A Great way to add 8 class A mic pres to your studio.

The PreSonus DigiMax FS

The PreSonus DigiMax FS is an 8-channel class A microphone preamp with optical digital I/O. You can choose from 8-channel ADAT output up to 24-bit/48kHz or dual S/MUX at 24-bit/96kHz. You also get direct outputs and inserts on every channel and word clock I/O.

 Fig 1

The DigiMax FS uses patented JetPLL jitter reduction technology to ensure ultra-high converter performance; fast and robust locking through a wide range; and variation of frequencies and noise shaping to remove nearly all audio band jitter.

The DigiMax FS has extensive analog insert and output options, making it very useful as an independent mic pre that can feed an audio interface in a budget home studio. For the semipro or pro studio with unused Lightpipe-equipped devices, the DigiMax FS can serve as a high-quality clock source.

Class A preamps

The DigiMax FS provides eight Class A preamps, which you access through Neutrik combo connectors on the front panel.

Inputs 1 and 2 are configured for instrument level on the connector's TRS jack. The rest of the ¼-inch inputs are set for line level. (You can use the rear-panel insert jacks to feed line-level signals to inputs 1 and 2.) To the left of the input connectors are two rear-illuminated buttons that let you assign phantom power to inputs 1 to 4 and inputs 5 to 8.
To the right of the input connectors are gain pots for the eight inputs. The pots have markings for both mic and line gain ranges (0 to 60 dB and -20 to +20 dB, respectively). The controls are staggered, which makes them easier to grasp and operate. LED clipping indicators sit to the side of each pot.
At the right edge of the front panel are a power button and two buttons for setting up the unit's sync configuration. An Internal Clock button cycles between 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz settings. An External Sync button changes color when pressed: red for ADAT sync and blue for synchronizing via the unit's rear-panel BNC connectors. Sync is internal when the button isn't illuminated.

To the Rear 

 Fig. 2

PreSonus has provided a many of analog outputs on the DigiMax FS's rear panel. There are eight TRS outputs marked DAC that are fed directly from the Lightpipe inputs. Because all connections are active at all times, you could use these to, for example, process Lightpipe tracks (say, from an archived ADAT tape) through analog effects devices while also passing the original digital versions to a separate DAW.

A multitude of analog outputs, including preconverter insert points, makes the DigiMax FS a serious front end for studios with ADAT Lightpipe connections.

The DigiMax FS's rear panel supplies eight direct outputs from the unit's input channels. A set of eight insert points (ring equals send) completes the analog output section. This is the perfect way to add compression or other effects to signals from mics or instruments before the signals are digitized.
On the left of the rear panel are BNC in and out connectors with a 75Ω termination switch, which can be engaged on the final DigiMax FS in a chain. You can add as many of the units as you like to create additional input and conversion capabilities.
Alongside the BNC section is the 96 kHz ADAT-SMUX section, which provides four Toslink connectors, two each for input and output. Standard ADAT devices (up to 24-bit, 48 kHz resolution) use the first connector in each section for all eight channels of input or output, whereas units capable of higher sampling rates and with SMUX implementation use the first connector for channels 1 through 4 and the second for channels 5 through 8 in each section.


Class A - When a circuit is running in Class A mode the circuit is always in an "on" state operating at its optimal voltage requirements. Class A mode has zero crossover distortion and delivers purer, clearer and more musical sonics than class A/B designs which are found in most op-amp circuits.
The net result of the XMAX preamp design is high headroom, low noise, wide dynamic range and wide frequency range, and most importantly, musicality and transparency - smooth highs, solid deep lows, and everything in between.

Digital Converters and JetPLL Sync

The synchronization of the DigiMax FS is handled by patented JetPLL™ jitter reduction technology. JetPLL™ incorporates noise shaping to virtually remove all audio band jitter. JetPLL™ ensures the highest converter performance possible, resulting in better stereo separation and clearer more transparent audio. JetPLL™ delivers ultra-fast locking to any digital format, through a wide range of frequencies and is extremely robust, and tolerant of wide variations in clock frequencies. JetPLL™ ensures near perfect clock performance when networking audio devices thus creating the most stable and robust synchronization to all devices.

After a price drop from 749.00 to 449.99 the PreSonus DigiMax FS is a great addition to anyone looking to add to their digi003

What's Better - Fruity Loops, Reason, Logic Pro Or Pro Tools? By Jefferson Baileyy

Music Production Software is the first thing a new producer is looking for, it allows the producer to create music. The question I hear the most is what Music Production Software is the best? Fruity Loops (FL Studio), Reason, Logic Pro or Protools.

Fruity Loops

Fruity Loops is a great piece of software used from beginner producers to advanced producers. It's rate highly due to the VST's you can add, Fruity Loops doesn't just stay within itself.. You can add so many things to it to make it a powerful music production workshop. Most professionals frown at fruity loops but believe me a hit record is produced in fruity loops everyday. Below is a website where you can find tutorials on how to use fruity loops.

Reason

Reason is properly my favourite because every single sample included in the software is perfect. Reason is normally used by producers that already have an idea of how to make music and advanced producers. The sound quality you can get out of reason is top notch and ready for radio play, it is recommended however you have to stay within reason. You cannot add VST's and Plugins, however you can add samples to NNXT and Redrum. Below is a website where you can find tutorials on how to use Reason.

Logic Pro

Logic Pro is properly the most used music production software by Apple. It is used in almost every single record studio, it is the music industry standard piece of software. Saying that it is not the easiest to learn and master but the results are amazing. Logic allows you to produce music, add vocals and use VST's and plug ins all within one single session so you don't have to use multiple pieces of software to create a full track. Below is a website where you can find tutorials on how to use Logic Pro.

Pro Tools

Pro Tools is like Logic Pro. Industry standard. Pro Tools is normally used by producers that use instruments and hardware that require live recording to get sounds into the song. Pro Tools allows you to also like Logic do everything within one program, supports almost everything you throw at it. It is the worlds best but it also comes at a price and if you can afford it check it out, however don't buy it for the name and expect to make hits. Below is a website where you can find tutorials on how to use Pro Tools.

Get as much details about the software your going to pick for maximum results.

For more information about software visit http://www.musicproducerpro.net

Good Luck

J Bailey

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jefferson_Baileyy

Protools Mixing

Mixing In The Box. It is a term that used to have a certain amount of scorn behind it. But today, doing a complete ProTools based production from composition, through to pre-producton, recording and mixdown is finally a legit choice.
Sure, who doesn't love a nice SSL console and ATR tape machine, but the cost of using that kind of equipment makes it hard on a producers purse strings. So the question remains - can you have street cred and mix in the box?
You bet!
Heart Of In The Box Mixes
ProTools is a great platform with tons of options. And it certainly has the facilities to make mixing easy, but lets get to the bottom line of what makes a ProTools mix shine. The bottom line is that if you want a professional sounding production you simply cannot mix in the box without using plugins. Plugins are the heart and soul of sound manipulation.
The good news is that you don't need to have 10,000 plugins to get the job done. Just a few select choices can make all the difference. Picking the correct plugins is simple if you know what you are shooting for. And here's how to choose what is right.
The Classic Mixing Touch
You have a particular sound in your head, a particular mix polish and sheen that you want to achieve. Most likely it is similar to what one of your big shot heros has done. The simple solution is to copy what they use. Do some google research and find out what those guys use for their mixdown and steal it.
"But Buster, my hero mixes on analogue gear," you say.
No problem. Most every piece of analogue gear has been copied and is now available in plugin form.
For instance if you were going for a Tom Lord Alge style mix you would definitely want to have some SSL emulating plugs because Tom mixes on an SSL 4000. Well good news there are currently at least two major brands on the market.
You would also want a plugin that replicates and Teletronix 1176 and an Urei LA-3 in since he uses those for vocal compression and drum overheads, and bass, and even acoustic guitars at times. Good news again, there are scores of companies making those plugs.
You would also want to get your hands on some 22564 style plug ins because Tom uses those for his drum sounds to compress before going into the SSL.
Three sets of plugins and you have practically recreated the Tom Lord-Alge sound pallet.

When it comes to Pro Tools mixing, the bottom line is that regardless of which plugs you have you still need to know how to use them and mixing is a combination of skills. Pick up the tips for free on the Music Producer newsletter Click Here http://www.musicproducersecrets.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Buster_McAlister