Top New Releases From AES 2023

AES 2023 was jam-packed with new gear announcements from some of the top brands in pro audio. With innovative new products for home studios, state-of-the-art immersive facilities, and everything in between, there was plenty of new gear at AES 2023 for everyone. Here are just a few of our favorite new products on display at this year's convention. Thanks to VK's Don Spacht for all of the great photos from the showroom floor!

Harrison Audio 32Classic Mixing Console

Harrison’s first new product since being acquired by SSL earlier this year, the new 32Classic is a fully analog mixing console with optional Dante integration, and built-in converters to work with your favorite DAW. Available in 32 and 48-channel variants (starting at $105k), the 32Classic utilizes Jensen transformers for rich, studio-quality sound. Designed for recording or mixing, the console can function in In-line or Split mode, with monitoring support for immersive audio formats up to 7.1.4. The EQs are the classic 32C 4-band design with variable high-pass and low-pass filters.

There’s been some careful consideration for functional design here too. There is an internal power supply, no fans, and is very energy eﬃcient, and reportedly does not run hot. The console has a large bolster for laptops, keyboards, etc., as well as hidden headphone jacks and space to accommodate cables, allowing for a clutter-free workflow.

Fairchild Recording Equipment 670 Compressor

Though there have been recent attempts at reproducing the iconic Fairchild compressor, the latest reincarnation hails from TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik's founder, Toni Fishman. Over the past five years, Toni has embarked on an intensive journey of research and development, striving to recreate the Fairchild's essence as faithfully as possible, and the results are nothing short of remarkable.

This fresh iteration of the Fairchild 670 faithfully adheres to the original's dual-channel design, utilizing the same tubes and custom-wound transformers. It's constructed to mirror the exact specifications of its predecessor, including the coveted 6386, 12AX7, and 6973 tubes.

SSL Pure Drive OCTO and QUAD Rackmount Preamps

Along with the previously mentioned Harrison console, SSL also announced two new rackmount preamps: the Pure Drive OCTO and the Pure Drive QUAD. Available in eight- and four-channel configurations, both Pure Drive preamps can be scaled up, allowing you to chain another OCTO or QUAD using a single port. Word clock in/out is available via ADAT and the built-in USB sound card supports 32-bit recording. Some tasteful features also include stepped impedance controls and four TRS inputs.

Eventide Omnipressor 2830 Au 50th Anniversary Reissue

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the beloved Omnipressor, Eventide showed off the new Omnipressor 2830 Au limited edition reissue at this year's AES show. Some of the new features include mix controls for parallel compression, more durable toggle switches, and the inner guts and wiring have been reorganized. The inception of the release came from Richard Factor, the innovator himself, while he was guesting on the GearClub podcast. After chatting about how rare and expensive vintage units can be, Factor decided to reissue Omnipressor at just $1999.

Genelec 8381A Main Monitors and 9320A Monitor Controller

Genelec’s newly released 9320A Reference Controller provides users with tangible access to the brand's UNIO service platform, as well as some key features. The 9320A talks directly to GLM, their proprietary software. The controller has stereo routing for monitor controlling which also includes A to D and D to A conversion. Reference-grade headphone outputs are accessible on the back of the unit.

Genelec also unveiled the brand's new 8381A Smart Active Monitors at AES this year, which could be heard in their demo room. These are mastering quality monitors, with nine powerful drivers. The free-standing monitor delivers up to 126 dB SPL at one-meter range. These full-range monitors are calibrated with GLM and correct to any room.

Telefunken Elektroakustik M60 Deluxe FET And M61 OMNI FET Tri-Mono Microphone Sets

A new take on the Decca tree technique, Telefunken's new M60 Deluxe FET and M61 Omni FET tri-mono microphone sets include three M60 FET amplifiers paired with three TK61 omnidirectional capsules or three TK60 cardioid capsules. The M60 is a re-interpretation of the classic FET mic amplifier featuring carefully selected and tested components that are hand-plugged into a gold-plated circuit board.

Designed for multichannel capture, the M60 and M61 mic sets utilize proprietary circuity to enhance transient response. Both mic sets also include 40mm diffuse field spheres to help combat the loss of high-frequency information, as well as resulting missing ambient information. The spheres are accessory attachments, which can be applied to the capsule at the end of the microphone. Both sets come snugly situated in a nice carrying case for ease of use.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the gear mentioned in this blog, or any other new products from AES 2023, contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.