You Can DIY! Designing a Powerful Speech Compressor

This project describes a dynamic compressor circuit working in reverse. Instead of limiting the maximum volume level of an audio signal, it leaves loud parts alone and instead raises the volume when it’s too soft. The project uses a famous VCA circuit designed by David Blackmer of dbx fame, developed in the 1960s, whose patent expired long ago. The resulting original design is useful for transcribing conference meetings, court reporting, or any other situation where the volume level of recorded speech can vary by a large amount.

Tascam announced the FR-AV2, a new ultra compact recorder with a rich feature set, suitable for most field applications, including synchronized video recording. The new Tascam FR-AV2 records two channels of digital audio at 32-bit floating point with timecode and can be used as a two-channel USB-C audio interface. The portable design accommodates all types of recording tasks and makes an ideal choice for all types of video production, and journalism.

A pioneer in mixing control surfaces for digital audio with a strong tradition in the radio market, DHD announced an addition to its range of broadcast-quality audio equipment with the introduction of the new RM1 audio interface. A complete audio production system in a compact, lightweight desktop unit capable of operating from a wall outlet or USB power, DHD’s new RM1 audio interface combines multichannel audio mixing and processing and is ready to meet the needs of podcasters or broadcasters.

Building on the success of the Fusion stereo analog processor and the SiX SuperAnalogue compact console, Solid State Logic decided to revitalize its popular 500 series modules, so often emulated. The SSL 500 Series classic G-Comp Bus Compressor, E-EQ and E-Dynamics processing modules have been given a new brushed steel facelift, while a feature enhanced VHD+ module, brand new stereo ULTRAVIOLET Stereo Equalizer (UV-EQ) and SiX Channel (SiX CH) modules, complete the new-look range.

Spanish company Heritage Audio announced the HA-609A, a modern, improved take on the classic tracking/mixing diode bridge compressor. As with the other outboard products in their Elite Series, the HA-609A dual-mono/stereo compressor and limiter takes advantage of the latest in manufacturing technology to offer improved value without compromising audio quality — all built at the Heritage factory in Spain.

With its renewed commitment to sound reinforcement and expanded roster of related presentations, the Audio Engineering Society’s 147th Pro Audio Convention in New York City will be a valuable experience for any live audio production engineer, from novice students to seasoned professionals. And on stand 629 of the Javits Center’s exhibition hall, DiGiCo will be taking advantage of the gathering to share its latest exciting software enhancements and product offerings with those in attendance.

Acon Digital has released version 7.1 of their powerful audio editor Acoustica for Windows and Mac. Acoustica is available in a Premium Edition and a lower cost Standard Edition. The Premium Edition now comes with an extensive collection of VST, VST3, AAX and Audio Unit plug-ins for use in third party host applications. Included are already commercially available plug-ins such as Equalize 2, Verberate and Restoration Suite as well as new plug-ins covering dynamic processing, mastering, effects processing and audio restoration.