The main dubbing theatre at Anvil Studios on 17th April was the venue for an informal presentation by Akai of their DD8 'second generation' digital dubber, and the most recent version of their DD1500 disk-based recording editing system.
Akai had opted to assemble a complete digital post production system by inviting Soundtracs to show their Virtua digital mixing console as part of the total system.
The meeting opened with brief introductions from Akai's Guy Gampell and Soundtracs' Dave Gibbons, outlining the major features of the equipment on display, the way it was connected and what they felt were the particular benefits such systems offered in post production. The meeting then broke up to allow attendees to focus on the equipment they were most interested in.
Akai had set up their first UK showing of multiple machine control with three DD8 dubbers under the control of a DL1500 controller on the opposite side of the studio. It allows full control of each dubber and can handle up to 32 machines. These dubbers were digitally outputting to the Soundtracs Virtua console that was being shown with expanders and multiscreen displays.
The Virtua allows full automation of all console functions allowing complete mixes to be built-up and recalled. David Gibbons said that the Virtua in it's maximum configuration was probably not large enough for feature film dubbing but was finding users in TV drama - the BBC having ordered a system similar to that on show. He added that their new DPC-II digital console would be better for film.
Akai attracted a great deal of interest with their DD1500 recorder/editor showing the latest software and a new optical drive. The ability to move audio on optical disk from the 1500 and plug into a DD8 and use immediately, was demonstrated.
Peter Musgrave reports that Akai's Graham Moon said they were hoping to offer DD1500 training at minimum cost later in the year.
AMPS would like to thank Anvil for hosting the event and Akai/Soundtracs for setting up such detailed demonstration which the well attended meeting much appreciated.