New Products
Posted on: Friday 12th of May 2017
Avatus – Stage Tec presented a new mixing console concept at Prolight+Sound, with cutting edge technology and an eye-catching look – a fully IP-based large mixing console with 21″ multi-touch displays. Control elements and interfaces are connected through standard Ethernet. The console control surface and other elements communicate via IP networks, enabling remote production. The interface is highly flexible, which enables customised function assignments. The operating philosophy is less technical, and Stage Tec has equipped AVATUS with workflow oriented controls – for example – the touch displays provide context related functions and the colour coding of functional units changes contextually for rapid and intuitive operation. The device view function also ensures efficient working. Instead of needing to switch each crosspoint separately, this is now achieved via device lists. The control surface will initially consist of just three panel types. There are no central panels in the AVATUS concept. This enables multiple users to operate a console from different locations. The approach is supported by multi-touch displays, which provide access to all parameters and central functions. The mixing console interface can be split, since the displays can be relocated as required. ‘Customisation of the user interface and its features has been greatly simplified, which means the console concept can be configured individually for each customer in the broadcast, theatre and live areas,” commented Dr. Helmut Jahne, managing director of Stage Tec. The AVATUS mixing console concept provides more than 800 input channels and 128 summing buses. Channel formats range from mono to 7.1. Features such as the de-esser, implemented as an audio module, loudness metering, multiband compressor, and the Stage Tec automixer are all integrated. Control surface sizes range between 12 and 96 channel strips. Inter-connectivity with other systems will be further enhanced by implementing the AES70 standard. Additional flexibility is offered by access to all console functions by a remote control app, which was demonstrated running in a laptop browser window. Resolution was told that Stage Tec envisioned completing 80% of the development of the Avatus concept by the end of 2017. www.stagetec.com
Housed in enclosures no larger than a traditional two-way 8030 or 8040, both the 8331 and 8341 can be orientated horizontally or vertically using an adjustable IsoPod base for isolation, offering maximum flexibility to fit even the tightest of working environments. The new models have been entirely reengineered to meet the challenges of their ultra-compact dimensions (just 299mm x 189mm x 212mm for the 8331, and 350mm x 237mm x 243mm for the 8341). Innovations include a motor assembly that sees both the midrange and the tweeter share the same compact magnet system, reducing size and weight. The midrange coaxial driver cone is now comprised of radial sections, optimising midrange linearity – as does the waveguide which covers the entire front face of the enclosure. Despite the size of the 8331 and 8341, each unit incorporates three stages of dedicated Class D amplification, developed in-house by Genelec. The short-term maximum output capacities for each of the models is 104 dB SPL for the 8331 (at 1m), and 110 dB SPL for the 8341 (at 1m), with accuracy better than ±1.5 dB, and respective frequency responses starting at 45 Hz and 38 Hz (-6 dB) and extending beyond 40 kHz both for the analogue and digital inputs. Equipped with Smart Active Monitoring, “The Ones” take their place in a larger family of SAM monitors from across the Genelec range, all of which can be used to create smart networks of up to 40 monitors and subwoofers, covering instantly recallable configurations from traditional stereo to immersive audio. Genelec Loudspeaker Manager makes it simple to create optimal monitoring set-ups even in challenging environments, automatically compensating for detrimental room influences by calibrating levels, distance delays, phase and room equalisation to create a consistent, optimised listening environment. www.genelec.com
At Prolight+Sound 2017, DiGiCo introduced a newly designed 32-bit ‘John Stadius’ Mic Pre-Amp for the first time (pictured with James Gordon, Digico MD).
John Stadius and his team have been designing Pre-Amps for over 40 years. This new improvement in converter technology has allowed them to develop a Pre-Amp with audio qualities they have long aspired to achieve, in an 8 channel format easy to retrofit within existing console’s card frames. The specifications of the 32-bit SD Mic Pre-Amp Card include a fully differential audio path from input to converter, twin 32-bit ADC conversion per channel, conversion time of 73uS, dynamic range of 123dBA, 128dB EIN noise, distortion 20-22kHz <0.002% THD+N, frequency response 20-44.5kHz ±0.1dB, 0deg phase shift 20-22kHz, and dedicated analogue, ultra-low noise linear power supplies including +48V phantom power. www.digico.biz
SSL Tempest Control Rack – When we reviewed the SSL System T in ResolutionV15.6, one of our key questions was whether Solid State Logic intended to bring a remote-operable console, similar to Calrec’s RP1, to market. At NAB 2017 we got the answer: ‘Direct control of broadcast mix without the need for a physical console has been a running request for many years in the broadcast industry. The Tempest Control Rack (TCR) is a direct response to this, allowing broadcasters and integrators to build modular systems from System T components where a traditional broadcast console is not required or not appropriate,’ SSL said in a press release.
Tempest Control Rack launched alongside a new lower power and lower cost T25 Tempest Engine option, these new additions considerably expand the scalability of SSL’s System T range. In addition to these core components SSL offers a desktop and VESA mount 22” touch screen, or furniture mountable open frame 21” touch screen plus a furniture mountable fader tile with 16 faders and full 15 layer, 4 bank controls. SSL’s T-SOLSA software works alongside Tempest as an online remote control from any network connected PC. Tempest Engines can be combined with any SSL Network IO or 3rd party Dante or AES67 products to build large, scalable AoIP infrastructures using Dante technology and AES67 transport to connect to other AoIP systems. Network IO and Dante products can be controlled and routed directly from TCR or System T surfaces and via many 3rd party routing control systems via the Dante API. www.solidstatelogic.com
Audio-Technica AT5047 – A new top-of-the-range condenser microphone was introduced at Prolight + Sound 2017. Based on the distinctive four rectangular diaphragm design of the AT5040, the AT5047 is a cardioid condenser with a transformer-coupled output, designed to deliver a smooth sonic character, and ensure high SPL handling without the risk of overloading mic preamps or console inputs. With its ability to cope with wide variances in dynamic range, the new model has been designed for outstanding performance on everything from brushed snare drums to powerful vocals, guitar amps to brass instruments.
In common with the rest of the 50 Series, the AT5047 is hand-assembled and crafted from aluminium and brass, with an advanced internal shock mount that decouples the capsule from the microphone body. The custom-designed AT8480 mount, included with the AT5047, ensures isolation from knocks and transmitted vibrations in the studio. Supplied in a hard-shell carry case with die-cut foam compartments, the AT5047 has a recommended retail price of £3499 / €3999 inc VAT and will be available in Europe from summer 2017. www.audio-technica.com
