2005 PAR Excellence Award Winners

Each year at the Audio Engineering Society convention, a select group of audio professionals peruse the aisles to find the latest and greatest pro audio gear. Sequestered in a secret location, the judges then nominate and vote on their choices for the coveted PAR Excellence Award, based on the following criteria:

- Innovation
- Value
- Performance

Eligible gear must be new for this AES convention, and must be scheduled to ship by June 2005. Of the hundreds of new products introduced since the last AES show, only 35 were given the PAR Excellence Award. Complete with Judges' comments, the winners are ... (drum roll please):

ADK AP-1 Preamp

Features: Single-channel; swappable op amps and transformers; 48V phantom power; phase reverse; pad; 1/4-inch Hi-Z input.

Price: $1,199

Judge's Comments: This nifty little mic preamp offers the user custom adjustments by allowing direct swap of internal op-amp and transformers to get the mic sound you want.

Contact: ADK at 360-566-9400, www.adkmic.com.

Adamson SpekTrix Wave Speaker

Features: Three-way; 8.5-inch Kevlar woofer; 8.5-inch Kevlar mid-range
driver; 1.5-inch compression driver; wave-shaping sound chamber; AIR rigging hardware.

Price: $3,355

Judge's Comments: Long-time line array manufacturer
produces a speaker with precise vertical coverage in arrays that are set up for multilevel theaters and other similar venues.

Contact: Adamson Systems Engineering at 905-982-0520, www.adamsonproaudio.com.

API 550a Equalizer Module

Features: Three-band EQ; boost/cut controls; high-pass filter; low-pass filter; bypass; almost identical to original.

Price: $1,695

Judge's Comments: A golden oldie brought back to life. Hopefully it's as good as it was, only newer!

Contact: API at 301-776-7879,
www.apiaudio.com.

Apple Logic 7

Features: Mac; 24-bit, 192 kHz;
composing/recording/mixing/editing modes; score function; DSP processing; QuickTime-compatible; ships with Apple Loops Library, numerous synths, plug-ins.

Price: $999

Judge's Comments: Just about the most powerful, music
production software you can get for Mac

Contact: Apple at 800-275-2273, www.apple.com.

Audio-Technica AT2020 Microphone

Features: Cardioid pattern; side-address;
condenser element; ships with stand mount, carrying pouch.

Price: $169

Judge's Comments: A-T is planning to harvest the low-end, bargain-hunting Guitar Center crowd with A-T quality. Only time will tell whether this strategy works.

Contact: Audio-Technica at 330-686-2600, www.audio-technica.com.

Aviom AN16/i-MInput Module

Features: 16-channel; 24-bit A/D; 48V phantom power, phase reverse, high-pass filter per channel; 1/4-inch and XLR inputs; A- Net-compatible.

Price: $1,999

Judge's Comments: This preamp/input module adds a
significant step into making the Aviom system a full-fledged audio networking system.

Contact: Aviom at 610-738-9005, www.aviom.com.

Community Loudspeakers DXP4800 Digital System Controller

Features: Four inputs, eight outputs; 24-bit/96 kHz A/D-D/A; onboard DSP;
32-bit internal processing; remote control software.

Price: $2,325

Judge's Comments: Community has put out a flexible,
high-spec digital controller/DSP (40-bit) that works with the company's full range systems and subs as well as other speaker systems.

Contact: Community Loudspeakers at 610-876-3400, www.loudspeakers.net.

Digidesign ICON console

Features: Up to 80 faders; onboard Pro Tools/HD DAW; 24-bit/192 kHz; 7.1 surround sound; touch-sensitive rotary encoders; programmable function buttons per channel; Ethernet; separate rackmounted I/O and processor sections.

Price: starts at $59,995

Judge's Comments: Since so many studios and engineers record directly to Pro Tools through analog mixers and converters this would look to be an obvious idea. We'll see.

Contact: Digidesign at 800-333-2137, www.Digidesign.com.

DPA 4088 Headworn Microphone

Features: Cardioid pattern; high-SPL; flexible steel headband; switchable L/R stalk.

Price: $625

Judge's Comments: Two cool things - this is a cardioid micromic, not an omni. And its steel headset is well-thought-out. The theatre folks should eat this thing up.

Contact: DPA Microphones at 303-823-8878, www.dpamicrophones.com.

D.W. Fearn VT-7 Compressor

Features: Dual-channel; Class A; threshold, gain, attack, release, curve controls; link switch; VU meters.

Price: $4,400

Judge's Comments: Doug Fearn has finally put his magic tube sound into a compressor.

Contact: D.W. Fearn at 610-793-2526, www.dwfearn.com.

Earthworks Drum Mic Kit

Features: Three mics - choice of two TC25 omnidirectional or two SR25
cardioid, one SR25; wood case.

Price: $2,095

Judge's Comments: Earthworks goes directly at the drum kit with a novel, three microphone package claimed to do what seven conventional mics can do.

Contact: Earthworks at 603-654-6427, www.earthworksaudio.com.

Euphonix MC Intelligent Application Controller

Features: Dual trackball; QWERTY keyboard; touch- screen; 56 programmable function buttons; faders; ASIO-compatible; talkback mic; surround sound-capable; inte- grated LCD screen.

Price: starts at $25,000

Judge's Comments: Another of the larger, more powerful tabletop DAW control surfaces debuting this year. The dual trackball, QWERTY keyboard and small touchscreen are nice touches.

Contact: Euphonix at 650-855-0400, www.euphonix.com.

Frontier Design TranzPort Wireless DAW Controller

Features: Windows and Mac-compatible; frequency-hopping signal; tape-style
transport controls; programmable buttons, jog/shuttle wheel; LCD screen; USB port receiver.

Price: TBD

Judge's Comments: Why hasn't anybody come up with this before?

Contact: Frontier Design at 603-448-6283, www.frontierdesign.com.

L-Acoustics Kudo Line Array

Features: Three-way; twin 12-inch woofers; four 5-inch mid-range drivers; twin I-inch compression drivers; Wavefront Sculpture Technology,
K-Louver mid-high controls; DOSC waveguides.

Price: $7,150

Judge's Comments: L-Acoustics' new Kudo line array combines the essence of vertical
horizontal and vertical line array in one, design making it ideal for such applications as theaters and high-end corporate gigs, churches and clubs.

Contact: L-Acoustics at 805-604-0577, www.l-acoustics-us.com.

Lectrosonics IS400 Digital Hybrid Wireless System

Features: 24-bit Digital Hybrid Wireless system; bodypack transmitter; Mogami instrument cable; 256 frequencies; 24-bit conversion; onboard SP; SmartDiversity receiver.

Price: $1,625

Judge's Comments: This is the first in a series of wireless
systems that move Lectrosonics from a high-end but niche player into the larger wireless market. The noncompanding aspect of this system should be a boon to bass players.

Contact: Lectrosonics at 505-892-4501, www.lectrosonics.com.

Legendary Audio Masterpiece

Features: Modular system; 10
module slots; choice of peak EQs, shelf EQs, "tape texture"/phase processor; dynamics control, master input modules.

Price: app. $19,000.

Judge's Comments: A high-end, high-class, all-in-one analog module, mastering suite designed by Rupert Neve.

Contact: Legendary Audio at 512-842-1431, www.legendaryaudio.com.

Lipinski Sound L-408 Single-Channel High Bandwidth Microphone Preamplifier

Features: Dual-channel input; gain controls; phantom power; phase reverse; 10 dB, 20 dB pad; mute switch; separate power supply.

Price: $995.

Judge's Comments: From the company that introduce the L1 high-end studio-monitor L1, designer Andrew Lipinski has unveiled quite a good, high-end studio preamp that comes in under a $1,000 per channel

Contact: Lipinski Sound at 301-229-4360,
www.lipinskisound.com.

Lynx Studio Technology Aurora converters

Features: 8 or 16-channel versions; 24-bit/192 kHz; word clock; SynchroLock jitter reduction; onboard digital software mixer; choice of I/O.

Price: 8-channel - $2,195,16-channel - $3,295

Judge's Comments: Lynx comes to market with a serious, mastering quality multichannel converter system with the company's Synchro-lock jitter reduction technology.

Contact: Lynx Studio Technology at 949-515-8265, www.lynxstudio.com.

Merging Technologies Sphynx2

Features: Eight-channel; PCM/DSD/DXD-compatible; 24-bit; up to 192 kHz (PCM), 352.8 kHz (DXD) and 5.6448 (DSD) sample rates; software mixer; choice of I/O.

Price: TBD

Judge's Comments: Developed with Digital Audio Denmark, the Sphynx 2 is a complete high resolution interface with eight channel A/D-D/A for PCM (up to 352.8 kHz sampling) DSD, and the new DXD processing format.

Contact: Merging Technologies at 847-272-0500, www.merging.com.

Meyer Sound Galileo 616 Digital Loudspeaker Management System

Features: Six inputs, 16 outputs; 24- bit/96 kHz A/D-D/A; 32-bit internal
processing; delay, atmospheric compensation controls; high-pass, low-pass filters; EQ; DSP; Windows, Mac remote software; line array preset library; Ethernet port. Price: $7,500

Judge's Comments: Meyer Sound's new six-in, 16-out Digital Management system gives the sound reinforcement engineer just about all the control needed to run a loud speaker system.

Contact: Meyer Sound at 510-486-1166, www.meyersound.com.

NHTPro M60Xd Powered Speaker

Features: Two-way; 6.5-inch magnesium cone woofer; 1-inch metal dome tweeter; biamplified (Class D amps); separate DEQX DSP processor.

Price: $4,000 per pair

Judge's Comments: The jury will ultimately be out on these crazy-looking DSP speakers until we review them fully but we like what we've heard.

Contact: NHTPro at 707-748-5940, www.nhtpro.com.

Open Labs NeKo Keyboard

Features: Single or dual AMD Opteron CPU; up to 8GB RAM; expandable 80GB hardrive; FireWire and USB ports; Gigabit Ethernet; assignable control knobs; CDRW drive; integrated 48-key piano keyboard, QWERTY keyboard, mixer surface, 15-inch LCD touchscreen.

Price: $5,000

Judge's Comments: If you've been wondering the last few years while looking at Korg, Kurzweil and Yamaha synths why they didn't do more, your question has been answered. This keyboard/computer/mixer combo is where the synth is going. The bar has now been set very high.

Contact: Open Labs at 512-444-6222, www.openlabs.com.

PreSonus Firebox Preamp/Interface

Features: Two-channel; FireWire; 24-bit/96 kHz; 48V phantom power; S/PDIF I/O; MIDI I/O; ships with Cubase LE.

Price: $499

Judge's Comments: For under three bills, this ultra compact FireWire box offers up two channels of mic preamp and 24 bit/96 kHz of A/D-D/A.

Contact: PreSonus at 800-750-0323, www.presonus.com.

Prism Sound ADA-8XR Converter

Features: Eight-channel; 24-bit; 32 kHz - 192 kHz; PCM/DSD-compatible; SNS noise-shaping; peak limiter; word clock; choice of I/O.

Price: starts at $10,000

Judge's Comments: Based on the excellent performing ADA-8 converter, The ADA-8XR offers a complete 192 kHz converter/control package for those working with PCM, SACD TV post and surround production for film.

Contact: Prism Sound at 973-983-9577, www.prismsound.com.

SADiE BB2 Broadcast Production/Editor

Features: Windows XP; USB 2.0; two- channel; slimmed down DAW software.

Judge's Comments: With the SADiE BB, this innovative British company has come up with a powerful, compact, ergonomically friendly editing system tailored for radio broadcast.

Price: starts at $1,200

Contact: SADiE at 615-327-1140, www.sadie.com.

Shure SLX Wireless System

Features: UHF system; 960 frequencies; Audio Reference Companding; autoscan; diversity receiver; choice of capsules for handheld transmitter; bodypack or handheld transmitter packages.

Price: starts at $599.

Judge's Comments: The SLX package looks like a value- leader with a nice mix of features and technology for the price. Only the high-end specialty markets or cheaper-than-thou
buyers need to look elsewhere.

Contact: Shure at 847-600-2000, www.shure.com.

SLS PLS8695 Powered Speaker

Features: Two-way; eight 6.5-inch woofers; nine
5-inch ribbon drivers; biamplified; 24-bit/96 kHz DSP processor onboard; 80 kHz high-pass filter.

Price: $5,495

Judge's Comments: SLS' silky-smooth, ribbon tweeter speakers finally get self-power.

Contact: SLS Loudspeakers at 417-883-4549, www.slsloudspeakers.com.

Smart AV Control Surface/ Console

Features: 48, 72, 96-channel versions; dedicated EQ; touch controls;
programmable function buttons; 100m motorized Penny & Giles faders;
electronic scribble strips; tricolor LEDs; compatible with Merging Technologies, Fairlight, Yamaha, Apple, SADiE, Klotz systems.

Price: starts at $55,000.

Judge's Comments: Okay, this was the talk of the show. This incredibly cool-looking and feature-filled console-sized control surface is either going to create a whole new market or put a company out of business.

Contact: Smart AV/ATI at 301-776-7879, www.smartav.net.

Sony ACID Pro 5

Features: Windows; ships with 1,000 loops/samples; keyboard mapping; onboard CD burning; VST, DirectX, Flash, ReWire compatible.

Price: $499.

Judge's Comments: Acid 5.0 is the best ACID yet with its Media Manager and Groove Mapping features, allowing for more creative and control possibilities of the loop-based software. Highly recommended.

Contact: Sony Media Software at 800-577-6642, www.sony.com/mediasoftware.

Steinberg Nuendo 3

Features: Windows, Mac; up to 32-bit, 192 kHz; VST2, DirectX, ASIO-compatible; film/video support; mixing/editing/
processing modes; up to 10.2 surround sound; AAF-compatible; ships with plug-ins.

Price: $1,999.

Judge's Comments: Version three of this amazing, though increasingly pricey, package adds in a host of new post
production-oriented tools - no doubt aiming at future
integration with owner Pinnacle's video systems.

Contact: Steinberg at 818-973-2788, www.steinbergusa.net.

Stephen Paul Microphone

Features: Cardiod, omni patterns; 20 Hz - 20 kHz frequency response.

Price: $2,199.

Judge's Comments: Another much-talked about item. The Stephen Paul microphone is closer to being an actual retail product. Sound is said to be incredible.

Contact: Stephen Paul Microphones/PMI Audio at 310-323-9050, www.pmiaudio.com.

Studio Network Solutions globalSAN

Features: Windows and Mac- compatible; iSCSI; supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 10; up to 4 terabytes; Gigabit Ethernet.

Price: starts at $14,999.

Judge's Comments: A dedicated, rock-solid audio/video network with scads of storage space. No need to hire an off-site nerd to "set up" your storage network.

Contact: Studio Network Solutions at 877-537-2094, www.studionetworksolutions.com.

TASCAM DV-RA1000 DVD Recorder

Features: DVD+ or CD disc format; up to 192 kHz (PCM); DSD-compatible; three-band EQ; compression; tape-style
transport controls; USB 2.0 port.

Price: $1,499.

Judge's Comments: Finally, a MasterLink class product that steps it up with stereo 24-bit/192 kHz PCM and for the
first time stereo DSD recording and playback Êall at an amazing price of under $1,500.

Contact: TASCAM at 323-726-0303, www.tascam.com.

Waves IR-360 Convolution Reverb

Features: HTDM; impulse response capture; editable parameters; ships with impulse response library; 96 kHz sample rate; room size controls; reverb parameter controls.

Price: $1,800.
Judge's Comments: An awe-inspiring package with all kinds of control and a great library of rooms to start with and manipulate. Users will spend years with this and still not have fully explored it.
Contact: Waves at 865-546-6115, www.waves.com.

Yamaha PM5D Console

Features: 48-channel; 24-bit/96 kHz; 32-bit internal processing; four-band EQ; compressor; delay; noise gate; dynamics; software patch bay; scene memory; signal generator; LCD screen; tricolor LED meters; choice of I/O.

Price: starts at $49,000.

Judge's Comments: Yamaha puts much of the power of the PM1D in a more compact, less-costly package.

Contact: Yamaha at 714-522-9011, www.yamaha.com/proaudio