Jan 18, 2005 8:00 AM, By Mix Editors

Crest I-Pro I

Crest Performance (booth #6874, Hall A), a division of Crest Audio, introduces the mono I-PRO I and stereo I-PRO II studio microphone and line input intelligibility processors. The units are designed to optimize audio signals in recording, broadcasting and live applications by processing input signals via a parametrics (EQ) section and a compand/limit (dynamics) section.

The dual full-featured parametric EQ section has two frequency cut/boost controls. The I-PRO I features a deep 24dB cut/12dB boost; the I-PRO II has +15/-15dB cut and boost. With a bandwidth adjustment of 1/6 to two octaves, gentle or extreme alterations can be made. Each parametric equalizer has its own on/off switch to re-route the signal if it is unused. The second parametric equalizer can be moved from the main signal path into the dynamics section’s sidechain path, where it is in series with the sidechain insert jack of the RMS detector. This allows the user to define the frequencies that control the dynamics circuitry (expander, compressor and limiter).

The compand/limit (dynamics) section is also on/of-switchable and adjusts dynamics via an expander and compressor, both with ratio and threshold controls, as well as a limiter with threshold. Its THAT Corp. integrated circuits on the voltage-controlled amplifier and true RMS detector result in very low distortion and noise. The soft-knee topology expander can be used as a gentle-slope noise-reduction circuit (low ratio) or a gate (high ratio). A threshold LED illuminates when the expander is active. The compressor is also soft-knee, but has a more gradual knee action for even smoother transitions. It can be adjusted from no compression (1:1) to limit (infinite:1). The limiter is a compressor with a fixed infinite:1 ratio, a faster knee transition and an LED to show when it is functioning. All have preset (program-dependent) attack and release times. A sidechain insert in the detector path can be enabled from the front panel.

An adjustable, built-in SmarTube solid-state processor compensates for the loss of definition common when compressing signals and adds tunable upper-frequency harmonics to signals that have little high-frequency content. This circuitry is level-dependent and has the distortion characteristics of real tubes.

Each model has two balanced inputs, a low-impedance XLR and high-impedance ¼-inch phono, which can be used simultaneously. Phantom power (+48V), a +6dB to +56dB gain adjustment control, polarity reverse switch and 20dB pad are available to match and power any low-impedance microphone connected to it. A tunable (10 to 350Hz, 12dB per octave) low-cut filter is online to remove or control troublesome low-frequency rumble and proximity effects that are most noticeable using microphones. The mic preamp is enabled with a switch so it can be turned off if the XLR input is not in use.

Both models include switchable I/O metering, independent headphone output (with track input on I-PRO II), multi-color LED meters, balanced and unbalanced I/O, and internal power supply. Front and rear XLR input connectors allow the unit to be used on-the-fly or as part of a permanent installation. The I-PRO II features dual microphone inputs and stereo line inputs with pan control.

The I-PRO I and I-PRO II will be available in 2005 from authorized Crest Performance dealers. Visit www.crestaudio.com for more info.

For more new product announcements, visit http://mixonline.com/products/new/.

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