Recording
API 2448, 1608II Recording/Mixing Consoles
Classic Analog Sound in Compact, Affordable Packages
At the recent AES Convention, API debuted the 2448 recording and mixing console, bridging the gap between the company’s highly successful 1608 and AXS consoles with a smaller, dual-signal-path analog recording console. The 2448 offers 24 fully featured channels for recording and 56 channels for mixing, providing the advantages of a large-format console in a more compact and affordable package. The console is available in 24-, 32- and 40-channel frame sizes, and offers dual inputs on each channel, four stereo returns and, optionally, API’s new cross-platform Final Touch fader automation system, among many other features. The company reports that eight consoles had been sold and commissioned before the product’s release.
Also at AES, API debuted the new 1608-II recording and mixing console, which includes a layout upgrade to the auxiliary masters, the inclusion of four automatable stereo returns, a revamp of the Control Room section to provide even smoother and easier workflow, and the optional cross-platform Final Touch automation system.
Apogee FX Rack with Plug-Ins
Also Dante Connectivity for Symphony MKII
Apogee had a slew of product announcements at AES, the most prominent being the new Apogee FX Rack, a release of four native plug-ins: EQP-1A (licensed by Pulse Techniques), Opto-3A, ModEQ 6 and ModComp. The Pultec EQP-1A, which Apogee says “precisely re-creates” the sound of the original hardware; the Opto-3A is a vintage-style compressor/limiter; ModEQ is a “modern 6-band visual equalizer” that features graphical control, a spectrum analyzer, Proportional or Constant Q options, lowpass and highpass filtering, and a band-solo option; ModComp is a compressor/limiter with several algorithms, including Punch, Easy and Level, along with a mix control, 2-band sidechain EQ and more.
In Native mode, the plug-ins work with any DAW. DualPath Monitor and Print Mode link to an Apogee hardware input (Apogee Element Series and Ensemble Thunderbolt interfaces). A parallel FX Rack is automatically opened in the low-latency monitoring path. Changes made in either plug-in are instantly mirrored. The four plug-ins are all compatible with AU, VST and AAX formats on macOS.
Also at AES, Apogee announced Dante connectivity for the Symphony MKII, configurable with a number of custom options ranging from 8 to 32 analog I/O channels, allowing up to 32 channels with Pro Tools and redundant Dante connectivity to be fitted into a single two-space rack device.
Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain
Five Modules Used Individually or in Custom Workflows
Waves Audio has released the Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain plug-in, developed in conjunction with the famed studio. The TG Mastering Chain plug-in is a modular mastering chain modeled after the EMI TG12410 Transfer Console used in all of Abbey Road’s mastering suites since the early 1970s. The distinct solid-state transistor-based sound includes the TG12411 Input Module, TG12412 Tone Module (EQ), TG12413 Compressor/Limiter Module, TG12414 Filter Module and TG12416 V.A.L (Spread) Module (stereo component only) incorporated into the Output Module. Modules can be interchanged (except for input/output modules) and switched on/off to allow for a flexible processing flow and creating custom chains. Individual modules can be used on different tracks and group buses in a mixing session, as well as on the master bus in mastering sessions. The compressor/limiter module offers two flavors—Original and Modern—and is coupled with 48 dB/octave linear-phase sidechain. The Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain plug-in is included in the Waves Abbey Road Collection bundle.
Acon Digital Mastering Suite
Five New Plug-In Processors for Precision Sound Shaping
Acon Digital has released a new Mastering Suite consisting of five plug-ins for audio mastering based on processing tools from the company’s flagship audio editor, Acoustica Premium Edition. Dynamics is a combined compressor, expander or gate. The look-ahead can be set anywhere from 0 to 30 milliseconds and the intelligent algorithm ensures a band-limited gain signal. Multiband Dynamics is the multiband extension of Dynamics, allowing dynamic processing in linear phase mode in up to four separate bands. Limit is a transparent limiter with intelligent look-ahead in the range 0 to 30 milliseconds. The limiting is performed in a two-step process with a pre-compressor followed by the actual peak-limiting algorithm. Equalize 2 is a parametric equalizer with which users can adjust not only center frequency, gain and bandwidths, but also the filter slope for each band. Finally, Dither offers flexible perceptual noise shaping allowing users to adjust the maximum gain, and the noise shaping filter is visualized graphically.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Wireless
Bluetooth Capability Added to Pro Over-Ear Headphones
To meet demand for on-the-go listening, Audio Technica has introduced the ATH-M50xBY wireless headphones with Bluetooth. The closed-back ATH-M50xBT boasts exceptional clarity; articulate, extended bass; and smooth, wide frequency response from its 45mm large-aperture driver (capable of a 15-28,000 Hz frequency range). An internal battery provides up to 40 hours on a full charge (USB charging cable supplied). Its fold-flat design with 90-degree swiveling earcups includes controls mounted on the left earcup for easy handling of phone calls, music playback and volume adjustment. The ATH-M50xBT utilizes Bluetooth 5.0 and is compatible with aptX and AAC codecs.
Eventide SP2016 Reverb Plug-In
Software Re-Creation of a Classic Multi-Effects Processor
Eventide debuted the SP2016 Reverb plug-in, a spot-on re-creation of the classic collection of reverb algorithms from pro audio’s first rackmount multi-effects processor, introduced in 1982. Precisely modeling every aspect of those hardware units, the plug-in features: three distinct reverb types, each available in Vintage and Modern versions—the Modern algorithms are brighter, more diffused, and use higher bit resolution; Room, a basic no-nonsense, no-frills ambient “room” with extreme pre-delay range; Stereo Room, which re-creates the ambience of a large concert hall; Hi-Density Plate—plate reverb with dual pickups simulating the effect of a big, heavy plate; Unique Position control to increase depth; Controls for predelay, decay, position and diffusion; EQ section for simple high and low filtering with adjustable filter ranges; and a variety of presets by engineers Dave Pensado, Joe Chiccarelli, Richard Devine, Sasha, George Massenberg, the Butcher Bros., Buda & Grandz, Erin Tonkon and others.
Fluid Audio SRI-2
Audio I/O with Modern Quality and an Old-School Feel
The SRI-2 interface from Fluid Audio is a sturdy piece of gear reminiscent of the “old school” studios, with best-in-class 24-bit/192kHz digital converters inside capturing the detailed nuance of every recording. The large volume knob provides accurate control of the output level, and direct monitoring provides zero-latency tracking. Two XLR/TRS combo inputs are conveniently mounted on the front, allowing an instrument or mic to be plugged in easily. The speaker switching capability allows A-B mix comparisons on two sets of speakers. Features include two class A microphone preamps with +48V phantom power; four TRS outputs for two monitor pairs with A/B button; and headphone output with separate volume control. SRI-2 is powered by USB 2.0. Cubase LE 9.5 DAW software is included via download for PC and Mac, Cubasis LE DAW for iPad.
Universal Audio Lexicon 480L Reverb
Plug-In Emulates Classic Plate, Hall, Room, Ambience and More
The Lexicon 480L Digital Reverb has been a mainstay of studios and front-of-house areas since it debuted in 1986. Now Universal Audio is releasing a Lexicon-approved plug-in emulation for use with its UAD hardware and UA audio interfaces. The plug-in is based around that familiar controller form factor from the Lexicon 480L Digital Effects System and its fader-driven remote control. The unit was updated over the years, so the reverb and effects provided with the plug-in are derived from the final software version 4.10, with offerings including Plate, Hall, Room, Random, Ambience, Twin Delays and Effects algorithms. Additionally, the Lexicon 480L’s random time-varying “Effects” algorithm is being made available for the first time, providing reverse, doubling, tremolo and chorus sounds. The plug-in comes with more than 100 artist presets from the likes of Spike Stent, Chuck Zwicky, Eli Janney, Ian Boxill, Jacknife Lee and others.
Avantone Pro CLA-200 Amplifier
Complementary Power to the CLA-10 Monitor
On the heels of its introduction of the passive CLA-10 monitor, Avantone Pro has released the complementary CLA-200 Studio Reference Amplifier, a classically designed Class A/B amplifier developed in close collaboration with award-winning mix engineer Chris Lord-Alge. Housed in a 2U rackmount chassis, the amplifier can generate over 200 watts per channel into an 8 ohm load and can run at one-third power without thermal fault. (It is convection-cooled.) Stated specs include 20 Hz-20 kHz ±0.5 dB frequency response; 200W at 8 ohms, 300W at 4 ohms, or 500W bridged into 8 ohms output power; <0.05% distortion; >94 dB signal-to-noise ratio; 20 KΩ (balanced) and 10 KΩ (unbalanced) input impedance; <0.1% total harmonic distortion (1 KHz); <0.1% intermodulation distortion (at 10% rated power 1 KHz.
GIK Acoustics Corner Bass Trap
Addition to the Impression Series of Room Treatments
GIK Acoustics has introduced a corner bass trap as part of its continuing rollout of the Impression Series, a line of room treatments launched in 2017. The Impression Series Corner Bass Trap utilizes the size and shape of the Tri-Trap Corner Bass Trap to provide low-frequency absorption and adds the scattering effects of the Impression Series plates to effectively keep mid- and upper frequencies in the room. The result is even, tempered bass control, as well as improved high-frequency balance and ambience. The trap is available in 12 patterns and five plate finishes.
Sound Reinforcement
Waves Audio SoundGrid Extreme Server-C
Unlimited DSP Power for Studio and Live, in a Half-Rack Space
Compact and powerful, light and robust, this DSP unit allows users to mix live shows or track overdubs in the studio with real-time plug-in processing thanks to its ultra-low latency—stated as low as 0.8 ms at 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz. It works with any SoundGrid interface (including DiGiGrid I/Os) and with non-SoundGrid I/Os (ASIO/Core Audio) via SoundGrid Connect. Housed in a robust 2U chassis, the Extreme Server-C is only half the width of a standard 19-inch rack. A single server can be mounted using rack ears, or side by side units on a rack shelf. It also fits inside a carry-on.
PK Sound Trinity 10 Loudspeakers
Steerable Line Array Using Advanced Robotics
PK Sound out of Calgary has released Trinity 10, a mid-size line array that follows in the footsteps of the full-sized Trinity Advance Robotic Line Array. The Trinity 10 uses the same high- and mid-frequency components and waveguide design as the original Trinity line array, ensuring integration into remote configuration, where the system is said to provide control over the vertical and horizontal polar directivity of the entire array. Each Trinity 10 module features a Coherent Midrange Integrator (CMI) to combine mid-high range frequencies. The CMI waveguide is variably adjustable from 50 to 120 degrees, both symmetrically and asymmetrically. Trinity 10 sports dual bandpass loaded, 10-inch transducers and two 6.5-inch midrange transducers coupled to a CMI waveguide through phase plugs. PK Sound’s Kontrol software lets users access the internal functions of each module remotely so that each array can be flown straight and adjusted in the air. Trinity 10 is powered by a 3000 W Class D amplifier.
McDSP Live Pack II Bundle
Plug-In Collection Optimized for Use with Avid S6L Systems
McDSP, a longtime innovator in studio plug-ins, has announced a significant update to its foray into live sound with the release of the all-new Live Pack II bundle for Avid VENUE S6L live sound systems. New plug-ins include the 6034 Ultimate Multi-Band, the 6050 Ultimate Channel Strip, AE600 Active EQ, EC-300 Echo Collection, ML8000 Multi-Band Limiter, and the NR800 Noise Reduction Processor, in addition to existing plug-ins from the original Live Pack bundle, which includes ChannelG, DE555, FutzBox, ML4000, NF575 and the Emmy Award-winning SA-2 Dialog Processor. All McDSP Live Pack II plug-ins operate with ultra-low latency while offering the best fidelity possible with 64-bit internal processing and real-time control smoothing for analog-style response to parameter changes. The McDSP Live Pack II plug-ins can also operate in Pro Tools as an AAX DSP or AAX Native plug-in, or Audio Units, VST, VST3 for both Mac OS and Windows.
Peavey SP 2P Powered Loudspeakers
15-inch Woofer, 2-inch Driver for Portable Playback
Peavey has introduced the SP 2P powered speaker system, intended for public address, karaoke and musical playback uses. The system is based around two switching power amplifiers that reportedly provide 1,000W peak available power into the 4-ohm load of the woofer, and a 500W peak available power into the 8-ohm load of the tweeter. The SP 2P has a 15-inch Black Widow BWX series woofer, 2-inch RX22CT titanium diaphragm compression driver coupled to a quadratic throat waveguide, and has a coverage pattern of 100 degrees horizontal by 50 degrees vertical. On the back panel, two independent mixed inputs each provide a balanced input to the preamp/EQ electronics and a level control. Each channel has one combo female XLR and 1/4-inch TRS phone jack, switchable between mic-level and line-level sensitivity. Additionally, channel 2 has an added 3.5mm media jack.
