Blogs

Rational Acoustics’ Smaart v8.1 is the first major version update for Smaart v8, which includes improved data handling as well as a host of new feature additions for usability, security and efficiency. The update is free to all registered Smaart v8 users and may be downloaded from the website.

Audio-Technica is now shipping its new ATM350a Microphone Systems in six specially designed systems for woodwinds, strings, brass, percussion, drums and piano. With its UniMount components, the new instrument mic offers multiple instrument mounting solutions.

JoeCo expands the capabilities of its BlueBox Workstation Interface Recorder with new drivers for Windows 7/8/10 platforms, in addition to the Mac support also offered. BlueBox is both a multi-channel DAW audio interface and a stand-alone, live, multi-channel audio acquisition solution and includes 24 high-quality line/mic pre inputs, 24 line outputs and two stereo headphone outs — all operating at up to 24bit/96k Hz. In a live environment, audio files are recorded to an external FAT-32 Mac/PC USB-2/3 drive as Broadcast WAV files and can feed a laptop running DAW software as a backup if required. Mics connect via rear D-Sub ports or an optional 2U breakout panel with XLR connectors.

Sennheiser’s Digital 6000 wireless uses the same proprietary digital audio codec as its flagship Digital 9000 and operates from 470 to 714 MHz. Features include true bit diversity, transmission error correction, switchable AES 256 encryption and an OLED display of the RF signal, link quality, audio signal, battery status and frequency. The SKM 6000 handheld transmitter has Sennheiser’s standard capsule mount for mic heads from the 2000 and 900 series as well as evolution units. Receiver outputs are AES digital, XLR/TRS analog and a Dante option. The series ships in March 2017.

Audinate, creator of the audio networking technology Dante, has announced the immediate availability of the Dante Analog Output Module, a complete, small form factor PCB that allows for rapid development of Dante-to-analog endpoints. Manufacturers can use this module in a variety of small footprint enclosures with appropriate analog connectors to rapidly bring finished products to market.

Shure’s new SystemOn Audio Asset Management Software provides centralized IT support and real-time troubleshooting of Shure’s wireless systems. For IT administrators and AV technicians responsible for large-scale and mission-critical corporate and higher-education installations, the SystemOn framework provides enhanced convenience and ease-of-use. Features include allowing the user to identify issues ahead of time before they become critical problems, such as dead batteries and missing equipment and more, and enables remote adjustment of channel level, mute status, and other parameters.

Waves Audio is now shipping the Waves Abbey Road Vinyl Plugin. The plugin is the long-awaited tool for diverse audio users: from mixing engineers craving a distinct smooth sound, to EDM and hip hop artists who cherish that “needle” touch, to sound designers reaching for authentic vinyl qualities and producers seeking a true-to-vinyl dimension on their tracks. Add phase distortion, noise, pops and crackles, wow and flutter, and modulation.

Allen & Heath launched two iPad apps for the dLive digital console. dLive MixPad offers remote control capability over channel processing, including filters, gates, parametric/graphic EQ, compressors and input/output delays. It also gives instant access to any of the mixer’s channel faders and mutes, DCA faders and mutes, pan, aux sends and assignments as well as mic-pre control, full metering, a real time analyzer (RTA) and more. dLive OneMix offers musicians customized personal monitor control without affecting other monitors or the main FOH mix. Multiple iPads set up by an admin user can enable one engineer to use the surface to mix FOH and another iPad to mix monitors on stage. The free apps are available now.

Lectrosonics introduces a new micro digital recorder, the PDR (Personal Digital Recorder) for professional use. For situations in which the distance is extreme or where using a wireless microphone is not practical, the PDR recorder can travel with your subject and capture professional quality audio, synchronized with timecode. The tiny size and rounded shape make the PDR unobtrusive and easy to place in garments and costumes, and easy to conceal when used as a “plant” microphone to capture environmental or location sound.

REM distributor Synthax Inc. is now shipping the new MADIface Pro Desktop Interface. The new product retains the design aesthetics of RME’s Babyface Pro interface with its integrated XLR and analog I/O’s, but replaces the ADAT I/O with a MADI port. The result is 64 channels of audio on a single cable housed in a compact form factor that fits in one’s laptop computer bag.

Biamp Systems’ new four-channel power amplifier, the AMP-A460H, was developed for small- to medium-sized conference and meeting spaces. The new amplifier allows integrators to customize the amplification in rooms using Biamp Systems’ TesiraForte audio processing platform.

The RCF M18 tablet mixer now offers both Apple iOS and Android control support. Coupled with that, a new firmware version MixRemote 2.0 update provides several improvements and additional processing effects. Enhancements include new amplifier modeling simulations (licensed from Overloud), an acoustic simulator, four more Stomp Box style effects, an audio metronome, DCA and Mute Groups, backup and restore functions via USB, additional mute controls and expanded MIDI implementation. Also, the onboard stereo file player now allows four-channel playback, representing one of the few compact mixing solutions with multichannel playback on the market.