Frankfurt/Amsterdam? March 2003: LA Audio are already taking orders for their new C400 Four Channel Auto Compressor, and MS1224 12 Channel Active Mic Splitter, both of which are now in production.

The C400 features 4 identical channels of compression that can be operated independently or as two stereo pairs. Each channel has fully variable Threshold, Ratio, Release and Gain with switchable Automatic Attack modes, one mode giving fully automatic Attack and Release, and the other Automatic Attack and Manual Release. A switchable low frequency side chain filter is provided to minimise the pumping effects of dominant bass rhythms. Inputs and Outputs are electronically balanced on XLR and switchable for ?10dB and +4dB operating levels. A side chain insert is provided via 1/4' jack.

The MS1224 Active Mic splitter replaces the previous MS824 model that set a new standard in Active Splitting over a decade ago. The main design philosophy of LA Audio splitters is based around their excellent line driving ability that enables the units to operate at Unity Gain, with no requirement for boosting the signal at the base unit. This makes calibration of the feeds extremely simple as the level received is the same as the input level.

The MS1224 packs 12 channels of 1 into 4 splitting into a 3U case making it the most compact on the market. An additional Link through connector is provided on each channel, and each of the four transformer balanced feeds has an individual Ground Lift switch provided on the 1U PSU. Individual channel monitoring is provided via a headphone socket and LED meter on the PSU. A single PSU is sufficient to power 48 channels.

A unique feature of the MS1224 is the flexibility of i/o configuration. The input and output connectors can be presented on the back or front of the unit in four different configurations according to the normal operating requirements of the user. These configurations can be factory set to order, or can be reconfigured by the customers? service centre.

LA Audio and Audient plc have recently announced the formation of a strategic alliance that will see the operations of the two companies merge in a new joint venture under the Audient plc umbrella. Key members of the team at Expotus, previous distributors for Audient and LA Audio, will also be joining Audient to form a new Sales and Marketing department.