Sweetwater’s AES 2000convention and show report!
page 5
NEUMANN
Neumann is announcing a couple of new products, a microphone and a preamp. Their new M 150 Tube microphone, the latest in the heralded Neumann M 50 lineage, uses a new, sphere-mounted, all titanium capsule with truly state-of-the-art specifications. The M 150 Tube is an omnidirectional pressure microphone with a transformerless output designed for high-end orchestral and acoustic recording. Also being introduced is the True Precision P2 Digital Preamp. This is a high performance, two channel mic pre with 24/96 digital output, multi-channel optical output routing, MS decoding, stereo phase correlation display and front panel discrete FET DI inputs at a realistic price.
ORAM
John Oram has announced his new Grand Master Al Schmitt Pro-Channel. It is a high-precision analog channel strip with stepped attenuators and precision metering. The GMS Pro-Channel offers an input pre-amp with transformer bypass, an optical compressor and a 6 band British EQ from the famous HiDef EQ. The GMS Pro-Channel also offers a 3-position input selector for comparison of mic or line input sources. It has a fine look to it and with the machined aluminum knobs and the sculptured, inset control surfaces.
PANASONIC
Panasonic is showing their new 96kHz Series of A/D D/A converters. There are 3 models available, all with 24-bit/96kHz 128x oversampling converters. All of the models are 8 channels in 1 rack-space. They all offer 120db dynamic range and they all support the new AES Dual and Hi-Speed modes as well as ADAT Normal and Dual modes. The AD96M offers 8 channels of microphone preamplifiers with A/D conversion, the AD96 offers 8 channels of A/D conversion and the DA96 offers 8 channels of D/A conversion. They all feature all-XLR analog jacks, wordclock sync I/O, and AES/EBU and ADAT Lightpipe digital connections. An optional D-sub 25 pin card is available for AES/Dual Mode.
ROLAND
Roland Corporation is showing 3 new and very exciting new products for their V-Series product line. The new V-Producer software is a complete editing and control software solution for the VP-9000 Vari-Phrase. This great new software allows you to completely eliminate the need to use the front panel controls on the VP-9000 for patch editing, sample control and even performance! This is a very easy user interface for the computer that makes the powerful functionality of the VP-9000 accessible to everyone.
Roland also is showing the RPC-1 R-bus Interface Card that will allow connection of many of the V-Series products to your computer. This is a cross-platform PCI card that will enable direct connection of a VM-Series Mixer, VSR-880 or XV-5080 to a Mac or Windows-based (95/98, NT, 2000) computer.
Speaking of the VM-Series Mixers, Roland has a new hardware controller that brings a knob, joystick or button to most every available control on a VM-7000 V-Mixing System. The unit is called the VE-7000 Channel Edit Controller and is designed to fit perfectly in the top left corner of a VM-C7200 or VM-C7100 Mixing Console. It connects easily via MIDI and allows for extremely fast and convenient hardware control over frequently used operations, including surround panning. When an edit button is pressed, the detailed pages for the respective sections are displayed on the Console Display for complete parameter control.
SEASOUND
SeaSound is announcing the release of their new Soloist. The Soloist is a self-contained computer recording solution that features 24 bit/96kHz converters with a Mac and PC compatible PCI card. They’ve included a high quality mic preamp with phantom power, high impedance guitar preamp, preamp trim, level, monitor pan with record assign (L, R) switch, stereo line inputs with gain switch, level controls and record assign switch, six-segment VU meters, MIDI I/O with activity light, input monitor, computer monitor and control room level controls and one loud headphone amp. They also have an expansion port to accept the SeaSound Solo Expander, for 8 input and 8 output operation. SeaSound is known for their straightforward simplicity and quality sound. They feature "zero latency monitoring" and offer no menus to scroll through, or background mixers to open, just plug in and flip a switch and record your song. Retail pricing was announced at $499.
Shoreview Distribution
One of the most interesting segments of every AES convention continues to be the myriad of various vendors displaying their studio accessory products. It reminds me of a high-class flea market as you make your way from booth to booth, perusing the selection of odds and ends that most recording studio engineers usually take for granted. Products range from sophisticated test equipment and tools, to the most simple of organizational conveniences, like cable tie wraps and parts organizers. One of the most tedious engineering tasks has been made a lot easier by one of the vendors this year. Andrew Beaudet, of Shoreview Distribution, has written a handy software application for the PC called PatchMe. This program is a complete patchbay configuration tool for audio and video patchbays, as well as a designation strip creator and printer utility. This great little program allows the user to design and create a custom 1/4" or TT patchbay. It simply asks the user a series of easy questions, one after the other, and then provides a standard part number that can be used to order your custom patchbay by calling Sweetwater. No mistakes, no hassles, just the way you want it. Additionally, you can layout and print those pesky little designation strips on your computer printer to document your new patchbay configuration. It’s available on CD-ROM by calling Shoreview at 781-784-1199. Be sure to tell Andrew that Clay from Sweetwater sent you so your handy CD will be ready to provide you with accurate part numbers.
SHURE
Shure has added a new companion microphone to the successful KSM line. The new KSM44/SL is a multi-pattern large diaphragm condenser microphone, designed for critical studio vocal tracking applications. It offers Cardioid, Omnidirectional and Bi-directional patterns with its dual diaphragm capsule design. The KSM44/SL uses a transformerless class-A circuitry with a 15db attenuation switch and a 3-position switchable low-frequency filter. It comes with a locking aluminum case, shockmount and swivel mount.
TANNOY
Tannoy is showing their newest active subwoofer, the PS350B. This LFE compliant subwoofer boasts a frequency response of 29Hz – 300Hz with it’s 15" woofer and vented cabinet design. It has 5.1 bass management with remote bypass, LCR balanced inputs on XLR, LCR balanced outputs on XLR, a selectable LFE crossover with THX required 120Hz low-pass, and custom EQ filtering. There is an optional bass management remote bypass cable available. The power amp is a Class-AB design offering 350 Watts with a protection limiter. Its high-pass filter is fixed at 80Hz and is defeatable. This is a perfect subwoofer for the recording studio or post-production facility.
TASCAM
Tascam has announced a new small-format digital mixer. The DM-24 is a 24-bit/96kHz digital mixer with built-in automation, effects processing, and extremely good audio quality. This mixer is designed to interface with the new MX-2424 hard disk recorder. The on-board automation can hold up to 8 entire mixes internally, and provides flexible internal signal routing. The DM-24 has 16 channels of TDIF, 8 channels of ADAT, 2 AES and 2 s/pdif, and 16 analog inputs on XLR mic and TRS line connectors. There are 2 option slots open for 8-channel analog or digital expansion cards. This mixer offers gating, 4-band parametric EQ, and compression on each channel, along with an effects processor with high-quality reverb by TC Works and Mic and Speaker Modeling by Antares. It offers 100mm motorized faders and a full transport control. As the first affordable small-format 24/96k digital mixer, it is a certain success!
TC ELECTRONIC
TC is showing their new Triple-C multi-band compressor. This just might be the most versatile compressor ever created! It combines the multi-band compression from the Finalizer Series of products, with traditional full-band compression, and envelope compression for special effects and percussive work. This 1U unit has a very comfortable and familiar user interface with traditional knobs usually found on dynamics processors. It also uses the high-resolution LCD display as found on other TC Electronic products. This allows a graphic representation of what you are effecting with the controls. All effect parameters can be accessed via MIDI and there is a pedal input for bypass. The unit offers digital s/pdif inputs and outputs along with analog I/O on balanced 1/4" jacks. It also offers a sidechain input and output that can even be used for stereo coupling. Whether mastering, mixing, tracking or playing live, this Triple-C has a few dynamics tricks that are just what you need!
Helicon Vocal Technologies Inc. has unveiled the first product in its line of voice processing tools - the Helicon VoicePrism Voice Formant and Pitch Processor. The VoicePrism is a full solution vocal processor for both the stage and studio. Unlike simple harmony processors, the VoicePrism has a full range of lead and backing channel vocal processing under preset control. The VoicePrism provides the ability to go directly from a phantom powered mic into its high quality 48V mic preamp to access any of the on-board processes. Some of the on-board processing includes compression, gating, dual fully parametric EQ, 4-voice harmony (with individually adjustable gender controls and humanizing parameters) and a 5th lead-doubling voice for automatic double tracking. They have 2 separate post-effects blocks (including chorus/flange, delay and reverb with predelay), effects and harmony libraries, preset browser with context sensitive help menus, and you can even audition sampled human voices for preset previewing. Outputs include analog and S/PDIF digital I/O. The VoicePrism also supports an upcoming VoicePrism Expansion Card (available 2001) which will offer the world’s first implementation of Human Voice Physical Modeling as well as both AES/EBU and S/PDIF I/O. Retail price of the VoicePrism is announced at $1299.
WAVES
Waves has added a new member to their DSP Processing Software product line. The Renaissance Reverberator is the third in their series of processors that excel in recreating the warm sound qualities and simple operation of classic and vintage hardware in the digital domain. This new "plug-in" really sounds great! It is available in the Waves Gold TDM bundle, Waves Gold Native bundle, and in the new Renaissance Collection for TDM and Native.
Waves announces their new version 3.0 software along with a restructuring of their Native and TDM bundles. They now include the new Renaissance Collection, with the Renaissance EQ, Renaissance Compressor, and the new Renaissance Reverberator. They have put more processors in every bundle, added graphical enhancements, all new interfaces, and many processors now support 88.2/96kHz. Plus, Waves has discontinued the use of the dongle as their copy protection scheme, employing a challenge/response system with easy on-line authorization.
WAVE DISTRIBUTION
Empirical Labs, known for their popular Distressor, is showing their new Fatso. Fatso is a two channel Full Analog Tape Simulator/Optimizer with Knee Compressor. It features some of Empirical Lab's famous Distressor crunch, plus a new setting called Spank. The Empirical Labs people are calling Fatso an audio obesity generator, which dynamically fattens up audio in the most desirable frequency ranges, adding warmth and classic analog tape saturation to individual tracks, stereo mixes, even home theatre installations. They have set their retail pricing at $2495.
CLM Dynamics has re-engineered their Expounder especially for the US market. The Expounder is a unique dynamic EQ that has been extremely popular in the UK. Made in Scotland, the Expounder is a nice EQ with the added feature of dynamic filtering that can be used for problem solving or for special effects and dynamics enhancement. The folks at Wave Distribution have assisted in the redesign of the expounder and are announcing a price reduction for the US market, as well. The new pricing is $1995 Suggested Retail.
Well, that’s it! The 109th AES Convention has been another success story, both for the manufacturers and for the attendees. Some attendees argue that there were not as many revolutionary new and different products being displayed this year as at one time, many years ago. I counter that argument by stating that nobody can doubt that the technology shown proves that we work and play in one of the most exciting fields in the world! I guess that with the immediate delivery of the Internet, news of new product development reaches the public much more quickly. Therefore, it is seldom "new" news when we see "new" products at a show like AES 2000. It is still so very exciting to actually see and hear all the great equipment developed by such talented engineers, all under one roof. No matter what the definition of "new" is to you, anyone should agree that the technologies we witnessed here at AES 2000 will, most certainly, improve the way in which we all create in the audio business. That is what really matters.
AES 2000 was another remarkable experience, so typical of industry get-togethers in our wonderful business. To have had the opportunity to see the latest new technology and rub elbows with the designers and creators of such incredible tools of our trade is a chance that I would not give up for anything. Having, once again, had the chance to see so many of the legends in our business, like Alan Parsons, Al Schmitt, Roger Nichols and so many more, is still a real thrill. Having had a few laughs, and a moment or two to talk shop, with those responsible for what we all do is priceless! To all of you who design, build, sell, or use this fantastic technology, I thank you for doing what you do. It gives me the opportunity to live a dream. That is why I so enjoy sharing what I have learned with all of you!
For all of the folks at Sweetwater I thank you and wish you a good day!
Neumann is announcing a couple of new products, a microphone and a preamp. Their new M 150 Tube microphone, the latest in the heralded Neumann M 50 lineage, uses a new, sphere-mounted, all titanium capsule with truly state-of-the-art specifications. The M 150 Tube is an omnidirectional pressure microphone with a transformerless output designed for high-end orchestral and acoustic recording. Also being introduced is the True Precision P2 Digital Preamp. This is a high performance, two channel mic pre with 24/96 digital output, multi-channel optical output routing, MS decoding, stereo phase correlation display and front panel discrete FET DI inputs at a realistic price.
ORAM
John Oram has announced his new Grand Master Al Schmitt Pro-Channel. It is a high-precision analog channel strip with stepped attenuators and precision metering. The GMS Pro-Channel offers an input pre-amp with transformer bypass, an optical compressor and a 6 band British EQ from the famous HiDef EQ. The GMS Pro-Channel also offers a 3-position input selector for comparison of mic or line input sources. It has a fine look to it and with the machined aluminum knobs and the sculptured, inset control surfaces.
PANASONIC
Panasonic is showing their new 96kHz Series of A/D D/A converters. There are 3 models available, all with 24-bit/96kHz 128x oversampling converters. All of the models are 8 channels in 1 rack-space. They all offer 120db dynamic range and they all support the new AES Dual and Hi-Speed modes as well as ADAT Normal and Dual modes. The AD96M offers 8 channels of microphone preamplifiers with A/D conversion, the AD96 offers 8 channels of A/D conversion and the DA96 offers 8 channels of D/A conversion. They all feature all-XLR analog jacks, wordclock sync I/O, and AES/EBU and ADAT Lightpipe digital connections. An optional D-sub 25 pin card is available for AES/Dual Mode.
ROLAND
Roland Corporation is showing 3 new and very exciting new products for their V-Series product line. The new V-Producer software is a complete editing and control software solution for the VP-9000 Vari-Phrase. This great new software allows you to completely eliminate the need to use the front panel controls on the VP-9000 for patch editing, sample control and even performance! This is a very easy user interface for the computer that makes the powerful functionality of the VP-9000 accessible to everyone.
Roland also is showing the RPC-1 R-bus Interface Card that will allow connection of many of the V-Series products to your computer. This is a cross-platform PCI card that will enable direct connection of a VM-Series Mixer, VSR-880 or XV-5080 to a Mac or Windows-based (95/98, NT, 2000) computer.
Speaking of the VM-Series Mixers, Roland has a new hardware controller that brings a knob, joystick or button to most every available control on a VM-7000 V-Mixing System. The unit is called the VE-7000 Channel Edit Controller and is designed to fit perfectly in the top left corner of a VM-C7200 or VM-C7100 Mixing Console. It connects easily via MIDI and allows for extremely fast and convenient hardware control over frequently used operations, including surround panning. When an edit button is pressed, the detailed pages for the respective sections are displayed on the Console Display for complete parameter control.
SEASOUND
SeaSound is announcing the release of their new Soloist. The Soloist is a self-contained computer recording solution that features 24 bit/96kHz converters with a Mac and PC compatible PCI card. They’ve included a high quality mic preamp with phantom power, high impedance guitar preamp, preamp trim, level, monitor pan with record assign (L, R) switch, stereo line inputs with gain switch, level controls and record assign switch, six-segment VU meters, MIDI I/O with activity light, input monitor, computer monitor and control room level controls and one loud headphone amp. They also have an expansion port to accept the SeaSound Solo Expander, for 8 input and 8 output operation. SeaSound is known for their straightforward simplicity and quality sound. They feature "zero latency monitoring" and offer no menus to scroll through, or background mixers to open, just plug in and flip a switch and record your song. Retail pricing was announced at $499.Shoreview Distribution
One of the most interesting segments of every AES convention continues to be the myriad of various vendors displaying their studio accessory products. It reminds me of a high-class flea market as you make your way from booth to booth, perusing the selection of odds and ends that most recording studio engineers usually take for granted. Products range from sophisticated test equipment and tools, to the most simple of organizational conveniences, like cable tie wraps and parts organizers. One of the most tedious engineering tasks has been made a lot easier by one of the vendors this year. Andrew Beaudet, of Shoreview Distribution, has written a handy software application for the PC called PatchMe. This program is a complete patchbay configuration tool for audio and video patchbays, as well as a designation strip creator and printer utility. This great little program allows the user to design and create a custom 1/4" or TT patchbay. It simply asks the user a series of easy questions, one after the other, and then provides a standard part number that can be used to order your custom patchbay by calling Sweetwater. No mistakes, no hassles, just the way you want it. Additionally, you can layout and print those pesky little designation strips on your computer printer to document your new patchbay configuration. It’s available on CD-ROM by calling Shoreview at 781-784-1199. Be sure to tell Andrew that Clay from Sweetwater sent you so your handy CD will be ready to provide you with accurate part numbers.
SHUREShure has added a new companion microphone to the successful KSM line. The new KSM44/SL is a multi-pattern large diaphragm condenser microphone, designed for critical studio vocal tracking applications. It offers Cardioid, Omnidirectional and Bi-directional patterns with its dual diaphragm capsule design. The KSM44/SL uses a transformerless class-A circuitry with a 15db attenuation switch and a 3-position switchable low-frequency filter. It comes with a locking aluminum case, shockmount and swivel mount.
TANNOY
Tannoy is showing their newest active subwoofer, the PS350B. This LFE compliant subwoofer boasts a frequency response of 29Hz – 300Hz with it’s 15" woofer and vented cabinet design. It has 5.1 bass management with remote bypass, LCR balanced inputs on XLR, LCR balanced outputs on XLR, a selectable LFE crossover with THX required 120Hz low-pass, and custom EQ filtering. There is an optional bass management remote bypass cable available. The power amp is a Class-AB design offering 350 Watts with a protection limiter. Its high-pass filter is fixed at 80Hz and is defeatable. This is a perfect subwoofer for the recording studio or post-production facility.
TASCAM
Tascam has announced a new small-format digital mixer. The DM-24 is a 24-bit/96kHz digital mixer with built-in automation, effects processing, and extremely good audio quality. This mixer is designed to interface with the new MX-2424 hard disk recorder. The on-board automation can hold up to 8 entire mixes internally, and provides flexible internal signal routing. The DM-24 has 16 channels of TDIF, 8 channels of ADAT, 2 AES and 2 s/pdif, and 16 analog inputs on XLR mic and TRS line connectors. There are 2 option slots open for 8-channel analog or digital expansion cards. This mixer offers gating, 4-band parametric EQ, and compression on each channel, along with an effects processor with high-quality reverb by TC Works and Mic and Speaker Modeling by Antares. It offers 100mm motorized faders and a full transport control. As the first affordable small-format 24/96k digital mixer, it is a certain success!TC ELECTRONIC
TC is showing their new Triple-C multi-band compressor. This just might be the most versatile compressor ever created! It combines the multi-band compression from the Finalizer Series of products, with traditional full-band compression, and envelope compression for special effects and percussive work. This 1U unit has a very comfortable and familiar user interface with traditional knobs usually found on dynamics processors. It also uses the high-resolution LCD display as found on other TC Electronic products. This allows a graphic representation of what you are effecting with the controls. All effect parameters can be accessed via MIDI and there is a pedal input for bypass. The unit offers digital s/pdif inputs and outputs along with analog I/O on balanced 1/4" jacks. It also offers a sidechain input and output that can even be used for stereo coupling. Whether mastering, mixing, tracking or playing live, this Triple-C has a few dynamics tricks that are just what you need!
Helicon Vocal Technologies Inc. has unveiled the first product in its line of voice processing tools - the Helicon VoicePrism Voice Formant and Pitch Processor. The VoicePrism is a full solution vocal processor for both the stage and studio. Unlike simple harmony processors, the VoicePrism has a full range of lead and backing channel vocal processing under preset control. The VoicePrism provides the ability to go directly from a phantom powered mic into its high quality 48V mic preamp to access any of the on-board processes. Some of the on-board processing includes compression, gating, dual fully parametric EQ, 4-voice harmony (with individually adjustable gender controls and humanizing parameters) and a 5th lead-doubling voice for automatic double tracking. They have 2 separate post-effects blocks (including chorus/flange, delay and reverb with predelay), effects and harmony libraries, preset browser with context sensitive help menus, and you can even audition sampled human voices for preset previewing. Outputs include analog and S/PDIF digital I/O. The VoicePrism also supports an upcoming VoicePrism Expansion Card (available 2001) which will offer the world’s first implementation of Human Voice Physical Modeling as well as both AES/EBU and S/PDIF I/O. Retail price of the VoicePrism is announced at $1299.
WAVES
Waves has added a new member to their DSP Processing Software product line. The Renaissance Reverberator is the third in their series of processors that excel in recreating the warm sound qualities and simple operation of classic and vintage hardware in the digital domain. This new "plug-in" really sounds great! It is available in the Waves Gold TDM bundle, Waves Gold Native bundle, and in the new Renaissance Collection for TDM and Native.Waves announces their new version 3.0 software along with a restructuring of their Native and TDM bundles. They now include the new Renaissance Collection, with the Renaissance EQ, Renaissance Compressor, and the new Renaissance Reverberator. They have put more processors in every bundle, added graphical enhancements, all new interfaces, and many processors now support 88.2/96kHz. Plus, Waves has discontinued the use of the dongle as their copy protection scheme, employing a challenge/response system with easy on-line authorization.
WAVE DISTRIBUTION
Empirical Labs, known for their popular Distressor, is showing their new Fatso. Fatso is a two channel Full Analog Tape Simulator/Optimizer with Knee Compressor. It features some of Empirical Lab's famous Distressor crunch, plus a new setting called Spank. The Empirical Labs people are calling Fatso an audio obesity generator, which dynamically fattens up audio in the most desirable frequency ranges, adding warmth and classic analog tape saturation to individual tracks, stereo mixes, even home theatre installations. They have set their retail pricing at $2495.
CLM Dynamics has re-engineered their Expounder especially for the US market. The Expounder is a unique dynamic EQ that has been extremely popular in the UK. Made in Scotland, the Expounder is a nice EQ with the added feature of dynamic filtering that can be used for problem solving or for special effects and dynamics enhancement. The folks at Wave Distribution have assisted in the redesign of the expounder and are announcing a price reduction for the US market, as well. The new pricing is $1995 Suggested Retail.
Well, that’s it! The 109th AES Convention has been another success story, both for the manufacturers and for the attendees. Some attendees argue that there were not as many revolutionary new and different products being displayed this year as at one time, many years ago. I counter that argument by stating that nobody can doubt that the technology shown proves that we work and play in one of the most exciting fields in the world! I guess that with the immediate delivery of the Internet, news of new product development reaches the public much more quickly. Therefore, it is seldom "new" news when we see "new" products at a show like AES 2000. It is still so very exciting to actually see and hear all the great equipment developed by such talented engineers, all under one roof. No matter what the definition of "new" is to you, anyone should agree that the technologies we witnessed here at AES 2000 will, most certainly, improve the way in which we all create in the audio business. That is what really matters.AES 2000 was another remarkable experience, so typical of industry get-togethers in our wonderful business. To have had the opportunity to see the latest new technology and rub elbows with the designers and creators of such incredible tools of our trade is a chance that I would not give up for anything. Having, once again, had the chance to see so many of the legends in our business, like Alan Parsons, Al Schmitt, Roger Nichols and so many more, is still a real thrill. Having had a few laughs, and a moment or two to talk shop, with those responsible for what we all do is priceless! To all of you who design, build, sell, or use this fantastic technology, I thank you for doing what you do. It gives me the opportunity to live a dream. That is why I so enjoy sharing what I have learned with all of you!For all of the folks at Sweetwater I thank you and wish you a good day!