Products of Interest

Focusrite Liquid Mix Multi-Channel Firewire Mix Processor

The Liquid Mix from Focusrite is a 32-channel Firewire mix processor that uses Focusrite's Liquid Technology to produce vintage equalizer and compression effects. The device is a bus-powered desktop control unit powered through FireWire connection to a computer (see Figure 1). Users can control each channel from the desktop unit or from within their chosen sequencer using a graphic user interface (GUI).

Sixteen stereo channels of audio sampled at 44.1 kHz can be processed and sampling rates up to 192 kHz are supported on two channels. Each channel appears as a separate VST/AU/RTAS effect in the sequencer. Twenty equalization and 40 compressor emulations based on well-known vintage and modern models are included. The patented Dynamic Convolution from the company's Liquid Channel is employed here. This type of convolution samples the effect of a processor on a series of audio impulses at different gain settings and at all frequencies. A further hybrid seven-band equalizer can be created out of separate classic equalizer sections for each channel.

All processing is done onboard the unit with almost no effect on the computer CPU according to the manufacturer. An optional expansion card is available to increase the number of channels available and to provide higher sampling rates. Among the controls available are five dedicated continuous controller knobs for compressor controls, gain frequency and Q controls for the equalizer, a data wheel to move between equalizer bands, and a master equalizer level control. A backlit LCD screen with graphic display of the equalizer curve is included. Push-switches are used for selecting models and tracks, as well as saving and loading patches. The provided GUIs mimic the controls of the modeled equalizer/compressor units for ease of use. Metering is available on inputs, gain reduction, and output levels and is in the form of large format LED bargraphs.

Liquid Mix is compatible with Mac OS X and Windows XP operating systems. Potential users should contact Focusrite for further details of compatible software and requirements.

The Liquid Mix is listed for US$ 1,099.99. Contact: Focusrite Audio Engineering, Ltd., Lincoln Road, Cressex Business Park, High Wycombe, Bucks HP12 3FX, UK; telephone (+44) 149-446-2246; fax (+44) 149-445-9920; electronic mail sales@focusrite.com; Web www.focusrite.com/.

Figure 1.

The Focusrite Liquid Mix processor.

Zoom HD8CD and HD16CD Multi-Track Recorders and Control Surfaces

Zoom has released two multi-track audio recorders that double as control surfaces for use with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Both feature an 80-GB hard disk, up to 240 hours recording time, and 16-bit/44.1 kHz sampling rate.

The HD8CD provides a stereo drum track, a bass track, two simultaneous recording tracks, and eleven simultaneous playback tracks. Nine faders are available with a fivesegment level meter for the pre-and post-fader stages. Two combination XLR/¼-in. inputs are available in the front panel. The outputs are one digital S/PDIF 20-bit optical output and two ¼-in. stereo headphone outputs. An expression pedal or foot switch input is also included. The larger HD1CD6 recorder offers eight simultaneous recording tracks, 19 simultaneous playback tracks, and 14 faders on the control surface (see Figure 2). Eight combination XLR/¼-in. jacks are included on this model. The XLR inputs incorporate preamplifiers with phantom power supply. In both models each track has an additional ten virtual tracks allowing for multiple takes. A mix-down key for bouncing to a stereo track is also provided. Each track has a rotary encoder, two effect sends, panning controls, and a solo function.

Figure 2.

The Zoom HD16CD multi-track recorder and control surface.

Among the features included on the recorders/control surfaces are copy, move, erase, and trim length editing functions. Further processing of tracks includes fade in/out, reverse track, pitch correction, and a harmonized pitch shifter. One hundred points can be marked with locators expressed in terms of min/sec/msec or measure/beat/tick. A-B repeat controls and auto punch in...