Technology Spotlight: API Vision
Oct 1, 2003 5:41 PM, By Kevin Becka
A GROUNDBREAKING NEW SURROUND CONSOLE
Consoles
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There is something reassuring when a new console with a lot of fresh bells and whistles still looks familiar. That's the impression I got from API's Vision surround console. Between the meter bridge and the armrest, there is a mix of tried-and-true discrete API components, along with some new innovations that differentiate the Vision from its predecessor: the Legacy Plus. API's intent was to address what it felt were the shortcomings of surround consoles currently on the market. API's Dan Zimbelman sums it up: "We debated LCR versus LR panning, sends versus center pan output, LFE filtering and how to address surround effects returns. We've come up with some innovative results while maintaining the API standard of sonic integrity and quality of build."
BASIC LAYOUT
While API may have redesigned the cart, the company has not
re-invented the wheel. The console is laid out in 16-channel buckets,
along with a center section, allowing buyers to design their own custom
layout in multiples of 16 channels. Just below the meters, Vision
borrows from the Legacy Plus with two stacked slots in which any 200
Series module can fit, including the 212L mic preamp, 225L compressor, 235L noise gate, 205L direct input or 215L filter module. Below that is
the bus-assign matrix, followed by the EQ section, which can fit either a 550L or the slick-looking new 560L graphic EQ with the slanted
sliders. Further south is the input section comprising the 10 aux buses, channel fader ("Fader" in API-speak), panning section and Fader 1 (monitor fader).
The center section—from the top down—begins with 7.1 metering, followed by a built-in, 17-inch LCD monitor; 24 multitrack bus trims; and the individual and overall cue send masters. Closer to the operator, various essentials are arranged, such as the folddown matrix, oscillator, monitor panel, solo master, individual monitor solo and cut controls, talkback, the stereo and surround master faders and automation controls.
WHAT'S NEW
Right off the bat, the twin 100mm faders on the input section catch your attention; no fader on the console is smaller than that. Each
fader has an insert and trim capable of +17 dB of additional gain and
both carry a highpass filter, one fixed and one variable. Surround
panning is achieved via three independent pan pots that address LCR/LR,
front/rear and SL/SR.
The bus-assignment section is 16 channels wide and sits across each bucket. It comprises a multitrack bus-assign section, stereo/5.1 bus assignment for Faders 1 and 2 and a Clear button on the far right. To assign a bus, you simply make your choices, adding pan if needed, and then choose the Set button on any channel. This results in your chosen setting being dumped to that channel. This operation can also be performed across a range of channels or the whole console from the center-section's LCD screen.
The center-section's LCD screen is command central for a number of functions, including mix storage and recall, offline editing, group assignments, snapshots and setups. These are stored on a standard PC running Windows, but this PC has nothing to do with the automation. As for automation (aptly titled Vision), all faders and switches on the input and output sections are automated and can be instantly reset. The system uses localized micro-controllers and a master control board that interfaces the timecode and machine-control commands. This means that the console holds mixes even when the control computer host is offline.
Some other nice extras include a front/rear-channel flip button, which puts the rear in the front and vice versa. An L/C/R/SL/SR button to LFE takes a feed from the five channels and sends them to an LFE filter card, which generates an LFE signal from the rest of the channels. A CR Test Points section on the center section provides access to each control room output, facilitating the alignment and balance of the room's surround system. One surround essential is the optional surround return section, which occupies two 200 Series slots. It features a 5-channel panner, LCR on, module on, level pot, solo, solo safe, phase-invert switches and a space-control pot, which adjusts the width of the image.
THE BOTTOM LINE
As you would guess, pricing is based on size and options, but according to Zimbelman, an 80-channel Vision will price around $500k,
depending on the fit and range of modules. This equates to about 15% to
20% more than a similarly sized Legacy Plus. As I was writing this
piece, API had just shipped the first desk to Galaxy Studios in Belgium
(www.galaxystudios.be). I didn't have any hands-on time with the console, but from my experience with the Legacy and other API gear, it certainly must be something any surround production house would be proud to own.
Visit the company at www.apiaudio.com.
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