August 2010

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.

Soundcraft Si1: Digital Live Sound Console

Recent visitors to Factory Sound will have seen a nice shiny addition to our digital mixing console range - Soundcraft Si1 - the small footprint all-in-one digital front of house console for live sound. Theatres, small venues, Houses of Worship, for either permanent installation or touring applications.

A brand new 32 + 4  channel  Si1, with a 2nd PSU, all in a toursound flightcase has a Recommended Retail Price of $45,000, and more importantly, we spent yesterday getting to know our newest addition a little more intimately. This means we can help show you around an in-store fiddle if you'd like to check it out more closely, or if you're already a fan of Soundcraft Si series, get in touch with us to book your on-site demonstration.

While you're musing over how powerful this little mixer really is, check out the short Si series videos via Soundraft website.

What other teasers do you need?
- 32 inputs, 4 stereo inputs, 24 aux busses
- 8 matrix, 12 VCAs, 8 mute groups
- 4-band fully parametric EQ with high and low cut filters
- On-board dynamics
- Four independent Lexicon processors
- 24 analogue outputs
- Meters for every aux bus

Connectivity
On the rear of this highly-featured console are a host of I/O connectors to cover almost any need. Thirty-two XLR’s for the mic/line inputs, 4 stereo line level inputs, 16 bus output XLR’s, dedicated XLRs for Left/Right/Centre mix output, Left/Right/Centre monitor output, internal and external talkback and Oscillator connections. There are also 8 analogue insert connections which allow outboard processing to be inserted into any input channel or output bus.

Apple: New iMac and Magic Trackpad - sweet combo

All the Apple buzz around town lately has been about iPhone 4, and we're not surprised.
BUT also sneaking in to view lately has been the full iMac range makeover.

Which leads us to the age-old question... how long should we keep our studio computer(s) in service? Obviously there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this one, but around two years seems pretty reasonable for a desktop monster like an iMac. Two years of serious pounding, then send it to the 'house' (or family) for the rest of its years. It probably depends on other factors - like how productive and/or progressive your studio is and possibly how loud the 'home' is screaming for their new computer, but two years is how we roll here. How long for you?

Anyway, if your specified time is 'up' - check out the new iMac range. Even sweeter is the Magic Trackpad that sits elegantly next to your keyboard. Just in case you haven't seen it yet...