Merging Technologies

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Paradoxx Sound Keeps On Top

  Horus is the latest in the quest for the best

Puidoux, May 2013: The paradox is that there is always one more item of equipment that needs to be replaced to improve your system so when John Sweeney started Paradoxx Sound in 1993, he started on a journey of keeping up with developments in digital technology. Having tried just about every recorder on the way to changing to Merging’s Pyramix he also went through a number of A/D and D/A converters. His last equipment line up featured a Soundtracs D4 console with 48 faders and 80 channels. His Pyramix had developed into a 24 bit 96 kHz system connected to the console via MADI. His converters of choice were a range of very fine Prisms; AD-2, DA-2 and ADA-8. Many people would be envious of that set up but when John was looking to change his focus and his business model, 24/96 just did not cut it anymore.
First to go was the Soundtracs to be replaced by a SmartAV Tango. That allowed mixing “in the box” with Pyramix MassCore but now the limiting factor was the converters. The timing was perfect to upgrade to Horus that not only had all the I/O needed, it could also handle any sampling rate from 44.1 to DXD or DSD. So whatever the client sends can be processed with ease. This is particularly important given the new business model for Paradoxx.

John has set the studio up to mix and master files that are uploaded from anywhere in the world and the client attends the session on the internet. Servers are to be installed to handle high volumes of audio data so that projects can be received and final mixes returned with minimum hassle. This does not mean that recording is completely forsaken and armed with a laptop and Horus; this can be accomplished with ease because of the superlative mic pres in the Horus. Not only that but the Horus microphone inputs and routing can be controlled remotely via the RAVENNA network. Recording on location with pristine equipment truly captures the subtlety of the room and the real essence of the performance and this is where Horus is in a class of its own.

One additional bonus is having a headphone amplifier in Horus that is not limited to a low sampling frequency. With previous systems, aliasing noise could render the headphones useless and various less than optimal solutions had to be employed to monitor anything. Horus offers top quality output on a choice of jack sizes which adds to the overall convenience of the unit.

When asked how Horus sounds, John Sweeney replied; “The great thing about Horus is that it doesn’t sound at all. I am used to my old converters being transparent but Horus is just more open and this is borne out by the measurements which are sensational. The really brilliant part is that Horus does it all. I can do my recordings or I can connect my reverb units or analog inserts at the same time as my plug ins and I still have I/O to spare. I have had enough experience of Merging Technologies to say that the biggest thing for me is if Merging make it, it will be great.”

    John Sweeney at the console
     
    Paradoxx Console
     
    Screens close up
     
    Tango, Pyramix, Horus
     


About Merging Technologies

Merging Technologies SA is a Swiss manufacturer with over 20 years of experience in developing groundbreaking, professional Audio and Video products for a wide range of entertainment and media industries. With a dedicated user base in the elite end of the music, film, television, mastering and performances industries, Merging is committed to developing product ranges with unrivalled quality and flexibility, no matter what the application. Merging builds tools for people who want more from their systems, have an inherent need to push boundaries, and believe that quality always comes first, every time.

About RAVENNA

RAVENNA is a technology for real-time distribution of audio and other media content in IP-based network environments. Utilizing standardized network protocols and technologies, RAVENNA can operate on existing network infrastructures. RAVENNA is designed to meet the strict requirements of the pro audio market featuring low latency, full signal transparency and high reliability.While primarily targeting the professional broadcast market, RAVENNA will also be suitable for deployment in other pro audio market segments like live sound, install market and recording. Possible fields of application include (but are not limited to) in-house signal distribution in broadcasting houses, theatres, concert halls and other fixed installations, flexible setups at venues and live events, OB van support, inter-facility links across WAN connections and in production & recording applications. ravenna.alcnetworx.com

About Paradoxx Sound

Paradoxx Sound is located in California and offers recording and mastering using a range of high grade equipment. More information can be found at www.paradoxxsound.com