One of the many mics in the Conservatory’s locker, the Holophone is a specialty surround mic that also has numerous stereo applications.

There are a lot of cool changes in the curriculum and studios at the Conservatory for 2008

Universal Audio puts a lot of effort into quality software emulations. The Neve 33609 Bus Compressor is a UAD plug-in based on a legacy piece of hardware used on a lot of record productions. It was originally designed by Geoff Tanner at Neve in the 70’s (before it became AMS Neve) and is based on the 2254 compressor. This unit and the SSL bus compressor are two of the best examples of products in this category.

This is TRUE mobile recording. Controlling Pro Tools from an iPhone. Check it out

Both surround production studios at the CRAS were recently upgraded with new Digidesign C24 Control surfaces. The upgrade makes the Conservatory the first educational institution in the world to certify students on the platform. “We’re excited to be right on the cutting edge with this upgrade,” says surround recording instructor and director of education Kevin Becka. “The mic preamps in the C24 are great and the surface has been completely revamped making it much more user friendly than its predecessor.” New Mac Pro towers running Pro Tools 7.3 was also part of the upgrade.

One of the high points of AES in NY was the unveiling of Neve’s new Genysis console. It offers a modular design where EQ and Dynamics are provided on analog cards that can be digitally controlled.

Check out Fairlight’s new Xynergi console from AES 2007. The unique controller features self-labelling key switches which are able to display color video, animated icons or text providing control over the entire recording, editing and mixing process.

Check out Kevin Becka’s video interview with Digidesign’s Gannon Kashiwa from the show floor of AES 2007. Gannon and Kevin run through the high points of Digi’s hot new replacement for the Control 24.

A Neve VR in a Glasgow studio demonstrating a fader test. The CRAS has two of these consoles on campus.