Recently, the New England School of Communications (NESCOM) upgraded one of the consoles in its control rooms, choosing a 48-channel API Vision surround production console for Studio D.
“There are a variety of schools of thought about whether it is better to mix ‘in the box’ or ‘out of the box’,” said Dave MacLaughlin, executive director of audio for NESCOM.
“There are even regional variations. Nashville engineers, for example, tend to treat their DAWs like tape recorders, relying on external gear and summing to complete their mixes.”
“Of course, we think students need experience with both approaches, but we already have control surfaces in a few of our other rooms.”
“For Studio D, we wanted to give students more experience recording on a high-end console and then mixing back through that same console.”
NESCOM last year replaced a control surface with a 32-channel API 1608 and a 16-channel expander. The experience, according to MacLaughlin, has been eye opening.
Of the seven studios available to them, students are choosing to work on the 1608 whenever they have the chance. We love the sound of the 1608,” said MacLaughlin, “and the Vision is that in spades.”
“MacLaughlin also cited API’s robust design, generous warranty, and USA-build as factors in the decision. “Above all, the people at API have been great to work with. They have a helpful answer to every question and request. In fact, some folks from API traveled out here to help evaluate the room and craft the ideal plan for getting the most out of the Vision in terms of placement and interconnects.”
“We’re very pleased to see a second API console going to NESCOM,” said Larry Droppa, API president. “Perhaps I’m biased, but I don’t think there is a more effective way to teach multichannel mixing than on the API Vision.”
“The topology, combined with the authentic American sound of API circuitry, gives mixes true depth. I’m confident that NESCOM students will have a greater appreciation for the critical nuances of multichannel mixing as a result of their work on the API Vision.”
