Due to ship during Q2 of 2006, the Focusrite Liquid Channel uses onboard DSP to provide precise emulation of classic analog EQs and compressors via Firewire.
At Musikmesse in Frankfurt, Germany, Focusrite announced the coming availability of Liquid Mix, a low cost, multichannel mix processor that uses onboard DSP to host 32 classic EQs and 32 vintage compressors simultaneously. The unit is housed in a desktop controller that connects to the user’s computer via Firewire, which also provides bus-powering. The physical metering, screen, rotary controls and buttons on the hardware were designed with tactile ergonomics in mind. Like the company’s award-winning Liquid Channel preamp, Liquid Mix provides the authentic sounds of various high-quality vintage processors at your fingertips. All DSP processing takes place within the unit, so as not to load down the user’s CPU. Individual channels can be controlled from the desktop control unit or from within the sequencer, using a simple GUI that functions exactly like a plug-in.
Each of Liquid Mix’s 32 channels offers a choice from 40 Compressors and 20 EQs supplied with the unit. A library of additional classic processors is available online. Furthermore, a hybrid 7-band ‘super EQ’ can be built out of separate classic EQ sections in every one of the 32 channels. Each channel appears as a separate VST/AU/RTAS effect within the sequencer and will work within all major applications, including ProTools.
Liquid Mix uses Focusrite’s patented Dynamic Convolution process, using vast processing power to sample the effect of a classic processor on a series of audio pulses, at many different gain settings and frequencies. Focusrite will also offer an optional expansion card, allowing users to increase the number of available channels at higher sample rates (sold separately). The card is user-installable and fits neatly into the underside of the unit.
The Mac version of Liquid Mix is targeted to ship in the second quarter of 2006, with the PC version following later in the year.
For more information, visit www.focusrite.com.
