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Mix News for February 2004

News February 16 - 28 (see news February 1 - 15) Pinewood & Shepperton Studios Upgrades AMS Neve DFC Pinewood & Shepperton Studios are upgrading the 56-fader,

News February 16 – 28

(seenews February 1 – 15)

Pinewood & Shepperton Studios Upgrades AMS NeveDFC
Pinewood & Shepperton Studios are upgrading the 56-fader,two-position AMS Neve DFC in Theater 1 to a 68-fader, three-positionconsole. The upgrade will also include additional processing to addmore power to the console.

Expansion of the DFC puts the studios on par with the major filmfacilities in the United States and is one of three DFC facilities inEurope.

Head of post-production at Pinewood & Shepperton Studios, GrahamHartstone, stated, “The original installation allowed for expansion.This is the second time we have upgraded the console since its purchasein 2001. On both occasions, we have been very impressed by how simplethe process has been. We have significantly increased the number ofchannels, and the expansion of the console surface has proved equallyas straightforward.”

Pinewood Shepperton continues to attract the world’s most talentedfilm mixers including John Heywood, Gary Summers and Randy Thom, andprojects such as Die Another Day, Tomb Raider 2: LaraCroft, Cradle of Life, Blackball, Cody BanksII and Jonny English. Upcoming projects includeThunderbirds, Phantom of the Opera and Harry PotterII.

For more information on the console, visit AMS Neve at www.ams-neve.com.For more information about Pinewood & Shepperton Studios, visit www.pinewood-studios.co.uk/.

Gateway Mastering and DVD Installs Grace m906 System
Music mastering and DVD-authoring facility Gateway Mastering and DVD(Portland, ME) has purchased the newly released Grace Design m906 5.1reference monitoring system. The unit was installed in Gateway;s DVDauthoring suite where it will be used as the primary surroundmonitoring controller for DVD-Audio, DVD-Video and SACD work. Thesystem is also sourced from a Pro Tools|HD digital audioworkstation.

The m906 has an MSRP of $5,995 (USD) and is now shipping. The unitis a stand-alone, high-fidelity, 5.1 surround monitoring systemdesigned for professional audio applications. The system comprisesthree main components: a 2U, 19-inch rackmount I/O and processingmainframe, remote-control unit and an external half-rack linear powersupply. Multiple analog and digital inputs are provided for both 5.1and stereo sources. Digital formats include AES3, ADAT, S/PDIF andoptical, and incorporates Grace;s latest-generation,ultralow-distortion 24-bit, 192kHz D/A converter technology. Two 5.1control room outputs and up to three stereo pair outputs are providedwith individual channel solo/mute capability.

Comprehensive system calibration tools allow users to fine tuneinput levels, individual interchannel balance and control room outputlevels. Other features include a built-in reference headphone amplifierwith two headphone outputs and a talkback mic input with an associatedTB switch for communicating with talent in the studio. Control room andheadphone output levels are controlled via a pair of stepped rotaryencoders, each with a 100dB level range adjustable in 0.5dB steps. Twolarge seven-segment blue LED shows output levels.

“We’re doing a lot of final quality-control work in the DVD suite,which demands a monitoring system that’s both highly accurate anddetailed. We also run quite a number of source machines from DVD andSACD decks to Pro Tools, and the m906 easily accommodates them all. Italso just sounds great!” explained Brian Lee, lead designer/DVDauthoring engineer at Gateway.

For more information, visit www.gracedesign.com. Gateway Mastering and DVD’sWebsite is located at www.gatewaymastering.com.

Jazz Is New on Campus At Lincoln Center
Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) announced that it is seeking anoperator/tenant of the recording studio housed in its new facility,Frederick P. Rose Hall (FPRH). Opened October 18, 2004, the100,000-square-foot FPRH is the first performing-arts facility builtspecifically for jazz, and marks the first extension of the LincolnCenter campus in 10 years. In addition to jazz, FRPH will alsoaccommodate other forms of performing arts, such as opera, dance,orchestral music and film.

Located in the new Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle, JALC’s$128 million facility will have three major venues utilizing recordingservices: Rose Theater (1,000-plus capacity), The Allen Room (500-pluscapacity) and Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola (140 capacity), in addition to theinteractive Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame and the Irene Diamond EducationCenter, which houses the recording studio, the Louis ArmstrongClassroom and The Edward John Noble Foundation Studio.

JALC’s new recording facilities are being designed and completed bySound of Jazz (SOJ), a partnership JALC formed including specialistsfrom Artec Consultants Inc. and The Walters-Storyk Design Group. Alongwith FPRH’s world-renowned architect Rafael Viñoly, JALC hasacquired the widest range of acoustical, electro-acoustical andtheatrical design skills available.

The new tenant will assist JALC in its mission to integrate livemusic, recording, audio-for-video and asset management withstate-of-the-art audio standards. The operator/tenant will install allnecessary professional audio equipment and provide experiencedstaffing. The operator/tenant will participate in all recording doneon-site, working with JALC to record and archive a significantpercentage of FPRH’s jazz performances and periodic JALC educationprograms. The estimated gross revenue of the recording facility isprojected to be in excess of $1 million annually.

JALC will choose the recording studio operator/tenant from allqualified candidates, both domestic and international, in April2004.

For more information, contact Chris Stone, World Studio Group (forJazz at Lincoln Center) at 323/465-7697, [email protected]or visit www.jazzatlincolncenter.org/rosehallrfp.

Grammy Gear, Artists Unveiled
The 46th Annual Grammy Awards broadcast, held February 8, 2004, will beremembered for highlighting some of the industry’s most notablemusicians, as well as for some unfortunate mid-show productionglitches. Audio patching difficulties aside, the event’s gear was bothfunctional, even innovative, and helped to earn a positive overallresponse from this year’s Grammy audience.

Among the manufacturers at the show this year were Lexicon, ADAMAudio, Audio-Technica, Sennheiser and Neumann. This was the second yearin a row that the Lexicon Pro 960L Multi-Channel Digital Effects Systemwas used for the Grammys, handling up to eight channels of discretedigital audio simultaneously. CBS distributed HDTV’s 1,080 lines ofpicture resolution and 5.1 channels of CD-quality surround sound in anumber of major markets on its High-Definition Television Network.

The HDTV/5.1 broadcast was mixed and monitored by a combination oftop-tier professionals, including award-winning location recordingspecialists Effanel Music. The 5.1 mix was supervised by Phil Ramone,chairman of the Recording Academy’s Producers & Engineers Wing,advisory council member Hank Neuberger and Murray Allen for CossetteProductions.

Effanel president Randy Ezratty was the official 5.1 sound designer,and music mixers included John Harris and Jay Vicari. Effanel Musicused an AMS-Neve Capricorn digital console that allowed the audio teamsto generate both a purpose-built stereo mix and a separate 5.1 mixsimultaneously. Ezratty added other mono and stereo elements and”sweetened” the audio using the Lexicon 960L.

In addition, Ezratty purchased a 5.1 system comprising five ADAMAudio S2-A two-way active near-field monitors, along with a Sub-Ppowered subwoofer. The system was installed in one of Effanel’s mobilefacilities at the Staples Center, and was used by Ezratty to monitorand mix the 5.1 feed. Says Ezratty, ““There were a lot of goldenears at the Grammys, and the ADAMs blew us all away!” The S2-A housesADAM’s A.R.T. folded-ribbon tweeter and a 7.25-inch Hexacone woofer,along with dual 150W discrete amplifiers. The Sub-P contains an 11-inchwoofer and is powered by a 200W amplifier.

The Audio-Technica Artist Elite 5000 Series UHF Wireless System wasused for front-line vocals for The Beatles Tribute, which featuredVince Gill, Dave Matthews and Sting; and for Alicia Keys; the FooFighters; George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic with members ofOutKast and Earth, Wind & Fire; Robert Randolph & The FamilyBand; Sean Paul; and the Black Eyed Peas. In addition, threeAudio-Technica AT4050s were used for vocals on the Warren Zevon Tributethat featured Jackson Browne, Dwight Yoakam, Billy Bob Thornton, TheEagles’ Timothy B. Schmit, Jorge Calderón, and Zevon’s children,Jordan and Arial.

This year’s multiple Grammy-winner and standout performer,Beyoncé, took home five trophies and used a satin-nickel finishSennheiser SKM 5000-N with Neumann KK 105-S capsule. The singer tiesAlicia Keys, Norah Jones and Lauryn Hill for the most Grammys won by afemale artist. Coincidently, all five-time Grammy female artists usedeither Sennheiser or Neumann microphones during their Grammyperformances: Alicia Keys (SK 5012), Norah Jones (KMS 105) and LaurenHill (SKM 5000).

Celine Dion remained poised when an audio patching problemthreatened to spoil her tribute to Luther Vandross. Dion has been usingan SKM 5000 wireless for nearly a decade, but used the KK 105-S capsuledelivered her rendition of “Dance With My Father.”

Other performers who used a Neumann KMS 150 vocal mic onstageincluded Sting, the White Stripes and Sarah McLachlan.

For more information about this year’s Grammy Awards, go to www.grammy.com. Tocheck out more about Sennheiser, click on www.sennheiserusa.com; ADAM Audio information canbe found at www.adam-audio.com.

Call for Submissions: Disc Makers’ Independent Music WorldSeries-Midwest Seeks Talent
Independent CD manufacturer Disc Makers is set to kick off this year’sIndependent Music World Series, a showcase for independent musiciansbased in the Midwest. The showcase finals will be held at the Elbo Roomin Chicago on May 13, 2004, and will feature the top six acts asselected by Billboard magazine. The finalist will receive$35,000 in music gear and prizes.

The competition is open to all musicians not currently signed to amajor record label and to all genres of music. To be eligible for theMidwest showcase, at least one bandmember must reside in Illinois,Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota or Wisconsin.Submissions must be postmarked by March 11, 2004. Each artist whosubmits an entry (with $20 entry fee) will receive a free copy ofBillboard‘s Musician’s Guide to Touring and Promotion andElectronic Musician magazine. Artists who submit their entryonline will be automatically entered to win a Fender Stratocasterguitar.

Independent A&R company TAXI (www.taxi.com) will select 100semi-finalists, and the six performing finalists will then be chosen byBillboard magazine for the Elbo Room showcase.

For more information on Disc Makers Independent Music World Series,visit www.discmakers.com/imws or call 888/800-5796.

New Wizoo Book Provides Sonar Mixing, Mastering Tips
Wizoo Publishing GmbH recently issued Sonar 3: Mixing &Mastering, a new book by Craig Anderton that aims to help readersimprove their arranging, mixing and mastering skills using the featuresin Sonar 3. The new tome also gives a basic overview of soundengineering, as well as advanced tips and tricks for emerging engineersto get the better results from their music productions.

Sonar 3: Mixing & Mastering also includes a CD-ROMfeaturing various audio examples and other educational tools. The bookis available at www.wizoo.com and major music and book retailersfor $50.

Dutch Broadcaster Purchases Allen & Heath ML Live SoundConsole
Allen & Heath’s Dutch distributor, TM Audio, has provided a40-channel ML5000 to one of Holland’s biggest commercial broadcasters,RTL4, to cover all live elements of the popular Barend & VanDorp talk show, a weekday broadcast that features performances fromlocal Dutch talent and well-known artists such as Norah Jones,Tindersticks, Stereophonics, 16 Down and Peter Frampton.

RTL4 provides monitor mixes for visiting artists and bands andfront-of-house mixing for the studio, according to RTL Netherlands headof sound Eric Bergsma.

For more information, please visit www.allen-heath.com.

Mercedes Takes Sennheiser for a Ride
Sennheiser recently teamed up with Mercedes, announcing a deal tosupply DaimlerChrysler with rear-seat entertainment headphones for theMercedes Benz S- and E-Class automobiles. Designated as the PX 200Mercedes Benz Headphones, the units will be sold as an accessory forthe optional DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment (RSE) systems.

Modifications to the ultra-lightweight PX 200 include an in-linevolume control, “Mercedes Benz” and “Sennheiser” logos on the headbandand a soft-pouch carrying case.

This is the second business deal struck by Sennheiser with anautomobile manufacturer. The company also supplies a slightly modifiedversion of the collapsible PXC 250 headphones with proprietaryNoiseGard!” active noise compensation to Volkswagen for use with itsRSE Package in the new Phaeton Sedan and Touareg Sport UtilityVehicle.

For more information, visit www.sennheiserusa.com.

The Sound Guy Announces RTAS Upgrade Path, Limited-Offer Discounton Fxpansion
The Sound Guy Inc. has announced an RTAS upgrade path for SFX MachineRT, courtesy of FXpansion Audio UK. For a limited time, new purchasersof SFX Machine RT will receive a third discount on FXpansion’sVST-to-RTAS Adapter.

With a new purchase of SFX Machine RT for US $99, users will receivean offer for a third discount from FXpansion on purchases of theVS-to-RTAS Adapter (normally priced at $99).

SFX Machine RT is an audio multi-effects plug-in, available inAudioUnit format for Mac OS X and VST format for Mac OS 8/9/X andWindows. With the purchase of the VST-to-RTAS Adapter, Pro Tools 6 LEand TDM owners will now have access to this technology on Mac OS X andWindows XP.

The SFX Machine has been used in numerous commercial musicrecordings, video games, television productions and feature films. TheRT version adds real-time processing while retaining ease of use,enabling sound designers to rapidly audition and customize thepresets.

SFX Machine RT comes with hundreds of effects, includingconventional effects like choruses and flangers, as well as a widevariety of unique effects. Many of the presets include a pitch trackeror envelope follower, allowing the effect to respond intelligently tothe input.

A Randomize button makes it easy to explore the range ofpossibilities contained within each preset. The plug-in also allowsautomated parameter control via a simple “MIDI Learn” interface.

For more information, visit the Website at www.sfxmachine.com.

Fits & Starts on Seminar Tour
AES sections and audio students of all ages came out to hear the Fits& Starts Productions’ surround sound seminar featuring engineersand surround authorities, part of its national tour.

Fits & Starts Productions conducts these free seminars foruniversity students and audio professionals with equipment fromcorporate sponsors, including DTS (Digital Theater Systems), MaxVision,Steinberg North America, SRS Labs and Tannoy.

Tannoy is supplying seven of its WideBand Ellipse eighthigh-resolution monitors, all laser-aligned by Sokol in surroundconfiguration. A Tannoy PS 350B amplified subwoofer supplies LFsupport. During a tour stop in Nashville, the Tannoys were positionedin the 975-seat Massey auditorium to create a “virtual room” within aroom (as Sokol put it) by isolating the center seating section.

Sokol introduced the new Ellipse monitors by explaining that theyare capable of full-bandwidth playback, flat out to 54 kHz, for today’shigh-resolution formats, DSD and DVD-Audio. He also explained thatthese high-res monitors realize benefits within the traditionalfrequency range of 20 to 20k Hz.

“When you extend the bandwidth of any part of the recording/playbackchain, you reduce in-band phase error,” he said. By moving either theCD’s lowpass up (by using an SACD or DVD-A source) or the loudspeakers’lowpass frequency (by using wideband-capable loudspeakers), sound willbe improved. It’s not about actually hearing information above 20 kHz,Sokol explained, so much as it’s about the energy in-band at 20 to 20kHz sounding better due to less phase error.

The Fits & Starts’ format for these seminars is informal, withfrequent Q&A sessions. The purpose is to share audio knowledge withseminar attendees so that they can create their own music or sound FXprojects. “Rather than telling seminar participants how we create 5.1music,’ Sokol said, “we show them how they can do it with affordableequipment and the latest technology.”

And the seminar tours always have new techniques and audio toys toshow. A technique the Fits & Starts tours has been using for atleast three years never fails to impress its knowledgeable seminarattendees: triggering surround audio through the PowerPointpresentation. And Sokol explains how to do it.

A current toy is a new use for an iPOD: Sokol converts standard MP3stereo files to SRS Circle Surround–encoded files and transfersthem to the iPOD. The iPOD has a transmitter (an “iTrip” from GriffinTechnology), allowing it to play through a surround sound receiver: aMarantz SR9300 in the rack. The Circle Surround–encoded files,decoded by the receiver, play through five Tannoy Ellipse 8monitors.

The annual Fits & Starts regional tours run from September 2003through April 2004, and comprises six seminars in each region for atotal of 36 cities each year. The current Southeastern tour continueswith stops at Full Sail (Winter Park, Fla.), January 26; University ofMiami, Coral Gables, FL (Gusman Concert Hall), Jan.uary 27; andAppalachian State University, Boone, NC (Farthing Auditorium), January29. The lower Midwest-Texas region tour begins on February 17 in St.Louis.

Soundart Releases Enhancements
Soundart announced its latest full soundskin for the Chameleon. TheBeta version of Amp-o-Matic was released in January 2003, and it hasbeen brought up-to-date with Version 1.0.

Amp-o-Matic V. 1.0 is available now as a free download for Chameleonusers on its Website, www.soundart-hot.com/english/users1_6.htm.

This complete overhaul of Amp-o-Matic boasts a wide range of neweffects and mixing options. Two guitar pedal effects emulations havebeen packed before the amp modeler, and three stereo effect slotsafterward, with total control over the flow of sound around thesystem.

With Amp-o-Matic loaded, guitarists and keyboardists can get a fat,crunchy and fuzzy wah-wah sound on one song, and switch to a completelydifferent setup for the next. Routing and mixing systems are veryflexible and have been specifically designed to simply performance.Features such as pre-defined routing options are offered, as well as a”Quick Mixer,” which allows the user to balance all of the effects onone screen.

All of the modules in the soundskin are easily switchable on/off.Amp-o-Matic can be used just as a cabinet or a preamp simulator, or asa multi-effect box, with all the other modules switched off.

For more highlights and unit specs, visit Soundart’s Website at www.soundart-hot.com/english/users1_6.htm.

InnovaSon Sy80 Handles BBC’s ‘’Top of the Pops’
When the BBC decided to revamp Top of the Pops, it committeditself to live broadcast and live performances. The new InnovaSon Sy80digital console was chosen to handle the highly demanding job of mixingsound for the audience P.A. system, plus foldback for the performingartists.

Live studio sound is handled by SSE. Mixer Chris Trimby, permanentlyassigned to the show, explained, “Now that it is live-to-air, the showhas changed completely. Previously, we would record one band and thenstop, setup and record the next. Now, of course, we have to go directlyfrom one to the next. This meant that we needed more inputs andoutputs, because we don’t have time to patch, and that’s one of themain reasons we decided to use the InnovaSon Sy80.”

TOTP used to employ up to five stages to record the show, butthe new streamlined live show uses two and occasionally three. In thenew configuration, the Sy80 offers a number of benefits to the show’sproducers: Turn-around time is accelerated, only one console isrequired, at just 1.65 meters wide a great deal of space is saved,configuration and routing is simplified and there is no danger ofrunning out of channels.

Since the all-new TOTP went live toward the end of 2003, liveacts have included Starsailor, Kings of Leon, Black Eyed Peas, Busted,Matt Goss, Graham Lyle, Will Young and Alicia Keys.

Peter Eggleston Named Director of Sales and Marketing at SonicNetwork
Sonic Network Inc., a provider of mobile audio and wavetable technologyfor MIDI synthesis, announced that Peter Eggleston will join thecompany as director of sales and marketing, heading up marketing, OEMsales and channel development.

Most recently a sales leader with Plexus, a software companyrecently acquired by BancTec Inc., Eggleston’s strong backgroundincludes tenures at Amerinex Applied Imaging, now merged withNorthampton-based Millimetrix, Avco Research Laboratories and KodakResearch Laboratories.

For more information, please visit www.sonicnetworkinc.com.

Backbeat Books Issues Jim Marshall Biography
Backbeat Books recently issued Jim Marshall: The Father of Loud,the authorized biography of Marshall Amplification company founder JimMarshall. Written by Rich Maloof, the book pays homage to the company’srich heritage, chronicles its contributions to the world of rock andencourages readers to pursue their own musical ambitions.

A recent book signing held at Guitar Center’s Hollywood store, homeof the famous Hollywood RockWalk® where Marshall was an inauguralinductee in 1985, brought in such supporters as Slash (who wrote thebook’s forward), Kerry King (Slayer), Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains)and John 5 (Marilyn Manson), who were on hand to autograph copies ofthe book. In addition, an ultrarare, purple Marshall 1959SLPX head withmatching 1960TV cabinet was given away in a drawing.

For more information, visit www.marshallamps.com.

ACM Launches Online Voting with Broadjam Inc.
Broadjam Inc. has been selected to create and implement a new onlinevoting mechanism for the Academy of Country Music (ACM) to be launchedin time for this year’s ACM Awards, airing on CBS May 26, 2004.

Using Broadjam technology, ACM members will cast votes online via asecure third-party site on the Internet. Members will be able to streaminstantly and listen to nominees’ music during the final rounds ofpolling in several categories, including Song of the Year and Video ofthe Year.

Broadjam has been using a secure combination of streaming and onlinevoting successfully for more than three years on its music industryWebsite, www.broadjam.com, a global community of independentmusicians.

DARP Productions Stays Lucid
Whether on the road or in the studio, Rick Sheppard, longtime chiefengineer and programmer for producer Dallas Austin and DARPProductions, regularly chooses Lucid Audio for the company’s AD/DAconversion needs.

DARP Studios, an expansive Atlanta-based facility boasting two SSLconsoles, a Sony Oxford and several writing/production suites, containstwo Lucid SSG192 Studio Sync Generators, two AESx4 AES/EBU DistributionAmps, three CLKx6 Audio Clock Distribution Amps, six ADA 8824 8-channelAD/DA units, a pair of SRC9624 sample rate converters, and a few DA9624 and AD 9624s stereo D/A and A/D converters. Sheppard also recentlyadded a GENx6 word/super clock to the Lucid rack.

Austin and Sheppard travel with about 55 road cases of MIDI,computers and recording gear. Their production style requires that allMIDI instruments, as well as a large GigaStudio rig, run virtuallyuntil the end of the project when all of those sounds are finalized andactually recorded. Lucid gear and Emagic’s Logic Audio software runningon Digidesign’s Pro Tools process cards all come into play.

“Realistically, since we need to be portable for traveling and alsowork on so many different songs/projects at the same time, the idea ofsetting up and recalling the console and song every time we change isludicrous,” said Austin. “Both Dallas and I each use a DA 9624 [DAC]fed from the AESx4 distribution amp. That unit gets an AES/EBU stereopair digitally from one of the ADA 8824s. We both have our ownheadphone and speaker level controls using these boxes. I mixinternally and monitor through this same path.”

Austin, whose credit list includes work with ABC (Another BadCreation), BoyzII Men, TLC, Pink, Madonna and Michael Jackson, to namea few, most recently wrapped up a few tracks for Janet Jackson’sforthcoming album, Damita Jo, and is currently working on a soloproject for No Doubt frontwoman Gwen Stefani and new tracks for Latinasensation Shakira.

For more information, please visit www.symetrixaudio.com.

Howard Johnson Records at Cups ‘N Strings
Legendary funk/soul singer Howard Johnson recently mastered a new albumtitled Soul Japan Presents Family Snapshots at Cups ‘N StringsStudio in Santa Monica, Calif. Musicians of the project includeJohnson, Dave Cochran, Portrait, Regis Branson and Ed Johnson.

For facility info, visit www.cupsnstrings.com.

Brauner, Soundelux, Daking Chosen for Von Schweikert SpeakerTest
Loudspeaker designer Albert Von Schweikert tested his Von SchweikertAudio $100,000-plus VR11-XTC home theater speakers recently byreproducing a 3-D soundstage and using equipment from Soundelux,Brauner and Daking.

The “experiment” took place daily in front of live audiences in theChateaux Ballroom of the San Remo Hotel during the recent 2004 CES Showin Las Vegas.

Female vocal group the Misty River Band provided music for the demo,singing and playing fiddle, accordion, upright bass and acoustic guitarbetween the two 7-foot-tall, 800-pound Von Schweikert loudspeakers.

Todd Peterson from Transamerica Audio Group notes, “The mics we usedwere the Soundelux ifet7 on accordion, Soundelux E47 on Dana’s vocal,Soundelux E49 on Chris’s vocal and violin, Soundelux ELUX 251 onupright bass, Brauner Valvet Voice on Laura’s vocal, Valvet Voice onCarol’s vocal, and Brauner Phantom C on Carol’s Guitar.”

All mics were connected to a Geoffrey Daking 16-channel mixingconsole using custom Zero-Crystal cables made by Acoustic Zen. Theboard’s output was fed to Ed Meitner’s EMM Labs’ A/D converters andthen on to a Sony DSD stereo recording system. Engineer Chris Hustonmixed the tracks for a “mirror-image sound recording.”

The Von Schweikert speakers, used only for playback, contained fourrear-mounted 15-inch woofers connected to built-in 2,000-wattamplifiers. Mounted up front were eight 9-inch woofers, two 7-inchmidrange drivers and four tweeters.

The XTC Model used for the demo comes with electronic crossovers andfive separate stereo amplifiers for the two towers.

For more information, visit www.transaudiogroup.com.

Lauri Pausini Finds Her Voice with SSL Logic MT
Italian vocalist Laura Pausini is working on a new album in her newstudio—Oliveta Recording Studio (ORS) in Castelbolognese,Northern Italy—which she’s equipped with a Solid State Logic MTPlus digital console. Giulio Antognini serves as Pausini’s in-houseengineer.

The semi-private facility also includes a second smaller studiotaht, like the main room, contains a Pro Tools|HD3 workstation, Questedmonitoring set up in surround configuration (7.1 in the main room) andoutboard gear from GML, NEVE, Lexicon, TC Electronic, Universal Audio,Focusrite, Avalon and Tube-Tech.

With album sales of more than 20 million worldwide, Pausini isregarded as one of Italy’s most important recording artists. Herforthcoming album was recorded in both Italian and Spanish, and isslated for worldwide release this spring.

For more information on the SSL MT Plus, please visit www.solidstatelogic.com.

Musician’s Friend Named “Product Catalog Dealer of theYear”
Sennheiser Electronics Corporation named online/catalog music gearretailer Musician’s Friend its “2003 MI Product Catalog Dealer of theYear” at the recent NAMM Convention in Anaheim, Calif.

Musician’s Friend was founded in 1983 by Robert and Donna Eastman.The company offers 36,000 products through its Website and mail-ordercatalogs, selling everything from musical instruments to amps torecording, mixing and DJ equipment.

For more information, visit www.musiciansfriend.com. For more information onSennheiser, visit www.sennheiserusa.com.

Wizoo Adds Two New Kits to Drum Library
Wizoo’s online sample shop Wizoosounds.com has added two top-drawer,professional MasterDrums Series kits to its drum library: Starclassicand the Trixon retro kit.

MasterDrums’ approach to mapping reportedly goes far beyond the GMstandard. Every drum instrument is available as an independent programoffering a wide variety of different samples, providing greaterauthenticity and ease of use.

Starclassic (420 MB) and Trixon are priced at 29.95 euros each.

KFMB Charges Ahead With Zephyr Xport
Midwest Television’s 760/KFMB, home station for San Diego Chargersfootball, now relies on Zephyr Xport, the portable codec that connectsto any POTS or ISDN phone line, to deliver its 15kHz broadcastaudio.

Zephyr Xport combines state-of-the-art aacPlus™ audio codingwith a unique DSP-based modem architecture for solid connections and15kHz audio using a standard analog (POTS) phone line. aacPlus has beenchosen by XM Satellite Radio and Digital Radio Mondiale to ensure thehighest possible audio quality over low-bit transmission paths. An ISDNoption can be ordered at time of purchase or added later. ISDN-equippedunits can use either low-delay MPEG AAC (MP4) or G.722 coding forconnectivity to a wide variety of third-party ISDN codecs. Xport alsocontains a built-in mixer with mic and line inputs and selectabledynamics processing by Omnia Audio.

Zephyr Xstream owners can hear an instant demonstration of ZephyrXport’s superior audio capabilities by connecting to the Zephyr XportDemonstration line. For instructions and detailed information aboutZephyr Xport, please visit www.telos-systems.com/xport/.

XARC Mastering Reports Expanded Website, Client Roster
XARC Mastering, launched two months ago as the “world’s firstInternet-specific mastering service,” reports a steady stream of newbusiness from such clients as Billy Rogers, German trance artistsManuel Schleis and Manuel Reuter, house meisters Righi & Dan,Norweigian band Xploding Plastix and Spanish techno artist/DJ DavidMartinez (aka, David Martzz).

The company has also revamped its Website to include an extensiveglossary of mastering terminology, customer testimonials and amastering forum. Customers can also download tracks in a simpler, moreviewable way and online visitors can hear tracks before and afterreceiving treatment from XARC Mastering.

XARC Mastering works to provide high-quality time/cost-efficientprofessional mastering services to clients worldwide, with a full rangeof services provided via a secure SSL-encrypted connection.

For more information on XARC Mastering please go to www.xarcmastering.com.

Gefen Releases New SDI/DVI Adapter
Gefen, an interconnectivity solutions provider for computer andelectronics components, recently released the ex-tend-it SDI-to-DVIadapter. The new adapter enables high-definition serial digital videotransmitted through SDI to be converted to DVI (digital visualinterface) for output to DVI displays. It works with all SDI and serialdigital video sources, which are commonly used in broadcast andpost-production, and outputs a DVI signal compatible with LCD monitors,HDTVs (high-definition televisions), video projectors and plasmadisplays with DVI.

Gefen’s SDI-to-DVI adapter, priced at $899 (U.S.), outputs RGB DVIat 1,280×1,024 resolution and supports PAL, NTSC, 720p, 1080p and 1080Iformats.

The unit may be ordered online at www.gefen.com.

SonicFruit, “Shake a Leg” Forms Fruit/Shake
Elyse Schiller, founder/composer of Shake-a-Leg Productions, andKathryn Korniloff, founder/composer of Sonicfruit, joined forces tolaunch Fruit/Shake, a new creative and production alliance that offersexpanded capabilities in original music composition, sound design andaudio post services to television networks, TV programs, feature films,corporate videos and multimedia projects.

Schiller and Korniloff made the announcement jointly from theirnewly acquired studio in Toluca Lake, Calif.

Schiller and Korniloff have also announced the completion of theirfirst major Fruit/Shake project, a music re-branding package for TheGame Show Network (GSN), which is set for a March 2004 launch. SantaMonica-based design and branding agency V12 retained Fruit/Shake tocontribute a music and sound design package for the GSN project.

For more information, visit www.fruitshakemusic.com.

Hard Rock “Digs” Peavy in Biloxi
Peavey Electronics Corporation founder Hartley Peavey donned a shovelto celebrate the ground-breaking of the new Hard Rock Hotel and Casinoin Biloxi, Miss. In fact, Peavey Electronics designed the ceremonialshovels specifically for the event using the necks and headstocks ofPeavey bass guitars.

Among the 20-odd statewide dignitaries and celebrities in attendancewere Chris Henderson and Todd Harrell of Mississippi-basedmulti-Platinum rock band 3 Doors Down. Bandmate Matt Roberts, who wasunable to attend, endorses Peavey 5150 AE and Triple XXX AE guitaramplifiers, both of which backed up the event’s live entertainment. Theentire event ran through a Peavey sound system.

The $235 million Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi will include an11-story, 306-room hotel, a Hard Rock Cafe, Hard Rock Casino and HardRock Live performance venue that will feature national touring showsand local music artists.

For more information, visit www.peavey.com.

Hamilton Introduces Mid-Sized Grand Piano
The new Hamilton Grand Model H399 is the newest in a series ofinstruments that aim to provide concert-level sound and action at amoderate price. The 5-foot, 8-inch grand features a music desk and legdesign with historically accurate styling from the Baldwin Hamiltonline, as well as high-quality components such as solid-sprucesoundboard and ribs, Roslau strings and hard-rock maple bridge andaction.

The Hamilton Grand is available in polished mahogany, ebony andsatin ebony and is backed by a 10-year warranty on parts and labor.

For info, visit Gibson’s Website at www.gibson.com.

PreSonus Eureka Goes Digital With the AD192
PreSonus Audio Electronics Inc. is now shipping the new AD192 optionaldigital output card for the Eureka™ pro recording channel.

The new AD192 Digital option card features word clock I/O, both AESand S/PDIF outputs, 24-bit word length, and sample rates of 44.1k, 48k,96k and 192k. In addition, both professional and consumer digitalformats are supported for further flexibility and compatibility.Balanced TRS line input (right input) is also included so that only oneAD192 is needed for using two Eurekas in dual-mono or stereoapplications. Suggested retail price is $249.95.

For more information, please visit www.presonus.com.

Lynx Offers OS X Support For LynxTWO, L22, AES 16Interfaces
With the recent offering of the Mac OS X CoreAudio driver for the newAES16, Lynx Studio Technology Inc. now offers the latest Macintoshsupport for all of its 24-bit/196kHz digital audio interfaces.

The company began full OS X support of the LynxTWO and L22 digitalaudio interfaces in November, and put its new OS X drivers for the AES16 onto its Website.

Lynx’s new OS X CoreAudio drivers give complete software controlover every aspect of the AES16 and AES16-SRC, showing complete channelstatus information for each of the digital inputs and giving controlover each of the digital outputs.

All of Lynx’s 192kHz interface cards can be used with either thestandard PCI interface or the new 3.3V PCI-X interface found in theMacintosh G5 models.

All drivers are available for immediate free download from the LynxStudio Technology Website, www.lynxstudio.com.

SAE Opens Doors to New York Campus
Following its grand opening during the 2003 AES Convention, SAEInstitute recently hosted an industry-wide open house highlighting itsNew York campus facility located on Herald Square in midtownManhattan.

The new SAE campus studio and instruction complex houses 33studios/technology labs/personal workstations, providing an array ofstudio setups and situations. The complex’s main studios offers a Neve88R and an SSL4000 G+ consoles, respectively, along with an additionalControl 24 surround suite with THX-certified monitoring from Blue SkyInternational. The facility, which is now 50 percent larger than SAENew York’s original location, also contains three Pro Tools suites withMacintosh G5s and Mackie HD2 recorders, three isolated MIDI productionsuites and four audio-enhanced classrooms. The school’s wide-rangingaudio curriculum covers areas from surround sound and DVD authoring tolarge-format console studio and mix sessions. The studios’ layout anddesign allow for interactive connectivity between rooms.

For more information, please visit www.sae.edu.

KUTV Installs Euphonix Max Air Console
KUTV2, the station Utah Broadcasters Association named the “bestnewscast in the market,” recently installed a Euphonix Max Airall-digital audio console. The CBS Television Network, owned andoperated by CBS Corporation, decided to purchase the console after anonsite station visit by the Euphonix Max Air Broadcast Tour.

KUTV installed the 32-fader Max Air console, which includes 96channels of processing, in its main studio to be used for broadcastingall news programming.

The Euphonix Max Air Tour is outfitted with a 96-channel Max Airmixing system set up to simulate a local TV station digital audiocontrol room. In each city, the vehicle visits up to five TV stationsto allow operators, management and technicians to see the possibilitiesand powerful features that digital audio and video can bring to localTV operations.

Dedicated to providing a quality news product, KUTV programs nearly40 hours of local news, sports and information programming weekly. KUTVreaches more than 600,000 viewers weekly.

For more information, visit www.euphonix.com.

Queer Eye Welcomes Evil Twin to ‘Fab’ Family
Los Angeles-based Evil Twin Productions just completed TV, radio anddirect-response spots promoting the popular series, Queer Eye Forthe Straight Guy. The campaign includes creative spots promoting”The Fab Five’s” three new projects: the album and limited-editionCD/DVD, titled What’s That Sound: Music From Queer Eye For theStraight Guy, The Soundtrack; and the book, Queer Eye For theStraight Guy: The Fab 5’s Guide to Looking Better, Cooking Better,Dressing Better, Behaving Better and Living Better (CrownPublishing).

The soundtrack includes the hit theme “All Things (Just Keep GettingBetter)” by Widelife, and additional tracks from Kylie Minogue, Sting,Liz Phair, Elton John and the reunited Duran Duran.

The limited-edition CD/DVD includes the Fab Five’s music tips andpicks, music videos and more.

The ad campaign, produced by Evil Twin co-founder Harri Mark and VPof production and development Doug Major, began airing nationally inFebruary and includes 5- to 60-second spots featuring The Fab 5 vampingto their theme song. The company used a combination of Avid Symphony,After Effects and Vegas/Sound Forge to produce the spots.

Despite the program’s mainstream success, creating a broadcastcampaign wasn’t easy, according to Mark. “The hardest part of doing aspot for The Fab 5 is the fear that they will show up in the middle ofthe night and makeover the spot—or at least our wardrobe.”

For more information, visit www.eviltwinproductions.com.

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