RECORDING
Steinberg AXR4 Audio Interface
The Steinberg AXR4 is an audio interface that features hybrid microphone preamplifiers approved by Rupert Neve Designs and 32-bit Integer audio capture. Additionally, it includes built-in mixing and Virtual Circuitry Modeling, as well as ample I/O and expandability. Other highlights include a 28×24 full matrix mixer with dspMixFx AXR, built-In premium effects and Cubase AI included.
Blue Ember Microphone
Blue’s Ember is a cardioid XLR condenser microphone designed for capture of vocals and instruments. According to the company, Ember is ideal for multitrack recording and capturing professional sound for YouTube video production and live-streaming.
Featuring a proprietary, hand-tuned custom condenser capsule, Ember delivers clear, open, and detailed performance for recording or streaming a wide variety of voices and instruments. A tight cardioid pickup pattern focuses on the sound source and minimizes room noise for a clean, up-front sound. Custom-designed phantom power circuitry and a cardioid polar pattern ensure consistent frequency response with minimal noise. Ember comes with a mount for any standard microphone stand and is also compatible with Blue’s S3 Shock suspension mount and Compass boom arm accessories.
Cranborne Audio EC2
Cranborne Audio has introduced the Camden EC2 2-channel, 19-inch rackmount preamp, Mojo signal processor and dual headphone mixer based on the Camden 500 preamp. Featuring two discrete instances of Cranborne Audio’s Camden preamp with the same Mojo analog saturation circuit, Camden EC2 achieves low-noise and low-distortion performance as well as frequency and phase linearity at all gain settings. The Camden EC2 can take on the persona of a vintage British-style transformer-based preamp using Thump, a gooey tube-based preamp using Cream, or a clean and natural preamp when Mojo is bypassed. Switch each Camden preamp into its line mode, and the Mojo saturation circuits can apply vintage coloration onto stereo stems during the mix phase.
Featuring two reference-quality headphone amplifiers with discrete line mixers and independent CH1, CH2 and Aux Input level controls, Camden EC2’s reference-quality headphone outputs can be used during mic placement to help find the sweet spot of a guitar cab, kick drum or acoustic instrument. Alternatively, they can be configured to create a zero-latency, all-analog monitor mix by combining the local Camden preamps with playback incoming from an external playback source.
Tegeler Audio Manufaktur and Ferrofish Analog Summing Solution
Tegeler Audio Manufaktur and Ferrofish have teamed up to offer a solution for those who want to work with analog summing. The solution includes the Tube Summing Mixer from Tegeler Audio Manufaktur and the A32 AD/DA converter from Ferrofish. Everything is completely matched to each other, and the package even includes the necessary audio cables.
The Tube Summing Mixer features 2 × 16 balanced inputs via 4 sub D connectors, 2 × 4 balanced TRS inputs and active tubes and transformer output stage. The A32 converter features sample rates from 32 kHz up to 192 kHz, 32 x 32 analog I/O channels, 64 x 64 MADI I/O channels (optical or coaxial) and 32 x 32 ADAT I/O channels (8x TOSLINK optical). The A32 also comes in a Dante-compatible version.
Audient Sono Audio Interface for Guitarists
Audient has teamed up with cab simulation pioneers two notes audio engineering for the creation of the Sono audio interface for guitarists. Combining Audient’s analog and digital conversion recording technology with the speaker-cab simulation from two notes, Sono features an on-board 12AX7 analog valve and 3-band tone control alongside two notes’ Torpedo power amp modelling and cab simulation. Sono provides many tonal options for guitarists, whether they’re recording, practicing or gigging.
Monitor mix allows blending between the guitar input signal and DAW playback, ensuring delay-free recording, playback and monitoring. In addition, Audient encourages Sono users to integrate their existing pedalboard.
Brainstorm Electronics DXD-8 and DXD-16 Sync Solutions
Brainstorm Electronics’ new DXD-8 and DXD-16 feature a hybrid approach to sync design, incorporating a precision audio and video reference generator merged with a PTP grandmaster clock and GPS, designed to ease the transition to IP. Both units have universal outputs that support SD and HD video sync, word clock, AES and 10 MHz. And with support for PTP and GPS, the DXD is able to keep AV legacy equipment synchronized with a modern IP infrastructure. The hybrid approach simplifies the move to IP. As a PTP Grandmaster clock, the DXD keeps a complete infrastructure locked to a single reference source.
Both the DXD-8 and DXD-16 can be remotely controlled via web browser. The DXD-8 features four reference generators, eight unique universal outputs, two external reference inputs and optional PTP, GPS and OCXO. The DXD-16 includes PTP so can act as a PTP Grandmaster with four independent Ethernet ports, six legacy reference generators, 16 unique universal outputs and two external reference inputs, with optional GPS, OCXO and SDI.
Fluid Audio FX80/FX50 Monitors
Fluid Audio has released the second-generation FX80 monitor along with the addition of the FX50 5-inch version. The updates include Class D amplifiers with high- and mid-frequency adjustment knobs, acoustic space, low frequency rolloff and optimized composite cone woofers, along with a new industrial design. DSP-controlled crossover provides blending of the woofer to the soft dome tweeter, and ensures that there is effectively zero variance amplifier to amplifier.
Other highlights include 5-inch/8-inch composite cone, low-frequency driver; 1-inch/1.2-inch silk dome tweeter mounted in waveguide; bi-amplified 100W/140W Class D amplification; and Acoustic Space Control that lets you calibrate the low frequency to your mixing environment (0, –2 and –4 dB).
KRK ROKIT G4 Studio Monitors
KRK has released the fourth generation of its popular ROKIT studio monitors. Improvements include all system elements cohesively designed and engineered to work with the advanced drivers made with Kevlar, efficient Class D power amplifiers and front-firing port to extend accurate and tight bass reproduction. ROKIT G4s also include onboard room tuning, with 25 visual room-correction EQ combinations. Also, users will be able to use the KRK App to intuitively set up their rooms for better mixing with a real-time Room Acoustic Analyzer to aid with angle matching, placement and level matching of each speaker in a pair.
The G4 range includes RP5 (5-inch), RP7 (7-inch) and RP8 (8-inch) models for nearfield monitoring, and the RP103 configuration, which adds a 4.5-inch mid-range woofer and 1-inch tweeter for midfield monitoring. The RP103 also features a horizontal mode that aligns the mid-woofer and tweeter vertically for more precise listening accuracy.
Leapwing Audio StageOne Plug-In
The Leapwing Audio StageOne plug-in has been designed to give producers and engineers intuitive control over the perceived dimensions of the stereo soundstage; stretching width and adding depth to any mono or stereo signal, according to the manufacturer. The plug-in gives access to a novel algorithm to change the width of existing stereo content, without compromising mono compatibility. Using the same tool, producers and engineers have the ability to add natural depth to recordings, with their unique and innovative directionally optimized reflections.
In addition to depth and width alterations, users can also access mono spread, which gives the ability to upmix mono signals to stereo. Ideal for mono sources that should be bigger than a static point source, mono spread can also be used to increase the size of the phantom center in stereo recordings.
Download a free 30-day trial at www.leapwingaudio.com.
Prism Sound Adds Dante to Atlas and Titan
Prism Sound has announced the availability of Dante audio networking on its Atlas and Titan multitrack audio interfaces. The new units, which will be available from the second quarter of 2019, will feature a new Dante MDIO module and are controlled using a software app that is available for both Mac and Windows platforms. This allows control of the unit from a computer connected to the Dante network or via the existing USB connection as appropriate. The introduction of Prism Sound’s Dante module extends the range of I/O options for Atlas and Titan, which also includes an MDIO card option that provides a compatible connection for Pro Tools hardware.
To support existing Atlas and Titan users, Prism Sound has ensured that its new Dante card and software control app can be used with all older units already in use.
SOUND REINFORCEMENT
Mackie DRM Professional Powered Loudspeakers
Mackie’s all-new flagship DRM professional powered loudspeakers are packed with up to 2,300W of power, cutting-edge DSP and built-in full color displays. They are designed for mobile DJs, bands, install, Houses of Worship, rental systems and more. Models include the 1,600W 12-inch DRM212, 1,600W 15-inch DRM215, 2,300W 15-inch 3-Way DRM315, 2,000W 12-inch DRM12A Array and 2,000W 18-inch DRM18S subwoofer; all models are also available in passive boxes.
At the heart of every DRM Series loudspeaker is Mackie’s Advanced Impulse DSP module that feature precision crossovers, transducer time-alignment and meticulously tuned FIR filters. The DRM Control Dashboard features a high-contrast, full-color display on the back panel for quick and easy setup. On the default screen, you will see all the most important settings, levels and meters. With single knob control, you can navigate to the settings you need quickly. Full-range models offer 3-band parametric EQ, venue-specific voicing modes, alignment delay, user presets and system lock. The subwoofer features a variable crossover, cardioid mode and more.
HeadRush FRFR-108 Powered Cabinet
HeadRush’s FRFR-108 full-range, flat-response powered cabinet is targeted at the player who uses modeling tech with guitar or bass and wants a small, affordable setup for home or studio practice, but also needs a compact, high-output rig for small performance venues and clubs. Boasting a 2,000W amplifier, a long-excursion 8-inch 2-way speaker and a wide array of input/output options and EQ/tuning capabilities, the FRFR-108’s has a maximum 129 dB SPL and 52-22 kHz frequency range. The FRFR-108 is easy to transport, at 20 lbs., and also features a trapezoidal-shaped cabinet and pole-mount socket for placement versatility and a full-length perforated steel grille for driver protection.
