Recording
Solid State Logic Fusion
Five New Processors, Two-Rackspaces, All-Analog
SSL, legendary for its analog electronics and a pioneer in digital technologies, has recognized the hybrid workflow since it became “a thing.” And now, with the release of Fusion and its five all-new analog processors that can be used discretely or combined, the company has re-injected its print on how modern records are made—with a bit of warmth and coloration. The processors include: Vintage Drive, a nonlinear harmonic enhancement circuit with Drive and Density controls that interact to produce harmonic saturation and soft compression derived from overloading an analogue circuit; SSL Violet EQ, the first new SSL analog EQ circuit for more than 25 years, an all-new minimum phase-shift, two-band shelving EQ with high and low frequency circuits each offering four switched frequency points and ±9 dB attenuation; High Frequency Compressor, which effects high frequencies only and is optimized for smooth and transparent harshness reduction and a tape-like high-frequency roll-off; Stereo Image Enhancer, providing a true analog mid-side circuit; and SSL Transformer, which introduces subtle low-frequency saturation, alongside a high-frequency phase shift. Available this month. « Solid State Logic Fusion
AEA KU5 Ribbon Microphone
Directionality and Rejection Bring Clarity and Oomph
Audio Engineering Associates just released the KU5A supercardioid mic, designed for close range recording and boasting acutely focused directionality that rejects bleed from other instruments, room reflections, and loud ambience, while delivering clarity and breadth of sound in both studio and live use. The KU5A is equipped with active electronics fit for any preamp in the studio and on the road, as well as an integrated highpass filter to roll off low end. The end-address directionality and tight supercardioid pattern allow for effortless positioning on snare, toms, and other instruments that may be difficult to access. And of course it includes the detailed, extended top end with ribbon smoothness and warmth that Wes Dooley designs are known for. « AEA KU5A
NUGEN Audio Loudness Toolkit 2.8
Updates Include Advanced Dialogue Control, Nod to Streaming
NUGEN Audio’s acclaimed Loudness Toolkit was updated to version 2.8 at AES last month, offering a new loudness parameter, Dialogue LRA, as well as new flexibility to simultaneously monitor multiple integrated measures, all designed to work with recent loudness guidelines, such as the new Netflix best practice document. The Loudness Toolkit includes the VisLM loudness meter, ISL limiter and LM-Correct quick-fix tool, introduces support for native 7.1.2 audio processing, and adds new loudness parameters for advanced loudness control and dialogue consistency. The toolkit also includes the DynApt extension, a standard for all new NUGEN customers. « NUGEN Audio Loudness Toolkit
Luke Audio Gold Standard Microphones
New, Affordable Series with 3 “Classic” Capsules
Bringing the price point down on its leading Platinum Series, while still delivering the sonic quality, Luke Audio (distributed by Wave Distro) showed the Gold Standard Series of microphones at AES last month. The $699 Gold Standard package includes the AL-Y56-G large-diaphragm, tube condenser, “bottle” microphone, three interchangeable capsules, power supply/cable, 7-pin XLR cable, wooden mic box, wooden capsule box, aluminum flight case, shock mount, and windscreen. The capsules include the AL-A1AU, a reproduction of the ck12-type capsule; the AL-A2AU (k67-type capsule); and AL-A3AU (k47-type capsule). All are 3-micron Mylar diaphragms, gold-sputtered and hand-tuned. « Luke Audio
Mackie MC Series Headphones, CR-Buds Earphones
Low Cost, Pro Quality for Mixing, Listening on the Go
Announced in October and available this month, Mackie has introduced the MC Series Professional Headphones and CR-Buds Series High-Performance Earphones for both studio monitoring and personal listening on the go. The closed-back MC-150 (MSRP $84.99) and MC-250 ($119.99) both have large 50mm transducers and boast the audio fidelity and punchy bass response of much more expensive headphones. The MC-250 is tuned for exceptional accuracy and detail making them great for mixing and critical listening. Both models have ultra-soft ear pads and headbands, detachable cables, and come with a carry bag. The CR-Buds ($24.99) and CR-Buds+ ($49.99) offer a definite step up from stock earbuds The CR-Buds model features a high-performance dynamic driver with a traditional earbud form factor, plus an in-line mic with play/pause/answer button; the CR-Buds+ features dual dynamic drivers for an exceptionally smooth response across the entire frequency range, to go with an over-ear design and choice of foam and silicone tips. Both models have tangle-free cables and come with multiple ear tip sizes. « Mackie MC Series, CR-Buds
Roswell Pro Audio Colares
Handmade Vocal Microphone with a Vibe
The new flagship condenser mic from Roswell Pro Audio, dubbed Colares, was designed to deliver the sound of a revered vintage tube microphone—big and bold—with a unique transformer-coupled JFET circuit topology that produces musical harmonic saturation to enhance vocals and instruments; the company says that it “excels at injecting color, vibe and excitement into a track.” Its edge-terminated capsule captures exquisite detail and articulation, while its low noise floor allows quiet sources to be recorded without artifacts. A pad switch reduces both level and harmonic coloration; a three-way filter switch allows the choice of three low-frequency roll-off points to compensate for mic placement and proximity effect. The mic ships in a custom, heavy-duty flight case, with a Rycote shockmount, retailing for $1,259 and available now. « Roswell Pro Audio Colares
Line 6 HX Stomp
Compact Guitar Pedal/Processor with Helix Legacy
Line 6 last month released HX Stomp, a pro-grade guitar processor that delivers the sound of Helix amps, cabs, and effects in an ultra-compact pedal. The wide range of control and I/O options include MIDI I/O, impedance balanced outputs, a TRS dual expression pedal/footswitch input, and an assignable stereo effects loop. The pedal features a 320×240-pixel color LCD, three capacitive-sensing footswitches with color-coded LED rings, external control via optional footswitches or expression pedals, sophisticated stereo signal routing, and over 300 Helix amps, cabs, and effects—including legacy effects from Line 6 M-Series pedals and classic stompboxes like the DL4TM delay. The ultra-low noise USB audio interface offers 24-bit/96 kHz multi-channel audio—and MIDI connectivity—for Mac and Windows. « Line 6 HX Stomp
Sound Reinforcement
Avid Venue S6L System Expansion
Three New Components Aimed at Scalable, Mid-Level Users
Following up on its announcement of a scalable, configurable system approach across its live sound product line, Avid has released the first three components of the six announced last spring: VENUE | S6L-24C control surface, VENUE | E6L-112 engine and Stage 32 I/O rack. The control surface is designed to be compact and affordable, featuring 24 faders, 32 assignable knobs, and an integrated central touchscreen. The engine, a central processing component for mid-level systems, features 112 input processing channels, 48 buses, 100 plug-in slots, and support for up to two HDX cards; it connects to all S6L control surfaces. The Stage 32—up to 32 inputs or outputs, in any order—has four card slots and uses the same premium option cards as the Stage 64 I/O rack. « Avid Venue S6L
QSC CP Series Powered Loudspeakers
Compact Boxes With 8-Inch, 12-Inch Woofers, Plenty of Power
The demand for compact, powerful and efficient powered loudspeakers in the mid-level live and install market just keeps growing, and QSC knows it, as evidenced by its introduction of the new CP Series, the “CP” for compact and powerful. Designed to be either an entry to QSC products or provide an extension to a user’s space, the CP Series includes two 2-way models, the CP8 and CP12, referring to the 8- and 12-inch woofers. Both feature an efficient 1,000-watt Class-D power module, one-touch preset DSP contours for the most common applications, and line, mic/line and 3.5 mm stereo inputs. Each can also be pole-mounted, utilized as a floor monitor, or deployed in a fixed or temporary installation. Available now. « QSC CP Series
Powersoft ArmoniaPlus
Major Software Control Update Puts Loudspeaker First
With a complete rethinking and redevelopment of its Armonia control software, Italian manufacturer Powersoft claims one of the most efficient audio design and live control tools due to the way it mimics the loudspeaker in its physical space and simplifies navigation. The ArmoniaPlus interface presents a single window with four main views: Workspace, System List, Operator View and Events. Most action takes place in Workspace, which is divided into two parts, with amplifiers to the left and loudspeakers to the right. Users can then move through four main steps: Design, Config, Tune, and Show. Creating advanced groups of loudspeakers offers the possibility of adjusting Gain, Delay, Polarity, and EQ. The new Tune:EQ page allows users to monitor the overall curve applied to every speaker, including countless groups, while the new shading function can reduce the gain and the loudspeaker limiter thresholds coherently, keeping the balance between elements even if the system is limiting. « Powersoft ArmoniaPlus
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