product pick of the month

Metric Halo Mobile I/O ULN-2+DSP

Metric Halo has released the Mobile I/O ULN-2+DSP, a portable Firewire audio interface with built-in digital signal processing that operates under Mac OS X. The new ULN-2+DSP features two analog I/O with inserts, front panel level control, phantom power, and trim link, offering the same features of the Mobile I/O 2882+DSP in a smaller, lighter package.

Incorporating the same Firewire connectivity, 24-bit/96kHz A-D and D-A converters, and powerful onboard DSP as its elder sibling, the 2882+DSP, the Ultra Low Noise ULN-2+DSP provides two analog mic/line/instrument inputs on Neutrik Combo connectors. Well suited to any recording situation, the ULN mic preamps provide up to 72dB of gain and an EIN of -129dBu (wideband/unweighted).

Two channels of AES/EBU or S/PDIF digital I/O with selectable sample rate conversion are additionally included. A pair of analog inserts on balanced TRS connectors allows outboard analog dynamics processing to be introduced between the mic pres and the A-D converters. A Wordclock I/O and four-pin XLR power port (for use with typical broadcast camera batteries) complete the rear panel connections of this highly portable device.

The new +DSP version adds the same onboard processing chip found on the Mobile I/O 2882+DSP, allowing Metric Halo's signal processing plug-ins to be used without taxing the computer's processor. The high-resolution DSP is connected directly to the converters and I/O, and features automatic processing delay compensation and ultra-low signal processing latency.

Flexible signal routing and sophisticated patch and preset management systems are also featured in the new +DSP version, including a front panel, nine-preset and routing register system for standalone operation. ULN-2+DSP's front-panel recall system allows the unit to function equally as well as a stand-alone mic-pre/converter system. In standalone mode, the ULN-2 operates with the converters directly routed to and from the AES/SPDIF I/O. As a standalone converter, the ULN-2 provides a 24-bit/96kHz stereo front-end with ultra-low noise mic pres for any recording system.

In the live performance arena, in addition to operating as a remote recorder for archiving performances or to play out backing tracks and musical cues, the ULN-2+DSP can operate as a soft-synth mixer and I/O interface. For live sound engineers, the unit provides a simple and efficient tool for multi-zone analysis, and system venue tuning with SpectraFoo.
METRIC HALO LABS
HOPEWELL JUNCTION, NY

WWW.MHLABS.COM
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Soundcraft LX7ii Mixing Console

Soundcraft has introduced the LX7ii live mixing console, an upgrade to the LX7 desk featuring recent enhancements in sonic performance and appearance. Of particular note, the LX7ii gains improved mic preamp and EQ sections, both designed by Soundcraft founder and electronics guru Graham Blyth; these have been designated the GB30 Series.

The LX7ii's four-band EQ with sweepable mid sections is based on the circuitry of the MH3 and MH4 touring consoles. Other standard features of the new model include frame sizes of up to 32 mono inputs and four stereo inputs/returns with four groups, main stereo output and a dedicated mono output for center clusters. There are direct outputs on the first 16 inputs suitable for multitrack recording and six auxes for flexibility for effects and foldback.

The LX7ii is designed for both touring and installed systems for churches, theatres, nightclubs and other venues where a compact sized console needs to provide a large number of inputs and maximum output capability.
SOUNDCRAFT USA
NORTHRIDGE, CA

WWW.SOUNDCRAFT.COM
CIRCLE 106 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Neutrik XLR Chassis AA Series Connectors

The XLR Chassis Connectors AA series, the newest unit in Neutrik's receptacles, are completely compatible with the A series and offer improved design features at a lower purchase cost.

Available only in female versions, the AA series features an improved design (including a larger surface contact and gold plating at the contact mating area) and can be a drop-in replacement for comparable A series part numbers. Compatibility includes panel cutout and PCB layout.

On the AA series the “push” lever now comes pre-assembled and is flammability-rated UL94HB. The AA series is available in 12 standard three-pin female horizontal and vertical PC mount versions only. A retention spring instead of a latch is offered on most versions and the PCB contacts on the connector are partially plated with silver for increased solderability.
NEUTRIK USA
LAKEWOOD, NJ

WWW.NEUTRIKUSA.COM
CIRCLE 107 ON READER SERVICE CARD

InnovaSON Sensoft 8.1 Software

InnovaSON is introducing an upgrade to the lightweight and compact Sy40 digital live mixing console. The new Sensoft 8.1 software package adds a host of new features and flexibility to existing Sy40 consoles, including the ability to freely configure the most suitable console layout and I/O arrangement for any application, which can include touring, in theatres, and in houses of worship.

New InnovaSON consoles featuring the benefits of Sensoft 8.1 will be sold as Sy40-8 units. However, the upgrade kit, comprising software, hardware, manuals, and documentation, for existing Sy40 and Compact Live users is also sold separately.

The new features of Sensoft 8.1 include InnovaSON's Xfad™ (expanded fader) mode for inputs and buses, as well as free assignment of VCAs and freely configurable fader layouts. Groups, auxiliary buses, and master buses may be separately configured as mono, stereo, LCR and LCR+M. Matrix assignments offer direct input routing, and the monitor bus supports three output circuits. The automation features have been enhanced with the addition of MIDI program change, MIDI timecode, crossfade, mute control, and fader start functionality.
INNOVASON
BRITTANY, FRANCE
DISTRIBUTED IN THE US BY
SENNHEISER USA
OLD LYME, CT

WWW.SENNHEISERUSA.COM
WWW.INNOVASON.COM
CIRCLE 108 ON READER SERVICE CARD