First look at SSL Matrix 2 in the UK at Music Production Show London this week

Solid State Logic and UK distributor Sound Technology Ltd will present the new SSL Matrix 2 for the first time in the UK at this week's Music Production Show in London (Sound Technology Ltd  Stand number 38).  Don’t miss the chance to get hands on with Matrix 2 - and the new SSL Sigma Remote Controlled Analogue Mix Engine - at the show which takes place at Emirate Stadium on Friday 29th November and Saturday 30th November. 

Photo above: SSL Matrix 2 (click for hi-res)

Since its 2008 launch the SSL Matrix console has established a high profile clientele who value its unique capabilities as a genuinely hybrid production platform. Its combination of SSL analogue summing, streamlined integration of boutique analogue outboard mic pre's & processing (via its software controlled analogue patch system) and advanced DAW control surface, provides production power and flexibility like no other console. This new version of the Matrix takes feedback from customers and provides a collection of powerful new features.

One of the unique and much praised features of Matrix has always been the integrated software controlled patching of analogue channel inserts and this has been significantly upgraded in Matrix2. Hardware device inserts can now be loaded directly from the console hardware controls (previously this was done only via the remote browser software) with an intuitive new interface that facilitates loading individual processors, A/B comparison of different processors and building processor chains. The Matrix remote browser software has also been re-designed to provide a new ‘drag and drop’ style interface for loading processors and building chains.

The A-FADA (Analogue Fader Accesses DAW Automation) summing system used in Duality, AWS and the new SSL Sigma rack has been introduced to enable the analogue faders of Matrix2 to be driven by automation data from your DAW. A-FADA enables channel automation to be performed entirely in the analogue signal path but with the advantages of DAW automation data editing. The addition of A-FADA to Matrix2 facilitates project portability between different SSL products.

A powerful 'Fader Linking' system has been added to the console which allows two or more faders to be grouped, to facilitate stereo or 5.1 channel control or subgroup style mixing. And the previously optional 5.1 output card will now be included as standard pre-fitted in all units.

A collection of smaller new features have also been added including; 'partial TR setup save & import' which allows selected parts of the console setup to be saved and imported as setup templates, new Preset insert matrix 'scenes', Preset insert naming tools, "automatic dB readout" for Pro Tools users (allowing the scribble strip to automatically display fader values upon touch), modifier key 'press and hold' functionality for Cubase/Nuendo users and new DAW templates for Presonus Studio One and Ableton Live!

Matrix 2 will ship in Dec 2013.

All of these new features (excluding the 5.1 output card) will be available to existing customers as a free upgrade.

SSL is distributed in the UK by Sound Technology Ltd. Please call 01462 480000 for more information.

Find out more and buy tickets for the Music Production Show here.

 

 

Washburn Parallaxe series guitars now shipping

Washburn Guitars and Sound Technology Ltd are proud to announce immediate shipping of the new Washburn Parallaxe series of electric guitars.

Utilising 130 years of guitar building experience, Washburn have created their most advanced rock and metal guitars yet. The Washburn Parallaxe series of electric guitars include, as standard, the most player-requested features in a guitar, forgoing the need for any after-market modifications.

Washburn Parallaxe guitars are designed specifically to meet the demands of the modern guitar player. No corners have been cut and no compromises have been made in design or features.

Washburn Parallaxe PXM10FRQTBLM

The Washburn Parallaxe line consists of three different body shapes currently totalling 16 different models. The PXM and PXS Series are both double-cutaway guitars.  The PXL Series has a single-cutaway design.

Washburn Parallaxe PXS10FRDLWB

Every Washburn Parallaxe guitar is loaded with an arsenal of unique features for exceptional stage and studio performance.  Washburn Parallaxe features include a Stephen’s Extended Cutaway (on PXM and PXS models) or full access set neck joint (on PXL models), Original Floyd Rose bridge, tremolo spring silencers, over-sized 36mm brass tremolo block, Grover 18:1 locking tuners, Seymour Duncan or EMG USA pickups, series/parallel switching (on Seymour Duncan's), the Buzz Feiten Tuning System, super jumbo frets, and full contact Babicz bridge (on PXL20 models).

Washburn Parallaxe PXL20EB

The Washburn Parallaxe series are shipping now starting at £559 RRP inc VAT.  To view or download the Parallaxe brochure please click here.

Washburn is distributed in the UK by Sound Technology Ltd.  For more information please visit http://www.washburn.com/parallaxe or www.soundtech.co.uk/washburn or call 01462 480000.

New Nord Stage 2 video demo by Jim Watson (Katie Melua, Manu Katché, and BBC Strictly Come Dancing Band)

We met up with Jim Watson (Katie Melua, Manu Katché, and BBC Strictly Come Dancing Band) who was kind enough to record a demo with the new Italian Grand piano from the Nord Piano Library on the Nord Stage 2 HA88.

http://youtu.be/AsEA7VeSiN0

The Nord Piano Library is a free library of expertly recorded pianos and electric pianos compatible with the Nord Stage 2, Nord Stage EX, Nord Electro 4, Nord Electro 3, Nord Piano and Nord Piano 2.

The Italian Grand is the latest grand piano to be added to the library. It's a medium sized Grand Piano brimful with character. It can be described as slightly ambient, brilliant and boasts an amazing dynamic range.

The audio in the video is recorded directly out of the Stage 2 with no external processing.

More Nord Piano Library info here: http://www.nordkeyboards.com/main.asptm=Sound%20Libraries&cllibr=Nord_Piano_Library

Listen to more audio clips for the Piano LIbrary here: https://soundcloud.com/nordkeyboards/sets

With huge thanks to Jim Watson.

Crush drum kits now shipping

Crush Drums and UK distributor Sound Technology Ltd are pleased to announce immediate shipping of Chameleon Ash, Sublime Maple E3, Limited Reserve Mahogany, Limited Reserve Wenge and Limited Reserve Birch kits.

Already proving most popular with retailers is the Chameleon Ash kit, with the majority of the first shipment of these kits being pre-sold. The 5-piece kit, available in gorgeously finished satin Trans Red, Trans Blue, Trans Green, Trans Black and Trans Orange, is priced at just £929 RRP inc VAT.

The Sublime Maple E3 kit is the newest kit in the Crush product line, reviewed recently in both Rhythm and iDrum magazines.  This kit combines the best features from Crush's previously acclaimed Sublime Maple and Sublime Maple Tour series to create the ultimate maple drumset.

The Crush Limited Reserve kits are available in strictly limited numbers, featuring stunning natural satin finishes and complimentary satin finished drum hardware.  These three kits are the flagship of the Crush product line.

A list of UK retailers is now published here - please call them for availability.

Crush Drums are distributed in the UK and ROI by Sound Technology Ltd.  For more information on Crush visit www.crushdrum.com, or connect with us at facebook.com/crushdrumsuk and twitter.com/crushdrumsuk.

Crush Drums 2013 Catalogue

Larrivée featured twice in Acoustic Class of 2013

The new issue of Acoustic magazine includes a feature on the 'The Greatest Gear of 2013".  Two Larrivée Guitars are included - the Larrivée OM-02E and the Larrivée 000-03E Vintage.

"Their can be little doubt that the OM-02E is a spectacularly good guitar for the money.  Finding such immaculate, all-solid construction and shimmering, detailed tones for under a grand is not an easy thing to do, but Larrivée has managed it.  This guitar is deliriously close to perfection.  The OM-02E remains a stellar instrument and one that fingerstyle players in particular absolutely must try out.  You won't regret it".

"The Larrivée 000-03E is, quite simply, one hell of a guitar.  If you've even the slightest leaning towards vintage-inspired six stringers the combination of that spectacular finish, retro tuners and rootsy parlour body will be nigh on impossible to resist.  The selling point here is the the sheer quality of the construction,and the masterful way in which the concept of a vintage-themed showstopper has been realised to absolute perfection".

The full round-up can be found in the latest issue of Acoustic magazine (December, Issue 86) on sale now.  The Larrivée OM-02E and 000-03E Vintage are also available now at £999 and £1899 RRP inc VAT respectively.

Further Links

• Larrivée Guitars
• Larrivée -02E Series
• Larrivée -03E Vintage
• Acoustic magazine

Sandown Park converts to BSS Soundweb London

RaceTech extends racecourse upgrade to superior digital platform

A little over a decade ago, RaceTech’s Head of Audio Engineering, Robin Dibble, systematically started placing the UK’s racecourses onto a BSS Soundweb digital audio network. However, with the improvement of algorithms, sampling rates and processing speed, the trusty old Soundweb SW9088’s, affectionately-known as the ‘Green’ boxes, slowly made way for a sleeker, supercharged series, with greater I/O flexibility, known as Soundweb London. The most recent high profile racecourse to benefit has been Sandown Park.

Photo above: Sandown Park, now equipped with a BSS Soundweb London audio network

“We had already quoted for the upgrade back in 2010, when we knew the ‘Green’ boxes were going to become obsolete, but we were only recently given the go-ahead to proceed,” said Dibble.

From the installer’s point of view it offers a number of advantages, he says. “Soundweb London devices provide increased processing power and more flexibility. They are easier to use and have better EQ. From the client’s point of view they run over Crestron touch screens which makes it much easier than the old system.”

In a straight swap-out, Robin Dibble has specified four fixed-format BLU-100’s, offering 12 inputs and 8 outputs. These are used with a BLU-120 and BLU-BOB break-out, which provides an additional eight outputs. This gives the facility a matrix capacity of 48 inputs and 48 outputs.

Photo above:  BSS BLU-100 network audio processor

Sandown will depend heavily on that hub as they operate a thriving multi-purpose venue. Aside from the paging system and race day sound coverage they also host conferences, corporate entertainment, exhibitions and other events (including wedding receptions).

Photo above:  Multi-purpose space at Sandown Park

Robin Dibble confirms that all the premier racecourses (where the BSS DSP solution was fitted) have now been converted to the Soundweb London backbone.

BSS Audio is distributed in the UK/ROI by Sound Technology Ltd.

Soundcraft introduces ViSi Remote 2.0

HARMAN’s Soundcraft is announcing Version 2.0 of its tremendously successful ViSi Remote iPad app, which allows remote control of Soundcraft Vi, Si Compact, Si Performer and Si Expression mixing consoles wirelessly from an iPad device. ViSi Remote 2.0 requires no additional hardware other than a wireless access router connected to the HARMAN HiQnet® Ethernet port of the console. With ViSi Remote 2.0, engineers are free to roam the venue and adjust mixes and other audio parameters directly from an iPad.

With 2.0 comes the ability for Si Compact, Performer and Expression users to adjust channel strip settings per channel including settings such as Gate, Compressor and EQ along with Pan, LR/Mono routing and phase invert switches. This functionality will be added to Vi consoles in a future update.

Soundcraft ViSi Remote 2.0 provides a variety of benefits for engineers including: optimize the front of house mix from anywhere in the room; adjust monitor levels while standing next to the artist; adjust channel strip settings remote from the console; extend the fader count of an existing control surface; use in standalone mode for familiarization with console functions; control a network of consoles (e.g. FOH and Monitor); provide a separate surface for DMX functionality (Si Performer only); and allow multiple users on the same console to control their own mixes.

App Store, Apple, iPad and iTunes are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.K. and other countries.

Software updates for Soundcraft Si Compact and Si Expression/Performer

Si Compact V3.0 software and Si Expression/Si Performer V1.5 software are now available for download.

Version 3.0 of Si Compact software provides several upgraded features including: six (6) stereo busses, stereo matrices, pre/post selection per channel per bus, and fully customisable fader layers. Version 3.0 also brings full show compatibility with Si Expression and Si Performer shows.*

Version 1.5 of Si Expression and Si Performer software includes software improvements and support for the upcoming release of V2.0 of the ViSi remote app. Si Compact V3.0 also includes support for ViSi V2.0.

All console software updates are accessed from the appropriate product page of the Soundcraft web site: www.soundcraft.com. To access the software downloads, go to www.soundcraft.com/downloads/software.aspx and select the appropriate console.

* Old Si Compact shows created on version 2.3 and earlier will not be compatible with version 3.0.

Dante Interfacing for Soundcraft Si Series Consoles

The Soundcraft® Dante™ option card is now available for  Si Compact, Si Performer and Si Expression Series consoles. The card provides a 64 x 64 interface to any Dante compatible device from Harman or other 3rd party manufacturer.

Dante provides a digital audio network that uses standard Internet Protocols over both 100Mbps and 1 Gigabit Ethernet. Dante uses audio independent, high accuracy network synchronization standards to ensure all Dante devices are synchronized at all times. Dante runs on inexpensive off the shelf computer networking hardware, and does not require dedicated network infrastructure.

The Audinate® Dante Virtual Soundcard software allows connection of a PC/Mac to a Dante audio network. This system allows the computer to record from and playback to the Dante network using most common DAW packages. Dante Virtual Soundcard uses the Ethernet port on the computer to communicate with the Dante network; all that is required is the installation of the Dante Virtual Soundcard software.

Additional information about the Dante system including the latest software set-up and tools may be found on the Audinate® web site http://www.audinate.com/.

New Soundcraft® Multi Digital card now available for Si Compact, Performer and Expression Consoles

With the Soundcraft® Multi Digital card installed in a console, live recording couldn't be simpler! Standard mic/line input sources can be recorded through an Si Compact, Performer or Expression Console via the multi-digital card to a DAW or similar. This simple yet powerful solution is suitable for recording live gigs but is equally at home in the studio.

The Multi Digital card offers digital audio connection between an Si Series* console and Apple® Mac® enabled with Firewire (1394), or PC enabled with USB or Firewire. Audio capability across the Firewire or USB link is 32 channels in and 32 channels out at 48KHz. In addition to the Firewire/USB ports, the Multi Digital card provides 8 further channels of ADAT in and out at 48KHz. These additional channels expand the connectivity further for functions such as input or output expansion with any ADAT-compatible I/O device.

Connection and setup of the card to a PC is made simple with the use of the Soundcraft digital audio driver and associated control panel which can be downloaded from the Si Expression webpage at http://www.soundcraft.com/products/product.aspx?pid=191.

Firewire connection to a Mac requires no software or drivers.

*excluding Si1,2,3 or '+' plus variants

JBL Professional Introduces 9320 Large-Format Cinema Surround Loudspeaker

HARMAN’s JBL Professional today announced the introduction of its 9320 Cinema Surround loudspeaker, a large-format loudspeaker designed for high power handling, extended bass response and wide dynamic range in professional cinema applications. The 2-way JBL 9320 features a 12-inch MB12-8 low-frequency driver and 2408H-1 high-frequency compression driver. The large JBL Progressive Transition™ rotatable waveguide ensures superior 120 x 60 degree coverage and smooth frequency response with the loudspeaker mounted horizontally or vertically.

“The JBL 9320 is ideal for cinemas, auditoriums, and venues where higher volume and a larger coverage area is needed from the surround loudspeakers, especially in a multichannel system,” said Chuck Goodsell, Senior Manager, Cinema, JBL Professional. “The 9320 delivers clear, powerful and articulate sound, to create an immersive movie theater listening experience. “

The high-excursion, heavy-duty MB12-8 low-frequency driver provides high power-handling capability and bass extension. The proven, industry-standard 2408H-1 high-frequency compression driver delivers exceptional clarity and resolution and is mated with JBL’s Progressive Transition Waveguide, which provides constant beamwidth and directivity across a 120-degree horizontal/ 60-degree vertical coverage pattern, along with smoother frequency response and a more seamless blend with the woofer. The waveguide is rotatable, enabling the 9320 to be used a vertical or horizontal mounting position.

The JBL 9320 enclosure is fitted with M10 threaded mounting points on the top and on the sides to facilitate U-bracket mounting. In addition, four M10 mounting points are located at the rear, arranged in a standard pattern to accept a variety of multi-mount brackets. The speaker terminals are located on top of the cabinet for easy access. The 9320’s enclosure is constructed of multi-ply birch coated with JBL’s rugged DuraFlex™ finish and is heavily braced to maximize low-frequency performance. A steel grille protects the drivers and gives the 9320 an understated, professional appearance.

Soundcraft Vi1 Speeds Up Training Times for Royal Holloway University of London

The Student Union at the Royal Holloway University of London host a variety of events at a multifunctional venue, which include live music, clubs, conferences, theaters, trade shows, etc. Its technical crew is responsible for approximately 10 different productions a week, and recently purchased a HARMAN Soundcraft Vi1 in order to train more students in front of house (FOH) audio mixing.

Photo above: Soundcraft Vi1 at Royal Holloway University of London

“I purchased a different brand of digital console 18 months ago for our FOH training. My staff here consists of students and it was taking them quite a while to learn on that console, so we started looking at the Soundcraft Vi Series for a replacement. After working with the Vi1 I knew instantly that the user interface was far more straightforward and more intuitive for the crew to learn,” said Karl Travers, Technical Manager of the Students Union, who purchased the console through UK-based Arc Sound.

The highly praised Vi1’s UI became popular due to its widescreen Vistonics™ interface, which retains the same ‘walk-up’ user-friendliness of the other Vi consoles. It displays all parameters for 16 channels side by side, on a single 22-inch Vistonics touchscreen. Also, the Vi1 includes built-in Lexicon effects as well as GEQ’s on all output busses, eliminating even more hassles such as additional sound equipment.

“I’ve found that the console UI is very user-friendly with a short learning curve, which has enabled me to get my staff trained in a short amount of time. This in turn leads to quick and confident operation during shows,” said Travers.

The Soundcraft Vi Series is the ultimate console for people who need a fast setup and an easy-to-use experience. It is the perfect solution for running shows with multiple acts or back-to-back events such as those that Travers is responsible for.

“In the last few weeks we’ve done about seven club nights, a few bands, live PA acts with MC’s and several conferences. So far, the Vi1 has performed extremely well, and the user-definable pages make setup for different shows very easy. On top of that, its gain structure is sweet and requires little work to achieve the desired results,” Travers added.

Soundcraft is distributed in the UK by Sound Technology Ltd.

HARMAN's dbx® introduces DriveRack PA 2 Loudspeaker Management System

HARMAN’s dbx today announced the introduction of its DriveRack® PA2 Loudspeaker Management System, which enables a loudspeaker system to be quickly and accurately optimized for the best-possible sound quality. The PA2 is ideal for bands, musicians and artists who carry their own PA and for a wide range of installed sound applications.

Photo above: dbx DriveRack PA2 loudspeaker management speaker (click for hi-res)

The Original DriveRack PA revolutionized audio for bands all around the world by providing all of the processing you needed between your mixer and amplifiers to optimize and protect your loudspeakers. The DriveRack takes this to a whole new level. A brand new Wizard allows for faster and easier set-up, new AutoEQ and AFS give you professional touring quality room EQ and incredibly accurate Advanced Feedback Suppression (AFS™), and finally all can now be controlled on the fly with your mobile device or laptop using Ethernet control via an Android®, iOS®, Mac®, or Windows® device. The DriveRack PA2 continues the DriveRack legacy of great-sounding, powerful, and affordable loudspeaker management processors for a whole new generation.

The DriveRack PA2 can be set up and operated from a compatible tablet or smartphone. An all-new Wizard utility makes setup easier and faster than ever, and users have access to a host of configuration menus and on their mobile device, with full-color graphical displays that give ready visual indications of the parameters being adjusted. The DriveRack PA2 can also be operated via its front-panel controls and display.

The DriveRack PA2 provides a comprehensive suite of system tuning and optimization tools. Its improved AutoEQ™ enables automatic and precise equalization of the loudspeakers to the venue in which they’re installed to achieve smoother, more accurate in-room frequency response. A new AFS™ Advanced Feedback Suppression feature automatically finds and dials out any problematic feedback-producing frequencies.

The PA2 offers numerous additional system-tuning and sonic optimization capabilities, including dbx compression, graphic and 8-band parametric EQ, dbx’s exclusive Subharmonic Synthesis for enhanced low-frequency response, a built-in loudspeaker crossover (for full-range, 2-way and 3-way systems), limiting, loudspeaker time alignment and time delay and many additional features.

“Setting up a PA can be challenging even under the best of circumstances, and with the introduction of the DriveRack PA2, local musicians, weekend warriors, semi-pro players, wedding bands and even established artists and venues now have a remarkably effective tool for getting better live sound than ever before,” said Noel Larson, Market Manager, Portable PA, Tour, and Recording at HARMAN Signal Processing.

The dbx DriveRack PA2 will be available in December 2013 at a suggested RRP of £549 inc VAT.

Rhythm Recommends - Crush Drums Acrylic kit

"A beautiful kit with an incredible sound to match - and all at a suprisingly wallet-friendly price".

The Crush Drums Acrylic drum set is built with high quality seamless shells and is the most affordable of its kind on the market.  It is reviewed in the latest issue of Rhythm magazine where it receives the magazine's 'Recommends' award.

"On unpacking we can see that these are gorgeous drums...bearing edges are double 45º, and closer inspection shows that these are crafted with pinpoint precision".

"What first strikes us about the Crush kit is its simple beauty.  The shells are seamless and crystal clear, and the hardware is sympathetic to the overall aesthetic".

"On putting stick to head, the kit's quality becomes abundantly clear.  First off, the rack toms ring out a sweet ping, but they are also capable of incredible depth to their tone.  Rolls between the 10" and 12" racks are beautifully articulated and with minimal tuning you really can make these drums sing".

The full review can be found in the latest issue of Rhythm magazine (Issue 223, December 2013) on sale now.  The Crush Drums Acrylic kit will be available from December at £949 RRP inc VAT.

Further Links

• Crush Drums
• Crush Drums UK Facebook
• Crush Drums UK Twitter
• Rhythm magazine

Nord Lead 4 review in Future Music magazine

"...the Nord Lead 4 is inspiring to play and is very much a player's instrument - it draws you into its world without you noticing and that alone speaks volumes".

With innovative new performance features, advanced layering and synchronisation possibilities, new filter types and on-board effects, the Nord Lead 4 is a synthesiser dream come true.  It is reviewed in this month's Future Music magazine where it receives a 9 out of 10 overall rating.

"...the Nord Lead 4 is a raw yet polished-sounding synth, with plenty of sound and feature enhancements.  The new filter types and Impulse Morphing are especially notable (along with the versatile new effects)..."

"It's certainly one of the nicest VAs around and gets very close to real analogue.  It will appeal to those looking for a synth that can do authentic analogue emulation (both for live and in the studio), yet it can go way beyond into futuristic digital sonic mayhem and back in a snap with the ingenious new morphing implementation".

"The legend continues with their best Lead yet".

The full review can be found in the latest issue of Future Music magazine (Issue 272, November 2013) on sale now. The Nord Lead 4 is also available now at £1549 RRP inc VAT.  A rack version, the Nord Lead 4R, is also available at £1349 RRP inc VAT.

Further Links

• Nord Keyboards
• Nord Lead 4
• Nord Keyboards UK Facebook
• Nord Keyboard UK Twitter
• Future Music magazine

SSL Sigma product tour video

A short tour of Sigma, the Remote Controlled Analogue Summing System from SSL. Covers what it is, how it can help bring sonic depth and tone to your mixes and how it fits into your studio workflow.

http://youtu.be/yTSbWhzYKdc

 

• http://www.solid-state-logic.com/music/sigma/

Sound Technology to exhibit at The Music Show

Sound Technology will be exhibiting at The Music Show held at Manchester Central on the 15th and 16th of November 2013.

The Music Show is a brand new national exhibition that aims to promote the benefits of music making and showcase the latest products and services to musicians, educators and industry professionals.  Sound Technology will be on hand to demonstrate the latest products from Nord Keyboards and Propellerhead Software.

Propellerhead Reason 7 is one of the leading software applications for music education.  In the classroom, Reason has many distinct advantages over other music software programs, allowing students to focus on music creation and production, not system maintenance and software incompatibilities. Students can freely experiment and find solutions to audio problems while maintaining creative flow during music production, invariably spending more time on their projects and assignments.

Reason's studio simulation metaphor allows students to configure (and reconfigure) a complete sound studio, selecting and wiring audio processors and generators while the large format console model provides a rare chance for students to prep for work in large, professional studios.

The Nord Stage 2 HA88 is the flagship keyboard in the Nord product range and will also be available to try out at the show.  The Nord Stage 2 HA88 has Nord Sample Library-compatibility, the B3 and transistor organ engine from the popular Nord C2 Organ and MIDI over USB, all in an amazingly user friendly interface where all vital features are only button away.

Sound Technology will be exhibiting from stand number D4.  For more information and to purchase tickets please visit: www.music-show.co.uk

Further Links

• Propellerhead Software
• Nord Keyboards
• The Music Show

Sound Technology to exhibit at the Music Production Show

Sound Technology will be exhibiting at The Music Production Show held at The Emirates Stadium on the 29-30 November 2013.  On show will be the latest products from Sound Technology brands - Nord, Propellerhead & SSL.

Solid State Logic's Nathan Hernando will be on-hand to demonstrate the new SSL Sigma, a remote controlled analogue summing engine, the SSL Nucleus and the latest Alpha-Link MX I/O.

 

SSL Sigma (click for hi-res version)

The stand will also feature the Nord Stage 2 HA88, the flagship of the Nord product range, and the new Nord Lead 4, an award-winning performance synthesiser.

Nord Lead 4 (click for hi-res version)

The Music Production show is also the perfect opportunity to try Propellerhead Reason 7 first hand.  To coincide with its presence at the show James Wiltshire, one half of the UK production and remix duo The Freemasons, will be holding a Reason masterclass in Seminar Hall 2 on the Saturday at 3pm.  His talk , 'Parallel processing secrets in Reason 7', will cover parallel compression, EQ and even distortion using a completed Freemasons track for demonstration.

Sound Technology will be exhibiting on stand number 38.  For more information and to purchase tickets please visit: http://www.musicproductionshow.co.uk/

Further Links 

• Nord Keyboards
• Propellerhead
• Solid State Logic
• The Music Production Show

Larrivée Guitars at the Acoustic Avalon acoustic guitar exhibition this weekend

Sound Technology will be exhibiting Larrivée Guitars at the Sheehan's Acoustic Avalon acoustic guitar exhibition at Leicester Racecourse this weekend 9-10 November 2013.

Photo above: A Larrivée OM-03E Vintage - one of the guitars appearing at the Sheehan's Acoustic Avalon exhibition this weekend.

An annual event run by Sheehan's of Leicester, Acoustic Avalon provides a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to see, play and buy a huge selection of the world's best acoustic guitars. The show attracts visitors from all corners of the UK and beyond. Now in its 20th year, the show has become a landmark event in the acoustic guitar world, regularly featuring world class artists as well as world class instruments.

Larrivée models on display include the best-selling all-solid 02 Series at £899 RRP inc VAT, the brand new Larrivée D-40 dreadnought with Jean's new bracing pattern that delivers vintage tone and volume combined with exceptional clarity, the simply gorgeous (looks and sound!) 03 Vintage Series, and the limited edition -03 Series upgraded to Solid Walnut back and sides at no extra cost.

Drew Elliot of Spycatcher and Dirty Leaves will be demonstrating the guitars on the stand, together with DigiTech JamMan looper and Vocalist Live vocal harmony pedals.

 

 

• Tickets and more information here

Soundcraft Vi1 speeds up training times for Royal Holloway University of London

The Student Union at the Royal Holloway University of London host a variety of events at a multifunctional venue, which include live music, clubs, conferences, theaters, trade shows, etc. Its technical crew is responsible for approximately 10 different productions a week, and recently purchased a HARMAN Soundcraft Vi1 in order to train more students in front of house (FOH) audio mixing.

“I purchased a different brand of digital console 18 months ago for our FOH training. My staff here consists of students and it was taking them quite a while to learn on that console, so we started looking at the Soundcraft Vi Series for a replacement. After working with the Vi1 I knew instantly that the user interface was far more straightforward and more intuitive for the crew to learn,” said Karl Travers, Technical Manager of the Students Union, who purchased the console through UK-based Arc Sound.

The highly praised Vi1’s UI became popular due to its widescreen Vistonics™ interface, which retains the same ‘walk-up’ user-friendliness of the other Vi consoles. It displays all parameters for 16 channels side by side, on a single 22-inch Vistonics touchscreen. Also, the Vi1 includes built-in Lexicon effects as well as GEQ’s on all output busses, eliminating even more hassles such as additional sound equipment.

“I’ve found that the console UI is very user-friendly with a short learning curve, which has enabled me to get my staff trained in a short amount of time. This in turn leads to quick and confident operation during shows,” said Travers.

The Soundcraft Vi Series is the ultimate console for people who need a fast setup and an easy-to-use experience. It is the perfect solution for running shows with multiple acts or back-to-back events such as those that Travers is responsible for.

“In the last few weeks we’ve done about seven club nights, a few bands, live PA acts with MC’s and several conferences. So far, the Vi1 has performed extremely well, and the user-definable pages make setup for different shows very easy. On top of that, its gain structure is sweet and requires little work to achieve the desired results,” Travers added.

Soundcraft is distributed in the UK by Sound Technology Ltd.

DigiTech makes iStomp indispensable for iOS users at just £49 and free e-pedals

DigiTech has repriced its iStomp FX pedal - a stomp box that can be totally reprogrammed using an iOS device - to an ultra low price of just £49 inc VAT. Alongside the price reduction of the unit itself, all available e-pedals (with the exception of the Adrian Below artist e-pedal) are now free.  The flexibility - and sound quality - of the iStomp makes it an indispensable additional pedal to have in your gig bag to use whenever required, for whatever required. 

Click for hi-res version

The DigiTech iStomp works just like a traditional stompbox but can be completely reconfigured by loading it with any one of 47 e-pedals available via its iOS Stomp Shop App. Connect the iStomp to an iOS 4.3+ device using the included DigiTech Smart Cable to totally change effect in the iStomp. (Note a Lightning adaptor is required for use with Lightning-equipped iOS devices.) Disconnect the Smart Cable and you’re ready to use your iStomp just like you would any traditional pedal.

Available e-pedals include various overdrives, distortions, pitch shifters, delays, an acoustic simulation - even a Lexicon® Hall reverb. 

Click for hi-res version

For more information please visit:

• http://www.digitech.com/en-US/products/istomp

 

DigiTech is distributed in the UK/ROI by Sound Technology Ltd.  Please call 01462 480000 or visit www.soundtech.co.uk for further information.

Ends

Back by popular demand! Live Sound Basics to be staged again

Sound On Sound and Sound Technology are once again proud to present Live Sound Basics: an informal evening workshop with SOS live sound author Mike Crofts.

Tickets for the inaugural Live Sound Basics seminar in July sold out within days, so before we run the much-requested Part Two, here's your chance to grab a coveted seat in the re-run of Part One.

Mike will be guiding you through the basics of sound reinforcement, drawing of his years of experience running sound for all kinds of concerts from rock to classical, in small venues to outdoor festivals. You'll learn how the tools of the trade – microphones, mixers, power amps, loudspeakers etc – actually work, and how to use them effectively in a live sound situation. 

Using a high-quality analogue desk and a simple PA system for demonstration, Mike will impart practical advice on how to choose the right mics, optimise gain structure, deal with difficult venue acoustics and minimise common problems such as feedback.

There will be a Q&A session at the end of the workshop and an opportunity for informal one-to-one conversations. 



The setting for the workshop is once again Sound Technology's impressive 4000-square foot Pro Audio demonstration facility at their HQ in Letchworth, Hertfordshire. The facility houses a vast array of top-quality live-sound equipment from JBL, Soundcraft, Crown and many others. 



Tickets are available via the link below and are priced at just £10 (including refreshments), but availability is limited, so book early to avoid disappointment! 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Event: Live Sound Basics with SOS regular Mike Crofts

Date: Wednesday 13 November 2013
Time: 7pm – 9pm

Venue: Sound Technology Pro Audio demonstration facility, Letchworth Point, Letchworth Garden City, Herts, SG6 1ND

Price: £10 including refreshments (advance booking required)

• event.bookitbee.com/381/live-sound-basics/

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