NEW GEAR

NEW GEAR

KORG DP-80 DIGITAL MIDI PIANO

Korg bills their new DP-80 as “a new keyboard concept for both the amateur and professional musician.” The instrument sports a 76 note/6-octave touch sensitive keyboard (with full size weighted keys), 16 built-in voices, on-board stereo speakers and full MIDI implementation that includes separate Transmit/Receive channel selection, Omni On/Off, Local On/Off, and external Program Select capabilities. There’s also a built-in stereo Chorus, key transpose, external output jacks and a headphone out so you won’t drive the neighbors crazy. For more details, write Korg U.S.A., 89 Frost Street, Westbury, NY 11590. (516) 333-9100.

ROLAND DEP-5 DIGITAL EFFECTS PROCESSOR

In the DEP-5, Roland have what they reckon is the first affordable multiple effects unit providing various effects that can be used simultaneously, combined with a variety of optional signal routings. The unit combines digital reverb, digital chorus (less noisy than traditional analog chorusing), stereo panning, a parametric equalizer, and digital delay. Add your own MIDI controller or sequencing device, and you can tap into the DEP-5’s 99 programmable memories. For additional information, contact RolandCorp US, 7200 Dominion Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90040. (213) 685-5141.

FOSTEX MODEL 160 MULTI-FUNCTION MULTITRACKER

The new Model 160 by Fostex is a multiple input/output 4x2x2 mixer and 4-track stereo cassette recorder, featuring 33/4 ips tape speed and Dolby C noise reduction. The higher tape speed and more sophisticated noise reduction “allow the entry level customer to purchase a high performance multitracker with extended frequency response.” The two mike inputs and four line inputs ca.n be used for simultaneous 4-track recordings, or the stereo buss can be used to record four (or more) input signals mixed to mono or stereo. Overdubs and punch-in recordings are easily accomplished thanks to the 160’s monitoring logic. Suggested list price is $695. For more information, contact Fostex, 15431 Blackburn Ave., Norwalk, CA 90650. (213) 921-1112.

DRUM WORKSHOP 3000 SERIES BASS DRUM PEDALS

Incorporating Drum Workshop’s patented chain and sprocket mechanism, the 3000 Series bass drum pedals are billed as combining outstanding value with top of the line features. The Double Bass Drum Pedal ($365 suggest list price) features a patented design that provides double plate stability, smooth action, and both primary and auxiliary pedals. The 3000CX Bass Drum Pedal ($96 suggested list price) features a removable toe-stop and a newly designed footboard. For further details, contact Drum Workshop, 2697 Lavery Court #16, Newbury Park, CA 91320. (805) 499-6863.

NOBELS SOUND STUDIO I

Billed as the “state-of-the-art in multi-effects/headphone amp devices,” the Sound Studio I combines several switchable and fully adjustable effects in a compact metal casing. Features include delay (with depth adjustment), chorus (with depth adjustment), five distortion settings, and a 440Hz tone generator for tuning. Oversized headphones and an AC power adapter are included. To learn more, contact LP Music Group, 160 Belmont Avenue, Garfield, NJ (201) 478-6903.

MAY “TAP” DRUM KEY

The TAP (Torque Adjustable Powered) Drum Key is a cordless, multi-purpose power drum tool. It can be used for quick drum head removal, fast and automatically even head mounting, and manual fine tuning of all types of drums. Clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation tor tightening and loosening tension is possible at the touch of a switch. Torque adjustment can be set to engage an internal clutch when the desired head tension is achieved so that uniform basic tension is automatic. The TAP comes with a recharger and standard-size, square-head tension rod drum key socket. Suggested list price $65.95. For information, contact May, 7712-B Talbert, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. (714) 536-2505.

GIBSON V BASS

The newest edition to Gibson’s line of basses is the fivestring V. Its contoured body and special tapered neck design offers comfortable access to the high register. The addition of that extra string, meanwhile, lowers the bottom register to low “B,” which extends the instrument’s musical spectrum into the low range of synthesizers. Built of South American mahogany, the V features a 34"/22-fret ebony fretboard, Schaller black chrome machine heads, two black chrome humbucking magnet loaded pickups, and black chrome hardware. For more details, contact Gibson, 641 Massman Drive, Nashville, TN 37210. (615) 366-2400.

PURECUSSION BLACK FINISH RIMS

By popular demand, Purecussion says, RIMS are now available in black. Available in standard lug configurations only, the new RIMS offer the improvement features of suspension mounting, while allowing drummers to either contrast or compliment the look of their drums and hardware. A wide range of sizes is available, so prices vary. For more information, contact Purecussion Inc., 5957 West 37th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55416. (612) 922-9199.

SIMMONS SPM8:2 PROGRAMMABLE MIDI MIXER

Designed for musicians who play multiple sets of keyboards, electronic drums, or MIDI guitar voices (and can’t stand having to remix each new patch), the SPM8:2 is a full function, eight-channel stereo mixer. By incorporating a microprocessor to control the mixing functions, the SPM8:2 can store up to 64 different mixes-combinations of level, EQ, panning and effect send settings from all eight channels. The unit also includes a programmable, four function effects bank which can be applied to channels independently and stored within a patch. For details, contact Simmons Group Centre, Craftsman Road, Calabasas, CA 91302. (818) 884-2653.