The new DiGiCo S21 console (more here) offers exceptional capabilities, and this bodes well for future upgrades as well.
Using a high power QuadCore SoC, associated with high bandwidth memory, the S21 connects to a low-power 484-ball array FPGA which in turn connects to fourth-generation control SHARC DSP, capable of not only controlling the FPGA, but offering the potential for additional processing in the future.
The just-unveiled Avid flagship VENUE | S6L live mixing system (more here) utilizes the E6L engine to handle huge channel and plug-in counts at very low latency. All processing is at 96 Hz, with support for higher sample rates due to the amount of processing power available. Onboard plug-in processing is greater than previously available, and Pro Tools integration provides streamlined recording and playback functionality without the need for a separate audio interface.
The new system is powered by the same VENUE software as other Avid live sound systems. I/O can be shared across multiple networked systems with Avid True Gain advanced gain tracking technology.
New HD mode firmware for PreSonus StudioLive AI-series mixers (more here) make them capable of recording and playing back audio streams at sample rates up to 96 kHz over the onboard FireWire 800 interface.
The number of recording and playback streams is unaffected. HD mode limits cascading and output processing while retaining bus mixing, Fat Channel processing on every input channel, and one reverb and one delay processor.
Because included Capture and Studio One Artist for Mac and Windows already record high-definition audio, no updates to these applications are required. In addition, the company’s Nimbit online, direct-to-users marketing, promotion, and sales service now supports high-definition (24-bit, 96 kHz) audio.
Recently released V3 software introduces more than 40 new features and updates for the SSL Live console range (more here). With the software update, the L500 console increases from 192 mix paths to 256 with a doubling of effects processing power (depending on the effects selected).
The L300 also increases from 128 to 192 mix paths. V3 also includes remote control software, console expander mode, new effects, enhancements to the solo system, user interface changes, an optional Dante card and Super Q. Super-Q is the next generation of the Query function, offering workflow flexibility from the touch of a single button..
In addition, new SOLSA (SSL Offline Setup Application) software allows creation and editing of SSL Live console show files on a laptop, desktop or tablet PC. Almost anything that can be done on a console can be manipulated and configured using SOLSA.
Mackie recently announced the availability of new Master Fader v3.0 (more here), providing significant upgrades for the new DL32R wireless digital mixer with iPad control as well as DL1608 and DL806 mixers. New features include the addition of four subgroups and four VCAs. Subgroups can be stereo-linked and provide dedicated processing, while VCAs offer flexible control over groups of channels. Users can dial in the mix and get single-fader control over groups like drums, guitars and more.
Also new is the overview screen, which delivers at-a-glance information for all input and output channels. In addition, digital trim has been added to each DL1608/DL806 input.
Mackie has also released My Fader v3.0, an upgraded version of the control app for its digital mixers. My Fader v3.0 allows on-stage performers to control their own monitors and provides engineers with quick mobile control over a mix. The new version is headlined by a new updated user interface and an expanded feature set for additional control.
The QSC TouchMix Series (more here) just got a firmware upgrade to version 2.1 that includes multiple languages. In addition to English, the mixer’s built-in info system and demo screens now include user selectable options for Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Russian and Spanish.
In addition, both TouchMix-16 and TouchMix-8 now offer password protected multi-level security access, programmable user buttons, expanded channel presets, and the ability to assign aux buses to the left and right main outputs, allowing the auxiliary to function as a sub group.
The TouchMix Series also now offers expanded Wi-Fi options (including wired connection to an infrastructure router) and an updated iOS app for remote control as well as personal mix apps for both iPhone and iPod Touch, which the user may limit or allow on a per-device basis. The new software also offers iPhone control of the record/playback transport controls, with Android support announced for the future.
Senior contributing editor Craig Leerman is the owner of Tech Works, a production company based in Las Vegas.