Stage Research, Inc., the developer of audio, sound design and lighting software, has announced the release of SFX 6.1, the newest version of its leading live entertainment sound playback software.
SFX, which typically replaces one or more CD players or minidisc systems, was designed to put the art back into sound design. The core product of Stage Research, SFX embodies the company's Sounds Simple philosophy, which provides more power and flexibility than traditional playback equipment. SFX version 6 was unveiled last November.
“With SFX 6.1 we have introduced a number of important updates and an extensive roster of new features,” notes Carlton Guc who is partnered with Brad Rembielak in Stage Research. “Among the key updates are the ability to convert SFX 5.6 workspace files into the 6.1 format and the addition of an Effects Library which is similar to SFX 5.6 Sound Effects.”
SFX 6.1 boasts numerous additional new features, which expand the software's capabilities while ensuring that it remains user friendly. Among the most important are a Reference Guide for a quick overview of SFX, a Users Guide, and an Extensions Guide; a scroll bar for Matrix(s) to enable scrolling through all cross points; an increase in dynamic range from -96db:+5db to -160db:+5db; maximum output channels set to 64; new “How Do I...” help topics; plus two Active Matrix features (shift left and click “title” to select all cross points in the cue part; shift right and click “title” to select all cross points in the entire related cue).
The new software release also has many changes and additions to enhance the user experience and provide greater efficiency and throughput. While the typical venue for SFX is theater -- SFX is found on and Off Broadway and on London's West End as well as in professional, academic and amateur theaters worldwide -- the software's users hail from many different sectors. Theme parks, magic acts, haunted houses, puppet shows, corporate presentations and other performances requiring the playback of music and sound effects have all discovered the advantage of using SFX.
“Just about anyone can use SFX to create complex shows that are easy to operate,” says Guc. “If you play back prerecorded music or sound effects, especially if you're a theater sound designer or operator, then SFX 6.1 and its new feature set is for you.”
Upgrades to SFX 6.1 are free for 6.0 users. The standard upgrade cost is 50 percent of retail, but a special Stage Research offer for the month of September enables users to save an additional 15 percent off upgrades or the purchase of a new SFX 6.1 license. When ordering, customers need to use the upgrade code, SEPT61, which is good for any SFX 6.1 purchase.
About SFX
SFX is found at all levels of theater from academics to the pros. Professional theaters use the software to create reliable and enriched soundscapes and has been employed in many award-winning shows, including several Tony Award winners. The academic stage (elementary education through college) and amateur theater appreciate SFX for the high quality of shows it can create and because it can be easily run by novice operators. Students using SFX get the added benefit of learning the software they will most likely work with when they enter
the theatrical job market.
About Stage Research
Stage Research is the developer of SFX, Soft Plot, Light Factory, ShowBuilder: Sound Design and other audio and lighting software. For more information, call 1-888-267-0859 or visit www.stageresearch.com.