Nomad Factory released three new plugins of interest. I find the SC-226 Studio Channel most interesting. This features a four band equalizer, an analog ’signature’ optical compressor and a brick wall peak limiter. Also available: The EQP-4 Equalizer - and the LM-662 Limiting Amplifier. Plugins are individually priced at $149 US.
-ptfigg.
New Broadcast. I mention new studio upgrades, including the Bias Master Perfection Suite and the Marantz PMD 570 CF digital recorder. I also make reference to a few free audio tools including AudioLeak, used to measure RMS values, and Switch, a converter for all audio file formats. Lastly I discuss new products on the horizon by Motu.
Links:
The Conversations Network
MP3 Trimmer
The Podcast Academy
iZotope RSS Feed
-ptfigg.
I originally expressed interest in the Marantz PMD 570 last May. My thinking at the time was two fold. It is now apparent live audio for many conferences, speeches and interviews is captured directly to CF media. Sure it is easy enough to transfer the captured audio and prepare for submission. However many clients simply don’t have the time to manage this process efficiently, especially when dealing with 75-100 recorded presentations and/or speeches for example. It is much easier to submit the CF cards to me directly. The PMD 570 will function as a source device.
Secondly, I now have an external digital recording device, and along with a software utility called CueMix, I can essentially power down my Mac and record directly to the PMD 570. The CueMix Console software transforms my Motu 896HD interface into a stand-alone ‘routing’ device in a sense. After passing through a multitude of external processors, my signal is available at a predetermined set of outputs on the Motu interface, which can be routed to the PMD 570 for noise free recording. Noise free? I am referring to my noisy G5, which sits right next to me during recording.
This digital recorder has a host of useful features, including MP2, WAV, BWF compatibility, Digital I/O, and Balanced XLR inputs with independent trim adjustments for matching precise operating levels. MSRP $900 US.
-ptfigg.
Recently Aphex introduced their new model 240 Dual Logic Assisted Gate™ - Compressor. The patented circuitry of the Gate is designed to never false trigger, click or chatter, as is the case with the Model 622, which is included in my signal chain. [See post from June 16, 2005].
The Compressor and Gate in this processor are designed to work seamlessly. When the Logic-Assisted Gate activates, the Easyrider Compressor is prevented from releasing. This avoids the conflicting nature of the Compressor attempting to raise signal level while the Gate attempts to reduce it. The gain reduction is ‘frozen’ until the Gate is opened again.
The 240 can be used as a stereo processor or on a ‘dual mono’ basis.
This will be available sometime this spring. Looks like another winner from Aphex. MSRP $599 US.
-ptfigg.
Bias will offer their Master Perfection Suite as a stand-alone AU, RTAS and VST plugin for Mac sometime in March. The suite includes spectral matching, pitch correction/manipulation, signal analysis, multi-band dynamics processing, parametric equalization and gate/expander implementation. This package is also bundled with the Peak Pro XT edition. Separately, it will sell for $599 US, which is $100 more than the full version of Bias Peak Pro 5.
-ptfigg.
New Broadcast. I discuss software compressors by Anwidasoft and PSP Audioware. Also, a very useful CD burning application called BurnX Free, and a cool multitrack recording tool by Vosgames. Lastly, I mention a very interesting white paper published by Bias Software which documents the quality of sample rate conversion performed by Peak and many other audio applications.
• Link to third party SRC Evaluation is here.
• Dynamics Processors Technology and Applications
-ptfigg.
I continue to explore various aspects of external voice processing. As mentioned, I am working towards eliminating various aspects of dialog post processing. I have added a second Aphex 109 parametric eq to my chain. I now have the capability to control [equalize] 2 mic channels with independent parameters. The parametric eq’s are configured to apply hi-pass/low-pass filters to each mic channel.
I will be replacing my dbx 160a compressor with an Aphex 651 compressor/hfx expander. I secured the 651 from a local dealer who was nice enough to offer a 90 day warranty on this used piece. [the 651 is a single channel processor].
Besides my obvious interest in Aphex gear, Rane Corp. offers a few interesting pieces worth considering. Recently I posted info on a very affordable 2 channel Rane Compressor at Podcastrigs. Their high end parametric looks interesting as well.
The Rane PEQ 55 Parametric Eq is an ideal choice for broadcast applications. It functions as a dual mono 5 band or a 10 band stereo processor. Complete high-pass/low-pass filter control is available along with Accelerated Slope tone controls. In 2003, this component won the Pro Audio Review PAR Excellence Award. $799 US.
-ptfigg.
It is applications like this which make we want to learn how to develop Mac software. Boom Recorder by VosGames can capture up to 32 independent channels from a compatable external interface, including those offered by Motu. You can also record from your system’s built in audio and/or mic. Boom Recorder is capable of exporting Broadcast Wav files [BWF] with metadata. I will be discussing this cool application on the next edition of The.Point.
-paul.
New broadcast. I mention the new Entry System I designed at Podcastrigs, and two cool inexpensive Mac applications used for video encoding and MP2 management. I also discuss similarities and differences between Bias Peak and Apple Soundtrack Pro, and why I feel both applications are necessary.
Links:
Nattress Film Effects
Marantz PMD 570
The Bitterest Pill … Vol. I
-paul.
This is an all-in-one channel strip processor by Wave Arts. Features include 10 band 64-bit eq, dual compressors, noise gate, and user defined high-pass/low-pass filters. Accurate gain reduction meters will help calibrate compression. The plug-in operates in both stereo and mono, and takes advantage of Wave Arts impressive CPU efficiency. $175 US.
-paul.
New broadcast. I discuss the great time I had at The Podcast Academy and The Portable Media Expo in Ontario California. Also, I focus on 3 issues I referenced during my sessions which have generated a good amount of interest - Quality Audio Cables, the Heil PR-40 Broadcast mic, and the MP2 file format. I also make reference to one of my favorite resources for post production tools, Digital Heaven.
Links:
SoundConverter
PRX MP2 Encoder
Horizon Audio Cables
-paul.
This is the next piece of gear I will pursue. The Aphex 250 Aural Exciter Type III is essentially the pro broadcast version of the Aphex 204, minus the optical big bottom effect. Aphex states the 250 will ‘increase loudness, calrity and presence without disrtortion or overmodulating the signal’. Also, the processor actually ‘extends’ high frequencies, inserting a single ended process that may be applied at any point in the audio chain.
-paul.
New Broadcast. I discuss a new Knowledge Base article form Apple which explains proper Timecode Frame Off Set Calibration when capturing Serial Timecode , and the in’s and out’s of Flattening Actions in Soundtrack Pro. Also, I mention Rapid Preview, a cool sound file previewer.
Links:
Nattress Film Effects
Accelerate Your Mac
-paul.
I was able to secure yet another great deal on eBay for this discontinued Aphex 109 Parametric Eq. They are often listed on eBay, and I have been keeping a close watch for one in good condition. Turns out this particular piece is new in the box, never used. The dealer is reliable and I am glad I was patient. This is a 4 band parameteric with ‘peak’ and ’shelf’ modes.
-also-
this [below] is the next piece of gear I will be on the look out for. The Aphex 722 Dominator II Precesion Multiband Peak Limiter is mainly for broadcast use, due to Pre and De-emphasis circutry. From the Aphex site:
“Pre-emphasis is an equalization curve expressed as a time value based on the ratio of a resistor and capacitor. The higher the value, the greater the equalization. It has been employed as a noise reduction technique for broadcast and transmission links. There are primarily two world standards- 50 and 75 microseconds.
The Dominator II Model 722 has separately switchable pre and de-emphasis curves. When pre-emphasis is switched in, either 50 or 75 microseconds, the equalization curve is added after the input stage and before the limiters. When de-emphasis is switched in, the complementary de-emphasis curve is inserted after the final clipper and before the output stage.
When both pre and de-emphasis are switched in, the frequency response of the output is flat. When the input is below threshold and as the input increases above threshold the output takes the shape of the de-emphasis curve”.
The 722 Dominator II creates increased loudness; cleaner sound; and is helpful in production for punchier voice-overs.
Update:
Purchased a 720 Dominator II.
It turns out the Pre-Empasis feature on the 722 is helpful when the piece is used for Radio Broadcast Transmission. I landed a 720 Dominator II last week. The seller was a pro audio dealer based in Upstate NY. It’s in great shape and I am working with Doug Kaye, who is an expert with Aphex Analog Signal Chains.
-paul.
New podcast. I discuss afforadable external storage solutions and how to export mp3 audio files from Apple Soundtrack Pro. I also mention a future review of the Heil PR-30 and PR-40 Dynamic Broadcast microphones.
Referenced external Raids:
Mercury Pro Elite
G Raid
Mini G
SoundConverter Batch sound format conversion tool
-paul.