designed for large scale live/production work in the studio or on outside broadcast. Studer launched the M2 version of the established D950 digital console. This has a modified control surface, a new central section and expanded production features that will make the console faster to use yet more sophisticated in production. Sales to several post facilities including Pinewood were announced. Other large scale console makers were present with latest versions - Euphonix with the System 5, Soundtracs with all three of their digital consoles, while Amek kept an analogue flag flying with their Media 51 5.1 capable console which is now in production form. Audix Broadcast is not a name usually associated with the post business but their had an intriguing prototype idea to illuminated the fader knob to give information about channel status using colour and illumination intensity - in a multilayered digital world this could be useful. Yamaha were showing their PM1D digital mixing system but with little guidance about how it may fit within a studio environment although in theory the possibilities are there. Sony chose not to show any audio products on their stand, leaving it to HHB on the next door stand to support that side and chose to feature the Sony DMX-R 100 digital console shown in production form. RECORDERSMuch of HHB ‘s stand was however given to promotion of their new MDP500 Portadisc portable MiniDisc recorder. This is a thoroughly ‘professionalised’ concept where almost every possible problem with the use of MiniDisc has been covered. Particularly interesting is the provision of an USB interface for the transfer of audio to computer for editing, ISDN or e-mail transfer. With a battery life in excess of 3 hours and a weight (with batteries) of 2kg, this looks an increasing serious product. Nagra were demonstrating the ARES-P handheld solid state recorder (with integral microphone) in production form. Originally launched earlier this year in conjunction with Digigram, this is now a totally Nagra product and completes the ARES product family. A second version, the RCX22O, also incorporates an USB port for file transfer plus an onboard processor for PC based workstations offering the capabilities of a Digigram PCX card. While apparently announced last year, the Nagra D digital reel-to-reel recorder is now in Mk2 form although the only significant difference is the addition of 24-bit/96kHz Ad and D/A converters. EDITORS / WORKSTATIONSSADiE established their reputation with low cost digital editing systems for radio use several years ago. One of the major introductions at IBC was the replacement for the original SADiE Classic. Known as RADiA, it is their new entry-level platform. With 4 inputs/outputs, it can replay 24 tracks at 48kHz and | is optimised for the new SADiE V4 operating software introduced across the complete; range. It will be available as a PCI card for user installation or as a complete system with removable SCSI storage. Fairlight, celebrating 25 years, introduced what they refer to as QDC Technology across their full range of workstations with the claimed benefits of speed and functionality. Most broadcast orientated is the MFX3.48 which is now capable of 48-track simultaneous punch-in/out and crossfades on a single hard drive. Other advantages are instant waveform displays and enhanced performance. DTS, squeezed into a corner stand with excellent visibility were generally promoting the DTS format but had the DTS-6AD Cinema Processor and the DTS-ES Extended Surround adapter in evidence. Dolby followed a more broadcast theme with products aimed at Dolby E although the DM100 Portable Audio Monitor - a handheld device that allows the user to identify the integrity and format of a digital audio signal (PCM, Dolby E or Dolby Digital) with status info and audio monitor using a small internal speaker - is potentially very useful. Unusually for Dolby - this product was being shown in a range of ‘fun colours’ for visitors to select their preference. Credit should be given to the IBS who held a Mini-Conference during the IBC on the subject of Surround Sound with numerous speakers and examples in a room that they had spent hours acoustically treating. As an outpost of audio amongst a sea of near indifference, it was most welcome. If you doubt this to be the case, a casual stroll amongst the video manufacturers demos would reveal audio wildly out of sync with picture in most cases, and rarely an attempt to correct it. I had the opportunity to catch a screening of Toy Story 2 in digital projection which was impressive. Equally interesting was the fact that the audio tracks also originate from the same hard drive as the picture and are full, uncompressed linear digital audio on all channels - which should give the industry something to think about! KSA |
