Cortex Introduces HDC-3000 Digital Music Controller
Cortex, a new division of GCI Technologies (formally Gemini), has introduced the HDC-3000 Dual Digital Music Controller to its Cortex line.
HDC-3000 Features:
Intelligent Music Database Management
The HDC-3000 uses a database management system that allows the user to search through a massive library of music within seconds, by artist, title, genre, album or even by string. This unit also allows users to find their top 100 most played tracks, the last 100 played, or what tracks were recently added to the storage device. Users can search by a certain word or phrase to find tracks on their storage device, even if they’re unsure of the name. When the user inputs a keyword, it will search all Artists, Titles, Albums, and Genres, and show all matches to that keyword. The user can then select from that list. Users can create databases via the HDC unit or the PC application and quickly manage those database files at a gig, or on a home computer. The playlist editor allows users to save, load, and edit playlists. Users can even cascade music between each side of the controller.
Main Playback Screen
The backlit graphical LCD playback screens display info on any track in the catalog, showing everything from the essentials such as artist, track title, pitch, time elapsed/remaining to detailed information including file format (MP3 or WAV), genre, and track length. Additionally, the HDC-3000 offers a waveform view.
CD-Audio PCD/DVD Data Playback
No need to abandon the CD collection, the HDC-3000 is able to play audio CDs with any compatible USB CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. Play back user-created CD-Rs or DVD-Rs loaded with MP3 or WAV music files using a compatible USB CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
Storage Device Selection
Take a client’s request from his iPod or USB memory flash drive, plug it in, and play it right away without having to reboot the unit. With two USB ports (and support for up to 4 devices when using a USB hub), this unit allows users to connect and recognize multiple storage devices to access a variety of separate music databases simultaneously.
Keyboard Support
Quickly find that hot new track in a massive library of music with just a few taps of a USB-compatible keyboard. Browse through files and directories as if they were using a computer, showing them the directory structure and file names exactly as they exist on the storage device. DJs with their own organizational system can navigate it quicker than using the database.
VBR & CBR File Support
The HDC-3000 can play all your MP3’s; CBR or VBR at any bitrate up to 320kbps. Ultra-fast Instant: Start
From Cue to Start, get into the mix with no delay.
Cue Point Management
Cue points can be set like a normal CD player, so that the DJ can return to a certain time in the track just by pressing a button. Cue points may also be saved permanently to the connected storage device, allowing them to load automatically with a track. Also, the unit allows for 4 hot cue points per side, which can also be stored to the connected mass storage device.
Efficient Sampling
Samples can be set and stored in any of 4 banks with the simple touch of a button. Samples can be trimmed and edited with the graphical user interface, and the samples pitch can be altered. Up to 4 loops can be programmed with a loop-editing feature. Unlike a traditional CD player, the loops can be edited easily using the HDC-3000’s graphical user interface, which allows the loop to be trimmed until it sounds perfect. Loops can be saved to the connected storage device, so that they can be recalled each time you load that particular track.
DSP Effects
This module gives the users a choice of 12 effects (including Filter, Flanger, Echo, Delay, Auto-Pan and more) plus, truly comprehensive parameter setting capabilities. EACH parameter can be edited in real time offering a greater ability to modify the sound while still preserving the preset simplicity.
The Cortex HDC-3000 is expected to ship on February 15, 2007 and cost $1649. More information on the Cortex HDC-3000.
