R.I.P. NS10 Y amaha has announced that production of the NS10MS and NS10MC studio monitors will be dis- continued. The decision was made on the basis that source of the wood pulp used in the woofer cone is no longer available. Despite a ‘worldwide search for a replacement material’, none was found that provided an acceptable sonic substitute. Spare parts are expected to be available for at least five years. A wreath laying ceremony will soon be held for the NS10 at Yamaha Australia’s South Melbourne head office. Well, maybe not, but needless to say, the ‘white-coned ones’ will be sorely missed by many. Yamaha Australia: 1800 805413 Penta Tonic T he fifth member of the Focusrite Platinum Range is on its way, the Platinum Penta. Penta is designed as an affordable, ‘high spec’ stereo analogue preset com- pressor. The unit features an editable preset compressor offering a range of compression settings depending on the sound required or instrument involved. Its dynamic response can add a soft or hard knee shape to the com- pressor curve, and combined with ‘TubeTran’ technology can emulate VCA, optical and valve compressor sounds. The unit also features the same discrete transistor mic pre as the VoiceMaster. Electric Factory: (03) 9480 5988 Korg D1600 K org’s D1600 is an affordable 16-track digital recorder that packs recording, mixing, and final CD mastering into an all-in-one unit. It offers 16-track uncompressed 24-bit/44.1k recording/playback. For each of its 16 tracks the D1600 provides eight virtual tracks. All the copy/cut/paste-style editing is available, with multiple levels of undo. You can slot an optional CDR into the CD-R/RW bay for writing direct to CD. Meanwhile the D1600 ships with a 20GB hard drive, while the unit’s bay system also accommodates standard IDE hard disks, so you can easily exchange drives when switching between different projects. The D1600 features a 24-channel, eight-bus digital mixer with 16 60mm faders, four XLR jacks with ‘high-quality’ mic preamps and +48V phantom power. Each analogue input and mixer channel has its own high and low shelving EQ, plus adjustable- frequency mid EQ. You can save snapshots of the mixer settings, while there’s a bunch of insertable and master effects on offer. Korg’s D12 hard disk recorder has also been announced, which will also be worth a look. Music Link: (03) 9765 6565 UHF Surround ‘Phones A KG is a headphone that provides surround effects and is a cost efficient alternative to true surround head- phones. An SRS chip enables wireless headphones to provide surround effects. (The SRS chip uses stereo signals to generate a 3-D effect that should not be confused with true surround sound.) Although the surround quality of these headphones is not the same as that of their HEARO Series headphones with AKG IVA processing, it does offer those who want more than just stereo an affordable alternative. AWA Audio Products: (02) 9669 3477 CAD – M is for Mic C AD microphones have released their M-Series studio microphones. CAD’s new M177 is the first in a new generation of externally biased CAD condensers. The M177 employs a cardioid polar pattern in an externally biased capsule with a gold sputtered 1.1-inch diaphragm. Meanwhile, the M179 features five-point detented pattern control providing nine useable patterns, continu- ously variable between detents. Price: $599 for the M177 and $699 for the M179. CAD have also released their 400 Series drum kit and percussion mics. The 400 Series microphones consists of the TSM 411 ($249) extended function dynamic, the KBM 412 ($349) bass drum mic, and the ICM 417 ($417) overhead mic. CAD’s new DSM-1 ($49.95) ‘silent drum mounting system’ is also available in several kits, and individually. Australian Audio Supplies: 1800 502015 or ‘[email protected]’ N E W S & N E W P R O D U C T S 16
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R.I.P.NS10Yamaha has
announced thatproduction of theNS10MS andNS10MC studiomonitors will be dis-continued. Thedecision was madeon the basis thatsource of the woodpulp used in thewoofer cone is nolonger available.Despite a ‘worldwide
search for a replacement material’, none was found thatprovided an acceptable sonic substitute. Spare parts areexpected to be available for at least five years. A wreathlaying ceremony will soon be held for the NS10 atYamaha Australia’s South Melbourne head office. Well,maybe not, but needless to say, the ‘white-coned ones’will be sorely missed by many.YamahaAustralia:1800 805413
Penta TonicThe fifth member of the Focusrite Platinum Range is
on its way, the Platinum Penta. Penta is designed asan affordable, ‘high spec’ stereo analogue preset com-pressor. The unit features an editable preset compressoroffering a range of compression settings depending onthe sound required or instrument involved. Its dynamicresponse can add a soft or hard knee shape to the com-pressor curve, and combined with ‘TubeTran’ technologycan emulate VCA, optical and valve compressor sounds.
The unit alsofeatures the samediscrete transistormic pre as theVoiceMaster.Electric Factory: (03)9480 5988Korg D1600
Korg’s D1600 is an affordable 16-track digital recorder that packs recording,mixing, and final CD mastering into an all-in-one unit. It offers 16-track
uncompressed 24-bit/44.1k recording/playback. For each of its 16 tracks theD1600 provides eight virtual tracks. All the copy/cut/paste-style editing isavailable, with multiple levels of undo. You can slot an optional CDR into theCD-R/RW bay for writing direct to CD. Meanwhile the D1600 ships with a20GB hard drive, while the unit’s bay system also accommodates standardIDE hard disks, so you can easily exchange drives when switching betweendifferent projects. The D1600 features a 24-channel, eight-bus digital mixerwith 16 60mm faders, four XLR jacks with ‘high-quality’ mic preamps and+48V phantom power. Each analogue input and mixer channel has its own
high and low shelvingEQ, plus adjustable-frequency mid EQ. Youcan save snapshots ofthe mixer settings, whilethere’s a bunch ofinsertable and mastereffects on offer.
Korg’s D12 hard diskrecorder has also beenannounced, which willalso be worth a look.Music Link: (03) 9765 6565
UHF Surround ‘PhonesAKG is a headphone that provides surround effects and
is a cost efficient alternative to true surround head-phones. An SRS chip enables wireless headphones toprovide surround effects. (The SRS chip uses stereosignals to generate a 3-D effect that should not beconfused with true surround sound.) Although thesurround quality of these headphones is not the same asthat of their HEARO Series headphones with AKG IVAprocessing, it does offer those who want more than juststereo an affordable alternative.AWA Audio Products: (02) 9669 3477
CAD – M is for MicCAD microphones have released their M-Series studio
microphones. CAD’s new M177 is the first in a newgeneration of externally biased CAD condensers. TheM177 employs a cardioid polar pattern in an externallybiased capsule with a gold sputtered 1.1-inch diaphragm.Meanwhile, the M179 features five-point detentedpattern control providing nine useable patterns, continu-ously variable between detents. Price: $599 for the M177and $699 for the M179.
CAD have also released their 400 Series drum kit andpercussion mics. The 400 Series microphones consists ofthe TSM 411 ($249) extended function dynamic, theKBM 412 ($349) bass drum mic, and the ICM 417 ($417)overhead mic. CAD’s new DSM-1 ($49.95) ‘silent drummounting system’ is also available in several kits, andindividually.Australian Audio Supplies: 1800 502015 or‘[email protected]’
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Sound ChoiceSound & Music or SM (not S&M, obviously, that would
be rude!) used the Frankfurt Musikmesse to launchtheir new range of outboard. The SM DSP Seriescomprises the SM FX01 Prism digital dual-engine 24-bitmulti-effects processor, the SM VFX01 Vocalist stereovoice processor and the SM EQ01 Styler stereo 31-banddigital EQ. Next up is the SM Analog Series, whichcomprises the SM PR8 eight-channel mic pre with inde-pendent phantom power earth lift, the SM DI8 eight-channel DI unit/stereo line mixer and the SM HP4 four-channel headphone amp/audio distribution unit.Sound & Music Promotions: (03) 9528 5744 or‘[email protected]’
HHB DVD-RIf you have a new Mac G4, you may be interested in HHB’s DVD-R4.7GBDVD-R media. Developed for general v2.0 recording, the new disc is built
for high performance, compatibility and archival security. They’re $99 apiece.AWA Audio Products: (02) 9669 3477
Fairlight Post CourseFairlight advise us that North Sydney TAFE’s Film and
Television Unit will commence a new six day DigitalAudio Post Production course that will enable the partic-ipant to apply the principles of digital sound post pro-duction to the operation of non-linear sound editing anddigital mixing equipment to an advanced level.
This course is for professionals with a workingknowledge of audio. It is taught by highly-experienced,practising film and television professionals, and the pro-cedures taught accurately reflect industry practises. It’llcost $1,600.Contact: Carrie Grimes at Fairlight on ‘[email protected]’ or (02) 8977 9902. Or Scott Watkins-Sully atTAFE on ‘[email protected]’or (02) 9942 0695
Furman Inspires ConfidenceThe MS2ADV-1 Confidence Monitor System is part of
a series and aimed at broadcast, post-production,cinema, and home theatre system applications. Here’ssome of what you get on board: Two channels ofanalogue/digital audio monitoring plus video in a singlerack space; High output magnetically shielded speakers;Wide-range, high-visibility, 14-segment meters withdimmer; +4dBu or +8dBu meter reference, front panelselectable; 1.8-inch colour LCD TFT display which autosenses NTSC/PAL; High power, low distortionheadphone amplifier; Phase indicator; Signal presentindicators on all analogue and digital I/O ports; andSpeaker Mute switch; and volume control. Looks likeanother pretty handy ‘Swiss audio knife’ from Furman.Price: $5,499.Horwood Australia: (02) 9585 1011
Studiomaster has released their new 162BP 6U rackmount mixer – a mixerequally suited to studio or live use. It features 16 mic/line inputs with the
mics all on phantom powered XLRs. On the first 14 channels there’s three-band swept mid EQ, two aux sends, peak LED, PFL, and 60mm faders.Channel 15 and 16 combine an XLR input with a stereo input (where bothinputs can be usedsimultaneously) andhave two-band EQ.Price: $1,499.Network EntertainmentTechnology: (02) 94204888
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Behringer’s BatteryAssaultBehringer have intro-
duced the EurorackMXB1002, a 10-channel ACor battery-powered mixerwith two mono channels,three stereo channels, and aseparate stereo tape returnchannel. Its compactdesign, combined with theoption to use standardalkaline batteries, makesthe MXB1002 an affordable solution for any live recordingor broadcasting application.
The five microphone inputs on the Eurorack MXB1002have individual gain controls, ‘ultra low-noise’ discrete micpreamplifiers and gold-plated XLR connectors. Separategain controls for mic and line inputs make it possible tosimultaneously run a mic and a line signal into eachstereo channel. The mono channels both have dedicatedinserts, tape outs, and stereo tape returns (on 6.5mm andRCA jacks). All channel strips have three-band EQ, effectsand monitor sends and individual clip LEDs. The mixeralso provides phantom power. A separate headphoneoutput with dedicated volume control is also included.Quite a good spec for a compact mixer like this.Music Link: (03) 9765 6565
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Zample ThisCreamware’s Volkszämpler, is a 32-bit sampler which
can be used as a VST instrument in any VST-com-patible recording program. The sampler features anintuitive user interface, impressive sound capabilities and‘seamless’ integration with VST-compatible programssuch as Cubase, Logic or Nuendo. The Volkszämplerloads programs and samples in Akai S1000 and S3000,Soundfont 2, WAV and AIFF format directly from theCD-ROM drive or hard disk of the host PC/Mac andcan also store these samples to the computer’s hard disk.Major Music Wholesale: (02) 9545 3540Mission Control
Logic Control is the expandable hardware remotecontrol system for Logic Audio 5, jointly developed by
Emagic and Mackie Designs. Logic Control provideshands-on control over hundreds of Midi and audiofunctions, including the all-new automation system inLogic Audio 5. It offers simultaneous control overmultiple parameters of software instruments and plug-ins for real-time manipulation. The response time of thePenny & Giles motorised, 1024 step, touch-sensitivedigital/optical faders is ‘lightning fast’. Logic Control isautomatically recognised by Logic Audio 5. All ofLogic’s audio channels are reflected by the eight-channelLogic Control, and can be accessed via Bank Switchingfunctions. Dedicated sections including transport
controls, cursor keys, automation andfunction modes ensure optimal inter-action with Logic Audio. Logic Controlshould be available in September andwill probably retail for around $2,500.Electric Factory: (03) 9480 5988
Logic Audio 5Emagic have announced Version 5 of
Logic Audio, boasting a healthysmorgasbord of new additions, as well as enhancements to existing features.Looks like an update well worth taking note of.
Logic Audio’s automation has been fundamentally revisited in Version 5. Theautomation system, which now handles 32-bit fader values, is tied to individualtracks, rather than Arrange window sequences and audio regions. Which meanswhen you move about objects you’re moving the automation with it.
The number of integrated plug-ins continues to grow in Logic Audio. Newin Logic Audio 5 are: Adaptive Limiter, Sub Bass, Phase Distortion, De Esser,Clip Distortion, Tremolo and Exciter. Also included are several mastering-plug-ins: Stereo Spread, Denoiser, Limiter and Multiband Compressor.
The new side-chain in the mixer of Logic Audio 5 allows the input of anexternal signal to be used as control signal. This means that over 50 Emagic-developed plug-ins are now delivered in Platinum.
To round things off, there’s enhancements to the notation, support forREX2.0, support for the new Emagic/Mackie Logic Control (obviously!), andVersion 5 should be available come September.Electric Factory: (03) 9480 5988
More 4 Your Money?The AudioSport Quattro is a new USB audio interface
for Mac and PC, with four inputs and outputs, at up to24-bit/96k. Midi I/O is also provided. The AudioSportQuattro features latency-free direct monitoring for eachstereo pair.
M Audio’s Audiophile 2496 card is the latest additionto its Delta family of soundcards. Analog I/O is availableon RCA jacks, utilising the same 24-bit/96k conversionas the Delta 44 and Delta 66 cards. S/PDIF I/O andMidi I/O provide connectivity to both digital devices andthe world of Midi. The Audiophile 2496 includes adigital mixer/router, and control over SCMS (Serial CopyManagement System).Electric Factory: (03) 9480 5988
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Integration PolicyMackie has announced the development of the new
D8W Integrator. This software/card packageprovides ‘seamless’ integration of Mackie’s Digital 8-Busand HDR24/96 hard disk recorder/editor and addssupport for the Mackie Universal Time Synchronizer. TheIntegrator features Midi I/O ports for MTC and MMC,and a port for connecting to the Universal Time Syn-chronizer, which adds multiple Sony 9-pin control ports,VITC read/generate, biphase lock, word clock distribu-tion, video generation, and SMPTE clock resolving tothe existing D8W synchronisation capabilities. I think theidea is that if you’re not bang in sync with this combina-tion then you never will be.Australian Audio Supplies: 1800 502015 or‘[email protected]’
Novation’s SpinOn PropellorheadPropellerhead’s Reason studio suite has been given its
own dedicated controller keyboard, care of theNovation ReMOTE. [Why do manufacturers InsIst onaLl this uPPer/lowER case nonSENSE?] ReMOTE is athree-octave Midi controller keyboard with a semi-weighted action and after-touch, and is festooned with abank of fully configurable controls. ReMOTE’s integra-tion with the Reason suite will enable the user to operatethe modules by assigning a row of controllers selectedfrom a colour-coded matrix on the front panel. At thesame time, the keyboard can be used as a master con-troller for the various sound modules within the suite.The Novation ReMOTE keyboard will be available fromJuly 2001.Innovative Music: (03) 9540 0658 or‘[email protected]’
Under AttackSteinberg’s Attack is a new percussion synthesiser developed
by Waldorf, that works as a VST Instrument. Attack has 24sounds available per percussion set, spread over two octaves.Two oscillators, each with nine waveforms, represent thesources. In addition to the popular analogue waveforms, Attackoffers three samples to create hi-hat or crash cymbals. Ringmodulation and frequency modulation expand the soundspectrum with a metallic component and FX sounds. The inte-grated ‘Crack’ module takes care of reproducing analoguehandclaps. Attack contains a filter section with six filter types,resonance up to self-oscillation and an overdrive up to +52dB.Price: $449.
Also new from Steinberg is the Voice Machine, two new real-time voice VST effect tools. The VM Generator allows you tocreate up to four additional voices by simply triggering themvia Midi note on/off events. Vocal arrangements are easilyplayed along with the lead vocal by using the keyboard in real-time or drawing Midi note events. The VM Processor allowsthe user to either change the melody or correct the intonationby changing the pitch of a voice without changing the voicesoriginal character. Price: $449.Music Link: (03) 9765 6565
The rumour mill has been running hot and finally Yamaha’s Motifrange of workstation/supersynths have arrived. First up, there’s a
bunch of fresh sounds offered in the hefty 85MB wave ROM. Then,Yamaha are making quite a big deal of their Integrated SamplingSequencer, which combines the audio and Midi recording processes.The sequencer component of this system features both linear andpattern recording methods, including a standard Song Mode forrecording Midi and audio data in linear fashion. There’s plenty ofmemory available (more with two 32MB SIMMs installed), as well as allthe cut and paste-style editing you’d expect.
Motif ’s arpeggiator gives you a large range of rhythmic sequences,but also features ‘human’ patterns, such as the strumming of a guitar orthe trilling of a flute.
Yamaha’s Modular Synthesis Plug-in System lets you upgrade Motifwith new synthesiser or sound processing engines. Each expansionboard is equipped with a synthesiser or digital effects processor, so notonly do you get more sounds and effects, but also more polyphony andadditional multi parts – without taking any processing power away fromthe keyboard itself. These engines include analogue physical modeling,FM synthesis, vocal harmony and processing. MOTIF is equipped withthree expansion slots. Prices will probably start around $5,500.Yamaha Music Australia: 1800 805413
Yamaha’s Motif-ation
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NI presents FM7Native Instruments have turned their gaze to FM
synthesis with the FM7. The FM7 will read thecomplete sound library from the classic FM synths,while also adding distortion and filter operators,extensive modulation capabilities, a comprehensiveeffects section, audio input and ‘much more’ to the tra-ditional FM architecture.Major Music Wholesale: (02) 9545 3540
Surround ControllerThe Audient ASP-510 integrates with any mixing
console to provide control of the monitoring andrecord functions for multiple surround sound formatsincluding 5.1, LCRS, Dolby Surround, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, DTS, and SACD. It comprises a single height rackunit and a small desk-top remote. Reading the specs, thisbaby looks to be able to do quite a bit. Price: $5,999Corporate Audio Services: (03) 9474 1066
301’s New Lounge SuiteIn a joint venture with musician/producer/engineer PaulNajar, Studios 301 has launched a fully-digital facility for
music production and content creation. The LoungeRoom includes the services of Paul Najar, use of theadjacent live recording area, an extensive range ofsynths, sound modules and effects units, plus a hugelibrary of sampled sounds.
If that’s not enough, Studios 301’s owner, Tom Misner,has purchased one of Germany’s oldest and largestrecording studios, Sound Studio N, Cologne. The studioshave recently undergone a Harris Grant refit andacoustic redesign, and are packed with ‘nick nacks’ suchas a SSL J 9072, and two Sony Oxfords. Tom isrenaming the facility ‘Studios 301 Cologne’.Studios 301: (02) 9698 5888 or [email protected]
Marantz CDR CombosMarantz Professional have released two new CD Recorders – a
combination CD Player/CD Recorder, the CDR500, and thesingle CDR631. The CDR500 offers the
Automaster feature for ‘DiskAt Once’ (DAO) copyingfrom a CDR disk that hasbeen recorded track bytrack. DAO disks can beused directly for Red Bookglass mastering and duplica-tion, eliminating additionalsteps such as Exabyte tapeor hard disk editing. Bothunits feature rugged con-
struction and a nice range ofdigital and analogue I/O ‘round the
back. CDR631 is $1,995 and the CDR500 $2,295.Technical Audio Group: (02) 9810 5300 or ‘[email protected]’
RADAR24 v3.1RADAR’s new 3.1 software allows RADAR24 users to output projects and
files to UDF formatted, DVD-RAM media in the time-stamped BroadcastWave format, or the non time-stamped .WAV format. Exported projects canbe loaded onto Macintosh or PC computers equipped with either a DVD-RAM drive or a standard DVD-ROM drive. ‘Drag and Drop’ files and projectsdirectly into digital audio workstation applications for mastering or mixing.Also included in the 3.1 release will be the ability to transfer files betweenRADAR24 machines via Ethernet. Unique IP addresses assigned to each unitwill allow transfers between machines while avoiding backup and restorecycles or unnecessary drive swapping. This upgrade is available free on iZTechnology’s ‘www.recordingworld.com’ website. Or call the number below.Factory Sound: (03) 9690 8344
Roland ArrangerRoland have weighed in with their new and hefty VA-76
Arranger Keyboard. The VA-76 is a 76-note ‘intelli-gent arranger’ which carries on the tradition of the G-Series Arranger Workstations while utilising Roland’slatest sounds and music styles, plus their rather niftyVariPhrase technology for adding realistic vocal perfor-mances to any arrangement.
As an arranger keyboard, the VA-76 features 128preset styles covering a wide variety of musical genres.Additional styles can be loaded using the internal Zip100drive or via floppy drive. These styles can be further cus-tomised using the Style Orchestrator and Style Morphingfunction, which lets you blend one style into another.Price: $6,995.Roland Corporation: (02) 9982 8266
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National Archive go CubicScreenSound Australia, The National Screen & Sound Archive, will be replacing
their existing Sonic Solutions DAWs with the AudioCube. The AudioCube is theresult of a collaborative effort between software developers Steinberg, H.D.A. andSpectral Design. Running on a Windows 2000 native system, the ‘Cube’ is availablein a variety of software configurations providing an editing package, and a selectionof Virtual Precision Instruments (VPIs). (The VPIs are Spectral Design’s contribu-tion to the package, and comprise a wide palette of tools aimed at restoration,mastering and signal analysis.)
The AudioCube 5, the most recent hardware configuration, can be configuredwith multitracking capabilities of Steinberg’s Nuendo (including a full surroundoption, ‘SurroundCube’), while the AudioCube Quadriga describes the audio capturefacilities. The ScreenSound Australia installation will consist of two SurroundCubesystems and 5 Quadriga systems. All the DAWs will be Ether-networked to acommon server that will in turn connect to their existing data network, allowingcomplex file sharing and monitoring of work in progress. An added benefit of this isthat the BWF file type that these systems work on, has ‘Meta-data’ encrypted in thefile headers. This means that instead of having multiple archive files outlining thedetails of the recording, this information is stored embedded in the audio file itself.Syncrotech Systems Design: (02) 9879 0800.
ARX 8 Pre
ARX have released their 8 Pre, an eight-channel mic preamp, which featuresvariable gain, 20dB pad, phase reverse, and switchable 48v phantom power – in
a compact 1U package. The I/O is on balanced XLR and jacks, while the designoffers low noise and distortion performance. Think of the 8 Pre as a consoleextender or superior ADAT/HD preamp interface.ARX: (03) 9555 7859
X-Frame 88Peavey Electronics have announced a new addition to the X-Frame line of digital
audio products, the X-Frame 88. The X-Frame 88 comes with a GUI softwarepackage that can be loaded onto a laptop to design, compile and set up a soundsystem in the same manner as other MediaMatrix products. When finished with thesetup, the laptop can be unplugged from the X-Frame 88, leaving a fully-functionalsound system or ‘custom’ audio device. Some of the devices in a MediaMatrix X-Frame 88 includes mixers, compressors, limiters, AGCs, parametric EQ, routers etc.
Some of the new and improved features of the X-Frame 88 include eight analogueinputs and outputs as well as 24-bit converters. Versions of the X-Frame 88 areavailable in mic, line, or a combo of both. The X-Frame 88 comes standard witheight programmable front panel switches for preset recall and programmable levelcontrols using the front panel data wheel. Furthermore, the X-Frame 88 is capable ofexpanding to 24x24 with two MM 8802 breakout boxes (mic and/or line versions).Audio Telex Communications: (02) 9647 1411
Apple Computer Australia Pty Ltd. WLTBWA KAPL5260.
A&H ML4000Allen & Heath have developed a derivative of their
flagship ML5000 that incorporates many of theML5000’s features at an competitive price point. In anutshell, the ML4000 is an eight VCA, eight sub-group,12 Aux, enhanced LCR and IEM equipped ‘big-league’console in a compact package. The eight VCAs providepowerful control of the input fader levels and super cleansignal path. The LCRplus positioning system extends
signal imaging beyond conventional LR and LCRpanning by allowing full three-speaker balance and posi-tioning from each channel and group. For example, abacking instrument such as a guitar, typically routed tothe LR speakers, can be brought up in the centrespeakers for the duration of a lead solo to improve focusand clarity. There’s a good degree of flexibility offeredby the console’s sub-group/auxiliary system, a controlpanel allows for the editing and recall of mute and othersettings, while the four-band parametric EQ includes aswitchable Q control on the mids.
There’s three frame sizes withretail prices of: ML4000/32+2$39,995; ML5000/40+2 $44,995;and ML5000/48+2 $49,995.Technical Audio Group: (02) 9810 5300 or ‘[email protected]’
L-CompactL-ACOUSTICS have launched
two new speaker products.The MTD108a is a smallformat unit for distributedsystems and floor monitoring,or for front fill and underbalcony installation. TheNTD108a uses a coaxial trans-ducer assembly and exhibits85° conical directivity.Meanwhile the new dV-SUB isa high output, compactsubwoofer. It uses a dual ventedbandpass, three 15-inch design and should be just assuitable for touring or fixed installation.Jands Production Services: [email protected]
MartinExpands BlacklineMartin Audio has added a double 15 and horn
cabinet to their popular BlackLine range.The new speaker is targeted at a wide crosssection of the market and is fully capable offilling the role of FOH, side or drum fill forportable as well as fixed installation applicationsin venues, clubs, theatres and churches.Although the F215 is a two-way passive, its twin15-inch drivers play different roles in thefrequency band. While both drivers have thesame low frequency characteristics and operatetogether up to 250Hz, only the upper driver, (aspecially designed, low distortion bass-middevice), is used up to the 1.3kHz crossoverpoint. This technique aims to avoid the unevenresponse that occurs when both drivers operate
together over the mid band. Retail price of the F215 is $4,995.Technical Audio Group: (02) 9810 5300 or ‘[email protected]’
In-Ear Out Nowdbx recently introduced the In-Ear Monitor (IEM)
processor for performers and engineers who utilise in-ear monitoring devices. We’re told: ‘the dbx IEM
enhances the sonic quality of in-ear monitoring applica-tions while providing the necessary audio level protec-tion that is essential to artists and engineers’.
The IEM is one of the first digital signal processorsdesigned specifically for in-ear monitor applications. Theunit’s processing capabilities include four-band stereocompression with gating, dbx PeakStop limiting, stereoimage control and five-band parametric EQ. The IEMalso includes several custom reverb algorithms usingLexicon technology. Price: $4,595.Jands Electronics: (02) 9582 0909
Amek in Driving SeatThe Driver in a Box (DIB) is a new addition to Amek’s
Pure Path series. It provides eight high quality trans-former-coupled line amplifiers in a 1U rack, and isdesigned for driving long cable runs in broadcast and liveperformance applications. Primarily a unity gain device,the DIB offers a gain trim control for each balanced andfloating channel – allowing matched output levels to beset. Each channel also has a dedicated phase selector,and a ‘Silk’ setting, which emulates the sound of RupertNeve’s original circuit designs.ATT Controls: (03) 9379 1511
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Three DAS AdditionsThe DAS R-214 is a two-way vented loudspeaker
system. The low end utilises two 15-inch lowfrequency speakers with three-inch voice coil. The highend makes use of a one-inch exit compression driverwith two-inch titanium diaphragm, coupled to aconstant directivity horn. This trapezoidal cab should bewell suited to fixed installation applications coveringspeech reinforcement, program reproduction and livemusic productions.
Meanwhile, the Compact 1 incorporates a 100W classD switching amplifier, delivering 500W to the lowfrequency transducer (4!) and 300W to the mid/highsection (8!). Both channels are protected against undervoltage, and provide soft clipping, soft start-up andmute/unmute functions. The Compact 1 uses a combi-nation of a 15-inch LF driver, a six-inch mid driver, and aone-inch exit compression driver coupled to a constantdirectivity horn.Magna Systems: (02) 9417 1111
Meyer’s 3D SoundMeyer Sound is making its
presence felt in the line arraymarket with their M3D system. Thesecret ‘herbs and spices’ of thissystem can be found in Meyer’sBroadbandQ technology, whichmarries a new high-frequencymanifold system with Meyer’s propri-etary, directional low-frequency tech-nology, to precisely control verticaland horizontal coverage between40Hz and 18kHz. The result I’m toldis ‘truly optimised line arraybehaviour, affording performance that is markedlysuperior to conventional line array systems’ – no less.
Meyer Sound Australia: (07) 3252 4433
Renkus-Heinz is soon to be shipping its new Reflex Series of loudspeakers.They are designed for both installed and touring applications, with
rugged construction and user friendly features such as handles and tripodmounting sockets. Inside, the eight Reflex Series cabinets employ a‘Complex Conic’ horn topology which aims to eliminate the polar patterndistortions created by traditional horn designs, its benefits include improvedsound quality and more consistent audience coverage. Also Renkus’ TrueArray Principle (TRAP) ensures the acoustic centres of adjacent cabinets arephysically – not just ‘virtually’ – coincident.Horwood Australia: (02) 9585 1011
PM1D Monitor GrammysWhen Madonna, ‘NSync, Christina Aguilera, Destiny’s Child,
Eminem & Elton John, U2 and a host of others took thestage, it was four of the new Yamaha PM1D digital mixingconsoles that provided their stage monitor mixes.
Audiotek’s Scott Harmala was in charge of handling sound rein-forcement for the awards: “We chose the PM1D because a multi-act show such as this has unique technical challenges that theboard can really simplify.”
To expedite set changes, the show setup consisted of twocomplete stages, left and right. “Both had two PM1Ds,” explainsHarmala. “They were set up as redundancy, with a main and abackup; each was loaded with 96 analogue inputs and 32analogue outputs. Once the artists finished their rehearsals, theoperator could then take the PCMCIA memory card of thePM1D and write the settings to the main console. Then, thesettings went to the backup and were duplicated, or ‘flashed,’ sothe boards were in sync. At last year’s Grammy awards, we used14 PM4000-52Ms, to do the same job that two PM1Ds covered.”Yamaha Music Australia: 03 9693 5184 or [email protected]
Renkus Reflex Action
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New EAW Line ArrayEAW has announced the latest member of their touring
and installation products, the KF760 Series Line Array,consisting of the model KF760 and model KF761.
The KF760 and KF761 are horn-loaded, three-wayloudspeakers used in multiples to create a curved linesource. Utilising the concept of divergence shading, aKF760 Line Array requires minimal signal processingand allows all loudspeakers to be set for equal outputlevels. The model KF760 is engineered for medium tolong throw coverage (more than 70 feet) while the modelKF761 is for short throw coverage (less than 100 feet).Used together, they aim to provide uniform SPL,frequency response, and sonic character to the entireaudience, from the front row to the furthest seat.Production Audio Supplies: (03) 9415 1585
