DIGITAL VOX BOXES

Vox Amplification weighs into the digital guitar amp market with its new Valvetronix combos: the 60W AD60V ($899), which has a 12-inch custom-designed Celestion speaker, and the stereo 120W (60W × 60W) AD120V ($1,199) with two 12-inch Celestions. The amps feature 16 amplifier models and 21 types of effects, which include digital models of classic stompboxes, modulators, and overdrives.

Vox teamed up with Korg on the amp's REMS preamp section, which simulates classic analog tube amp circuitry, even mimicking each modeled rig's tone stack so that the Valvetronix tone controls perform like those on the emulated amp. Vox's Valve Reactor technology features a tube-driven power amp that simulates the output configuration of each amp being modeled — all the way to distinguishing Class A or Class A/B — as well as highly complex feedback characteristics.

Classic Vox blue grillcloth and gold trim maintain the company's know-it-at-a-glance visual style, and the front-panel controls sport Vox's chicken-head knobs. Append cool effects models such as Vox Wah, Octave Divider, Acoustic Simulation, Fuzz, and several over-drives, and guitarists can spend eons tweaking their sound. Vox Amplification; tel. (516) 333-9100; Web www.voxamps.co.uk.

X-RACKS ON TRACK

Crest Audio's XR-20 mixer ($2,200) packs a lot of professional features into a compact and portable unit. The rackmountable XR-20, the first in Crest's new X-Rack series of mixers, has 20 inputs (12 mono and 4 stereo), each featuring a mic preamp with switched 48V phantom power, and 4-band channel EQ (with an 18 dB — per — octave highpass filter on the mono channels).

There are also numerous professional-studio-style features, such as inserts on all inputs, subgroups, aux outs, and left/right/mono outputs; and six auxiliary buses selectable in pairs and pre- or postfader. The mixer's XLR main outputs are switchable between mic and line output levels.

The XR-20's front-panel modular construction further distinguishes it from other small mixers, as does its grounding design, which conforms to strict AES standards, providing high rejection of radio frequencies and ground noise. Crest Audio; tel. (201) 909-8700; e-mail info@crestaudio.com; Web www.crestaudio.com.

HEAR IT NOW AND LATER

Etymotic Research wants to make sure you'll still be able to hear your musical buddies when you're in your golden years, so it's created the ER-20 Hi-Fi earplugs ($10). The plugs employ an innovative design that couples a tuned resonator with an acoustic resistor for flat attenuation. Whereas those funky yellow foam plugs tend to kill so much high end that players eschew them, Etymotic designed the ER-20s to deliver a flat frequency response without distorting the sound.

The one-size-fits-all ER-20 earplugs are washable, reusable, and constructed of soft materials that reduce the uncomfortableness and fidgeting associated with cheap, ill-fitting earplugs. Ear protection isn't just for players; frequent listeners of loud live music, ravers, and even kids in marching bands benefit from hearing protection. Etymotic Research; tel. (847) 228-0006; e-mail info@etymotic.com; Web www.etymotic.com.

VICTOR'S JAZZY J

The Fender electric bass guitar, now a half-century old, is still probably the most loved bass on the planet. The company has issued several new custom instruments in celebration of Leo Fender's revolutionary four-string, including the Victor Bailey Signature Model Jazz Bass ($1,999). Bass-legend Bailey played a personal role in this hardwood instrument's design, choosing to use a fine koa top over a rosewood and mahogany body, mated to a maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard.

The Jazz's 18V active electronics offer more headroom than conventional 9V systems, and an upgraded 3-band EQ (40 Hz/500 Hz/8 kHz) gives players a lot of sonic elbowroom. Fender's new Noiseless Bass pickups were engineered directly for high-voltage active electronics and are built to deliver enhanced warmth and low-end definition. With the high-gloss, polished brown of koa wood, attractive gold hardware, and absence of a pickguard, the Bailey model is a head turner. Fender Musical Instruments; tel. (480) 596-9690; e-mail info@fender.com; Web www.fender.com.

FREEWAY ACCESS

Audio-Technica's Freeway professional UHF wireless system is based on the ATW-R600 receiver, a frequency-agile unit featuring ten selectable UHF channels, a removable docking power supply, an advanced dipole antenna for enhanced reception, and squelch and volume controls. Systems are available in two independent frequency bands, allowing as many as eight simultaneous channels for multisystem applications. Band A occupies 470 to 480 MHz (TV channels 14 and 15), and Band B runs between 482 and 492 MHz (TV channels 16 and 17).

Preconfigured Freeway systems include the ATW-601 UniPak body-pack transmitter ($349.95) with a locking HRS connector and a dual-impedance instrument or mic input; the ATW-601/G guitar system ($379.95); the ATW/H head-worn mic system ($459.95) with a PRO 8HecW mic; the ATW-601/L lavalier system ($399.95) with an AT829CW lavalier mic; and the ATW-602 handheld mic system ($379.95) featuring an all-in-one ATW-T602 handheld dynamic mic. Audio Technica U.S., Inc; tel. (330) 686-2600; e-mail pro@audio-technica.com; Web www.audio-technica.com.

THREE MOTIFS

The new Yamaha Motif keyboards provide a music production synthesizer platform that combines the performance simplicity of a groove box, with an advanced synthesizer and an ergonomic user interface. The Motif comes in three versions: the 61-key Motif 6 ($2,250), the 76-key Motif 7 ($2,750), and the full-size Motif 8 with weighted keys ($3,250).

Centered on Yamaha's Integrated Sampling Synthesizer (ISS) engine, the Motif utilizes the company's AWM2 tone generation to create a plethora of sounds ranging from acoustic instruments to techno tones. Most of the classic waveforms from Yamaha's S80, 9000 Pro, and EX synths are also included. Sampling memory can be increased to as much as 64 MB using PC SIMM chips, for a total of 6 minutes and 20 seconds of sampling time. The ISS engine integrates audio and MIDI information, letting users record MIDI and audio on any of 16 sequencer tracks. The sequencer holds more than 111,000 notes, and sequencer data from Akai and other popular machines can be imported.

The Motif also includes remote control templates for popular computer-based sequencers such as Cakewalk's Pro Audio, Steinberg's Cubase VST, Emagic's Logic Audio, and Digidesign's Pro Tools. Three expansion slots for Yamaha's PLG modular synthesis plug-in boards, a built-in USB MIDI interface, a SCSI port, and a SmartMedia slot provide lots of flexibility and upgrade options. Yamaha Corporation of America; tel. (714) 522-9011; e-mail info@yamaha.com; Web www.yamahasynth.com or www.motifator.com.

SPORTY RED VETTAS

Line 6's new Vetta digital modeling amplifier comes in two versions: the Vetta Combo with 50W per side ($2,399) and the Vetta HD standalone head with 100W per side ($2,399). Both amps provide upgraded versions of many of the classic amplifier models from the company's POD and Flextone series amps, as well as new models such as the Line 6 Sparkle and Line 6 Class A Drive and those based on the Hi-Watt 100 and Supro S6616 amplifiers.

The Vetta uses Line 6's Point-to-Point Interactive Modeling technology to achieve greater tone detail, including the ability to re-create the timbre and feel of aged transistors, filter caps, and other amp components. The Vetta can provide two independent amp sounds at once using the manufacturer's Double Tracker technology and boasts independently assignable stompbox models and a routable effects loop.

Other features include independent XLR direct outs with next-generation A.I.R. (Acoustically Integrated Recording) processing for simulating the interaction between various mics and speaker cabinets, and Celestion speakers. Add the optional FBX Foot Controller ($599) for increased flexibility. Also available are slanted and straight 4×10 cabinets for the head and custom extension cabinets for the Combo. Line 6; tel. (818) 575-3600; e-mail info@line6.com; Web www.line6.com.

JOIN THE V-CLUB

If you've been craving a Roland electronic drum system but have lacked the cash to get plugged in, check out the budget-priced TD-6K V-Club Set ($1,495). The set is centered on the new TD-6 Percussion Sound Module and two rubber drum pads: the 8.5-inch single-trigger PD-6 and the 12-inch CY-6 dual-trigger cymbal pad with a choke function.

The TD-6 has nine trigger inputs (accommodating as many as 11 pads and cymbals), an auxiliary audio input, a stereo line output, a headphone out, and MIDI In/Out/Thru connectors. The 64-voice module comes with 1,024 drum and percussion sounds, 262 backing sounds, and 99 drum kits. The TD-6 also offers a 2-band EQ and an ambience effects processor. Woodshedders will appreciate the onboard six-part sequencer, which comes with 150 preset practice tunes and room for 100 user-recorded songs.

The complete set contains the TD-6 module, five PD-6 pads, two CY-6 cymbal pads, a hi-hat pedal, a kick-drum trigger, the MDS-6 custom stand, and all connecting hardware. You can upgrade to Roland's double-trigger mesh-head V-Pads at any time. Roland Corporation USA; tel. (323) 890-3700; e-mail info@rolandus.com; Web www.rolandus.com.

COMBO TO GO

If you're a fast-moving player who needs to travel light, Euphonic Audio's iAMP Combo amplifier ($1,495) may be just the ticket. It's a compact, highly flexible rig that will help bassists, keyboard players, and acoustic guitarists pack a punch without packing an equipment van.

The iAMP Combo includes an iAMP 350 amplifier that pushes 350W RMS (at 4•) into a 10-inch coaxial speaker with a titanium diaphragm compression driver, delivering sound across a 45 Hz to 14 kHz range. It has both passive and active instrument inputs and a handy ⅘-inch stereo input (with a level pot) for practicing along. Outputs include ¼-inch jacks for tuner and headphones and a balanced XLR direct out — with a ground-lift switch and an output-level control — switchable between pre- and post-EQ.

The amp has four bands of EQ, each with Euphonic's unique slanted slider pots for adjusting frequency and rotary controls for boost/cut, along with four switchable EQ presets. The front-mounted effects loop I/O and effects-level control are nice touches, making patching in processors a piece of cake.

The 59-pound iAMP measures 18 inches tall by slightly more than a foot wide and features a durable polyurethane cabinet that cleans easily and sheds no fuzzy carpet fibers. Euphonics Audio; tel. (866) 878-0009; e-mail info@euphonicaudio.com; Web www.euphonicaudio.com.