The Big E Debut
Longtime readers should
recognize Rick
Earl as a contributor to this column. What
you might not be aware of is that in addition to
being a self described audio-junky and Technical
Director for Cultural and Special Programs at
Elon University in Burlington, Rick is also an
experimenter and audio craftsman. Several weeks
ago Rick brought in his newest creation, The Big
E rare-earth velocity (ribbon) microphone, for
us to audition.
Putting the Big E trough its paces at
CareySound headquarters.
Ribbon microphones are
known for their extended smooth linear frequency
response and the Big E is no exception. Invented in
the early 1920s by Drs. Walter H. Schottky and
Erwin Gerlach and later refined and brought to
market in 1931 by Dr. Harry F. Olson of RCA, the
ribbon microphone broke new ground sound
reproduction with a realism and clarity not found
in the condenser microphones of the day. The figure
eight bidirectional pickup pattern of the mic found
an enthusiastic home in the motion picture
industry. It enabling clear vocal dialogue without
picking up the noisy motion picture cameras in use
at the time by placing the camera in the null side
of the pickup pattern. The Big E exhibits this
Figure Eight pattern.
Saxophonist Skip Gailes performs live with the
Big E at Elon Universities Jazz Concert
So how does it sound? Great! Hear for yourself.
Click the play button above for an audio sample
recorded this last weekend with The Big E.
Breaking News
The M-48 enables control of up to 40 audio channels via 16 stereo groups. No longer do you have to share the same sources and in the same order as everyone else. Each musician can choose what he or she wants to listen to - a truly personal mix.
Professional Sound Control and Quality
Sweeten your monitor mix to your exact preferences with volume, pan, 3-band EQ and built-in reverb per group —all instantly adjustable by convenient encoder knobs. A Limiter is incorporated for protecting your ears from sudden and dangerous volume spikes. Based on REAC, the all-digital connection results in a low noise floor, improved musicality and crystal clear sound.
The LED indicators on the control knobs enable instant adjustment and visual confirmation at a glance, even on a dark stage. The built-in ambient mic aids in communicating with other musicians without have to remove your IEMs or headphones as well as enabling a stage/room feel if desired. The AUX Input allows a metronome or other device to be mixed into the primary sound.
Our newly developed "REAC Embedded Power" transfers both power and 40 channels of audio to the M-48 via a single CAT5e cable —dramatically simplifying wiring and stage layouts. Mini jack and 1/4 inch phone jack headphone outputs are provided. Balanced TRS line outputs support wedge or other types of powered monitors. An independent stereo output mini jack enables recording with superb sound quality.
REAC (Roland Ethernet Audio Communication) is Roland's original technology for low latency, high quality digital audio transfer. Products using REAC technology are installed today in many venues and have been used for high profile events worldwide. REAC's 24-bit, 40x40 channel protocol delivers pristine digital audio via lightweight, inexpensive and easy to install cable (Cat5e). REAC technology is immune to externally induced signal quality degradation or hums and buzzes typically found in analog systems. You have more freedom in cable placement resulting in lower cost and better sounding installations.
With the M-400 Live Mixing Console you can setup, maintain and control 40 channels of monitor output to each M-48 connected to the system. The M-400 is equipped with all the remote management software, memory recall, etc. providing a simple and flexible setup.* Version 2.0 (M-400) or higher is required when using the M-48.
Setup Display
Control the volume, pan and EQ of all channels.
Source Assignment
Channel assignment for up to 16 stereo groups is set using a simple matrix.
Connect to an existing Analog/Digital ConsoleWith your existing console, connect the M-48 along with the S-1608 (16 channel) or the S-4000S (40 channel) Digital Snake to utilize the complete system. The next generation of digital monitoring can be incorporated along with your existing system.
* Version 2.1 (S-4000S series) / version 2.0 (S-1608) or higher is required when using the M-48.
Setup and Manage the M-48 on your PC
M-48's can be setup and controlled on your PC when using with an existing console. Simply connect to the serial port on the S-1608 or S-4000S series Digital Snakes.
The M-48 can be attached to a microphone stand by using the mounting bracket. The mount is designed with a headphone hanger and accessory tray for your pencil or portable recorder. The optional APC-33 mounting bracket can be used when you need to mount the M-48 to the middle of a music or mic stand.
Hot - V 2.0 - Hot
Now Shipping on all new Roland RSS M-400 Systems
Roland didn’t just stop with the
new M-48 Personal Mixing System they have also
released Version 2.0 software for the V-Mix M-400.
Seriously - forget about the Yamaha M7 and LS9. It
just doesn’t get any better than this.
New
Version 2.0 Features:
Support for LCR Sound Systems
The LCR (Left-Center-Right) mode is now supported as a direct response to customer requests. Simply enable the LCR mode in the system configuration to activate this feature.
Support for Personal Mixing and Monitoring
The M-400 can be used to setup, configure and control multiple REAC-enabled M-48 Live Personal Mixers. The M-48 represents a breakthrough in professional personal monitoring and mixing.
Six Newly Added Vintage Effects
Access some of Roland’s legendary vintage effects within the M-400. Original sounds used by engineers the world-over extends the range of live expression.
GEQs can now be switched to PEQs
Any existing 31-band Graphic EQ can now be switched to an 8-band Parametric EQ. The Real Time Analyzer enables a quick look and instant adjustment of the acoustic characteristics of a venue.
Six Newly Vintage Added Effects
Space Echo - RE-201
The world’s standard in tape echo effect -“RE-201”. Spring Echo is also emulated perfectly.
Stereo Flange - SBF-325
Employs 3 Flangers and 1 Chorus. Supports Stereo Inputs.
Dimension D - SDD-320
The studio standard - Dimension. Also supports multi-button mode.
Digital Delay - SDE-3000
The standard Digital Delay of sound reinforcement and recording. Can be used by two channels for dual mono effect.
Phase Shifter - SPH-323
Dual channel Phaser employs LFO.Also possible to link two units modulation.
Digital Reverb - SRV-2000
The standard in Digital Reverb with a accurately modelled EQ character.
Don’t feel left
out if you already own V. 1
It’s a simple software upgrade for existing M-400
owners.
So how much does all of this new goodness cost?
NOTHING
- IT’S FREE
Call CareySound for details.