Waves REDD Console Plug-Ins
The REDD console plug-ins from Waves model the custom-designed consoles built by and named after Abbey Road Studios’ in-house Record Engineering Development Department. Waves meticulously re-created the unique color, character and tonal complexity of the original desks: the REDD.17 still belonging to Abbey Road Studios, and the REDD.37 console now owned by Lenny Kravitz. Controls include amp selectors, bass lift, classic and pop EQ types, high and low tone controls, stereo spread, drive and more. Both REDD.17 and REDD.37-.51 are Native- and SoundGrid-compatible and are available at an MSRP of $349.
EOISIS AirEQ
Software designer Fabrice Gabriel has released the AirEQ ($TBA) by EIOSIS. Features include Character Control, allowing transparent, tight boosts and cuts in the digital domain, with three curve shapes, including Water for transparent, open and natural EQ; Fire for precise and focused boosts and cuts while maintaining a tight phase-response; and Neutral for more standard analog equalization curves. Other bands include Air for an easy one-knob HF boost, and Earth, bringing deep and solid sub frequencies.
Neumann KH310 A Monitors
The new KH 310 A monitor from Neumann ($TBA) features newly developed drivers including an 8-inch woofer, 3-inch soft-dome midrange; and an alloy-fabric dome 1-inch tweeter. Three Class-A/B amplifiers (150W, 70W, 70W) provide power. Other features include acoustic controls for bass, low-midrange and high frequencies, system status indicators integrated into the backlit Neumann logo, and an extensive range of accessories offering diverse mounting options.
Argosy Spire Speaker Stands
Argosy Console has released the IsoAcoustic-enhanced Spire Speaker Stands, which provide an attractive and stable solution for studio monitor isolation. Two models are offered in the line: the Spire 420i ($399), with a height of 42 inches, and the Spire 360i ($379) measuring 36 inches. Features include 5x 4-inch powder-coated substrate for stability and resilience, die-cut side panels, and beveled edges. Argosy’s new stands feature integrated IsoAcoustics-patented technology, designed to keep all movement on-axis to move in the direction of the speaker cones’ travel, while resisting movement in other directions. The result is tightening of the low end as well as improved stereo imaging.
Bettermaker EQ 232P
TransAudio Group is shipping the Bettermaker EQ 232P, a flexible 2-channel analog equalizer that updates a classic design and adds the digital accuracy, repeatability and consistency of a plug-in. The unit can be bought with full controls ($4,950) or with a blank front panel for exclusive DAW control ($4,250). The EQ 232P offers a 12dB/octave highpass filter covering the range 18 to 200 Hz, two active parametric filters from 45 to 1k Hz and 650 to 15k Hz, plus a PEQ section featuring high- and low-frequency shelving passive filters, each with separate boost and cut. Settings may be saved in up to 399 presets in the unit’s internal memory, and may additionally be fully automated, and all settings saved with the DAW project using the supplied software plug-in.
SoundToys Radiator Plug-In
SoundToys’ Radiator software plug-in ($129) models the Altec 1567A tube mixer from the 1960s. Features include bass and treble tone controls, a mix control for easy parallel processing, and the saturation and harmonic effects of the original hardware’s input and output amplifiers. Radiator also includes Little Radiator, a simpler single-stage tube preamp model based on the Altec 1566A hardware, the little brother of the Altec 1567A.
Magma PE3R 3-Slot PCI Chassis
The latest expander from Magma goes old school, allowing legacy PCI cards (Pro Tools|HD, UAD-1, TC Powercore, Lynx Studio, MOTU, RME, Apogee, etc.) to be used in a tower or laptop ($1,499). The chassis attaches to a PCI or PCIe slot (a host card is included), and requires no software for installation. Laptop users can also take advantage of the PE3R’s capabilities by using it with a PCMCIA or ExpressCard connection. All cards installed in expansion chassis are transparently available to the host system and operate at 64-bit PCI speed.
CAD Audio Sessions MH510 Headphones
The MH510 headphones from CAD Audio ($159) promise superior sonic performance, ample volume and exceptional isolation. Each unit comes with two cables (coiled and straight) and two sets of ear pads, and can be bought in four colors including black, white/red, black/chrome and black/orange.
New Sound Reinforcement Products
QSC AcousticPerformance Loudspeakers
Ideal for a variety of installed sound reinforcement applications that require high SPL and a stylish enclosure, the QSC AcousticPerformance Loudspeakers (prices start at $1,449) feature a 3-inch voice-coil, high-power-capacity compression driver combined with high-output woofers. AcousticPerformance models may be used in passive (full-range) mode to minimize amplifier channel count. or bi-amp mode for greater control and performance. To further enhance performance, bi-amp and full-range tunings using QSC Intrinsic Correction techniques are available for Q-Sys and future QSC products. AP-5102/5122/5152 models are available in black and white finishes. AP-5122m is available in black only.
DPA d:facto II Vocal Microphone
Not only does the new d:facto II vocal microphone promise superior DPA sonic performance, it also offers singers and engineers a versatile adapter system featuring seamless integration with many professional wireless systems. Equally at home in sound reinforcement and recording applications, the d:facto II features extreme SPL up to 160 dB, superior gain before feedback, and a robust three-stage pop protection grid built into the microphone. The cabled version of the d:facto II, as well as the adapters for Shure, Sony, Lectrosonics and Wisycom, will be available this month with adapters from Sennheiser systems coming later.
Fohhn Focus Modular Series
German loudspeaker manufacturer Fohhn Audio has released the first of its new Focus Modular electronically steerable, active line array systems ($TBA). The series comprises three active systems: the FM/FMI-100 high-frequency module containing 8×1-inch compression drivers with Fohhn HF Waveguide and horn; the FM/FMI-110 high-frequency module containing 16×1-inch compression drivers with HF Waveguide and horn; and the FM/FMI-400, a low-midrange module equipped with 32×4-inch long-excursion speakers. The systems are powered by multichannel Class-D amplifiers and a specially developed multichannel DSP processor for beam steering capability. A second DSP provides access to a range of audio tools including parametric 10-band EQ, compressor/limiter/noise gate, delay, x-over, status and temperature monitoring and tone generator (sweep tone and pink noise).
SKB Sennheiser Case
The SKB 3i-1711-SEW case provides sturdy housing for the entire Sennheiser EW Wireless Microphone package, including the receiver, antennas, handheld mic transmitter, bodypack transmitter, lavalier microphone, mic clip, power supply, a spare set of AA batteries and additional accessories. The case is molded from ultra-high-strength polypropylene copolymer resin, featuring a gasketed, water and dustproof, submersible design (MIL-C-4150J) that is resistant to corrosion and impact damage. Other features include stainless steel molded-in hinges, patented “trigger release” latch system, comfortable, snap-down rubber over-molded cushion grip handles, and automatic ambient pressure equalization valve.
