Archive notice: This article was originally published on September 1, 2010. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
New interfaces for the HD series – HD I/O, HD OMNI and HD MADI – provide freer configurations for analogue and open digital formats for audio recording, mixing and playback. In addition, according to manufacturer Avid, the HEAT (Harmonically Enhanced Algorithm Technology) software is intended to add an absolutely realistic analogue vintage sound to the Pro Tools mixer via a single global control. Furthermore, Curv, a new analogue soft-knee limiter, is included in HD OMNI and HD I/O.
HD I/O: Enables audio recording and playback in three configurations – 16×16 analogue, 16×16 digital and 8x8x8 analogue and digital – on one rack-format interface (2U).
HD OMNI: Integrates the functions of external components into one sound solution for recording, mixing and monitoring. The interface offers conversion, two microphone preamps, headphone outputs, a surround-monitoring section and a 14×26-channel mixer that also works when the computer is switched off – so you can play CDs, MP3s, keyboard sounds and drum computers without an additional mixer.
HD MADI: Opens up new workflows for audio engineers in TV, live sound and post-production by making it possible to connect Pro Tools|HD systems to standard MADI infrastructures without a format converter. Thanks to integrated sample-rate conversion on all inputs and outputs, workflows with multiple sample rates (upstream and downstream) can be integrated through a single rack-format interface with 64 channels (1U).
The HEAT software for Pro Tools|HD systems was developed in collaboration with Dave Hill, an audio engineer for analogue and digital consoles at Crane Song, and is an innovation for mixers who appreciate the warmth and sound qualities of tubes, tape machines and analogue consoles. Furthermore, the use of plug-ins across several tracks is intended to simplify the work. Each track in the Pro Tools mixer can now be modified sonically via a global control.
HD OMNI, HD MADI and HD I/O converters, as well as the HEAT software, are already available. HD I/O costs 3,400 euros, HD OMNI costs 2,550 euros, 4,250 euros must be paid for HD MADI, and HEAT is available for just 420 euros in the Avid eStore.
Further links:
- Avid Estore
