Rupert Neve Designs Swiftmix faderRupert Neve Designs announced the new Swiftmix DAW-based motorised fader-automation system for their flagship 5088 mixing console at the recent Musikmesse show in Frankfurt. The system uses HUI over Ethernet and can be fitted to new and existing consoles. At around $6000 for eight channels, the automation system isn't cheap, but when you consider the price of a 16-channel 5088 is in the region of $68,000, it makes a little more sense.
The faders are all have a 100mm travel and are touch-sensitive thanks to a conductive plastic cap design. Using 9-bit HUI control over ethernet, the system is capable of detecting movements to the nearest fifth of a millimetre, and there are five illuminating tact switches for DAW control (Select, Mute, Solo, Rec, and Automation Mode). The faders also maintain a fully discrete signal path, without the use of VCAs.
By using the DAW as the host, there is no extra automation computer required and fader positions are all saved in the project file.
For more information, check out the Rupert Neve Designs website.
