2008 EDITORS' CHOICE AWARDS

Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By the EM Staff

AUDIO INTERFACE

PreSonus FireStudio

Although there was no shortage of audio interfaces introduced this year, the PreSonus FireStudio is an all-around winner that offers quality and quantity in almost every feature category. The 24-bit, 96 kHz interface gives you 8 Class A preamps (2 mic/instrument, 6 mic/line), 16 channels of ADAT Lightpipe I/O, S/PDIF stereo I/O, as well as analog line outs, for a total of 26 simultaneous inputs and outputs.

The unit also offers MIDI I/O, jitter-resistant word clock, and two headphone outputs. If you want additional monitoring and input-switching capabilities along with talkback facilities, the FireStudio is designed to work with the optional Monitor Station Remote.

Also included with the FireStudio is PreSonus's Control Console software, which gives users a 36 × 36 × 18 software mixer/router as well as zero-latency monitoring — a key feature for any audio interface. On top of that, you get a comprehensive software bundle that includes Steinberg Cubase LE, Propellerhead Reason Adapted PreSonus Edition, IK Multimedia AmpliTube LE, FXpansion BFD Lite, Sonoma Wire Works Riffworks Jr., Drumagog LE, and Wave Arts MasterVerb LE and TrackPlug LE. When you take into account all the features and extras, as well as the high audio quality, it's clear that the FireStudio is a winning product.

CHANNEL STRIP/PREAMP

Universal Audio DCS Remote Preamp
($1,199 [MSRP])

A well-matched pair of mic preamps is something every studio needs for critical recording. Universal Audio, known for its attention to detail in the digital and analog realm, has combined both in its DCS Remote Preamp system, which puts a pair of high-quality transimpedance analog preamps under digital control for accurate gain staging. But what sets this product apart from other preamps released this year is that it adds control room functionality, such as a cue system with effects, that is elegantly designed and easy to use.

Created for studios where space is limited, the Desktop Console System (DCS) uses a Cat-5 cable to connect the analog I/O to the digital controller, allowing you to place them in separate rooms if needed. The preamps can be configured for dual-mono, stereo, and M-S use. Onboard reverb and EQ effects enable you to customize the cue mix to the tastes of the recording talent, and an additional stereo input lets you mix in audio from your DAW. Other features include a pair of VU meters, a built-in talkback mic, and a pair of DI inputs that automatically switch to line inputs when TRS cables are used. Is it any surprise that the DCS Remote Preamp swept this category?

DIGITAL AUDIO SEQUENCER

Apple Logic Studio
(Mac, $499 [MSRP])

Among EM's editors, Apple Logic Studio was the hands-down winner for Digital Audio Sequencer this year. When a company completely redesigns a complex product, making it both easier to use and more powerful, bundles it with other top-notch audio applications (such as MainStage, Soundtrack Pro 2, and WaveBurner), adds 40 GB of content, and cuts the price in half, it certainly deserves a prize.

Although Logic Pro 8 was the recipient of a major face-lift, it is still recognizably Logic Pro. You'll do most of your editing, browsing, and mixing in new pop-up panes in the Arrange window, but separate windows are still available. You can ignore the Environment or harness its considerable power. You record multiple takes in drop-down lanes, then use Quick Swipe Comping to create as many alternate comps as you like. Context-sensitive browsing provides fast access to all your media. Best of all, you can throw your old XSKey in the trash.

For live performance on a laptop using Logic-proprietary and AU instruments and effects, MainStage is a vast improvement over trying to manage Logic and perform at the same time. For audio editing and postproduction, Soundtrack Pro 2 has the bases covered. Compressor 3 and WaveBurner provide surround encoding and CD mastering. Finally, the Studio Instruments and Studio Effects plug-in collections have been both expanded and improved. There's so much to like in this all-encompassing audio solution that we couldn't help but give it the recognition it deserves.

DOWNLOAD OF THE YEAR

Andyware Analog Box 2
(Win, free)

We're always on the lookout for unusual and inexpensive music-making tools, and the best of the best appear in our “Download of the Month” column. From those we cull an annual Editors' Choice winner, which this year is Analog Box 2 from Andy Turner of Andyware. Unlike with the other categories, the Download of the Year need not be a new product; we're just happy it's still around. However, the most recent version of Analog Box 2 was released in March 2007.

Analog Box 2 is billed as a modular software synthesizer. It's as much an algorithmic music generator as a synth, though, and that may be where it is most useful. The more than 50 Jambots (jamming robots) in the Andyware online gallery run the gamut from quirky, robotic sound effects to interesting and useful grooves. A little time and attention to the Help documentation will have you happily tweaking the Jambots and other prebuilt devices in the library. If you want to build your own synths and music generators, you'll find tools for that as well.

In a forest of do-it-yourself music software, Analog Box 2 stands out as both unusual and powerful. Putting in the effort and making the results free for the downloading is in the true spirit of our Download of the Year award.

DRUM MACHINE/MODULE (Software)

XLN Audio Addictive Drums
(Mac/Win, $249 [MSRP])

There was plenty of competition in the Software Drum Machine/Module category this year. But the product the editors kept coming back to for its sheer innovation was XLN Audio Addictive Drums. This cross-platform plug-in combines 2 GB of samples, an onscreen mixer with effects, and a collection of MIDI files of live performances. The drum samples are organized in an assortment of layered, multimiked kits (with alternative hits), making it easy to tweak the included performances. A drag-and-drop groove browser provides quick access to the more than 3,000 beats and fills.

The 12-channel mixer gives you even more control over your performances. In addition to using the standard mixer controls, you can invert phrases, create pitch and volume envelopes, and insert filter, EQ, compression, reverb, and other plug-in effects. The content is rounded out with 100 production-ready presets covering a cross-section of styles. Whether you want to create your own drum parts from scratch, layer in a few top-notch performances, or use a preconfigured production setup, Addictive Drums gives you a lot of great material to work with.