Focusrite has introduced Liquid Mix,
a FireWire processor with 32 channels of Compressor and EQ emulations,
selected from a huge pool of high-quality vintage and modern day
classics.

40 Compressors and 20 EQs are available straight out of the box,
with an expanding library online. Furthermore, a totally unique hybrid
7-band ‘super EQ’ can be built out of separate classic EQ sections in
every one of the 32 channels. Each channel appears as a separate
VST/AU/RTAS effect within the sequencer and will work within all major
applications, including Pro Tools.

Liquid Mix uses the same patented Dynamic Convolution process as
Focusrite’s Liquid Channel. Unlike standard convolution techniques,
Dynamic Convolution utilizes vast processing power to sample the effect
of a classic processor on a series of audio pulses, at many different
gain settings and frequencies. In Liquid Mix, all this processing is
done using onboard DSP, so the processing has almost no effect on your
computer’s own CPU.

Liquid Mix’s DSP is housed within an elegant desktop control
solution and connects to the computer via Firewire, which also provides
bus-powering. The physical metering, screen, rotary controls and
buttons on the hardware help to provide a tactile ergonomic solution,
placing the sounds of an array of high quality vintage processors at
your fingertips. You can choose to control each channel either from the
desktop control unit, or from within the sequencer, using a simple GUI
that functions exactly like a plug-in.

An optional expansion card is available for Liquid Mix, allowing
users to increase the number of available channels at higher sample
rates (sold separately). The card is quick and easy to install and fits
neatly into the underside of the unit.

The original Liquid Channel won a plethora of awards, and has been a
worldwide hit in the audio production world, from project studios to
post production and broadcast facilities, not to mention the Live
arena. Liquid Mix complements the original, delivering dynamic
convolution for use in the mix. Since The Liquid Channel’s vast,
elaborate and expensive analog mic-pre section is not required at mix
down, Focusrite has been able to bring Liquid Technology to the masses
at a much more accessible price.

Liquid Mix Highlights

• One of a kind – any Compressor and EQ in history
• Every Liquid Mix channel uses dynamic convolution to provide 40 compressors and 20 EQs, with a free expanding library online.
• Onboard DSP
• 32 Channels of Liquid Mix Compression and 32 EQs run off the
  desktop hardware’s own DSP – many more than are possible with CPU alone
• Software and Hardware control
• EQ and Compression can be applied via a hands-on control surface, or within your DAW application via a simple GUI.
• Hybrid Super EQ creation
• Unique 7-band super EQs can be created, constructed from separate classic EQ sections of your choosing
• Desktop Metering
• Large format LED bar-graphs mean ergonomic display of levels and processor impact.
• Optional Expansion Card
• An optional DSP expansion card is available to increase the maximum channel count at higher sample rates.

Price and availability

The Mac version of Liquid Mix is targeted to ship in Q2 of 2006. The
PC version is expected to follow later in 2006. The retail price TBD.

More information is available at the Focusrite site.