PC and Music News

SSL's modular X-Rack/Mynx SuperAnalogue mixing and processing system receives two new additions to the range of modules available. The new modules lovingly reproduce the legendary sonic signature of the early 80's classic, the SSL 4000 E console channel strip that featured so heavily on countless 1980's recordings.

The E Series EQ Module features both of the EQ characteristics found on the classic 4000 E; the uniquely smooth 'Brown' EQ response characteristics and the sharper 'Black' response curves. The 'Brown' EQ sound was featured on the recently discontinued SSL E-Signature Channel Strip so is now uniquely available on the E Series EQ Module.

The E Series Dynamics Module features a Compressor/Limiter and an Expander/Gate, both of which return faithfully to the circuitry and key components which defined the sound of the original SL 611E Series channel strip. A true RMS converter is used in the side chain whilst the gain element is an all discrete design identical to the Class A VCA chip used in the original unit. The compressor contains additional switching options to defeat the over-easy curve and to use a linear release instead of the more usual logarithmic curve. The result is a compressor with three distinct voices, each with its own musical character.

Precision Sound has released Angelic Vocal Pads 4.

Angelic Vocal Pads 4 has been recorded with two female singers in multiple takes and mixed in stereo. The recordings have been treated and looped to get that airy lush sound in the same style as the other Angelic Vocal Pads libraries, but with a different tone, and this library will complement the other AVP libraries very well.

The SampleSet contains :

- 417 WAV files (387 MB)
- 29 programs for the HALion, Kontakt versions (24 bit 44.1 KHZ Stereo)
- 5 programs for the SoundFont version (16 bit 44.1 KHZ Stereo)

The SoundFont versions are 100% compatible with all virtual samplers supporting the SoundFont format, like Gigastudio, HALion, Kontakt, EXS24, V-Sampler, NN-XT, Dimension, Sfz, Audigy , Emulator X and more.

All formats are included when you buy Angelic Vocal Pads 4 so you can download whatever format you like or all of them. Angelic Vocal Pads 4 costs $39 (+$11 if you want it on CD).

SPL of Germany, well-known manufacturer of analog hardware processors, will present their first software plug-ins on the 125th AES Convention in San Francisco. The Transient Designer and a series of EQs mark the start for a new era in SPL's company history.

The Transient Designer and a set of three EQs (Vox Ranger, Bass Ranger and Full Ranger, based on the passive graphic equalizers of the SPL RackPack) will be available as RTAS, VST and AU versions. TDM versions are soon to follow. The new SPL Analog Code plug-ins debut at the Digidesign 3rd party booth POD 1810.

Elysia unveils its third product which will be a fully discrete and 100% class-A mode EQ called Museq. According to Elysia, the prototype already sounds killer... and that's all we know for now, you can only find images on their website.

The Elysia crew expect to be able to show a completely running already during the AES show in San Francisco.

Fundamental Acoustic Research, aka FAR, will be demonstrating their XM range digitally controlled active monitors for the first time in North America at the AES Convention in San Francisco on Oct. 3-5 (Booth # 839, Moscone Center).

The XM range is a real 3-way active system which incorporates FAR's Center Acoustic Coherence (CAC) medium-tweeter assembly for amazingly stable and accurate sound stage. An LCD display plus a keyboard provides outstanding functionality such as the ability to network the speaker in 7.1 Surround Sound.

SPL will unveil a new monitor and headphone controller at the upcoming AES convention : the 2Control.

The entirely analog 2Control allows for connection and selection of two stereo sources, two stereo speaker sets and two headphones. It also feature a third mono speaker output which can be used to feed a subwoofer. Speaker volume is controlled by a central, massive volume potentiometer. Each headphone output is supplied by a separate amplifier stage and can be controlled individually.

A unique highlight is the analog Crossfeed control circuitry for headphone monitoring: it creates the frequency dependent interaural level differences between the stereo channels to generate a real speaker playback impression on headphones. This feature is derived from SPL's Phonitor. It enables the user the to reliably produce and mix audio on headphones especially when speaker monitoring conditions are suboptimal e.g. on tour or in homerecording environments.

The 2Control is expected for December 2008 at a retail price of €499.