New Gear Alert: Crescendo Duo Mic Pre from SPL, API’s 2500+ Bus Comp, 1235A Smart Active Monitor by Genelec & More

SPL announces the Crescendo Duo 2-Channel microphone preamp.

Featuring two parallel outputs per channel, SPL distills their Crescendo 8-channel unit down to two.

The new Crescendo Duo extends SPL’s 120V technology microphone preamplifier portfolio with a two-channel version of the SPL Crescendo. In addition to switchable +48V phantom power for condenser microphones, Crescendo Duo offers a high-pass filter to eliminate low-frequency noise, the ability to reverse the polarity of the signal, and a pad to lower the input level.

The two large VU meters visualize the output level of the amplified signal. The ability to reduce level, shown on the VU meter, by 10dB makes it easy to display the dynamics of high levels. A highlight of the Crescendo Duo is the individual control of mic gain and output gain. This way, the microphone signal is amplified in the best way possible without wasting a single dB. The output signal can be accessed at the rear via two parallel XLR outputs per channel.

The Crescendo Duo will ship worldwide starting April 14, 2020, priced at $2,499.

API announces the 2500+ Stereo Bus Compressor.

With the 2500+, API supercharges the popular 2500 bus compressor, adding several attractive new features.

The 2500+ retains all of the functional and sonic characteristics of the original 2500, and adds several additional design parameters that have been carefully incorporated into the original unit.

The result is the same great API sound with an enhanced feature set including an expanded Threshold control of +20dB to -20dB (from the original +10dB to -20dB), and a “Blend/Mix” function. Originally featured in the limited production 50th Anniversary Edition, the Blend/Mix function offers both cross fader and parallel mix control of the compressed and uncompressed signals.

For a full list of features, plus information on pricing, click here.

Genelec announces the 1235A Smart Active Monitor.

Genelec’s classic 1035 has been expanded in the new 1235A model, offering listening space adaptability and more.

The 1235A Smart Active Monitor fuses the sound and heritage of the iconic 1035 main monitor with high-performance 96kHz processing and the ability to adapt to any space through its tight integration with Genelec’s GLM calibration software. The 1235A is the perfect main monitor for large music, film and post-production studios that demand high SPL and neutral, stable imaging that can be perfectly optimized for the room’s unique acoustic environment.

Outstanding frequency response both on- and off-axis, coupled with superb directivity, results in a very wide and stable sweet spot that can be trusted by multiple listeners within a room. With a short-term SPL of 130dB and low-frequency extension down to 29Hz, the 1235A also delivers staggering power, but its transparent uncolored performance ensures that the listener can still make accurate, reliable mix decisions even after long sessions.

For further information on the 1235A Smart Active Monitor, including pricing, click here.

Roland’s SRX PIANO I and SRX PIANO II are now available in the Roland Cloud.

With the SRX PIANO I & II, Roland brings two robust additions to their piano arsenal available in the Roland Cloud.

Based on Complete Piano and Concert Piano, the second and eleventh titles in Roland’s legacy SRX wave expansion board series, SRX PIANO I and SRX PIANO II present exquisite stereo-sampled concert pianos for composition, recording, and performance.

The samples in SRX PIANO I were taken from a single, rare European piano, using high-end mics and converters to preserve its soft, delicate voice and natural resonance. SRX PIANO II presents a single, stunning 88-note acoustic grand. Sampled specifically for the original board, this world-class piano was recorded in high-resolution stereo, with four-way velocity switching and other nuances.

Offering expressive playability with clear tone, bright harmonics, and ultra-wide dynamic range, these two inspiring instruments are ideal for virtually all musical styles.

For further information on the SRX PIANOS and the Roland Cloud, click here.

Plug-in Collective & Sound Collective are now offering the AudioThing SR-88.

Quarantine just got a bit more fun, thanks to Focusrite and Novation’s partnership with AudioThing.

Focusrite and Novation are offering a one-off Plug-in Collective / Sound Collective special, in partnership with AudioThing, to bring you the SR-88 plug-in for free as a limited-time giveaway for all members.

AudioThing’s SR-88 is a sample-based plug-in emulation of the Sound Master Memory Rhythm SR-88, a rare analogue drum machine from the ’80s. The instrument features five classic analog sounds: kick, snare, hi hat 1, hi hat 2, and cymbal, which can be pitched, panned, or mixed independently. You can shape the sound with the low-pass filter (zero delay feedback), overdrive, compressor, and reverb.

The sequencer lets you easily build patterns, then flip each track’s sequence using the “Random” function. The result is limitless combinations and unusual patterns, which bring new creative aspects to your songs. Sequences can be dragged-and-dropped to your DAW/host, making it easy to build ideas quickly. AudioThing SR-88 is compatible with Mac and PC, in AU, VST2, VST3, and 64-bit AAX formats.

To learn more about the Focusrite Plug-in Collective, click here. To learn more about the Novation Sound Collective, click here.

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