The 137th AES convention in Los Angeles will bring new products, papers, workshops and more to the City of Angels. While many companies hold their releases tight to the chest until showtime, a handful of them are sharing their new releases with Mix readers beforehand.
Avid VENUE S3L-X System
Scalable, AVB-Networked Mixer/Recorder
The S3L-X System promises versatility, reliability and value for stage and studio. The Ethernet AVB-networked modular system streamlines FOH, monitor and broadcast workflows by sharing the same I/O across multiple S3L-X Systems, with full automatic gain compensation. A mobile recording/mixing studio is also possible using just the Venue S3 surface and Pro Tools software on a laptop. Other features include mixing of DAW sessions using S3 as a standalone mixing surface and 4×6 audio interface, 64-bit AAX DSP plug-in support, scalability from 16 to 64 mic preamps, twice the RAM compared to S3L, and recording directly to Pro Tools through Ethernet.
Yamaha RMio64-D
Dante Enabler
The RMio64-D provides new capabilities for Yamaha CL and QL Series consoles, as well as NUAGE DAW systems, using Dante networking. The unit enables audio from a CL or QL live sound system to be converted to MADI and fed to an OB vehicle, for example, or a MADI-based console can be easily integrated into a NUAGE system for post-production. The RMio64-D MADI also allows sample-rate conversion sources with differing word clocks to be connected without causing noise or dropouts. It additionally supports MADI redundancy through simultaneous coaxial and optical connections. With the MADI Split (loopback) capability, a signal received at either the coaxial or optical input can be retransmitted to the output. Also at the show, Yamaha’s CL and QL Digital Audio consoles will release V3.0 updates available in early 2015.
Sonnox SuprEsser DS
Super Sibilance Suppression
Sonnox will be at the Avid Connectivity Partner Pavilion showing the Oxford SuprEsser DS, a professional De-Esser AAX DSP plug-in designed for use with Pro Tools HDX and Avid S3L live consoles. The SuprEsser DS features low latency of sub 2 ms for live applications or live tracking in Pro Tools. The GUI provides an intuitive FFT display and three listen modes that enable users to see and hear exactly where the problem frequencies are, so they can suppress or remove them. Additional features include Automatic Level Tracking, Linear Phase Filtering and a Wet/Dry blend control for final balancing.
SADiE Version 6.1
New Features and Functions
Prism Sound will bring SADiE Version 6.1 to AES, offering a range of new features including WAV Master, allowing users to create WAV files for an entire album, using PQ marks to define the start and end of the WAV file for each album track through a new high-quality Sample Rate conversion algorithm. The update also incorporates ISRC in BWF into SADiE’s new WAV Master option ensuring that the correct files are used for playback and replication. Other features include support for reading and writing a WAV file’s LIST-INFO chunk, and for Track Name and Artist metadata (included in Mastering Suite and Sound Suite packs), 32-bit floating-point format for recording or bouncing to WAV or BWF, and the inclusion of SADIE MTR (Multi-Track Recorder) software in the SADIE6 installer, which can run without a license when using an LRX2 or Prism Sound Lyra, Titan and Atlas interfaces.
PreSonus StudioLive RM16AI and RM32AI
These new mixers from PreSonus are based on the StudioLive AI-series engine and controlled with battle-ready UC Surface software for Mac, Windows and iOS. The UC Surface control software is designed to be an interface for live or studio mixing, providing quick, intuitive access to essential controls and features. The 3U rackmount RM16AI provides 16 locking XLR inputs with recallable XMAX Class A preamps, eight XLR line outs and three main outs (left, right and mono/center); 32 internal channels and 25 buses; a 52×34 FireWire 800 recording interface; 96kHz operation; and extensive signal processing. The 4U rackmount RM32AI offers 32 inputs with recallable XMAX preamps and 16 line outputs but otherwise has the same features as the 16-input version.
ATC SCM20ASL Pro (V2) and SCM20PSL Pro Monitors
Redesigned Active and Passive Units
New from ATC, the ATC SCM20ASL Pro (V2) replaces the previous-generation SCM20ASL Pro, while the passive model is an all-new affair, providing an entry point into ATC studio monitoring at a lower price. Both models feature ATC’s drive units, hand built in its UK facility. The new SH-25-76S 1-inch soft dome tweeter is the first to be designed and built by ATC. It uses a dual-suspension design, negating the requirement for Ferrofluid, and avoiding the detrimental effects of this drying out over time. The bass/midrange driver used in both loudspeakers is ATC’s proprietary 6-inch Super Linear device, constructed with a 3-inch voice coil and a short-coil, long-gap topology.
iZotope RX 4
Audio Repair Tools
RX 4 from iZotope is designed to be the ultimate companion to a DAW or NLE with new intelligent modules, timesaving features, and deeper levels of integration with hosts. Users can adjust and balance the volume of vocals and instruments with the new nondestructive Clip Gain feature. Background noise from dialog and vocals can be reduced in real time with the Dialogue Denoiser (now a standard feature with both RX 4 and RX 4 Advanced). The editing process has been streamlined with enhanced integration between Pro Tools, Logic and other popular hosts through the RX Connect functionality. The Advanced version of RX 4 includes additional timesaving features, including automatic balancing of the volume of mixes with the Leveler, freeing more time for creative mix decisions.
Avid/Apogee Duet and Quartet I/Os
Rebranded USB Interfaces
Avid and Apogee have partnered on rebranding the Duet and Quartet audio interfaces, each paired with Avid’s Pro Tools 11 software for Mac and Windows. Duet is a 2 x 4 USB audio interface operating at up to 192 kHz, 24-bit resolution. The Quartet is a USB interface offering 12 inputs, 8 outputs, including four combo mic/instrument/line inputs, eight channels of ADAD/SMUX input via Toslink, six ¼-inch balanced line outputs for three speaker sets, or 5.1 monitoring.
Hal Leonard Publishing
New and Instructional Titles
Hal Leonard will show a wide variety of titles including The Pensado Papers, sharing the importance of relentless perseverance and tenacity in the pursuit of success and the story of incredible redemption that Dave Pensado has shared with his manager and friend, Herb Trawick. Mark Cross’s Audio Post-Production: For Film and Television teaches the essential skills to enter the audio post-production industry, including the four basic elements: dialog, music, sound effects and Foley effects. Alan Parsons’ and Julian Colbeck’s the Art & Science of Sound Recording takes the DVD set to the next level, further chronicling legendary engineer, producer and artist Parsons’ approaches to sound recording. The book includes technical background information, detailed diagrams, plus a complete set of course notes on each of the 24 topics, from “The Brief History of Recording” to the now-classic “Dealing with Disasters.”
Millennia AD-596D/AD-596R and HV-32P/HV-35P
Four for the Road
Millennia Media will show four new products, including two portable preamps and new Dante card options for existing products. The HV-32P and HV-35P portable preamps are designed to be powered via 12 to 15 volts of DC or can run on standard 2000mAh battery packs for hours. The HV-32P uses two 200 Series HV-32 preamps while HV-35P uses one of the critically acclaimed 500 Series HV-35 preamp cards and includes a DI. The Portable Series Preamps are housed in rugged, lightweight (24-oz.) aluminum one-third rack-width chassis designed to sit horizontally or vertically, or it can be bolted to a Middle Atlantic rack shelf. The new AD-596D and AD-596R Dante cards port the company’s HV-3D or HV-3R preamps over Audinate’s Dante network with 24-bit, 96kHz performance (digital option required).
Crane Song Insigna and Avocet II
New and Upgraded Audio Tools
The new Insigna 500 Series tube EQ from Crane Song features LF, Mid and HF AIR bands, plus highpass and lowpass filters, and a bypass switch. The 4th Generation D/A for the Avocet II studio controller uses an extremely low jitter reference for jitter reduction and a unique combination of analog and digital reconstruction filters. The reference oscillator uses techniques that are borrowed from microwave communication and test instruments in its design, and is the result of two years of research. The DAC is the latest generation AKM 32-bit. The result is a DAC promising unsurpassed imaging and transit response. This is integrated into Avocet’s analog electronics and digital control systems.
Benchmark AHB2 Amplifier
New Approach to Power
Features on the new Benchmark AHB2 power amp include new THX-patented feed-forward error-correction technologies that eliminate most sources of distortion. The power supply maintains tight regulation and low ripple while minimizing magnetic fields. The AHB2’s topology optimizes the gain staging between the D/A converter and the power amplifier while minimizing noise. Sophisticated shielding and star-quad signal distribution provide outstanding immunity to interference. The output stage incorporates a hybrid of class-H and class-G tracking power supply rails to improve efficiency. The result is that the cool-running AHB2 has a signal-to-noise ratio of 130 dB while distortion is at or below the measurement limits of the finest test equipment.
Shure PSM300 Monitor System
Wireless, Entry Level or Pro
The new PSM 300 from Shure comes in two models: one for entry-level users (P3TR112GR), and a professional system (P3TRA215CL) with advanced features and performance. The P3TR112GR comes with a set of SE112 Sound Isolating Earphones and delivers wireless coverage up to 300 feet. Features include one-touch frequency scan and IR sync to quickly find and assign a clean wireless channel. MixMode technology enables users of all levels to easily create their own personal mix. The P3TRA215CL comes with SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones and features an all-metal bodypack with a high-contrast LCD screen, menu-based navigation, a limiter with adjustable gain plus EQ. The system is compatible with the Shure SB900 lithium ion rechargeable battery.
UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt Accelerators
Quad and Octo DSP for DAWs
Universal Audio has released the latest in its line of DSP accelerators for UAD-2 plug-ins. The UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt Accelerators come in 4 (Quad) or 8 (Octo) SHARC chip versions, which run UAD Powered Plug-Ins via Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 connection on new Macs. The Satellite provides access to more than 90 plug-ins from Ampex, Lexicon, Roland, Studer, Neve, Manley, SSL, EMT and others (sold separately). The Satellite includes the portable DSP Accelerator unit, plus a choice of Core, Custom or Ultimate UAD plug-in packages. All Satellites include UA’s “Analog Classics Plus” plug-in bundle.
Audio Precision APx555 Analyzer
Improved Accuracy, Flexibility and Speed
Audio Precision boasts that the new APx555 Analyzer has the lowest noise and distortion of any audio analyzer ever made. Features include a typical residual THD+N of -120 dB (conservatively specified at -117 dB), allowing the most sensitive measurements to be made with assurance. This promised performance is coupled with 1MHz bandwidth (mono) and an industry-leading FFT resolution of 1.2 million points. The generator is capable of producing low-distortion sine wave signals up to 204 kHz, at high-level amplitudes up to 26 Vrms.
Retro OP-6 Portable Microphone Amplifier
RCA Legacy Pre Redux
Retro Instruments has brought a vintage preamp back to life in the Retro OP-6 Preamp. The new unit offers a few features not found on the original, including several mic impedances switchable via the front panel using a custom-wound input transformer, 48V phantom power for condenser and active ribbon mics, plus Mic and Instrument inputs. Like the original, the unit sits in a portable case with a removable front cover. It also has a large gain knob and a VU meter, output gain control, and switches for five metering options, polarity invert, and pad.
Focusrite Rednet Modules
Four New Dante Interfaces
Focusrite has announced the release of four new Rednet modules, including the MP8R 8-channel remote-controlled mic pre; D16R AES/EBU interface; HD32R HD Bridge for Pro Tools; and the D64R MADI bridge. Targeted at live sound/recording and broadcast environments, the products feature dual Ethernet ports fitted with locking Ethercon connectors, several operating modes including daisy-chaining and redundancy confirmed by front-panel indicators, and two separate power supplies with fault-detection capability. Power failure is indicated both remotely and on the front panel. The modules feature a rugged, roadworthy exterior with maximum internal build quality, in a compact 1U rackmount form factor.
JoeCo BlackBox BBR1MP Recorder
Preamps Plus Capture
JoeCo’s BlackBox BBR1MP Recorder is a 24-channel, stand-alone, live audio acquisition solution delivering all the standard BlackBox functionality, plus 24 high-quality, in-house-developed microphone preamps. It operates at up to 24-bit/96kHz, and features individually switchable mic/line inputs, balanced outputs, video sync, timecode and word clock inputs. User installable Dante and MADI interface cards are also available as options, adding 24 channels of Dante or MADI I/O to the BBR1MP unit. Microphones can either be connected to the unit via tails from the rear D-Sub connectors, or via an optional 2U breakout panel with XLR connectors. System components are available individually or as part of a bundle. Audio is recorded direct to external USB2/ 3 drive in Broadcast WAV format for instant ingest into post-production.
sE Electronics ProMic LASER
On-Camera Shotgun Microphone
ProMic LASER is a shotgun condenser with a precision-tuned capsule for capturing professional-quality audio direct to camera. The mic features a rugged aluminum design and comes with a removable wind shield and custom shock-mount for hot-shoe mounting directly onto a camera. A single AAA battery powers the ProMic LASER, promising a low noise floor and high sensitivity level. Other features include a bass cut switch, which can be used in tandem with the -10dB pad. The ProMic LASER comes with a three-year free replacement warranty and ships with a protective carrying bag and a 3.5mm coiled cable to connect the microphone to your camera.
Drawmer 1973 Compressor
3-Band FET Dynamics Processor
The Drawmer 1973 features three independent compressor sections with two variable-frequency 6dB/octave crossovers. The low, middle and high-frequency sections feature threshold, gain, attack and release controls, along with gain-reduction metering. Each section can be independently muted or bypassed for confusion-free setup and monitoring. The low section possesses a Big switch for enhanced low-end, whereas the high section possesses an Air switch for enhanced high-end. The three sections are recombined to form the Wet signal, which can be mixed to variable degree with the dry signal for easy parallel compression.
Bock 407 Microphone
U 47 Modeled Transducer
Designed with the classic U 47 in mind, the Bock 407 promises the girth and reach of a vintage microphone without the maintenance issues or hard-to-find parts. The Bock 407 embodies all the most important characteristics of the original, including its signature proximity effect. The original 47 had proximity effect behavior that was part of its sound and why it defined “big vocals.” With up to +12dB of boost at 100 Hz when used at 1-inch distance, the 47 signature defined generations of vocal recordings. The fixed-cardioid microphone includes a shock-mount and power supply.
Eventide UltraReverb Plug-in
Multi-Effects, All-Star Presets
The new UltraReverb plug-in from Eventide includes nine reverb algorithms, among them Ambience, Rooms, Plates, Halls, and Chambers derived from the H8000 Ultra-Harmonizer; and stereo delays (pre or post reverb) with Tempo sync to lock delays in time with your session. Other features include a compressor (pre- or post-reverb) with key input, four independent 3-band EQs and more. Also onboard are presets from Andrew Scheps, Brian Montgomery, Charlie May, Chris Carter, Chris Tabron, Chris Zane, Colin Newman, Matt Lange and others.
Tascam Interfaces and Recorders
Tabletop I/O and Handheld Capture Devices
Tascam is showing the US-4×4 and US-2×2 audio interfaces featuring Ultra-HDDA mic/line preamps with up to 57 dB of gain, operation at up to 96kHz/24-bit resolution, and aluminum body with angled design for better desktop visibility. Other features include XLR and ¼-inch combination input jacks, Zero-latency Direct Monitoring, and USB Audio Compliant 2.0 drivers for iOS compatibility. Also at the show are the DR-22WL stereo, and DR-44WL 4-track recorders, each including WiFi for transport control, file transfer, and audio streaming to your smartphone or PC.
Yamaha DBR, CBR Loudspeakers
Portable Active and Passive Models
The DBR Series loudspeakers from Yamaha (DBR10, DBR12, DBR15) incorporate technology developed for the company’s DSR and DXR lineup. The portable, powered loudspeakers can deliver up to 1,000W of power using carefully selected and customized transducers that match the amplifier’s properties, promising high output power with minimal distortion. Professional class protection functions assure reliable operation during heavy use. Also new at the show are Yamaha’s most recent lineup of passive loudspeakers, the CBR Series (CBR10, CBR12 and CBR15), offering exceptional portability along with high-definition, low-distortion sound.
Waves Digigrid DLS/DLI/iOS
Processing, Networking Hub Plus iOS I/O
New at the AES show from Waves, the DiGiGrid DLS is an all-in-one processing and networking hub featuring a built-in SoundGrid DSP server, network switch, and two DigiLink ports providing as many as 64 digital inputs and outputs. DiGiGrid DLI is a networking hub that bridges Pro Tools and SoundGrid. With two DigiLink ports giving you as many as 64 digital inputs and outputs, DiGiGrid DLI helps you get the most out of your existing Pro Tools system. Also on hand, DiGiGrid IOS is a comprehensive audio interface with a built-in SoundGrid DSP server that adds more plug-in processing power to your system.
AKG DMSTetrad Wireless System
Worldwide Operation, License Free
The DMSTetrad is a professional digital 2.4GHz wireless microphone system for worldwide, license-free operation. The system comprises the DSRTetrad digital stationary receiver, the DPTTetrad digital pocket transmitter and the DHTTetrad digital handheld transmitter (D5/P5). With 24-bit, 48kHz audio coding, it provides uncompressed studio-quality transmission and a linear frequency response, which is ideal for uncompromising vocal and instrumental performances. The system’s 128-bit AES standard encryption prevents tapping of the audio signal, making it a perfect companion for high-security conferences. Features include excellent RF performance, an integrated 4-channel mixer, and uncompressed audio transmission.
JBL LSR310S Subwoofer
Powered LF Extender
The new LSR310S from JBL features the company’s Patented Slip Stream Port working in concert with the LSR310S low-frequency driver, promising deep, dynamic bass response at all playback levels. The custom 10-inch down-firing high-excursion low-frequency driver delivers deep low-frequency response into the 20Hz region at 113dB peak output. Inputs and outputs include balanced XLR and ¼-inch inputs, and XLR outputs. Users can add the LSR310S to any studio monitor system to extend its low frequency performance or use the LSR310S as the “.1” LFE channel in a surround sound system.
