New Gear Alert – AES 2018 Edition: API’s Model 1608-II Console, TG Microphone by Chandler Limited, BURL’s BDA4 & More

AES New York 2018 is here, and as always, the market is brimming with new gear. Let’s see what some of the industry’s leading manufacturers have been cooking up. Be sure to tune in next week for more AES gear coverage!

API announces the new Model 1608-II recording and mixing console.

API’s Model 1608-II expands on the original with crucial new upgrades, including the “Final Touch” automation system.

Given the success of the original 1608, API’s engineering team focused much of their efforts on making the 1608-II even more intuitive to use, including a layout upgrade to the Auxiliary Masters, the inclusion of 4 automatable Stereo Returns, and a revamp of the Control Room section of the console to provide even smoother and easier workflow.

The 1608-II also features API’s optional cross-platform “Final Touch” automation system, which allows for mixes to be shared among API consoles that feature Final Touch. For example, you can record tracks on a 1608-II console, and use Final Touch to mix those tracks on a Legacy AXS or Vision console.

Click here for more information on the API Model 1608-II.

Chandler Limited introduces the TG Microphone.

Chandler Limited furthers the Abbey Road Studios historic series with the highly-anticipated TG Microphone.

The TG Microphone is a solid-state, large diaphragm condenser microphone, featuring—as the name implies—the legendary TG sound, a “Dual Tone” voicing system and on-board NAB/IEC “Tape Equalizer” facility, re-purposed from historic EMI TG12410 transfer (mastering) consoles and re- engineered for microphone duties. The Tape Equalizer allows you to sculpt the sound at the source, in lieu of relying on downstream processing.

While TG Microphoneʼs historic TG color comes from its incorporation of three TG amplifiers, its “larger than solid-sate” sonics are enabled by its reliance on a dedicated power supply rather than traditional 48V phantom power.

Other features include a switchable low cut filter (90Hz or 50Hz,) and -10dB pad. The low cut filter—in addition to its traditional purpose—is intended to act as an additional modifier to the Tape Equalizerʼs settings, thus allowing for more sounds available from the microphone. The result is a greater extension of the TG Microphoneʼs unique capability to adapt to the source at hand.

The TG Microphone is available for purchase now, priced at $1,849.

BURL announces the BDA4 D-A converter card.

Furthering the B16 and B80 Mothership line of products, BURL’s new BDA4 adds 4 channels of powerful DAC to your setup.

The BDA4 is a transformer coupled, 4-channel digital-to-analog converter Daughter Card for the B80 and B16 Mothership. Following on the success of the B2 Bomber DAC and the BDA8 for the Mothership, the BDA4 utilizes the newly developed BOPA14 with BURL Audio’s NextGen Analog. The BOPA14 is followed by the renowned BX5 output transformer used in the B32 Vancouver Mix Bus.

The BDA4 employs a couple of new features, including a switchable DAC filter and AVID delay matching. Switching the DAC filter allows you to change the tone from the classic BURL sound to a more aggressive tone with a pronounced mid-range. The AVID delay matching allows you to perfectly match the output delay of an AVID I/O, which is crucial for hardware inserts. The BDA4 also features a class-A, discrete transistor signal path with zero capacitors.

The BURL BDA4 is priced at $1,499.

Waves Audio introduces the Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain.

Just like the original consoles, the Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain features a unique set of modules that are sure to inject copious amounts of vintage mojo into your productions.

Developed together with Abbey Road Studios, the TG Mastering Chain plugin is a modular mastering chain tool modeled after the EMI TG12410 Transfer Console used in all Abbey Road’s mastering suites since the early ’70s to this day. The distinct solid-state transistor-based sound of the TG12410 has proven itself time and again over many decades. Whether it is used for mastering as a complete console, or for mixing with only select modules, the TG offers nothing short of magic for your productions.

Like the original console, the TG Mastering Chain plugin is made out of modules (or cassettes): the TG12411 Input Module, TG12412 Tone Module (EQ), TG12413 Compressor/Limiter Module, TG12414 Filter Module, and the TG12416 V.A.L (Spread) Module (stereo component only), incorporated into the Output Module.

Modules can be interchanged (except for input/output modules) and switched on/off to allow for a flexible processing flow and creating custom chains. Individual modules can be used on different tracks and group buses in a mixing session, as well as on the master bus in mastering sessions.

Check out an introductory video to the TG Mastering Chain here.

The Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain is on sale now for $39 (reg. $199).

PreSonus delivers the Studio 24 USB-C portable interface.

Whether you’re running a streamlined setup at home, or in need of a mobile interface during travel, PreSonus’ Studio 24 is an all-in-one solution sure to produce pro-quality results.

Great for home recording, mobile musicians, guitarists, podcasters, and live streaming, the PreSonus Studio 24 2×2 USB-C bus-powered audio/MIDI interface can record up to 24-bit, 192kHz audio. Equipped with PreSonus XMAX-L solid-state preamps and high-end converters, the newest member of the company’s Studio series delivers professional quality audio in a rugged, compact, all-metal enclosure that can withstand the stresses of travel.

Studio 24 comes with PreSonus’ award-winning Studio One Artist music production software for Mac and Windows. Studio One integrates tightly with PreSonus interfaces, configuring automatically—no need to map inputs and outputs. You also get the Studio Magic plugin suite, a carefully selected plugin collection from the leading names in virtual instruments and effects.

Studio 24 features two front-panel combo mic/instrument/line inputs with +48V phantom power for condenser mics. A Mixer knob blends analog input and computer playback for low-latency direct monitoring, and accurate LED meters indicate input and output levels. The USB-C port and balanced 1/4″ TRS line-level main outputs are found on the rear panel, and an output level control is provided on the front. MIDI I/O enables connection to a keyboard, sound module, or control surface. USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables are included.

The PreSonus Studio 24 is available immediately, priced at $149.95.

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