RECORDING
Amphion BaseTwo25 LF System
Add-on Boomer with Twin 10-inch Woofers
The BaseTwo25 from Amphion ($12,500) is a turnkey system that transforms any Amphion two-way studio monitor into a full-range, three-way tower—extending all the way down to a 10 Hz corner frequency (-3 dB). Features include 25 cm woofers with 25 m passive radiators mounted on either side of a 40 x 7.5 x 14-inch enclosure. The BaseTwo25 is powered by two 900W outboard monoblock amplifiers controlled by a filtering module with variable volume control. The filter module begins transferring energy from the mains to the Base towers at 400 Hz (-36 dB), employing a gentle third-order filter to gradually increase the energy exchange to the Bases until an equally shared transfer is achieved at 100 Hz and below.
Black Lion Audio PBR-8
500 Series Rack with Integrated Patchbay
The PBR-8 500 Series Rack from Black Lion Audio ($899) brings a new and useful twist to the format. On the front of the unit is a fully balanced TT patchbay with multis. The PBR-8 uses Heritage Audio’s On Slot Technology to handle power supply on a “per slot” basis. Rather than the usual “hand-me-down” power regulation on competing racks, each slot has its own power supply linear regulation stages, isolating each module from the rest.
Related:
• Black Lion Audio Micro Clock MkIII, by Barry Rudolph, Mix, May 2, 2016
• Review: Black Lion Audio FM192 Interface, by Erik Zobler, Mix, Mar. 30, 2010
Soundtheory Gullfoss Plug-In
Intelligent EQ Adjusts Settings in Real Time
Gullfoss from Soundtheory ($199) works by automatically adjusting its settings in real time according to the audible features of the input signal. Features include an advanced computational auditory perception model that makes objective processing decisions; improves clarity, detail, spatiality, definition and presence; and retains dynamics, reducing the need for multiband compression.
Related:
• Soundtheory Ships Gullfoss Intelligent Automatic Equalizer, Mix, Feb. 20, 2018
• Review: Soundtheory Gullfoss Intelligent EQ, by Rob Tavaglione, Pro Sound News, Mar. 29, 2018
• Gullfoss EQ Inventor Andreas Tell Tells All, by Rob Tavaglione, Pro Sound News, Mar. 20, 2018
Sonnox VoxDoubler Plug-In
Twin Processors for Vocal Enhancement
Sonnox VoxDoubler ($99), the first plug-in from a new range called Toolbox, comprises two modules: Widen and Thicken. The processors generate believable double and triple vocal tracks to create width and depth, or add thickness, featuring Depth and Tone controls to push the vocal deeper into the mix and control sibilance. Other features include Track/Aux mode, allowing the user to apply the effect in place or, for more advanced control, mix it in parallel on an aux return.
Related:
• Review: Sonnox Oxford Dynamic EQ, by Barry Rudolph, Mix, Jan. 5, 2018
• Review: Sonnox Fraunhofer Pro-Codec, by Brandon Hickey, Mix, Oct. 1, 2011
• Review: Sonnox Oxford Restore Plug-In Suite, by Barry Rudolph, Mix, Feb. 1, 2010
ADAM Audio T Series Monitors
Affordable Two-Way Powered Speakers
Featuring trickled-down tech from the company’s higher-end models, ADAM’s T Series includes the T5V ($199), featuring a 5-inch woofer, and the T7V ($249), with a 7-inch woofer. Both use the same U-ART (Unique Accelerated Ribbon Tweeter) high-frequency driver and offer a beveled cabinet design, rear-firing bass reflex port, built-in DSP-controlled driver crossovers and EQ, plus XLR/RCA analog connections. Boasting high dynamic range, wide frequency response, a wide sweet spot and excellent transient response, the T5V and T7 are compatible with the ADAM Sub7 and Sub8 subwoofers.
Related:
• ADAM Audio Debuts T Series Monitors, Mix, Feb. 1, 2018
• SONIC LAB Installs First ADAM Audio S Series Monitors in Switzerland, Mix, Sep. 18, 2017
• ADAM Audio New S Series Monitors Help Give New Wave Entertainment an Audio Edge in the Broadcast World, Mix, Nov. 1, 2017
Transformizer Pro 1.2 Sound Design Plug-In
Emulator Matches Pitch, Amplitude and Timbre
The version 1.2 update of Transformer Pro ($599) offers a variety of improvements designed to increase workflow efficiency. New features include single-section window selection, allowing the user to zoom in on dedicated parts of the overall interface, and a Randomizer for selecting the degree of randomization and choice of which parameter within each section should be randomized. Users can also now read automation data for all relevant parameters in the waveform window and save a project with media, making it easy to move between different locations without missing audio files.
CEntrance MixerFace R4 Recording Bundle
Portable, Feature-Packed I/O for Field Use
The MixerFace R4 Bundle from CEntrance ($399) features four inputs (bal/unbal, Hi-Z and Low-Z) and a built-in, rechargeable lithium polymer battery offering eight hours of operation. It records directly to an SD card. The stereo 16-bit/48 kHz recorder offers two microphone inputs with 48V phantom power, a matched X/Y stereo mic, a low-cut filter, aux input, and a zero-latency monitoring blend control. The R4 also comes without the bundled recorder and mics for $299.
Related: CEntrance Announces MixerFace R4 Mobile Recording Interface, Mix, Jan. 4, 2018
Louder Than Liftoff Royal Blue Color Module
Classic British Channel for Chroma and DIYRE Modules
Inspired by the 1081 Channel Amplifier used in vintage Neve 80 Series consoles, the Royal Blue Color Module ($109) was created for use with the Chroma and DIYRE 500 series modules. This legendary mic/line preamp and equalizer module featured discrete transistor amplifiers and transformer-coupled input and output stages. Louder Than Liftoff miniaturized the essence of this classic to fit within the space limitations of the Color format. Multiple transistor amplifier stages drive a custom steel output transformer that offers the characteristic big tone of the original LO2567.
Related: $100,000 Ante in the Analog Game, by Wes Maebe, Mix, Mar. 16, 2015
Sound Reinforcement
Bassboss DJ18S Powered Subwoofer
Compact, High-Output 18-Inch Boomer
The DJ18S self-powered subwoofer from Bassboss ($2,495) features 2,400W of continuous output from a long-excursion 18-inch woofer using a 4-inch copper voice coil. Weighing in at 110 pounds, the DJ18S is 3 dB down at 27 Hz. Other features include onboard DSP consisting of highpass and lowpass filters, plus protection systems and limiters to control driver overload, overheating of the voice coil and long-term thermal compression. Optional extras include a custom-fit wheel cart and fitted covers.
Related:
• Bassboss Ready to Rumble at Mobile Beat Las Vegas 2018, Mix, Feb. 26, 2018
• Bassboss Sound System Provides Sonic Foundation for JPC Entertainment, Mix, Oct. 25, 2017
• Bassboss Loudspeakers Level Up Sound at Kung Fu Saloon and Arcade in Nashville, Mix, Jan. 31, 2017
d&b Soundscape
Live Creation of Acoustic Environments
d&b Soundscape (price by request) promises to deliver a superior audio mix to all audience members with vocals, keys, drums and guitar all heard in their location on the stage. At the core is the DS100 Signal Engine with Audinate Dante networking, a 64×64 level and delay matrix, and extensive input/output processing. Also available is En-Scene, a sound object positioning tool allowing the individual placement and movement of up to 64 sound objects; and d&b En-Space, an easy-to-use room emulation tool that can add or modify reverberation signatures for any given space. The DS100 is open for integration via the AES70 (OCA) protocol with industry-standard consoles and show controllers, as well as replay and tracking systems.
Related: NAMM Day Three, by Kevin Becka, Mix, Jan. 30, 2018
RAT Tail Distortion Cable
Instrument Interconnect Brings Two Ranges of Distortion
Built for stage and studio, the RAT Tail Distortion cable offers a new way of achieving some of the effects of the Vintage RAT distortion pedals via the same clipping diodes that drive Vintage RAT pedals’ signature distortion tones. Features include two built-in ranges of distortion circuitry directly selectable on the connector, so users can shift seamlessly between settings with the easily accessible dial. The cable is equipped with three settings: true bypass, distortion overdrive with unity gain, and distortion overdrive (+3 dB of gain). Prices are $57.99 for 10 feet, $59.99 for 18 feet and $62.99 for 25 feet.
Related: RAT Introduces RAT Tail Distortion Cable at NAMM 2018, Mix, Jan. 16, 2018
Renkus-Heinz IC8-HD, IC Live X and IC Live XL
High-Definition, Steerable Line Array
The latest models in Renkus-Heinz’s Iconyx Series feature digital beam-steering technology and 32 discrete amplifier/DSP channels to control its 24 high-frequency drivers and eight 4-inch low-mid woofers. The IC8-HD combines the new arrays with Iconyx Gen5 models, enhancing low-frequency response, while the IC Live X features individually controlled and amplified twin 8-inch woofers and six 1-inch high-frequency compression drivers. Its compact cabinet can be mounted on a tripod stand, pole-mounted above a subwoofer, or installed in tall, continuous arrays. The IC Live X and IC Live XL can be combined to offer enhanced low-mid directivity and sound pressure level.
