Beginning September 1st 2007, Korg USA is offering free Steinberg Cubase LE 4 Music Production Software with its acclaimed D888 Digital Recorder/Mixer. Cubase LE 4 is a music software workstation combining audio and MIDI recording, editing and mixing in a single, integrated software package. This combination provides musicians, engineers and producers with a powerful tool to easily and reliably record multi-track live performances, and then edit, arrange, mix and master those performances at home using a computer.
The D888 offers an innovative approach to hard disk recording, with 8 inputs for 8-track simultaneous recording, and 8 outputs to allow it to be run in-line with other PA/sound reinforcement systems. It also functions as a rugged 8-channel mixer with an internal effect processor for smaller live performance needs. Users can record multi-channel live performances as individual WAV files then use USB 2.0 data transfer to share the recordings with computer-based systems for full editing and final mastering.
Cubase LE 4 provides a complete editing solution with up to 48 audio tracks, 64 MIDI tracks and 8 Instruments tracks. Visual waveform editing, real-time time expansion/compression and pitch shifting, included VST effects and virtual instruments make it the perfect complement to the D888. Cubase LE 4 is cross-platform compatible and can run on Mac OSX, Windows XP, X64, or Vista PCs.
The Free Cubase LE 4 bundle is available to customers who purchase a new Korg D888 in the US through an authorized Korg USA dealer from September 1, 2007 until further notice.
Korg also announced the 8-channel ZERO8 Live Control Console, designed for the growing number of musicians incorporating real-time mixing, MIDI control and dynamic effects manipulation into their computer-based production and performance.
The ZERO Live Control products act as an all-in-one “core station,” integrating a digital mixer, FireWire audio interface with support for up to 24-bit/192 kHz audio, customizable MIDI control surface and multi-effect processor in a single unit. A variety of input types allow the user to integrate their favorite tools with their laptop/computer or digital/analog instruments via FireWire connection, delivering powerful and flexible performance options. The ZERO8 mixers are the perfect complement to realtime performance software and compositional DAWs.
The Matrix Input Selector enables each channel to be instantly switched between a variety of sources (turntable, CD, mic, audio from a computer, guitar), to act as a MIDI control surface, or as a combination MIDI controller + audio channel. All controller knobs feature two-color illumination that indicates whether the controller is processing audio or sending MIDI control data for precise control on stage or in dim lighting.
A selection of EQ types help users optimize EQ responses and curves for a variety of musical styles, from corrective equalization to bold, creative sound-shaping. It includes emulations of various EQ characteristics from famous mixers, isolator functionality, and can even act as a filter. This is available with per channel selection.
The ZERO8 offers three effects processors, Insert (8 types), Send and Master (11 types each), all controlled via a Touch-display screen with KAOSS-style real-time manipulation.
A FireWire connection lets users process or mix audio sources from a PC in the digital domain — as well as transmit MIDI — all on a single cable. In FireWire audio + MIDI mode, a single channel can be used for audio processing such as EQ and level at the same time it’s being used for MIDI control.
As a control surface, the ZERO8 offers 64 knobs, 8 encoders, four switches, six buttons and eight sliders. Dedicated “ZERO Edit” software lets users freely assign MIDI messages to the faders, knobs, incremental/push encoders, buttons, toggle switches and X-Y pads.
Top quality, low impedance mic preamps were designed by Peter Watts, a veteran designer of professional mixers at UK-based Trident Corporation and at Mackie Designs in the USA. Each mixer features a durable, compact design that emphasizes mobility. The universal power supply (90V-260V) operates globally, and the internal ±18V power supply delivers plenty of headroom and high quality audio.
The ZERO8 mixer is currently available, with a U.S. MSRP of $2450.
For more information, visit www.korg.com.
