Software Adds 5.1 Channels, ‘Vintage’ Dynamics And VST Plug-in Capability Live Features For Vista 5 SR

There's been a major development of Version 4.0 software for the Studer Vista series of digital consoles to now include not only 5.1 input source management and channel panning, but also a new alternative Dynamics package, termed ‘Vintage’.
It gives users a more retro style of compressor-gate/expander to give a more pronounced effect than the standard dynamics - acclaimed for their transparency.
The compressor section of the ‘Vintage Dynamics’ section is flexible enough to permit different types of sound colouration, and can be used to produce quite extreme effects.
Compressor settings include soft-knee width and peak or rms detection to allow the compressor to be set-up to cater for a wide range of tastes.
Another very special function is the ‘wet/dry’ blending control, which opens up a whole range of new possibilities. For example, “parallel compression” or “upward compression” is available without the need for any complicated or extensive routing and also without the need for delay compensation.
Additional functionality for live operation has also been included especially for the flagship Toursound console, the Vista 5 SR, as a result of feedback from customers using the desk in the field such as Clair Brothers, MSI, Solotech and Sound Image.
Firstly, the Vista 5 SR can now utilise VST plug-ins using a dedicated plug-in engine that enables effects to be used either on channel inserts or on effects sends.
Secondly, there are new functions designed to speed-up and enhance live operation of the console, such as ‘View follows Solo/PFL’, where the engineer can select to automatically open either the full channel view or EQ/Dynamics/Pan view for that channel on the Vistonics bay, dramatically speeding up sound-checks where instant access to channel functions and parameters is a necessity.
Another valuable improvement is the ability to ‘copy Aux-Mixes’ to other Aux-busses – dramatically reducing the time needed for the monitor engineer to dial in his mixes.
Studer has pioneered multichannel audio systems on digital consoles with its surround management, and the Vista series has now been provided with a new and unique way of handling 5.1 inputs sources on a single fader.
In addition to the 5.1 input channels, Studer has also introduced 5.1 Group and Master channels. Now even more faders can be saved, since a complete surround group or a surround master only uses up one fader. This gives more space for more input sources in channel hungry productions.
Finally, a new surround panning module is also available for stereo channels.
V4.0 Software is available for all SCore Live based Vista consoles.
(BMcC/KMcA)