by Scott Fybush~ April 26, 2006
RADIO WORLD
Studer launched its new Vista 5 digital audio mixing console at NAB2006 Tuesday morning, offering a smaller, lower-cost option within its Vista family of digital broadcast consoles, which debuted four years ago with the Vista 8.
The Vista 5 is a 32-fader broadcast console, with the ability to control up to 240 channels through the Vistonics graphic user interface and an output control screen. The Vistonics "where you look is where you control" interface uses touch-sensitive screens and rotary controls to create a compact, yet flexible, mixer.
The Vista 5 uses the new Score DSP engine, which incorporates built-in inputs/outputs. Studer President Bruno Hochstrasser says the console can be moved from one location to another and set up in about five minutes, with just two CAT-5 connections. The console also includes built-in monitor outputs.
Like the larger Vista consoles, the Vista 5 includes 5.1 surround mixing capability, with internal downmixing. It is also compatible with Harman's HiQnet networked audio system.
AKG Acoustics, a sister to Studer under the Harman International umbrella, debuted five models of its HSC and HSD professional headsets, which include professional-quality closed-back headphones and shock-mounted condenser or dynamic microphones. The headsets also incorporate microphone boom arms that swivel 270 degrees for right- or left-hand use, with "intelligent mic muting" that noiselessly mutes the microphone when it is moved away from the mouth.
The headsets also use AKG's detachable 6-pin mini-XLR cable.
Additionally, AKG debuted its Perception 100 and Perception 200 large-diaphragm condenser microphones. AKG market development manager Mike Torlone says the microphones establish a new budget price point for the company (as little as $100), while offering a two-year warranty and a higher level of consistency in manufacturing quality than other budget condenser microphones on the market.
© 2006 NAB
