The Bettermaker C502V: 500 series 3-in-1 VCA based 2 Channel Compressor.

                                             Bettermaker C502V compressor

   Bettermaker is a manufacturer known for making great sounding innovative gear such as the Bettermaker EQ230P Analog EQ and BetterMaker 502P - 500 series Analog EQ. Both with Digital Recall. They recently announced on Facebook the newest addition to their family - the C502V 3-in-1 VCA based 2 channel Compressor. The C502V will be showcased at the 139th AES 2015 NYC show. It can be run in stereo, Dual or M/S mode with digital recall of all settings. It also has 3 different compression modes.

Bettermaker C502V Features:

• 3 in 1 compressor- 3 different modes of compression, one original and two based on classic designs.
• 500 series
• Stereo/Dual Mono/MS (with solo function)
• Digital recall via USB (as always)
• Plugin control in all popular formats
• 399 onboard presets
• onboard UNDO function
• USB side chain (you can use the side chain just like in a plugin, no physical I/O needed)
• On board high pass side chain with selectable frequencies
• Lookahead mode for analog compression
• Wet/Dry for both channels
• Full parameter automation
• 1:2 ratio for Expansion, Transient designing
• Unit to unit Internal linking. You do not need USB cables hanging, or any special enclosure. Modules will connect with each-other as long as they are inserted side by side.
• Pricing:TBA

A little about the different compression modes:

BM:

• This will be the most gentle mastering compression mode but with very unique attack behavior.
• It will be fit for the widest range of settings. 
• It is great on Drums, Mix Buss. 
• It will introduce slower attacks and moderate release plus auto release.

SG mode.

• This will be inspired by the classic British VCA buss compressor,
• similar parameters
• same ease of use
• It will have all additional functions mentioned above vs. the original.

DX:

• Classic aggressive compression based on a classic 160A, so loved on drums.
• Attack and release parameters will not display
• It will have all additional functions mentioned above vs. the original.

   Bettermaker will be located in the Trans Audio Group Booth 935 where you can audition the C502V and all their other gear.

ATM Bettermaker™ EQ 230P - analog EQ with digital recall

The sound and features of the ATM Bettermaker™ EQ 230P makes it a great tool for recording, mixing as well as mastering. Having a first rate analog EQ with an A/B comparison function and two parallel outs is an incredible asset. The planned USB connection will make it easy to sync it with your DAW.

From the website:

"The ATM Bettermaker™ EQ 230P is a fully analog stereo equalizer based on legendary designs. Besides it’s pure analog signal path, it has full digital recall with 399 cells for your own presets, which you can recall with one touch. We have also added an A/B comparing function known from plugins.

By building this equalizer we wanted to create a device that would have a maximum range of usage and a very characteristic, but clean sound. We picked out the best of classic designs and modified them to be more practical. As we work faster and faster every day, we need to have the highest quality and the maximum speed we can get."

FEATURES

• 10 filters (5 on each channel) based on classic designs including 2 famous P sections, 2 Highpass filters and 4 parametric filters with wide frequency ranges
• P section – Shelf filters based upon legendary constructions, first time offered in combined stereo, with all features including separate boost and attenuation knobs
• Full digital recall with 399 cells for your own presets
• A/B comparing function
• Fully isolated analog and digital paths for maximum separation of these two worlds
• 2 additional parallel outputs for advanced processing like parallel compression
• 10 presets to have a kick start!
• Future USB connection to synchronize it with you sequencer
• Additional modifications available as M/S mode, M insert in M/S mode, custom frequency ranges and even personalized name tags

SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency response:	5Hz to 100kHz (-0.5dB)
Dynamic range:	more than 106 dB
S/N ratio:	more than 104 dB
THD+N:	less than 0.004%
Channels:	2
Weight:	kg
Supply voltage:	110V AC 50/60Hz or 230V AC 50Hz (depending on model)
Power consumption:	15 W
Input impedance:	10k Ohm unbalanced, 20k Ohm balanced
Output impedance:	100 Ohm unbalanced, 200 Ohm balanced
Max input level:	+18dBu balanced or +12dBu unbalanced
Max output level:	18dBu balanced or +12dBu unbalanced
Unity gain:	balanced: 0dB, unbalanced: -6dB
Clip detector:	present
High-pass filter:	12db/oct 18…200Hz (variable)
EQ 1 freq. range:	45…1000Hz
EQ 1 gain:	-15…+15dB
EQ 1 bandwidth:	0.2oct…3oct
EQ 2 freq. range:	650…15000Hz
EQ 2 gain:	-15…+15dB
EQ 2 bandwidth:	0.2oct…3oct
P EQ low freq. range:	20, 30, 60, 100Hz
P EQ high freq. range:	3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 16 kHz
P EQ high cut freq:	5, 10, 20 kHz 6db/oct
Preset storage capacity:	399 presets

$4,500 at ZenPro Audio


http://www.bettermaker.eu/products/eq-230p/

THE BETTERMAKER 502P - 500 series Analog EQ with Recall

THE BETTERMAKER 502P is now being shown at the 2012 AES show in San Francisco and its sure to become a quick favorite not only because of its sonics but due to its complete integration with your DAW. You can recall settings with your sessions and control/automate it from within the DAW with the plugin. Marek says its the same circuitry as their 230P rack mount Eq that I blogged about previously. The 502P is a stereo 500 series unit that connects to your computer via USB.

FEATURES:

• Stereo Passive Analog EQ
• 399 recall presets on the unit
• Full D.A.W recall in your session
• The EQ follows the plugin as well as the plugin follows the EQ
• Full automation via plugins (RTAS, AU, VST, 32,64)

MSRP: $1450

AES 135th New gear announcements - Part 1

The AES 135th Convention is in full swing at the Jacob Javits Center, New York. For those able to attend its gear heaven, workshops on many different audio related topics plus you get to meet the people behind some of your favorite gear.

Here's some of the new products that have been announced for AES:

BetterMaker EQ 542.

FEATURES

• Stereo Parametric section, two paramtric filters offered in combined, matched stereo.
• High pass section, 24 dB/oct filter with selectable frequency
• Low pass section, 12 dB/oct filter with selectable frequency
• Full digital recall with 399 cells for your own presets.
• USB link to use the EQ’s just as you would use a plugin, including Automation.
• Free AU, VST, RTAS, (AXX soon) 32 & 64 bit plugin controller
• Steel screen isolators for maximum separation of digital and analog sections
• You can connect up to 99 EQ542′s to one D.A.W. and control them with dedicated plugins.

Check it out at AES New York. TransAudio Booth no. 3132.




Now there's no excuse not to have a 500 series rack. Lindell Audio has announced a 3 slot 500 Series power supply for only $279?!!.

Lindell 503 - 3 Slot 500 Series power supply

FEATURES

• 800mA of power per slot
• Gold plated XLR inputs and outputs
• Built in no noise Universal Power Supply: 90-250V
• Overload protection
• Short circuit protection
• Power rail led indication
• Aluminum cabinet
• Lightweight
• Steel M3 threads
• Comes with a neoprene gig bag

There's also a 506 and a 510 ($549 for a 10 slot is insane!!)

API has announced a brand new console called THE BOX.

FEATURES

• Two (2) input channels with mic/instrument/line preamp, HP filter, & integral 550A EQ
• Two (2) input channels with mic/instrument/line preamp, HP filter, & 500 slot
• Two (2) compressors assignable to input channels or program bus with stereo link
• Sixteen (16) summing channels (20 channels during mix)
• Stereo program bus with master fader, insert, and external input
• One (1) stereo and (2) mono auxiliary sends/buses
• Stereo cue send/bus & headphone system
• PFL, AFL, and solo-in-place solo modes with stereo solo bus
• Full-featured monitor section that supports two stereo monitor systems
• Talkback system
• Comprehensive rear panel connections with balanced inputs and outputs
• Integrated power supply

Rupert Neve Designs(RND) Shelford Series.

Shelford 5051 - Inductor EQ / Compressor

Shelford 5052 - Mic Pre / Inductor EQ

That's it for now I will do another post tomorrow on some of the other exciting new gear announced for AES.