AudioMedia - January 2009 - (Page 68)

AM > 01|09 as a good all-rounder because it is exactly that. DiGiCo has very much gone for the approach to provide a unit that can do everything, and everything well. All the expected functions are there such as side chain inputs, order of EQ-Dynamics processing, etc, as you would expect from a leading manufacturer. There is clearly room with the SD8 for updates in the future, both software-wise and hardware, as the current desk has some controls on the worksurface not in use yet. Apparently DiGiCo is also working on optical connections as an optional extra. There is already a great selection of reverbs on the desk, but again it is clear they have left room to add more effects. The choice of reverbs, I was really pleased to hear, ranged from typical reverbs that would sound great on a large PA, but the SD8 also offers some more studio sounding reverbs. This is really exciting as you can literally build your ‘space’ very accurately when engineering live. Of course these more natural reverbs are also suitable for broadcast or recording purposes. Everything is in this desk and is very easy to find. I really like the routing, which is very similar to the analogue format. DiGiCo hasn’t tried making things too clever. The menu home page is labelled clearly, and doesn’t take long to find what you want to achieve. The desk can be used as simply and as straightforwardly as you like, or set up and configured as any professional would need. I think it’s great that a digital desk can be turned on and used as a mixer very quickly, and then built upon rather than getting into preferences and menus all night long. Too often some of the new bits of kit can easily distract us from the stage. I love how the in-built graphics operate with the iPhone-style scrolling. There are 12 x 32-band graphics that can be assigned to any input and any output, giving you plenty of control. The Snapshot automation DiGiCo has written is very intuitive and contains all of the features you would expect. I think the labels and terminology DiGiCo has used are great, and will relay for music shows and theatres very well. Using the ‘Offline’ mode, snapshots can be created / edited on the surface without affecting the audio. With features such as global and snapshot-specific recall scope, a comprehensive crossfade capability and DiGiCo’s clever ‘relative’ snapshot mode, make the snapshot automation a joy to use as every eventuality has been covered. working around the central touch screen, always keeping your eyes on the action rather than on menu pages. It is very easy to use and will work in all situations with less effort than most digital mixers. Monitor engineers are really going to like this desk with its two solo and mono or stereo output busses, making it perfect for several wedge & IEM mixes. This is a great all-rounder that will provide the heart for any live tour, venue, broadcast truck, or theatre, and the price is going to continue the already good sales record. ∫ I N F O R MAT I O N Conclusion This desk is more open to integration with other equipment and systems than some of the other desks now on the market. It lends itself to engineers who want to build their system and work with their favourite bits of kit more naturally than some of the other solutions that try and offer you everything on the surface. There is a really great layout on the desk with all the controls From GB£21,340.00 (exc.VAT) A DiGiCo UK Ltd., Unit 10, Silverglade Business Park, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2QL T +44 (0) 1372 845600 F +44 (0) 1372 845656 W www.DiGiCo.org E info@DiGiConsoles.com Thinking of buying a recorder ? Then check out the new 2009 Recorders Buyers Guide at www.audiomedia.com or request a free copy from subs@audiomedia.com THE WORLD’S L EADING PROFES SIONAL AUDIO TECHNOLOGY M AGAZINE THE DIO AT N AUINTERNMIODAL E IA INTERNET AUDIO LIVE SOUND MULTIMEDIA POST PRODUCTION AUDIO-FOR-VIDEO BROADCAST RECORDING A SPECIAL PROMOTION BUYER’S GUIDE AL PUBLICATION FROM THE NEWBAY MEDIA GROU P RECORDERS 2009 AUDIO MEDIA Storage Question Of Quality I/O Post Record Interfacing Power 4 68 AUDIO MEDIA JANUARY 2009 http://www.DiGiCo.org http://www.audiomedia.com

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AudioMedia - January 2009 Contents Recording News Post News Broadcast News Geo Focus: India What's Up UK? Special Report: Pimp My Ride AKG C214 Sony Acid Pro 7.0 Final Cut: Mirror's Edge Opportunities in the Reality World She's Got the Look The X-Factor Sadie LRX2 Source Elements Source-Connect 3.1 Buying a Recorder In Control Product Sampler: Trade Shows Video Guide AMSR News Digico SD8 The Last Picture Show File Server

AudioMedia - January 2009

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