SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 2010: Symetrix, a leading provider of audio processing solutions for the commercial, broadcast, and pro audio markets, announces the availability of the AirTools Multiband Processor 2m, which marshals the power and innovation of the company’s DSP solutions to meet the very specific needs of broadcast professionals. The inclusion and easy configuration of every necessary DSP module optimizes broadcast audio for dramatic improvements in tone, intelligibility, and intensity. The Multiband Processor 2m hardware implementation is robust, allowing for multiple audio connections across all of the most widely-used interconnect protocols, with minimum latency, wide dynamic range, and extremely low distortion.

Easily-configurable floating-point DSP modules include: programmable filters, phase rotator, de-esser, downward expander, broadband automatic gain control (AGC), eight-band parametric equalizer, four-way programmable crossover, four-band multiband compressor and limiter, stereo image enhancer, acoustic environment simulator, clipper, and alignment delay, among others. Inputs and outputs consist of dual-balanced analog lines or AES3 digital lines configurable for stereo, mono, MS encode, or MS decode operating modes. Word clock input, Ethernet, RS-485, and user-configurable audio input failover complete the back panel array. more

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 2009: API is now shipping the 527 compressor, a single channel module based on API’s 225L discreet channel compressor. The 527 features comprehensive controls including variable attack, release, ratio, and output gain controls. The unit also includes API’s patented ‘Thrust’ circuit, first offered on the 2500 stereo bus compressor. A ten segment LED meter is switchable between gain reduction and output level.

“Anyone who has used the 225L compressor found in API consoles has expressed a longing for the same kind of flexibility and control in the 500 Series for some time,” said Larry Droppa, president of API. “We’re delighted to now offer the 527 to complement our vintage 525 compressor, which has been many engineers’ favorite compressor over the years.” MSRP: $995.00. more

JESSUP, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 2009: JDK Audio, the new brand developed and engineered by legendary analog innovator API, announces the fourth product in its line of robust signal processing equipment. The R22 is a two-channel, rack-mount compressor with linkable stereo operation that uses true RMS power summing, a patented Thrust circuit for chest-hitting low-end, and easy to use, refreshingly musical control of all parameters. JDK Audio will formally introduce the R22 compressor at the 2010 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California at API Booth #6411. Visitors will have the opportunity to listen to multitrack material through the new R22 and other JDK gear at the JDK listening station.

The R22 interconnects with both balanced XLR and quarter-inch inputs and outputs. Because the R22 has LED indicators and switchable analog metering of the output level and gain reduction, it’s easy to optimize gain structure. Switchable hard- or soft-knee compression, combined with variable threshold, ratio, and make-up gain controls deliver a wide range of compression textures for an equally wide range of source material. Equally at home in a project studio or commercial recording facility, the R22 shines with a ruler-flat frequency response out to 50 kHz. more

JESSUP, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 2009: API is pleased to invite all NAMM attendees to stop by Booth #6411 and enter a drawing to win a free JDK Audio R22 Compressor. Winners will be chosen by random drawing at the end of the day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A total of three lucky winners will each receive a JDK Audio R22 Compressor. Winners need not be present to win. JDK Audio is an entirely new brand developed, engineered and made in America by API (Automated Processes, Inc.) that captures the essence of vintage electronic design.

The new R22 is a two-channel rack-mount compressor with linkable stereo operation that uses true RMS power summing, API’s patented Thrust circuit for chest-hitting low-end, and easy to use, refreshingly musical control of all parameters. Visitors to the booth will have the opportunity to listen to multitrack material through the new R22 and other JDK gear at the JDK listening station. The R22 Compressor is the fourth product in the JDK line of robust analog signal processing equipment. Previously introduced products include the R20 two-channel mic pre, the R24 two-channel four-band EQ, and the V14 four-band VPR 500 format equalizer. more

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 2009: Tonelux rack-mounted gear, which is exclusively distributed worldwide by TransAudio Group, will introduce its new TILT eight-channel tone control at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California in January 2010. The innovative TILT control, designed by Tonelux founder Paul Wolff, rebalances a channel’s high- and low-frequency content via a single knob, and was first featured on the company’s MP1a discrete mic preamp module.

Centered on approximately 700 Hz, the TILT control knob boosts high frequencies from 0 dB to 6 dB while simultaneously cutting low frequencies by the same amount when turned fully to the right. When turned to the left, low frequencies are boosted by up to 6 dB while high frequencies are similarly cut. This allows a user to conveniently alter the EQ of a track to better fit into the mix using a single rotary control. more

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 2009: With the introduction of the PT2-500 mic pre and DI, TRUE Systems continues its contortionist legacy of packing immense-sounding microphone preamplification into infinitesimal spaces. Descendant of the TRUE Systems Precision 8, which squeezes eight audiophile-grade preamps into a single rack space, the diminutive PT2-500 conforms to the modular 500 Series format. Like all the other preamps in the TRUE Systems family, the PT2-500 delivers stunning detail, rich analog depth, and a robust, reliable design. But the PT2-500 is 500 module sized, for audio professionals who want everything in a rack ready to use, over and over again without buying additional power supplies and multiple racks.

The PT2-500 features up to 70 dB of high-headroom, low-noise microphone gain. An exceptionally high-quality direct input (DI) calms edgy piezos and provides a THRU jack for amping or effects. Switchable phantom power, 80 Hz high pass filter, and polarity reverse give the unit appropriate flexibility, even in its tiny, 500 Series space. Like all TRUE Systems preamps, the PT2-500 boasts a frequency response that reads like a misprint, 1.5 Hz to 600 kHz (-3 dB), ensuring that the audible and usable ultrasonic ranges are well within its linear response. more

Pointe Claire, Quebec, Canada, December 2009 – Sennheiser Canada, in a coordinated effort with Sennheiser Germany announces the opening of an RF/equipment service and sales facility in conjunction with the upcoming More…XXI Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The facility will offer assistance to radio and television broadcasters from all corners of the globe using Sennheiser technology that requires frequency coordination and equipment service. Broadcasters will be able to purchase Sennheiser’s new 2000 Series wireless systems as well. Sennheiser’s 2010 Olympic RF coordination facility will open on February 6th – six days before the games officially start – and close at the end of day on February 14th. To secure an appointment, it is recommended that broadcasters contact Sennheiser Canada in advance. “Walk-ins” will be accommodated as time permits. more

— Genelec monitoring is an established tradition at NESCom, where all seven control rooms in its Audio Engineering degree program feature Genelec Active Monitors —

NATICK, MA, December 15, 2009 — The New England School of Communication (NESCom) opened in 1981 with a mission to train students for careers in the broadcasting and related fields. Though it may be approaching its 30th anniversary, NESCom has kept its teaching technology at the cutting edge all of that time. This is clearly illustrated by the recent upgrade of the monitoring in NESCom’s surround mixing control room to a Genelec 5.1 system consisting of three 8250A Bi-Amplified DSP Monitors for the L-C-R array, a pair of 8240A Bi-Amplified DSP Monitors for the surrounds and a 7270A Active DSP Subwoofer. The upgrade was recently completed, and included a DSP monitor seminar to NESCom students this fall. more

Barionet 50 is latest Barix IP device for energy-efficient control, monitoring and automation in commercial and residential environments

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, December 14, 2009 — Barix AG, a pioneer in IP-based audio, intercom, control, and monitoring, introduces the Barionet 50, a low-cost IP automation controller, monitoring device and visualization system now shipping for professional and home applications. A fully programmable network controller, the Barionet 50 is ideal for interfacing devices and real world I/O via IP with open, standards based monitoring and control platforms.

The Barionet 50 is a modular component that can operate standalone or in concert with other units, web servers and control systems. Professional applications include access control, machine data collection and environmental monitoring of everything from temperature to water pressure. Barionet devices use very low power (typically 1.2W with inactive relays) and are well-positioned for “green� applications such as energy metering, smart grid control and intelligent building management. more

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: European satellite broadcaster BSkyB, better known as Sky, has purchased eight of SoundField’s stereo-to-5.1 upmix processors for live use in their studios and outside broadcast facilities. The SoundField UPM-1 is a 1U, 19-inch rack processor which can create a convincing, phase-coherent 5.1 surround panorama from stereo audio in real-time, without adding any reverb or unwanted additional phase shifts. It does this by adaptively analyzing the two-channel stereo material, separating the content into its ambient and direct components, and placing any material from the center of the original stereo mix, such as commentary or dialogue, into the center channel of the resulting 5.1 panorama. For HD broadcasters, the UPM-1 ensures that most audio can be broadcast in fold-down friendly surround sound, without obvious moments when the broadcast soundscape narrows to stereo during the transmission of older, stereo-only material.

“The UPM-1 is already proving its worth here at Sky,” comments Keith Lane, Operations Manager at BSkyB. more