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RME Fireface UCX - Now in stock!
Aw... they grow up so quickly thesedays! Since RME first released the Fireface 800 (would you believe 9 years ago and still going strong!), things have gone from strength to strength with this marvellous series. Fireface 400 was next (compact size), and was then followed by Fireface UC - with USB port, which has cleverly been optimised for use specifically on Mac or PC (easily switchable should you change from one platform to another).
More recently, we've seen the exciting release of Fireface UFX, packing the supercharged Totalmix FX... and now (insert timani roll) the most recent member of the Fireface family: Fireface UCX. Compact, clever, and with a handy remote control - no doubt inspired by the popularity of the little Babyface USB interface.
You can see a good quick list of features, specs and connectivity here, but more importantly - as this was only realeased at NAMM a couple of weeks ago, stock is thin on the ground. So if you're keen and this is a 'must-have-now' tool for your studio, make sure you make contact asap as we don't have a huge amount of stock just yet.
Factory Sound has been a huge RME advocate since the get-go, and the reasons are plain and simple. Apart from the great sound - high quality AD/DA converters with BIG dynamic range - the support in Australia is fantastic, which is exactly what is required for anything 'hi-tech' that you depend on for your studio, project, and more often than not, your livelihood.
And just in case you've got nothing better to do (hard to imagine), here's a 4 min interview with Hermann Vega-Savon, RME CEO that we filmed at last year's Melbourne F1 Grand Prix. Luckily we filmed this before too much happy fluid had been consumed!
Read full postFurman Merit Series - the power of protection
If it plugs in to power, make sure it's protected. Of course, it seems like a no-brainer, but it's amazing how many bits of gear get powered straight from the GPO.
For your studio lavalamp or a variety of kitchen appliances, there is really no problem with that - but for the many bits of gear that are right in the thick of the sound chain, there is more than one area of concern. The first has to do directly with your gear fund.
Spike and surge protection is the smart way to ensure no nasties get past your power conditioner, and adversely affect your prized equipment. Bolt one of these into each rack for your live shows, and make sure all your studio gear is plugged into the appropriate number of conditioners also. That's the easy way to avoid the horrible sinking feeling when you get a spike and something doesn't make it through the ordeal.
Since we're in the sound game, the second reason to make sure you condition your power has got to do with the quality of your sound chain. Noise filtering of the incoming power reduces radio frequencies and electromagnetic interference.
These 'Merit Series' conditioners by Furman are a simple way to make sure your gear performs as it should. 10Amp rating, with circuit breaker, 10 rear panel IEC outlets (plus one on the front panel), and also the option of pull-out rack lights. The incoming power lead will stay put, unless you have a crack at the locking mechanism with a screwdriver.
M10LXE - includes pull out lights
M10XE - no lights
Ableton - up to 25% off until January 15, 2012
We're pretty excited at the new arrival this week. Finally we're able to offer the ripping great Ableton products, and just because it's 'holiday season', you get up to 25% off the boxed product prices (not available on the EDU* versions).
So, let's get this straight - the boxed products (unlike the download versions) come stacked with loops, instruments and samples for your tinkering pleasure, plus a printed user manual for those who like to sit and read when you're not in front of the computer / phone / iPad, etc...
So, if you're NOT a full-time student, a full-time teacher (or a school), the prices for Ableton Live 8, Suite 8 and the tantalisingly inexpensive Live Intro have been sliced and diced to suitably entice. Strictly 15th January 2012 is the day of reckoning though, so make sure you take advantage of the lower-than-usual prices while you can.
*For the EDU types, fear not...Ableton are always making sure that the next crop of up-and-coming performers and creative souls are well looked after. Check out the pricing for Ableton Live 8 EDU and also for the almighty Suite 8 EDU.
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