Sound Technology is pleased to announce an evening with Solid State Logic and Miloco Studio Group at Assault & Battery 2 in London (16th Nov) or The Chairworks in Castleford (9th Nov).
SSL studio events are a great opportunity for engineers, producers and musicians to visit some of the best-equipped commercial recording studios in the UK.
More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/ssl/news/an-evening-with-SSL
The Nord Electro 3 operating system has been updated to v2.06.
This update addresses a few issues, some of which have been discovered by Electro 3 users. As always, we are very grateful for the reports that are sent in.
More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/nord/news/keyboards/electro-3-2_06-os-update
“With its streamlined approach, Record gets straight to the nub of what recording your music should be all about – it just lets you get on with it.”
Propellerhead’s new audio-recording package ‘Record’ was designed for musicians - not audio engineers. Continuing a stream of glittering reviews, this month Record is reviewed in Guitarist Magazine where it receives a 4.5 out of 5 rating and the magazine’s ‘Guitarist Choice’ award.
“What you get with Record is comprehensive self-contained package with a host of features that are optimized for guitarists and a learning curve that’s not daunting”.
More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/propellerhead/news/propellerhead-record-awarded-guitarist-choice-award
Lexicon® recently updated the software to the PCM96 and PCM96 Surround to make them compatible with both Pro Tools 8 as well as Mac OS X 10.5.7. In addition, software version 3.2.0.1 represents a major effort towards the improvement of streaming audio and control functionality of both systems.
Featuring a wide array of rich, complex reverb algorithms with related delays and effects, the single rack-space PCM96 and PCM96 Surround processors integrate seamlessly into the modern studio as a control-only DAW insert or FireWire streaming hardware plug-in. The updated software for both the PCM96 and PCM96 Surround has been optimized to be less processor intensive when using the hardware plug-in functionality, and the Configuration display has been upgraded to handle multiple PCM96 and PCM96 Surround processors.
“As a daily user of the PCM96, I can tell you that it is a dramatic improvement,” said one Beta user. “I have noticed that the load time for the PCM96 plug-in is lightning fast, the latency is greatly decreased, and the overall burden on my system is greatly diminished.”
For more information on the software update, visit the downloads section of Lexicon’s website and sign up for the software update notification at
http://www.lexiconpro.com/downloads.php
Sound Technology Ltd is very proud to announce a Larrivée Guitars tie-up with one of the country's leading acoustic events. Curated by BBC Radio 1's Jo Whiley, Mencap's Little Noise Sessions at the Islington Union Chapel, 16 - 24 November 2009, is well-known as an extraordinary event in the music calendar.
‘Coveted’ doesn’t begin to describe tickets to Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions. For people really plugged into London’s music scene, they are easily the hottest ticket of the year. Over 10 musically eclectic nights, big names join new talent and the occasional surprise megastar (previous ‘secret’ performances from The Killers, U2 and Chris Martin) to play sell-out acoustic shows to an audience of 700 people in the incredibly intimate setting of Islington’s Union Chapel.
Mencap and BBC Radio 1 DJ Jo Whiley have been hard at work putting this year’s line-up together and, as always, they’re promising a few surprises in addition to what’s already on the bill. Confirmed acts include Editors, Alexandra Burke, Mika, Richard Hawley, Lost Prophets, Taio Cruz and Florence + The Machine.
Sound Technology will be providing Larrivée Guitars for the events, with signed models auctioned at the end of the Sessions for Mencap. A Larrivée competition to win tickets for the Sessions is also launching next week.
For more details please visit www.soundtech.co.uk/larrivee
We knew it was good, but here's proof of the stand-out quality of Propellerhead Record's timestretch algorithm.
Professional production outfit The Freemasons have used Propellerhead Record for their latest remix for Whitney Houston. In an interview with Paul Dakeyne for DV247.com James ‘Freemason’ Wiltshire reveals their use of Record and in particular its incredible real-time time stretch algorithm:
'Record’s [timestretch] were phenomenal compared to the other market leaders, having none of the ‘pre-note’ artifacts showed by, say, Serato, when dealing with material that needs all dynamics completely intact. Record’s algorithm managed to maintain a lot of information regarding depth and space which is normally the first thing that goes to pot when time stretching.'
To read the full story please click here.
Sound Technology and Washburn Guitars are pleased to announce immediate shipping of new Washburn Cracked Mirror models.
Due to popular demand the Cracked Mirror top is now available on two production Washburn Guitars. Previously only available on the £7000 USA Custom shop Washburn PS2000 (Paul Stanley Model), this much sought after finish can now be found on the V-shaped WV1800CM and the award-winning Idol-shaped WI1800CM.
More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/washburn/news/washburn-cracked-mirror-models
Lexicon is proud to introduce the PCM92 Stereo Reverb/Effects Processor.
The PCM92 utilizes the latest DSP technology and the finest collection of classic Lexicon algorithms to offer the ultimate processor for live and studio applications. Delivering 28 mono and stereo reverbs, delays, and modulation effects, flexible routing configurations, and a comprehensive library of over 700 factory presets, the PCM92 represents the most advanced audio processor in its class.
More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/lexicon/news/lexicon-introduces-pcm92
Lexicon has rocked the audio industry with the introduction of its groundbreaking new PCM Native Reverb Plug-In Bundle.
For over 35 years Lexicon has been considered the golden standard of digital reverb and effects processing and has continuously introduced leading edge technology for the audio industry. After years of research and significant advances in computer processing speeds, Lexicon has developed the PCM Native Reverb Plug-In Bundle which provides seven legendary Lexicon reverb algorithms that are designed to deliver the highest level of sonic quality and function, and offer all the flexibility of a native plug-in.
The Lexicon PCM Native Reverb Plug-In Bundle is the ultimate studio plug-in for creating professional, insprirational mixes withinpoular DAWs like Pro Tools and Logic, as well as with any other VST, Audio Unit, or RTAS compatible host. These pristine algorithms represent Lexicon’s state-of-the-art technology now in highly efficient native plug-ins that are designed to elevate the sonic qualities of native reverb plug-ins to an entirely new level and provide that smooth, rich sound that is unmistakably Lexicon.
More information and videos:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/lexicon/news/lexicon-launches-pcm-native-reverb-plug-in
“A great way to get your hands on a tube mic from a respected brand at an affordable price".
The latest issue of Future Music magazine includes another exemplary review of AKG’s Perception mic range. On test this month is the latest release and ‘new head of the family’, the AKG Perception 820.
“You may not have to rely on the ‘pitch-challenged’ bassist and drummer ever again…”.
The latest addition to the Digitech Vocalist Live range of harmonisers is reviewed in the new issue of Guitarist magazine. The Vocalist Live 3 Desktop receives a 4.5 out 5 Guitarist rating and is awarded the magazine's ‘Choice’ award for highly recommended buys.
“If you’re a musician who sings and plays guitar and you want to bolster your sound with some extra voices, the VL3D will do the job nicely”.
More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/digitech/news/guitarist-magazine-review-the-digitech-vl3d
“...cranks its bells and whistles to squeeze the very best out of your cherished axe”.
In a feature entitled 'Tech Portals: Five gadgets that show you their inner workings' the Randall V2 amplifier gets full-page coverage in this month's T3 Magazine.
Read more at:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/randall/news/randall-v2-in-t3-magazine
“With their smart satin finishes and no-nonsense performance, these guitars feel more ‘professional workhorses’ than ‘pampered show pony’, and we’re sure they will more than comfortably fill this role”.
The Larrivee -03 Recording Series provides guitarists with their first step into the Larrivee line. Manufactured in Vancouver, these simple yet elegant guitars have many of the features found on the higher end models, including all solid wood construction, ebony fretboard and bridge and a single piece, hand fit dove tail, mahogany neck. Guitar Buyer Magazine this month reviews two models from the -03 Series, the L-03E and OM-03RE.
Read more at:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/larrivee/news/guitar-buyer-review-larrivee-lo3e-om03re
During the summer recess, Digital Village put the finishing touches to a complex recording and broadcast studio (with editing facilities) for South Thames College, completing the first stage of a major project in an area in which they specialise.
The company had already provided a JBL/Crown sound reinforcement infrastructure, for many of the College’s other suites and studios in the building’s new ultra-modern wing earlier this summer. This had sensitively been tied in to the College’s original 1926 Grade II-listed building in Wandsworth by main building contractors BAM Construction.
JBL in-ceiling speakers and Crown amplification have been used throughout — but it is the complex switching and routing requirements of the 12 studios that have made the College the perfect environment for BSS Audio’s new generation of Soundweb London DSP’s.
The new wing represents part of an overall £100m investment by the College designed to boost vocational training. The second phase of development (for which £30m has been earmarked) will continue back at the original building, where the auditorium is to be replaced with a theatre. Students will not only be able to record from any source in the recording studio at the touch of an interface but live recording will be enabled from the theatre itself.
Digital Village are renowned for networking multiple spaces, and the South Thames contract was awarded following the integration of similar, larger academic recording environments at Newcastle College Performance Academy and The Atrium, for the University of Glamorgan.
The recently-released JoeCo BLACKBOX RECORDER has won the prestigious PLASA Award for Innovation. The revolutionary recorder for capturing multi-track live audio received recognition from a panel of industry judges during this year's PLASA Show at Earls Court in London. The Awards for Innovation are given to products which advance the industry by demonstrating a new style of thinking, improving technical practice, or taking a key step forward in terms of safety.
Designed to attach to the inserts of any live mixing console, the JoeCo BLACKBOX RECORDER captures up to 24 tracks of live audio at 24 Bit / 96kHz, without the need to have a computer at the performance. Audio is recorded in industry-standard Broadcast WAV format onto a regular USB2, FAT32 formatted drive. (A 500 GByte drive will store approximately 20 hours of 24-track material at 24 Bit / 96kHz and over 40 hours at 48kHz). By feeding back the BLACKBOX RECORDER's outputs to the console's insert returns, any console is enabled to have a Virtual Sound Check facility. It is also possible to connect the BLACKBOX RECORDER to direct or group outs from the console.
More information:
www.soundtech.co.uk/joeco
Galvin at Windows in London has been given a JBL sound system refit by the Sound Division Group. Offering peerless views over the city, the top London restaurant (on the 28th floor of the London Park Lane Hilton) opened in May 2006. With chef Chris Galvin at the helm, the restaurant quickly became one of the most talked about in London.
However, the one aspect of the bar's infrastructure that was found wanting was the sound system, and in due course general manager Fred Sirieix decided that in order to complete the perfect atmosphere this would need to be upgraded. "The old ceiling speaker system was not sufficiently powerful for our private events and there were ‘pockets' where there was no coverage," he said.
He was aware that back on the hotel's ground floor, the Sound Division Group had recently fitted out the chic Whisky Mist, operated by Piers Adam and Nick House, on the site of the famous Zeta Bar. Impressed by the outstanding performance of JBL's Control 29's in Whisky Mist, the same speakers were demonstrated, along with JBL Control 26CT ceiling speakers. The result was that this combination was specified as part of a complete sound package.
More information:
http://www.jblpro.com/catalog/general/ProductFamily.aspx?FId=23&MID=2
http://www.soundivision.co.uk/
SSL have announced a new time-limited Mynx bundle promotion. For 1 month only enjoy the different flavours of SSL channel compression for 25% less.
More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/ssl/news/ssl-mynx-compression-bundles
JBL's flagship VerTec line array PA was out in force at the 2009 Leeds and Reading festivals, with over 90 VT4889 line array elements in use by Adlib Audio. Identical systems were supplied for the Radio 1/NME stage at both Reading and Leeds sites.
This year - because of the huge popularity of the bands appearing at peak times including Florence & The Machine, Gossip, Faith No More, Lost Prophets and many more - there was the additional challenge of providing PAs for 3 IMAG video screens positioned outside both sides and at the rear of the tent. These enabled anyone not actually able to squeeze inside to see & hear the action and still enjoy the shows. These speakers also all had to be integrated into the main systems.
The main hangs inside were 10 VerTec VT4889s per side with 16 ground stacked VerTec 4880A subs. There were also two delay hangs of 3 VT4889s. The PAs for the screens were ground stacked on 12 ft high platforms. The arrays were assembled on the ground on a fly bar and lifted into position by a tele-handler. The tent left and right screens featured 6 VT4889s per side, with 4 per side for the centre screen at the back of the tent.
More information:
http://www.adlibaudio.co.uk/news/ADLIB_for_Reading_Leeds_2009/286/13.aspx
We asked Chris Martirano from Design Sounds to recreate some of the best known FM sounds from yesteryear and results are nothing but spectacular. We got the #15 bass, several variations of the sparkly electric piano, the FM brass and loads of other great sounds. These are now available as a free download in the Nord Wave Super Sounds area.
One of the great and prominent features in the Nord Wave is the two ''oscillators on steroids''. Few other hardware synthesizers have the kind of flexibility that the Wave offers in this regard. Not only do you have a bunch of great sounding traditional analog style waveforms and sync capabilities, there is also a large selection of digital waveforms, sample playback capabilities with 180 MB of user replaceable samples and no less than 38 FM algorithms.
These FM algorithms have 1, 2 or 3-operator structures, with or without feedback and allows you to produce the sounds that are very similar to the original DX or TX units that made FM and digital synthesizers very popular in the mid eighties. The added bonus in the Wave is of course that the FM algorithms are then routed through the virtual analog architecture that allows you to further sculpt the sound using the envelopes, multi-mode filters and other functions in the Wave.
The BlueSwede R Large Upright is a slightly trimmed version of the previously released BlueSwede XLR. This new entry in the Nord Piano Library is a bit smaller in size thanks to some careful editing of the velocity layers and removing some of lowest octave pedal-down samples. This means that the new version is approx. 48 MB, compared to 66 MB for the XLR.
The R indicates that this piano is compatible with the String Resonance feature that is available in the Nord Stage EX from OS version 5.10 and later. Nord Stage Classic and Nord Electro 3 owners can still use the BlueSwede but without the advantage of the String Resonance feature. The piano is available for free download on the Nord Piano Library page.
At PLASA 09 Soundcraft previewed a new Vi Series control surface for applications where space is very tight.
The new Soundcraft Vi2 inherits all the basic functionality of its larger brothers the Vi4 and Vi6, but measure just 850mm in width, around half the size of a Vi6. The Vi2 can handle as many inputs as a Vi4 or Vi6 (72 and 96 channels respectively) using the standard stagebox and local rack hardware.
More information:
www.soundtech.co.uk/soundcraft/vi2/start
Propellerhead Record is honoured with Sound On Sound's front cover on the October 2009 issue. More soon ...
Three, Two, One, Go! Soundcraft’s New Si1 Digital Console Expands Si Series Range
Today at PLASA 2009, a third member joins the very successful Si Series family—the even more compact Soundcraft Si1 digital live sound console.
In just nine months, Soundcraft has now launched three models in this range, picking up no less than five industry awards in that time commending the Si console on its ease of use and simplifying the transition from analogue to digital.
The new Si1 has a very compact footprint of just 1200mm width, meaning it fits nicely into space-restricted areas such as theatres, small venues, and Houses of Worship, and of course comes at an extremely competitive price.
As standard the Si1 has 32 mic inputs mapped on 16 faders, and with four dedicated Stereo Line channels, four dedicated FX Returns from the four stereo Lexicon FX processors can mix up to 48 inputs. Eight balanced insert sends and returns are provided, along with the same bus structure as the Si2 and Si3 of 24 Group/Aux busses, eight matrix busses and a full complement of monitor talkback and main bus outputs. These buses may be freely assigned to any of the 16 physical XLR connectors in addition to the dedicated mix and monitoring output XLRs. Every bus has a dedicated 30-band BSS Audio graphic EQ, permanently patched in with no additional drain on DSP resource. Three option card slots are provided for further expansion such as recording of all the channel direct output feeds or increasing the number of channels to mix.
Such is the power and topology of the Si Series that the separate DSP and control engines allow you to make any system or function changes live with no interruption in the audio.
Like the Si3 and Si2, the Si1 uses a combination of rotary encoders and OLED screens on every channel so the engineer mixes at source, without recourse to a central screen, an interface welcomed by many engineers since the Si3’s launch last year. Using the center section and channel encoders, it is possible to simultaneously monitor and control input EQ, input dynamics and output EQ. Four assignable on-board lexicon effect engines supplement four stereo inputs to provide a really powerful mix package in a width of 1.2m for a UK list price of under £14,000. Soundcraft’s offline editor program, Virtual Si, can also be used to setup and manage complete shows offline, for later download to an Si1 console through a USB memory key.
With a wealth of input and output connections and power supply on board, the Si1 can simply drop in where an existing analogue console sat, utilising existing copper cable snakes and splitter systems.
More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/soundcraft/si1/start
JBL Professional Launches Nine New AE Series 2-Way Full-Range Permanent Installation Loudspeaker Models. Two new horn designs, 60° x 60° and 120° x 60°, raise the total count of models in the AE Series to 50.
Providing unprecedented versatility for sound integrators, JBL Professional is adding nine 2-way full-range loudspeaker models to its revolutionary AE (Application Engineered) Series: the AM5212/64, AM5212/66, AM5212/95, AN5212/00, AM5212/26, AM5215/64, AM5215/66, AM5215/95 and AM5215/26. The nine new models, including two new horn coverage patterns, bring the total model count in the AE Series to 50. All AE Series loudspeakers are designed specifically for fixed installation sound reinforcement applications.
These nine new medium-power, lightweight models include five 12-inch, 2-way full-range systems and four 15-inch, 2-way full-range systems. All nine models utilize JBL’s patented Differential Drive® dual voice coil and dual gap, neodymium magnet, low-frequency drivers and the 2408H-1 high-frequency 38mm (1.5 in) exit, 38mm (1.5 in) voice-coil compression driver. The large-format Progressive Transition™ waveguides provide excellent coverage control and are rotatable, so the loudspeaker system can be used in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. All nine models utilize a sophisticated high-slope passive crossover network designed to provide seamless transitions from low to high frequency and minimize band overlap. Well-controlled off-axis response enhances arrayability. Each model is shipped in its passive configuration and is user-configurable for bi-amplification.
The enclosures are constructed of multiply birch and are finished in JBL’s rugged DuraFlex™ coating. Each trapezoid enclosure is heavily braced to maximize low-frequency performance, is fitted with 15 M10 threaded attachment points, and utilizes a 14-gauge steel grille internally lined with acoustically transparent foam to provide additional driver protection and give a very professional appearance. Input cups are fitted with screw terminals and a Neutrik® NL4 connector.
As with previous AE Series models, the nine new models are ideal for applications including theatrical sound design, auditoriums, worship facilities, live clubs, dance clubs, sports facilities, and themed entertainment venues.
“Throughout JBL’s history, our success has hinged on the ability to provide the most diverse loudspeaker range in the industry,” said Jon Sager, Director of Market Development, Installed Sound, JBL Professional. “These nine new additions to the AE Series further support JBL’s commitment to sound system designers worldwide.”
