ALLEN & HEATH ON-LINE

Allen & Heath announces that it has joined the increasing ranks of professional audio manufacturers on the World Wide Web. The company’s new Web site can now be accessed at http://www.allen-heath.com. Operated for Allen & Heath’s headquarters in Penryn, Cornwall, England, the site offers product information, technical support, news updates, a user forum and a wealth of other useful services and information.

Audio-Technica has come out with its new 900 Series professional, true-diversity UHF wireless system.

The 900 Series is available in two forms. The ATW-0951 UniPak™ System is comprised of an ATW-R09 receiver and ATW-T51 body-pack transmitter with professional HRS connector and Hi-Z input. The ATW-0952 Handheld System, made up of the ATW-R09 receiver and ATW-T52 handheld microphone/transmitter, uses an A-T Hi-ENERGYreg. dynamic element with a neodymium magnet and double-dome diaphragm for smooth, accurate high-frequency response.

Lightweight and cost-effective, both systems operate on UHF bands above commonly-used TV, cellular and paging frequencies for greater immunity to interference. The ATW-R09 receiver features true-diversity reception, utilizing two antennas to feed two completely independent RF sections on the same frequency. Automatic logic circuitry, which continuously compares and selects the superior received signal, provides better sound quality and reduces the possibility of interferences and dropouts. Audio-Technica InvisibleLink™ circuitry provides a “wired” sound by reducing noise and optimizing sound quality.

Audio-Technica’s celebrated AT4050 multi-pattern studio capacitor microphone has been gaining considerable praise form some of the industry’s leading live-sound engineers, who use it onstage to mic guitar cabinets, drum overheads, piano, backing vocals and more.

Russell Fischer, who has served as the live sound engineer for Garbage, Screaming Trees, Veruca Salt and Patty Smyth, commented on his impression of the AT4050. “The AT4050 gives a true sound with no coloration,” Fischer said. “It’s clear, transparent and really smooth. When I was out touring with the Screaming Trees, we put two 4050s on a Fender amp setup and two on some Orange cabinets. The engineer for Oasis, who was the headlining band on that particular tour, would come out every night and compliment the guitar sounds and marvel at the separation between the two. Because the 4050s add no coloration, both guitars stood out clearly in the mix, rather then fighting each other.”

“Big” Mick Hughes, Metallica’s live sound man, was similarly pleased with his experience with the AT4050. He commented, “Finally, I’ve found a transparent sounding guitar microphone! Using AT4050s is like plugging the guitars straight into the PA. The 4050 makes no addition to the top end reproduction. 4K boost? Forget it, the response from the 4050 was totally flat. With James’ [Hetfield] guitar, I normally have to use three separate microphones to get a useable sound. With the Audio-Technica 4050, it was a case of one mic and let’s get on with it. The clear advantage at the mixing desk is that I am able to use one set of controls, rather than three. At many gigs, the guitar sound is appalling. Before the 4050, it was damn near impossible to get a guitar sound out of the PA that sounded the same as the one you were putting into it. Live guitars always sounded as though they had been synthesized. With the 4050, this just doesn’t happen.”

Celestion Speakers has announced the launch of its new Silver Series -- the company’s first low-cost, true-vintage-quality guitar speakers. Comprised of four models, the Silver Series brings the classic performance that established Celestion’s place in music history to a price point that is well within the reach of every guitar player.

The high-power-handling V12-80 is suitable for all playing styles. Providing a clean, open midrange and “glassy” overall sound, the V12-80 emulates the desirable guitar speaker tones produced by the classic amps of the 1960s.

The V12-60 is more “laid back and bluesy” than the V12-80. It projects very well and features a smooth, sweet, warm sound that is just as suitable for blues and jazz as it is for rock and modern playing styles.

The compact, powerful V10-60 produces a huge projection and tone, with a glassy, defined style. Extremely versatile and loud, the V10-60 exhibits superb clarity and definition.

The final model in the Silver Series is the smooth-sounding V10-40. This versatile speaker has a dynamic, responsive top end. And, like its siblings, it features the distinctive vintage sound that Celestion has come to be known for.

Suggested retail price on the line is as follows: V12-80, $109; V12-60, $99; V10-60, $79; V10-40, $69.

Denon Electronics launched its new DN-2000F LTD, a limited-production, fifth-anniversary version of the DN-2000F double CD player originally introduced at the 1991 January NAMM Show.

Offering the operation and performance of the highly-successful, second-generation DN-2000F MKII, each new DN-2000F LTD transport and controller will sport a blue faceplate and special gold plaque engraved with its own personal reference number. Gold screws will further dress up the product’s appearance, while all DN-2000F LTDs will additionally be accompanied by certificates of ownership.

Shipped in April and available only during 1997, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price on the limited-edition DN-2000F LTD is $1,300.

Capable of handling up to eight of 14 available effects at a time, the TEC8 gives guitarists total effect control via its built-in Expression Controller pedal, which can be used to adjust volume, wah, tremelo speed, chorus depth and more -- all in real time. Featuring a large library of analog and digital effects, the TEC8 can produce sounds ranging from a vintage blues cabinet to a throttling British stack to a comprehensive multi-effects rack unit.

Designed to feel very natural underfoot, the TEC8's Expression Controller is angled slightly to the right, and generous space is provided between each of the pedals for precise effect or program selection. A Jam-Along-Jack allows the musician to plug in a CD or cassette player for accompaniant, while a headphone jack comes in handy in those moments when an amplifier cannot be used.

The TEC8 comes equipped with 30 factory-preset effect combinations and memory for 30 additional user-defined programs. Programmable effects include DOD’s exclusive new analog IT and Grind distortions, analog Wah, flexible three-band EQ, noise gate, chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, ring modulator, pixellator, pitch shift, detune, mono and tap delays and reverb. Suggested US retail price on the DOD TEC8 is $299.95.

History tends to repeat itself. In keeping with this old maxim, Electro-Harmonix is once again offering the amazing Deluxe Memory Man Echo with Chorus/Vibrato!

The latest in the E-H line of reissue floor effects, the Deluxe Memory Man is an Analog Delay with a sound that rivals the classic tape units of yesteryear without their inherent mechanical problems or “collectible” price tags.

Finally, you can stop using the adjectives such as “cold,” “harsh” and “sterile” to describe your Digital Delay. Instead, plug into a Deluxe Memory Man and learn an entirely new vocabulary: Warm. Round. Fat. Organic. Real.

ServoDrive, Inc, an Original Equipment Manufacturer providing specialty audio parts and services across a number of industries, has recently purchased the replacement part assets from the now-defunct Quantum Sound.

ServoDrive, Inc, is now providing O.E.M. replacement parts and repair services for the famous ServoDrive subwoofers, originally manufactured by Intersonics of Northbrook, Ill. Components are available for all BassTech 7, SDL 5, TPL series, Sub Terranean and ContraBass subwoofers.

“Our commitment to Continuous Quality Improvement provides the natural environment for ServoDrive parts manufacturing and distribution. We are excited about the opportunity to serve those who own these quality products,” General Manager Brad Skuran said.

ServoDrive, Inc also is providing repair-and-return services to owners of Focus Field loudspeakers, formerly manufactured by Quantum Sound.

Those interested in parts or repair services can contact ServoDrive, Inc at 847/724-5500 or fax 847/724-4846 for more information.

Vibro-Tek Industries launched its revolutionary split vibrato for the electric and bass guitar at the January ‘97 NAMM Show in Anaheim, Calif. The response was phenomenal. Guitarists of all styles were knocked out by Vibro-Tek’s “Double Whammy™”

Blues stylist Russ Marsland, whose impressive roster includes BB King, James Brown, Tower of Power and numerous others, bridged the gap between traditional blues, hot country and funk guitar using the Double Whammy™ to spice up and merge these styles.

Just when you thought you heard it all, Colin James and KD Lang bassist Dennis Marcenko blew away onlookers with the introduction of Vibro-Tek’s new bass Double Whammy™. Just imagine being able to pop, pull up and drop pitch simultaneously!

The Double Whammy™ originally was designed to solve the traditional vintage vibrato problem of pitch dropping while bending other strings. The Double Whammy™ not only solves this problem with its patented hinge and neutral position compression technology, but has created a whole new world of sonic possibilities

Suggested retail price -- $279. Vibro-Tek Industries, 12911-109 Ave, Surrey, BC V3T 2NI; Contact Blake Larsen at 604/951-1677, fax 604/930-2799, www.DoubleWhammy.com, e-mail info@DoubleWhammy.com.