NEW PRODUCTS
Sep 1, 2003 12:00 PM, By Doug Eisengrein
VESTAX PMC-500
5-CHANNEL PROFESSIONAL MIXER
Vestax has added to its venerable line of DJ mixers with the introduction of the PMC-500 (price TBA). This new rackmount mixer includes five channels, each with a 3-band Isolator (low, mid and high) and 60mm faders. In addition to a seven-segment LED for each channel, the unit includes myriad I/O options, allowing it to integrate into even the most complex setups. Each channel includes RCA and phono inputs. Other inputs include two microphone inputs: a ¼-inch unbalanced and a balanced XLR. Also included is an aux send/return that can be set to pre, off or post and comes with its own cue switch. The field-replaceable crossfader uses Vestax's acclaimed PCV design and has four selectable curve settings. For outputs, the PMC-500 doesn't skimp: The unit boasts dual master outputs, as well as a dedicated booth output with a 2-band EQ. Finally, the unit features a Fire Alarm function that mutes all channels except for the mic.
Vestax; e-mail vestaxsupport@korgusa.com; Web www.vestax.com
YAMAHA SPX2000
RACKMOUNT REVERB PROCESSOR
Following the well-tread path made by its SPX predecessors, the new SPX2000 (price TBA) from Yamaha bears the same interface and inherits common programs from its older siblings while adding a new generation of rich-sounding reverb programs generated with 96kHz DSP, 32-bit internal processing and Yamaha's new REV-X reverb algorithm. The results are rich reverb tones and smooth, transparent decays. The 24-bit A/D/A converters with 128x oversampling provide 106 dB of dynamic range and a wide, flat frequency response from 20 Hz to 40 kHz. The SPX2000's programs are arranged into three banks: Preset, Classic and User. The unit contains 97 presets (17 of which use the new REV-X algorithm), and new parameters include room size and decay for finer nuances. Also included are refined versions of trademark SPX programs: gated reverbs, delays, pitch, modulation and other special effects. The Classic bank includes 25 programs reminiscent of the original SPX90 presets; the User bank can hold a total of 99 user programs. Editable parameters are also arranged into three groups for ease of use, and the LCD on the SPX offers five back-light-color variations that can be custom-assigned to user programs for quick recognition; presets are color-coded by effect type. The SPX's rear panel provides professional connectivity galore, including XLR and ¼-inch I/O analog connectors with cut/boost switches, AES/EBU XLR-type I/O digital connectors, BNC word-clock in, MIDI I/O and Thru, USB and To Host connectors and a footswitch connector for effect-tempo control on the front. Downloadable editor software for data management and remote-control capability from a computer will be available through www.yamahaproaudio.com.
Yamaha; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; Web www.yamaha.com/proaudio
STANTON SA-5
DJ MIXER
The engineers at Stanton know who their toughest critics are, so what do they do? They design a mixer with them. Designed with battle DJs in mind, Stanton's newest gem, the SA-5 (price TBA) professional turntablist mixer was engineered from the ground up for lightning-fast control and supertransparent sound. It's the official mixer of the Allies All-Star Beatdown and was developed in partnership with the Allies themselves. The SA-5 is a 2-channel mixer boasting bleed-free custom Penny & Giles faders and crossfaders with curve adjustment for precise, user-adjustable control. The placement of each slider and switch on the SA-5 has been given special attention. The dual headphone outputs (on ¼-inch and ⅛-inch jacks) are located in a recessed area, and the reverse switches are placed at the top of the unit — out of the way of accidental bumping. Two phono and two line inputs are provided, along with a session input and a mic input. Master outputs are on balanced TRS connectors, and a headphone mute switch is onboard. Unique new features include optical phono/line switches that are designed to eliminate popping and clicks, and a three-position cue select switch that allows DJs to monitor pre- or post-crossfader for scratch “previewing.” Rounding out the SA-5's feature set is a 3-band slider-based EQ designed for DJs to perform easy EQ trickery and frequency kills while scratching.
Stanton; e-mail info@stantonmagnetics.com; Web www.stantondj.com
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