DJAdvice.net - News for DJ’s and Musicians

Zaxcom has debuted two new features for its TRX family of wireless microphone transceivers. The company’s TRX systems are now available with a wireless dynamic range expander and an adjustable RF output power feature, both of which increase the operational flexibility of the unit.

Zaxcom’s new adjustable downward expander algorithm will attenuate low-level noise, making it particularly well-suited for use in applications that mix multiple microphones together. The algorithm pushes the noise floor to 12 dB, effectively extending the dynamic range of the TRX wireless system to 118 dB. As a software update, this feature is available free of charge to all current and new TRX users. (more…)

DiGiCo joins with Neumann and Sennheiser at NAB to showcase the interconnection of its consoles and Neumann’s AES 42 products on both company’s booths. DiGiCo can be found on booth N9133, Sennheiser/Neumann on booth N8207. Back in 2001, world leading studio microphone manufacturer Neumann unveiled its Solution-D generation digital microphones. These conformed to the new AES 42 data transmission protocol to allow its digital microphones to work in conjunction with digital workstations.

Now, NAB 2008 sees the fruits of a collaborative effort with UK-based digital mixing console manufacturer DiGiCo take this groundbreaking technology a stage further, allowing Neumann’s digital microphones interfacing directly with DiGiCo’s desks. (more…)

Soon after release of the Phanthera microphone in the past year, which quickly became a worldwide topseller, the Brauner community started to ask for a version with variable characteristics according to the Phantom Classic/Phantom V combination. As a logical consequence, the renowned German microphone manufacturer Brauner presented the desired Phanthera V at this year’s Prolight+Sound trade show in Frankfurt two weeks ago.

The Phanthera V impresses with the same qualities as its cardioid only counterpart, bringing along a lively and intense sound quality and highlighting the sonic aspects of the source material in a subtle manner. In addition to the cardioid directivity, it also is capable of recording in omni or bidirectional mode with a simple switch and thus adapting it to different recording situations. (more…)

The Neumann TLM 103 D, the next classic microphone to enter the digital realm, will make its debut at the 2008 NAB Show. When used in conjunction with digital workstations, digital Solution-D microphone technology makes life easier for users. The integrated, extremely fast peak limiter guarantees optimal recording levels at all times. Likewise, the Neumann A/D converter built into the microphone eliminates the necessity of tedious experimentation with external converters and preamps. (more…)

Nady Systems recently announced the introduction of their latest ribbon microphone — the RSM-8A. The new, neoclassic RSM-8A has the unmatched warmth and natural sound of a classic Nady large ribbon mic plus the higher gain of conventional studio microphones and the selectable features offered by proven ultra low-noise FET active circuitry and transformer output. The RSM-8 meets the stringent requirements of the most demanding digital recording and live broadcasting applications, and is ideal for recording studio vocals, acoustic instruments, strings, horns, orchestral/choral groups, ambient instrument audio, and many live sound applications. (more…)

Following a well-received sneak preview at the Winter NAMM show in January, Aviom, exclusive developer of the world’s fastest audio transport protocol, A-Net®, is introducing the latest addition to its innovative Pro64 Series of audio distribution products, the 6416m Mic Input Module, at the MusikMesse show (Hall 8.0 Stand H46). In tandem with this debut are its companion products, the RCI Remote Control Interface and the MCS Mic Control Surface. (more…)

sE Electronics and Rupert Neve Designs join forces for new Signature series sE microphones

Rupert Neve and Siwei Zou

sE Electronics have announced that they are producing a brand new range of Rupert Neve signature series mics under the sE stable for 2008.

sE tell us that the first of several mics being readied for production in this new series will be a state-of-the-art active Ribbon mic with revolutionary performance, provided by discrete circuits and purpose designed transformers by Mr. Rupert Neve. The capsule and manufacturing are being controlled by sE, whilst the electronics, and of course the transformer, are being taken care of by Mr. Neve.

sE say that the combination of a custom designed transformer and circuits from the man who has become legend in the world of solid state electronics, and a microphone and Ribbon from Siwei Zou, who in the relatively short history of sE has designed such industry standards as the multiple award-winning sE2200a and Gemini (not to mention the hugely successful Reflexion Filter), has given rise to a product which will surpass everyone’s expectations of what recording excellence can be achieved with a Ribbon mic.

Following hot on the heels of the release of the sE and Mr. Neve Ribbon will be a large diaphragm tube mic, and a solid state condenser. The first three mics will all share a common look which both gives a nod to ‘retro’ whilst still driving forward with sE’s modernistic ‘industrial chic’. In a word, say sE, the mics are beautiful, the packaging will be second to none, and their performance will set new standards in the high end microphone market.

Rupert Neve tells us, “Recent developments in the way that humans perceive sound are demanding significant advances both in performance and the philosophy of audio processing. That which was ‘good enough’ for light-hearted amusement fails to satisfy the thoughtful listener – in fact deficient sound quality has been shown to result in frustration, even anger. The experienced listener is aware of incredibly small Sound Pressure Levels that in many cases are beyond the conventional range of hearing.

I have worked for some time on the designs for a new range of microphones – the concepts of which are actually already being implemented in our own Rupert Neve Designs 5088 Console – namely utilizing Discrete Single-Sided Circuits and my custom designed transformers.

This new approach to analogue sound processing needs extreme care in its manufacture and meticulous alignment of the embedded discrete opamps and the delicate microphone elements.

This association with Siwei Zou and sE will provide an ideal partnership in terms of their masterly and enthusiastic commitment to innovation and quality that have also been my own hallmarks for more than 50 years.”

Siwei Zou had this to say, “I have, for many years, admired the work of Mr Neve, and now that we have a chance to work together I am able to realise a quality level in microphone technology that no other manufacturer to date has managed to achieve. The excellence we have worked so hard to achieve in production, design and capsule technology at sE, coupled with the best transformers this product area has ever seen, plus new cutting edge circuit board design, which from early tests are already proving to surpass anything I have ever heard before, means we are now able to produce high end mics, at a fraction of the cost of other high end brand models, but which have a sound and performance quality the likes of which this market has never seen before. This is a truly exciting time for sE and me personally”
Josh Thomas of Rupert Neve Designs added, “We are extremely pleased to be working so closely with sE Electronics. Rupert has been studying the mic market for some years with the intention of working on a project like this.

After putting a number of big brand names, and countless mics, through rigorous testing, and looking at the manufacturing techniques, build quality, and work ethic of these companies, it quickly became clear that the partnership with sE would be extremely interesting from both a design standpoint and for the market. Where most manufacturers we looked into seem to be cutting corners in manufacturing, packaging etc, or subcontracting to OEM to save money, and blindly copy what has been done before, sE have consistently shown us a complete commitment to pushing the design envelope with hand crafted quality in all their products, and continual efforts to improve every detail possible in their product. sE’s ethos is less about making as much profit as possible, and more about making the best product they can, and frankly, that is precisely what Mr Neve is all about.”

sE Electronics’ James Young had the last word, “It’s a huge honor for us that Rupert even considered us among the big players as a company he might like to work with. In the end there was no way we could ever compete with the kind of money that a large corporation could throw around to secure a deal, so it’s a testament to Mr Neve’s principles and dedication to his art that he chose to work with the company that he thought would build the best product, plain and simple. We are all so excited about where this collaboration will take us and focused now on getting the first three products to market by Summer 2008 and then… Well, you’ll see!”
More information:

• www.seelectronics.com

SM Pro Audio is proud to announce the immediate availability of their portable multi-purpose acoustic treatment panel The Mic Thing and the heavy duty microphone stand The Mic Stand in white.

The Mic Thing is a portable multi-purpose acoustic treatment panel suitable for minimizing room artifacts and improving separation during microphone recording sessions. Great for a range of applications including helping to control room ambience, minimizing spill from instrument amplifiers, or even creating temporary control rooms the Mic Thing is certainly one handy thing!

Good microphone separation and isolation means a cleaner recording and more controlled end result. Although the question of how much microphone separation is really necessary in any given situation, audio engineers around the world unanimously agree that if given the chance, they would rather be in control of these factors than not.

The Mic Thing can be mounted on just about any microphone, drum, or speaker stand up to 1″ (25mm) in diameter. The Mic Thing’s two winged panels can also be adjusted to create anything from a flat planar absorber to a tight semi circle enclosing the microphone. This way, the amount of separation and absorption can be easily be manipulated to suit requirements.

Features:

• Simple & affordable microphone isolation
• High density fire resistant, UV and ‘Ultra Fresh’ anti-bacterial treated foam
• Great for all microphone recordings
• Sturdy steel frame
• Quick and easy angle adjustment of panel wings
• Size: 740 mm x 400 mm x 50 mm
• Suitable for attachment to any microphone stand
• Weight: about 6.5 kg
• available in black and white

The Mic Stand is an all purpose, heavy duty, industrial strength boom stand made specifically for holding the Mic Things. Able to hold up to 4 Mic Things simultaneously the Mic Stand features an 8 cm (3.1 inch) diameter aluminium tube with a specially designed end flange to hold standard Microphone boom connections (1 x metal boom included). The Mic Stand is able to reach over 2.1 M (83 inches) high and with a sturdy speaker stand like triPod base it give the stand the stability and strength to hold heavier microphones as well as the Mic Thing.

Features:

• Able to hold up to 4 MIC THINGS simultaneously
• 8 cm (3.1 inch) diameter Aluminium Tube
• specially designed End Flange to hold Standard Microphone Boom connections
• 1 x Metal Boom included
• able to reach over 2.1 M (83 inches) high
• with the sturdy Speaker Stand Like TriPod Base it gives the stand the stability and strength to hold - heavier Microphones as well as the MIC THING
• available in black and white

Like the black edition the Mic Thing white is shipping with the Mic Stand for a limited time. For more information, visit their web site at www.smproaudio.com

For more information, visit their web site at www.smproaudio.com

A wireless system that I really like is the Shure PGX24/SM58 Handheld Wireless System because it has an automatic set up to receive the best frequency with having to guess. I think this one costs between $400 or $500 depending on where you shop.

I also like the Shure UT24/58 Wireless System because it’s a nice inexpensive set up and It automatically switches frequencies to eliminate drop outs. This one costs about $300.

Royer Labs, recognized globally as a leading manufacturer of high quality ribbon microphones, is pleased to announce the new Live Series microphones. Starting with the company’s critically acclaimed SF-24 Phantom Powered Stereo Ribbon Microphone, the R-121 Ribbon Microphone, and the R-122 Active Ribbon™ Microphone as the source for the three new Live Series offerings, Royer Labs has created road ruggedized versions of these three models—enabling live sound/touring professionals to capture the most subtle details of a live performance with the warmth and sonic transparency Royer’s studio models are known for.

For Royer’s new SF-24 Live Phantom Powered Stereo Ribbon Microphone, the thickness of the two ribbons has been increased from 1.8 microns to 2.5 microns. With the R-121 Live and R-122 Live models, ribbon thickness has been increased from 2.5 microns to 4 microns. Live Series microphones are identified with an “L” on the top of the mic, and are priced the same as the studio versions. (more…)