Yamaha's Flagship SREV1 Digital Sampling Reverb

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Innovative reverb products that include the SPX90, SPX990, REV1 and ProR3 have established Yamaha as a leader in the field of digital signal processing, in both studio and live environments. That tradition of technical excellence continues with the AES debut of the SREV1 Sampling Reverberator, a high-end, multi-channel, digital sampling effects system that heralds the addition of a top-end unit to the Yamaha line of venerable signal processors. Engineered for the professional studio, live production, broadcast, film, post-production and systems integration markets, the SREV1 reproduces standard and specialized sound fields in stereo or surround, while enabling the user to sample and create custom sound fields.

The system, which includes the SREV (24-bit/48kHz 3U high rack-mount mainframe), RC-SREV1 Remote Controller and DB-SREV1 DSP Expansion Board, will be available in the first quarter of 2001.

"The SREV1 will enhance any application requiring a high-end reverb," notes Larry Italia, national sales and marketing manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio. "As a natural evolution of Yamahas expertise in providing the best in digital technology, the SREV1 takes traditional signal processing to the next level of sonic quality and performance."

A selection of editable reverb programs on the SREV1 simulates environments ranging from room ambiences to stadiums, with each offering control of pre-EQ, post-EQ and Reverb parameters. The unit operates in 2-Channel (up to 5.46 sec./channel), 4-Channel (up to 2.73 sec./channel) or 2-Channel x 2 (up to 2.73 sec./channel for each processor) modes. With the addition of the DSP expansion board, reverb time in each mode is doubled, producing reverbs of up to 10.92 seconds.

Utilizing proprietary Convolution sampling technology, the SREV1 uses impulse response samples of actual acoustic environments, rather than the generated algorithms found on other high-end reverb products. By using a Time Stretch Pulse (TSP) to measure impulse response via bundled PC software, one, two or four channels may be measured to capture and create custom reverb.

"Audio professionals demand more than one-dimensional effects to enhance their systems," states Marc Lopez, product manager, Commercial Audio. "With its versatility, features and added advantage of sampling technology, the SREV1 not only meets but exceeds those requirements by creating a realistic, true aural experience."

The SREV1 contains MIDI IN/OUT/THRU, two mini YGDAI card slots, two AES/EBU input/outputs, two TO HOST serial ports and external word clock input. Storage options include a CD-ROM drive for loading data and upgrades, plus a PCMCIA card slot.

The unit may be completely operated with the RC-SREV1 interface, which may be located up to 100 meters from the SREV1. The device features four motorized faders, alpha/numeric keypad, data wheel, Signal/Clip LEDs and a large (320 x 240) LCD screen, which displays all metering, plus setup, system and parameter status. Up to four SREV1 units may be controlled via a single RC-SREV1 device.