Recording
Bettermaker Mastering EQ
The Best of Analog Sound with Digital Control
TransAudio Group, the U.S. distributor of high-end analog gear, has introduced the Bettermaker Mastering Equalizer, a pure analog signal path processor controlled by digital plug-in recall and automation. It is configured for stereo, dual mono, or M/S operation and features four parametric bands, low- and high-cutoff filters, and a passive Pultec-style section with “air bands” at 23 kHz and 28 kHz. A comprehensive digital control workflow includes a 5-inch touchscreen with “plug-in style” EQ curve representation paired with RTA of the pre- and post-processing signal. Individual EQ bands can be toggled on and off, and up to 400 presets can be stored and recalled. Like all Bettermaker processors, the Mastering Equalizer also works in conjunction with a control plug-in that duplicates the front-panel controls and allows for instant session recall, full parameter automation and, unlike any other analog processor, A/B comparison not just of the bypassed versus processed signal, but of two differently processed signals.
PreSonus FaderPort
New Generation of USB Production Controller
PreSonus is shipping a new generation of its classic FaderPort USB production controller that incorporates elements from the company’s award-winning FaderPort 8. The new FaderPort provides a 100mm touch-sensitive, motorized fader for writing fades and automation in real-time and 24 buttons covering 40 different functions, all in a compact chassis that easily sits on any desk. A unique Session Navigator section provides easy access to eight mission-critical functions for maximum flexibility. The FaderPort also features an optimized HUI mode for Pro Tools, as well as custom MCU operation modes for Logic Pro X, Cubase, and Ableton Live. No driver installation is necessary; PreSonus Studio One Artist DAW is included.
VSL SYNCHRON-ized Chamber Strings
Newly Remastered Samples for a New Playback Engine
The Vienna Symphonic Library has released SYNCHRON-ized Chamber Strings, a totally overhauled and remastered version of its popular Chamber Strings I Collection, re-edited for the company’s new Vienna Synchron Player. SYNCHRON-ized Chamber Strings features small ensembles of six first violins, six second violins, four violas, three cellos, and two double basses. The original “Silent Stage” recordings were completely re-edited and remastered in order to achieve an all-new, modern chamber string sound. New velocity layers were also added. The new Vienna Synchron Player incorporates the most powerful sample playback engine on the market. For this new library, Vienna’s developers added a specifically designed convolution reverb derived from Vienna MIR Pro to the Synchron Player, featuring the outstanding and unique ambience of the 5,813 square foot main hall of Synchron Stage Vienna.
Avantone Pro CLA-10 Studio Monitors
Bringing Back the Sound of the Beloved Yamaha NS-10
Avantone Pro has released its new CLA-10 studio monitors, a full-range, two-way passive pair intended to harken back to the Yamaha NS-10, which was released in 1978 as a consumer bookshelf speaker. Avantone Pro reportedly spent more than a year in R&D developing the CLA-10, while working with five-time Grammy Award-winning mix engineer Chris Lord-Alge. The CLA-10 sports a 10.4-liter sealed design cabinet constructed of non-layered, high-rigidity MDF, finished with an outer layer of real wood veneer. Fine Element Analysis modeling was used for the custom-designed 180mm AV10-MLF low-frequency driver; the paper cone was created using pulp material that was press-formed rather than die cut and then surrounded by cloth surround material made in Japan for added authenticity. The 35mm AV10-MHF high frequency silk dome-based tweeter aims to match the original closely, both as a frequency (60 Hz – 20 kHz) and voicing match. The CLA-10’s cabinet dimensions (381.5mm x 215mm x 197.5mm) and weight (6.3kg) likewise are similar the original monitors. It is due out this month, at an MSRP of $699 a pair.
Genelec 7050C Subwoofer
Update Includes Extended Low-Frequency Response and Lower Distortion
Genelec has unveiled its new 7050C Studio Subwoofer, which is said to offer an extended low-frequency response and lower distortion than its long-lived predecessor, the 7050B. The new 7050C subwoofer sports a newly redesigned LSE enclosure, a reported 3 dB increase in SPL capability, plus a bypassable professional bass management system and universal switched-mode power supply. The 7050C provides five input and output channels with 85 Hz lowpass/highpass filters, plus a discrete 120 Hz LFE signal input with selectable +10 dB boost. The 7050C measures 16.125 inches in height, with a width of 13.75 inches and a depth of 12.5625 inches. It contains a single 8-inch, magnetically shielded low-frequency driver housed in a Genelec LSE spiral enclosure. The 7050C can be calibrated by using a series of rear panel dip switches. Adjustable settings include phase and low frequency roll-off, the activation of the +10 dB LFE level, and the sensitivity of the Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS) power-saving mode, which reduces the unit’s power consumption to 0.5 W in standby.
Roland Go:Mixer Pro
Smartphone Audio Mixer for Fast Social Upload
It’s not studio-quality recording, but sometimes bands have to move fast. Focusing on social media content creators, Roland has introduced the Go:Mixer Pro audio mixer and Virtual Stage Camera app, an integrated hardware and app solution for creating content with a smartphone. The Go:Mixer Pro offers multi-channel mixing, sound monitoring, and more, allowing creators to connect and mix up to nine audio sources at once, including powered microphones, guitar/bass, and line-level gear like keyboards and drum machines. The unit sports dedicated controls for volume adjustment, and the resulting stereo digital audio output is sent to the user’s smartphone for capturing in a video or audio app. A headphones output with level control is also provided for monitoring the mix and listening to backing audio from the smartphone while performing. Go:Mixer Pro can be powered by the smartphone connection or via four AAA-size batteries to conserve the mobile device’s battery. The Virtual Stage Camera app is compatible with iOS devices and available as z free download from the App Store.
Sound Reinforcement
SSL Live Remote Tile
Hardware Expander, with New Version 4.7 Software
Solid State Logic has expanded its Live console range with the launch of the new Remote Tile hardware, and V4.7 software. The SSL Remote Tile offers users an extra 12 faders to use with any SSL Live console, or with a PC running the SSL SOLSA control and configuration application. Like the actual SSL Live consoles, the Remote Tile sports touch-sensitive 100mm motorized faders. Additionally, it offers solo/mute, Query and Select buttons, quick controls, individual channel LCD displays, and a complete set of tile navigation buttons. Up to two Remote Tiles (24 faders total) can be connected to any SSL Live console or SOLSA PC via USB. Meanwhile, the newly updated V4.7 software for SSL Live extends primary control with external (SSL supplied) Touch Screen support. Engineers can now have direct touchscreen control of their Overview and Automation screens without having to switch focus on the console’s internal touch screen.
RCF Intros NX Series Loudspeakers
12-Inch, 15-Inch Two-Way Systems for Medium to Large Events
RCF has introduced new NX Series active two-way sound reinforcement cabinets, featuring much of the power and accessories of the TT+ Series, including the rigging points and the FiRPHASE technology in a rugged, durable birch wood cabinet design made for everyday use. The NX 32-A is a compact 12-inch two-way (2.5-inch voice coil with 3-inch high-frequency neodymium compression driver) bi-amped active touring system for medium to large events. It features a 1400-watts two-way class-D amplifier and onboard DSP with limiters and protection. Frequency response is 50 Hz—20 kHz with crossover point at 700 Hz. The NX 45-A is a compact 15-inch two-way (3.5-inch voice coil plus 4-inch high-frequency neodymium compression driver) bi-amped active touring system for medium to large events. It features a 1400-watts two-way class-D amplifier and onboard DSP with limiters and protection. Frequency response is 45 Hz—20 kHz with crossover point at 700 Hz.
VUE Audiotechnik hm-115
High-Definition Stage Monitoring System
Joining VUE Audiotechnik’s established hm class of high-def stage monitors, the hm-115 features a 15-inch low-frequency transducer and an HF compression driver with a 4-inch voice coil and VUE’s proprietary Truextent beryllium diaphragm. Engineered by VUE design chief Mike Adams, the hm-115 fits into the hm class between the hm-112 and hm-212, and is recommended for applications requiring low-frequency extension in a compact enclosure. The hm-115’s low-profile cabinet is constructed of birch ply with a 12-layer Dura-Coat LX finish for durability.
Clair Brothers KitCurve TrueFit Options
TrueFit Landscape and Portrait for Theaters, HOW and Auditoriums
Over the past three years Clair Brothers has been refining its TrueFit Technology, the first modular and fully customizable bespoke waveguide system available for venues. Recognizing that not every venue has the budget to install a fully custom-tailored TrueFit system, Clair Brothers has released a “ready-fit” product option specifically for small- to mid-sized venues. The genius of TrueFit is Its ability to optimize frequency dispersion by customizing the horizontal waveguide to enhance directivity throughout an entire unique space. The biggest advantage of TrueFit is how it expands imaging across the entire audience, so a person sitting near the front right of a theater can hear the left side of the P.A., and vice versa.
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