HOT GEAR
Focal Solo6 Studio Monitors
Focal is shipping redesigned versions of its professional studio monitors , which now includes the Solo6 . The new version of these powered monitors , originally released 15 years ago , offer increased sonic detail and more transparency . The new monitors also adopt innovations from Focal ’ s Trio11 Be monitors , including “ Focus Mode ” and more . The Solo6 features mounting points for wall and ceiling placement in immersive systems such as Dolby Atmos and Sony 360RA setups .
The monitors sport a new Beryllium tweeter design with an M-shaped protective cover and a new woofer with an increased frequency range to 10kHz , specifically designed for Focus Mode . The Solo6 monitors include Focal ’ s Tuned Mass Damper ( TMD ) technology integrated into the new woofer design , offering as much as 50 % less distortion in the 1kHz to 3kHz frequency range — a feature borrowed from Focals ’ flagship Trio11 monitors . A new cabinet design has a refined modern look that uses a thicker , more robust material . The cabinet interior features more reinforcement braces , both of which make the monitors more rigid and dampened , equating to less vibration and thus less distortion .
The new version of Focus Mode offers a different speaker configuration at the press of a footswitch – like having a second pair of monitors with reduced dynamics for checking mixes and balance . The Solo6 has a one-way single-driver Focus Mode with no tweeter , replicating the concept of the ubiquitous Auratone monitors . Focus Mode is designed to let the engineer remain in the sweet spot when evaluating mixes , saves space on the desk or console , and simplifies cabling and monitor switching . The Solo6 now include a variable high pass filter and 160Hz parametric filter to mitigate console or desk reflections .
ART HP-1 In-Ear Amplifier
Applied Research & Technology ( ART ), a division of Yorkville Sound , has developed the HP-1 in-ear monitor amplifier . This new addition to the ARTcessories line is made to be affordable , reliable , and compact .
The HP-1 is a battery-powered headphone amplifier that aims to deliver quality performance to portable applications . Providing a high output level when used with a variety of different headphones , the unit is designed to be easy to use for in-ear monitoring applications . The HP-1 is affixed with a belt clip and weighs in at just over half a pound . The entire unit can be worn discreetly on stage by a performer , used in studio applications , or for personal listening .
The HP-1 is packaged in a rugged extrusion , with heavy-duty jacks , including a locking 1 / 4-in ./ XLR combo input jack . Powered by two AA batteries , a single use can exceed 40 hours .
66 CANADIAN MUSICIAN
Roland Jupiter-4 Software Synthesizer
Roland has announced the Jupiter-4 Software Synthesizer , the latest addition to the Legendary instrument series available through Roland Cloud . Released in 1978 , the Jupiter-4 was Roland ’ s first polyphonic synthesizer and the first to carry the Jupiter name . With the Jupiter-4 Software Synthesizer , the authentic sound of the original is now available as a computerbased plug-in and a plug-out for the System-8 synthesizer keyboard .
Roland products with the Jupiter name represent the highest-end of the company ’ s synthesizer development . Roland ’ s evolving Analog Circuit Behavior ( ACB ) technology brings the Jupiter-4 to life through careful analysis of original hardware units , circuit diagrams , and other historical data . This information is then used to recreate the authentic circuit behaviors of the vintage instrument — including all the beloved quirks and instabilities — giving the Jupiter-4 Software Synthesizer an accurate sound .
While the Jupiter-4 only has one VCO , it boasts a large sound thanks to the combined characteristics of its oscillator , filter , LFO section , and more . ACB brings all these elements together like the original hardware , capturing the behavior and component interactions . Going further , new Circuit Mod and Condition controls allow users to adjust the overall character to suit their taste .