With the CALM Act now law in the US and compliance soon to be mandatory, Prism Sound is using the NAB 2012 platform to highlight the importance of loudness meter verification by showing a new application for its award-winning dScope Series III audio analyzer.

This unique, freely-available test suite allows broadcasters and manufacturers to determine whether every aspect of their meter design complies with the latest international loudness standards.

Developed by Dr Rich Cabot, Founder and CTO of Qualis Audio, and Ian Dennis, joint-founder and CTO of Prism Sound, this comprehensive new suite of audio tests can be used to evaluate the performance and compliance of any loudness meter on the market. As US broadcasters are now legally obliged to comply with the ATSC A/89 standards, Prism Sound’s new test suite enables them to properly evaluate all loudness meters and ensure that their chosen product can deliver both ATSC and ITU BS.1770 compliance.

The new test suite will be on show at Prism Sound’s NAB 2012 booth (C3029). Visitors to the booth can obtain a FREE set of wave files and dScope Series III test files for verifying the performance of their loudness meters. The wave files have been specifically designed to expose any design flaws in a loudness meter, and the dScope Series III programmable test suite replicates these test signals in a highly convenient format, allowing the waveforms to be sourced directly from the dScope Series III digital signal generator.

Prism Sound is widely regarded as the leading expert in the field of audio test and measurement. The company offers a range of audio test solutions including the highly-acclaimed dScope Series III instrument, which incorporates precision, automatic gain-ranging that allows high resolution analogue measurements over a massive range, from a few micro-volts to more than 150 volts RMS, and from less than 1 Hz to over 90kHz. Its dedicated hardware interface uses DSP to provide a wide range of real time measurements, while its software exploits the host PC for almost unlimited number crunching and analysis options such as Fast Fourier Transforms, unique ‘Smart FFT’ soft instruments, swept sine and multi-tone testing. Designed to be highly programmable, the dScope Series III can be automated from a wide range of third-party software applications using Active X controls, or internally using VBScript.

Prism Sound will be showcasing its full range of audio Test & Measurement solutions at NAB 2012, 16–19 April, 2012, Las Vegas Convention Centre, Las vegas UAS, Booth C3029. For further information visit www.prismsound.com

-ends-

About Prism Sound
Founded in 1987 in Cambridge, UK, Prism Sound manufactures a range of high quality professional test equipment for audio applications. The company is organized in three divisions and in addition to audio test equipment, Prism Sound also manufactures equipment for high-quality recording and production for music and sound applications and for voice-logging recorders used in law enforcement, legislative and business applications. Prism Sound audio test equipment is used by many major consumer electronics brands in automotive, home entertainment, personal mobile, communications and other market sectors as well as most of the world’s leading broadcasters including the BBC. Prism Sound’s music recording products are widely used by leading professionals in music and film sound such as the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London.

For more information: www.prismsound.com

Slovakian Musicians Work Under Auspices of The National Democratic Institute

Oscar, Grammy & Golden Globe Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer recorded music of the Roma people, commonly known as Gypsies, for the dynamically moving score of “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.” Under the auspices of the National Democratic Institute, Zimmer traveled to Slovakia and found virtuoso Roma musicians who then traveled to Vienna to record at Austria’s MG Sound recording studios.

“I grew up loving the Roma music so much, those ‘Gypsy violins’,” Zimmer recalls. “But I never really knew who they were. I told our director, Guy Richie, that we had to do a road trip. While visiting Roma settlements in Slovakia, we discovered unbelievable musicianship. We heard a few bands, loved their playing and invited them to Vienna, where we went into the recording studio and started making music.”

Through this project, Zimmer hopes to draw attention to the plight of the marginalized and disenfranchised Roma people of Eastern Europe, commonly known as Gypsies. He traveled under the auspices of the NDI, a non-profit group that fosters democracy and human rights around the world. Bonnie Abaunza, VP of Zimmer’s Remote Control Charitable Foundation, accompanied him and his photographer daughter Zoe and film crew for the road trip to Slovakia.

In Vienna, Zimmer praised the Roma musicians, many of whom had never been professionally recorded, and the great sound they achieved in the studio. “I told them that I wanted their music on top of the orchestral score. Of course, Sherlock plays the violin and the true virtuosos are always those ‘Gypsy’ violins. I said we only had one chance to do this music the best we can and put it out into the world. It’s folkloric but at the same time there is incredible sophistication.”

“Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows – The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” is now available from WaterTower Music. Proceeds from the soundtrack album go toward assisting the Roma people. [1][2][3]In addition to receiving the 18 tracks on the album, those who purchase the soundtrack will also be able to download three free additional tracks from the film, along with a video chronicling Zimmer’s journey to record the music of the Roma people.

for information about MG Sound, visit : http://www.mg-sound.com

New Distribution Model Provides Dramatic User Savings

Equator Q8 Monitor

San Diego, California February, 2012 …. Equator Audio Research, recognized globally as a leading manufacturer of highly accurate studio reference monitors for mission critical recording applications has announced a new pricing and distribution model for the Q8, digitally-controlled, bi-amplified, coaxial designed reference monitor.

Measuring 13in x 13in x 13in and featuring an 8” woofer coupled with a high-powered 1” compression horn driver, the Q8 delivers the power and accuracy of Equator’s larger Q Series models in a more compact form factor. A two-way active system, the Q8 enclosure is constructed of 13-ply Baltic birch, heavily braced for cabinet rigidity. It features 800w of peak power (400 watts continuous), Max SPL 110 dB, Frequency response of 38Hz-22kHz.
All Equator monitors feature a Zero-Point Reference™ coaxial design with Digitally-Controlled Transducers™. A CPU resides inside each monitor to handle such tasks as matching the transducers and incorporating the crossover.

The Q Series monitors use DSP technology for room optimization as well. Included MAC/PC software enables the engineer to manually compensate for acoustic anomalies in addition to issues created by placement/boundary and secondary reflections within the listening environment. Along with the environmental compensation, the software provides control over the monitors, including equalization, mute, solo and phase.

Equator Audio has experienced a dramatic upswing in internet activity and internet sales. With the introduction of the D5 (a new small coaxial monitor sold direct for $299 per pair) the online sales model has proven to be quite effective. Requests for an 8” version of the D5 have been pouring in. Equator is able to address those requests through the rechanneling of the existing Q8. The Q8, through normal sales channels (distributor, rep, and dealer) had previously cost the end user $3000 per pair ($1500 ea). Offering it direct eliminates the middle man and by reducing margins Equator is able to deliver this highly developed, feature laden product for $499 each. The big winner here is the end-user who will be to able to purchase a high-quality product for a price well below its normal market value.

The Q8s are available directly from the Equator online store.

About Equator Audio Research

Equator Audio Research is committed to delivering studio reference monitor solutions that overcome the myriad of challenges faced in today’s production environment. From our phase and time accurate coaxial designs to our matched transducer manufacturing to our sophisticated Q Series Room Analysis and compensation software; our products meticulously provide solutions to existing sonic obstacles. Equator products are used daily in mission-critical applications at many of the world’s finest recording studios. For additional information on all Equator Audio products, visit the company online at www.equatoraudio.com.

Studiofoam Wave Panels Offer Aesthetically Pleasing Visuals, Mid- and High- Frequency Sound Solution

ANAHEIM, CA, JANUARY 20, 2012 — Auralex Acoustics, Inc., the industry leader in innovative sound control solutions, showcases its new Studiofoam Wave panels at the 2012 NAMM Show (Hall A, Booth 6798).

Auralex’s new Studiofoam Wave is 2 ft. x 2 ft. and is between 1 to 3 in. thick due to the wave design of the panel. Providing varying levels of thickness, Studiofoam Wave can help control unwanted mid- or high-frequency reflections and standing waves in a variety of applications, such as vocal booths, control rooms, live rooms, rehearsal spaces and project studios. These panels will clean up the sound in any room and are a cost-effective alternative to fiberglass cloth-covered panels.

The panels are available in charcoal coloring and are made from Auralex’s melamine-free formula, which won’t crumble with age. The new “wave” profile opens up many different design possibilities and can add a contemporary aesthetic to any space.

“The Studiofoam Wave is a reinvention of the best-selling Studiofoam line, giving our customers another alternative to our more traditional panels,” says Mike Buratto, acoustical engineer at Auralex Acoustics. “These are a great way to create a totally different vibe in your space, while maintaining the acoustic integrity that Auralex is known for.”

Studiofoam Wave panels can be used to help improve common acoustical issues such as excessive reverberation and flutter echo in small- to medium-sized areas and can be used with common mechanical fasteners such as t-pins, finish nails and tacks, as well as Auralex Foamtak or Tubetak for easy, removable installation.

About Auralex Acoustics, Inc.
Located in Indianapolis, Auralex Acoustics was founded in 1977 with a mission to provide top-performing acoustical treatment products at the best value. Since then, thousands of satisfied Auralex customers have experienced improved acoustics, expert advice and exceptional customer service. Auralex products enjoy widespread use among prominent artists, producers, engineers, corporations, celebrities and government agencies.

Auralex Acoustics has become the industry leader in innovative sound control solutions and continues to enjoy rapid growth through an international network of authorized dealers. Visit the Auralex Web site at www.auralex.com. Auralex can be reached via email at auralexinfo@auralex.com or by calling 1-800-959-3343.

Los Angeles – January 16, 2012 — The House Research Institute (HRI) [NAMM booth 1292, Hall E] announced that as part of its Sound Partners® program it is continuing its annual tradition of providing free hearing screenings to all attendees of the 2012 NAMM Winter Show on January 19 – 22 at the Anaheim Convention Center. By visiting the HRI booth, NAMM attendees can receive valuable information on noise induced hearing loss as well as Hi-Fi earplugs, which will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.

During last year’s NAMM convention, the House Research Institute provided its free hearing screening services to more than 800 attendees. To accommodate screenings for those working on the show floor, the HRI booth will open early at 9:30 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

“Before making any other stops, NAMM attendees should come down to Hall E and make an appointment to have their hearing evaluated,” commented Marilee Potthoff, director of Community Education & Outreach at HRI. “Noise induced hearing loss is a major health problem in the sound industry, and can be completely avoided. We encourage those attending NAMM to do the right thing for their own hearing health by signing up for a screening.”

Anyone attending or exhibiting at NAMM is welcome to stop by the booth and inquire about a free hearing screening — appointments will be arranged on a first come, first served basis. In addition to providing free hearing screenings throughout the duration of the exhibition, HRI will also have plenty of informational handouts and literature on hearing protection and noise induced hearing loss.

Following are details on the hearing screenings:

Date/Time:
January 19, 20, 21 and 22, 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Sunday, until 5:00)
Location:
NAMM Convention, back of Hall E, Booth 1292

Licensed audiologists from the House Ear Institute and House Clinic will briefly counsel participants on their hearing screening results. All results are retained in a confidential patient database at HRI; people who have had screenings in prior years will easily be able to compare results to track any changes over time. For more information, visit http://www.houseresearch.org/.

Old Lyme, Conn., January 9, 2012 – High-end audio fans attach great importance to loss-free transmission of the sound signal between the source and the ears. In the past, wireless audio transmission has come up against its limits. Now however, audio specialist Sennheiser is opening up a new class of wireless listening with the new RS 220 wireless headphones. The digital wireless headphones have a full, detailed sound while offering total freedom of movement.

Headphone development is driven by the challenge of reproducing sound that is as lifelike and direct as possible. Up until now, cabled headphones had a far better audio quality than wireless headphones. But now, the RS 220 from Sennheiser is setting new standards. “With these digital wireless headphones, we have succeeded for the first time in combining wireless music enjoyment with high-end quality,” said Maurice Quarré, Director Product Lifecycle Management at Sennheiser Consumer Electronics, describing the new RS 220.

Superior wireless listening pleasure
Many years of experience in the field of wireless transmission and audio technology have gone into the development of the new digital headphones. Dynamic transducers with powerful neodymium magnets ensure clear, lifelike audio reproduction with a frequency response of 19 to 21,000 hertz. The maximum sound pressure level of the open, circumaural headphones is 106 decibels. In the RS 220, the transmitter sends the audio signals to the headphones without compression via a stable 2.4 GHz connection using the so-called Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technique. “This is a frequency spreading process in which the output signal is spread to a width of 22 MHz by means of a specified bit sequence. If interference occurs at one point within this frequency range, the output signal experiences no interference as the data is transmitted with redundancy, in other words several times. As a result, only a minimal and inaudible part of the whole information is affected and the overall sound quality is not influenced,” explained Axel Grell, Senior Acoustical Engineer at Sennheiser. The headphones have a range of up to 100 metres without the need for the transmitter and receiver to be in the same room. A further advantage of the transmission process is the low latency and thus minimum delay of the audio signal.

Choice of several connection possibilities
The sound quality of a set of headphones is decisively dependent, among other things, on the connection between the audio source and the headphones. As the data between the transmitter and receiver is transmitted wirelessly in the RS 220, the feeding of the data from the audio source to the transmitter is particularly important. For this reason, the headphone system has an analogue, a coaxial digital and an optical digital input. Discerning users can decide themselves on the type and quality of the audio signal being fed in. Sensor buttons on the transmitter or directly on the headphones enable users to switch back and forth between the sources.

Lifelike sound experience
An important means of creating a musical effect is the transition between quiet and loud passages, as can be heard for example in Ravel’s Bolero. Conventional digital data transmission sometimes reduces this dynamic range, as an optimum signal volume for the entire data package is often assigned to the information when the analogue signal is converted into a digital data package. To preserve the original dynamics of a piece of music, the RS 220 completely dispenses with the automatic level control function. The data of the digital sources is transmitted unchanged, and the user can manually adjust the reference volume for the analogue inputs. As a result, the system comes very close to the audiophile ideal: a lifelike sound experience.

Maximum comfort
Operating the RS 220 is extremely easy. An on/off switch, controls for selecting the audio source and tracks, as well as a volume control are directly integrated into the headphones. There is also a control to individually adjust the volume balance between right and left. Setting up the wireless headphones for the first time is equally easy. Simply connect the transmitter to the audio or video device using the chosen connector, put on the headphones and switch on. The headphones come with rechargeable batteries that guarantee up to eight hours of listening enjoyment and which can be conveniently recharged while still in the headphones. As an added feature, the transmitter can also be used to supply a second optional set of headphones – for shared listening pleasure. The RS 220 will be available in late January and carries a street price of $599.95.

Las Vegas, January 9th, 2012 — Antelope Audio will demonstrate its audiophile-grade digital to analog converters (DACs) at T.H.E. Show in Las Vegas between Tuesday, January 10th and Friday, January 6th at The Flamingo Hotel, room 4044.

Antelope Audio’s high-end Zodiac D/A converters (DACs) are based on the company’s proprietary clocking and conversion technologies developed for world’s top mastering professionals and sound engineers in the music, film and television industries. Antelope brings to audiophiles’ home environment the highest audio quality available only at the leading and most technically demanding sound studios around the globe.

During T.H.E. Show, music lovers will have the opportunity to experience the pristine sound quality of all three models – Zodiac, Zodiac+ and Zodiac Gold. All of them utilize Antelope’s famous Oven Controlled Clock and Acoustically Focused Clocking as well as the custom USB chip, which allows audio streaming of up to 384 kHz.

Morten Lindberg the founder of Lindberg Lyd and the music label 2L, and several times Grammy Award nominee says “The Zodiac Gold is now our preferred DAC for proof listening of our 352.8kHz/24bit stereo master files.”

“The best way to experience Antelope Audio is to listen to our products first hand,” explained Marcel James, director of sales for Antelope Audio. “At T.H.E. Show, we will be reaching a very focused contingent of discerning audiophiles, who are keen to take the home listening experience to the next level. With our unique clocking and conversion technology, they can achieve that goal.”

Zodiac DACs: Unprecedented detail and clarity
The Antelope Audio Zodiacs help audiophile consumers and home listeners experience a new level of detail, sound clarity and warmth. Featuring a plug and play interface that connects seamlessly to a Mac, PC or just about any other digital media source, the Zodiacs deliver up to 384 kHz resolution audio, dramatically improving the listening experience on both loudspeakers and headphones. Antelope’s proprietary clocking technology, which is shielded from other electronic components to maintain a consistent temperature, is at the core of the Antelope sound and results in astounding accuracy, dynamics and stereo placement of the audio.

The Zodiacs are also particularly attractive to audio consumers who use headphones, being designed for precise monitoring with a wide range of headphone impedance. Ultra linear, dual stage headphone amplifiers, which are controlled by a dedicated volume knob, deliver smooth sound at both high and low levels.

To learn more about T.H.E. Show or to register, please visit http://www.theshowlasvegas.com.

Top Drummer Uses British Audio Engineering Gear for Signature Sound

British Audio Engineering (BAE) will introduce the new Matt Sorum 312B microphone pre-amplifier at Winter NAMM. The 312B, based on the popular 312A model, carries the same excellent dynamic range, frequency response and noise performance the BAE 312 series is known for. The new Matt Sorum 312B features a modified gain structure that utilizes an alternative Jensen input transformer designed to complement louder sources before needing the pad.

Matt Sorum remarked, “l’ve always loved the 312A, but in certain situations I found them a little too hot. After talks with BAE, they came up with the solution, which I’m proud to say is now the Matt Sorum signature preamp.” Sorum is most famous for his seven-year stint in Guns N’ Roses (1990-1997) and supergroup Velvet Revolver (2002-present), which is comprised in part of former Guns N’ Roses members Duff McKagan (bass) and Slash (lead guitar).

Due to its high gain structure, the 312A occasionally required the pad to be used with louder sources, such as a hot microphone on drums. BAE designed an option, adding an alternative Jensen transformer to create the Matt Sorum 312B. The new model provides equal performance and 7dB less gain to assist recordings with a more adequate level for louder sources without losing the unique dynamic characteristics of the 312A. This allows engineers the option of owning the 312A as a pre-amp geared toward higher gain and the 312B for lower gain.

The 312B, as with the 312A, features the Avedis(r) 1122 Discrete Op-Amp with Jensen input and output transformers, which use direct-coupled circuitry with no capacitors in the signal path. The input impedance of the 312B has been enhanced to remain consistent, even after the pad is engaged, providing a steady load to the microphone. The characteristics of the 312B offer excellent dynamic range, frequency response, and headroom before clipping. The result is noise performance for a punchy sound that works well with a broad range of microphones.

The 312B comes in a 500 Series module format or as a fully loaded lunchbox. It includes a custom pull-on switch tailored to accentuate higher frequencies, a DI for instruments, a Phase Reverse switch, 48V for phantom power, and a PAD switch.

In 1999, BAE carved out a premium niche in the vintage Neve/API market as the first company to remanufacture the 1073 mic-pre/equalizer since its discontinuation by Neve in the 70s. After years of repurposing and racking up mic-pre’s and EQ from classic Neve and API consoles, BAE now faithfully recreates new versions using original sources, including Jensen transformers, Carnhill transformers, and Elma gold-plated switches from Switzerland.

“Our gear is all discrete and completely hand-wired,” explains Mark Loughman (pronounced Lofman), who after serving as chief engineer for many years is now CEO and owner of BAE. “The original Neve 1073 mic pre/EQs are known as the Holy Grail of outboard gear, but manufacturing was discontinued in the 70s. Eventually that supply has dried up, so we have gone to the original component suppliers to continue the legacy.”

To learn more about British Audio Engineering visit: http://baeaudio.com

Hear the entire line of British Audio Engineering gear at Winter NAMM Booth # 1769

About BAE
BAE (British Audio Engineering; formerly Brent Averill Enterprises) manufactures high-end microphone pre-amplifiers, equalizers, and compressors. Faithful to the designs and fabrication of vintage gear from the 60s and 70s, BAE uses the highest quality components from the original suppliers, such as Carnhill (previously St. Ives) and Jensen. All BAE products are entirely hand-wired and soldered using discrete electronics with no circuit boards. All products come with a full 1-year warranty, with a 5-year option.
BAE is not affiliated with Neve(r) or API(r)

CHICAGO, IL Clear-Com®, a global leader in critical voice-communication systems, equipped WLS-TV, an ABC-owned television station, with reliable communications capability for the broadcast of the 2011 Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, the country’s largest evening holiday celebration. WLS-TV used two Clear-Com Tempest®900 900 MHz digital wireless intercoms and three HME DX200 2.4 GHz digital wireless systems to coordinate its production and broadcast with improved range in coverage and unfailing wireless connections. more

New Versions of Industrywide Favorites for Time Code and Clocking Solutions

Brainstorm Electronics, the world leader in time code and clocking solutions, has introduced two new versions of its industrywide favorites for time code and clocking solutions.

Brainstorm SR-112

Brainstorm’s new SR-112 Time Code Distripalyzer, replaces the industry standard SR-15+. It is a time code reader, distributor, reshaper, analyzer and generator all in a 1U rack mount device. The analyzer indicates format, frame rate, errors and video phase and outputs a comprehensive report; the 1×12 distributor reshapes the signal; the optional generator repairs drop-outs and generates new code. All SMPTE and EBU SD/HD rates are supported. Ethernet is included for reporting and to set parameters and update firmware.

Brainstorm DCD-12

The new single domain DCD-12 Word Clock Distributor/Generator is an excellent companion for the popular DCD-8 and includes the same exceptional jitter rejection. The DCD-12 can run as a master generator on internal crystal or locked to an external reference such as WC, Video Sync (HD & SD), AES31, S/PDIF, 10 MHz (GPS or Rubidium clock). The rate of the reference (input) is “learned” by the DCD-12 automatically while the output rate can be identical or set independently. Ethernet is included to monitor and set parameters and update firmware.

About Brainstorm
Brainstorm products deliver complete solutions for all sync requirements in the post- production, recording and broadcast environments. Designed for operations ranging from audio recording studios to large post-production houses and major broadcast facilities or remotes, Brainstorm offers the most comprehensive package for all clocking needs, providing versatility in the widest range of applications.

For more info about Brainstorm, visit distributor plus24:
http://www.plus24.net or phone 323.845.1171