AES Preview: AEA Ribbon Mic, Novation UltraNova, PMC Monitors, D.W. Fearn VT-12 and More!

October 29th, 2010 by Janice Brown

AES is next week in San Francisco, November 5-7. You going? Here’s a preview of some of the new products we’ll be ogling:

Audio Engineering Associates (AEA)’s new KU4 unidirectional ribbon microphone, a modern interpretation of the original RCA KU3A (considered one of the best ribbon microphones ever made).

AEA KU4 Unidirectional Ribbon Microphone

Sonnox is introducing two Oxford plug-in collections geared towards the broadcast and post-production sectors and aptly named Sonnox Broadcast and Sonnox Post Collection. Sonnox Broadcast bundles the Oxford EQ and Dynamics plug-ins along with the Limiter, the Inflator and the Oxford SuprEsser. The Sonnox Post Collection includes the Sonnox Restore suite, which features the DeClicker, DeBuzzer and DeNoiser plug-ins, along with Oxford EQ, Dynamics, Limiter, Reverb and the SuprEsser dynamic EQ.

PMC has a new AML2 Active Reference Monitor, based on the AML Series design and adding an EQ tilt, an enhanced power supply, and a revised cabinet structure with additional internal damping. Key design features include a PMC 6.5-inch/16.5 cm flat piston woofer constructed from a carbon fiber/Nomex honeycomb that allows for large, controlled linear excursions and which ensures linear response down to 33 Hz. The amplifier’s true analog circuit design is licensed from Bryston.

Also want to check out Allen & Heath’s new GS-R24 analog console. This is a 24-channel ‘studio recording mixer’ with analog or Firewire/ADAT interface modules, motorized faders for automated mixing, and MIDI controllers for your chosen DAW or recording device.

Novation UltraNova

We’re excited to check out Novation’s new analog-modeling synthesizer, UltraNova, the next generation of Novation’s “Nova” synth family, which includes SuperNova and SuperNova II. It is a single-part synth taking the Supernova II synth engine as a starting point and packing it with the latest technology. Brand new features include wavetable synthesis, more powerful filters, a software editor and a revolutionary new touch-sense performance mode.

Phoenix Audio will be showing its 8-channel solid-state class A discrete mic pre amp, the DRS8. Each channel on the DRS8 has its own dedicated level control, -30db pad, phantom power, phase reverse, high pass filter and mute buttons. The unit has an 8-channel monitoring output facility so all 8-channels can be sent directly to a monitor controller or a patchbay as well as having individual channel outputs.

Definitely swinging by the Ultrasone Inc. booth to try on the company’s first open back (also limited edition) headphones — Edition 10 — made with Zebrano wood ear cup inlays, Ethiopian sheepskin leather ear cup pads, Titanium plated drivers, Kevlar coated cables. Love the Ultrasones!

D.W. Fearn's new VT-12 Vacuum Tube Mic Pre

And on to D.W. Fearn who’ll be debuting the new 70dB VT-12 Vacuum Tube Mic Pre, designed to accommodate the low output level of ribbon and dynamic microphones. To make the VT-12 more versatile, a provision for phantom powering condenser microphones is also included. Since many engineers are concerned about possible damage to ribbon mics if phantom power is accidentally applied, the VT-12 has a rear panel switch that disables all possibility of applying phantom power.

SSL is presenting its newly updated AWS 900 console. Still in a 24-fader footprint, the new AWS 900 is now available in 24 Input (AWS 924) and 48 Input (AWS 948) variants and has new features including Dual Path Channels with stereo EQ & Insert, 8 fader bay Digital Scribble Strips and ‘A-FADA’ (Analogue Fader Accesses DAW Automation) automation where motorized analog faders follow DAW automation data. For more on the new AWS, visit SSL. As we reported earlier this week, the newly launched Nucleus — SSL’s new DAW Controller and SuperAnalogue audio hub for professional project studios — is also something we’re eager to check out!

What else? We’ll keep you posted as we get additional previews leading up!

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