TECHNOLOGY FOCUS POST PRODUCTION Post-production Tools
From microphones and mixing consoles to plug-ins and monitors, we round up some of the kit designed to make life easier in the world of post production.
The DFC Gemini is a digital mixing console designed specifically for multi-format film dubbing and post production. From the outset, the DFC Gemini was designed for optimum mix performance. At the heart of the console is the DSP mix engine, capable of delivering the Neve sound across 1,000 audio signal paths at 96kHz, 24-bit in a single, high-resolution DFC signal- processing tower. To accommodate a large number of inputs within a realistic working footprint, the console surface is semi-assignable with signal paths and functions such as EQ and Dynamics mapped to provide fast and intuitive operation. Any channel strip can control all the resources on a mono, stereo or up to eight channel inputs. The control surfaces give instant access to every aspect of routing and monitoring no matter how complex the mix. The channel
strip provides total control with the touch- sensitive Logicator pots, giving instant visual reference to each knob setting. ViewMix high- resolution TFT monitors provide enhanced visual feedback, enabling you to see, hear and feel your mix. WavTrak display of audio track data by channel provides the user with level and dynamics metering, graphical EQ curve, and audio waveform information on a path-by-path basis. Encore:2 is the latest generation of the Encore automation, delivering new Reconform and Mix Import features as well as Automation in Stop and Mix Audition. Star Command provides control of Pro Tools, Nuendo, Pyramix, and Oasis systems, including plug-ins, from the console surface via HUI. Encore:2 Automation Reconform delivers efficient workflow as picture re-cuts go up to the last possible moment. Change lists are taken into
Pro Tools HDX is the latest generation of Pro Tools HD, providing more power, higher audio quality, and easier ways to record, edit and mix the most demanding productions. It provides up to five times more DSP power per card than Pro Tools HD, enabling bigger, more complex mixes with four times more tracks on big projects. There’s more headroom, which eliminates clipping and obsessive gain staging, with the ability to record and mix in higher resolution (up to 32-bit, 192kHz audio). Pro Tools HDX integrates with Pro Tools HD software in order for users to mix and match their needs. Higher fidelity audio can also be achieved by using the sound of the Avid System 5 console with the Avid Channel Strip plug-in. Users can collaborate with Avid Media Composer editors through AAF sharing or Video Satellite technology options eliminating the need to render effects, transcode video, or copy files.
www.avid.com
DPA’s new d:dicate recording microphone range includes a number of microphones that are perfectly suited to Foley recording. Among these are the 4017B shotgun microphone and 4006A omni microphone. The short and lightweight DPA 4017B (pictured) optimises the sound coming from the sides and behind the device, thus minimising the often non-linear response of most shotgun microphones. The condenser capsule uses a high-voltage pre-polarised back plate, endowing the shotgun with high output as well as wide dynamics, extremely low noise and distortion specifications. The DPA 4006A exhibits total transparency in any recording situation. A selection of acoustic modification accessories, including nose cone and interchangeable protection grids, allows the 4006A to be acoustically transformed into different microphone versions. Changing a grid allows several unique frequency responses and directional characteristics to be obtained.
www.dpamicrophones.com
Cedar Studio AAX is a suite of AAX Native processes for the Mac and PC. The best known is DNS One (pictured) for noise suppression in film and TV studios, on location, in newsrooms, and at sporting events – a tool that has rescued movies, TV programmes and live broadcasts. Alongside this, Declip removes clipping and reconstructs the original signal to improve clarity, reduce or eliminate distortion, and restore the original dynamic range, while Debuzz removes all manner of buzzes and hums with fundamentals as high as 500Hz without
Encore:2 and the mix automation reconformed to match the new cut, reducing the workload on the Mixer and allowing the Director freedom to make creative changes right up to the dub. Integrated automation reconform integrates with AMS Neve CineFile/AudioFile SCX for simultaneous automation and audio reconform.
www.ams-neve.com
Fairlight has recently added SOLO, XSTREAM, and QUANTUM to its post-production range for audio with video editing and networking technology. SOLO is a mouse-based DAW, providing editing, video guide, mixing, plug-ins, file transfer, and recording. XSTREAM is a compact desktop controller. Smaller than a 17in laptop footprint, the control surface reinvents itself for each task you perform, presenting the commands at the right time. Twenty-four touch-sensitive motorised faders can be added to enhance the mixing capabilities. QUANTUM is a mid- size 12- or 24-fader media production console using HD picture with up to 192 audio tracks. QUANTUM provides the versatility to be either fitted into a Fairlight designed chassis or alternatively be mounted into the client’s own table design.
www.fairlight.com.au
introducing side-effects such as the hollow sound introduced by comb filters. The last in the suite is Cedar’s unusual Adaptive Limiter, which uses a varying EQ to constrain the peak level while retaining a more natural sound than audio processed using conventional limiters. It’s also a loudness maximiser ideal for mixing, final mastering, and other creative duties.
www.cedar-audio.com
www.audiomedia.com
The MPC5 is the latest version of Harrison’s flagship product. The recently launched unit has been improved to include a touch-sensitive knob- per-function layout, a
multi-operator control surface, automation conforming from EDL, multi-DAW control, Xrange Native 96kHz 64-bit DSP, Xtools film-specific plug-ins. Other features include touch- sensitive motorised joysticks, ESP waveform displays, Dolby Atmos panning, Auro3D panning, 64-channel monitoring and speaker management processing, flexible stem recording, QC metering including EBU loudness, region-write automation, faster processing, and a new console profile. Harrison’s Future-Proof policy guarantees that the MPC5 can be upgraded in the future.
www.harrisonconsoles.com
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