Grab Your Little Radiator

They also announced nice competition with chance to win whole life supply of SoundToys products (you will have all plugins from them including future releases).

SoundToys quote:

Little Radiator

Everyone needs a little warmth in their life. Little Radiator models the classic sound of the Altec 1566A mic preamp, and lets you spread some analog tube magic on your mixes. This was one of the main sounds from the classic Motown mixes, became a secret weapon of boutique producers, and is now a vital part of the sound of bands like the Black Keys. Why? Give it a listen and hear. Subtle warmth, or driving grit, all the things you need to shake the “clean” off of your computer recording. Now you’re getting that warm feeling.

Radiator. Coming April 2012

This upgrade from Little Radiator is based on the Altec 1567A (the 1566A’s big brother). It’s the next level in this classic sound with extra control and an extra SoundToys twist. Details coming soon.

A Bit of History

The unmistakable green-faced Altec gear, and in particular the 1566A and 1567A, played a big part in shaping the early “sound” of Motown between 1961 to 1964. Songs by greats like The Four Tops, The Marvelettes and The Supremes went through a 1567A mixer to the massive three track recorder. Ahhh, when life was simple. These mic preamps and mixers have a very colored warm sound and are very loud. The EQ is as simple as it gets, with one knob for bass, and another for treble. After Motown, and after much gear came and went, analog diehards began seeking out the 1566A and 1567A as inexpensive sources for real tube sound. Producer Matt Wallace was a very big fan. Butch Vig and Billy Bush are also fans. Check out our Gear Closet on the 1567A for even more info.

Olympus LS-100 (source: Olympus America website)

This beast is called Olympus LS-100 and looks as tool from future Parameters look very well: 4 GB internal memory extensible to 64GB and standard 92 kHz @ 24 bit recording resolution which is suitable for most audio recording situations.

We all knew that this is not Sound Devices 702 or higher, but features, price and portability sometimes matters If you are on budget you know what I mean.

I really love my “old” Olympus LS-11 it is major part of my recording gear. But new model offer some features which I am missing on LS11. Most missing feature is XLR connector(s) for microphone(s). I love portability of LS-11 but when you need to do some recording for small documentary you really need at least one boom microphone and contact microphone on wirelesses is big plus (minimally as backup). My Rode NTG-2 is possible to connect through special reduction to mini-jack connector but it is not ideal.

Big question is if it is possible to record more than to channels at same time in example to have recorded ambient sound on small tripod (with usage of onboard microphones) and also make some recording with two boom mics. According to “marketing” texts this feature is in my opinion impossible :/

Sometimes are changes good thing I can sell my old recording gear and buy this one. At first I am really impressed by this new stuff in Olympus family and it is time to find dealer in Czech Republic