By Frank Wells, October 3, 2003
Amsterdam -- Digital production consoles were front and center at the 114th AES Convention in Amsterdam, as several manufacturers unveiled new consoles and platforms. No less than five new consoles were introduced, with SSL (www.solid-state-logic.com) launching two of the desks on a new generation platform.
SSL's new Centauri platform was announced in early March, with the compact, assignable function C100 console the first offering in the new line -- the DBC (Danish Broadcasting Corporation) ordering the first pair for a May install. The C100 sports an intuitive touchscreen interface that kept a long line of eager AES attendees waiting their turns to navigate the system literally hands-on. While the C100 was announced prior to the convention, SSL surprised attendees with yet a second console built on the Centauri core. The C200 Digital Production Console is of a more conventional, in-line, knob-per-function design, though the layout and operation incorporate lessons learned on the various SSL digital "A" series consoles. The C200 is a multi-bus console, designed with surround television and 5.1 music applications such as DVD-Audio in mind, with a special configuration for mobile use. The C200 will succeed the Axiom-MT and MT Plus in SSL's digital line.
Calrec also set out to prove that good things come in small packages with the unveiling of the Zeta 100 production console. Calrec (www.calrec.com) targets the same market segment and price range as with its analog C2 desk. Using the same operating platform as the Alpha series, the Zeta 100 can be fitted for up to 56 channels. Cards and panels are hot-swappable, and the console has a high degree of redundancy
. A host PC is not required for operation, and the console boots from cold in less than 20 seconds; the control surface in less than 10 seconds.
AMS Neve (www.ams-neve.com) not only announced the development of the world's first DSD production console (see page 5), new features and options for their MMC console and AudioFile SC DAW, but they also launched the DFC2 console. The DFC design, seeing heavy use in feature-film production, has been revisited, married to the same core platform as the company's MMC desk with updated Encore automation, metering and other logical extensions to the control surface, updated DSP in the processing core, while not forsaking the operational feel of the original DFC.
New at Innova-Son (www.innovason.com) is the Sy80 digital mixing console for live applications. "Eight" seems to be the operative digit -- 80 inputs, 80 outputs, 80 faders, 48 busses, 800 EQ bands, 80 kg weight and version 8.0 Sensoft operating software. The flexible desk is suited for single- and multi-function operation to include FOH, monitors, live recording and on-air applications.
Studer (www.studer.ca) also has a new platform, the D21m 96 kHz capable interface system that BBC Radio will put to use in a Studer Vista 6 console, its second new Studer desk in 12 months. The BBC Symphony Orchestra studio in London took possession of a Studer D950 M2 console last year.
And, while their focus has been on the extension of Soundtracs technology to the live market with the DiGiCo (www.digiconsoles. com) line of live sound digital desks, the new owners of the brand haven't been resting on their laurels. Hinted at the AES Convention with a wink, a nod and an AES Daily teaser ad, a new Soundtracs platform is promised to be unveiled at NAB in Las Vegas.
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