Neps
So, today I spent my day trolling around the Coca-Cola Dome and looking at the gear that was on offer.. And to all my fellow GAS-addicts, this was like heaven.. Sure there wasn't that much guitar orientated gear, like amps, guitars and effects.. But just the sheer number of recording toys, live sound toys and toys in general made me thankful that I'm relocating to where I can buy the gear in $$..
So what was interesting.. Well, for starters, there was quite a few exhibitors that went the 'high end' route and catered for high end facilities in the recording business.. Digidesign (the makers of ProTools), had a Digidesign Venue system on show.. Very cool and amazing live desk, that when incorporated with ProTools makes recording a live show a breeze.. Yes, it is old technology, but it rawks everytime I see it!
At eastern Acoustics there was a nice 3U rackunit stacked with API gear, and an API modular console. My eyes welled up with tears when I heard the price though! Whats the saying 'if you ask the price, you can't afford it..'
AudioTech had on show a Bose live system that is VERY compact, and sounds AMAZING. I heard a guitar playing through it, and I couldn't believe the clarity. And a good source told me, that they did a gig with it (full band), and it was stellar!
Yamaha had on show quite a few of their MIDI pianos and Drumkits. Always nice to see the MIDI Pianos. You play the song, it records it, you press play, and the piano then plays it again for you. And what makes it cooler.. The piano is a BABY GRAND! I've seen a few before, but it was the 1st time I actually played on one!
At the Tadco stand, Tannoy (the monitor company), had a few of their models on display as well as (TomCat you are going to love this) a DiGiCo SD8 desk! Seeing that I'm soon going to be working on a DiGiCo, I aasked A LOT of questions, and got a run around on the desk. So if you have R450 000, and you need a live console, the DiGiCo is the way to go! Extreme routing, snashot and processing options. I almost forgot to walk around more!
Seeing that today was mostly for me to just get a feel for whats up in the Live Sound industry, I didn't go on a full on mission to look at the recording side of things.. Saturday I'll go and have a bit of a more in depth look at what is in store for the home recording world.
And before I forget.. I got to play on a SSL AWS desk!! I've worked on a SSL before, and everytime I see one, I want one. But the thing retails at $90 000, so it's a bit pricey.. ☹ But I still want one!
aubs1
Can't add more than what Neps had already covered......but YES......the gear, and the Expo is simply seriously AWESOME.......do yourself a favour, GO.........
only bumped into 3 guys from the forum.....missed Neps.... ?
matta
Nice too meet you guys today! Neps... Yes the console is expensive but as API say... Built to a standard, not a price point. If any of you are still popping through pop by the Eastern Acoustics booth and say hello.
Matt
Neps
TomCat.. I had a look at the Midas PRO6 (I think it was the Pro6).. VERY cool desk!! It's based on the XL8 engine but with a smaller footprint and none of the extensive screens like on the XL8.. But a BEAST in it's own world. I must say, I was blown away by the DiGiCo, even if it was the SD8, it still RAWKS!! Playing around on it put my mind at ease about going to tour the States with the D1 & D5.. The rep told me 'same desk with just a few more features', so now I can't wait for my DiGiCo!!!
Matta... API has never been ones to cut corners on quality, so I can fully understand the pricing. And I'm seriously contemplating that 3U rack unit. Will suit my needs like a glove!
I had a very bad case of 'sore-neck-sore-eyes' syndrome when I left yesterday. Just looking, getting info and chatting to some of the people I know.
