Mixing with the best

From entry-level mixers to high-end studio workstations, digital technology has revolutionised the studio console sector. S&S takes a look at some of the best mixers on the market.

AMS Neve

One of the most talked-about product releases at last October's 123rd AES exhibition in New York was AMS Neve's Genesys high-end studio console.

In its base configuration, the hand-built expandable analogue recording console with digital workstation control boasts 16 channels of mic/line preamps, 16-channel DAW monitoring, 16-channel analogue summing at mixdown, DAW control for Pro Tools, Logic, Nuendo and more, eight auxiliary buses, eight group buses, two main outputs, four effects returns, comprehensive metering, 5.1 monitoring, two cue mixes, talkback services and an internal power supply.

As studio owners' requirements change, Genesys can be expanded to over 60 channels in a straight or articulated frame, with options including motorised fader automation, recall, mastering-grade A/D and D/A converters, digitally controlled EQ and dynamics, remote mic amp control and more.

"As the name implies, Genesys represents a new dawn for the Neve brand," explains Frank Massam, AMS Neve VP of business development.

"This console is designed to provide exactly what the market wants - an affordable Neve analogue desk with legendary sound, digital control, and the ability to expand and interface with a range of modern equipment."

Robin Porter, AMS Neve head of Analogue Design, claims the console's design bucks the recent trend in the console sector towards live performance applications.

"Genesys is designed to capture performances. It's for people who want to record real, live musical performances into their digital audio workstations with rich, full Neve analogue sound," he claims.

"It also serves as an excellent studio control surface with comprehensive monitoring and signal routing capabilities."

"This eliminates the typical hodge-podge of awkwardly interfaced devices, putting a proper console back at the heart of the studio."

Digidesign

Digidesign has emerged as one of the industry's major players, largely by virtue of a little software programme called Pro Tools.

The company has leveraged this success by developing a range of high-end studio consoles under the ICON banner, which fully integrate with Pro Tools.

The latest addition to the ICON range is the large-format D-Control ES. Previewed for the first time at the 123rd AES Convention, the console takes its place in the range alongside the original ICON D-Control and medium-format ICON D-Command.

Digidesign claims the D-Control ES work surface combines the feel of a large-format console with a comprehensive array of touch-sensitive controls and visual mixing feedback.

With a dedicated centre section allowing critical mixing tasks to be performed without leaving the ‘sweet spot', per-channel control over all processing functions and routing, global automation capabilities, and full studio and control room monitoring and communications facilities, D-Control offers users precise control of complex projects.

Key features of the console include 16 physical faders/channel strips in its base configuration; up to 80 physical faders/channel strips via optional 16-channel fader modules; high-quality, touch-sensitive motorised faders; six touch-sensitive, multi-purpose rotary encoders per channel strip, each with multi-colour LED ring; a six-character alphanumeric, multi-colour LCD display, and tri-colour automation indication LED.

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