The habit of using the show's concentration of delegates without exhibiting, imported from Europe as it happens, is on the up. Pro audio movers and shakers, sensing the new globalised year and a glint of movement in well targeted sunglasses, come to dip a toe in the water. This is almost literally true, given that the main arena for 'off-axis' business meetings is the pool bar at the adjacent Marriott Hotel. The pricing of exhibition stands within the Anaheim Convention Centre is therefore to be measured not simply against similar real estate in Germany and Kensington Olympia. It must also do the math when pitched against the financial whims of the supply chain in Pinot Noir - and there are those in pro audio with expert fingers on that pulse.
At least they also register to visit the show. This year, organisers announced an increase of 4% in 'overall' registration, reaching 81,315. And with a record 1,462 exhibitors at the show, the poolside window shoppers are merely a drop in the chlorine - and in any case, if this keeps up, probably represent the next wave of real in-store customers. International attendance, officially, rose 9% to 9,170 registrants from 92 countries.
And still they make analogue mixing consoles.Crest Audio introduced the HP-W, a 'continuation' of the HP-Eight Series, available in 28, 36 and 44 standard mono input frames. Its four stereo channels, eight mono Automix channels and two stereo line returns mark it out for both music and spoken word applications. In addition, features include 4-band, double-swept mid EQ; eight analogue subgroups; 100mm faders; 2-channel matrix; full talkback and monitor systems; 8-scene mute; 10 aux sends on each input channel with fader flip functions for use as a monitor mixer; and four stereo line input channels with EQ, assignment and aux sends capable of handling dual-mono or split-track signals.
There are also eight mono channels of Automix for 'hands-off' spoken word mixing. Automix is a gain-sharing protocol that allows increased gain before feedback. The Automix priority switch reduces comb filtering by turning down unused or low priority inputs. HP-W consoles also include a stereo ambient mic input and two alternative outputs with processing. Furthermore, it is stipulated firmly, the HP-W is "made in the USA".
Meanwhile, Mackie's Onyx family continues to grow. The 4-bus Onyx 24.4 24-channel and Onyx 32.4 32-channel consoles bring the line into the world of 'mid-format' live mixers, not surprisingly filling the gap between those examples from the Onyx range already designed as 'small-format' and 'large format' consoles. "With each new Onyx introduction, Mackie establishes a new price/performance benchmark," said John Boudreau, Live Sound product manager. "With the introduction of the new Onyx 24.4 and Onyx 32.4, we're now bringing this winning formula to a market that we have successfully dominated for nearly a decade thanks to our award-winning SR24.4 and SR32.4 consoles."
Digital consoles did get a look-in, mostly because Harman Pro takes this exhibition very seriously. Tellingly, the new software for Studer's Vista 8 console is optimised for live operation, reflecting the take-up of the console in high-end concert venues and opera houses but also, probably, some of the brainstorming that will have been shared with Studer's stablemate Soundcraft. This will have been about a certai
