Digidesign® is pleased to announce the D-Show 2.5 software upgrade for the VENUE live sound environment. D-Show 2.5 is the first release that offers support for both the D-Show™ and D-Show Profile™ mixing consoles.

Developed in response to user requests, D-Show 2.5 provides more flexibility to Matrix and PQ outputs and adds input libraries, a new Events List, and many other features to enhance the user experience with any VENUE console.

New Features in D-Show 2.5

Support for the D-Show Profile mixing surface
With the addition of the new D-Show Profile console to the VENUE family, D-Show 2.5 provides complete support for the entire VENUE product line. D-Show users who adopt the new console will be immediately familiar with the software and workflows.

Full portability of user setting and show files between VENUE consoles
D-Show 2.5 offers guaranteed show file compatibility between D-Show and D-Show Profile mixing consoles. And users won’t encounter any data loss when moving files between the two systems—if functions are unavailable, the software will preserve and restore settings.

Expanded Matrix and Personal Q (PQ) Routing
Mono or PQ matrices can now accept input from 12 sources, which can include any combination of groups, auxiliaries, LRM masters, and any of eight user-assigned inputs. All matrices can have their own input sources and all can be changed on a per-scene basis with snapshot automation.

New Event List functionality
The new Event List allows complete customization of function buttons, footswitches, and D-Show Profile’s General Purpose Interface (GPI), enabling users to speed up their workflow. Engineers can now create “macros” that allow the console to perform single or multiple functions with a single button push or switch closure from an external device.

Input Channel Presets
This additional input library enables complete channel settings storage on a per-channel basis, which allows faster set-up of similar channels and easy access to input-only settings to all show files. As with other preset libraries, input libraries can be transferred independently to a USB key.

Pricing and Availability
Digidesign expects to release the D-Show 2.5 software upgrade around 10/31/06. Customers will be able to purchase the upgrade either directly from Digidesign’s Customer Service Administration (CSA) or from their authorized VENUE reseller for $149 US MSRP. Customers must provide the serial number of their FOH Rack to qualify for the upgrade.

Amnesty Upgrades
D-Show 2.0 customers qualify for a free D-Show 2.5 upgrade provided they meet the following requirements:

Customers purchasing a D-Show 2.0 system or D-Show 2.0 upgrade kit between January 1, 2006 and July 31, 2006 must register their purchase with Digidesign Customer Service Administration on or before September 25, 2006 in order to qualify for a free D-Show 2.5 upgrade.

Customers purchasing a D-Show 2.0 system or D-Show 2.0 upgrade kit between August 1, 2006 and the release of D-Show 2.5 (late Oct / early Nov) must register their purchase with Digidesign Customer Service Administration on or before December 15, 2006 in order to qualify for a free D-Show 2.5 upgrade.

For more information, visit their web site at www.digidesign.com.

Posted in Mixers, Software, Technology

Digidesign® is proud to announce the addition of D-Show Profile™ to the VENUE live sound environment family. This compact mixing console is a size-conscious alternative to the wildly popular D-Show™, the flagship console of the VENUE line. D-Show Profile offers full compatibility with all existing VENUE hardware components, total file portability, and an incredibly compact footprint—all of which ensures the exact same sound quality, reliability, and flexibility for which VENUE is now well known.

Compact Form Factor
D-Show Profile features a 24-channel frame that’s smaller than the footprint of a single D-Show main unit. The console serves as the perfect alternative for sound reinforcement vendors, rental houses, and contractors that need to offer a powerful system in a compact form for small- to mid-size environments and applications, such as houses of worship, corporate events, theaters, mid-level concert venues, and remote broadcasts.

Total Show File Portability
D-Show Profile uses the same D-Show software as its big brother D-Show, enabling engineers to create and load files for use on either console. This also means that users won’t need to learn new software if they’re already familiar with D-Show. D-Show engineers can move straight on to D-Show Profile—and vice-versa—without additional software acclimation to start mixing or building show files. Plus engineers will no longer need to build new show files (as many currently do) when simply moving to a different console by the same manufacturer.

Full Hardware Compatibility
D-Show Profile works with all existing VENUE hardware components, such as FOH and Stage racks. For sound reinforcement vendors and rental houses, this can represent a tremendous amount of savings and alleviate fears of current inventory obsolescence. With the VENUE model of interconnectivity and flexibility, vendors can greatly widen the scope of their existing system applications by simply offering an alternative mixing console.

New Features
Profile features eight General Purpose Interface (GPI) inputs and eight GPI outputs to connect and control any external equipment that can react to simple switch closures. Used in conjunction with the new Event List in D-Show 2.5 software, engineers can design up to 999 simple or complex macros and use GPI to control external switches, devices, equipment functions, and more.

Digidesign will be showcasing the entire VENUE family at the PLASA ‘06 show in London (stand #K57) from September 10-13.

D-Show Profile is expected to ship in Q4 2006. A complete D-Show Profile System, which includes the Profile mixing console and VENUE FOH and Stage racks, will be available via authorized Digidesign dealers for $54,985 US MSRP. The Profile console will also be available separately for $17,955 US MSRP.

For more information, visit their web site at www.digidesign.com.

Posted in Live Sound, Mixers, Technology

Kaysound, the North American distributor for SM Pro Audio, is now shipping the new PM8 passive mixer.

The PM8 is an 8 x 4 passive mixer/summing unit designed to help users of digital audio workstations achieve higher quality audio mix down results. The summing and mixing features built into the PM8 allow users to avoid unnecessary A/D & D/A conversions commonly found in digital studios and thus attain extremely detailed mixes with superb stereo imaging and punch.

“Engineers have known mixing in software alone has some serious limitations,” said Danny Olesh (Product Developer) from SM Pro Audio. “Our new passive mixer helps users get the best from both worlds. They can continue to get great features from their digital multi-track recording software whilst mixing down without compromise through the PM8.”

Using the best quality components, the PM-8 merges up to eight analog channels into clean and clear stereo pairs, with all the sonic depth and dynamics intact. Level control, panning, and muting controls give the PM8 the tools to deliver the sonic quality you would expect from a quality analog console.

The PM8 also allows users integrate their outboard reverbs, EQ units, vintage synths, and other audio equipment with their DAW projects easily, inexpensively and without compromise. Multiple PM8s can be stacked for more input channels.

Features:

• Sums 8 x channels of audio to two stereo output pairs
• 8 x combo connector inputs
• 25 pin DSUB input connector (compatible with Digidesign Protools hardware)
• 2 x stereo (4, Master 1 pair, Master 2 pair) XLR balanced outputs
• 2 x stepped attenuator controls for accurate level adjustment
• Internal power supply (110v – 230v switchable)
• Ground pin connector
• Achieves better stereo imaging
• Creates exceptionally detailed mixes with clarity and punch

For more information, visit their web site at www.smproaudio.com.

Posted in Audio, Mixers

Aviom, Inc., manufacturer of the Pro16 Monitor Mixing System, is announcing that the company is now shipping the new AN-16SBR System Bridge, which will be featured at AES 2006 (Booth# 123).

All Pro16 Series products are compatible with the AN-16SBR System Bridge, which is designed to be used with Pro16 Series products when digital snake and audio distribution systems larger than 32 channels are required. One AN-16SBR is used at each end of every 48- or 64-channel run. The AN-16SBR supports the configurations of 64×0, 48X16, 32×32 or smaller.

Features of the new System Bridge include two identical 1U rack-mount modules, each with four Neutrik EtherCon connectors (16 channels each) and one Neutrik EtherCon connector for Bridge output (up to 64 channels).

Multiple AN-16SBR units can be used to create complex systems and, at each end of a main run, one AN-16SBR is used to combine or separate up to four 16-channel A-Net streams onto a single Cat-5 cable. The combined Bridge output carries up to 64 channels. All network connections feature heavy-duty locking Neutrik EtherCon connectors.

The Aviom System Bridge requires no power supply and no DC power.

For more information, visit their web site at www.aviom.com.

Posted in Mixers

Allen & Heath has released a new software suite comprising new firmware and Mac configuration utility software for its mixer/controller, the Xone:3D. The updates include an improved interface for Mac users and greater MIDI functionality.

The updated utility software provides an interface – identical to the PC version – for users with Mac computers to set up and configure their 3D unit.

Key to the firmware release – v.1.10 – is the inclusion of a MIDI merge facility, which enables MIDI data from external devices to be combined with the MIDI data from the Xone:3D control surface and passed via USB to the software. The new firmware also includes full MIDI duplex, which enables MIDI data generated by the software to be sent back down the USB and out of the Xone:3D MIDI socket to an external device, such as a sequencer or sound generation module.

MIDI time clocks can now be generated either internally by the Xone:3D, or by an external device, with the 3D clock turned off. This is a great feature that enables multiple DJ set-ups to all synchronize to a common MIDI clock.

Further improvements include improved tolerance to USB clock jitter that in extreme cases could cause degradation of the soundcard audio output, smoother MIDI clock generation, and improved response of the encoders and jog wheels.

The Xone:3D is the amalgamation of a high performance 4 stereo channel DJ mixer, a top spec 8-channel USB soundcard, and a comprehensive MIDI control surface with 105 different controls that can be mapped to manipulate any music software.

The unique design offers DJs and producers an integrated performance workstation, providing all necessary control on one surface. This offers flexibility during live performance or production work when the user can introduce various clips and samples, sync them with other music sources via the USB soundcard, and build a unique set.

For more information, visit their web site at www.allen-heath.com.

Posted in Mixers

Available immediately, Grooveboxmusic.com has released the first group of training videos in their new “Studio Series” collection. The Studio Series takes a completely different approach than their acclaimed software training videos and utilizes real video footage of actual engineers, producers and artists using the tools found in today’s recording studios.

The first group of videos focuses on Mic’ing and Recording Drums, and feature engineer Andy Sharp who has worked with groups such as Blue October and Sheryl Crow.

Currently the videos are only viewable online with the “G-Pass” which gives instant access to hundreds of video tutorials for one low price. Groovebox is currently working on many more titles for this exciting new series as well.

“We have decided to present the other side of recording as we have the software training aspect covered. Now it’s time to bring real life footage and content on common studio technologies and practices,” says Groovebox Corp. President Asa Doyle.

Titles and descriptions in the current Studio Series “Mic and Record Drums” category are:

• Intro and Setup – Get the lowdown on the basic setup for working with drums in the studio, and some things to remember before you start.
• Kick Drum – Learn about mic selection, placement and setting levels for the kick drum and getting the right sound for your style of music.
• Snare Drum – Discover several popular mic techniques for the snare drum and the different sounds they create. This tutorial guides you through placement, audio examples and much more.
• Hi Hat – The hi-hat can be hard to capture or very easy. This tutorial covers the basics that make the job easy and the results versatile. Mic selection, placement and audio examples are all explained.
• Toms – Get the studio engineer perspective of setting up and recording toms. Tons of great insight for capturing the tom tone you want and need.
• Overheads – The secrets of overhead mics are revealed. Learn to choose the right mics, about popular placements, phase cancellation and more.
• Room Mic – The all important “room” mic can really help capture the natural sound of the drums and create a lot of space, character and feel. This tutorial shows you how to set it up and get it.

For more information, visit their web site at www.grooveboxmusic.com.

Posted in Education, Microphones, Mixers, Recording, Studio, Technology

Zaxcom has begun shipping its Deva Mix-12, a fully digital 12-fader control surface that directly manages the audio mixer embedded within the Zaxcom Deva IV and V location recorders. Combined with either the Deva IV or V, it performs all location mix and record functions, reducing production costs by eliminating the need for expensive external mixing consoles.

“The ability of the Deva Mix-12 to be combined with the Deva IV and V is a new concept in on-location mixing,” said Glenn Sanders, president and founder of Zaxcom. “In the past, due to the nature of electronic design and processing power issues, the audio mixer and the location recorder had to be engineered as two separate devices. Now, with the increase of available processing power within the location recorder, it is possible to integrate these two functions. This integration provides users with a host of benefits, including fewer I/O connections and no sample rate issues.”

When paired with the Deva IV, the Deva Mix-12 features 16 inputs and 18 outputs, and it features 16 inputs and 20 outputs when paired with the Deva V. Its microphone pre-amps are studio quality, ensuring no coloration or distortion of the audio by transformers or other analog circuitry. Only the pre-amps and A-D and D-A converters are used for analog connections to the outside world. Mixing is performed digitally via a floating-point DSP, ensuring no distortion or channel-to-channel differences, which can occur with traditional analog mixing consoles over time or with temperature changes. Users will have the ability to remove hum and buzz with the two notch features on each channel, a capability that can save precious time and money on a shoot. The Deva Mix-12 also features three-band shelving filters with level, Q, and frequency control via the Deva IV or V’s graphic interface.

Other features of the Mix-12 include 12 fader strips, which provide instant access to bus routing and effects for the channel being used, and an input port that directly controls the gain of the microphone pre-amp as well as the P&G fader. An LED input meter is provided on each channel strip to augment the Deva’s full-color output metering. The Deva Mix-12 also comes with a soft-knee compressor that features natural sound and transparency unparalleled in the industry.

For more information, visit their web site at www.zaxcom.com.

Posted in Audio, Mixers, Recording, Technology

Gator has released a new rack bag that is great lightweight solution for effects processors, recording equipment and wireless microphones. The unique GRBW- 3U+6W works with 6 – 1/2-space wireless units or 4 – 1/2-space wireless units and 1 antenna combiner.

The case has 3U of rack space with threaded field replaceable rack rails and the microphone pocket holds 6 wireless microphones or 6 body packs in a padded foam insert for protection.

The bag is constructed of lightweight 600-Denier nylon and features a rugged polyethylene reinforced interior frame and internal reinforced aluminum valance for superior protection.

Extra features of the case are a retractable, removable handle and wheel assembly and interior mesh pocket for accessories.

For more information, visit their web site at www.gatorcases.com.

Posted in Accessories, Amplification, Mixers

Rupert Neve Designs announces the launch of the Portico™ 5033 Five Band Equalizer and High Performance Line Driver as part of the growing family of half rack Portico series modules. The 5033 features Mr. Rupert Neve’s custom input and output transformer designs, five bands of EQ based on his traditional curves, -/+12dB input level adjustment, five filter bypasses and comes available in either horizontal or vertical formats.

When equalization is required, the 5033 has five swept bands of EQ for the meticulous sculpting of audio signals. High and low shelving filters are engaged using the same push-button, and both are capable of boosting or cutting their respective ranges by 12 dB. The shelving filters range from 30 Hz to 300 Hz for the low shelf and 2.5 kHz to 25 kHz for the high shelf. The three mid-band filters are also capable of +/-12 dB of gain and have an additional fully variable “Q” control from a broad 0.7 and narrow 5.

Each fully parametric band can be separately engaged and is continuously variable throughout its filter range. The Low-Mid Frequency (LMF) band is continuously variable from 50 Hz to 400 Hz, the Mid Frequency (MF) band is continuously variable from 330 Hz to 2.5 kHz, and the High-Mid Frequency (HMF) range is continuously variable from 2 kHz to 16 kHz. To minimize the signal path and allow for critical A-B listening, there are also five separate filter bypasses.

The 5033 also has a high performance, transformer coupled line driver with continuously variable +/-12dB trim for optimal gain staging and level matching between processed and unprocessed signals. Like many of Mr. Rupert Neve’s classic modules, the line driving circuit adds sweetness, warmth and presence that can greatly benefit signals that are somewhat brittle and lifeless.

For more information, visit their web site at www.rupertneve.com.

Posted in Audio, Effects, Mixers, Technology