work faster and enjoy Multi-Lane Editing for MIDI in Propellerhead’s free Reason 10.2 update.

Reason 10.2 introduces new features like Multi Lane Editing for MIDI, adaptive snap to grid mode, improved navigation controls, and more—offering a faster, more streamlined workflow.

With Multi Lane Editing, you can view and edit multiple MIDI lanes simultaneously—perfect for quickly creating complex chords and melodies. Sequence tracks with lightning speed using the new snap to grid feature, which adjusts note length based on your zoom level. Capture your ideas when inspiration strikes with new Easy MIDI Inputs that automatically detect new MIDI control surfaces—no setup needed.

Reason 10.2’s improved workflow allows you to make music faster than ever before. Adjust faders, solo and mute across multiple mix channels at once, and right-click any audio output to quickly route it to a new mix channel.

Check out an introductory video to Reason 10.2 here.

Reason 10.2 is a free update for all Reason 10 owners, and is currently available for free through Reason’s auto update.

Meet Gestrument Pro.

The Gestrument app sees major improvements with Gestrument Pro—now more expressive than ever before.

Gestrument takes an exciting step forward with the release of Gestrument Pro—an advanced deep dive into the features and concepts that made the original app so unique. With Pro’s extended capabilities, you get to bend and play with the rules and properties of music in ways previously unseen by the iOS music market. As the level of complexity has risen, the new app is now primarily aimed at advanced users.

Gestrument Pro introduces a host of new features, such as multi-touch, recordable automations, advanced scale editing, and a unique system of highly-tweakable modular generators that define the pitches and rhythms. With Gestrument Pro, you can play, improvise, and compose music with deeper levels of personal expression than ever before.

Check out Gestrument Pro in action here, and download it in the App Store.

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