Pictures from the event
The meeting started off at 8:01 pm with Luke Smith stating that this is not a sales pitch. He brushed over the idea that the audio business is going in the direction of ethernet networking because of compatibility between different platforms and the numerous multiplexing options. He then introduced the DiGiGrids that he brought with him, which were different models with different functions such as DSP dedicated interfaces and strictly I/O dedicated interfaces. He brought the models 2RU, IOX, and IOC which are integrated with Waves Plugins. The DiGiGrid DLS was an interface that works with a Pro Tools rig but just as an add-on for extra I/Os and additional DSP. His interface that he built daisy-chaining the three interfaces he brought had a huge maximum of 128 channels in a DAW. He showed techniques using ethernet cables to sync up two computers so that during a session, exporting audio files isn't an issue. The network can handle up to eight computers, and "it's about to be more". The outputs of the interfaces could even be routed to a different computer separately with just connecting the ethernet cables. The DSL interface has a total of 64 DSP voices. He told us for future references to remain at 1024 samples unless there are playback errors. Waves also offers MADI compatible interfaces that are directed toward live sound engineers, which can record up to 128 channels into any DAW besides Pro Tools. eMotion LV1 is a new virtual digital mixing console that has 64 ins and outs and is as big as whatever digital console and tablet you choose to use. The first actual Plugin he showed us was one called Vocal Rider, which was a fader that has a built-in lookahead that truly brings down transients less like a compressor. He then showed API, DBX 160, and Fairchild compressors which we compared on a vocal track. The next round of comparisons was on reverbs including the Abbey Road Reverb Plates and HReverb. The Manny Merican Triple D was a Plugin that forced the engineer to mix with their ears instead of their eyes in order to take away nasty frequencies by twisting three knobs almost arbitrarily until it sounds appropriate for the mix. The meeting disbanded at 9:45 pm.
Here's a link to a video of Luke's visit to CRAS showcasing the Waves GigiGrid Interface: https://youtu.be/YDEtHXpR6-s
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