Apr 16, 2010 5:20 PM, By the Mix Editors

Big News and a Bigger Show Rock the Desert

Renegade Labs showed its M1 Monitor System, which allows monitoring of 16 channels of audio from a 3G/SD/HD SDI input to eight analog outputs. Features include stereo Lo/Ro (left-only/right-only) downmixing, an audio delay for video monitor latency, 2-channel monitoring mode, headphone output with level control and a 2-channel external input for monitoring portable devices.

Optocore announced collaborations with both Lawo and SSL during NAB and showed its SANE Cat-5 network system, which garnered a prestigious MIPA award the month before at Musikmesse/ProLight+Sound. SANE features a 1 gigabit-per-second data rate supporting 512 audio channels, ultra-low latency, complete signal integration on one fiber, and single-channel access for every device on the system.

Roland Systems Group is now shipping its S-0808 8-in/8-out compact digital snake and showed the handy Ace Backstage S-0808 Stage Pocket, an in-floor installation housing that houses the S-0808 unit, which easily slides in/out during use and later be stored securely. Adjacent to the S-0808’s well are a panel for up to 12 common A/V connectors and a generous raceway for AC power.

The Listening Post
Dynaudio Acoustics showed its newly redesigned BM5A MKII monitors. The woofer offers longer excursions resulting in a cleaner, tighter bass response and an added waveguide that ensures reduced acoustical reflections and a more-accurate sweet spot for the listener.

Focal had a great sounding 5.1 system set up in their trade show “igloo” using their new and affordable CMS 40 active monitors with their CMS SUB. The CMS 40 uses the same Aluminum/Magnesium inverted dome tweeter as in Focal’s CMS 50 and CMS 65, offering clear highs to 28kHz and the very low weight of the 4-inch Polyglass cone woofer extending the frequency response to 60Hz.

Genelec 8260A

Showing for the first time at NAB, Genelec brought its 8260A three-way DSP System, which is now shipping. The 8260A features major advances in audio driver technology, integrated with a sophisticated enclosure design, and Genelec’s proprietary Minimum Diffraction Coaxial (MDC™) mid-/high-driver technology.

Tannoy had three new monitors in its Reveal range on hand. The 501a active monitor features a perfectly matched 60W integrated amplifier ensuring maximum efficiency from the 5-inch LF/MF driver and 1-inch soft dome tweeter, while the 501a’s response has been optimized for near-field operation. The 601a, meanwhile, features a larger 6.5-inch LF/MF driver and 1-inch soft dome tweeter and a total power output of 90 watts. The 601p is a passive version of the 601a.

Audio-Technica bowed the BPHS1 broadcast stereo headset with a dynamic boom microphone, offering natural, highly intelligible stereo reproduction. The rugged BPHS1 features closed-back circumaural ear cups designed to provide maximum comfort and ambient noise rejection with minimal ear fatigue. The BPHS1 also has a pro boom-mounted moving coil dynamic mic that you can position for use on either side of the mouth.

RME Babyface USB audio interface

Studio Essentials
RME showed a new desktop USB I/O called Babyface that packs a mind-blowing array of features in a small footprint. It features 192 kHz AD/DA conversion, 10 inputs/12 outputs, two balanced mic preamps, hi-Z input, ADAT or S/PDIF IO, headphone out and 32-channel MIDI IO, plus an FPGA-powered PC/Mac mixer with effects and M/S decoding. For more, read Kevin Becka’s blog about the RME Babyface.

Minnetonka Audio Software announced the release of a new product for facilities equipped with Dolby E: the LTRT WavFileAnalyzer is an Lt-Rt software product that provides automated content verification for stored media files and is designed for broadcasters as well as content and service providers. The product is certified to run on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7.

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