Solid State Logic introduces AWS 916

Solid State Logic introduces a new addition to its hugely successful AWS series consoles. Originally launched in 2004, the AWS reinvented the professional production console by combining classic SSL’s SuperAnalogue console technology with comprehensive DAW control hardware in a single work surface. Hundreds of consoles later, SSL is proud to introduce the new AWS 916.

Solid State Logic AWS 916 has been designed to bring the features and benefits of the AWS range to a much wider audience and is perfect for private and commercial studios and educators. SSL AWS 916 brings identical functionality to the AWS 924 with the only difference being that the frame is loaded with 16 channels instead of 24. With an eye to the future, the AWS is expandable to full AWS 924 specifications by the addition of an eight-channel upgrade package available separately.

360 Media expands horizons with SSL AWS 948 hybrid console/controller

360 Media, a full-service, multi-room facility covering music, mastering and film projects in Beirut, Lebanon, has installed a Solid State Logic AWS 948 Hybrid Console/Controller in Studio A to attract high-level clients to the facility. Solid State Logic AWS 948 gives 360 Media up to 48 channels of mix capability, SSL’s signature SuperAnalogue™ mic pres, eq and mix bus, combined with a sophisticated, integrated DAW controller. With the AWS in place, 360 Media has expanded its business horizons to include audio for film and video.

“We wanted to launch a studio where the client can come in and have access to equipment at the same level as studios in Europe and the United States,” says Jad Abouzeid, co-owner/producer for 360 Media. “With the growing film industry in the Middle East, it was essential to have equipment that could deliver the quality necessary for the international market. In choosing a console, the AWS 948 was the only option as it gives us the sound quality, flexibility and name recognition necessary to help increase our business options. As a lot of the local film projects are being shown in places like the Cannes International Film Festival, we wanted to be the first with the most in our region and the AWS has really put us on the map with our new setup.”

March Madness at Unit Audio

Unit Audio is offering free shipping to the lower 48 US states on all of their analog summing mixers now through March 31st. Enjoy the extra sparkle and punch analog summing can add to your in the box mixes and we will pay the shipping.

Unit Audio mixers are made from sturdy cast aluminum and are completely hand wired point to point in Nashville, TN using only the highest quality components. These mixers add back some of the sparkle and punch of analog recording that is so often missing in a purely “in the box” mix. With prices starting at $149.00 plus shipping, Unit Audio analog summing mixers put this technology within the reach of most home or project studio owners. Easy setup makes these mixers the perfect companion to a Digital Audio Workstation.

SSL Duality is top choice for Alchemea College

Alchemea College, one of the world’s leading creative media training colleges, specialising in full-time and short audio engineering, music production, live sound and video courses, has installed a Solid State Logic Duality SE for its Studio Sound Engineering program. The aim of the audio program is to give students a wide variety of skills to go out into the real world and be prepared for the different needs and challenges they will face. Alchemea chose Duality to give students the very best educational experience working with a recognized, industry-leading console.

“When the time came to get a new console, we wanted a desk that was analogue, had full 5.1 mixing capabilities and offered in-depth DAW control,” says Neil Pickles, director of short courses for Alchemea. “Looking at the current available analogue consoles, Duality has the most exciting and advanced implementation of DAW control over any other console. Duality offers an industry-standard channel configuration with mic pre, EQ and dynamics, along with extremely flexible routing and real 5.1 mixing. The brilliant A-FADA (Analogue Fader Accesses DAW Automation) system, which allows the DAW automation to drive the faders on the console, makes Duality the perfect teaching tool for advanced students.”

New Duality V3 Software Available Now

Solid State Logic is pleased to announce that the new V3 software for our Duality console is available now. Duality V3 introduces the acclaimed A-FADA automation system to Duality and a ‘Channel to Master Fader’ mode providing new workflow possibilities.

First introduced with the AWS 948, A-FADA (Analogue Fader Accesses DAW Automation) is an innovative way of using DAW automation to drive the analogue faders on an SSL console. Engineers and producers have been using SSL automation to craft hit records since 1979 with the launch of the SL4000B, which was the first ever console to integrate a computer driven VCA automation. Over the years, SSL continued to develop the power and flexibility of analogue automation with the 4000G and 9000K consoles, giving the engineer a complete toolset for creating dynamic mixes. Many automation modes that are taken for granted in today’s DAW were modeled on SSL automation. The widespread use of the DAW has led to more mixing and automation being crafted inside the computer, however many leading mix engineers still look to the analogue domain to achieve their sound. Whether it’s for the practical workflow or the subtle noise colouration, an analogue console still has significant place in the modern day studio. A-FADA combines the best of both worlds; the sound of an SSL automated mix with the convenience of DAW tools and control. A-FADA is made possible by clever use of the MDAC driven faders on AWS and Duality consoles. This is the same groundbreaking MDAC system that allows the consoles to switch between controlling the analogue signal levels or DAW faders. The workstation automation is used to drive the MDAC faders on each channel, instead of the on-board automation system, which results in the ideal combination – workstation automation: analogue sound.

Unit Audio has announced New Unit 16×2 Analog Summing Mixer

The Unit Audio mixers add back some the sparkle and punch of analog recording that is so often missing in a purely “in the box” mix. Price on the Unit is $299.00 plus shipping. The other mixers in the line start at $149.00 plus shipping, Easy setup makes these mixers the perfect companion to a Digital Audio Workstation. It is available with either TRS or XLR output.

“Is analog summing going to make your recordings sound like a Nashville studio with a billion dollars worth of equipment?” says Unit Audio’s Design Engineer Terry, “Probably not, but you will notice a difference in your mixes using a Unit Audio summing mixer.”

Moog announces release of first Analog Delay designed exclusively for the 500 Series Pro Audio Format

Voted Pro Sound Network Best in Show at AES 2012, the Moog Analog Delay is the first delay designed exclusively for the 500 series format. The Analog Delay is a 100% analog signal path module that features 800ms of delay time, front panel MIDI control, and an assignable Tap Tempo/CV jack on its front panel. Included with each unit is a free VST/AU/RTAS editor for easy implementation into any recording, live, and performance situation.

The Analog Delay has been designed with tone, connectivity, and flexibility at the forefront. Moog’s engineering team worked tirelessly to deliver a delay with an incredibly clean front end that could easily be pushed into a warm, natural overdrive for saturated delay trails or distorted delay effects.

Avid introduces Venue pack 4 – Plug-in Suite and Real Time Analyzer for Venue Digital Consoles

Avid has announced the immediate availability of Venue Pack 4, the new suite of professional plug-in and utilities that will come bundled with all Venue Digital Console Systems. From re-thinking of popular vintage hardware to the latest studio processing effects, Avid Venue Pack 4 includes 30 powerful plug-ins from Avid and third-party partners including Flux::, Focusrite, Joemeek, Line 6, and others.

Avid Venue Pack 4 Plug-ins Collection run natively on all Venue Digital Console Systems. No external plug-in runner or separate laptop required. They offer high-quality sound, reliable performance, exceptionally low latency, automatic delay compensation support, and can be controlled right from the console surface.

Allen & Heath wins Queen’s Award for Enterprise

Pro audio mixer manufacturer, Allen & Heath, has received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category. The honour has been granted for the company’s outstanding achievement in export growth between 2008 and 2011, with overseas earnings growing by 64%, along with growth in turnover and profit.

This is the second time the veteran Cornish manufacturer has won a Queen’s Award, having previously been recognised in 1995 in the same category. “As a British company, we are thrilled to be recognised by the Queen’s Award Office once again. Since Allen & Heath’s inception in 1969, our goal has been to build a premium global brand, and the relationships we have formed with our distribution partners, which now number more than 80 across the globe, are key to our success,” comments Allen & Heath’s MD, Glenn Rogers.

GLD – The New Live Digital Mixing System from Allen & Heath

Allen & Heath has announced GLD, their new cost effective and scalable live digital mixing system. Allen & Heath GLD Mixing Desk is conceptually based on digital iLive Series.