A Primedia Property
August 12, 2004  

Focusrite invites YOU to make a splash with Liquid...

Welcome to Liquid Technology. The Liquid Channel is generating quite a buzz in the professional audio industry, setting a new standard for vintage mic pres and compressors, yet providing the flexibility and features required by today's modern studios.

Take a quick look at these impressive features:

* Loaded with 40 classic mic pre and 40 classic compressor replicas
* Endlessly expandable library of replicas via USB downloads
* 100 program memories let you save every parameter
* File format provides easy transfer to other Liquid users
* LiquidControl provides comprehensive control and archiving
* 192 kHz internal processing and ADC/DAC are standard
* New Focusrite Digital EQ
* Adjustable harmonic distortion accounts for variance in vintage originals
* Two units can be cascaded for stereo-linking of all parameters


OK, SO WHAT IS IT?

A revolutionary, pro channel strip, the Liquid Channel can replicate the sound of any classic mic pre and compressor. Combining radical new analog preamp technology with Dynamic Convolution™ techniques, The Liquid Channel fuses cutting-edge analog design with lightning fast SHARC DSP. This digitally controlled, analog/digital hybrid is augmented by fully digital controls and optional remote software providing the ultimate fluid vintage collection.

Rather than creating a sound that's similar to vintage units, as with modeling devices, the Liquid Channel replicates their sonic behavior. This is achieved through Dynamic Convolution™; the application of a unique, level-dependent set of responses to an audio signal. These measured responses, sampled at numerous levels and with every possible setting combination, are applied to the input stream on a sample-by-sample basis for accurate replication.


HOW DOES IT WORK?

The first thing we must understand is that capturing the nuances of a vintage preamp, requires the presence of an actual preamp. An analog pre needs to be there as part of the "magic" that happens when a mic and pre interact. This is why there are no "mic preamp" plug-ins -- the task cannot simply can't be done with software alone.

Inside the Liquid Channel is a "mother-of-all-mic-pres" circuit board. Think of it as a chronological history of mic preamp componentry. When you select one of the Liquid Channel's 40 onboard pres, the firmware chooses analog components along with a dynamic convolution engine to create and build a unit capable of delivering the vintage mic preamp sound you need.

Second, third, fourth and fifth order harmonic distortion is a beneficial artifact of analog circuits (especially tube and transformer-coupled designs) providing the much-loved "warmth." However, often two units of the same type will vary in the amount of distortion produced, so the Liquid Channel features an additional control for precisely matching sound of your old beloved mic-pre.

Entirely DSP-based, the compressor section offers 40 classic compressors that can be used alone or in conjunction with the mic preamps section. Also standard is a FREE mode feature. Suppose your favorite classic compressor never had an "attack" control, but you notice that the Liquid Channel does. In FREE mode, you can actually apply an attack control to a vintage unit that originally did not have that function. Alternatively, if you're looking to replicate exactly the control set on the orginal, you simply select "AS ORIGINAL." The choice is yours.


WANT MORE?

The Liquid Channel also has a 3-band digital EQ modelled (not using convolution) on Focusrite's classic ISA 110. This flexible EQ can be placed pre or post compressor.

There are also 100 user memories available, for creating your own custom channel strips. Once you begin saving artist/client settings to call up any time -- with total recall of all parameters, including gain stages) -- you'll appreciate this time-saving feature.

So what happens when you've max'd out those 100 user memories?

With our FREE Liquid Control software, you can back-up all replicas and settings. How you ask? Just connect any Windows XP or Mac OS X computer to the Liquid Channel's USB port for quick, secure back-ups of your entire set-up. LiquidControl also allows for remote control of the Liquid Channel, without even touching the front panel. Lastly, LiquidControl lets you visit www.ffliquid.com for downloading other new replicas. Your purchase is NOT static. The Liquid Channel is a constantly evolving environment.

The back panel is a study in understated elegance -- and fully pro. There's a mic pre and line level input as well as a main output -- all on XLR connectors. Also standard is AES-EBU digital I/O supporting 192 kHz sampling rates, making it a perfect companion to systems like Pro Tools | HD. The are also BNC connectors for word clock support.


WHERE CAN I HEAR ONE?

We recommend you run down to your local Focusrite dealer or call 1-866-FOCUSRITE to set up some time to audition the Liquid Channel. We predict you'll be blown away, but don't take our word for it. Here are some quotes from early Liquid Channel purchasers.
"This baby lets me test 40 mic-pres without breaking a sweat. It's a dream come true!
Mark "Spike" Stent

"I wanted to hate it. I can't...This thing is amazing."
Tape Op Forum

"I can see it becoming as much a standard studio tool as a Lexicon reverb or an Eventide multi-effects processor."
Sound On Sound review July 2004

"Yesterday I did an A-B test with the Liquid Channel and a bunch of new and classic gear...The compressor replicas are fantastic. We could not hear any difference at all when A-B'ing after we'd matched the controls and levels. Brilliant stuff."
Ivo Witteveen -- Reviewer for Interface magazine - July 2004

"Just wanted to share with you guys that I got a GREAT solo violin sound yesterday using the Blue Mouse mic and 'AP**24' mic pre with a 'TTEC LCA2*' comp set to 20:1....Yum!!"
Lee Shephard -- Massive Attack -- May 2004

"This thing is amazing, I've just got the best vocal sound I've ever had!"
Steve Robson -- Northern Sky (Busted) -- June 2004



Please visit our dedicated website for more information on Liquid....

 
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