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Presonus StudioLive, some smaart features on the way

The StudioLive story keeps getting better and better. You may remember back in October 2011, when Universal Control 1.5.2 was released, it was like Christmas had definitely come early. Not only did this release mean that all new StudioLive 16.4.2 console would have a separate 31-band graphic EQ on every aux, but it also meant that existing StudioLive 16.4.2 owners were able to grab a free download to add those SIX additional 31-band GEQ to their already hard-working consoles.

Anyway, that's old news. But since then plenty has been happening around Baton Rouge, with the Presonus boffins cramming even more features into the entire StudioLive series. Have you gotten a hold of remote mixing yet for your StudioLive?

Up to 10 performers can "simultaneously control their StudioLive monitor mixes using an iPhone® or iPod touch® and PreSonus' free QMix™ app. QMix works a lot like SL Remote: One or more iPhones network wirelessly with a Mac® or PC, enabling QMix to remote-control Virtual StudioLive, which in turn controls one or more FireWire-connected StudioLive mixers. When each iPhone connects to the new network, its copy of QMix will discover all StudioLive mixers on the network. In this way, each musician can quickly and easily create an aux mix that includes all mixer channels."

QMix allows the engineer set permissions so that each iPhone on the network only controls a specified mix. So a performer packing an iPhone needs to bring up the 'Wheel of Me', and in landscape mode can set up the mix (control of aux-mix send level and pan position for each channel and aux), then rotate to portrait mode for the very easy to use Wheel of Me. Push the wheel up for more of you. What could be easier! Seach 'QMix' in the App Store, and it's easy to grab the free download from there.

NOW... onto what this article was originally going to be all about. Presonus StudioLive and SMAART.
According to this press release, published way back when QMix and the Wheel of Me were announced, Presonus has started having a play with Smaart for the next release of Universal Control (1.6). What does this mean? If you're unsure of what Smaart is all about, check it here. It means that when Universal Control 1.6 gets announced, not only will we have more 31-band EQs on board the StudioLive 16.4.2 or 24.4.2 than you could ever fit in your car's boot, but we'll now have some serious room analysis tools on board all StudioLive consoles. Every show you rock up to, you'll be able to 'Smaart the room', set up your EQ for the room accurately, ensure the stage monitors are primed for feedbackless performance, and away you go.

And now for the million dollar question (even though this will be yet another free upgrade) - WHEN?

The Presonus website is showing latest Universal Control build to be 1.5.3.1 so we're waiting with baited breath for 'the announcement'. We'll keep you posted!

In the meantime, have you checked our latest specials on StudioLive mixing consoles?

Important information for Australian UHF wireless users

Some extremely interesting and important viewing here for any users of UHF wireless microphones and in-ear systems in Australia. For those who don't know, the UHF landscape is changing big time in the fast-approaching future, and it has a massive impact on wireless for our applications - stage, presentation, ENG and more.

Luckily we have AWAG (Australian Wireless Audio Group), who have been working super hard in the background to not only make sure we know the state of play, but also that we (Australia's pro audio community, including musicians, and ENG) are looked after as much as possible. Hard to imagine a couple of years of hard work can be summarised in just a few minutes, but here it is.

This video was recorded at the recent Integrate 10 show in Sydney (Hordern Pavillion) 24-26 August 2010. Yes, there is more video of Integrate coming, but this is too important to sit on.