AudioMedia - June 2008 - (Page 27)

> a specific function/parameter and then modify or change value using the Speed Dial. The rear of the Novation SL Compact has a socket for an external power supply and a USB socket. The SL Compact can be powered by the USB as well as this external supply, and there is a switch to select the power source. Sustain and expression pedal jacks with a single pair of Midi input and output sockets complete the SL Compacts facilities. The Novation SL Compact comes with a USB cable and a couple of discs. The resource DVD contains the Automap Server and SL Compact installers for both Mac and PC, along with PDF user guides and tutorial movies. The second disc contains bundled software with some samples to get you going. I used a Macbook Pro with Pro Tools for the duration of the test, and on this setup the installation of the software was as simple as you would expect. There are 40 templates on the SL Compact and, scrolling through numbers 1-33, you can see templates for all the usual DAW and instrument suspects: Nuendo, Protools, Logic, Alberton, etc. Templates 35 and 36 are user storage locations. Automap uses 37-40 and 34. You really do need to keep looking at the Novation website as refinements to the software used by the SL Compact come quite quickly. As soon as I fired up my main application I could see the Automap server automatically Project1 launch. The server let me add applications that I 30/5/08 3:02 pm Page 3 Use wanted to use with Automap: one box on the left with the list of applications, and simply click to add the chosen ones to a box on the right. So how does this Automap Universal work? The answer is pretty good overall. I launched a number of plug-in processors and instruments with the SL Compact responding and mapping out the controls immediately. Clicking between a few opened applications, the SL Compact followed my choices, displaying and controlling the selected application. The one control I became very fond of was the Speed Dial. I found this feature really useful for quickly changing values. It really does apply to whatever your mouse is hovering over. I tried it everywhere and could not find anything that was not recognised, very useful indeed. As a controller for DAW mixing, the SL Compact will split opinion. This really is all about how you prefer to work and, for some, rotary as opposed to linear level controls will feel a little odd. Using the Protools HUI all worked with no problems, it is simply about your workflow. I employed the help of a more capable keyboard playing colleague to get some feedback on the feel of the SL Compact keyboard. Novation has always supplied good quality keyboards and the SL Compact is no exception here. The Drumpads worked fine, but did not feel that great. There is virtually no give in the pad, and the rubber covering the top of the sensor is very thin indeed. You have to keep in mind that the SL Compact is built to a price point, but as a performance input device this is a consideration. Conclusion The Novation SL Compact packs in a great deal of control in a very small footprint. Layout of the controls is clear and straightforward, and the feel of the performance controllers works well, particularly in the case of the main keys. Automap Universal is a great time saver, and the Speed Dial is a simple and indispensible addition. The SL Compact is a great little controller that will satisfy those looking for a great range of control and feel in a cost-effective portable unit. ∫ I N F O R MAT I O N £ GB£219.95 (inc.VAT) A Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd./Novation Digital Music Systems Ltd., Lincoln Road, Cressex Business Park, High Wycombe, HP12 3FX T +44 (0) 1494 462246 F +44 (0) 1494 459920 W www.focusrite.com www.novationmusic.com E sales@focusrite.com sales@novationmusic.com The Bricasti Design Model7 Stereo Reverb Processor The team: The Bricasti Design Model 7 provides the highest level of musicality and ease of control imaginable in a processor dedicated to the task of reverberation. A modern high resolution digital design, utilizing a stunning array of the latest DSP processors, provides a platform for the long overdue next step in reverb processing algorithms. A separate fully differential analogue section and dedicated transformer based linear power supply provide the finest analogy specifications of any product of its kind. The new Bricasti Design Model 10 remote console is a dedicated hardware remote Controller for use with the M7 stereo reverb processor, it can control up to 8 units. The people team behind Bricasti, Brian Zolner and Charles Dowdell, have been in the reverb business for a long time, with many years experience working on the cutting edge of reverb technology design. The design philosophy of the Model 7 is a carefully considered statement of Bricasti’s vision of what the evolution of reverberation processing in its most classic form can be. SCV London, 40 Chigwell Lane, Oakwood Hill Industrial Estate, Loughton, Essex, IG10 3NY UK Tel: 020 8418 1470 www.scvlondon.co.uk http://www.focusrite.com http://www.novationmusic.com http://www.scvlondon.co.uk http://www.scvlondon.co.uk

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of AudioMedia - June 2008

AudioMedia - June 2008 Contents Recording Post Broadcast AES Review What's Up UK? Geofocus: Australia For the Record Special Report: Videosonics Newstalk: DPA New Microphones Novation SL Compact Allen & Heath IDR-8 Eastwest Quantum Leap SD2 & Goliath Final Cut: Indiana Jones Merging ADR Module Koolworld SSL Duende Good Product Sampler: Microphones Video Guide AMSR Meyer Sound The Blue Planet Live! Royer Labs Mics R-121 & R-122

AudioMedia - June 2008

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