Solid State Logic Unveils New Oracle Analog Mixing Console

Solid State Logic (SSL) announced the launch of Oracle, a new analog mixer that offers instant, effortless, and complete recall and reset across the entire console, promising to reenergize studio production. The famous British brand calls it a “future analogue console” concept that uses ActiveAnalogue technology to deliver SSL's signature analog sound and processing with the convenience of digital control, fulfilling the dreams of producers, engineers, and studio owners worldwide.

Waves Audio is shaking up the industry with the presentation of the eMotion LV1 Classic. Beyond the classic digital console form factor and the proven quality of the Waves LV1 mix engine, is a mixing solution with 64 stereo channels and 44 stereo buses, 16 onboard Waves Signature Preamps, and powerful Waves processors, all integrated. And with several stageboxes and hardware interface options, the eMotion LV1 Classic packs more live mixing power in a compact console than ever before.

TEAC Corporation announced the release of a completely redesigned 500 Series DAC/Preamp/Headphone Amplifier, embracing the high-end 700 Series design concept in a compact A4 size package. The new TEAC UD-507 has everything to please anyone looking for a high-quality, affordable DAC, with all the right features for high-resolution audio, wired and wireless. The headphone amplifier is a fully balanced dual mono circuit, and the preamplifier features multiple analog/digital inputs.

"Designing a preamp is probably the most challenging engineering task in the audio chain, and many designers have invested a lot of time and effort in it," wrote Erno Borbely in this original 1985 article for the Audio Amateur. "My reason for designing this preamp is quite simple: I wanted to have a top-quality preamp without paying megabucks for a Levinson or Accuphase unit. It is up to you to decide whether or not I have succeeded in achieving the same quality." This article was originally published in The Audio Amateur Issue 4, 1985, and is still frequently referenced.

Softube continues to expand its interesting concept of creating hardware expansions for music and audio production software and now announced new control capabilities for FabFilter and UADx plug-ins directly on its Console 1 Mixing System. This means loading and controlling these popular, high-quality plugins with pre-mapped controls. This free update also adds new Core Modern Preamp and Core Vintage Preamps.

McIntosh Laboratory announced the launch of its latest preamplifiers with updated connected features, the return of the Processor Loop, allowing to insert an external signal processor and an update Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) with support for 24-bit/192kHz and DSD512 files. The C55 Solid State Preamplifier and the C2800 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier, are both Roon Tested and offer 16 inputs, including HDMI ARC and a USB input for DSD and DXD 384kHz support, and a dedicated subwoofer output.

Bryston has announced the introduction of an ultra-high-performance BP-19 analog preamplifier. According to the Peterborough, Ontario-based manufacturer, the BP-19 leverages years of R&D and many design innovations that were achieved during the development of its best-selling BR-20 preamplifier. The BP-19 is meticulously handcrafted in Canada and comes with Bryston's legendary 20-year warranty. Why would you need another preamplifier, particularly if Bryston already offers great options? The answer is in the performance.

JAVA Hi-Fi, the Auckland, New Zealand-based company founded by Martin Bell, Shane Inder, and Martin Young, following a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2016, introduced a new six-strong lineup of pre-amps, integrated and power amplifiers, employing unique circuit designs in the same iconic and refined chassis the company debuted in its first products. The result, the company promises, is exceptional audio quality, designed to cater to the demands of the modern hifi enthusiasts.

Drawmer introduced the 1972 Dual Mic, Line and Instrument Pre-Amplifier, developed for capturing and recording from a variety of sources and utilizing the multitude of microphones found in the studio, from budget to high-end dynamic and also ribbon mics. Uniquely it has added features that help out in difficult to record situations that are not found on other preamplifiers. A new classic for a wider market, from the British audio brand.

For our readers who like to get hands-on with DIY projects, in this article George Ntanavaras describes the design and the construction of his PR-3 stereo analog preamplifier, offering three high-level unbalanced stereo inputs and two unbalanced stereo outputs. Most of the components for this design are contained on a single PCB. This article was originally published in audioXpress, January 2019.