ProSound

Today's News

Feb. 23, 2004

Surround Professional Item of the Day
Final Stage Selects GX9048
For Mastering/Playback Of DSD Recordings

Santa Monica, CA (February 24, 2004)--Genex Audio recently supplied a GX9048 48-track multiformat digital system to Final Stage Mastering, in Nashville. The new machine will be used to capture stereo and multichannel DSD recordings during mix down, and for playback at Final Stage during CD and SACD mastering/authoring.

"We need flexibility in our facility," said Final Stage co-owner Randy LeRoy. "The new Genex GX9048 is currently configured to handle eight-track recordings, but is expandable up to 48 tracks. Because the GX9048 can be used to record in either PCM or DSD mode--and play back either format--we can offer our Nashville clients an added flexibility beyond anything that was previously possible with conventional mastering machines."

Final Stage Mastering will use the new GX9048 within the greater Nashville and surrounding areas to introduce producers to the concept of acquiring their stereo and multichannel mixes in one-bit DSD format, as an alternate to conventional 16/44.1, 24/96 and other PCM-based formats.

"Direct Stream Digital represents a revolutionary new mix format," LeRoy continued. "DSD offers a dramatic increase in sonic resolution, and catches a great deal more of the musicality. That way, even if producers are mastering for conventional CD releases, we can use the Genex GX9048 to replay DSD masters in PCM format prior to CD mastering and authoring. But if the client decides to opt for an SACD [Super Audio Compact Disc] release, then we can use the enhanced resolution of the DSD master recordings."

Recently, Final Stage Mastering used its GX9048 on the new Sam Bush King of My World album of bluegrass music for Sugarhill Records, and will be capturing mixes on a number of important sessions during the coming months. "The system worked flawlessly," LeRoy enthused, "and handled 88.2/24-bit PCM files real well. The built-in Genex GXR Software made mix management easy. I can't wait to put the Genex GX9048 through its DSD paces."

Final Stage Mastering
www.finalstage.com