LiquidControl is the free replica management and remote control software shipping with The Liquid Channel. The software, which will be available for download from ffliquid.com, communicates with The Liquid Channel via the USB port on its rear panel.
The primary use of the platform is to allow a data management and archiving system, enabling different types of pre-amp and compressor to be removed, uploaded, and saved to the computer's hard disk. There are a total of 80 slots for mic-pre and compressor replicas, which are selected and adjusted easily via a user-friendly interface. Any User Memory programs, for saving every front panel setting from a session, can also be transferred and backed up. This facility allows the user, via their computer's hard disk, to store vast quantities of both replicas and session set-ups, which can then be uploaded as and when required.
The other main function of LiquidControl is to provide remote control of every parameter on the unit. All dials, meters and areas of the LCD display function identically to the hardware, with a clearly presented GUI which sits comfortably on the computer's monitor alongside Pro Tools or any other recording platform. To further enhance the simplicity of the user interface, a pop-up list of replicas appears from either the menu bar or the replica select button, allowing all the unit's pre-amps or compressors to be viewed or selected.
To download an OS X demo version of LiquidControl, without pre-amp and compressor replicas (which come from the unit itself and not the software), click here.
Liquid launch in LA
March 22 , 2004
The great and the good of the LA music and post scene gathered at the world famous Village Recorder Studios in Santa Monica for the American premiere of Focusrite's new Liquid Channel.
Focusrite MD Simon Blackwood and Sales Director Chris Gooddie flew in specially for the event, hosted by US Sales Manager Dino Virella and the team from Digidesign, Focusrite's US distributor.
During the evening more than two hundred folks saw The Liquid Channel put though its paces in Studio 2's Neve 88R equipped control-room, with live female vocals using a Blue Microphones Bottle microphone in the main isolation booth.
The full range of The Liquid Channel's forty mic-pre and compressor replicas were auditioned with the presentation managed remotely via the OS X version of the brand new LiquidControl software, shown during the evening for the first time. LiquidControl will be available free at ffliquid.com when the product ships. Click here to download a demo version for Mac OS X - 1 MB download.
A second Liquid Channel demo ran concurrently in the next room, with the assembled producers, artists and engineers able to audition the mic-pres and compressors for themselves via a small monitoring set-up/headphone network.
The main studio floor provided an ideal environment for enjoying the exotic buffet and bar, with many present maximising the networking opportunities; although this was of course a little difficult for those rendered speechless by the awesome potential of The Liquid Channel.
Liquid Channel update
February 23, 2004
With two major exhibitions attended already this year, itÕs been a struggle finding the time to update the site with some of The Liquid ChannelÕs exciting new developments. However, slightly later than intended, here are some details of the latest new or expanded features...
The dial formerly known as ÔSecond OrderÕ has been redesigned and renamed. Now called simply ÔHarmonicsÕ, its function has been expanded to include 3rd- and 5th-order components. Rotating the dial results in an increased amount of this desirable distortion, allowing the user to create a ÔwarmerÕ sound. The relative level of each harmonic, as the dial rotates, is dependant on both the type of pre-amp selected and the input gain of the mic-pre. This feature accounts for the audible differences that are often perceived between otherwise identical pre-amps, and means that the user can control and enhance the effect of ÔoverdrivingÕ the unit.
For those who are curious about how an authentic compressor replication can be achieved with seemingly surplus front panel controls, read on. To satisfy all needs, The Liquid Channel will be equipped with the ability to possess either identical controls to the original unit, or additional parameter options, available at the userÕs discretion. By selecting ÔAs Original ModelÕ in the Setup menu, any controls not present on the original will be deactivated on The Liquid Channel. So, if the ratio controls were provided with switches for fixed values, then the ratio dial will step between these values. Furthermore, any operational ÔquerksÕ of the original unit, such as pressing two or more ratio switches simultaneously to create interesting analogue effects, will be accounted for. Choosing ÔAny ValueÕ in the Setup Menu will allow the user full control of all compressor parameters, made possible by intelligent interpolation between obtained data.
In order to fulfil any multi-channel recording desires, the free software application, LiquidControl, has been expanded to cater for the cascading of multiple units. By the addition of a menu to select between each Liquid Channel, up to 8 units can be cascaded and then fully operated from just one remote platform. This provides an easy alternative to manual control, allowing any parameter to be modified from the userÕs computer display.
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