Sweetwater’s AES 2000convention and show report!
page 4
EVENTIDE
The Ultra-Harmonizer has become even better! Eventide has announced the new DSP7000 as a major upgrade to the DSP4000 series. Featuring 4-times the processing power of the DSP4000, the new DSP7000 provides for higher effects density and superior audio performance. With 24-bit/96kHz conversion, the new DSP7000 gives the user hundreds of exciting preset programs including favorites from the DSP4000 line. It is even easier to use and is capable of extensive programmability and remote operation.
Eventide has also announced the new DSP7500. Like their earlier "500" series products, the DSP7500 is a DSP7000 loaded to the max. It offers hundreds of additional programs, plus 174 mono seconds and 87 stereo seconds of sampling with some special programs that make it the most versatile sampler ever. It features superb time compression/expansion and auto-replacement of audio. For those demanding the best, this is it!
A couple of new additions to the Orville line have also been announced. They’re the Orville/R and the Eve/Net. The Orville/R is an Orville with no faceplate controls. It is designed to be used exclusively with the Eve/Net Network Remote Control System. The Eve/Net links one or more Orville or Orville/R units together and provides complete control of all of the features and functions available within the Orville family. It is designed to be easy to learn and use and even works with the new DSP7000 or DSP7500 units.
GEFEN SYSTEMS
Gefen has introduced their new members of the EX-TEND-IT family of products. Gefen is known for their devices that allow users to extend the distance between their CPU and their keyboards, mice and monitors. Now, they offer units that support USB devices. The CAT5-3000 KVM/USB Extender is a dual monitor and USB extender in a single rack unit. It is targeted to the audio and video workstation user. The CAT5-3000 allows up to 300-foot peripheral extension using standard CAT-5 cables.
Another new Gefen product is the DVI-100, which enables a 300-foot connection between a digital monitor and computer video graphics card, without the loss of video quality. The unit uses a fiber optic cable, and allows extension of keyboards, printers, and other peripherals using CAT-5 cable. Gefen is also showing their USB-241 KVM Switch, which allows a user to work on up to 6 USB-compatible computers from the same keyboard, video and mouse, and their USB-100 S/R, which extends any USB peripheral device by up to 300 feet using standard CAT-5 cables.
GENELEC
Genelec has released a new active subwoofer designed for the surround-sound market. The 1093A is a compact and powerful active subwoofer featuring a built-in 6.1 bass management system. It has a fixed crossover frequency of 85Hz and a dedicated LFE input. Two phase alignment switches allow compensation for delay caused by speaker placement or other speakers phase change. The internal amplification provides 250 Watts RMS power at extremely low THD and IM distortion. The amplifier also features a soft start power supply, soft clip function and short circuit protection. Balanced XLR connectors are provided for the system inputs and outputs.
GOLD LINE
Gold Line is demonstrating their new 5.1 Audio Toolkit DVD designed to facilitate surround sound system setup in recording studios, theaters, home theaters or in virtually any venue requiring room tuning. The Gold Line 5.1 Audio Toolkit DVD contains over eighty test signals and music tracks laid out in logical progression for quick calibration and debugging 5.1 channel systems with Dolby AC-3 and THX Surround EX. Contents include midrange, wideband and LF Pink Noise, 1/2 Point Check Signals, Imaging Tests, LF Headroom Tests, 1/3 Octave burst headroom test, noise leakage tests, sineware signals, swept sinewave signals, 5.1 Channel Music and low frequency response measurements. The 5.1 Toolkit DVD retails for $99.00
GLYPH TECHNOLOGIES
Glyph is showing several new approved solutions in the ever-changing world of drives. First, they have 2 new hard disk drive solutions in their X-Project series. They have a 15 gigabyte firewire drive and a 30 gigabyte firewire drive in their nice X-Project 1U rackmount enclosures. Both of these units are approved as suitable for Digi001 and MOTU DAW systems. Next, they are showing a new firewire 12x CD-RW drive for your DAW system. It is called the WildFire. Finally, Glyph has a new standalone 1:1 CD duplicator called the CDx2. This unit can operate as a standalone 1:1 duplicator using the highest quality CD reader and writer. It also can operate as an independent CDR writer when attached to your computer via SCSI. These units are all imminently able to be shipped.
GRACE DESIGN
The new Model 101 microphone preamplifier is a single channel version of the acclaimed Model 801 and Model 201 preamps. It has the exact same amplifier architecture as it’s other family members and therefore sounds the same. It is housed in an attractive 1/2 rack enclosure with a Hi-Z instrument input on the front panel, making it perfect for double duty as a great DI box. Phantom power, a high-pass filter and rugged reliability make this a choice for any size studio. The Model 101 has been priced attractively to allow Grace Design quality to be affordable to everyone.
HHB
The folks at HHB have announced the addition of a new budget priced CD-R recorder. It is being called the CDR830 "BurnIT". Using high-precision 24-bit AD/DA converters, BurnIT provides the most requested professional features and audio quality in an easy to operate machine. It records on both standard and consumer CD-R and CD-RW discs and has SCMS-free digital input. It offers digital input gain control to match recordings made from different digital sources, including a digital balance control. BurnIT has 3 easy to use synchro record modes and a built-in sample rate converter. It also supports CD Text and has double speed finalization. The CDR830 BurnIT comes with a wireless remote and a very affordable price tag..
HHB has also released a new portable professional MiniDisc recorder in the image of their fine field DAT recorders, called the Portadisc. It is perfect for field recording and ENG applications. Portadisc offers a USB port for direct connection to computer-based workstations, as well as XLR mic inputs with phantom power, unbalanced analog outputs, optical and coaxial s/pdif digital inputs and outputs and a headphone output. It features on-board editing, a 6-second pre-record buffer, intuitive menu system with 5 user setups, and built-in SRC for digital sync recording. Portadisc can be powered with NiMH rechargeable batteries, standard AA alkaline batteries, 12-15V DC, or 120V AC. If you are in the market for a digital field recorder, this may be the unit for you.
KURZWEIL
Kurzweil has announced a rackmounted version of the new PC2X keyboard, to be called the PC2R. It is a 1U module that offers 256 programs, including their brand new Triple-Strike Grand Piano, new stereo strings, multi-strike classic keyboards, organs, and KB3 tone wheel organ models from their K2600. The PC2R features dual stereo effects processing and real-time controller knobs. The unit has 64 voices of polyphony and is expandable to 128 voices, has expandable sound ROM and provides analog and digital outputs.
MANLEY
Manley has introduced their 16x2 Tube Mixer. It is a very high-end analog mixer with few bells and whistles. It boasts exemplary sound quality and analog warmth. The tube stages are blended with ultra low noise ICs to develop a clean, rich, warm analog sound. It has lots of gain, and big VU meters. It has no EQ and has few knobs but does the job. It is available with 16 line inputs and 1 Aux, 16 mic inputs with 60db of gain, or as an 8 mic/8 line configuration. It has direct outs, phase reverse and inserts, and pan, solo and mute controls on every channel. Channel inputs are Neutrik combo connectors and outputs are XLR and TRS. With 36db of headroom and a beautiful vintage look this 5U-rack piece is perfect for those that will not settle for less than the very finest analog sound. It is not inexpensive, but greatness doesn’t come cheap.
Langevin has announced their new Vocal Combo. It is a 2-channel mic preamp with EQ and dynamics. This piece offers the best of two worlds as it combines the Langevin Stereo Microphone Preamplifier with EQ and the Stereo Electro-Optical Limiter at a price just slightly higher than only one of those popular pieces. It features 2 shelf equalizers and 2 channels of electro-optical limiters along with the 2 mic preamps. Analog VU metering and a classic look make this piece a solid choice for the reasonable price.
MIDIMAN
M-Audio is showing a new low-cost, total solution for the record/playback front-end of your computer-based DAW. They are calling it the Omni I/O, Integrated Desktop Audio Station. It is a half-rack size unit designed to interface directly with their Delta Series digital audio cards. It offers 2 Mic/Instrument analog inputs on XLR/TRS combo jacks with phantom power, insert I/O jacks, individual gain controls, gain reduction pad switch and signal/clip LED indicators. It also has 2 line level balanced/unbalanced analog inputs. The Mic inputs offer 66db gain and the hi-Z inputs offer 46db of gain, perfect for electric and acoustic guitars. It also has a wonderful mixing/monitoring section with 4 direct outputs, 4 stereo aux inputs, 4 effects sends, a stereo mix output, stereo control room outputs with level control, 2 headphone outputs with individual level controls, and L/R output signal/clip LED display. The MSRP is set at $299.
M-Audio also has a new addition to the Delta family of 24bit/96kHz digital audio cards. It is being called the Audiophile 2496. It offers 2 channels of unbalanced analog 24/96 I/O along with s/pdif digital I/O and MIDI I/O. The Audiophile 2496 includes a software digital mixer/router along with software control over SCMS copy management. It is a cross-platform card for Mac and PC, including support for Windows 98 & NT. MSRP has been announced at $229.
MICROBOARDS
Microboards is showing their new M.A.S.S. 5.1 Audio Surround System. M.A.S.S. 5.1 is a complete hardware and software solution for the creation of Surround Sound Audio DVD masters. This system is the first DVD-Audio authoring system that does not require a proprietary DAW system for operation. M.A.S.S. 5.1 has 5.1 Surround mixing software with a fully customizable surround mixer, automatic 5.1 bussing, automated surround panning for each channel, MTC generation, automatic 6 track master creation to hard disk, and a self-contained user defined per channel sub-bass crossover. This system creates and records DVD-Audio compliant discs using the Pioneer S201 DVD-R Recorder. This system will run on Windows95, 98, NT and 2000.
MOTU
I had the opportunity to share the unveiling of Mark of the Unicorn’s new and long awaited high-end interface, the 1296. In a private listening test, I was amazed to hear the sonic purity and extended frequency response of their wonderful new 24bit/96kHz converters. Another feature of this front end to MOTU’s popular DAW system is the flexibility of the input and output configuration. As a 12 channel I/O, it can be configured as all analog, as an 8-channel analog and 4 channel AES/EBU digital interface, or as a 10 channel analog and 2 channel AES/EBU digital interface, simply by assigning a configuration to the all XLR I/O hardware. That makes this a wonderful addition to an already very successful DAW platform. The bottom line: This piece sounds great!
The Ultra-Harmonizer has become even better! Eventide has announced the new DSP7000 as a major upgrade to the DSP4000 series. Featuring 4-times the processing power of the DSP4000, the new DSP7000 provides for higher effects density and superior audio performance. With 24-bit/96kHz conversion, the new DSP7000 gives the user hundreds of exciting preset programs including favorites from the DSP4000 line. It is even easier to use and is capable of extensive programmability and remote operation.Eventide has also announced the new DSP7500. Like their earlier "500" series products, the DSP7500 is a DSP7000 loaded to the max. It offers hundreds of additional programs, plus 174 mono seconds and 87 stereo seconds of sampling with some special programs that make it the most versatile sampler ever. It features superb time compression/expansion and auto-replacement of audio. For those demanding the best, this is it!
A couple of new additions to the Orville line have also been announced. They’re the Orville/R and the Eve/Net. The Orville/R is an Orville with no faceplate controls. It is designed to be used exclusively with the Eve/Net Network Remote Control System. The Eve/Net links one or more Orville or Orville/R units together and provides complete control of all of the features and functions available within the Orville family. It is designed to be easy to learn and use and even works with the new DSP7000 or DSP7500 units.GEFEN SYSTEMS
Gefen has introduced their new members of the EX-TEND-IT family of products. Gefen is known for their devices that allow users to extend the distance between their CPU and their keyboards, mice and monitors. Now, they offer units that support USB devices. The CAT5-3000 KVM/USB Extender is a dual monitor and USB extender in a single rack unit. It is targeted to the audio and video workstation user. The CAT5-3000 allows up to 300-foot peripheral extension using standard CAT-5 cables.
Another new Gefen product is the DVI-100, which enables a 300-foot connection between a digital monitor and computer video graphics card, without the loss of video quality. The unit uses a fiber optic cable, and allows extension of keyboards, printers, and other peripherals using CAT-5 cable. Gefen is also showing their USB-241 KVM Switch, which allows a user to work on up to 6 USB-compatible computers from the same keyboard, video and mouse, and their USB-100 S/R, which extends any USB peripheral device by up to 300 feet using standard CAT-5 cables.
GENELEC
Genelec has released a new active subwoofer designed for the surround-sound market. The 1093A is a compact and powerful active subwoofer featuring a built-in 6.1 bass management system. It has a fixed crossover frequency of 85Hz and a dedicated LFE input. Two phase alignment switches allow compensation for delay caused by speaker placement or other speakers phase change. The internal amplification provides 250 Watts RMS power at extremely low THD and IM distortion. The amplifier also features a soft start power supply, soft clip function and short circuit protection. Balanced XLR connectors are provided for the system inputs and outputs.
GOLD LINE
Gold Line is demonstrating their new 5.1 Audio Toolkit DVD designed to facilitate surround sound system setup in recording studios, theaters, home theaters or in virtually any venue requiring room tuning. The Gold Line 5.1 Audio Toolkit DVD contains over eighty test signals and music tracks laid out in logical progression for quick calibration and debugging 5.1 channel systems with Dolby AC-3 and THX Surround EX. Contents include midrange, wideband and LF Pink Noise, 1/2 Point Check Signals, Imaging Tests, LF Headroom Tests, 1/3 Octave burst headroom test, noise leakage tests, sineware signals, swept sinewave signals, 5.1 Channel Music and low frequency response measurements. The 5.1 Toolkit DVD retails for $99.00
GLYPH TECHNOLOGIES
Glyph is showing several new approved solutions in the ever-changing world of drives. First, they have 2 new hard disk drive solutions in their X-Project series. They have a 15 gigabyte firewire drive and a 30 gigabyte firewire drive in their nice X-Project 1U rackmount enclosures. Both of these units are approved as suitable for Digi001 and MOTU DAW systems. Next, they are showing a new firewire 12x CD-RW drive for your DAW system. It is called the WildFire. Finally, Glyph has a new standalone 1:1 CD duplicator called the CDx2. This unit can operate as a standalone 1:1 duplicator using the highest quality CD reader and writer. It also can operate as an independent CDR writer when attached to your computer via SCSI. These units are all imminently able to be shipped.GRACE DESIGN
The new Model 101 microphone preamplifier is a single channel version of the acclaimed Model 801 and Model 201 preamps. It has the exact same amplifier architecture as it’s other family members and therefore sounds the same. It is housed in an attractive 1/2 rack enclosure with a Hi-Z instrument input on the front panel, making it perfect for double duty as a great DI box. Phantom power, a high-pass filter and rugged reliability make this a choice for any size studio. The Model 101 has been priced attractively to allow Grace Design quality to be affordable to everyone.HHB
The folks at HHB have announced the addition of a new budget priced CD-R recorder. It is being called the CDR830 "BurnIT". Using high-precision 24-bit AD/DA converters, BurnIT provides the most requested professional features and audio quality in an easy to operate machine. It records on both standard and consumer CD-R and CD-RW discs and has SCMS-free digital input. It offers digital input gain control to match recordings made from different digital sources, including a digital balance control. BurnIT has 3 easy to use synchro record modes and a built-in sample rate converter. It also supports CD Text and has double speed finalization. The CDR830 BurnIT comes with a wireless remote and a very affordable price tag..
HHB has also released a new portable professional MiniDisc recorder in the image of their fine field DAT recorders, called the Portadisc. It is perfect for field recording and ENG applications. Portadisc offers a USB port for direct connection to computer-based workstations, as well as XLR mic inputs with phantom power, unbalanced analog outputs, optical and coaxial s/pdif digital inputs and outputs and a headphone output. It features on-board editing, a 6-second pre-record buffer, intuitive menu system with 5 user setups, and built-in SRC for digital sync recording. Portadisc can be powered with NiMH rechargeable batteries, standard AA alkaline batteries, 12-15V DC, or 120V AC. If you are in the market for a digital field recorder, this may be the unit for you.
KURZWEILKurzweil has announced a rackmounted version of the new PC2X keyboard, to be called the PC2R. It is a 1U module that offers 256 programs, including their brand new Triple-Strike Grand Piano, new stereo strings, multi-strike classic keyboards, organs, and KB3 tone wheel organ models from their K2600. The PC2R features dual stereo effects processing and real-time controller knobs. The unit has 64 voices of polyphony and is expandable to 128 voices, has expandable sound ROM and provides analog and digital outputs.
MANLEY
Manley has introduced their 16x2 Tube Mixer. It is a very high-end analog mixer with few bells and whistles. It boasts exemplary sound quality and analog warmth. The tube stages are blended with ultra low noise ICs to develop a clean, rich, warm analog sound. It has lots of gain, and big VU meters. It has no EQ and has few knobs but does the job. It is available with 16 line inputs and 1 Aux, 16 mic inputs with 60db of gain, or as an 8 mic/8 line configuration. It has direct outs, phase reverse and inserts, and pan, solo and mute controls on every channel. Channel inputs are Neutrik combo connectors and outputs are XLR and TRS. With 36db of headroom and a beautiful vintage look this 5U-rack piece is perfect for those that will not settle for less than the very finest analog sound. It is not inexpensive, but greatness doesn’t come cheap.Langevin has announced their new Vocal Combo. It is a 2-channel mic preamp with EQ and dynamics. This piece offers the best of two worlds as it combines the Langevin Stereo Microphone Preamplifier with EQ and the Stereo Electro-Optical Limiter at a price just slightly higher than only one of those popular pieces. It features 2 shelf equalizers and 2 channels of electro-optical limiters along with the 2 mic preamps. Analog VU metering and a classic look make this piece a solid choice for the reasonable price.
MIDIMAN
M-Audio is showing a new low-cost, total solution for the record/playback front-end of your computer-based DAW. They are calling it the Omni I/O, Integrated Desktop Audio Station. It is a half-rack size unit designed to interface directly with their Delta Series digital audio cards. It offers 2 Mic/Instrument analog inputs on XLR/TRS combo jacks with phantom power, insert I/O jacks, individual gain controls, gain reduction pad switch and signal/clip LED indicators. It also has 2 line level balanced/unbalanced analog inputs. The Mic inputs offer 66db gain and the hi-Z inputs offer 46db of gain, perfect for electric and acoustic guitars. It also has a wonderful mixing/monitoring section with 4 direct outputs, 4 stereo aux inputs, 4 effects sends, a stereo mix output, stereo control room outputs with level control, 2 headphone outputs with individual level controls, and L/R output signal/clip LED display. The MSRP is set at $299.
M-Audio also has a new addition to the Delta family of 24bit/96kHz digital audio cards. It is being called the Audiophile 2496. It offers 2 channels of unbalanced analog 24/96 I/O along with s/pdif digital I/O and MIDI I/O. The Audiophile 2496 includes a software digital mixer/router along with software control over SCMS copy management. It is a cross-platform card for Mac and PC, including support for Windows 98 & NT. MSRP has been announced at $229.
MICROBOARDS
Microboards is showing their new M.A.S.S. 5.1 Audio Surround System. M.A.S.S. 5.1 is a complete hardware and software solution for the creation of Surround Sound Audio DVD masters. This system is the first DVD-Audio authoring system that does not require a proprietary DAW system for operation. M.A.S.S. 5.1 has 5.1 Surround mixing software with a fully customizable surround mixer, automatic 5.1 bussing, automated surround panning for each channel, MTC generation, automatic 6 track master creation to hard disk, and a self-contained user defined per channel sub-bass crossover. This system creates and records DVD-Audio compliant discs using the Pioneer S201 DVD-R Recorder. This system will run on Windows95, 98, NT and 2000.
MOTU
I had the opportunity to share the unveiling of Mark of the Unicorn’s new and long awaited high-end interface, the 1296. In a private listening test, I was amazed to hear the sonic purity and extended frequency response of their wonderful new 24bit/96kHz converters. Another feature of this front end to MOTU’s popular DAW system is the flexibility of the input and output configuration. As a 12 channel I/O, it can be configured as all analog, as an 8-channel analog and 4 channel AES/EBU digital interface, or as a 10 channel analog and 2 channel AES/EBU digital interface, simply by assigning a configuration to the all XLR I/O hardware. That makes this a wonderful addition to an already very successful DAW platform. The bottom line: This piece sounds great!