Pro-Music-News Recording and Studio

Focusrite launches four channel preamp with Liquid technology

The 123rd AES show in New York provides a stage for the unveiling of what Focusrite consider to be ‘the most flexible four channel pre-amp in history’. Focusrite’s new Liquid4pre four-channel microphone pre-amplifier utilizes The Liquid Channel’s proven Liquid technology combind with a hugely flexible analogue front end with cutting-edge dynamic convolution DSP to deliver the sounds of 40 vintage and classic microphone pre-amplifiers across all four channels.
Liquid4pre by Focusrite
99 Unit Setup Memories provide total recall of every parameter across all four channels, delivering instant multiple user presets and a comprehensive backup of session settings. These memories can be managed either via the hardware, or via Liquid4pre’s dedicated control software, Liquid4control. Communication between Liquid4pre and the digital audio workstation flows via Ethernet, with Liquid4control providing comprehensive management of multiple Liquid4pres. A similar Pro Tools TDM/RTAS plug-in allows integrated remote control via Pro Tools hardware and software, including Icon and Venue systems, providing all the benefits of a Pro Tools TDM/RTAS plug-in, such as comprehensive automation and session integration.
The ‘Harmonics’ and ‘Session Saver’ features from The Liquid Channel are also provided across all four Liquid4pre channels. The adjustable harmonic distortion circuit accounts for variance in the vintage originals, but can also be used creatively to vary the sound of each pre-amp. Session saver is an automatic gain control circuit that intelligently reduces the input level to help avoid critical overs. Each channel also features a classic Focusrite high-pass filter, phantom power and phase reverse, available directly from the front fascia independently for every channel. These controls sit alongside the four large information display screens which, as well as providing in-depth information of settings, also display huge digital VU meters, providing accurate, responsive and easy-to-read metering. A further feature essential for the LIVE sound arena is ‘Operator Lock’, which guarantees secure use in public arenas by locking the front panel controls to help avoid any unwanted alteration of pre-amps settings, including gain.
AES and ADAT optical digital inputs and outputs are provided as standard to integrate with a variety of digital i/o setups. However, an optional EtherSound eight-channel card is also available, providing effective connectivity for large studios, post production installs and live sound engineers using EtherSound. Multiple unit set-ups are easily configured for remote control via Liquid4control utilising an Ethernet hub. With a third ‘Slave’ ADAT input, audio from two LIQUID4PREs can be routed directly to a single optional EtherSound card, or at 48kHz, all eight channels can be routed to a single ADAT light-pipe output.
Liquid4pre will be shipping worldwide in November 2007.
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