Just when you thought Black Friday was supposed to be about cheap shopping, Moog Music has announced some uber-expensive, limited-edition Taurus Bass Pedals.

Moog pretty much does the exact opposite of the status quo, such as debuting products on April Fools Day, so unveiling a revamped version of their vintage Taurus Pedals at stratospheric prices should not floor anyone.

Features:
» 100% Analog Sound Engine based entirely on original TAURUS I circuits
» “Taurus I” style (one and half octaves on the floor)
» 2 VCO Oscillators, ADS Contour Generator, 1 VCF Filter, Output VCA
» PRESETS: 16 Banks x 4 presets = 48 Total Programmable Bass Sounds
» BANK 0 will contains the Original Taurus I Presets: VAR, TAURUS, TUBA, BASS
» MIDI: DIN and USB, Merging and Routing
» ARPEGGIATOR: MIDI Sync, TAP TEMPO, Internal
» CV Inputs: VOLUME, FILTER, PITCH, GATE

Moog is only producing 1000 of these pedals. And the first 250 customers will receive a discounted purchase price of $1695 with an initial deposit of $500. Regardless of quantity ordered, this offer ends February 15, 2009. All Taurus pedals ordered after the first 250 will sell for $1995.

Moog states: “Long requested by many of Moog’s very best customers and used by the likes of Rush, The Police, Genesis, Led Zeppelin, Phil Collins, Asia, Weezer, and many more. This is a one time opportunity to own a new set with a new warranty but one absolutely faithful to the original Taurus I sound.”

The new Moog Taurus bass pedals are expecting to ship next Christmas – Q4 2009. More information on the Moog Taurus Bass Pedals.

AKG has unveiled the LC – Condenser Premium Vocal Microphone, a new offering designed for a wide range of applications ranging from vocals and live sound to recording and studio use. The Light Condenser Premium Vocal Microphone is an affordable condenser vocal microphone that AKG claims will produce solid performance through the loudest mix or on any stage. Its cardioid polar pattern ensures maximum gain before feedback and has been optimized for use with in-ear monitor systems. Custom-designed with piano black painting we want to address the aesthetic preferences of special performances with this slim line premium condenser microphone.

Features:
» Condenser vocal microphone for onstage use
» PB1000 Presence boost adapter for increased intelligibility
» XLR connector module with 24-carat gold plated pins
» 24-carat gold plated transducer case for optimum conductivity and resistance to corrosion
» Spring steel wire-mesh grill for protection and control of pops and wind noise
» Shock mount

The AKG LC features an XLR connector module with 24-carat gold plated pins for optimized connectivity, as well as resistance to corrosion and humidity. Additionally, the LC features a spring steel wire-mesh grill for protection and reliable control of pops and wind noise while an artist is on stage. The LC microphone features a claimed frequency range of 60 to 20,000 Hz.

Standard accessories are the PC 1000, which adds 3 to 5 dB of high-end enhancement between 5 and 9 kHz for improving clarity of each voice, a protective mic case and the SA 61 stand adapter.

No pricing or availability has been announced. More information on the AKG LC Condenser Premium Vocal Microphone.

Numark has released the PRO SMX, a new DJ battle mixer based on the specifications and input of the French DMC champion DJ team, Birdy Nam Nam. PRO SMX features a 100% analog audio path to preserve the natural warmth of vinyl.

Features:
» Fully analog audio signal path with no A-D or D-A conversion
» PRO X FADE crossfader has adjustable end points and torque
» Pre/Post effects send and return
» Three inputs per channel including balanced 1/4″
» Three-band EQ per channel, switchable between +/-12 dB (EQ) and +12/-INF dB (kill)
» Crossfader and line fader-reverse switches
» Adjustable fader slope for each side of the crossfader and each line fader
» XLR and RCA master outputs
» Session input with volume control
» Gold-plated rear connectors
» Metal construction

The build quality of PRO SMX is highlighted by its rugged, metal construction, including a heavy gauge faceplate that is completely devoid of screws. The physical height of PRO SMX is optimized for use next to professional turntables.

A PRO X FADE crossfader employs conductive-polymer technology for long life and low wear. The VCA fader offers adjustable cut-in points, adjustable resistance and reverse, enabling DJs to customize the feel and function of the PRO X FADE in PRO SMX.

Gold-plated rear-panel connectors ensure solid cable connections, and XLR master outputs deliver a balanced signal. An entirely analog signal running through quality componentry results in high audio quality. Three inputs per channel, including balanced 1/4-inch inputs, permit connection of drum machines, samplers and other musical instruments with reliable signal transmission. An auxiliary Session input with volume control allows mixers to be daisy-chained for a collaborative scratch session.

A three-band EQ section is available on each channel, and is switchable between ±12 dB for traditional EQing or +12/-INF dB for use as frequency kills. A newly developed effects loop enables use of any external effects unit. Its intelligent circuitry senses the presence of signal and routes audio appropriately to eliminate sonic degradation resulting from phase cancellation.

Numark’s PRO SMX is available now for $799. More information on the Numark PRO SMX DJ mixer.

SM Pro Audio is now shipping their V-Machine VST player, a compact VST/VSTi hardware playback module designed to take plug-ins on the road or into the studio and access them directly without a computer.

Features:
» External hardware host for Windows plugins (VST instruments and effects)
» Banks, presets (incl. chaining, layering, splitting) can be edited with the V-Machine or the host software
» Create synth layers and chain them with effects
» Connect nearly every MIDI-Controller to the V-Machine
» Multiple VSTi’s can be combined
» MIDI learn functions included
» All effect and synth chains can be switched latency free
» USB-Ports for external peripherals
» Use software samplers and stream its content from any USB drive
» sensor to adjust the display’s contrast automatically

Multiple plug-ins can be loaded into bank/preset memories of the V-Machine for immediate access and combined into chains, splits, and layers to create extremely rich and unique sounds. Full external MIDI controller support allows users access to available loaded plug-in parameter controls such as virtual dials, switches, and faders.

The V-Machine houses a host of connections in a sturdy metal chassis to hold up to the rigors of the road. Audio is handled by stereo inputs and outputs and a headphone output with dedicated volume control. Three USB connections handle computer transfers of VST applications, streaming of sample content from external hard drives, connection of USB controllers, and copy protection dongles. A MIDI-in jack is also included for the connection of standard MIDI controllers.

The SM Pro Audio V-Machine will ship with control configuration software compatible with Windows and Mac OS X as well as IK Multimedia’s Sample Tank SE and a set of sound samples. Users can load up their favorite VST/VSTi plug-ins on their computer for auditioning, sound-set creation, and bank/preset memory assignment prior to transferring to the V-Machine for stand-alone use. Transferring plug-ins to the V-Machine via USB transfer takes care of all required user data and program memories. Once in the main unit, users have instant access to all instrument and effects for the stage or studio with great audio performance, hardware stability, ease of operation, and portability.

SM Pro’s V-Machine is available now for $599. More information on SM Pro V-Machine.