ThinKware and Roland Plug Into USB
January 28, 1999ThinKware, America's largest distributor of Desk Top Media Production (DTMP)
products, remains in the forefront of next-generation music technology with
the introduction of new USB (Universal Serial Bus) products from Roland. Three
exciting hardware products introduced in North America by Edirol and distributed
to dealers by ThinKware are now available the UA-100 Audio Canvas USB audio
& MIDI processor, the Super MPU64 high speed sixty-four channel MIDI interface
for USB, and MA-150U USB powered speakers.
The Universal Serial Bus provides one standard plug-in for all serial and
parallel ports and allows musicians, engineers, and producers to connect a PC
with a variety of USB peripherals via simple one-cable connections. The USB
interface delivers higher transmission speeds than via conventional serial ports,
provides a high level of stability, eliminates computer port confusion and clutter
by freeing up serial and parallel ports, and provides true plug-and-play capabilities
to USB-equipped devices.
Housed in the familiar compact Roland Sound Canvas hardware, the UA-100 Audio
Canvas works with USB-capable computers running Windows® 98 and is designed
for a wide range of instrumental and vocal applications. The UA-100 produces
high quality sound with dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratios comparable
to most sound cards and audio processing devices. The versatile UA-100 Audio
Canvas features a wide selection of on-board high-performance DSP effects for
mixing and effects processing. Effects include state-of-the-art reverb, chorus,
delay, built-in multi-effects processing for vocal and guitar, and insertion
effects compatible with Roland's Sound Canvas SC-88 Pro. Additional features
include 2 port MIDI interface, a pitch harmonizer/corrector for three part harmony
and perfect note correction, "Digital Domain" effects looping, stereo
one-channel recording and stereo two channel playback (simultaneous recording
and playback is possible), front panel access to all recording controls, dedicated
guitar and vocal inputs, multi-application MIDI connectors (2-In/2-Out), and
optical digital out connector.
Roland's Super MPU64 64 channel USB MIDI interface is ideal for transmitting
large amounts of MIDI information with superb response and complete reliability.
The S-MPU64 features 4 MIDI Ins and 4 MIDI Outs, making it possible to handle
complex multitrack sequencing tasks with ease. Individual LED indicators highlight
each MIDI IN/Out port. Via USB, up to four MIDI devices can be connected directly
to the computer; utilizing a computer equipped with multiple USB connectors
allows the user to control up to 256 tracks at one time (64 tracks x 4 S-MPU-64s
= 256 tracks).
A new standard in noise level reduction is set with the introduction of Roland's
MA-150U USB powered speakers. By using a digital connection and achieving the
digital to analog conversion outside of the noisy environment of the computer,
the MA-150U powered speakers deliver noticeably higher quality, lownoise sound.
The MA- 150U's are 15 watt, two-way speakers with a bass reflex enclosure; they
have a built-in dynamic enhancer control, microphone jack, headphone jack, and
two line inputs with separate input level controls.
All three Roland USB products - UA-100 Audio Canvas (sugg. retail price $499.00),
SMPU64 MIDI Interface (sugg. retail price - $225.00), and MA-150U speakers (sugg.
retail price - $179.00) are exclusively distributed in North America by ThinKware. For more information, visit Edirol at http://www.edirol.com/ |
