HC News

GLENDALE, AZ AUGUST 21, 2013 – Dean Markley announces the release of the new Signature Series strings. The Signature Series utilizes a nickel plated steel, slowly wound over a hex core with a unique core-to-wrap ratio. The new series is available in an assortment of gauge sets including Extra Light 8’s, detuned 13’s and seven string. The new line is available through authorized retailers and distributors. Quality craftsmanship is a benchmark of Dean Markley and the Signature Series strings strive to exemplify this tradition. By crafting the wrap wire over a hex core, the wrap wire is able to provide 100\% contact with the core insuring maximum transfer of tone and sustain. The additional benefit of a unique core-to-wrap ratio helps guitarists bend strings more easily while maintaining proper tension and staying in tune during performance. Long preferred by the majority of rock guitarists and new country players, nickel plated steel provides highly magnetic tones by using a steel core and wrap. The wrap wire is electroplated with pure nickel. The steel allows for better output and durability while the nickel provides a softer surface to the players touch, resists oxidation better, is easier on fretwear and helps balance out the overall tone. MAP for six string sets is $4.99 USD MAP for seven string sets is $5.39 USD MSRP is $10.99 USD

Future Loops has just released "Arcadia - 8 Bits Invasion 2", the second volume from their collection of retro gaming inspired sound effects. "Arcadia - 8 Bits Invasion 2" features another assortment of noises, lasers, boops, beeps, blips and tracker synths divided in 10 classic gaming categories: Checkpoint, Star Power, Healers, 1-Up, Game Over, Hazards, Strange Beings, Continue, Shooters and Warp Zone. With over 500 samples, "Arcadia - 8 Bits Invasion 2" is available in WAV format and 100\% Royalty-Free.

OXFORD, UK: Sonnox has announced the release of 64-bit AAX DSP and AAX Native plug-ins for Pro Tools 11. The latest version of Pro Tools, the most used and trusted DAW in the industry, provides exponentially improved AAX plug-in performance over prior versions, including such time-saving capabilities as offline bounce to disk, and complete sound parity when sharing sessions between DSP-accelerated and native-based Pro Tools systems. Currently available Sonnox AAX plug-ins include: Oxford EQ, Dynamics, Inflator, TransMod and, Oxford Limiter. Sonnox reports that additional AAX plug-ins will be forthcoming throughout 2013, as the company continues to port its entire range to the new AAX plug-in standard for Pro Tools. To learn more about Sonnox and AAX please visit: www.sonnox.com

Vancouver BC - Radial Engineering Ltd is pleased to announce the USB-Pro, a high-resolution stereo direct box designed to convert sound files from a laptop computer and seamlessly transfer them to a pair of balanced audio outputs to feed a PA, recording or broadcast mixing console. According to Radial President Peter Janis: "For years, Radial customers have been asking us to get into the digital world. We have hesitated due to lack of clear standards and challenges with respect to interfacing with computers. But with the recent advent of self-configuring USB ports, we feel the time is right to finally get involved and the USB-Pro is the first Radial product to sport digital connectivity." Made to be plug & play easy to use, the USB-Pro automatically configures itself for use with all popular operating systems including Mac OSX, Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, thus eliminating the need to load special drivers. And unlike devices that are limited with 16 bit, 44.1 kHz conversion rates, the USB-Pro elevates the performance with true 24 bit, 96 kHz stereo converters to deliver more headroom and greater detail. This eliminates the need for additional sound cards or separate converters when transferring files, further streamlining production in busy work environments. Connection from the laptop is done via the pro-audio standard USB type-B port. Digital-to-analog conversion is monitored with the built-in headphone amplifier to ensure the signal is being properly downloaded and converted. A mono-sum switch may be engaged to check for phasing or facilitate signal distribution to two outputs should this be preferred. One simply sets the output volume control to suit. Should hum or buzz caused by ground loops be encountered, two set & forget side-access switches let you insert isolation transformers into the signal path to block stray DC voltage offsets. To further reduce susceptibility to noise, this is augmented with a ground lift switch that lifts pin-1 on the two XLRs. As with all Radial products, the USB-Pro is designed to handle the rigors of professional touring. Our unique book-end design creates protective zones around the switches, connectors and controls to keep them out of harm's way. Inside, our time-tested I beam construction assures the sensitive internal PC board will not torque which could otherwise cause premature part failure. Finally, a full bottom no-slip pad provides mechanical isolation and electrical insulation, further advantaging the user. The Radial USB-Pro is a serious digital to analog interface that effortlessly delivers great audio for the most demanding audio engineer. The USB-Pro is now shipping and retails for $220.

Los Angeles, CA – August 20, 2013 Platinum Samples and The Avedis Zildjian Company announce the release of the Zildjian Artist MIDI Groove Library. The Zildjian Artist MIDI Groove Library includes grooves performed by 24 famous drummers including Kenny Aronoff, Billy Mason, Carter Beauford, Eddie Bayers, Danny Seraphine, Stephen Perkins, Ilan Rubin, Marco Minnemann & Adam Nussbaum all performed using a Yamaha DTX900 electronic drum kit to capture their unique styles and includes Funk, Blues, Rock, Reggae, Latin, Country & Pop grooves in 4/4, 3/4, 12/8, 9/4, 5/4, 7/4, 13/16, 5/8 and 6/4 time signatures. This multi-format collection includes grooves formatted for BFD2, BFD Eco, EZDrummer, Superior Drummer, Addictive Drums, Steven Slate Drums 4, Cakewalk Session Drummer as well as General MIDI Standard MIDI Files which can be used with any GM compatible drum software or hardware --- this includes drum machines and synthesizers which have drum sounds. The Zildjian Artist MIDI Groove Library is optimized for 1 Kick, 1 Snare, 3 Toms, 1 Hihat, 2 Crash cymbals and 1 Ride cymbal and is available now as a download from Platinum Samples’ website and includes all formats for $40.00 For a limited time if you purchase 2 or more MIDI Libraries from the Platinum Samples website you can save 15\% (from August 21st until September 30th, 2013)

LOS ANGELES – (For Immediate Release) – Elation Professional is making it easy for lighting professionals to get “on board” with the next step in LED technology. The company has introduced the Cuepix Series, a collection of blinders and strip lights powered by advanced Chip On Board or COB LED technology, known for its higher-density output and superior all-around performance. The Cuepix Series will debut with four models: *Cuepix Panel – 25 x 30-watt COB LED Tri Color RGB matrix blinder *Cuepix Strip WW – linear strip with 5 x 30-watt warm white COB LEDs *Cuepix Blinder WW2 – blinder with 2 x 100-watt warm white COB LEDs *Cuepix Strip Tri -- linear strip with 5 x 30-watt Tri Color RGB COB LEDs COB LEDs differ from surface mount (SMD) LEDs in that the multiple LED diodes are directly mounted on and electrically connected to its circuit board as one lighting module. Since there is no conventional device SMT (surface mount technology) packaging, interconnection lengths are shortened and thermal resistance is better as well. This results in improved performance and reliability. COBs typically provide greater output from a smaller illumination source, more even light distribution, better color homogenization and better heat dissipation. “With the debut of the Cuepix Series, Elation is proud to introduce our first LED products that feature COB technology,” said Eric Loader, director of sales for Elation Professional. “We have been testing and using this technology for a few years, and it is now mature and stable enough to bring to the market with this series. We are committed to making the latest advances in lighting technology available to our customers, and we believe that COB LEDs represent a major breakthrough that will offer lighting professionals numerous advantages. “Providing more output from one source, thus fewer points of light in products, results in fewer shadows and better color mixing. In addition to improved lumen performance and consistency, COB technology allows us, as a manufacturer, to be more cost-efficient in designing and manufacturing lighting products,” added Loader, “which of course is a big plus for our customers in terms of the value and innovation we can offer. Take a look at the Cuepix Series and you’ll see what we mean!” Ideal for adding high-impact white or colored light at theaters, concerts, tours and productions of all types, the Cuepix Series not only offers superior output, power and performance, the products are also equipped with features that will help lighting pros turn their creative vision into stunning designs. For example, all models in the series include individual pixel control of each COB, as well as full DMX control with built-in effects macros. Here is a closer look at the four models in the Cuepix Series: Cuepix Panel – This high-power color square matrix blinder features 5 rows of 5 (total 25) 30-watt 3-in-1 (red, green, blue) COB LEDs. Users can dial up a full spectrum of custom colors via DMX, or simply let the unit run through its built-in macro programs. The Cuepix Panel includes PowerCon In/Out, 3- and 5-pin DMX connections, and a multi-voltage universal auto switching power supply (100-240V). It comes with an integrated rigging and hanging bracket. Dimensions are 21.6” x 5.1” x 21.6”/ 548.6 x 129.5 x 548.6 mm, and weight is 33 lbs. /15 kg. (excluding hanging bracket). Cuepix Strip WW – A warm white linear strip light, the Cuepix Strip WW is powered by 5 x 30-watt WW COB LEDs. It features individual pixel control, built-in effects macros, 3- and 5-pin DMX connections, PowerCon In/Out, and a multi-voltage power supply (100-240V). Compact and easily transportable, the Cuepix Strip WW measures 22” x 5.1” x 9.4”/ 558.8 x 129.5 X 238.8 mm, and weighs 14 lbs. / 6.35 kg. Cuepix Blinder WW2 – A powerful little white blinder, the Cuepix Blinder WW2 will put on a brilliant shine anywhere with its 2 brawny 100-watt warm white COB LED modules. As an added bonus, each of the two modules can be individually controlled manually for pan and focus, giving designers more effects possibilities. Other features include a multi-voltage power supply (100-240V), PowerCon In/Out, and 3- and 5-pin DMX connections. The petite unit measures 19.2” x 7” x 6.6”/ 487.7 x 177.8 x 167.6 mm. and weighs just 11 lbs/ 5 kg. Cuepix Strip Tri – Ideal for stage/wall washing and uplighting, this RGB color strip contains 5 x 30-watt 3-in-1 (red, green, blue) COB LEDs for smooth, shadow-free color blending. Users can get as elaborate as they choose with this DMX-compatible unit, down to the level of controlling pixels individually, or they can set it to run automatically to pre-programmed effects macros. Like all models in the Cuepix Series, the Cuepix Strip Tri is lightweight and travels well, measuring 22” x 5.1”mx 9.4” /558.8 x 129.5 X 238.8 mm, and weighing 14 lbs. / 6.35 kg. It includes 3- and 5-pin DMX connections, PowerCon In/Out, and a multi-voltage power supply (100-240V).

August 23, 2013- Danish effect manufacturer T-Rex Effects, in partnership with Guitar Center’s Director of Merchandise, Barry Mitchell, announce the new co-developed Fat Shuga overdrive boost/reverb pedal available exclusively at Guitar Center stores, Guitar Center online www.guitarcenter.com and Musicians Friend online www.musiciansfriend.com. This new pedal will be available for purchase on August 23, 2013. The new Fat Shuga from T-Rex Effects delivers a creamy, tubey overdrive boost and two modes of gorgeous reverb. The Cream in Fat Shuga allows you to add just the right amount of overdrive boost to your clean signal, enhancing your tone, never drowning it. Two modes of reverb - Hall and Room - can be dialed in to add the perfect bit of ambiance to deliver the ultimate in vintage tone. Fat Shuga's compact, rugged design guarantees this pedal will be a mainstay on your board for years to come. Fat Shuga is not just an effect, it’s the essence of vintage in one little box. The new Fat Shuga pedal is featured in the Guitar Center September 2013 buyers guide and Musicians Friend September 2013 catalog. For Fat Shuga videos, please click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DoXL8Jufb0&feature=youtu.be http://youtu.be/wrNI\_TezFPU

Rockford, Illinois - - Aug 2013 - Worland Guitars announces the addition of a new model to its ever growing family of custom acoustic guitars. The “Prairie” offers the same handcrafting and quality materials that is the hallmark for all of its instruments. The main difference: It is available at a very affordable price! Jim Worland has focused his 20 years of lutherie experience to create a truly great guitar that exceeds the musical expectations of the most discerning musician. The Prairie is affordable for the vast majority of guitarists. Jim says: “The Prairie represents the numerous customer requests to handcraft an instrument that is aesthetically simple but still offers all of the tonal character and playability of my high end custom acoustics. This guitar simply places the design emphasis on creating the ultimate in tone and ease of play; while offering a simple but classic style that allows me to offer this product at half of what you would expect to pay for a custom instrument.” The Prairie is based on the versatile OM size and is available with either a cedar or spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Another great benefit is that the new Prairie is kept in inventory for immediate delivery directly from Worland Guitars. The introductory price for the Prairie is only $1950 and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Options are limited to cedar or spruce top, pickup, pick guard, and strap buttons. Specs: Size: OM (Orchestra Model) 15.25” lower bout, 4” deep body Neck join: 14th fret Scale length: 24.9” Nut width: 1.75” String spacing at saddle: 2.25” Neck shape: Low profile slim “C” shape Neck joint: Bolt on heel-less joint Fingerboard Radius: 9.5” at nut, 12” at soundhole Frets: medium frets Fret markers: White side dots Materials: Top: Sitka spruce or Western red cedar Back and sides: Honduran mahogany Neck: Honduran mahogany Fingerboard: Ebony Bridge: Ebony Nut and saddle: Bone Truss rod: 2-way adjustable Binding: Black Tuning machines: Gotoh sealed 14:1 Finish: Satin lacquer Strings: Light gauge Case: TKL arched top hardshell

Leading music accessories manufacturer Strukture introduces new mic boom stand SPRM1. Designed to be the highest value microphone boom stand on the market, SPRM1 is the latest in a series of new stands from Strukture, and a further expansion of the profit-focused Strukture product offering. The SPRM1 mic boom stand is constructed using heavy duty steel, and skillfully crafted to provide optimal functionality at a customer-friendly price point. Each stand features a convenient folding tripod base, standard threading and a generous 31 inch boom arm for maximum reach. The sturdy design of the boom arm clutch is both reliable and easily adjustable, and all SPRM1 microphone boom stands are completed with a gloss finish for a durable, modern appearance. With the perfect balance of value and function, Strukture mic boom stands drive profit, at a price every musician can afford.

NNOUNCEMENT HIGHLIGHTS: Guitar Center has opened its 251st store location in the U.S. Customers can take a “virtual tour” of the store online GC Garage service will provide a much-needed range of musical instrument repair services GC Studios, first-ever GC lessons facility in Mesa to support local music scene, is at the store, located at 1652 S. Val Vista Dr., Mesa, AZ 85204 (Los Angeles, CA) – Guitar Center, the world’s largest retailer of guitars, amplifiers, drums, keyboards, recording, live sound, DJ and lighting equipment, opened its 251st location, in Mesa, Arizona, on August 1, 2013. The store, located at 1652 S. Val Vista Dr., Mesa, AZ 85204, is also part of a new wave of Guitar Center retail stores that feature lesson spaces, which allows GC to offer additional music lessons, special programs and expanded opportunities for local musicians. In a first for Guitar Center, customers can preview the Mesa store with an online “virtual tour.” To view, click on Mesa’s Google listing page at https://plus.google.com/108704360942360682486/about?gl=us&hl=en, then click “See Inside” near the page’s bottom right. Use your keyboard’s arrows to navigate through the store. MESA STORE LOCATION BACKGROUNDER: Vast Product Selection and Low Prices – Guitar Center Mesa brings an unprecedented selection of products to Mesa, all backed by Guitar Center’s guarantee and available at attractive prices. The store features the latest in guitars, amplifiers, percussion instruments and keyboards, as well as live sound, DJ, lighting and recording equipment. Guitar Center Studios – Deeply vested in expanding and enhancing the local music scene, Guitar Center Mesa also brings Guitar Center Studios to the new location.. The fully-equipped, in-house lesson space is giving area residents of all ages and skill levels access to affordable music lessons. Sourcing locally trained store employees as certified instructors, courses will be offered on guitar, bass, keys and drums, as well as vocals and recording techniques using Pro Tools, Logic Pro and GarageBand. Guitar Center Garage – Guitar Center Mesa includes GC Garage, the store’s on-site guitar repair service, offering a host of services, including electronics repair, hardware customization, fretwork, structural repairs, cosmetic enhancements, setup and maintenances. Guitar Center Mesa: Additional In-Store Programs and Opportunities Include: Guitar Center’s “Endless Aisle” – Mesa customers can now shop from Guitar Center’s new multi-channel “endless aisle,” which extends the in-store inventory to over $400 million in new and used products from across the nation. Shoppers will be able to purchase in-store, online and via phone, with the option to have products shipped to their home or to the store for convenient pick up. At: Guitar Center Programs – Throughout the calendar year, Guitar Center Mesa will host an array of free events, such as artist workshops, lessons, product launches and performances, as a part of the company’s ongoing commitment to educating and assisting unsigned artists. These programs aim to provide musicians with the opportunities and exposure essential to achieving their music goals. Recording Made Easy – Available at all Guitar Center locations, the Recording Made Easy program is a four-week, user-friendly series of weekly classes occurring Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. In addition to special programs at the new Mesa store, Guitar Center offers year-round programs designed to spearhead creativity and highlight promising undiscovered talent. Mesa residents will now be able to participate in these ongoing events from their hometown. Programs have included Your Next Record, Guitar Center On-Stage, Guitar Center Singer-Songwriter, Guitar Center's Battle of the Blues and Guitar Center’s Drum-Off. Guitar Center Mesa Store and Studio Hours Mon-Sat: 10 AM-8 PM Sun: 11 AM-6 PM

Expanding on the Sunsine Audio factory Nave soundset this pack contains leads, keys, basses, pads and more. Every patch has routings for the Modulation Wheel, the main XY Pad, as well as XY assignments for the blade-style keys. Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Categories: 11 Leads 20 Keys 19 Pads 18 Basses 5 Vocal 27 Arps 5 Percussive 5 Drums 11 Atmospheres 2 Noises 5 FX Format: 1 navebank file 128 presets 100\% Royalty Free Includes Easy Installation instructions Price: $4.99

Marina Del Rey, CA (8/15/2013) – Bigrock Engineering announces the release of the STOP-IT™, manufactured and distributed by Allparts. Finally a solution to the problem of accidentally hitting the volume or other control knobs, and changing the setting in the middle of a song - which can make you blow a great solo, or have the bottom fall out when a rhythm guitar disappears. Not a great thing to happen live, and could be costly time wise if it happens in the studio. STOP-IT!™ is a specially molded composite bushing, that locates on the hex nut, on the stem of a volume or other control knob. It allows a guitarist to control the resistance to turning, of most knobs, without losing a smooth feel. Simple to install, remove the knob, mount the STOP-IT!™, replace the knob, and press down to get the desired resistance. Will not harm instrument finish. Installs in minutes without modifications. STOP-IT!™ Features: Prevents accidental volume changes No Modifications to Instrument No damage to finish More confidence when performing Works on most guitars, amps and pedals MSRP: $7.00 pack of 4 Contact: sales@allparts.com

Chicago, IL - August 15th, 2013 - Today CEntrance, a leader in Digital Audio released the HiFi-M8® - a battery-powered, portable D/A Converter (DAC) and Headphone Amplifier that refines the sound of the Apple iPhone®, iPad®, and iPod®. Pronounced "Hi-Fi Mate," the device streams high-resolution audio from smartphones*, tablets and laptops, creating the ultimate playback system for on-the-go listeners. HiFi-M8 is offered in several models with various audio output configurations including XLR, 1/8", 1/4" and SPDIF Optical connectors. "iPhones and iPods store a lot of music in a small package, but their sound quality is not at the level many of our customers crave," said Michael Goodman, Managing Director of CEntrance. "We listened to our customers and together created the ultimate, portable playback system. The features and specifications of HiFi-M8 were crowd-sourced from the ground up. It offers the right package of flexibility, sound quality and convenience, and our field-test models are getting great reviews from listeners." Several HiFi-M8 models are available to meet the needs of the high-end audio community. HiFi-M8 not only offers a choice of output jacks to match various headphones, but on the "HiFi-M8 PRO" model, designed specifically for the Pro Audio market, it features male XLR jacks and +4dBm line-level output for connection to professional equipment. For those customers who do not use iPhones, the HiFi-M8 LX model features a TOSLINK optical input to accommodate a SPDIF input signal, instead of the iPhone input. All models also offer a 24-bit/192kHz USB input for use as a portable USB DAC. For extra sonic flexibility, HiFi-M8 offers a number of tone shaping controls to EQ and customize the sound for the best synergy with a variety of headphones. CEntrance products are known for their convenient features and mastering-quality sound. HiFi-M8 takes this up a notch by offering several degrees of flexibility, previously not possible in a single portable, battery-powered device. * HiFi-M8 is a USB DAC and an audiophile 'sound card' for your Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod. It extracts digital audio from portable devices and converts it to analog, for purest sound reproduction. * HiFi-M8's integrated audiophile package combines 24-bit/192kHz resolution, over 6 hours of battery life, balanced output, and several sonic shaping features within a single portable device. * HiFi-M8's Class-A headphone amplifier supports in-ear and over-the-ear headphones. HiFi-M8 accommodates 1/4 inch unbalanced or balanced headphones for total flexibility. * HiFi-M8 PRO accommodates balanced XLR, +4dBm line-level connection to professional equipment. HiFi-M8 is available now and sells for $699.99 USD. The HiFi-M8 PRO sells for $599.99.

August 15, 2013, Meridian, MS – Budda® Amplification, builders of market-leading, hand-wired, boutique amplifiers, are pleased to announce shipping availability of the AS Preceptor™ Alex Skolnick Signature guitar amplifier. Built to the exacting standards of Skolnick’s virtuosic playing, this 3-channel amp marries exceptional tonal quality and versatility with superb construction and unique styling. Skolnick is one of today’s most versatile and genre-bending guitarists. Perhaps best known for his role as guitarist in the legendary act Testament, Skolnick’s abilities go well beyond the metal genre. His additional projects include jazz ensemble The Alex Skolnick Trio and world music outfit Planetary Coalition. The Budda AS Preceptor suits Skolnick’s demanding tonal requirements for all of these projects and more. Skolnick shares, “For years, I've dreamed of an amp that brought together the quality of a fine vintage amp with modern hi gain technology, user friendliness, reliability and diversity; an amp not locked into classic tones, easily allowing guitarists to hone in on their own sound and that players of any genre could appreciate. After much collaboration between myself and the amazing team at Budda Amplification, I'm happy to say it's finally here: the Budda AS Preceptor is that amp." With three completely independent channels, a 120-Watt power section driven by four EL-34 tubes, and a preamp consisting of seven dual triode 12AX7 tubes, the AS Preceptor also features dual 5U4 rectifier tubes and a solid-state rectifier. Budda's patent-pending PowerPan™ variable rectification control allows players to open uncharted tone territory by selecting tube rectification, diode rectification or anywhere between the two. All three of the AS Preceptor’s independent channels - Clean, Rhythm and Lead - include separate three-band EQ, Reverb, Resonance, Presence, and true bypass effects loop with send and return levels. Each channel also features OVER-BOOST™, a stompbox-style lead boost that engages an additional tube-driven gain circuit to give players a supercharged boost. The effects loop on channel 2 can also be used as a global loop for incredible versatility in effects routing. The included ten-button foot controller switches all three channels, effects loops and OVER-BOOST functions, as well as Master Reverb and Master Boost, which is a second Master Volume control that can be used to boost the overall volume of the amp. The AS Preceptor also features a half-power switch for operating the amplifier in either 60- or 120-watt mode. With a back panel that features an amplifier chain section with power-amp inputs and a slave output, impedance selector and MIDI input and output for use in MIDI- switching rigs, this amp is at home as the centerpiece of a larger system.