Yamaha Offers Three New Portable EMX Mixers

Yamaha Professional Audio brings three new models to its popular line of EMX powered mixers, the 2 x 200-watt EMX212S ($449), 2 x 300-watt EMX312C ($559) and 2 x 500-watt EMX512SC ($679). All three amps have versatile input capabilities, plenty of power and built-in signal processing. Each offers a total of 12 input channels to accommodate microphones, instruments and playback equipment: four for mono mic or line inputs; plus four pairs that can function either as mono mic inputs or stereo line inputs. A power mode switch allows the two amplifier channels to be used with the stereo outputs, or drive main speakers and a separate monitor mix for flexible system setups.

The new designs make it easier than ever to tailor the sound and control feedback, with 3-band EQ on each input channel, and 7-band graphic EQ on the main/monitor output channels. Each channel also contains a new Feedback Channel Locator (FCL) indicator that pinpoints the input channel creating the problem.

Onboard signal processing includes a selection of effects (reverb, echo, chorus, flanger, phaser and distortion) from Yamaha’s famous SPX series processor products. Models EMX312SC and EMX512SC also feature convenient one-knob compression on each of the mono input channels.

The EMX212S, EMX312SC and EMX512WSC are housed in lightweight (under 27 lb.), rugged high-impact molded enclosures that will withstand the rigors of daily use. An updated angled design provides easy access to the control panel when the unit is placed low to the floor, while integrated, rear-mounted handles make the unit easy to transport. For additional convenience, a rack mount kit (RK 512, MSRP $49) is also available.

ELECTRO-HARMONIX Releases the 12AY7 TUBE MIC PREAMP

In today’s market, most affordable tube preamps for microphones are disappointing. Electro-Harmonix has changed that with the creation of the 12AY7 Mic Preamp. Equipped with a 12AY7 EH tube and a 12AU7 EH driver, it gives microphones the widest dynamic swing with the warmest possible tone and accuracy. It uses an actual 200-volt supply instead of the “faked out” 12 or 48 volts you’d get with common models, delivering 50 dbs of gain into a high impedance load, and about 40 dbs of gain into 600 ohms.

The 12AY7 Mic Preamp’s special FET current-balancing circuit allows the tubes to amplify the microphone signal to line level while eliminating noise, and protecting against hum and hostile electrical environments. It has an extra TRS output for separate line control, which can be used as a splitter or an AUX Send for monitoring. Input connections are balanced In and Out (XLR) with a º” TRS balanced buffer out. The unit also boasts a phase reverse switch and a +4dBm indicator light for setting optimal mic level. The 48 volt phantom power is soft starting and “pop free.” For more information visit www.ehx.com

Pro Tools M-Powered Software for Select M-Audio Hardware Peripherals, Now Shipping

M-Audio and Digidesign recently shipped Pro Tools M-Powered software. Pro Tools M-Powered is a new version of Digidesign’s Pro Tools software designed to work with select M-Audio hardware. Pro Tools M-Powered software works with a variety of M-Audio peripherals, from the Audiophile 2496, up to the comprehensive 18-in/14-out FireWire 1814 interface, and Ozonic, the integrated 37-key audio/MIDI FireWire interface and controller. Plus, M-Audio FireWire peripherals are powered from the computer’s FireWire bus (6-pin FireWire port required), providing a new variety of completely portable, go-anywhere FireWire-based Pro Tools workstations.

Pro Tools M-Powered software is cross-platform, supporting both Windows XP- and Mac OS X-based computers. Sessions created with Pro Tools M-Powered software will open on both Digidesign Pro Tools TDM and LE systems, giving customers instant compatibility with countless Pro Tools-equipped project and professional studios around the world. Pro Tools M-Powered software gives M-Audio hardware enthusiasts up to 32 simultaneous tracks of 16- or 24-bit digital audio and 256 MIDI tracks and support for up to 96kHz sample rates. Similar to Digidesign Pro Tools LE systems, Pro Tools M-Powered includes more than thirty DigiRack and Bomb Factory plug-ins, including EQ, dynamics, delay, reverb, and many more. Pro Tools M-Powered software also supports ReWire.

The MSRP of Pro Tools M-Powered software is $349. There will also be two stand-alone plug-in bundles available for M-Powered users, Producer Factory and Producer Factory Pro, which will be sold separately.