Recording - November 2010 - 10

New Hardware And Software For Avid Pro Tools|HD Systems
Avid announced a new set of HD Series interfaces for Pro Tools|HD, designed to add flexibility in connection format and new options for users. There are three new interfaces, each with specialized I/O for a variety of studio needs. These new interfaces offer top-quality A/D and D/A conversion, improved filtering and clocking, and Curv, a new analog soft-knee limiter for the interfaces with analog inputs that helps to prevent distortion and overloads in the tracking process. There are three new interfaces in the lineup. The HD I/O is a 2-rackspace unit that can be configured as 16 x 16 analog, 16 x 16 digital, or 8 x 8 x 8 analog and digital, depending on the user’s needs. The HD OMNI is a space-saving solution for small studios and post houses, a 1-rackspace unit with two mic preamps, headphone outs, a full surround monitor section, and a 14 x 26 internal mixer that works even with no computer attached. And the HD MADI is a 1-rackspace 64-channel MADI I/O system with built-in sample rate conversion on all inputs and outputs, allowing simultaneous work with multiple sample rates upstream and downstream. Also new from Avid: HEAT (Harmonically Enhanced Algorithm Technology), a new software feature for Pro Tools mixers designed in collaboration with engineer Dave Hill of Crane Song. HEAT allows simple addition of a warm analog-type sound (including tube character and tape machine saturation) to an entire mixer at once, with a single global control for the effect amount. This allows a user to dial in the amount of vintage character he or she desires for the entire hardware system rather than using multiple instances of plug-ins that must be tweaked separately. Prices: HD I/O starts at $3995; HD OMNI, $2995; HD MADI, $4995; HEAT, $495 More from: Avid, www.avid.com

BOSS Premieres New Portable Digital Multitrack Recorder
The BR-800 Digital Recorder is now shipping from BOSS. It’s a very portable AC or battery-powered multitrack digital recording studio that can record up to four tracks at a time and play back up to eight tracks simultaneously, plus an extra stereo track for its built-in DR-880-quality rhythm generator. Top features include beginner-friendly EZ Recording Mode, which interactively guides the user through the process of setting up and recording tracks. A Retry function allows quick automatic recuing to fix mistakes, and a Song Sketch mode allows instant one-touch recording for fast capture of ideas. There’s a built-in stereo condenser microphone for acoustic instrument recording, and a powerful efects processor with vocal effects, COSM modeled guitar effects, and much more. A USB interface lets the BR-800 transfer data to and from computers, or act as a full audio interface, with the internal effects applied to recorded tracks—and its front panel can act as a control surface for DAW software. Price: $524 More from: BOSS, www.bossus.com

RECORDING NOVEMBER 2010

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Recording - November 2010

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