Focusrite Unveils The LIQUID4PRE At AES 2007

Oct 04, 2007

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The 123rd AES show in New York provides a stage for the official worldwide unveiling Focusrite's LIQUID4PRE preamp.

Focusrite's new LIQUID4PRE™ four-channel microphone pre-amplifier utilizes The Liquid Channel™'s proven Liquid™ technology, marrying a hugely flexible analogue front end with cutting-edge dynamic convolution DSP to deliver the sounds of 40 vintage and classic microphone pre-amplifiers across all four channels. Augmented by fully digital controls and remote software control over Ethernet, LIQUID4PRE provides the ultimate fluid multi-channel front-end.

99 Unit Setup Memories provide total recall of every parameter across all four channels, delivering instant multiple user presets and a comprehensive backup of session settings. These memories can be managed either via the hardware, or via LIQUID4PRE's dedicated control software, LIQUID4CONTROL™. This intuitive software application places comprehensive pre-amp control inside the DAW. Communication between LIQUID4PRE and the DAW flows via Ethernet, with LIQUID4CONTROL providing comprehensive management of multiple LIQUID4PREs. A similar Pro Tools TDM/RTAS plug-in allows integrated remote control via Pro Tools hardware and software, including the Icon systems, providing all the benefits of a Pro Tools TDM/RTAS plug-in, such as comprehensive automation and session integration.

The unique 'Harmonics' and 'Session Saver' features from The Liquid Channel are also provided across all four LIQUID4PRE channels. The adjustable harmonic distortion circuit accounts for variance in the vintage originals, but can also be used creatively to vary the sound of each pre-amp. Session saver is a unique automatic gain control circuit that intelligently reduces the input level to help avoid critical overs. Each channel also features a classic Focusrite high-pass filter, phantom power and phase reverse, available directly from the front fascia independently for every channel. These controls sit alongside the four large information display screens which, as well as providing in-depth information of settings, also display huge digital VU meters, providing accurate, responsive and easy-to-read metering. A further feature essential for the LIVE sound arena is 'Operator Lock', which guarantees secure use in public arenas by locking the front panel controls to help avoid any unwanted alteration of pre-amps settings, including gain.

AES and ADAT™ optical digital inputs and outputs are provided as standard to integrate with a variety of digital i/o setups. However, an optional EtherSound eight-channel card is also available, providing effective connectivity for large studios, post production installs and live sound engineers using EtherSound. Multiple unit set-ups are easily configured for remote control via LIQUID4CONTROL utilising an Ethernet hub. With a third 'Slave' ADAT input, audio from two LIQUID4PREs can be routed directly to a single optional EtherSound card, or at 48kHz, all eight channels can be routed to a single ADAT light-pipe output.

Finally, the Focusrite site features its own dedicated online emulations library, 'Liquid Assets', which continues to be updated with additional vintage emulations, available to the worldwide liquid community as free downloads.

LIQUID4PRE will be shipping worldwide in November 2007.

For more information, visit their web site at www.focusrite.com.