M-Audio M-Track QUAD

Cumberland, R.I. (January 24, 2013)—M-Audio has announced their new M-Track Series of USB audio/MIDI interfaces. Offering three distinct models, the M-Track Series combines a robust feature set with extreme ease of use to create versatile audio/MIDI interfaces for every level of musician.

Starting with phantom-powered XLR jacks, line inputs with guitar-level switching, TRS audio inserts, and latency-free monitoring, the M-Track Series provides a comprehensive range of inputs, outputs, and connection options designed to work efficiently in the modern studio or on the go. Simple controls, effective metering, and rugged chassis make the M-Track Series ideal for withstanding the rigors of day-to-day use. From the entry-level M-Track to the pro-line M-Track Quad, each model offers a reliable platform that can accommodate the myriad of devices that can come and go in a changing project studio.

“With a deep feature set and solid build, the M-Track Series provides each musician with the best value in audio interfaces available today,” according to M-Audio Product Manager Dan Steinberg. “Each model continues the M-Audio tradition of delivering a level of versatility, performance, and value that sets new standards among audio/MIDI interfaces. In addition, each interface includes Ignite by AIR music creation software; the Plus and Quad models also include Avid® Pro Tools® Express—complete with iLok— providing a tremendous advantage.”

M-Track Quad

The flagship of the family, M-Track Quad offers up to four simultaneous audio inputs. As with the entire M-Track family, the M-Track Quad features four individual mic inputs with selectable 48V phantom power, 1/4″ line inputs with guitar-level switching, and per- channel audio inserts. A second set of outputs operates independent of the monitor level control, providing extra versatility. The four-channel M-Track Quad includes an AC power supply plus three USB outputs, allowing it to function as a powered USB hub. M- Track Quad also comes equipped with Ignite by AIR music creation software plus Avid Pro Tools Express, complete with the iLok USB key—a $49.99 value.

M-Track Plus

At home in the more advanced digital studio, the step-up M-Track Plus is built on the M-Track’s foundation, with the addition of coaxial S/PDIF digital input and output jacks on the back panel and a robust metal casing. M-Track Plus comes equipped with Ignite by AIR music creation software plus Avid Pro Tools Express, complete with the iLok USB key—a $49.99 value.

M-Track

This entry-level model offers two-channel operation. Each channel provides both XLR and 1/4″ inputs. Phantom power (48V) and guitar-level switching are provided. Professional audio converters and discrete preamp design deliver up to 24-bit, 48 kHz digital audio for use with virtually any software. 4-segment LED metering and multiple status lights provide real-time visual feedback. A single USB cable provides both power and data, making setup a snap. Intuitive controls include individual gain knobs, a convenient zero-latency mix knob, plus a headphone output with its own level knob. MIDI in and out jacks are provided, in addition to the balanced main 1/4″ outputs. Ignite by AIR music creation software and Ableton Live Lite 8 complete this powerful package.

M-Audio will be exhibiting at Booth 6700 at the 2013 Winter NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.

• Three-way fidelity in a compact two-way footprint

• Real wood baffle; optimized internal bracing

• Inline mid & high drivers offer superior imaging

• 8” woven Kevlar low-frequency driver

• 5” woven Kevlar mid-frequency driver

• 1” silk dome tweeter with integrated waveguide

• Tri-amp Class A/B power, 220 Watts total

• XLR and 1/4” balanced ins; RCA unbalanced in

• 3-band EQ with bypass; switchable low-cut filter

• Rear-mounted volume and power control

Axion Air 49

Axion Air 61

Axion Air 25

AXIOM AIR MODELS EXTEND M-AUDIO CONTOLLER LINE

Premium keyboard and pad controllers created for superior software integration

Cumberland, R.I. (January 24, 2013)—M-Audio has added three new Axiom AIR models to the upper echelons of their popular Axiom USB/MIDI keyboard and pad controller lineup: the Axiom AIR 61, Axiom AIR 49, and Axiom AIR 25. Created in conjunction with AIR Music Technology, these keyboards were designed to deliver a high level of integration with a broad array of music software titles. These new models join the previously released and compact Axiom AIR Mini 32.
Unlike other keyboard controllers that include trial and demo versions of music software, M-Audio’s strong partnerships with AIR Music Technology and Avid® allow each Axiom AIR 61, 49 and 25 model to come complete with two exclusive and complementary music creation applications: Ignite by AIR and Pro Tools® Express from Avid.

By removing many of the hurdles associated with computer-based music-making, Ignite delivers the most streamlined means to quickly capture your best musical ideas. According to AIR Product Manager Samara Winterfeld, “Ignite was designed from the ground up to provide instant integration and controller mapping with Axiom AIR and every M-Audio keyboard. This is one less thing a musician has to worry about when inspiration strikes.”

From Ignite, musical ideas can be easily migrated to the included copy of Avid Pro Tools Express, providing customers with access to the production capabilities of the industry- leading DAW software. Avid Pro Tools Express includes the required iLok USB key—a $49.99 retail value.

The bold white and brushed metal design of the Axiom AIR series features many aesthetic and ergonomic enhancements not found in previous generations of controllers. These features include illuminated knob and pad controls, angled backlit display, longer- throw faders, and clearance under the body providing a path for cabling, keeping studio and workspace tidy.
Pitch bend and modulation wheels allow for spontaneous expression, while octave/transpose buttons allow the keyboard to cover the entire note range, in any key. In addition to measuring how hard you strike, the pads also respond to pressure for enhanced control. Both keys and pads feature a wide range of touch curves to match any playing style.

The pads, buttons, and rotary encoder knobs feature three banks of controller assignments; the current bank is indicated by tri-color illumination. All controller assignments can be freely made from the front panel and easily identified using the dedicated Identify button. The unique Pad Learn function makes it easy to assign instrument sounds to pads. Best yet, each Axiom AIR model features M-Audio’s HyperControl to automatically map the controllers to popular recording software and virtual instrument titles.

Although all three Axiom AIR models share some family traits, each one is designed with a specific user in mind:

Axiom AIR 25
Ideal for the modern beat-making musician, the Axiom AIR 25 offers a generous 16 pads and 25 synth-action keys—with aftertouch. Assignable controls include 8 rotary encoder knobs and 1 long-throw 70mm fader.

Axiom AIR 49
Balancing size and features to satisfy a broad range of players and composers, the Axiom AIR 49 features 12 pads and 49 synth-action keys—with aftertouch. Assignable controls include 8 rotary encoder knobs, 9 buttons, and 9 long-throw 70mm faders.

Axiom AIR 61
Providing the accomplished keyboardist with an inspiring playing experience, the Axiom Air 61 delivers 61 TruTouch, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch. Assignable controls include 8 rotary encoder knobs, 9 buttons, and 9 long-throw 70mm faders.

M-Audio will be exhibiting at Booth 6700 at the 2013 Winter NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.

ANAHEIM, Calif. – January 23, 2013 – Taylor Guitars is unveiling the next body shape in the evolution of the company’s guitars: the Grand Orchestra. The new model, which makes its official debut at the NAMM Show, boasts Taylor’s boldest, richest voice, one that manages to blend low-end power with surprising balance and responsiveness for a big guitar. Players are sure to be impressed by the Grand Orchestra’s versatility: Aggressive strummers will love the robust output, while fingerstyle players will enjoy the dynamic range and sensitive response.

Taylor’s Grand Orchestra

Last year, the company was inspired by a desire to revoice the Taylor Jumbo, but Taylor’s design group instead opted to start from scratch and rethink the possibilities of a modern big-bodied guitar. Taylor master luthier Andy Powers began the design process by experimenting with body dimensions. He wanted to capture some of a Dreadnought’s robust tonal personality to produce big, round, richly solid notes. Slightly longer than a traditional Dreadnought, the Grand Orchestra features a tighter waist and a wider bottom bout to heighten the tonal properties. The body depth was also expanded to increase the air volume. “Bob Taylor has compared it to the lungs that support someone’s voice,” Powers explains. “By creating a bigger ‘lung,’ you have the bigger, fuller, more powerful capacity to support lower frequencies.” To maintain balance across the entire tonal spectrum, Powers designed a new bracing scheme. A hybrid of scalloped and parabolic bracing, the design causes the top and back to pump like a speaker cone, making the guitar loud and uniformly responsive from lows to highs. What emerged from the new shape was a strong, complex voice with the kind of tonal balance that fits perfectly into Taylor’s family of shapes and sounds.

To celebrate the new shape, Taylor is initially releasing the GO in three ultra-limited batches of First Edition models: the 518e, 618e and 918e. Each will feature premium grades of wood, along with other upgrades. The 518e features a back and sides of solid mahogany, a solid Sitka spruce top and bracing, and is accented by the “Deco Diamonds” inlay; the 618e boasts a back and sides of solid, AA-grade Big Leaf maple, a solid Sitka spruce top, Adirondack bracing, and the “Twisted Oval” inlay scheme; and the 918e incorporates solid AA-grade Indian rosewood back and sides, a solid Sitka spruce top, Adirondack bracing, and the popular “Cindy” inlay design. All First Edition GO models will be released without a cutaway to accentuate the body shape.

The Grand Orchestra is the fifth body shape in Taylor’s acoustic guitar line, joining other proprietary Taylor shapes including the Grand Concert, Grand Auditorium and Grand Symphony, along with the Dreadnought. Grand Orchestra models will be designated within the Taylor series ending with the numeral “8″ (e.g., 618e). GO models will be available at Authorized Taylor Dealers in the United States.

While at the NAMM show, fans can experience the new models by visiting the Taylor Guitars Showcase (Room 213 ABC).

For images of the Grand Orchestra, please visit: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/8168956/TaylorGrandOrchestra.zip

For additional news from Taylor Guitars, please visit:

www.taylorguitars.com/news

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