A new popular drumming education web site – NinjaDrummist.com is currently embarking on a huge project. An encyclopedia of all known Drum Rudiments!

The site features a large alphabetical list of rudiments already including easy to read examples, performance tips, free PDF sheet music and video tutorials. The large list of rudiments is also broken down into three categories – PAS Rudiments, Hybrid Rudiments and Other Rudiments.

Calling all Drum Teachers!

“The Rudiment Encyclopedia will be a constant work in progress. I am gradually working through all the rudiments I know and I hope this will eventually become a free online guide to every known rudimental pattern ever!

If you know of a rudiment that is not listed in this encyclopedia, please contact me and help me to keep this educational resource complete.”

You can visit the Rudimental Encyclopedia at www.ninjadrummist.com/drum-education/rudiment-encyclopedia/

Carvin proudly introduces the new BR615 Bass Combo. Featuring a powerful amplifier, advanced equalization, a 15-inch low frequency driver, a Titanium high frequency driver, an XLR direct output, and numerous additional features integrated into a Duratuff™-covered enclosure with retractable handles, the BR615 Bass Combo is the perfect solution for gigging or studio bassists in search of compact, powerful, all-in-one system.

The BR615 maintains the compact form factor of its BR Series siblings, yet its powerful amplifier combined with a 15-inch low frequency driver for deep, rich bass and a Titanium high frequency driver makes this a remarkably robust setup. With a rugged Duratuff-covered enclosure that hides the wear and tear of the road, this amplifier also features a tilt-back design that puts the bass right where it’s wanted. When the gig is over, the retractable handles make moving the amp quick and easy. To protect the transducers, a 16-guage, perforated steel grille is supplied.

The new BR615 Bass Combo’s BX600 mono block bass head features discrete Class A circuitry, a contour control, a single knob compressor, and a front-mounted XLR direct output. With 600 watts of power at 2 ohms, the BR615 has plenty of muscle for those musical applications where high output levels are a must to get the job done. The system also incorporates a heavy-duty crossover featuring a 6-position attenuator for precision settings at 0, -3, -6, -12, -24, and OFF. The BR615′s sealed crossovers and connector plates prevent air leakage and make for a rugged amp that will withstand years of road use.

For shaping the sound exactly to one’s liking, the BR615 Bass Combo features parametric EQ with mid sweep and a 9-band graphic equalizer coupled with a Graphic EQ In/Out switch. This versatile amp also provides Active/Passive switching, and the switches feature active electronics for clean, precise control and greater reliability. To warm the sound up, the front panel Drive control can push the Class A preamps to a warm growl—providing the ultimate in tonal diversity. There is also a Master control for the preamp.

The new Carvin BR615 Bass Combo is sold factory direct at $599.99. The BR615 will be available Fall 2006.

For more information, visit their web site at www.carvin.com.

Digidesign® is now shipping X-Form™, a new high-quality AudioSuite™ plug-in that represents the pinnacle of time compression/expansion and pitch-shifting technology. X-Form delivers unparalleled time stretching and formant-correct pitch shifting to Pro Tools® and Avid DNA™ systems to produce natural-sounding results—even at the most extreme settings—making it ideal for music production, sound design, post production, or any other application that requires time-stretch and pitch-shift processing.

“The secret to X-Form’s natural-sounding, polyphonic, time-stretching algorithm is frequency domain processing, a technology proven more effective than the ‘frame overlap’ algorithms used in most time-stretching products,” reveals Digidesign Senior Product Manager Bobby Lombardi.

Getting high quality, professional results is easy. X-Form features minimal controls to simplify the workflow, yet delivers stunning sound quality whether audio is processed from 1/8 to eight times its original length, or shifted up or down three octaves. Simply choose from two algorithms—Polyphonic or Monophonic—and let X-Form do the rest.

The Polyphonic algorithm is ideal for use on complex audio files, such as chords or an entire stereo mix. This algorithm is truly “best in breed,” and when used with the Transient Sensitivity control, allows you to compress or stretch drum loops and other percussive material without losing crucial attack transients. When working with solo instruments or vocals, simply choose the Monophonic algorithm. Each algorithm was designed to provide exceptional results capable of preserving proper stereo imaging, attack transients, and timing accuracy—even at exaggerated settings.

X-Form is available now via authorized Digidesign dealers and through the online DigiStore for $595 US MSRP.

For more information, visit their web site at www.digidesign.com.

Las Vegas Pro Audio, the U.S. distributor for SoundField (UK) is introducing the new SoundField DSF-2 digital microphone system at AES 2006.

Previously showcased at IBC 2006, the DSF-2 produces mono, stereo and digital surround sound, simultaneously if required, all from a single microphone. The SoundField DSF-2 solves the issues broadcasters struggle with in meeting the challenges of producing 5.1-compatible audio for high-definition transmission with a simple microphone system, one that does away with expensive multi-microphone arrays and complex recording techniques.

All of SoundField’s systems comprise one of their range of processors and one of their patented multi-capsule microphones. The processors produce a four-channel proprietary output format known as ‘B-Format,’ which can then be further decoded by SoundField hardware or software into mono, stereo, stereo M/S, or surround sound in formats such as 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 – or any future surround standard. The precise format of audio generated by the microphone can be determined live – and changed if required – by adjusting the output controls on the associated SoundField processing hardware or software. And if the four-channel B-Format audio is recorded to a suitable multi-track storage medium, the decoding can even take place ‘after the event’ in post-production, with the precise nature of the final audio format not being determined until then. The B-Format thus has tremendous potential as a ‘future-proof’ archive format, as it will allow post-production decoding of archive recordings to other surround sound formats if these replace 5.1 in the future.

The DSF-2 is the latest generation of SoundField technology, and the first to output its signals digitally. The 1U-rack DSF-2 controller unit offers live decoding to stereo, stereo M/S, and four-channel B-Format. The stereo signal may be output directly from the DSF-2 in the analogue or digital domain via rear-panel XLR and unbalanced 75Ω BNC connectors respectively, while the Stereo M/S and B-Format signals are available only as digital signals. From here, the B-Format signals may be decoded to a variety of surround formats by SoundField’s existing SP451 hardware processor, or by the company’s Surround Zone decoding software plug-in, now available for use with DAWs such as Digidesign Pro Tools, Steinberg Nuendo, and SADiE. Digital output is possible at 48, 96 and 192kHz for the best possible recording or broadcast quality.

In addition to allowing the user to determine the eventual output format of the recorded audio, the DSF-2 system offers the user very accurate control over the apparent orientation, angle and pickup pattern of the microphone without the need to physically move the mic. Changes are easily made from the front panel of the DSF-2 controller. Again, while this might sound impossible, it’s all done quite simply by changing the way the multi-channel B-format signal is decoded. And all the user has to do is turn a couple of front-panel controls. Similarly, the apparent stereo width of the output audio is also precisely adjustable.

For recording convenience, the DSF-2 processor also offers a user-adjustable gain control, a fixed-threshold recording limiter, on-board four-channel LED metering, a built-in high-pass filter and a headphone jack for monitoring purposes.

For more information, visit their web site at www.soundfieldusa.com.

Apogee’s Symphony PCI-X Card is now shipping worldwide through authorized dealers and distributors. Utilizing the same driver as the PCI-Express version, the PCI-X card is specifically designed for Macintosh’s earlier G5 computers. Now with PCI-X, more G5 users can experience the high performance and low latency Symphony delivers.

Apogee’s Symphony PCI-X card is a digital computer interface that is based on the PCI-X architecture in Apple’s PowerMac G5 computers. Controlled by Apogee’s Maestro software, Symphony features 32 channels of digital I/O on a single PCI-X card format. With support for sample rates up to 192 kHz, Symphony can be used as a digital router or patch-bay when connected to external converters or other digital outboard equipment. Software drivers for Symphony feature extensive routing capabilities and very low latency performance. Symphony connects directly to Apogee’s Rosetta and AD-16X and DA-16X converters via the X-Symphony option card, which installs in the slot of the converter itself.

With the ability to have three cards installed at one time in a PowerMac G5, Symphony is the only connectivity solution that offers high-end professional users the capability to employ up to 192 channels of audio simultaneously in a single computer, more than enough for even the biggest scoring sessions.

Symphony PCI-X at a glance:

• 32 channels of 24-bit 192K Digital I/O
• 32 channel bi-directional connector
• Connects directly to Apogee’s Rosetta 800, Rosetta 200 and AD-16X and DA-16X converters via the X-Symphony option card
• Compatibility with other Macintosh based audio software
• Apogee’s Maestro Software for advanced control and routing
• Compatibility with any Core Audio application

For more information, visit their web site at www.apogeedigital.com.

Carvin proudly announces the introduction of the UX1000 Wireless System. Featuring 960 user selectable channels with diversity UHF receivers, assignable groups, and the ability to choose either Carvin’s handheld microphone specifically designed for the UX1000, or a belt pack version for use with other accessories, the UX1000 represents the state-of-the-art in wireless diversity systems and delivers natural sound and the freedom of movement today’s performing artists demand.

The new UX1000 is available in two configurations: the UX1000-BP, which includes a body pack with an industry-standard 4-pin mini XLR connector that supports condenser microphones as well as Hi-Z (high impedance) instrument pickups plus the UX1000 receiver; and the UX1000-MC, which includes a handheld microphone specifically developed for use with the UX1000, plus the UX1000 receiver. With the UX1000-BP, performers have the freedom of ordering Carvin’s UXGT instrument cable, UX-HM2 headset mic, or UX-LP1 lavalier mic separately. Additional body packs are also available.

Carvin’s new UX1000 receiver is based on Diversity PLL Synthesized technology for robust performance and natural sound quality. The UX1000 is a true diversity receiver featuring two antennas that each feed independent RF receivers on the same channel. Further, the unit supports 960 user selectable channels—enabling performers to find a clear, open channel regardless of their physical location. To better facilitate channel management, the UX1000′s vast number of channels can be divided into four assignable groups. With a 50 HZ – 19 kHz frequency range and a signal-to-noise ratio of 101 dB, the UX1000 has the performance capabilities that enable the system to be used in the most challenging environments.

To simplify operation and keep users informed, the UX1000 provides a low battery indicator. Additionally, this exceptional unit has the ability to inform the FOH (front of house) or Monitor engineer whether or not the microphone is turned on. Together, these features make Carvin’s UX1000 a reliable performer that provides the necessary equipment status to ensure trouble-free, dependable operation.

The new Carvin UX1000 is sold factory direct at $399 for the UX1000-BP configuration and $429 for the UX1000-MC version. The UX1000 will be available Fall 2006.

For more information, visit their web site at www.carvin.com.

Alfred is pleased to release the authentic guitar TAB version of the album-matching folio for People in Plane’s record, As Far As The Eye Can See…

Compared to bands like Radiohead and Muse, People In Planes is a five-piece rock group from Cardiff, Wales that has been receiving rave reviews from magazines like Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, Esquire Magazine and Guitar One. Their debut album As Far As The Eye Can See… was released in March 2006, and the band’s video for the hit single “If You Talk Too Much (My Head Will Explode),” was recently directed by actor Joaquin Phoenix. This book provides authentic guitar TAB for all the songs on the record.

Titles are: Barracuda * For Miles Around (Scratch to Void) * If You Talk Too Much (My Head Will Explode) * Moth * Rush * Token Trapped Woman * Falling by the Wayside * My Black Widow * Light for the Deadvine * Penny * Fire * Narcoleptic.

For more information, visit their web site at www.alfred.com.

E-MU® Systems has announced 64-bit Windows XP drivers for its line of Xboard USB/MIDI controllers, and is available as a free download to all Xboard owners at www.emu.com.

E-MU’s Xboard USB/MIDI controllers for PC and Mac offer unmatched playability, real-time control and programmability in a portable keyboard package ideal for studio and stage use.

The Xboard™ 61, Xboard 49 and Xboard 25 all feature full-size velocity sensitive keyboards with aftertouch, 16 programmable real-time controllers and Xboard Control editing software. The new Xboard 61 additionally features 16 patch select/program change buttons for quick sound changes during performance and ships with E-MU’s Proteus X Software Sound Module with over 3GB of sounds (Xboard 49 and Xboard 25 ship with Proteus X LE with over 1000 sounds).

The Xboard Control software provides an intuitive desktop interface that lets you effortlessly create custom templates for all of your favorite hardware and software instruments. The Xboards also allow you to set discrete MIDI channels for each controller and offer unrivaled real-time control and performance features, including Snap Shot that lets you send multiple program changes and controller values by pressing a single button, and Xboard Latch Mode that enables you to define a section of the keyboard as on/off triggers – perfect for drum loops.

All three Xboard models are ultra-portable and can run on USB, battery, or AC power.

For more information, visit their web site at www.emu.com.

A unique merger of art, craftsmanship, and sound, the Sounds Like Art Series of custom snare drums has been expanded to include 14″ and 13″ diameters with variable depths from 5″ up to 8″.

In addition to the new sizes, vertical grain alignment is now available on Maple, Mahogany, Bubinga, Ebony, Walnut, and Rosewood models. The result is even more tonal and visual options for clients when designing a custom snare of this caliber. MSRP starts at $3,470 for 13″ and 14″ Sounds Like Art Series snares. Street price for standard models starts at $1,735, with custom models starting at $2500.

For more information, visit their web site at www.phattiedrums.com.

Soniccouture have released Abstrakt Breaks : Glitch + IDM, a collection of hi-tech drum and percussion loops aimed at producers of IDM, Electronica, Glitch, Film Music, Industrial etc.

Each of the 200 Loops are sorted into one of 43 grooves. Kicks, snares, percussion, hats, glitches – all are available as a separate loop allowing you to break down a loop within your track, or to mix and match different elements of different grooves to form original combinations.

Abstrakt Breaks has been fully processed into Rex Files and Apple Loops as well as WAV format, giving full drag and drop compatibility with all major sequencing packages and samplers.

Features:

• WAV, Rex, Apple Loops formats
• 200 24-bit 44.1 Loops
• 350 MB Library
• Grooves spilt into ‘stackable’ component parts
• Down Tempo 80-120 BPM and Up Tempo 125-195 BPM Categories
• Sample Accurate Precision Looping
• Fully Produced and Mastered at 24-bit Resolution
• License free Loops

For more information, visit their web site at www.soniccouture.com.