Recording - February 2012 - 8

New Audio Processors from ART
Applied Research and Technology (ART) has announced several new audio signal processors. The flagship of the new set of releases is the Pro Channel II, a rackmount tube-based channel strip. The Pro Channel II includes a discrete Class-A mic preamp with front-panel 1/4"unbalanced Hi-Z instrument input, followed by a semi-parametric eq and dynamics processor. The signal path order of the eq and dynamics can be reversed, and the unit includes an insert point between the preamp and the subsequent stages. Analog and LED metering is provided. Several new products have been added to the portable and affordable Project Series of tabletop signal processors as well. The Tube MP/C (pictured below) combines a tube-based analog mic preamplifier with a Vactrol- and 12AX7a tube-based optical compressor; it can be used as a DI box or mic/line preamp with or without the compressor engaged in the signal path. The soft-knee compressor is designed for heavy compression without the pumping heard in VCA-based units, and features a Limit mode for heavy signal control. A transformer-isolated XLR output allows both the XLR and 1/4" outputs to be used simultaneously. The USB Mix is a Project Series tabletop 3-channel mixer and computer interface, offering USB 2.0 connectivity for a single balanced XLR input with switchable phantom power or unbalanced 1/4" input with switchable impedance, plus two balanced 1/4" TRS line-level inputs. The unit also features two balanced 1/4" TRS outputs, a headphone output, and switchable assignment between the mix and USB playback. The USB Phono Plus is a Project Series phono and line-level preamplifier with USB, optical S/PDIF and linelevel analog outputs. Intended to ease the transfer of analog and digital sources to a computer, the unit comes with BIAS SoundSaver Express audio cleaning software. Prices: Pro Channel II, $379; Tube MP/C, $129; USB Mix, $79; USB Phono Plus, $99 More from: Applied Research and Technology, www.artproaudio.com

Sennheiser Releases New Headphone Models
Sennheiser has released six new headphone models in its HD 200 and HD 400 Series. The HD 219 is an entry-level headphone with closed earcups and dynamic bass; the HD 229 (pictured) is available in orange/white and red/black, and features neodymium magnet drivers; and the HD 239 offers a 16 Hz–23 kHz frequency response for detailed and balanced sound reproduction. The HD 429 is a closed-back headphone with a single-sided cable and replaceable leatherette ear cushions; the HD 439 (pictured) adds plush, breathable earpads, neodymium magnets for powerful bass performance, and an exchangeable cable for easy switching between home stereo systems and portable devices; and the HD 449 is acoustically tuned for natural frequency response in a design that shields against outside noise, and comes with an additional extension cable. Prices (street): HD 219, $59.95; HD 229, $79.95; HD 239, $119.95; HD 429, $79.95; HD 439, $99.95; HD 449, $119.95 More from: Sennheiser, www.sennheiserusa.com
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RECORDING FEBRUARY 2012

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Recording - February 2012

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