Introducing the New DiGiCo SD9 Mixing Console

Wednesday, September 8, 2010 by Danny Rosenbalm

DiGiCo has introduced the SD9, a complete, integrated system, which includes the mixing surface, a D-Rack digital stage interface and CAT 5E digital multicore, with the additional ability to simultaneously record 56 channels direct to multitrack software or DAW.

The SD9’s work surface features a large full-color digital TFT LCD touch sensitive screen, 24 full-length motorized faders with touch-sensitive fader caps, high resolution bar graph meters, quick access encoders and buttons plus user defined RGB backlit LCD scribble strips to ensure that all functions of the system are available to users in a split second, with no hunting through multiple menus.

It incorporates DiGiCo’s third-generation Stealth Digital Processing software as well as Super FPGA technology that incorporates floating point processing for exceptional headroom, dynamic range and audio quality.

The SD9 also features many other DiGiCo innovations, including snapshots, global scope, channel specific recall scope per snapshot, and a global crossfade for each console section, plus eight user Macros for fast access to presets.

The new D-Rack, which is an integral part of the SD9 system and connected to the work surface by a digital CAT 5E cable (included), provides 32 microphone inputs, eight line outputs and eight modular outputs that can be selected as either analog or AES, providing a capacity of 32 ins and 16 outs.

The system is expandable, allowing a second D Rack to be connected via an additional CAT 5E, doubling the number of inputs and outputs.

The D-Rack can either be floor or rack mounted with the option of a standard single power supply or dual redundant supplies.

A further option provides a fiber optic connection, allowing full compatibility with any DiGiCo SD Series console fitted with Optics, making the D Rack suitable as a stage or orchestral compact remote rack, giving access to a maximum of 64 inputs and 32 outputs on stage.

The console also provides a standard MADI connection, which allows 56 channels of studio-quality multitrack recording output to a computer running Logic, Cubase, Nuendo, Samplitude, Reaper, Pro Tools or any other leading multitrack recording software as well as to any other DiGiCo console or rack.

CTS audio has just  taken delivery of the first SD9 console in the Nashville and surrounding area. Contact CTS Audio today to schedule a one-on-one demo. Call Danny Rosenbalm at 615.377.8808 ext.15 or email: drosenbalm@ctsaudio.com. We will be offering special pricing during the month of September so don’t miss out on the opportunity to own this fantastic console at a killer price!

Belmont University Gets Schooled At CTS University

Wednesday, July 7, 2010 by Danny Rosenbalm

CTS Audio recently conducted an intense two day training course customized for Belmont University’s Curb Event Center staff.  The classes were led by CTS Audio Engineers Ed Crippen and Jon Schwarz and included complete training sessions on Smaart and London Architect software.  “The course is designed to equip sound engineers to confidently accomplish their job with greater success and less frustration”, commented Ed Crippen, course director for Smaart Training.

The first day of classes took place at CTS Audio’s training room and focused on how to tune loudspeakers using Smaart Version 6 and the guiding principles of measurement in a live sound environment.

Day Two was spent onsite at the Curb Center giving the Belmont staff  ‘hands-on learning’ for their own JBL VerTec 4887dp rig which they purchased from CTS Audio 2 years earlier.  Having added more staff to their growing audio team, the Belmont crew wanted to get everyone up to speed on best practices and the proper ways to tune and use the VerTec rig. “Teaching engineers in their own environment is absolutely priceless,” said Jon Schwarz. “It gives them the chance to experience and learn first-hand about the gear they will actually be working with and that is a lesson that no text book can teach.”

CTS Audio offers additional classes beyond Smaart and London Architect Software.  If you or your staff are interested in participating in any future classes or having our seasoned expert engineers customize a course to fit your system, email us for more information at classes@ctsuniversity.com.

New PBS Series “Legends & Lyrics” Tapes Live With CTS Audio

Wednesday, July 7, 2010 by Mike Taylor

When the first episode of Legends & Lyrics, featuring Country Music Hall of Famers Kris Kristofferson and Randy Owen along with one of Nashville’s favorite singer-songwriter, Patty Griffin, aired May 8th on PBS, Mike Taylor, Director of Performance Audio for CTS Audio was elated.  Just 8 months earlier, CTS Audio worked alongside Paragon Studios to provide all audio ties between the live and recording environments. “It was a wonderful opportunity to work with some of the best in the business and create a truly remarkable show,” said Taylor. “CTS has certainly done our share of audio work for live television recordings but this was something really special.”

CTS Audio was brought in to ensure that every seat in the Grand Masonic Lodge, where the show was taped live, would experience the music crystal clear.  “The producers knew that the best way to have a near-perfect recording of a live show was to have even audio coverage across the entire auditorium, which is why they called on us,” Taylor commented.  “Since the Lodge doesn’t have an adequate space to fly a PA, the only place left for the main audio system was behind the artists. This presented a real challenge because artists playing in front of the PA in the center would have increased the potential for nasty feedback.  We were able to bring in our JBL VerTec 4887 and 4880 system  and strategically place it so that the speakers could be aimed around the artist and still cover every member of the audience.”

In April, CTS Audio provided audio for the second live taping of Legend and Lyrics.  Between the two live tapings, there are now eight episodes that will be airing soon. Already showing on some PBS stations, by late June, the show will be in a majority of American homes.  Much like the popular “Austin City Limits”, Legends & Lyrics is a unique musical performance series , which is driven by famous recording artists of all genres who write many of their own hit songs, blended with professional hit song poets, who write hit songs for the star recording artists.  The shows lineup includes Gavin Degraw, Marc Cohn, Dwight Yokum, Amy Lee, Peter Yarrow,  3 Doors Down, Charlie Daniels and many more.