SM Pro Audio unveils the brand new V-Rack. Based around the recently developed "Powered by VFX" hardware platform, VST and VSTi plug-ins can be loaded directly into the V-Rack.

The V-Rack features the same functionality as the V-Machine, but has more horse power, balanced stereo audio inputs and balanced outputs, digital I/O and a LAN connector. It also features high-end AD/DA converters and offers a level of performance suitable for all professional environments. A true chameleon, the V-Rack can be configured to operate as just about any outboard audio device on demand.

Features :

• Intel Core Duo CPU 2.66 GHz
• 2 GB RAM (Up to 4 GB)
• 8 GB Flash Drive
• Upgradable by user
• 4 unbalanced inputs
• 2 balanced inputs
• 2 instrument inputs
• Digital I/O (S/PDIF)
• 2 balanced outputs
• 2 unbalanced outputs
• adjustable headphone amplifier
• LAN connector
• 4 USB Ports and 1 USB host
• MIDI in port

All SM Pro Audio V-products ship with control configuration software compatible with Windows and Mac OS X. Users can load up their VST/VSTi plug-ins on their computer for auditioning, sound-set creation, and bank/preset memory assignment prior to transferring to one of the V-products for stand-alone use.

The Genelec 8020A 2-way active monitor system has been updated to become the 8020B.

The basic change in the B model is the addition of a mains power switch now located on the enclosure's rear panel. The rotary front panel control is used for sound level adjustement only. The audio signal can still be muted (the front LED stays on) in turning the front panel volume knob fully anti-clockwise, but actual mains power is only switched off using the rear panel on/off power switch which turns the front LED on/off. This also enables turning the power off without changing the set level. Along with this change, the second rear-mounted XLR connector has been removed.

The new Genelec 8020B (Height with Iso-Pod 242 mm, Width 151 mm and Depth 142 mm) has been designed for monitoring work in difficult listening environments, particularly those compromised by lack of space. The die-cast aluminum Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE ) features relatively large internal volumes; softly curved edges and outstanding mechanical strength. The 8020B advanced Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW ) provides a smooth on and off axis response ; while the long, curved reflex port ends in a wide flare for bass articulation.

The 8020B features a 105 mm (4 inch) bass driver along with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) tweeter loaded into a new advanced Genelec Directivity Controlled Waveguide (DCW ). The free field frequency response is 66 Hz to 20 kHz (± 2.5 dB). Maximum peak SPL output per pair with music material is 105 dB at 1 m. Bass and treble are each powered by 20 watt amplifiers.

BIAS has announced that all six professional audio processing plug-ins from the Master Perfection Suite, will also be available separately as retail editions. The Master Perfection Suite is aimed at musicians, recording and mastering engineers, audio and video editors, sound designers and other audio professionals. These value packed plug-ins include: Repli-Q (spectral matching), PitchCraft (pitch correction/manipulation), Reveal (analysis), Sqweez-3 & -5 (multi-band dynamic processing), SuperFreq (paragraphic EQ), and GateEx (gate/expander).

The Master Perfection single editions will be available in April from $59 to $149 US SRP through authorized BIAS resellers and distributors worldwide, and directly from BIAS. The entire Master Perfection Suite is also available separately for $599 US SRP. Master Perfection Suite is also included as part of the Peak Pro XT package. Visit the BIAS web site for additional details.

Genelec is proud to introduce the new 1038CF 3-way active monitoring system. Based on the full range Genelec 1038B 3-way monitoring system, the 1038CF main new features are a very flat enclosure depth (version F) of only 235 mm and dual 8" long throw bass drivers.

It features a limited bass response, with a -2.5 dB point at 57 Hz, as the focus is on Mid/High performance. The system should be used in combination with a subwoofer in either stereo or multichannel applications. The 1038CF very compact enclosure measures only 610 mm x 470 mm x 235 mm (HxWxD) making it highly suitable for on-wall, free standing as well as flush-mounted applications . The system has a built in amplifier unit delivering a total of 420 W into two 210 mm (8") long throw bass drivers, 130 mm proprietary Genelec midrange driver and a 25 mm metal dome tweeter loaded into an advanced Genelec Directivity Controlled Waveguide (DCW ). The system is capable of delivering sound pressure levels of 124 dB maximum peak acoustic output per pair at 1 m measured with music material.

Genelec introduces the 8260A 3-way DSP Active Monitor. With the new MDC Minimum Diffraction Coaxial Mid/High driver technology, the 8260A aims to be a "master piece in electro-acoustic design".

As we know Coaxial drivers have existed for many years and are common in two way systems but not so much in three way systems reproducing only mid and high frequencies. Typical to all current coaxial design is somewhat ragged frequency response due to inherent diffraction problems. Though, crossover issues due to non-coincident location of sources are solved with a coaxial configuration. Here lay the seeds of Genelec's Minimum Diffraction Coaxial (MDC ) solution: while it benefits from typical coaxial design advantages, it now overcomes several shortages as well.