Lake Introduces Mesa Quad EQ 4x4 Matrix Processor
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Artist's Rendering
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Mesa Quad EQ Viewed in Lake Controller Software
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June 17, 2004
New from Lake Technology is the
Lake Mesa Quad EQ, a 4x4 digital matrix processor designed for use
in standalone or networked concert sound, recording, mastering, and
broadcast studio applications. Incorporating the same DSP-based
equalization, delay, and dynamics processing tools found in the Lake Contour
digital speaker processor, including the asymmetrical Mesa Filter
function, the Lake Mesa Quad EQ is also supported by the Lake Controller
software in its latest release, Version 3.0.
In addition to shelving and parametric filters, all four discrete channels
of the Lake Mesa Quad EQ feature Lake's EQ Overlay processing,
which may be configured to provide both Lake Mesa EQ Parametric Overlays
and Ideal Graphic EQ Overlays according to the demands of the situation.
A virtually unlimited number of EQ filters may be implemented.
The asymmetrical filtering of the Lake Mesa EQ Parametric Overlay provides
the ability to separate the sides of a parametric section, change center
frequencies, and adjust slopes independently. The raised cosine filters of
the Ideal Graphic EQ Overlay sum flat to ensure that EQ controls precisely
match response, offering superior selectivity compared to conventional
filters with no interaction between adjacent bands.
Additional processing includes fully adjustable true RMS and soft-clamp
limiting on individual channels. Each channel provides adjustment of A/D
input headroom and input/output gain, and a delay of up to 2000 ms may also
be introduced. Fast updating, high-resolution meters indicate true RMS and
peak levels with peak hold.
The Lake Mesa Quad EQ offers four independent channels of galvanically
isolated 24-bit, 96 kHz converters. As standard, each channel features an
analogue input and output in addition to AES/EBU digital I/O. Inputs may be
selected as digital or analog in pairs, with assignment of any combination
of inputs to outputs handled by a 4x4 matrix. All eight outputs - four
digital and four analog - are available simultaneously, allowing the unit
to be used as a distribution matrix if desired.
Using the Windows-based Lake Controller V3.0 software, which is now
available for download from the Lake Contour website,
users may enjoy full interoperability between Lake Contour and the new
equalizer units on the same Ethernet network from a single interface. Entire
system configurations may also be stored in the hardware of multiple Lake
Contour and Lake Mesa Quad EQ processors for instant recall and comparison
via the controller.
The Lake Mesa Quad EQ satisfies a variety of live and studio applications.
For example, in situations where the loudspeaker system incorporates
proprietary processing or self-powered loudspeakers, the Lake Mesa Quad EQ
offers a more economical and extensible solution for system routing and
processing. Multiple four-channel Lake Mesa Quad EQs may be combined to
apply overall system equalization in multi-zone sound system setups or may
be inserted into the monitor console outputs to provide precise equalization
of onstage monitor speakers.
In the mastering studio, the unit's innovative raised cosine filters ensure
that the integrity of the mix is maintained while allowing surgically
precise manipulation of troublesome frequencies. When networked, two Lake
Mesa Quad EQ units can provide the ultimate consistency throughout any
multi-channel surround mastering project.
For more information, visit their web site at www.contour.lake.com. | 
