Radial PowerPre, Komit

Jan 4, 2010 12:33 PM

           
 

Radial PowerPre

The Radial PowerPre™ is a high-performance microphone preamplifier designed to fit inside a standard API-style Lunchbox frame. It features a differential design with 100-percent discreet components throughout to ensure maximum signal integrity while delivering up to 60 dB of gain. Particular care and attention has been applied to part selection during the development to ensure low noise at all stages. This delivers a design that avoids zero-cross distortion and other limitations imposed by off-the-shelf op amps.   

It features a front panel–mounted XLR input for easy access with desktop workstations and a second XLR input via the Lunchbox frame for traditional patchbay setups. Phantom power is accessed via a protective set-and-forget recessed switch. Other features include a ground lift for the XLR output and 180-degree polarity reverse. This is augmented with transformer isolation to eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops and a 10-segment LED for signal monitoring.    

When used with the Radial Workhorse, several new features are made possible. Both ¼-inch line-level inputs and outputs are provided for easy connectivity, while the Omniport™ has been designated as a high-impedance instrument input for direct to workstation recording. This is configured with a switching jack that will automatically disconnect the XLR inputs when it is being used. 

The PowerPre is planned for a February 2010 delivery with a retail of $500 ($449.99 street).



Radial Komit

The Komit™ is a 500 Series compressor/limiter, developed by Burgin-McDaniel, retains the original design with full-sized 100-percent discreet components throughout the audio path to ensure maximum signal transfer. Where it differs from the original is with improved dynamic monitoring using a dual-function LED bar graph, a key-input via the Workhorse 5000’s Omniport™ and easy-to-use front panel graphics.   

The design begins with a feed-forward VCA compressor that is designed to react real time to program material and is easily adjusted from slight 1:1 compression all the way to 10:1 hard-compression ratios using a single dial.  This is augmented with a dynamic control with program-dependent slow, medium and fast settings of the attack and decay times that auto-track as signal passes through.     

The Komit features a Sync function that allows a pair of compressors to share the same time-constant components for accurate stereo tracking in demanding mix environments.  

A separate onboard 20:1 limiter can be bypassed or inserted to provide a dynamic ceiling for the audio track and prevent distortion from reaching the digital workstation. This function is performed using an old-school diode bridge limiter. The 12-position switch provides repeatable settings from -10 dB up to +21 dB of gain. The drive output gain control is post-compressor, pre-limiter, and is equipped with auto-gain makeup to ensure more stable and natural-sounding dynamics.  As most of the work is done automatically, a +4/-10dB input selector provides an input reference and sets the threshold for optimum performance.   

When used with the Radial Workhorse 5000 rack, the Omniport acts like a key input to allow ducking for automatic voice-over, or when combined with an EQ, frequency-depending compression can be introduced for de-essing and other dynamic effects.   

Both the PowerPre and the Komit are also scheduled for a February 2010 with a retail of $500 each ($449.99 street).

Find out more about the PowerPre and Komit.