AES 135th New gear announcements - Part 2

The AES 135th Convention continues today through Sunday. Here's some more gear that's being shown there.

PHOENIX AUDIO - NICERIZER JUNIOR

The Nicerizer Junior from Phoenix Audio (Booth 3157) is based upon their Nicerizer 16 which is a "2U 19″ rack mountable 16 input and 4 output Summing Mixer, that can be stacked and linked in any multiple and various configurations to give high quality, line-level, Class A, discrete buffering, summing and mixing."

FEATURES

• 16 channels of our Class A, discrete, truly balanced transformerless input stage.
• Our proven and loved Class A, discrete, transformer balanced output stage (DSOP-2).
• Individual pan control for each channel with detented/steppd pots for extra control (16 x Pan pots)
• 16 x Balanced Input via D-sub inputs, wired as Tascam DA88 standard. Can accept balanced or unbalanced input with no -6dB loss.
• 4 x mix busses (Stereo Mix Bus)
• +8dB Boost button on each channel.
• Master mix bus output level control.
• Switchable for each channel and Main Output
• Main Outputs on Balanced XLR’s
• Maximum Output Level of +26dB.
• Huge headroom available on all channels.
• All units are wired with PTFE silver military grade cable

SKNote VASTASO

I have to admit I'm not very familiar with the company SKNote but the look and features of this unit piqued my interest. The Vastaso is described as a "stereo compression and distortion unit with sidechain EQ and external sidechain input". I can see using this as part of a DAW/Summing chain and also for tracking. A great way to add life to sterile sounds.

FEATURES

- 12 stereo compression models (opto to vintage to modern)

- 12 stereo distortion modes (linked to compression)

- stereo with a single set of controls

- balanced inputs/outputs

- analog-computing modeling

- internal sidechain EQ (highs and lows)

- external (line level, balanced) sidechain input

- 16 VCAs inside

- feed-forward and feed-back compression

- limiting

- peak and rms detection

- special compression modes

- huge needle meter for compression

- bi-color led indicator for distortion

- 3 rack units

Special AES 2013 introductory offer: $999 (+ VAT, taxes, shipment)

Slate Digital's VIRTUAL MIX RACK

Slate Digital has announced the VIRTUAL MIX RACK which should be available to purchase in January. Price TBA.

NEUMANN TLM 107

The TLM 107 is the latest microphone from Neumann (MSRP $1700). It uses a novel approach when changing mic settings "... all of the microphone switch functions are controlled through an elegant, wear-resistant navigation switch. The contemporary, intuitive operating concept includes an illuminated pattern display in the chrome ring, with the Pad and Low Cut status LEDs positioned to the left and right. The switch and display are located on the rear of the microphone so as to not distract singers. After 15 seconds, the display is turned off automatically, allowing the TLM 107 to be positioned discretely on the stage."

FEATURES

• Multipattern large diaphragm microphone with 5 polar patterns (omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-eight) 
• Navigation switch with LED illuminated display for polar pattern, PAD and low cut 
• Sound characteristics: transparent, natural reproduction of human voice, outstanding transient response 
• Balanced sound in all 5 polar pattern settings 

 

CRANESONG SYREN

Dave Hill of CraneSong ( I am a big fan of their HEDD 192)  is a person who needs no introduction in the audio world and he has announced the impending release (Dec./Jan) of his newest offering the Syren 500 series Tube Mic pre.

To be continued.....

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.

Smart Research celebrates their 25th anniversary with the C1LA

A lot of engineers/producers will be thrilled to hear that the Smart Research C1 is now available in a dual channel 500 series format called the C1LA. It can be used as a stereo unit or in dual mono. Those familiar with the original SSL G Buss Compressor (or the plugin emulations from Waves and UAD) will recognize the layout immediately.

There are additional controls and settings not available on the original that adds even more sonic possibilities to the C1LA.

Smart Research was founded by Alan Smart who has extensive experience in the audio field and his client list reads like a who's who of recording artists, producers and studios.

From Vintage King's website:

The Smart Research C1LA is a two channel compressor/limiter, released to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the original C1 Stereo/Dual Mono unit, and the 50th anniversary of North American distributor, Sunset Sound. It is a versatile unit, housed in a two-module wide 500-series format, with three main modes of operation offering a range of possibilities. It can be used for all stereo or single channel signal applications: as a main mix bus compressor; for sub-mixes; or for tracking either mono or stereo sources.

For 25 years Smart Research compressors have been used across many mixes: with artists as diverse as the Rolling Stones to the Three Tenors. The C1LA shares this history by including the same electronics and settings as the original C1, but with several new features.

A Tri-Mode C1
Each channel can either be used independently, or in Stereo mode both are summed into the side-chain to eliminate any image shift. The C1LA also has the ability to DC-Link the side-chain signals in Stereo mode, allowing for more movement, while still preserving the stereo image. And for those who prefer to compress both sides of a mix without linking: when operating independently both channelʼs controls are ganged.

Mix Glue
The essence of the sound is determined by its dynamic performance: the way it reacts around transients creating its signature. In many situations, best results can be from medium-slow attack; and medium-fast release settings: passing transients present in a signal, while the compression law and timings then played out as the side-chain reacts and recovers both controls the overall levels and adds ʻpunchʼ as the transients are shaped. The ʻSOFTʼ mode in the C1LA also adds a new compression curve, acting not just at the threshold knee point, but across a broad input range of about 15dB.

Features:

• 3 operating modes: Independent/ganged; Stereo linked/Sum; and Stereo Linked/DC
• Metering options: Input, Output, (VU) and Gain Reduction (PPM) for L & R Channels
• 3 side-chain filters : 65, 130, or 205Hz
• Automatic distortion null circuitry
• Normal and half-threshold ranges
• ʻSoftʼ compression curve reshapes a 15dB range
• Total of 12 Attack and 12 Release settings
• Total of 4 ʻAutoʼ settings
• Dual, balanced bantam jacks for external side-chain inputs
• All settings and circuitry from original C1 Dual/Stereo Compressor

Sold exclusively at Vintage King Audio for $1750

API Vision Channel Strip Plug-In for the UAD-2 platform

The name API is synonymous with great sonics and UA's new API Vision Channelstrip for the UAD-2 platform is no exception. It's included with the UAD 7.3 software update which I downloaded and then tried the demo on a mix I was doing.

(Tip: Its a good idea to have a clone of your system drive to test new software/updates etc. so if there are any crippling issues you're not left with a non-working system.) 

Within a few minutes I was able to get a sound I liked and I can see adding this to my list of must have channelstrip plugins. (I use the UAD SSL E and 88RS religiously.) It comes with tons of presets to get you started and here's an actual setting I used on a mix. I added sheen, midrange presence and low end without boominess plus some sonic glue with the compressor section. (The compression is a bit drastic but sounded great.)

Features

• Faithful channel strip emulation from API's flagship Vision analog console
• Comprised of five distinct modules: 212L Mic Preamp, 215L High/Low Cut Filters, 235L Gate/Expander, 225L Compressor/Limiter, and 550L 4-Band Equalizer
• Models custom 2520 API op-amp and transformers with circuit nonlinearities
• Allows recording in real time via Apollo interface (sub-2ms latency) and/or mixing workflows via UAD-2 hardware
• Offers more than 70 artist presets from Joe Chiccarelli, Neil Dorfsman, David Isaac, Nathaniel Kunkel and John Paterno

Take a look at this video review from our good friend Russ Hughes over at Protools Expert. He explains each section of the API Vision and shows it in actual use:

Cost $299 on UA's website. 

NOTE: At the time of posting the 7.3 update is temporarily unavailable on the website. Hopefully it will be back up soon.

Elysia's MUSEQ EQ Plugin

Elysia has announced the plugin version of their revered Museq Equalizer.

"The Museq plugin has all the original sound and functions the hardware is known and loved for, including the outstanding high/low cut filters with resonance and the Warm Mode sound shaper... it also adds some powerful extras, like the integrated M/S matrix for mid and side processing, the possibility to link both channels for more convenient stereo operation, and dedicated output level controllers for adapting your settings to the available headroom."

Features:

Resonance High & Low Pass Filters
The outer shelving filters can be switched into low and high pass filters which feature an additional resonance peak as a very useful specialty.

Parallel Filter Design
A special circuit trick makes it possible to leave the high and middle frequencies completely untouched when using the high and low pass filters.

Warm Mode
The museq offers a second, switchable sound flavor by altering its frequency spectrum, harmonics and transient response.

Pure Transparency Path
The puristic design of the filter stages with current feedback amplifier stages and without any coupling capacitors results in an outstanding sound quality.

Boost/Cut Mode
The boost/cut switch generates twice the number of values to be set with the 23 step potentiometers than the usual -/0/+ arrangement would offer.

Switchable Filter Quality
The filter quality can be switched from a wide to a narrow Q factor which remains independent from the setting of the gain controller.


The Museq's sonics and feature set makes it a great tool for mixing and mastering.

Here's a video demo of the Museq:

The Museq can be purchased at Plugin-Alliance.com for $249. Check out their Dynamic Bundle Offer and save up to 50% off on multiple plugins.

Tech Tues: How To Mix Rock Guitars and get them WIDE!

Here's another great ITL from Dave (#86) showing how to get wide sounding guitars. Even though it's tailored to guitars these tips can be used for other sounds as well. If you come up with something cool or have some tips of your own let me know.

Vermona DSR-3 Dual Spring Reverb

Looking for a great sounding rack mount Spring Reverb?  Then take a look/listen to the DSR-3 Dual Spring Reverb from Vermona. The DSR-3 is based on the highly acclaimed Accutronics Reverb and is actually their fourth reverb. 

The other three are the RetubeVerb which is valve based;

the RetroVerb Lancet which is a desktop unit; 

and the VSR-3 which is a simpler rackmount unit.

"The DSR-3 - dual spring reverb - is a professional spring reverberation unit for use with stereophonic sound sources. Besides this function, the unit offers additional parallel and serial operational modes for advanced and creative applications....."

The DSR-3 has very flexible routing and a D.I. (instrument) input. The reverb can be turned off if needed with the effect stop switch but still retain the tone/color of the unit.

FEATURES:

• STEREO for the use with stereophonic sound sources. For perfect channel matching, the first SPRING REVERB channel's physical controls are used to define both channels settings.
• DUAL MONO for use with two independent sound sources. Each DSR–3 channel works as an independent unit.
• SERIAL for experimental reverberation effects. Here, the first SPRING REVERB channel is fed into the second channel. This allows creation of long lasting reverberation tails.
• Balanced and Unbalanced I/O
• Bass and Treble controls
• Hand matched high quality Accubell reverberation springs
• D.I. Input

SPECIFICATIONS:

• max. input sensitivity: -14 dBu
• max. input level: +20 dBu
• output impedance
  • TS front: 1 MΩ
  • TS rear: 100 kΩ
  • XLR: 10 kΩ
• max. output level: +20 dBu
• output impedance: 600 Ω
• signal-to-noice XLR
  • direct: 90 dB
  • effect: 65 dB
• EQ
• bass: 40 Hz / ±13 dB
• treble: 7 kHz / ±22 dB

There's a review on bonedo.de. It's in German but you can read the the English Translation here. There is an audio example on the right side of the page that gives you an idea of the DSR-3 sound.

The DSR-3 will be available in October 2013. Price TBA.

These are probably the cheapest 500 series modules you will ever buy.

Overtone DSP has added 2 new API 500 series format modules to their list of plugins. The DYN500 compressor and EQ500 equalizer. The plugins are installed by simply dragging them to the Components folder and there were no issues with Logic Pro recognizing and validating them. I tried both plugins on a project and it was very easy to dial in a good sound with them. They can be used separately but really shine when used together.

"The DYN500 is an 'API 500 format module' software plugin. It functions as a compressor with a valve overdrive characteristic when over-driven, similar to analogue 'tape saturation'. It is intended to be used with the EQ500 Channel EQ to form a complete channel strip dynamics and EQ processing solution for Digital Audio Workstations."

Features:

● Audio Unit (AU) for Mac OS X v. 10.5 or later.
● Soft Knee compression characteristic, ensures gentle onset of compression at the threshold.
● Vintage overdrive stage adds extra 'tape saturation' or tube overdrive 'warmth' to the sound when driven at high levels.
● Physical Control Weighting replicates the feel of high quality rotary controls, also improving accuracy for small control changes.

The EQ500 Parametric Channel EQ is a three band 'API 500 Module' format software plugin. The EQ features adjustable low and high frequency shelves and an adjustable mid frequency parametric. It is intended to provide a complete channel processing solution when used with the DYN500 Channel Dynamics plugin. 

Features:

● Audio Unit (AU) plugin for Mac OS X v. 10.5 or later.
● Adjustable high and low frequency shelves and mid-range parametric.
● Analogue Filter Modelling replicates a natural sounding analogue filter response without requiring CPU intensive upsampling.
● Physical Control Weighting replicates the feel of high quality rotary controls, also improving accuracy for small control changes.

"Both plugins are capable of mono or stereo operation and are designed to provide professional console grade processing while being economical with CPU and system resources. Purchasing the plugins as a bundle provides an attractive saving compared to purchasing both separately. "
 

Download the demo and buy at Overtone DSP.

Cost: £30.00/$48

Vocal EQ & Delay tips from Dave Pensado.

Here's Dave showing a great vocal eq tip in ITL #82:




Take a look at this quick ITL video where Dave gives some new vocal delay tips.

You need these for your next recording session.

Radial Engineering makes great, solidly built and sometimes unique gear. Their lineup consists of DIs, Splitters, Interfaces, Effects and even Re-amping. One of their latest offerings is the 4 channel Mic selector known as the Gold Digger. It allows you to instantly compare up to four different microphones

or D.I.s with the same Preamp. This can come in very handy when trying to find the right mic for a vocalist, instrument or drum kit.

"The Gold Digger is a 4-channel mic selector that enables the engineer to quickly compare the sound of four different microphones while sharing the same preamp. A 'straight wire' passive circuit design is void of any audio buffers or transformers. Instead, the Gold Digger employs military grade gold contact relays to manage the switching process, thus ensuring the pristine mic signal is maintained without introducing color, distortion or artefact of any kind.

Features include four rear-mounted XLR-F mic inputs plus an XLR-m output to feed the preamp. To eliminate bleed between microphones, each channel is equipped with a 'radio style' selector switch that ensures only one mic is on at a time. The external supply provides power for the LED indicators, charges the relays and enables the Gold Digger to generate 48 volt phantom which can be turned on or off for each mic as needed. To ensure an 'honest' comparison between microphones, individual 'set & forget' trim controls let you adjust each mic level so that they produce the same relative output. Once set up, the Gold Digger not only improves workflow, but also gives the artist more confidence with the sound of the vocal, resulting in a better overall performance."

FEATURES:

• Four selectable inputs with trim adjusts
• Straight wire distortion-free signal path
• Will not introduce color or artifact
• Increases artist's confidence when recording (due to obtaining a better sound much faster)

The Radial Cherry Picker allows you to audition one Mic with up to four different preamps. Using it in conjuction with the Gold Digger you can try multiple Mic chains at the press of a switch. It can also be used for instant comparison of outboard gear when recording or mixing.

"The Radial Cherry Picker is a unique tool designed to improve efficiency and workflow in the studio by simplifying the process of matching the best preamp with a microphone for a given track. This is most often done when recording vocals. This improves the sonic character of the track and provides the vocalist with a more comfortable sound, which in turn allows for a better performance.

Four front panel 'radio style' selector switches select the active preamp while automatically disconnecting the mic from the others. Completely passive and 100% discrete, the Cherry Picker features a 'straight wire' signal path. There is no active circuitry whatsoever in between the mic signal and the preamp. The audio signal switching is performed by a series of military-grade gold contact sealed relays for zero coloration and distortion to ensure a fair and honest comparison between preamps.

The rear panel is equipped with a balanced XLR input for the microphone and four balanced XLR outputs to feed the various preamps. When using a studio condenser, the Cherry Picker internally generates 48V phantom power so that switching between preamps will not disrupt the phantom power going to the microphone. This could otherwise cause severe popping in the audio system and headphones. Separate ground lift switches for each output help reduce noise by eliminating ground loops plus a handy mute switch turns all outputs off, enabling the engineer to leave the preamp settings untouched when testing out other mics."

FEATURES:

• Select the best mic & preamp combination
• Passive 'straight wire' color-free signal path
• Built-in 48V phantom power for condenser mics
• Improve the workflow efficiency in your studio

James from Protools Expert did a quick video showing Radial's Gold Digger being used with a Cherry Picker to record a vocalist:

Cost $350 each at various dealers including Little Fish Audio

Western Dynamo 500 Series 19-09 Opto Comp

Western Dynamo is a company with a design approach based on years of experience in the audio industry as Engineers, Studio Techs and consultants. Their first product is the 500 Series 19-09 Optical Compressor.

"The 500 Series 19-09 Optical Compressor is like nothing you've ever heard.... it's been designed from the ground up to deliver a unique sonic signature and incredible mid-range detail and control...... The 19-09's Compress control allows the engineer to easily dial in gain reduction from 2 to 30 decibels, with automatic ratio detection ranging from 0.5:1 to 30:1 (ALL IN)."

FEATURES:

• Class-A, Fully Discrete Audio Path
• True Hardware Bypass
• Floating Transformer Balanced I/O
• Twin Push-Pull Optos for Automatic Ratio Control & up to 30db of Gain Reduction
• Butterworth High Pass Sidechain Filter
• Strobing GR Meter for Precise Visual Feedback
• Single-Knob Comp/Ratio Operation
• 20db Makeup Gain

Here's a video of a pair of 19-09s being used on drums. It gives you an idea of the sonic capabilities and shows the versatility of the unit which I'm sure would be just as adept with bass, guitar, vocals etc.

Cost: $799 but is currently on sale till Sept. 30th for $550.

RAVEN Multi-Touch Consoles: Workflow Truly EVOLVED

Check out this new video by Steven Slate showing how the Raven MTi/MTX consoles can greatly increase your workflow.





The Raven MTi is available at Guitar Center for $2499

Audient iD22 Interface and Monitor Controller

 I've been hearing/reading good things about the Audient iD22. It's described as a USB DAW recording interface but seems to offer much more:

"iD22 provides two classic audient microphone preamplifiers, ALL NEW pristine AD/DA convertors that have been designed to deliver impeccable detail and impressive depth during both tracking & mixing. iD22 is expandable via ADAT i/o - perfect for partnering with an ASP008 for 10-ch recording [total 10-in, 12-out + headphones]. Our console-style monitor controller functionality and USB2.0 connectivity complete the ergonomic desktop package."

Not only does the iD22 provide 2 top notch mic pres and 6 AD/DA converters but it can also be used as a monitor controller with the ability to control 2 sets of speakers.

Features:

• 2-in, 6-out high performance 24-bit/96kHz AD/DA converters 
• 2 superb class-A mic preamplifiers & 1 discrete JFET instrument input 
• Fully balanced insert points for integrating outboard gear 
• High current headphone amplifier fed by an independent DAC 
• Low latency DSP mixer for artist mixes 
• Main and alternative stereo outputs 
• User defined monitoring functionality with hardware control 
• USB2.0 class compliant connectivity - Mac OS10.6.8 or later 

Here's a video with Audient's Luke Baldry giving a quick overview of the iD22 features.

and here's another video showcasing a song by the band Kielo in which the iD22 was used to do the recording session.

Available at VintageKingAudio for $795

CalDigit Thunderbolt™ Station

CalDigit's Thunderbolt™Station will make the perfect accessory for my portable studio. At first glance it's small size is hardly indicative of its capabilities.

It provides a multitude of connections for a Thunderbolt equipped computer.

At a reasonable price of $199. I added my name to the waiting list and will let everyone
know as soon as its available.