I just saw a brand-new, very impressive audio restoration program from iZotope called RX. Designed to deal with broadband noise, hum, clicks, pops, distortion, and more, it has a range of audio-restoration features including a spectrogram view that really lets you zero in on specific parts of complex sounds and edit them. For example, in the demo, a brake-squealing sound was removed from the background of an interview without affecting the dialog. The iZotope folks also demonstrated a clipped waveform that was reduced and rebuilt, with RX figuring out what the waveshapes would have been had it not clipped.
-- Mike Levine, Electronic Musician

Ted Keffalo, who started Event Electronics has a new company called Equator Audio Research that's trying to do something really special in monitoring. It has three sizes of digitally-controlled bi-amplified references monitors--q10, q12 and q15 (as well as a subwoofer)--and they each have a CPU inside for DSP room correction. Equator uses its proprietary Secondary Reflection Correction system which includes computer software and can support a network of speakers as large as three separate 8.2 surround systems connected via USB or CAT5 connections on each speaker.
-- Markkus Rovito, Remix magazine

Audix Expands Micros
The ultracompact Micros condenser mic series now has more than 20 models. The new M1250 (2-inch body) and 3.5-inch body M1280 have a 40 to 20k Hz response and feature greater immunity to RF interference caused by cell phones and GSM devices. Each model has four interchangeable capsules to choose from (cardioid, hypercardioid, omni and shotgun/supercardioid). The mics ship with proprietary 25-foot cable (XLRm to mini-XLRf ), hanging clip, stand adapter and windscreen. Accessories include MicroPods (integrated 6/12/18-inch goosenecks), MicroBooms (50-inch, 2.5-ounce carbon fiber boom), various instrument mount clips and more. AES booth #436.
www.audixusa.com

Sanken COS-11X Lavalier Mic
The COS-11x new-generation lavalier was designed to satisfying the concealment requirements of film, video and theater. A water-resistant front mesh protects the microphone from perspiration, cosmetics and rain and maintains superb frequency response in adverse recording conditions. Four colors are now available: black, gray, beige and white. AES booth #808.
Dist. by Plus24
www.plus24.net

Novation Remote SL Compact
With its Automap Universal feature, this pro keyboard controller provides automatic, intelligent control of all major sequencers and automatable plug-ins. A large 144-character screen shows up to eight assigned parameters. Sequencer controls are automatically mapped as soon as the sequencer boots, and all VST or AU parameters are assigned when a plug-in opens. It has 25 or 49 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch and eight large, velocity-sensitive trigger pads are ideal for triggering samples or sketching out beats. AES booth #136.
www.novationmusic.com

MIX AES PANEL: Is Your Job Killing You? (Or Just Making you Deaf?)
Attention, workaholics! You love your job, and you give it everything you've got. But how much is too much? At what point is extreme dedication hazardous to your health? Mix editor Sarah Jones brings together top producers and experts from HEAR, the House Ear Institute and Musicares for a frank discussion about the hazardous effects of all of those long hours in the studio or on the road. Learn how to strike that elusive balance between work success and well-being, while protecting your most valuable tool -- your ears. Monday, Oct. 8: 11-1 Room 1E10. Panelists include Andy Vermiglio, House Ear Institute; Kathy Peck, Hearing Awareness and Education for Rockers; DeeDee Acquisto, Musicares; Dave Hampton, engineer/producer (Herbie Hancock, Prince); and Craig Schumacher, studio owner/producer/founder, TapeOpCon.