| Aphex
Supplies Array of Model 1788 Remote-Controlled Mic Pre-amps to "Seussical:
The Musical" Sound designer Jonathan Deans reports a dramatic improvement in sound quality |
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| Sun
Valley, Calif., November 16, 2000 -- Aphex Systems, which this year celebrates
25 action-packed years in the pro-audio industry, recently supplied nine
Model 1788 Remote Controlled Microphone Pre-amplifiers to The SFX Theatrical
Group for use in the upcoming Broadway production of "Seussical: The
Musical," based on the works of Dr. Seuss. The systems - comprising
eight on-line units plus a backup/spare - will be used to connect on-stage
and orchestral microphones to an all-digital mixing console, and ensure
higher-quality sound performance for this much-loved music production. The
system was specified by leading sound designer Jonathan Deans. Following
an out-of-town season at the Boston Colonial Theater from early September,
the crowd-pleasing production opened on November 9 and the world-famous
Richard Rogers Theater, 46th Street, New York. "We have used the Aphex Model 107 [Tubessence Thermionic] two-channel mic pre-amplifier on previous productions," Jonathan Deans explains, "but needed a more compact solution for 'Seussical: The Musical.' Also, we have a long cable run from the stage and orchestra pit to the mixing location - it's approximately 300 feet - and were looking for something more elegant. We positioned the Model 1788 mic pre-amplifier rack under the stage, close to the pit and wireless mic receivers, and then use a simple serial cable hookup to the remote controller unit located next to the mixer." Line-levels signals connect the array of Model 1788s to the theater's mixing console. Deans first used Model 1788 Remote Controlled Microphone Pre-amplifiers for the Broadway production of "Fossie," and found them "much easier to use. I prefer to locate the pre-amps close to the mics, simply because they sound so much better that way - long, mic-level cable runs reduce transient response and color the sound. Now, we enjoy much better audio quality at these types of high-energy presentations. The difference is outstanding!" "The ability to control all eight pre-amp units from a single remote controller makes life a whole lot less crowded at the mix location," Deans continues. "The remote controller unit is easy to use - I like its clear display and intelligent interface - You can set and forget it. In addition, the Model 1788's MicLim circuits - basically a fast limiter ahead of the mic pre-amp - means that we can run signals hotter at the mixer without having to worry about sudden transients and system overload." Instead of an analog console, the new production of "Seussical: The Musical" features a Level Control Systems all-digital CueConsole control surface and Matrix3 Audio Mixing/Processing Engine capable of handling a total of 128 inputs, routing to a total of 64 outputs. "The CueConsole has a very small footprint," Deans says. "Instead of taking up the space normally occupied by 28 audience seats, the Cue Console only requires the equivalent of seven seats, which makes the management very happy!" And Jonathan Deans reports that his clients have noticed a dramatic difference in sound quality, courtesy of a combination of Aphex Model 1788 Pre-Amplifiers, LCS CueConsole/ Matrix3 and Meyer self-powered loudspeaker cabinets - a "Direct Signal Path" design. "Several theater operators and producers - as well as creative staff - have commented that they can hear enhanced clarity and definition," he offers. "One producer was particularly impressed: 'I have never heard anything like it in a theater,' he told me. Praise indeed." Upcoming productions for Jonathan Deans include a revival of "Follies," featuring music from Stephen Sondheim, and scheduled to being rehearsal at the Belasco Theater Company in New York during January 2001, for a scheduled March/April opening. Each Model 1788 features eight high-precision pre-amps in a 2RU space, and enables gain control to be made close to the microphone source. Stand-out features include continuously variable input gain without clicks or glitches using audio DACs in a patent-pending circuit, Jensen(r) input transformers, and adjustable maximum output level of +27 dBu. The Model 1788's design also incorporates MicLim, a limiter (patent-pending design) located on the output of the microphone, before the pre-amp. The unit can be controlled via RS-232, 422 or MIDI with a dedicated hardware remote, PC or any MIDI controller. Up to 16 units (128 channels) can be operated via a single control line. Each Model 1788 features eight high-precision pre-amps in a 2RU space, and enables gain control to be made close to the microphone source. Stand-out features include continuously variable input gain without clicks or glitches using audio DACs in a patent-pending circuit, Jensen input transformers, and adjustable maximum output level of +27 dBu. The Model 1788's design also incorporates MicLim, a limiter (patent-pending design) located on the output of the microphone, before the pre-amp. The unit can be controlled via RS-232, 422 or MIDI with a dedicated hardware remote, PC or any MIDI controller. Up to 16 units (128 channels) can be operated via a single control line. Founded in 1975, Aphex Systems is a leading developer and innovator of signal-processing, dynamics control and analog-to-digital conversion systems designed for a wide cross section of professional end users around the world. For more information call +1/818.767-2929 or visit our internet web site at www.aphex.com. Aphex Systems, Ltd., 11068 Randall Street Sun Valley, CA 91352, USA www.aphex.com Source: Aphex Systems Web: www.aphex.com |
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