Aphex 1788A Remote Controlled 8-Channel Preamp Now Compatible With Pro Tools

With a recent software update, Aphex Systems' popular 1788A remote-controlled 8-channel microphone preamplifier is now controllable via Digidesign's ICON (D-Control and D-Command) and VENUE (D-Show) tactile control surfaces and, of course, ProTools software itself. Nearly all of the controllable functions of the 1788A, including gain control, mutes, pads, filters and more are directly accessible via the Digidesign controllers.

"We recognize and appreciate that many users of the 1788A are also running Pro Tools systems for capturing studio-based and live sound events," says Marvin Caesar, Aphex President. "It's our goal to make the process of integrating the 1788A into a Pro Tools rig as seamless as possibly so that the users of these well-made control surfaces can take advantage of the sonic benefits of high-quality remote preamplification."

The 1788A has recently been employed as the preamp of choice for such prestigious broadcast and live sound events as the 2006 GRAMMY® Awards, Super Bowl XL, Stevie Wonder's "House Full Of Toys" concerts, and several incarnations of the famous Cirque Du Soleil show.

Aphex' Model 1788A provides eight preamps in 2RU space. All of its settings are remotely controllable via Ethernet or MIDI, using Aphex' 1788RC hardware remote or on PC or Mac using the company's 1788SW control software. The 1788A features Aphex' proprietary MicLim™ technology, a unique, patented limiter in the front end of the preamp which limits the output of the microphone by as much as 20dB. It has two separately trimmable, buffered analog outputs as well as optional digital outputs (AES/EBU, TDIF and ADAT) with selectable sampling rates up to 96kHz.

LeNA™, the 1788A's digitally controlled Low Noise Amplifier, allows its input gain to be adjusted in 0.125dB steps and 1dB stops without noise or glitches. Aphex' exclusive and patented drift stabilized A/D converter circuit eliminates DC from the output without incorporating a digital high pass filter. Status indicators for each function for each channel are provided, as well as a twelve segment LED meter (headroom), and two eight segment LEDs (input gain or maximum output level).