Partner brand HHB Communications Ltd. has made and hosted a number of announcements on their stand 8.D56 at IBC 2015, including news from Roland, TC Electronic, Rode, And Their Own Audio Report.
HHB Audio Report 2015
This Avid Special Avid focuses on the latest Pro Tools systems, the S6 and S3 control surfaces and recommendations for complementary software and hardware, S6 customer profiles and more.
These features are combined with a spotlight on Goldcrest’s Theatre 2, which features the biggest dual operator S6 console in Europe. This is in addition to Dave Robinson from Angell Sound’s feature that highlights how the speed and flexibility of the S6 has enhanced his creative process. The Pro Audio Report also highlights the key features of the Avid S6 Version 2 software update, Pro Tools 12 and the latest Shared Storage system from Avid and Studio Network Solutions.
Visitors to IBC 2015 are invited to collect a free copy of the Pro Audio report on HHB’s Stand 8.D56. UK residents can register to receive a free print copy of The Pro Audio Report and a digital edition will also be available on the HHB website.
HHB Hosts World first Unveiling of Six Exciting New RØDE Products at IBC 2015
HHB Communications Ltd. is hosting the World launch of six exciting new products from RØDE Microphones at IBC 2015 in Hall 8 on Stand 8.D56.
These products include new microphones, a digital interface, two boom poles and a new wireless audio package.
RØDE has announced two new models in the VideoMic range – the VideoMicro, and the VideoMic Me.
Measuring only 80mm long, the VideoMicro is a small, lightweight on-camera microphone designed for use on compact cameras. Its pickup is more forgiving than RØDE’s other on-camera microphones providing a more natural sound when recording indoors, perfect for capturing incredible audio to accompany inspiring video. Included with the VideoMicro is a camera shoe mount with Rycote Lyre shock mount. Featuring a suspension structure composed of a hard-wearing thermoplastic, the Lyre is far more effective at minimising unwanted vibrations, handling and cable-borne noise than traditional elastic suspensions. Virtually indestructible, it will never sag, snap, wear out or require rethreading to maintain its effectiveness.
The VideoMic Me is a high-quality directional microphone designed for Apple iPhone® and iPad®. Featuring a TRRS connector and adjustable mount it is compatible with a range of Apple devices and can even accommodate some cases. It features a headphone jack conveniently located at the rear, to allow for monitoring and playback without removing the microphone.
Both microphones include a deluxe furry windshield and feature bodies made from aluminum, giving them a high level of RF rejection. The microphones are finished in RØDE’s high-grade ceramic anti-glare black coating.
RØDE has also created the i-XLR, a digital XLR interface for Apple iOS devices. Used to connect professional XLR microphones to an iPhone or iPad to record audio in the field, the i-XLR allows reporters, correspondents and audio professionals to quickly and easily capture professional interview dialogue to an Apple smartphone or tablet.
An intuitive design provides the user with the ability to record without accessing the mobile device, and an LED indicates the recording status (in supporting apps). A headphone jack with variable level is conveniently located on the body to allow the operator to monitor their audio during interviews, and for dynamic microphones the i-XLR features a +20dB level boost, giving these microphones a high level of clean gain.
To accompany the i-XLR RØDE has previewed an updated version of its RØDE Rec app that supports remote record functionality for the new interface device, as well as an innovative set of EQ presets for industry-standard interview microphones, that optimise the audio for consistency across recordings, as well as an optional 'safety track' that can be set at a lower level.
RØDE is expanding the RØDELink range of digital wireless systems, with the launch of the 'Newsshooter Kit', which includes a camera-mounted transmitter and the new XLR transmitter (TX-XLR).
It easily connects to handheld presentation microphones as well as shotgun microphones, and also includes a 3.5mm input and headphone output. Providing one-touch sync with RØDELink receivers and supplying P48 phantom power, the unit can be powered by 2 x AA, a Sony NP-F970 battery or continuously via Micro USB.
Finally, RØDE has introduced two new professional carbon fibre boompoles, complementing the company’s popular range of aluminium poles. Weighing only 535gm (18oz), the new RØDE Boompole Pro extends to a full 3m (10’) and collapses to 810mm (2’8”). Each of the five pole sections is comprised completely from carbon fibre making it incredibly lightweight while maintaining high levels of strength. The sections are easily extendable with one hand thanks to an intuitive twist-lock mechanic.
RØDE has also announced the Micro Boompole Pro, a very thin version of the full-size carbon fibre model, optimised for use with the new VideoMicro microphone. Using a unique modular design, the Micro Boompole Pro’s three sections combine to a maximum length of 2.2m (7’2”). Using an industry standard 3/8” thread, these sections can also be used to extend the Boompole Pro.
The VideoMicro, Boompole Pro and Micro Boompole Pro are shipping now, and the VideoMic Me, i-XLR and RØDELink Newsshooter Kit will be available Q4 2015.
HHB debuts Roland M-5000C
HHB is making the European debut of the Roland O.H.R.C.A M-5000C Digital Mixing Console in Hall 8 on Stand 8.D56 at IBC 2015.
The compact M-5000C offers all the flexibility and power of the larger M-5000 console but in a smaller footprint. Utilising the same O.H.R.C.A (Open High Resolution Configurable Architecture) platform, the M-5000C delivers 128 freely definable audio paths, expandable protocols and multi-format I/O choices combined with a flexible user interface and workflow, all with 24-bit / 96kHz sound quality. This open audio architecture supports Dante, MADI, Waves Sound Grid, and REAC audio protocols, as well as audio delivery over video using SDI, DVI and SFP cabling.
A new Version 1.1 software update for M-5000 is also being debuted. The new update equips the console with the latest M-48 Personal Mixing management and new GP I/O functions from the built-in 25-pin port on the rear of the console. These new features, coupled with Roland’s O.H.R.C.A. platform, open up new possibilities in control for broadcast and live production applications.
HHB Hosts TC Electronic's Announcement of Updates for Clarity X and Loudness Pilot at IBC 2015
Since last year, broadcasters throughout the world have adopted aNorm loudness processing on TC Electronic’s flagship platform, DB6. Now, aNorm is announced in a stereo version for Loudness Pilot; the stereo incarnation of DB6.
aNorm is a revolution in streaming processing in several ways. It keeps dynamics processing at a minimum by normalizing the signal intelligently, and only if normalization by itself is not enough to hit the Loudness and LRA targets, aNorm applies dynamic processing. Further, aNorm adapts intelligently, using just the right tools if dynamic processing is needed. It will never just apply heavy compressing as default. In other words, aNorm hits the pre-defined loudness targets without squashing the audio.
The Butterfly Meter, which is part of aNorm, displays pre and post loudness normalization. The innovative graph instantly provides an overview of how and why the incoming audio is adjusted. In short, the sheer look of the meter is just as astonishing as it is intuitive and informative. The aNorm license for Loudness Pilot is available October 2015 for $650.
Clarity X has been received extremely well by the pro audio communities since its launch earlier in 2015, not least by film and broadcast production facilities. One of the biggest requests from the market has been MADI connectivity, which TC Electronic has announced at IBC 2015.
At the same time, TC Electronic is changing the Clarity X pricing structure to a license-based concept that decreases the starting price point significantly from $7,000 to $4,200. A number of features are now available as optional licenses. For instance, 7.1 surround is optional, but Clarity X will still run 5.1 surround as default, and AES channel 9-16 also becomes optional along with other selected features.
Another very big request from audio professionals has been support for 96 kHz. This is now becoming a reality with a new, free software update that also includes multiple sweetspots, dose meter for headphones and SPL on headphones. It also introduces an improved speaker calibration process as well as improved SPL calculation.
More Information From HHB
You can more information on all these products from the HHB team either at the stand 8.56 at IBC 2015 or from HHB themselves by phone +44(0)20 8962 5000 or email.