YAMAHA IM8 ANALOG MIXERS
Designed for rentals or installs, Yamaha’s (www.yamahaca.com) IM8 Series 8-bus analog mixers come in 24/32/40-channel frames, all with four additional stereo inputs. All models feature TRS insert points, balanced direct outs, eight aux sends, stereo and mono outputs, an 11×4 matrix, four mute groups, one-knob compressor on all inputs, 4-band channel EQ with sweepable mids, external power supply and a redundant power supply option. The mixers also have 2-channel direct-to-USB recording outputs, and include Steinberg Cubase AI software. The M8-24 retails at $4,799; the IM8-32 is $5,799, and the IM8-40 is $6,499.
AKG D7 HANDHELD MIC
Intended for lead and backing vocals, the D7 from AKG (www.akg.com) features an improved supercardioid dynamic capsule, a humbucking coil to reduce electrical interference and an integrated 80Hz highpass filter to remove handling noise/stage rumble for increased audio clarity and intelligibility. Its laminated Varimotion diaphragm design allows the diaphragm to be fine-tuned without extra tuning resonators, offering the open sound of a condenser mic while maintaining the rugged reliability of a dynamic.
FUTURE SONICS ATRIO REVISION 2
Innovators of the original Ear Monitors® pro custom earphones, Future Sonics (www.futuresonics.com) has updated its Atrio universal earphones, responding to both touring professionals and consumers. Available in black or cobalt blue, the Rev 2 versions offer TrueTimbre™ 18 to 20k Hz frequency response and QuietCables II cables for less tangling and a more comfortable fit. Pricing remains the same $199 retail, which includes three pairs of interchangeable silicon sleeves to fit any ear-sized canal and two pair of foam sleeves.
BEHRINGER ZONE MIXER
The first Behringer (www.behringer.com) product tailored for the commercial/install markets, the Ultrazone ZMX8210 ($379) has six mic/line inputs with phantom power, two stereo line inputs, three independent output zones and a 4-band master EQ. This single-rackspace zone mixer features controller inputs for remote volume change/channel selection, independent ducking for each zone, bus links for combining two units as master/slave for more inputs, and Euro-type connectors to access mono I/O buses.
RAPCOHORIZON LTI-1 STEREO INTERFACE
Designed for connecting laptops, MP3 players or other stereo 3.5mm audio output devices to pro mixers is the LTI-1 ($135) stereo interface from RapcoHorizon (www.rapcohorizon.com). Built into a rugged, compact housing, the LTI-1 features built-in ground lift switches, a -20dB pad, mono/stereo-select switch and left/right XLR outputs.
