JESSE SHROCK catches up with one of the greatest guitarists alive, JOE SATRIANI.

To his fans, soulman-cum-virtuoso guitarist Joe Satriani would be known almost as much for his evocative, bizarre titles as for his skills as an instrumentalist; Raspberry Jam Delta V and The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing are just a couple of memorable examples. But Satriani’s latest album, Professor Satchafunkilus And The Musterion Of Rock, surely takes the cake. On first mention, it almost sounds like the first chapter in an alternative to the Indiana Jones franchise.

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JAKEB SMITH attends the EMERGING MUSIC FORUM facilitated by BRISBANE MARKETING at the Brisbane Powerhouse and writes a short report on it. This is that.

You’ve no doubt heard it said that Brisbane has one of the top music scenes in the world. It comes from a Billboard magazine article back in January 2007, where Brisbane was named as one of the top five “unlikely” cities for new music. By that one publication’s reckoning, Brisbane, Beijing, Birmingham, Berlin and Marseilles have produced more than their share of successful international acts, considering their circumstances. In that light, Billboard aren’t suggesting we’re outclassing Sydney or Melbourne, they’re saying that: of all the places they’d written off as cultural backwaters, we are one of the best.

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KLARK TEKNIK SQUARE ONE SPLITTER

Analogue Signal Splitter

Klark Teknik has added a third model to its popular Square One range – the Square One Splitter. Packaged in a road-worthy, 2U steel chassis, the Square One Splitter combines a simple eight-channel solution with a high-performance, Midas XL8-inspired pre-amp design, making it ideal for applications ranging from concert sound to recording.

The new unit reflects the fact that the analogue audio splitter remains the most versatile and cost effective way to distribute audio signals to multiple locations. This is especially relevant where digital and analogue consoles are paired in front of house and monitor configurations, and digital consoles employ different audio transport protocols.

Assuring optimum audio performance, the Square One Splitter features Midas XL8-inspired mic preamps, providing >140dB dynamic range and high CMRR to accommodate input levels up to +22dBu. This guarantees superb audio performance, regardless of which console is in the audio chain.

Another key feature is the Splitter's third set of transformer-isolated, gain-independent outputs located on the front panel for easy connection of recording devices and outside broadcast facilities. There is also a 1-16 media split function, which allows input 8 to be routed to all 16 rear-panel XLRs simultaneously via a single recessed switch on the rear panel, making it ideal for press feeds and other multiple-signal distribution applications.

Other features include 9-position rotary gain switch per input; 30Hz Hi-pass filter with switch and status LED per input; duplicated inputs on front and rear panels; front-panel and remote 48V switching with status LED per input; solo buss with integral headphone amp and level control allowing mic amp performance and level to be monitored from the front panel; separate ground lift switch with LED status indicators for each set of rear panel outputs; individual 4-segment LED output metering for each input; and universal power supply.

Visit their website at www.klarkteknik.com for more information.

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EDIROL R-44

Four-Track Field Recorder

It's taken just four years for EdirolL to establish themselves as major players in the field recorder market. The R range of recorders has already become an industry standard, as it can be used in most every situation requiring professional quality audio recording.

The new R-44 picks up where the R-4 left off – a four-channel recorder that uses SD or large capacity SDHC card storage media for the ultimate in quiet and reliable recordings. It offers very flexible recording options with up to four channels of uncompressed audio available at selectable bit depths (16- or 24-bit) with sampling frequencies between 44.1kHz and 192kHz (stereo mode only). Broadcast wave is also supported and two R-44s can be synced together to offer up to 8-channel recording for surround sound applications.

The R-44 weighs in at just three pounds – despite the metal chassis – and features both XLR and 1/4 inch TRS jack inputs. The high quality XLR inputs are derived from the Edirol R-4Pro and come equipped with individual phantom power as well as a limiter. Eleven steps of input sensitivity enable the connection of multiple devices with a variety of input levels from microphones to musical instruments. The high-speed USB 2.0 port allows for quick and easy copy and archive to a computer. Conveniently the R-44 can also operate as a USB host. Power is supplied by external PSU or on-board AA batteries.

The R-44 also offers comprehensive effects, including limiter, low-cut filter, 3-band EQ, 6-band GEQ, enhancer and de-esser, making it the ideal high-quality recording solution.

Visit their website at www.edirol.com.au for more information.

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CROWN MACRO-TECH i SERIES

Analogue Power Amplifiers

For over two decades, Crown's Macro-Tech i Series has been embraced by the professional sound reinforcement industry as one the most reliable, best sounding analogue power amplifier lines that money can buy. Now, thanks to the advent of newer technologies, Crown has undergone a careful yet significant refresh of the range.

Comprised of three models – the MA-5000i, MA-9000i and MA12000i – the Macro-Tech i Series builds upon its predecessor by incorporating Crown's advanced, patented Class-I circuitry, which efficiently delivers significantly greater power while simultaneously reducing overall amplifier weight by more than half. The new line-up is also equipped with comprehensive status, fault, and load monitoring via standard Ethernet networking and Harman Pro's HiQnet and System Architect software. Furthermore, a universal power-factor corrected power supply ensures that the new models can be used literally anywhere in the world, delivering full rated power regardless of where touring schedules may lead.

Indeed, between their I-Tech Series and new Macro-Tech i Series, Crown is the only manufacturer to have two premium amplifier product lines dedicated to touring sound. As is the case with all Crown amplifiers, the Macro-Tech i Series is backed by the manufacturer's industry exclusive three-year, no-fault, fully transferable warranty.

MA-5000i – 1800W per channel at 2 ohms (with 2565W 20mS burst), 2000W per channel at 4 ohms, 1250W per channel at 8 ohms, 3600W at 4 ohms bridged, and 4000W at 8 ohms bridged; US$4,255 MSRP. MA-9000i – 2500W per channel at 2 ohms (with 4570W 20mS burst), 3000W per channel at 4 ohms, 1500W per channel at 8 ohms, 5000W at 4 ohms bridged, and 6000W at 8 ohms bridged; US$5,200. MA-12000i – 3500W per channel at 2 ohms (with 5900W 20mS burst), 4000W per channel at 4 ohms, 2100W per channel at 8 ohms, 7000W at 4 ohms bridged, and 8000W at 8 ohms bridged; US$6,855.

Visit their website at www.crownaudio.com for more information.

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GEARED takes a look at VOX AMPLIFIERS’ slight diversion from speakers into the world of electric guitars.

Vox Amplifiers have a fairly chequered past. Established by Thomas Walter Jennings in Dartford Kent, England, after World War II, the company was originally known as The Jennings Organ Company. He created the UniVox, a self-powered electronic organ, before working on guitar amplifiers with an old war colleague, Dick Denney. The company was renamed Jennings Musical Instruments, and released the 15-watt Vox AC15 in 1958. Then, in 1959 – under pressure from Fender Twin, and the requests for more power from the AC15s main champions, The Shadows – JMI released the AC30, which was essentially two AC15s in the same cabinet. Special Top Boost Circuitry was later added to the AC30 to give it the now famous British Invasion sound. The amplifier has since been popularised by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Yardbirds, The Monkees (lol), Brian May of Queen, Paul Weller of The Jam, Rory Gallagher, The Edge of U2, Picture Atlantic, and Radiohead guitarists Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and Ed O’Brien.

After a spate of woeful business decisions starting in the ‘60s, the Vox brand changed hands a number of times up until 1990, when it was bought by Korg. Of the many different AC30 rehashes that the brand has suffered, the latest Korg offering is considered to be one of the truest to the original. That said, I still think it sounds horrible, but many of my favourite guitarists swear by them so, you know, each to their own.

I think it’s important to note in this age of vintage and boutique instruments that Vox Amplifiers have been assembled in China since 2003. Anyway, let’s take a look at Vox’s new guitars, shall we?

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WAVES AUDIO iGTR

Personal Guitar Processor

Waves Audio has released the iGTR Personal Guitar Processor, following in the footsteps of their Waves GTR and GTR3 guitar interface and amplifier modelling packages. iGTR puts the GTR family’s superb quality guitar amp and effects sounds into an intuitive, convenient, portable pocket-sized device that lets guitarists plug in and play, anytime, anywhere.

Waves iGTR offers a variety of Virtual Amps, variable-speed Modulation Effects and Ambience Effects. Thanks to Waves’ powerful DSP technology, each Virtual Amp and Effect features remarkably realistic sounds inspired by vintage models. The three Virtual Amps (Warm, Normal, and Bright) employ dial-adjustable drive, making possible a huge range of sounds and styles, from smooth jazz to aggressive metal overdrive. Modulation Effects include Phaser, Tremolo, and Wah, with dial-controlled modulation speed, while Ambience Effects further enhance the sound with Reverb, Chorus, and Delay.

iGTR’s convenient, intuitive operation and multiple inputs and outputs make it equally powerful as a preamp and recording effects processor, or as an on-the-go tool for playing alone or with friends. Additionally, guitarists can plug in an iPod or other mp3 player to jam along with their favourite songs. The unit includes a ¼” guitar input, a mini stereo auxiliary input (perfect for throwing an MP3 player into the mix) and two mini stereo outputs for connecting headphones or multimedia speakers, with separate guitar and aux output level controls. Using the aux input, two iGTRs can be linked together, making jamming quietly with a friend more convenient than ever.

iGTR is powered by four included AAA batteries or a standard 6-12V DC Adapter (not included). Also included is a handy iGTR belt clip as well as a 50cm stereo auxiliary cable.

MSRP US$100. Visit www.waves.com for more information.

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ZILDJIAN K SERIES

Cymbals

Zildjian has introduced two new Crash Ride cymbals in the K Series. The 21 and 22” K Crash Rides feature a “Brilliant Finish” and a medium-thin weight. These new models now become Zildjian’s largest Crash cymbals available and offer an explosive Crash sound.

The 21 and 22” K Zildjian Crash Rides were developed with Zak Starkey who has been using them in his set-ups with The Who and Oasis since 2000. These cymbals help Zak create the “wall of sound” he needs when playing with both bands. While adding a dynamic visual impact, Zildjian’s Brilliant Finish also helps to smooth out the sound and add extra high-end sparkle. The K Zildjian Crash Rides open up quickly and are excellent for shouldering with the stick.

Based on the famed cymbals that Kerope Zildjian made in the 19th Century, the K Zildjian Series has been updated and improved to meet contemporary demands. Extensive hammering and fine lathing creates warmer sounding cymbals with even more responsiveness and versatility. Once thought of as primarily a jazz cymbal, K Zildjians are becoming the favourites of rock and pop drummers as well.

Price TBA. Read more about and hear the new 21 and 22” K Zildjian Crash Rides at www.zildjian.com/kbrilliant

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