sound guy Xmas idea: APx515 2-Channel Audio Analyzer

This would be a dream for the test bench.  Simple, robust effective analysis tools!   I would be happy with an old system one… but this would be on the shelf in a heartbeat. 

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The APx515 is a high performance audio analyzer optimized for production test. APx515 has a typical THD+N of –106 dB, a one million point FFT with 24-bit resolution, and 192K digital I/O. It is a best-in-class instrument for its combination of speed, performance, automation, and ease-of-use.

APx515 is a significant product because it delivers the performance and reliability of Audio Precision at a production-level price.

APx is the fastest audio analyzer in the world, returning 21 audio measurements in as fast as 1.2 seconds. It is also the easiest to use, with one-click measurements, custom reporting and sophisticated automation without any programming. A full API and LabVIEW driver is also provided.

This speed and ease-of-use means test will never be a bottleneck, and production line managers can achieve reliable, consistent results compared to the current low-cost alternatives like a distortion analyzer.

For companies outsourcing their production, requiring APx515 on the production line gives tighter control over production, ensuring manufacturers are meeting their contractual requirements.

McDSP ultimate Compressor and Eq

Today I had the good fortune of meeting with Derek Heimlich of McDSP. Derek introduced me to a solution to a grief I’ve always had with software plugins. After his introduction and chat about this product, I blurted out that “Software has sucked, until now”

McDSP has released the 3060 Ultimate Compressor and 6020 Ultimate Equalizer bundles.

Until now no software allowed users to switch the character of an equalizer and compressor without loosing their settings. Modeled after some of the industries most revered equipment, McDSP comes through with another must have studio essential tool. This functionality gives you a true A/B between different compressors and equalizers. A unique experience. “I know what I want to achieve when I compress and eq, all I ever want to do is change the character”. As far as I know this is the only piece of software that keeps the EQ and compression setting between plugins. A+ work in my opinion.

I would suggest you give them a shot today for your next project. McDSP offers a free demo that is a worthwhile experience and great investment, check it out.


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Joel Plaskett rocking some WBS pre-amps

I was reading http://professional-sound.com/ (like I do every month plug plug) and saw Joels lovely new studio and Neve Console.  Front an centre I was happy to see the set of WBS pre-amps I wired up for him a few years ago.   Glad they’re making great records! And congrats to Thomas, who was apparently a regular at Revolution Recording… I just kept my head down and in the backScreen Shot 2014-08-21 at 1.48.31 PM Screen Shot 2014-08-21 at 1.48.56 PM

RLC calculator for components in series

I’ve been calculating a lot of components in series lately for an ECR255 class. I’ve also had to graph them on impedance diagrams and a power triangle.

In an effort to better understand the math I made a calculator for myself. Here is it for you to use and enjoy. If you see any problems please let me know. It was designed in excel 2011 for mac… there WILL be compatibility issues and I hope they’re minor.

How it works:

You can fill int the info you have in the orange boxes. Once the boxes are filled in the calculator should fill in the rest.

If you need to modify anything else, it’s all dependant on the orange boxes. I suggest a goal seek by modifying and orange cell.

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Screen Shot 2014-07-06 at 9.48.54 PMScreen Shot 2014-07-06 at 9.49.10 PM

 

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4 racks of gear loaded up for sale

Loading up the studio on the last night  got some AA stickers with numbers to follow!  Most of this stuff is for sale with the exception of a few things…

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Rack 1
http://audioaholics.com/item/267
http://audioaholics.com/item/137
http://audioaholics.com/item/36

2014-04-30 21.37.24

Rack 2

http://audioaholics.com/item/99
  http://audioaholics.com/item/49
http://audioaholics.com/item/139

2014-04-30 21.46.01Rack 3

http://audioaholics.com/item/264
http://audioaholics.com/item/99
http://audioaholics.com/item/262
http://audioaholics.com/item/263
http://audioaholics.com/item/49
http://audioaholics.com/item/139

2014-04-30 21.39.07Rack 4
http://audioaholics.com/item/25
http://audioaholics.com/item/175
http://audioaholics.com/item/176
http://audioaholics.com/item/255

was talking with someone about gold today

I was talking with one of my teachers today about gold in ICs. All the gold is in the wires of big chips…
so I looked around and found another video about the PCB plating

THEN, blessings to youtube, there is a guy smelting it

The day Google unplugs, is the day the worlds knowledge disappear

Going to re-manufacture some WBS daughter boards

As a part of my school program, I’ve decided to take a shot at re-designing 2 WBS components.

First the 4-110 mic pre-amp for the M460 – M461. In the 90s WBS redesigned the card using 5534 but I’m looking at something even more modern.

Second the 109 cards. While at Revolution Recording, Joe D redesigned his version of the 109 card and it was a HUGE improvement. He described it as “taking the cheese cloth off the audio” and he was right.

The idea is to have a plug and play module available for users with a few new features not incorporated in past designs.

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Once they’re done I hope to have them for sale on www.AudioAholics.com