Furman SPB-8C Pedal Board

Price: $430

Now shipping from Furman, the SPB-8C stereo pedal board/power conditioner emphasizes portability, convenience, and functionality for the touring musician. The unit comes complete with a hardshell case, which not only has the capacity to hold the board with all of its pedals and effects still attached, but also features a luggage-style retractable handle and wheels for quick transportation. The board’s metal frame, non-slip base, and wide Velcro pad are designed to withstand all performance rigors. The unit’s stereo patch bay consists of eight 1/4” switching phone jacks, connected in two stereo loops to allow for stereo effects returns, effects loops, and additional amplifier outputs. Eight isolated 9VDC outlets and four 120VAC 15A outlets round out the board’s offerings. With a toroid tranformer to ensure low-noise performance and spike/surge suppression, as well as EMI/RFI filtering for uninterrupted power, the SPB-8C represents a fully-loaded but easily transferable unit.

www.furmansound.com

Sennheiser Evolution 602 II Dynamic Mic

Price: $289

Now shipping from Sennheiser, the e 602 II dynamic mic, like its e 602 predecessor, proves an ideal choice for low-frequency applications. Designed for use with kick drums, bass guitar cabs, tubas, and the like, the e 602 II has both an extended low-end and quick transient response to accurately capture all bass qualities. The mic’s voice coil construction includes a hum-compensating feature that reduces electrical interference. Also, at 40% lighter than the original model, the e 602 II poses less strain when positioned on a boom arm, allowing for better mic placement and clear sound reproduction. For an additional $90, users can purchase the Kickpack II, which includes a short boom stand and 25-foot XLR cable. Housed in a durable, yet lightweight aluminum frame, the mic can withstand the demands of low-frequency instruments.

Behringer ULTRALINK UL2000M Wireless System

Price: $249.99

Behringer’s new UHF wireless system, the ULTRALINK UL2000M microphone/receiver set, offers 320 transmission frequencies, enabling 20 systems to run simultaneously. Additionally, the receiver features a proprietary scan function, allowing for strong signal integrity in all RF environments. The receiver also includes a switch-mode power supply with interchangeable AC plugs, as well as a large LCD screen for easy operation and an included rack-mount kit. The microphone component features a cardioid polar pattern and boasts an excellent signal-to-noise ratio and superior dynamic range, in addition to a wide audio transmission range. The UL2000M’s frequency options and cost-efficient price range represent a smart choice for touring artists.

Tascam TNT Bundle

Price not available at press time

Tascam’s newest home recording package, the TNT Bundle, combines the company’s most user-friendly products into one. Anchoring the system is the US-122L USB 2.0 audio interface, the latest in the line, offering low latency recording and a host of helpful features including XLR mic inputs. The interface also includes Cubase LE recording software, expanding the user’s recording options to 48 tracks at 96k, in addition to 64 MIDI tracks. Tascam’s LD-74 large diaphragm condenser mic fills out the bundle. With a one-inch gold-sputtered diaphragm, the LD-74 boasts excellent, wide fidelity and suits both vocal and instrument applications in the home studio very well. Complete with a tabletop mic stand and XLR cable, the TNT Bundle provides the independent recording musician with a strong foundation.

www.tascam.com

CAD Trion 8000 Condenser Mic

Price: $599

One of three mics in the new Trion series from CAD, the Trion 8000 is a dual-diaphragm studio tube condenser mic that suits both vocal and instrument applications. Its multi-pattern design allows users to choose from cardioid, figure-eight, or omnidirectional polar patterns while Class A electronics ensure excellent fidelity. Two 1.12” hand dampened diaphragms allow for an extended frequency response and prevent distortion. The unit’s transformer-coupled output rejects unwanted noise. The Trion 8000 can also handle SPLs up to 133dB SPL. Designed with a durable metal shell to withstand the rigors of touring and the studio, the mic also comes complete with a shockmount, aluminum carrying case, 25’ 6-pin connector cable, and power supply.

www.cadmics.com

JBL LSR4312SP Subwoofer

Price: $1,100

Rounding out its successful LSR4300 studio series monitor line, JBL has introduced the system’s subwoofer component, the LSR4312SP. The unit features a 12” low-frequency transducer and a 450-watt amplifier, allowing for faithful low-end fidelity. When linked with the series’ studio monitors, the whole system is capable of reaching flat reproduction in the 20Hz range. Bolstered by five XLR bass management inputs with adjustable crossover points, the subwoofer facilitates surround sound applications. In addition, the unit’s LFE Low Frequency Effects input ensures prominent and clear bass response without drowning out higher frequencies. As part of the LSR4300 series, the LSR4312SP incorporates JBL’s RMC Room Mode Correction technology, which automatically adjusts to problematic standing waves in any space.

www.jblpro.com

Alesis IO 14 FireWire Interface

Price: $499

The younger brother to the IO 26, Alesis’ new IO 14 FireWire audio/MIDI interface greatly expands your desktop recording options. Consisting of four analog and 10 digital inputs, the unit features two switchable high-impedance inputs for direct guitar and bass recording, in addition to eight channels of ADAT inputs. The IO 14 can also support six sample rates between 44.1 and 192kHZ. Two line-level outputs, two headphone outputs, 16 channels of MIDI/IO, and 24-bit S/PDIF I/O are also integrated with the unit. Five-level LED clip meters, 48V phantom power, zero recording latency, and included Cubase LE recording software fill out the interface’s expansive offerings.

www.alesis.com

BOSS Micro BR Digital Recorder

Price: $319.50

The ultra-compact Micro BR digital recorder from BOSS includes all basic recording features in a package barely larger than an iPod. The USB-compatible unit features four playback tracks, two simultaneous record/input tracks, and 32 companion V-Tracks, allowing for expansive recording options. The Micro BR also boasts onboard multi-effects, 293 rhythm patterns, and time-stretch options. For quick recording, the recorder also offers a dedicated guitar input, as well as a built-in mic and tuner. An SD (Secure Digital) card slot allows for convenient data capture; the recorder comes with a 128MB card that can hold 65 minutes of audio from one mono track. Users can even upload and play mp3s with the unit.

www.bossus.com