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Euphonix MC Media Application Controller

 

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Neilson/Clyne
Tel: (615) 662-1616
Fax: (615) 662-1636

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


GC PRO TEAMS UP WITH EUPHONIX TO DISTRIBUTE THE
MC MEDIA APPLICATION CONTROLLER IN THE U.S.

— Guitar Center will be the primary U.S. distribution outlet for Euphonix’s new
MC hardware controller which works with any Mac or PC application —

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA, January 30, 2006 — GC Pro, the dedicated professional audio division of Guitar Center, Inc. (Nasdaq: GTRC), America’s leading musical instrument and professional audio retailer, has announced an agreement with Euphonix to be the primary U.S. sales channel for the new Euphonix MC Media Application Controller. The MC will be featured at several Guitar Center locations and supported by a U.S. tour of the Euphonix ‘Break Free’ truck that features an MC in a mobile demo environment.

Addressing the common necessity to work with multiple applications and, in many cases, multiple workstations simultaneously, the Euphonix MC is designed to provide fast Ethernet control of any application, and push-button selection of multiple workstations over a network. The MC brings back the touch and feel of artistic connectivity, which is often strained through the use of only keyboard and mouse.

Featuring 56 SmartSwitches, hi-res touch screen, 9 touch sensitive knobs, 4 moving faders, keyboard, trackball and jog wheel, the MC will speed up and enhance operation of any software application. The MC also includes a professional surround sound monitor application with control from the MC’s surface. The MC’s 56 LCD SmartSwitches, each with custom name and graphic icon designation, can be programmed to send out keystroke commands at the push of a button. The MC also supports HUI and Mackie Control for integration with applications such as Pro Tools, Digital Performer, Logic Pro and Final Cut Studio. For the ultimate in application integration, the MC supports the EuCon high-speed Ethernet control protocol for total integration with workstations such as Steinberg’s Nuendo and Merging’s Pyramix.

GC Pro will work closely with Euphonix over the coming months to provide a unique outlet for this new product. GC Pro’s General Manager, Rick Plushner, is on familiar ground: “Its very exciting to be working with Euphonix again. I spent several years at Euphonix as Vice President U.S. Sales in the 90’s so I know the company and many of their staff very well. I think the MC is the perfect fit for GC Pro; it’s a very unique and exciting product that will appeal to GC Pro customers and we can provide complete integrated packages including the MC, DAW software, plug-ins, converters and the Mac or PC workstation.” Plushner adds, “You have to see the MC to really understand its power — it’s definitely a wow product. We have the infrastructure and the stores to get the MC out in front of as many musicians as possible.”

Euphonix Executive Vice President Worldwide Sales, Russell Waite, sees this as a very positive step for Euphonix, “With the MC we now have a product that fits GC Pro’s new approach to business. Through a single distribution chain in the U.S. we will support GC Pro and help their customers experience the power of this product. We are very excited about this relationship.”

Photo File: GC_Euphonix.JPG
Photo Caption: Shown L-R, seated: Jay Wanamaker, Guitar Center Executive Vice President, General Merchandise Manager; Martin Kloiber, Euphonix Chief Executive Officer
L-R, standing: Russell Waite, Euphonix Executive Vice President Worldwide Sales; Bill Wrightson, Guitar Center Vice President/Hi Tech Merchandise Division.

…ends 469 words

 

About Euphonix
Celebrating its 18th Year Anniversary in 2006, Euphonix is a leading manufacturer of large format digital audio consoles and digital recording equipment that has satisfied users worldwide in broadcast, post, live sound and music production. Key products include Max Air and System 5 consoles plus the System 5-MC and the MC Media Application Controllers. www.euphonix.com

About GC Pro/Guitar Center
GC Pro is the outside sales division of Guitar Center that focuses on the needs of professional users. Its clientele includes recording studios, audio engineers, producers, recording and touring musicians, live sound venues, post production facilities and more. Emphasizing extraordinary individualized service via local account managers, GC Pro offers expert consultation and a comprehensive selection of the world’s finest equipment for music and audio professionals.

Guitar Center is the nation’s leading retailer of guitars, amplifiers, percussion instruments, keyboards, live-sound/DJ and recording equipment. We presently operate 153 Guitar Center stores, with 121 stores in 49 major markets and 32 stores in secondary markets across the U.S. In addition, our Music & Arts division operates 77 retail locations specializing in band instruments for sale and rental, serving thousands of teachers, band directors, college professors and students. Guitar Center is also the largest direct response retailer of musical instruments in the U.S. through our wholly owned subsidiary, Musician’s Friend, Inc., and its catalog and web site, www.musiciansfriend.com. More information on Guitar Center can be found by visiting the Company’s web site at www.guitarcenter.com.

The Guitar Center logo is a registered trademark of Guitar Center, Inc. Other brand or product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

MEDIA CONTACT: Robert Clyne, Neilson/Clyne at (615) 662-1616

 


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