Avid's new live sound solution

Published 29/5/13

Integrated live sound and recording system

Avid S3L live sound and recording systemIn an unexpected move, Avid have just announced a brand new live sound product called the S3L. It offers the features of larger Avid live systems such as VENUE in a new compact modular design. The system comprises an HDX-powered mix engine running VENUE software and Avid's AAX DSP plug-ins, remote I/O which is fully scalable, what looks like a 16 channel EUCON-enabled control surface, much like the Artist series of controller, and Pro Tools software.

The system is intended to integrate live sound mixing and recording, and can be used with up to four stage boxes, allowing a total of 64 microphone inputs, although the base model has 16 inputs.

When it comes to the S3L's control surface, it looks like this can also be used as a EUCON controller with Pro Tools, which would be very useful.

Avid have slated the S3L for a Q3 release and it looks set to ship for $17,995.

Here's more from Avid:

Press Release: Avid today introduced the new Avid S3L, which delivers the sound quality, performance, and features of Avid live systems in an all-new modular, networked design. The open and flexible system is comprised of a high-performance HDX-powered mix engine running VENUE software and AAX DSP plug-ins, scalable remote I/O, a compact EUCON-enabled control surface, and Pro Tools software for integrated live sound mixing and recording.

For artists and musicians, S3L delivers the audio clarity and familiar studio processing they need to sound and perform at their best. For engineers, having a high-performance engine at the core empowers them to create richly layered mixes quickly and champion their clients’ signature sounds, without worrying about technical limitations. The streamlined networked design simplifies system set-up and configuration with drag-and-drop functionality, while direct Pro Tools recording and mixing capabilities open opportunities for live album releases.

“Avid S3L delivers all of the renowned qualities that Avid live sound users have come to rely on in an all-new networked architecture,” said Chris Gahagan, senior vice president of Products and Services at Avid. “This innovative system provides our customers with unmatched openness, flexibility, and efficiency to deliver their best sounding mixes anywhere, now and in the future, with uncompromising reliability and performance.”

The compact S3L system is easy to take on tour or install in any club, theatre, house of worship, or other performance venue to efficiently and easily respond to a broad range of demands.

Key S3L features include:

Advanced, ultra-flexible system architecture

o HDX-powered floating-point mix engine for uncompromising performance
o Fault-tolerant Gigabit Ethernet network connects all devices using open AVB Ethernet and EUCON standards
o Total modularity—system can be configured with up to four Stage 16 remote boxes (up to 64 mic inputs)
o Ultra-compact design fits anywhere and transports with ease—perfect for fly gigs and bus tours
o Pro Tools and other DAW control using the S3 control surface as a EUCON controller (feature coming soon)

Proven VENUE software

o On-board Pro Tools AAX plug-ins from Avid and third-party developers to re-create the sound of the studio in a live setting
o 64 channels of direct recording/playback to Pro Tools (or other DAW) through a laptop Ethernet port
o Direct stereo recording/playback with any standard USB flash drive
o Total VENUE show file compatibility with all Avid live systems

System Configurations

The S3L System will be available in a variety of configurations for different I/O needs, from 16 to 64 inputs. All systems will include: