This month sees the release of two new MIDI digital reverb systems from Alesis. The AI makes use of the new silicon gate CMOS chip which enables very precise audio calculations to be made at very high speeds without the unit consuming a considerable amount of power. This in turn obviates the need for a cooling fan and a bulky power supply, and also enables the circuit to be simplified. There are two separate parts to the system: the rack mounting processor and a remote controller, and they are connected via a single lead that transmits audio and MIDI information as well as power. All parameters may be altered from the remote control unit, and in addition, programs can be stored in the memory of the remote controller and can be used with any other Alesis processor. In all 90 user-programmable memory locations are available. In fact no fewer than 128 Kbytes of memory is available. Sample rate is 35.714kHz, frequency response 30Hz to 20kHz, typical dynamic range 90dB and distortion under 0.1%.

The Alesis XT:c is a low cost updated version of the XT reverb. Pre-delay is now variable up to 250mS and high frequency cut is now replaced by a variable control that affects the 14kHz to 3kHz range. Stereo inputs have been fitted to the XT:c and an infinite hold function added. Memory capacity is expanded to 128 KBytes and the bandwidth is 14kHz. Typical harmonic distortion is 0.1% and typical dynamic range 90dB. Further information can be obtained from Sound Technology, (Contact Details).

Audio Logic have announced the release of their MT66 2-channel stereo compressor/limiter. This unit has a compression ratio of anything from 1:1 to infinity:1 and has an inbuilt noise gate. Frequency response is 20Hz to 20kHz and the signal-to-noise ratio 95dB. RRP of the MT66 is £250 including VAT. Plans are also afoot in the Audio Logic camp to bring out a 4-channel noise gate. Further information is again available from Sound Technology, (Contact Details).

A new MOSFET power amplifier from Anytronics called the SA500 has just been announced. By the manufacturers' own admission, money has been deliberately channelled into making the appearance of the unit belies the sound quality produced. Output specification is 255W into 8 ohms, 380W into 4 ohms or 760W into 8 ohms bridged mono. It retails at £488.75 including VAT. More details can be obtained from ACT Sound & Light, (Contact Details).

Mordant-Short have built on the success of the MS20 by developing from it a new model of speaker; the MS25Ti. This features a 200mm bass drive unit and a 19mm tweeter. It can handle 10-300W per channel at a sensitivity of 89dB for 1W at 1 m. Further details are available from Mordant-Short Ltd, (Contact Details).

Rumour has it that RSD Studiomaster will release a monitor console: the 12M, as well as a range of mixers to be called the Series 2 that will be displayed at the Frankfurt Musik Messe. Although more expensive than the current range, these mixers will be upgraded in a number of ways. The EQ section will be 4-band, six aux send busses will be available, as will a -dB pad, phase reverse, a 48v phantom powering switch, separate mono jacks for send and return inserts, a mic/line selection facility and a separate jack for tape return. Three separate models are in the series: 16-16-2, 16-8-2 and 16-4-2. Also featured on these consoles is a MIDI muting system that enables a set of muting patterns to be set up in advance and triggered by a MIDI sequencer. Patches can be stored on both Commodore 64 and Spectrum computers. Add-on modules, containing eight channels will also be available.

Another new product to emerge from Studiomaster is the MOSFET 2000 amplifier. In fact, this 3U rack mounting unit contains four discrete amplifiers and can deliver 450W per channel into four ohms. Bridging the channels into two pairs gives a total output of 1000W per channel into four ohms. Frequency range is 5Hz to 200kHz, and harmonic distortion typically 0.003% in four channel mode and 0.006% in bridged mode.

A range of budget amplifiers will also be available from Studiomaster in the near future. The STELLAR FET 2 delivers 200W per channel and the STELLAR FET 4, 400W per channel, both into four ohms. Harmonic distortion in both units is less than 0.006%, and, like the MOSFET 2000, they are housed in 3U rack mounting boxes. Further information on these new products is available from Studiomaster, (Contact Details).

RSD Studiomaster have also now commenced sole distribution of Primo microphones in the UK. Further information can be obtained from RSD Hire Ltd, (Contact Details).

Opcode Systems have announced new software for use with MIDI synthesisers and an Apple Macintosh computer. Three packages are available for use with their MIDIMAC Interface: MIDIMAC sequencer, MIDIMAC Patch Librarian and MIDIMAC Patch Editor. Composing, editing, storing and performing facilities are offered by these. The MIDI MAC Interface can equip the Macintosh with MIDI IN and OUT, two MIDI INs or two MIDI OUTs. It also features a clock select switch, to ensure its compatibility with current and future software from other manufacturers.

The MIDI Sequencer effectively allows the Macintosh to perform multitracking sequencer functions. It has a memory of up to 24,000 notes, arranged in up to 26 sequences of 10 tracks each. It's possible to play a maximum of 16 sequences or 32 tracks at any one time. Editing facilities are also available.

The patch librarian enables synth patches to be stored on disk and edited on screen, and can combine two different patches on different synths into one single program. At present, patch librarians are available for the Yamaha DX and TX ranges, Oberheim Xpander, Matrix series and OB-8, Casio CZ range, Roland Juno 106 and JX-8P and Fender Polaris.

The patch editor, however, is different in that it caters solely for the Yamaha DX5, DX7, TX7 and TX816 synthesisers. This simplifies their programming by displaying every parameter of the patch on screen at once. For TX7 owners it can also, through MIDI, provide a cheaper alternative to buying a DX7. Patches can also be saved onto disk and a short sequence can be recorded that plays back each time the patch is changed. Further information can be obtained from Opcode Systems, (Contact Details).

Aphex have launched another new product, an 8-channel surround sound decoder called the AVM-8000. Surround sound is an extension of stereo that operates from several speakers placed all around the listener. It is encoded onto a stereo soundtrack, but can only be encoded when played through a decoder such as the AVM-8000.

Also new from Aphex is a compressor-limiter known as the Dominator, from the same stable as the Compellor (reviewed HSR May 85). The main difference between the two devices is that the Compellor handles average levels while Dominator is designed to compress peaks. Frequency response is 20Hz to 50kHz. Further information is obtainable from Sound Technology, (Contact Details).

The new Lexicon PCM70 digital effects processor features MIDI control of all the parameters, including delay times, feedback, wet/dry mix, filters and room size. 40 software programs are currently available on EPROM, covering chorus, multi-band delay, infinite and conventional reverb. 50 other programs can also be created and stored in memory. The retail price is £2127.50. Although it is not intended to replace the PCM60, the 60 will be 'significantly reduced' in price from January. Further information can be obtained from Scenic Sounds Equipment Marketing, (Contact Details).

Two new microphones have been announced by Electro-Voice. The PL4 is a miniature omnidirectional condenser mic designed for use with acoustic instruments. It can clip directly on to the sound hole of a guitar or the bell of a wind instrument and can be powered using either a battery or phantom powering.

The PL10 is a dynamic cardioid mic designed for use with percussion and brass instruments. It features a minimal proximity effect and the whole mic is encased in an internal shot mount/blast filter that reduces rumble. Further information on both these products is available from Shuttlesound Ltd, (Contact Details).

Digisound have launched the first in a series of rack mounting units: a pitch tracker called the RK-1. This unit can interface many musical instruments, including vocals to any one volt per octave synthesiser, via a CV output. They claim the pitch to voltage converter is the fastest yet made, and no 'ripple' effects are evident on the output (a common tendency with fast conversion times). The unit is capable of computing the frequency of both symmetrical and asymmetrical waveforms. One special feature of the device is a 'Resolve' function that approximates the input frequency to the nearest semitone, thus enabling the pitch of out of tune instruments (or vocalists) to be automatically corrected. This unit will shortly be reviewed. Further information is obtainable from Digisound Ltd, (Contact Details).

Dod Electronics has released the 944 Chain Reaction; a rack mounting unit that houses four separate effects. Chorus/flanger, digital delay, parametric EQ and an input/output enhancing section are featured. Bass and treble, level and distortion controls are fitted, and these apply to all four effects. Also, a footpedal is supplied that includes infinite repeat and bypass functions. Further information can be obtained from Rhino Music Spares, (Contact Details).