BRING 'EM BACK LIVE

HHB's 2U rackmount CDR830 Burnit Plus ($649) lets you record your gig directly to CD without the need for a preamp; the unit features built-in preamps that let you plug in dynamic or condenser mics directly (you'll need a phantom power supply for condensers). The CDR830 offers a variety of digital and analog connectors.

The recorder delivers 24-bit A/D/A; an onboard sample-rate converter handles downsampling chores for CD-Audio compatibility. Switches accompanying the balanced XLR analog inputs let you choose line- or mic-level gain. You also get balanced XLR analog outputs and unbalanced RCA analog I/O. Digital I/O is handled by coaxial, optical, and balanced XLR S/PDIF jacks.

In addition to controls for analog input level, the unit offers a separate gain-control knob lets you adjust the level of incoming digital signal. You can edit and store track names and artist information. HHB Communications USA; tel. (310) 319-1111; e-mail sales@hhbusa.com; Web www.hhbusa.com.

FLOOR MODELS

The GT-6B ($495) from Boss is a multi-effects floor unit designed especially for electric bass. Along with chorus, flange, reverb, delay, and a mono synth-bass processor, the GT-6B provides a host of modeled effects. Its six bass-amp models include Concert 810 and Session; you can match those with cabinet models such as 8×10 and 4×10. Other modeling algorithms include dynamics processors, overdrive, distortion, and wah. The Auto Slap feature creates automatic slapping patterns using DSP. Sound-on-sound looping lets you create intricate patterns to play over.

Most of the GT-6B's controls appear on its surface: compressor limiter adjusters, effect rate and level knobs, amp and cabinet selectors, and built-in control and expression pedals. A ¼-inch jack in the rear accommodates an additional expression pedal.

A/D/A conversion is 24-bit at 44.1 kHz. You get an unbalanced ¼-inch analog input, analog outputs on a pair of balanced XLR and a pair of unbalanced ¼-inch jacks, and a coaxial S/PDIF output. You can bypass the processors to pass an unaltered analog signal. Roland Corp. U.S.; tel. (323) 890-3700; Web www.rolandus.com.

HEAVY NECKING

The Gretsch G1566 ($1,400) is the newest addition to the company's Synchromatic line of instruments. This model offers a six-string bass and guitar joined at the hip. Bass and guitar necks are 22 frets in length and are composed of maple with bound rosewood fingerboards. The instrument is finished with a silver sparkle body and white binding.

Chrome-plated hardware includes a master volume knob, master tone control, a three-way pickup switch, and a three-way switch that lets you select bass, guitar, or both instruments. Bass and guitar have their own Bigsby vibrato tailpieces. The bass features a pair of mini-humbucker pickups, and the guitar offers regular humbuckers. Gretsch; tel. (912) 748-7070; Web www.gretsch.com.

PLEASE MR. DJ

Numark's TT-X1 ($700) offers a new direct-drive, high-torque motor with bidirectional operation. The turntable offers more than 800 points of rotational resolution.

The unit features an interchangeable tonearm system, which enables you to quickly and easily exchange straight and S-shaped tonearms to suit your style of scratching. The turntable also has interchangeable Pitch Fader and Button cartridges that allow horizontal or vertical placement of the unit.

Pitch, rpm, bpm, and motor settings are clearly shown on a blue illuminated display. You also get a superbright white LED with a continuous strobe. Pitch range is adjustable from +10 to -10. You can select 33, 45, or even 78 rpm (for scratchin' those rare Blind Willie McTell sides). The Key Lock feature lets you change tempo without changing key.

The TT-X1 offers coaxial S/PDIF output and selectable line or phono-level analog outs and a ¼-inch jack for a remote start-stop momentary switch. The turntable is housed in steel with a rubber base for damping vibrations and other undesirable noise. Numark Electronics Corp.; tel. (201) 225-3222; e-mail customerservice@numark.com; Web www.numark.com.

CYMBALIC LOGIC

Sabian's HHXplosion Crash cymbal comes in 16-inch ($276) and 18-inch ($324) sizes. Jumbo-size hammer marks cover its natural finish and raw, unlathed bell, creating a distinctive appearance. Sabian claims that the cymbals possess traditional tonal warmth while projecting clear, bright highs and a dirty edge in their response.

HHXplosion cymbals use a proprietary B20 bronze alloy, which Sabian claims is the most durable and musical alloy in cymbal manufacturing. The instruments are shaped to a mid-height profile before hammering to create the surface marks that are responsible for the instrument's tone. Sabian says that lathing the cymbal with narrow grooves provides a rapid, explosive response. The company offers a special two-year warranty. Sabian, Ltd.; tel. (506) 272-2019 e-mail sabian@sabian.com; Web www.sabian.com.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

According to Community, the company's MVP35 loudspeakers ($437.25) handle up to 200W RMS of 90-by-40-degree coverage between 65 Hz and 16 kHz with 118 dB SPL. The speakers use a single 15-inch low-frequency driver and the company's LM20 nonmetallic, ferro-fluid-cooled high-frequency transducer.

Community's patented Thermal-Link driver-protection feature is a solid-state, self-resetting system network that automatically monitors and adjusts the high-frequency threshold, letting the speakers run at maximum output without damage.

Each speaker offers two unbalanced ¼-inch, locking connectors. The speaker enclosures are internally braced and covered with durable black carpeting to protect speaker components. Speakers come with a die-cast zinc stand socket. Rubber feet, corner protectors, a perforated 16-gauge steel grille, and recessed handles add to the feature set. Community Professional Loudspeakers; tel. (610) 876-3400 or (800) 523-4934; e-mail info@loudspeakers.net; Web www.loudspeakers.net.

SHUT UP AND PLAY

Practicing guitarists often find it difficult to sharpen their skills without disturbing their neighbors or bandmates. Enter the Yamaha SLG100N Silent Guitar ($699), a quiet, portable practice instrument with a built-in reverb.

Sporting a lightweight composite body, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fingerboard, the guitar breaks down for easy carrying. Despite its light weight, according to Yamaha, the guitar possesses a full-bodied nylon-string guitar tone. An internal digital signal processor gives you a variety of simulated acoustic spaces. You also get an ⅛-inch stereo minijack input for practicing with prerecorded music. Finally, the guitar has an ⅛-inch stereo headphone jack and an unbalanced ¼-inch jack for plugging in to an amp or a P.A. system. The SLG100N ships with a gig bag, an AC adapter, and headphones. Yamaha Corp. of America; tel. (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; Web www.yamaha.com.

LOSE 50 POUNDS OVERNIGHT

Why tote bulky hardware synthesizers, samplers, and effects to your gig? You can install BitHeadz Unity Session 3.02 (Mac; $649) on your laptop and get sampling and multiple synthesis techniques under one hood.

In addition to the AS-1 (an analog modeling synth) and the DS-1 (a software sampler), Session provides physical models for clarinet, flute, and hammered- and bowed-string models. Oscillators from one synthesis type can interact with other oscillators in real time. For example, you can use a DS-1 sampled oscillator as a carrier or modulator for a Retro AS-1 waveform.

MIDI and audio effects processors appear as plug-ins and include standards such as reverb, chorus, delay, and flange. Session also provides an assortment of dynamics-processing tools, Degrade (bit reduction), and Pitch Bend, which is a type of whammy-bar effect.

Unity session requires at least 128 MB of RAM and a PPC G3/333 MHz computer. The program is optimized for OS X 10.1, but you can use OS 8.6 or higher. BitHeadz; tel. (401) 886-7045; e-mail info@bitheadz.com; Web www.bitheadz.com.

KIT AND CABOODLE

Clavia has released an updated ddrum4 sound module and a new set of pads to go with it. The ddrum4SE ($1,669) adds a new sound set, upgraded software, and a new appearance. When combined with Clavia's Cast Precision Mesh Head Kit ($3,595), it gives you improved dynamics resolution and a smoother feel.

The ddrum4SE improves triggering response and offers higher-resolution dynamics and hotter outputs. The drum brain features kits recorded by drummers you may have seen around: Simon Phillips, Dennis Chambers, Kenny Aronoff, and Mel Gaynor. Clavia sampled the drummers' personal instruments and setups, including tunings and drumheads.

The new webbed mesh heads have rugged cast aluminum shells. Other hardware changes include a new discrete snare stand and improved spring-mounted cymbals. According to Clavia, the heads offer improved tracking, less acoustic noise, and a more suitable feel for acoustic drummers. Armadillo Enterprises (distributor); tel. (727) 519-9669; e-mail info@armadilloent.com; Web www.clavia.se.

CALL MY MANAGER

Indie Band Manager software from Cheney Media ($35) offers a one-stop business management system for musicians. The program integrates and automates essential information-gathering elements that are vital to keeping independent musicians afloat.

The software helps you keep track of contacts, venues, press clippings, gig calendars, callback times, e-mail lists with personalized e-mail merge letters, expenses and merchandise sales, and much more. Indie Band Manager is more than a collection of data, however. You can send e-mail, view Web sites, call contacts, or sell band T-shirts with a single click.

Indie Band Manager provides numerous useful amenities; for example, you can select an Internet map provider and use it to get driving directions or view locations of people or venues. Names in the To Do List have an arrow that takes you to the person's entry in the People screen for dialing phone numbers. The software includes scripts for printing invoices, estimates, packing slips, or mailing labels for gig announcements.

Indie Band Manager can run on practically any Windows or Mac computer with at least 64 MB of RAM. Mac users will need OS 8.1 and Windows will need Windows 95. Go to indiebandmanager.com to download the program. Cheney Media, Inc.; tel. (973) 564-8868; e-mail info@indiebandmanager.com; Web www.indiebandmanager.com.

PEDAL REDUX

Godlyke has reissued three of Maxon's revered vintage stompboxes. Each unit offers an easy-access battery compartment, a die-cast zinc chassis, an LED battery life-indicator, and mechanical true-bypass switching.

The OD-9 Overdrive ($180) replicates its predecessor's circuitry; Godlyke claims that gives it smooth, dynamic overdrive. You get Overdrive and Output Level controls and a Hi Boost/Hi Cut control to shape tone.

The SD-9 Sonic Distortion pedal ($180) has transistor and op-amp circuit characteristics. It features a Low Boost/Hi Boost tone control, and its Distortion and Output controls provide as much as 55 dB of gain.

According to Godlyke, the circuitry of the AF-9 Auto Filter ($229) provides a shimmering, watery quality found in vintage auto-filter units. You get sliders for Threshold and Peak, and the Range and Drive switches set the range and direction of the sweeping filter. The box has three filter types (lowpass, bandpass, and highpass) and provides a sweepable frequency range from 100 Hz to 4 kHz. Godlyke, Inc.; tel. (973) 835-2100; e-mail godlykehq@aol.com; Web www.maxonfx.com.

FEED YOUR HEAD

Shure's WH30 headworn microphone is designed for performers who require unhampered mobility. The headset is available in two models: the WH30TQG ($170) comes with a 5.3-foot cable and is designed to be integrated into a wireless system; the WH30XLR ($278) is a wired system with an in-line preamplifier and a 10-foot cable. The microphone uses a small electret condenser mic with a cardioid pickup pattern. In order to provide more convenient microphone placement, the capsule is mounted on a gooseneck with an isolation shockmount to reduce vibration noise.

According to Shure, the cardioid-pattern mic delivers maximum gain-before-feedback and is resistant to temperature and moisture. The manufacturer rates the frequency response at 40 Hz to 20 kHz. The WH30 comes with two snap-on windscreens to block extraneous noise and popping Ps, a clothing clip, a storage bag, and a cable-management device. Shure Incorporated; tel. (800) 25-SHURE or (847) 866-2200; e-mail info@shure.com; Web www.shure.com.