SM Pro Audio released the AD-8, a multi-channel analog to ADAT converter designed to deliver an additional 8 inputs to many of today's current digital audio products.

Features :

- 8 x Balanced and line inputs (combo)
- 8 x Passive level attenuators
- 8 x Transformer isolated inputs
- 24-bit 96kHz Delta Sigma converter
- Internal and external sync
- Word clock I/O
- 44.1/48kHz operation
- 1 RU rack-mountable chassis
- Rugged metal construction

All housed in an external chassis, the AB-8 is shielded from any stray electrical interference. Robust combo connectors are provided for all inputs.

Tascam has released the DR-07 Portable Digital Recorder, a handheld digital recorder priced under $200.

Based on Tascam's DR-1, the DR-07 records to SD or SDHC Card Media, and a 2GB SD card is included with the unit. A stereo pair of electret condenser microphones captures great-sounding performances as 24-bit WAV or MP3 files. The DR-07 is powered by AA batteries and files can be transferred to computer using a high-speed USB 2.0 connector.

Musician-friendly functions of the DR-07 include the ability to loop and slow down playback without changing the pitch to learn new music. A mic stand mounting hole and included windscreen add recording flexibility.

The DR-07 is now shipping with an estimated street price of $199.

Empirical Labs unveils a brand new unit called EL9 "Mike-E".

The Mike-E is a modern digitally-controlled Microphone Preamplifier chocked with unusual features to warm and soften the source, along with an excellent compressor/limiter. Mike-E offers an incredible performance transformer-coupled mic preamp, whose noise floor is far below any microphone's self noise. The one-of-a-kind 'CompSat' section is an uncompromising compressor and saturator circuit that offers versatile 'coloring', and classic knee compression.

Mike-E's Seven Circuits :

1. Mic Preamplifier with super low noise & stepped gain switching.
2. Built in 'Direct Box', called the 'Inst In', offers unparalleled distortion, noise, and frequency response when pre-amping instruments.
3. 'Colored' 80Hz High pass filter emulates the warm low frequency cut of our favorite vintage equalizers.
4. Phase Switch to invert the audio signal 180 degrees.
5. CompSat offers both a musical Compressor/Limiter and a unique tape-like saturation circuit.
6. Emphasis high-frequency emphasis system softens high frequency 'pile-ups' and further the creamy color of the Mike-E.
7. Mix Control allows the blending of the Compressed/Saturated signal with the clean unprocessed "Dry" signal.

SM Pro Audio releases P-Control. Designed to correct audio signal phase issues, the P-Control provides an elegant and high quality transparent solution to improve recordings when combining audio from two similar signal sources. With a extensive front panel control and switchable transformer balanced isolation, the P-Control puts you in control of audio phase manipulation.

Audio phase inconsistencies arise in all manner of day-to-day recording environments. This is especially true when combining two signals to capture that elusive fat recorded sound. Audio signal from two sources can become incoherent and even cancel each other out if phase issues get out of hand.

The P-Control can be inserted in-line or via the insert bus using balanced XLR cables. The phase of connected audio source material can be manipulated by up to 180 degrees with the simple adjustment of the front panels large format rotary encoder. Bypass, Low-cut filter, and phase reverse switches are provided along with output level adjustment and VU metering.

ART has unveiled not less than four new mics : the M One, M Two and M Three which are large-diaphragm, solid-state condensers ; and the M Five which is a ribbon mic.

Upgraded 32mm gold sputtered diaphragms deliver precision, warmth and character from the M-One, M-Two and M-Three FET condenser microphones. Precision-tooled zinc/aluminum alloy chassis and dent resistant stainless-steel wire-mesh windscreens to protect the high quality capsules, ensuring long-term reliability in even the most demanding studio environments.

The M-Five classic ribbon microphone delivers precise sonic detail with a smooth, natural extended low frequency response and unrivaled clarity from its proprietary low-tension 2-micron aluminum ribbon element. Housed in a machined brass body and protected by a stainl ...