AES08SF: Prism Sound Unveils New Look Maselec Master Series

US MEA-2 EQ and MLA-2 compressor on show in San Francisco 03/10/08

MLA-2

Buying Choices

Affilliate Links help support the site

Prism Soundâ€™s highly-regarded MEA-2 stereo analogue equalizer and MLA-2 stereo compressor have both undergone major upgrades to improve their performance and update their appearance. Hereâ€™s the Prism Sound press releaseâ€¦.
On show for the first time at AES in San Francisco (Booth 725), the new versions of these two modern-day classics were updated by engineer/producer Leif Mases who first developed the MEA-2 and MLA-2 for Prism Sound in 1995. Leif's work with a diverse range of artists including Abba, Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck and Black Sabbath, as well as co-ownership of the renowned Marcus Studios in London, provided the essential experience using the "tools of the trade" needed to define and implement new and improved professional audio components.
Designed for recording and mastering applications, the MEA-2 is a stereo or 2-channel, four-band precision analogue equalizer with stepped Q/shelf, frequency and cut/boost controls on each band. The new MEA-2 features faster amplifiers with wider bandwidth and improved low frequency eq filters. The individual eq sections are now completely switched off when the gain controls are set to 0dB and the unit goes into full bypass when the power is switched off. These developments have significantly improved the unitâ€™s specifications by providing lower noise and wider dynamic range, while the new output amplifiers have improved high frequency performance. The icing on the cake is a fabulous new look, featuring custom-designed metal knobs and a thicker front panel.
Similar updates have been applied to the MLA-2, a stereo or 2-channel compressor with stepped drive (input gain), ratio, attack and release time and output gain controls. Once again, the exterior has been modernized to include custom designed metal knobs and a thicker front panel. New output amplifiers with improved high frequency performance have also been incorporated and this unit also offers total bypass when the power is off.
â€œThe MEA-2 and MLA-2 have always been popular amongst professional recording and mastering engineers but, as a result of ongoing research and listening tests, I felt there was room for improvement,â€� Leif Mases says. â€œThese new updates upgrade their specifications and give them a look that is more in keeping with todayâ€™s studio environment. Iâ€™m delighted with what we have achieved and feel certain that our customers will be equally impressed.â€�
The combination of Leif Mases' experience with the creative process and Prism Sound's focus on engineering and technical excellence ensure that the Maselec Master Series delivers great-sounding audio in an intuitive and easy-to-use package. As well as working with Prism Sound on the Maselec range, Leif Mases is also responsible for the highly acclaimed Maselec 9001 retrofit equalizer, which he developed for SSLâ€™s 4000 range of mixing consoles. He currently builds custom consoles and equipment for mastering and other applications.
About Prism Sound
Founded in 1987, Prism Sound manufacture high-quality professional digital audio equipment for the International broadcast, film, music production, manufacturing and telecommunications sectors. The company's product range includes the Prism ADA-8XR precision 8-channel converter unit, which is regularly used for music and film soundtrack projects by clients such as EMI Abbey Road, BBC, Sony, Lucasfilm and Walt Disney. Prism Sound also manufactures a range of audio test and measurement products, including the de facto standard DSA-1 handheld digital audio generator/analyser and the dScope Series III audio analyser system.
Pricing and Availability:
TBA More information: