ALVA offer a collection of durable audio products built to the highest standards. Forming a perfect complement to the products from our partners from RME, there's an extensive selection of professional cables and a range of other items designed to make studio or on-stage life easier.
Appsys ProAudio is a Swiss design and manufacture company dedicated to creating digital solutions for broadcast, post-production, live and recording studios.
Calrec Audio supplies audio broadcast mixing consoles which are relied on by the world's most successful broadcasters.
Originally formed as a microphone manufacturer in 1964, Calrec celebrated 50 years as audio specialists in 2014.
The company's reputation for build quality, reliability and audio performance has made it an industry benchmark across the world.
DirectOut GmbH specialises in developing essential pro audio connectivity, networking and bridging solutions for broadcast, studio, live and installed sound applications.
The product range offers solutions that build bridges between different audio worlds, with support for MADI, SoundGrid, Dante, RAVENNA and the standards AES67 and SMPTE ST2110-30/31.
Founded in 1977 in Skanderborg, Denmark, Dynaudio has over 40 years of experience in producing cutting-edge loudspeakers.
From the classic BM Series and contemporary LYD Series, to the
high-end Core and M Series ranges of studio monitors, Dynaudio's focus
on transparency and accuracy has made them a household name of the
recording studio and broadcast audio industries.
In the UK, Dynaudio can be found in major studios such as Abbey Road
and Air Studios, as well as the next generation of film and game studios
mixing for surround sound and Dolby Atmos.
As well as the highly respected B4000+ organ module, Ferrofish offers a range of quality ADAT <> MADI <> Analogue converters that can be used for studio, live, post-production and broadcast applications and at a price that will suit any budget.
iConnectivity is a renowned professional audio manufacturer known for creating innovative and versatile products.
Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta Canada, the iConnectivity range includes audio and MIDI interfaces that are perfect for both studio and live sound.
The mioXL MIDI 1U rack unit is a favourite among studio and live sound professionals as a robust MIDI hub, whilst the unique PlayAUDIO1U interface allows for the connection of multiple host computers via USB.
High-end monitor controllers, headphone amplifiers and microphone preamps from Konstanz, Germany.
Founded in 1986, Lake People has been designing and manufacturing top-tier professional recording solutions for over 30 years in the Lake Constance region.
Renowned for their exceptional sound quality and reliability, Lake People products proudly carry the acclaimed "Made in Germany" seal of quality.
Lauten Audio design and manufacture high quality studio microphones with a unique and distinctive character.
Based in Northern California, the company regularly collaborates with industry professionals when creating fresh and original sounding microphones.
RME is a German company founded in 1996 by a small group of professional audio engineers and designers.
From day one, the team have stuck to a strict philosophy of truly innovative design and unparalleled reliability in the field of digital audio.
Award-winning headphone and speaker calibration software / measurement microphones from Sonarworks.
Calibrate your headphones and studio monitors with Sonarworks' SoundID Reference software. Create, mix and deliver with confidence, trust every mixing decision, and deliver an accurate studio reference sound every time.
Used and loved by over 200,000 sound recording studios globally.
Handmade pro audio equipment from Madrid, Spain. Combining eco-friendly materials with premium analogue sound, the Tierra Audio range includes Microphones, Preamps, EQs, Compressors and more, and in a variety of different flavours - from clean and precise, to warm, colourful and full of character.
Every component is built to the highest of standards, guaranteeing high-end sonic performance and maximum durability for studio recording, mixing and mastering applications.
A selection of Ex-Demo, B-Stock and Open-Box products from our brands including RME, Ferrofish, Icon and Lauten Audio.
Available at reduced prices from new so grab yourself a bargain!
Synthax Audio UK is a
professional audio distributor supplying the recording studio, live
audio, broadcast, installation, education and scientific application
markets.
Representing a number of established pro audio manufacturers, we keep immediate stock of all key items
from our brands including RME Audio, Calrec Brio and Type R, Ferrofish,
Dynaudio studio monitors, DirectOut, iConnectivity, Appsys ProAudio Multiverter and SRC, TIERRA Audio, Lake People, and
Lauten Audio Microphones.
Comments Off on Icon Pro Audio Announces New Platform Nano DAW Controller & Icon OneHub Powered USB Hub
Icon introduces the latest additions to their modular range of ‘Platform Series’ USB-MIDI control surfaces.
London Colney, UK– The Icon Platform Nano is a compact USB-MIDI controller that can operate either standalone, or as part of a larger setup when used alongside other controllers in the Icon Platform Series. Designed primarily for mobile recording and smaller setups, the Icon Platform range brings the power of dedicated audio hardware to ‘in-the-box’ production, adding hands-on control to recording, mixing and editing audio with a DAW.
Providing quick access to a range of common tasks like selecting and arming tracks; setting timeline markers; and zooming and navigating projects; the Platform Nano also offers musicians tactile control over levels and panning, and for recording automation.
Features include a touch-sensitive, motorised fader with 10-bit resolution; jog wheel and transport controls; backlit LCD display; and a selection of illuminated shortcut keys and rotary encoders. Mobile battery power and wireless Bluetooth operation is also possible via the optional Platform Nano-M1 (sold separately, expected Q2 2019).
Support is provided for all of the most popular DAWs, with a selection of silicon shortcut overlays included for Ableton Live, Adobe Audition, Bitwig, Cubase/Nuendo, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Logic Pro X, ProTools, Reaper, Reason, Samplitude, Studio One and Sonar.
The Platform Nano also features a User-Define Mode, enabling users to create their own customised MIDI-maps. Each button and encoder (along with the motorised fader) can be programmed by the user to perfectly suit any task, opening up a variety of potential uses in the studio.
Built to the same height and depth dimensions as the Platform M+ and Platform X+, the Platform Nano sits perfectly alongside other USB controllers in the Platform Series. The Icon D2 Display (sold separately) can also be connected to provide more detailed parameter information.
The Icon Platform Nano is expected to ship during Q1 2019, find out more here.
Icon OneHub
The Icon OneHub is a powered USB hub, designed specifically for connecting multiple Icon controllers to a single power supply and USB connection.
Up to four Icon DAW Controllers and Expanders can be powered from a single mains plug, as well as interfacing with a Mac or PC via a single USB 3.0 cable, freeing up both USB ports and mains power sockets in your studio.
The OneHub supports all of the latest generation of Icon DAW Controllers and Expanders, including the QCon Pro X Series, the Platform Series, and the new QCon G2 Series.
Comments Off on Thanks for joining us at the Absolute Music 15th Anniversary Open Day
Big thanks to everyone who stopped by the Synthax Audio UK stand at Absolute Music on Saturday 13th October.
To celebrate reaching 15 years as a professional audio and instrument retailer, the Absolute Music store in Bournemouth held a celebratory open day last Saturday, with seminars and product demos from many of the biggest pro audio and instrument brands.
The showroom was filled with a wide selection of recording and musical equipment, from audio interfaces, mic pres and converters, to control surfaces and MIDI controllers, and instruments like guitars, drums and synths, with knowledgeable staff on hand to provide help and advice. Members of the Synthax UK team headed down for the day for a slice of cake and to discuss the latest gear.
At the Synthax stand we took the opportunity to showcase some of our favourite gear from our suppliers, including the brand new Icon QCon Pro G2 DAW Controller, which had only just arrived at the Synthax offices on the Friday, and the Platform B+ Button Expander (which according to one visitor resembles a ZX Spectrum, not heard that before!).
Congratulations to everyone at Absolute for reaching this milestone, the well-stocked showroom is well worth checking out if you’re on or near the south coast.
Here’s a reminder of the products we had on show from RME, Ferrofish, Icon and Appsys:
RME Fireface UFX+, Babyface Pro & ADI-2 DAC
The latest flagship interface from RME, the Fireface UFX+ is a 188-channel powerhouse, and the first to feature USB 3, Thunderbolt and MADI Connectivity. The UFX+ embodies everything we’ve come to expect from RME – crystal-clear AD and DA conversion, unlimited routing between inputs and outputs with TotalMix FX, simultaneous backup recording with DURec, and fully comprehensive standalone operation.
The RME Babyface Pro brings the transparent sound of RME’s larger interfaces to a compact, portable desktop design. Bus-powerable over USB (including both preamps operating with 48v phantom power), the Babyface Pro is perfect for singer-songwriters, software-based producers and location recordists, with dual headphone outputs, easy front-panel controls, and options to expand your setup at a later date via the ADAT I/O.
The RME ADI-2 DAC is a 2-channel DA converter is the latest, greatest and best sounding converter in the RME family (along with its sibling, the ADI-2 Pro FS). Features include 1x “Extreme Power” headphone amplifier and 1x “Super Low Noise” IEM output, DSD playback, USB operation, digital SPDIF / ADAT support, and a wireless remote control. A real box of tricks, the ADI-2 DAC has options galore including full DSP processing with Bass, Treble, Loudness, 5 Band Parametric EQ, Crossfeed and much more.
The Icon QCon Pro G2 is the update to the silver Icon QCon Pro, Icon’s original cost-effective, cross-platform DAW controller. Housed a slick black finish, the new Icon QCon Pro G2 features touch-sensitive, 100mm motorised channel faders with 10-Bit resolution, allowing for small and accurate adjustments when you’re recording and mixing.
Other features include comprehensive transport controls and an improved jog wheel; 78 assignable buttons (when used in user define mode); and support for more DAWs and music production software than ever before (via the Mackie Control Protocol and Mackie HUI), with additional shortcut overlays for FL Studio, Digital Performer and Adobe Audition (along with many others like Cubase/Nuendo, Logic Pro, Reaper, Studio One, Reason, ProTools and Ableton Live).
The QCon Pro G2 can also be expanded with additional banks of faders – up to 3 x Icon QCon EX G2 fader expanders can be connected for a total of 32 motorised, touch-sensitive faders.
The Icon Platform B+ is a dedicated bank of programmable shortcut keys for use in recording and mixing music, either as a standalone unit, or as part of a larger setup with multiple Icon Platform Series control surfaces.
50 illuminated buttons providing quick access to the most used functions of your favourite DAW, making recording and editing audio faster and easier on both Mac and PC, with a selection of quickly accessible function keys helping to speed up and streamline your workflow.
Ferrofish Pulse 16 – 16 in/ 16 out AD/DA Converter
The Ferrofish Pulse 16 is a 16 in, 16 out A – D and D – A converter. With 16 analogue inputs and 16 analogue outputs, plus 4x ADAT I/O, redundant power supplies and internal routing options, the Ferrofish Pulse 16 packs an incredible level of functionality into a 1U box.
The Pulse 16 also comes in two additional variants, the Ferrofish Pulse 16 MX (featuring additional MADI I/O) and the Ferrofish Pulse 16 DX (featuring both MADI and Dante I/O). The Ferrofish Pulse 16 can also be upgraded to an MX at a later date (via an official Ferrofish MADI optical SFP module).
Appsys ProAudio Multiverter – Multi-Format Digital Audio Converter with optional Sample Rate Converter
The Appsys ProAudio Multiverter is a digital format converter with ADAT, MADI, AES50 and Dante/AES67 connectivity (with additional formats planned via breakout cables). Operating at sample rates up to 192kHz, the Multiverter can also act as a master clock, with word clock I/O included on BNC, and can be slaved to other digital devices. Triple redundant power supplies provide an unprecedented level of failsafe, with even the option to battery power via industry standard 4-pin XLR battery packs.
Appsys also recently launched the SRC-64, a user-installable upgrade that adds considerable sample rate conversion capabilities to the Multiverter, and a new browser-based app allows for individual routing of all incoming and outgoing signals.
If you’d like to know more about any of the pro audio solutions produced by RME, Ferrofish, Appsys or Icon Pro Audio, give us a call on 01727 821 870 to speak to one of our team or to arrange a demo. You can also contact us here.
Comments Off on New Controllers For Your DAW: Icon QCon Pro G2 and QCon EX G2 Now Available
Icon QCon Pro G2, Icon QCon EX G2 and Icon OneHub Now Available
Having just announced the release of the Icon Platform B+ Button Expander, we’re pleased to report that the Icon QCon Pro G2 and QCon EX G2 are also now available to buy in the UK, two brand new control surfaces with motorised faders from Icon Pro Audio.
There’s nothing like the feel of recording and mixing with real faders and encoders – being able to ride the volume on a vocal, apply EQ boosts and cuts with physical controls, quickly muting and soloing multiple instruments, or automating delay sends on the fly – all of these things never quite feel the same (or as easy) when just using a mouse. Add physical transport controls and a jog wheel into the mix, and you’ll find a control surface brings a whole new dimension to your workflow when you’re recording, mixing and editing your music.
To get the best of both worlds, most modern studios look to combine both hardware and software. Icon’s DAW controllers help to bridge that gap, bringing tactile, hands-on control to your music production setup, whilst allowing you to benefit from all the positives of mixing in-the-box.
Icon QCon Pro G2 – Cross-Platform DAW Controller for tracking and mixing
The Icon QCon Pro G2 is the update to the silver Icon QCon Pro, Icon’s original cost-effective, cross-platform DAW controller. Housed in the same slick black finish as its larger sibling, the Icon QCon Pro X, the new Icon QCon Pro G2 also features the same touch-sensitive, motorised channel faders, with 10-Bit resolution and 100mm in length, allowing for small and accurate adjustments when you’re recording.
Other features include comprehensive transport controls and an improved jog wheel; 78 assignable buttons (when used in user define mode); and support for more DAWs and music production software than ever before (via the Mackie Control Protocol and Mackie HUI), with additional shortcut overlays for FL Studio, Digital Performer and Adobe Audition (along with many others like Cubase/Nuendo, Logic Pro, Reaper, Studio One, Reason, ProTools and Ableton Live).
Icon QCon EX G2 – 8-Channel Fader Banks for expanding the QCon Pro G2
(up to 32 channels)
Alongside the new QCon Pro G2, Icon have also released the QCon EX G2 fader extenders. These banks of 8 faders allow you to expand your QCon Pro G2 setup when you need more channels, adding sets of 8 additional 100mm, motorised 10-Bit faders, plus illuminated buttons for mute, solo, record arm and channel select, a dual-function rotary encoder on every channel (set to pan by default), and a 12-segment LED level metering bridge.
The Icon OneHub is a powered USB hub that allows you to connect all of your Icon DAW Controllers to a single power supply. Up to four Icon Pro Audio devices can be powered from a single mains plug, as well as interfacing with your Mac or PC via a single USB 3.0 cable, freeing up both USB ports and mains power sockets in your studio.
The 4 x power outputs allow you to connect all of your Icon DAW Controllers and Expanders to the OneHub, such as the Icon QCon Pro X and QCon Pro XS, Icon QCon Pro G2 and EX G2, or the Icon Platform M+ and Platform X+. The OneHub also features 4 x USB connections (for your devices) along with a master USB connection, so you can connect all of your controllers to a single USB port on your Mac or PC.
Comments Off on Icon Platform B+ – USB-MIDI Button Expander Now available
Icon Platform B+ now available to buy in the UK
The Icon Platform B+ is now available in the UK! Part of Icon’s modular Platform Series of compact control surfaces, the Platform B+ is designed to fit perfectly alongside the Platform M+ DAW controller and the Platform X+ fader expanders, as well as operating in standalone mode if required.
A dedicated bank of programmable shortcut keys for use in recording and mixing music, the Platform B+’s 50 illuminated buttons provides quick access to the most used functions of your favourite DAW.
Adding further functionality and flexibility to your music production setup, the Platform B+ makes recording and editing audio both faster and easier. Whether you’re on a Mac or PC, its selection of quickly accessible function keys will help to speed up and streamline your workflow.
50 illuminated buttons give you quick access to all of the most used functions of your DAW, including cursor keys for zooming and moving about your project.
A selection of silicon overlays are also included, for using the Platform B+ with a variety of the most popular DAWs on the market – Cubase / Nuendo, LogicPro, Samplitude, Reaper, Studio One, Bitwig, Reason, FL Studio, Digital Performer and Ableton Live. There’s also a ‘User define’ mode for creating custom mappings, so you can customise your controller to perfect suit your preferred method of working, tailoring each button to control all of your most used parameters when you’re recording and creating music.
Control surfaces are perfect for adding classic, hardware style recording to ‘in the box’ mixing. Icon’s range feature motorised faders for easy project recall, from the full size QCon Pro X (expandable in banks of further 8 motorised faders via the QCon Pro XS), to the Platform M+ range, designed for mobile recording and smaller setups.
The Platform B+ can connect directly to the Platform M+ via the ports on the back of the unit, and can also be used standalone. So, if you just need a bank of 50 button shortcuts for your DAW at a low price, the Platform B+ may be the ideal addition to your studio.
Comments Off on Absolute Music 15th Anniversary Open Day – RME, Icon, Ferrofish – Free Entry
Bournemouth-based music store Absolute Music celebrates 15 years of pro audio retail with a free open day on Saturday October 13th
We’re heading to the south-coast on Saturday 13th October to help Absolute Music celebrate their 15th birthday! The Bournemouth musical instrument and pro audio store is now into their 16th year of supplying all things music and recording, and to honour this milestone they’re hosting an open day, with seminars and product demos from some of the biggest brands in pro audio. You’ll be able to check out the latest software, instruments and gear from a host of manufacturers, with representatives available to provide advice and expertise throughout the day.
Members of the Synthax Audio UK team will be there to showcase a few select products from our range, including RME’s professional audio interfaces; Icon Pro Audio’s USB-MIDI Controllers; and Ferrofish’s cost-effective AD/DA converters.
Absolute are also running a free prize draw on the day, with everything from software to microphones to instruments up for grabs. Entry to both the show and the competitions is free, with no need to book tickets in advance – just pop down on the day between the hours of 10am and 6pm, and get your hands on some of the latest and greatest developments in pro audio gear. So, save the date and we look forward to seeing you there!
If you’d like to know more about any of the pro audio solutions produced by RME, Ferrofish or Icon Pro Audio, give us a call on 01727 821 870 to speak to one of our team or to arrange a demo. You can also contact us here.
Comments Off on Icon Pro Audio Platform M+ – Upgrade to Firmware & iMap version 2.0 – Synthax Audio Uk
New firmware update and iMap software now available for Icon Platform M+ users
Icon Pro Audio has released the latest firmware update for the Platform M+ DAW Controller, which brings a change in how you select which DAW you’re working with.
Instead of each DAW having its own mode (e.g. ProTools mode to control ProTools; Cubase Mode to control Cubase etc), there are now only four modes to select from:
1. MCP Mode – (Mackie Control Protocol) – Used for all DAWs except Logic and ProTools 2. Logic Mode – Only used to control Logic 3. HUI Mode – Only used to control Pro Tools 4. User Define Mode – Used to create custom control maps (will not work for ProTools)
Check out the videos below for a walk-through of the upgrade process, and for a guide to creating your own custom midi mappings.
The Icon Platform M+ control surface is a compact desktop mixing controller that’s great for mobile setups or where space is at a premium. Features include 9 x touch-sensitive, motorised faders; 8 x dual-function encoder knobs; Jog wheel for fast search and control; illuminated buttons for each channel (including Select, Mute, Solo and Record); 6 x illuminated transport buttons including Play, Stop, Record, Rewind, Fast Forward and Loop; USB 2.0 connectivity; Class-compliant with Windows and Mac OSX; and expandable up to 32-channels (with 1x Platform M+ and 3x units of Icon Platform X+ Fader Extenders).
When used with the optional D2 display (sold separately), information such as channel names, level and pan settings can also be viewed at a glance.
Icon Platform X+ Fader Expanders
Designed to work either alongside the Platform M+, the Icon Platform X+ allows users to expand their setup in banks of 8 motorised faders, for up to 32 channels.
The Platform X+ can also be operated as a standalone USB-MIDI controller, although it will function much more effectively when used in conjunction with the Platform M+, as the Platform X lacks transport controls and the ability to switch banks of faders from the unit itself.
Coming Soon: Icon Platform B+ Button Expander
Announced at NAMM 2018, the Icon Platform B+ is a customisable bank of buttons for adding more shortcut keys to your setup. The 50 illuminated buttons give you quick access to all of the most used functions of your DAW, including cursor keys for zooming and moving about your project.
A selection of silicon overlays are also included, for using the Platform B+ with a variety of the most popular DAWs on the market – Cubase / Nuendo, LogicPro, Samplitude, Reaper, Studio One, Bitwig, Reason, ProTools, Sonar, Audition and Ableton Live. There’s also a ‘User define’ mode for creating custom mappings, so you can customise your controller to suit your workflow.
Comments Off on RME, Ferrofish, Icon, Lauten & Pop Audio at Confetti College Music Expo
Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Synthax stand at Confetti College in Nottingham
On Wednesday 7th March, Synthax headed up to Nottingham to take part in the Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies' annual Music Expo. Specialising in media production, Confetti offers a range of foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees (in partnership with Nottingham Trent University) in subjects including music technology, audio production and live performance, along with digital media, game design and TV & film production.
Part of the college's annual Industry Week, the Music Expo was a chance for students to speak to various tech companies, hear talks from industry professionals, and try out some of our favourite recording equipment from RME, Ferrofish, Icon Pro Audio, Lauten Audio and Pop Audio.
RME
The RME Babyface Pro is the go-to for high-quality desktop and mobile recording. Compact and with easy front panel control, the Babyface Pro is also bus-powerable over USB (including powering both microphones preamps with 48V phantom power), and can be expanded with another 8 inputs and outputs via the ADAT I/O, for connecting additional instruments, microphones, speakers and other external hardware.
With pristine, transparent sound quality that rivals RME's far more expensive interfaces; equal performance on both Mac and Windows; and comprehensive mixing, routing and monitoring with TotalMix FX, the Babyface Pro is a versatile interface that's ideal for studio, live and mobile recording.
RME interfaces also have iOS support, so we took the opportunity at Confetti to show how TotalMix FX can be operated via an iPad. The latest version of TotalMix (v1.50) also saw the release of TotalMix Remote, which now allows for full wireless control of TotalMix over WiFi!
The Icon Platform M+ with D2 Display is always a popular draw at our stand. The motorised faders allow for easy project recall, and the Platform M+ pairs perfectly with a laptop for editing and mixing on the move, or for smaller setups where desk-space is at a premium.
The Platform M+ is also expandable (up to 32 channels), with additional sets of 8 faders available in the form of the Icon Platform X+. Icon also announced the Icon OneHub at NAMM earlier this year, which will allow all Platform series (and Icon QCon Pro) modules to be connected to a single USB port, and powered from a single mains socket.
Lauten Audio manufactures boutique studio microphones, each with its own unique character. Rather than try to emulate mics of the past, Lauten are looking to create the classics of the future, with their premium Signature Series becoming a favourite with professional recording engineers around the world. The company has also brought new technical innovations to microphone design such as the flagship Eden LT-386's Multi-Voicing™ feature, which provides three different recording flavours from a single mic (soft and gentle, forward and aggressive, and laid-back and vintage).
The Lauten Audio Series Black are the latest additions to the family, and offer musicians, engineers and producers a more affordable entry to the sound of Lauten mics. Despite the lower price, the Series Black mics punch well above their weight, performing very favourably in several shootouts, and often up against far more expensive options.
Pop Audio's redesigned pop shield takes all the hassle out of pop filters. Anyone who's recorded vocals on a day in, day out basis will have experienced the small (but nonetheless irritating) problems that can develop with a pop shield, such as weak arms that won't stay in place, or clamps that lose tension over time.
The Pop Audio Pop Filter was designed by two professional recording engineers from Cambridge, and the guys have done a fantastic job in correcting the flaws they noticed in the traditional design.
Features include a strong yet flexible gorrila-pod style arm; replaceable filters that are easy to clean and have differing acoustic properties; and a strong clamp that is super easy to remove or adjust. Reviews have also been very positive, with MusicTech rating it 10 out of 10 and awarding it their "Excellence Award", and Audio Media International saying "Quite frankly I don’t think there is any other pop filter worth considering. This is the one you should buy."
If you're a college or education establishment and would like to know more about the range of pro audio products we offer, give us a call on 01727 821 870 to speak to one of our team. You can also contact us.
Comments Off on Icon Pro Audio: iMap Software Now Available for Mac OS and Windows
Icon's MIDI-mapping software iMap now available for Mac OS and Windows users
Icon's DAW controllers bridge the gap between hardware and software, adding hands-on control to mixing in-the-box. Both the Icon QCon Pro X and Platform Series controllers come with a selection of pre-defined modes for the majority of the most popular DAWs, but if you want to create your own custom MIDI mappings and store them to your control surface, you'll need to download the iMap software from Icon's website.
Up until now this has only been available on Windows for the QCon Pro X and Platform Series, but the Icon team have been hard at work behind the scenes, and we're pleased to report that Mac OS users can now create their own custom MIDI-maps too.
Once you've downloaded and installed iMap for your device, you'll need to select the the User Define Mode preset, and open the iMap software on your Mac. This will now allow you customise the buttons, faders and knobs to your liking.
Any MIDI message available within your DAW can be mapped including FX parameters, such as Filter Cutoff and resonance, Wet/Dry amount on your DAW's reverb, your compressor's threshold, saturation amount on your favourite distortion plugin, or controlling pitch, tempo, or jumping to punch-in points and markers you've set up in a track.
The latest firmware update is also now available for all Icon Pro Audio DAW controller users.
If you're an Icon QCon Pro X user, you'll also want to take a look at the new Icon APPs (Automatic Program Panels). These aluminium shortcut key identifiers are available for all of the QCon Pro X's supported DAWs, and can replace the default Cubase/Nuendo panel with one to match your favourite music production software.
As the name suggests, the Icon APP is automatically detected by the QCon Pro X after installation. After a quick reboot of the controller, the QCon Pro X will automatically detect the panel and load into the respective DAW mode.
So, if you're using the the QCOn Pro X with Pro Tools for example, your QCon Pro X will now automatically load into Pro Tools mode each time you switch it on, complete with a set of clearly labelled shortcut identifiers for controlling your Pro Tools session.
The Icon OneHub is a powered USB hub that allows you to connect all of your Icon DAW Controllers to a single power supply. Up to four Icon Pro Audio devices can be powered from a single mains plug, as well as interfacing with your Mac or PC via a single USB 3.0 cable, freeing up both USB ports and mains power sockets in your studio.
The 4 x power outputs allow you to connect all of your Icon DAW Controllers and Expanders to the OneHub, such as the Icon QCon Pro X and QCon Pro XS, or the Icon Platform M+ and Platform X+. The OneHub also features 4 x USB connections (for your devices) along with a master USB connection, so you can connect all of your controllers to a single USB port on your Mac or PC.
Future Music is the latest magazine to take the Icon Platform M+ DAW controller for a test drive, and we were happy to hear they were pleased with what this motorised control surface can bring to a project. Anyone who's recorded with a console will know that a mouse and keyboard just doesn't have the same feel as working with a mixer – Icon's controllers bridge that gap, combining the simplicty of software with the hands-on control of hardware.
Reviewer Jon Musgrave was clearly impressed with the build quality for a control surface at this pricepoint, saying that "The build quality is excellent… …Overall a compact and robust DAW controller."
"The build quality is excellent…
…Overall a compact and robust DAW controller."
Icon Controllers – Take Control Of Your DAW
The Platform M+ is part of Icon latest generation of controllers, and is a low-cost alternative to the larger Icon QCon Pro X. The Platform M+ can also be expanded with further banks of 8 faders with the Platform X+ extenders, for a total of up to 32 motorised faders.
Icon also recently announced at (NAMM 2018) the Platform B+, a further add-on for the Platform Series, with 50 illuminated buttons providing shortcut keys for speeding up your workflow when you're working with your favourite DAW. A set of silicon shortcut overlays are also included for many of the most popular DAWs, including Cubase / Nuendo, LogicPro, Samplitude, Reaper, Studio One, Bitwig, Reason, ProTools, Sonar, Audition, Ableton Live, Digital Performer and FL Studio. There's also a 'User define' mode, so you can customise the Platform B+ to give you quick access to all of the most used functions, when you're creating and editing your music.
Comments Off on Icon Pro Audio APP: Icon releases new aluminium shortcut panels for the Icon QCon Pro X
Icon Pro Audio releases new shortcut panels for the Icon QCon Pro X with auto-detection for all supported DAWs.
Icon's QCon Pro X DAW controller is a multi-platform control surface for recording, mixing and editing music, which supports a host of the most popular DAWs including Cubase, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton Live and Studio One.
Icon have now released a new set of APPs – Auto Program Panels – which allow users to replace the default Cubase/Nuendo panel, with a dedicated panel for their DAW of choice, which screws directly into the faceplate of the QCon Pro X.
Icon APP – Automatic DAW Detection
As the name suggests, the Icon APP is automatically detected by the QCon Pro X after installation. After a quick reboot of the controller, the QCon Pro X will automatically detect the panel and load into the respective DAW mode.
So, if you're using the the QCOn Pro X with Pro Tools for example, your QCon Pro X will now automatically load into Pro Tools mode each time you switch it on, complete with a set of clearly labelled shortcut identifiers for controlling your Pro Tools session.
Icon's new APP panels are automatically detected by the QCon Pro X,
booting the QCon into the relevant DAW mode.
Coming Soon: Icon OneHub
The Icon OneHub is a powered USB hub that allows you to connect all of your Icon DAW Controllers to a single power supply. Up to four Icon Pro Audio devices can be powered from a single mains plug, as well as interfacing with your Mac or PC via a single USB 3.0 cable, freeing up both USB ports and mains power sockets in your studio.
The 4 x power outputs allow you to connect all of your Icon DAW Controllers and Expanders to the OneHub, such as the Icon QCon Pro X and QCon Pro XS, or the Icon Platform M+ and Platform X+. The OneHub also features 4 x USB connections (for your devices) along with a master USB connection, so you can connect all of your controllers to a single USB port on your Mac or PC.
Comments Off on NAMM 2018 Videos: Icon Platform B+ DAW Controller and Icon OneHub Powered USB Hub
NAMM 2018 – We caught up with Nadir Omowale at the Icon Pro Audio booth, to find out about the latest Icon products for 2018.
Icon Pro Audio had two exciting new products to show us at this year’s NAMM show, further expanding their popular range of music production control surfaces. The Platform B+ is a bank of 50 dedicated shortcut keys for expanding the modular Platform Series of DAW controllers, and ships with a selection of silicon overlays for using the Platform B+ with a wide range of the most popular DAWs.
Along with the Platform B+, Icon also announced the Icon OneHub a powered central USB hub for powering up to four Icon controllers from a single power supply. To find out more, check out the two videos below filmed at the Icon Pro Audio stand.
Watch the Icon Platform B+ Video at NAMM 2018
Watch the Icon OneHub Video at NAMM 2018
Coming Soon: Icon Platform B+ Button Expander
The Icon Platform B+ is a customisable bank of buttons for adding more shortcut keys to your setup. The 50 illuminated buttons give you quick access to all of the most used functions of your DAW, including cursor keys for zooming and moving about your project.
A selection of silicon overlays are also included, for using the Platform B+ with a variety of the most popular DAWs on the market – Cubase / Nuendo, LogicPro, Samplitude, Reaper, Studio One, Bitwig, Reason, ProTools, Sonar, Audition and Ableton Live. There’s also a ‘User define’ mode for creating custom mappings, so you can customise your controller to suit your workflow.
The Icon OneHub is a powered USB hub that allows you to connect all of your Icon DAW Controllers to a single power supply. Up to four Icon Pro Audio devices can be powered from a single mains plug, as well as interfacing with your Mac or PC via a single USB 3.0 cable, freeing up both USB ports and mains power sockets in your studio.
The 4 x power outputs allow you to connect all of your Icon DAW Controllers and Expanders to the OneHub, such as the Icon QCon Pro X and QCon Pro XS, or the Icon Platform M+ and Platform X+. The OneHub also features 4 x USB connections (for your devices) along with a master USB connection, so you can connect all of your controllers to a single USB port on your Mac or PC.
Comments Off on Synthax & Pro Tools Expert Competition Giveaway – Icon Platform M+ & D2 Winner Announced
Congratulations to the winner of the Pro Tools Expert competition to win an Icon Platform M+ control surface and D2 Display
At the end of 2017, we ran a competition in association with music production gurus Pro Tools Expert, giving visitors to their music production website the chance to win an Icon Platform M+. And we're pleased to announce the winner is Ian Heginbotham of Telford in Shropshire!
Having spent some time with his new controller, Ian was kind enough to give us his thoughts on recording with his new Platform M+.
Ian says "I received the Icon Platform M+ within a few days of the announcement that I’d won the Pro Tools Expert Christmas competition and really couldn’t be happier. I’ve been mixing in the box with just a mouse for a long time and the difference of being able to use faders in real time when writing automation is massive."
"the difference of being able to use faders in real time
when writing automation is massive."
"I’ve been a musician on and off for over thirty years and am currently working on 2 albums for bands I’m in and another for someone else’s band, as a producer and mixer. This small DAW controller is going to make (and already has made) a huge difference to my workflow. It fits easily on to my desk and took about 2 minutes to set-up."
"I’ve rarely been surprised as much as I have been by this piece of gear. Very happy competition winner here." 😊
Congratulations Ian, we wish you many happy years of recording and mixing with your new control surface.
We've more giveaways planned for the future, so make sure you follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with all the latest news.
Big thanks to everyone at Pro Tools Expert / Production website. For more recording and mixing news, tips, tricks and tutorials, visit www.pro-tools-expert.com
The Icon Platform M+ control surface is a compact desktop mixing controller that's great for mobile setups or where space is at a premium. Features include 9 x touch-sensitive, motorised faders; 8 x dual-function encoder knobs; Jog wheel for fast search and control; illuminated buttons for each channel (including Select, Mute, Solo and Record); 6 x illuminated transport buttons including Play, Stop, Record, Rewind, Fast Forward and Loop; USB 2.0 connectivity; Class-compliant with Windows and Mac OSX; and expandable up to 32-channels (with 1x Platform M+ and 3x units of Icon Platform X+ Fader Extenders).
When used with the optional D2 display (sold separately), information such as channel names, level and pan settings can also be viewed at a glance.
Icon Platform X+ Fader Expanders
Designed to work either alongside the Platform M+, the Platform X+ allows users to expand their setup in banks of 8 motorised faders, for up to 32 channels.
The Platform X+ can also be operated as a standalone USB-MIDI controller, although it will function much more effectively when used in conjunction with the Platform M+, as the Platform X lacks transport controls and the ability to switch banks of faders from the unit itself.
Coming Soon: Icon Platform B+ Button Expander
Announced at NAMM 2018, the Icon Platform B+ is a customisable bank of buttons for adding more shortcut keys to your setup. The 50 illuminated buttons give you quick access to all of the most used functions of your DAW, including cursor keys for zooming and moving about your project.
A selection of silicon overlays are also included, for using the Platform B+ with a variety of the most popular DAWs on the market – Cubase / Nuendo, LogicPro, Samplitude, Reaper, Studio One, Bitwig, Reason, ProTools, Sonar, Audition and Ableton Live. There's also a 'User define' mode for creating custom mappings, so you can customise your controller to suit your workflow.