– BARRY RUDOLPH barry@barryrudolph.comAURALEX HOVERDECKThe Auralex HoverDeck isolates a drum kit from the floor or a hollow stage andreduces unwanted coloration from floor resonances. In a project studio, it will providesound isolatioan modular risers. This system minimizes structure-borne soundtransmission and sympathetic vibrations between drums and hardware.The HoverDeck is available in two models. For four- and five-piece drumkits, there is the HD-64Gig made up of six, HD-22 platforms each measuring 23 3/4x 23 3/4 x 1-inches plus one HD-tc platform measuring 23 3/4 x 31 3/4 x 1-inches.For larger drum kits and touring applications, there is the HD-88Concert that uses 12 HD-tcplatforms. Either model is offered with an optional rugged road case and you can buy additionalpairs of HD-22 platforms and the smaller HD-s Satellites measuring 13 1/2 x 17 1/2 x 1-inches for customizingyour HoverDeck. I like the way the two HoverDecks can be quickly assembled and disassembled; it usesa set of low-profile isolating boards with optimally placed hook and loop fasteners.http://auralex.comFOCUSRITE ITRACK DOCKFocusrite’s iTrack Dock studio interface makes excellent use of Apple’sLightning equipped iPad and iPad Mini devices. iTrack Solo has two built-inFocusrite Scarlett microphone preamps, plus two line inputs (stereo) andinstrument DI. There are balanced main monitor outputs, an independentstereo headphone output jack, plus a USB port for connecting class-compliantMIDI instruments/controllers.You get Focusrite A-D/D-A conversion with over 105dB dynamic rangeand up to 24bit/96kHz sample rates. There is 48-volt phantom powering forstudio microphones and also Scarlett’s cool-looking Gain Halos—those mesmerizing“rings of light” around the input gain controls for setting recording levels.With its built-in Core Audio driver, the iTrack Dock works with any Core Audio applike GarageBand, Cubasis, Auria or the included Tape app by Focusrite. iTrack Dock’sdirect monitoring sends your input signal straight to the headphone and main monitor outputsfor latency-free monitoring.For iPad users in need of a portable DAW, the Focusrite iTrack Dock seems like a no-brainer. Itsells for $249 MSRP.http://focusrite.com/itrackdockSCHECTER HELLRAISER HYBRIDThe Hellraiser Hybrid collection is a combination of the Hellraiser and SLS models. The Hellraiser’ssignature, highly-figured quilted maple top is now redesigned with a more sculptured arch and is set into themahogany body with an increased upper accesscutaway. All HH models will be finished ina high gloss and transparent Black Burst color.The HH’s come with EMG’s 57/66 activehumbuckers with brushed back metal-workscovers. The HH C-7 and C-8 versions alsouse USA-made Hipshot Non-Trem bridgesto accommodate progressive playing styles.The SLS shares its popular thin C-shape,fast neck profile and satin finish. The compoundradius ebony fiberboard is adornedwith an inverted dot pattern and Metal Crossinlay at the 12th fret.Prices range from $1,499 MSRP for the C-8to $1,299 for the C-1 or Tempest guitars.http://schecterguitars.comAPI 505 DI MODULEThe API 505 DI Direct Injection module is a new 500-series that fits the company’s consoles, API Lunchbox® aswell as the API 1608 small-format analog console. The 505 DI includes gain control, adjustable tone control, a brightswitch, a -20dB pad, switchable 100/400k-ohm input load impedance toggle, and a thru connection to your instrument/guitar/bass guitar amp.With 55dB of total gain available, the API 505 DI amplifies your instrument’s signal output up to +4dB line leveldirectly (pardon the pun)—without the need of a microphone pre-amp. I also like the 10-segment front panel LED VUmeter that ranges from -18dB to +9dB with peak overload indicator.Like the console-based API 205L, the 505 DI is specifically designed toaccept a guitar, bass or keyboard direct input while minimizing any of theloading effects that change the tone of your instrument’s high impedancepickups.As a very handy addition to any 500 Series rack, the API 505 DI modulesells for $595.http://apiaudio.comBARRY RUDOLPH is a recording engineer/mixer who has workedon over 30 gold and platinum records. He has recorded and/ormixed Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hall & Oates, Pat Benatar, Rod Stewart, theCorrs, and more. Barry has his own futuristic music mixing facilityand loves teaching audio engineering at Musician’s Institute, Hollywood,CA. He is a lifetime Grammy-voting member of NARAS anda contributing editor for Mix Magazine. http://barryrudolph.com12 April 2014 musicconnection.com
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