11th April 2005
Back to News and Press
The only Pro Tools plug-in capable of streaming broadcast quality audio, Source-Connect has added new features of Stereo, Multi-Connect, higher bitrates of up to 160kbps, timecode support and a rent to own option. Source-Connect is the first Pro Tools plug-in capable of streaming audio directly from one Pro Tools system to another,
Source-Connect enables audio connections between Pro Tools systems anywhere in the world, allowing direct-to-timeline recording with real-time, broadcast-quality audio using only T1, Cable, or DSL internet connections. “This new feature set now provides the pro audio community with the toolset they’ve been clamoring for.”, remarked Source-Elements co-founder John Binder. “We really wanted to get stereo done quickly seeing as how most all of our user base has asked when it would be available, but I think that the additional features we are bringing forth at the same time will blow their minds. We’ve worked very hard to have a reliable product we could show at NAB.”
Source-Connect eliminates the need for expensive ISDN lines, hardware, subscription fees and minute-by-minute line charges, enabling affordable high-quality connections between studios, voiceover talent and musicians. Incorporating a high-quality, low delay AAC codec, Source-Connect allows for communications at bitrates up to 160kbps.
Co-founder Robert Marshall states, “For the cost of a single month’s worth of ISDN fees, users now have an integrated Pro Tools plug-in that delivers superior stereo sound while simplifying the process to that of an instant messaging connection.”
The new Multi-Connect feature allows the user to initiate multiple instances of the plug-in within the same session. “This is the killer app for streaming audio. No other systems allows for multiple instances without duplicating the hardware and software expenditures for each additional connection. Now, for no additional cost, I can have multiple talents located at various locations around the world and give each of them the ability to interact with each other live while I record all of them into my timeline in Chicago” relayed Source Elements co-founder Robert Marshall.
An additional benefit of Multi-Connect will allow users to simultaneously send timecode along with the stereo or mono audio stream. John Binder remarks, “To be able to lock a Pro Tools session to the outgoing Timecode stream means we can do remote ADR sessions with ease and elegance. We’re looking forward to seeing how the Pro Tools community takes advantage of the ability to lock two systems together; no matter where in the world they are.”
Unlike ISDN, which requires complex set-up and often assistance from the machine room, Source-Connect appears right in the Pro Tools session. A simple selection from the user-defined contact list initiates a connection. Michael Coyle of Chicago Recording Company, after testing Source-Connect in his home and studio, remarked, “One surprising benefit of Source-Connect versus ISDN dialups is how fast you can connect and disconnect. It’s nearly instantaneous — so fast I wasn’t even sure it happened.”
Dave Immer, an early adapter and owner of ISDN bridging service Digifon states that, “It was such a compelling application that I went and bought 2 Mboxes just to run it with. Source-Elements looks to be an important player in this field, it sounds great and the interface is elegant and easy to use. But the real kicker is the cross-platform nature of Source-Connect. Macs can seamlessly connect with PCs, other Macs and vice-versa in ‘real time’ via IP. I am impressed.”
Source-Connect Version 2.1 will be available for download April 18th from www.source-elements.com and is priced at $1,495.00. Details of the new rent to own option can be found on the Source Elements web site. Source Elements was founded by John Binder and Robert Marshall, two audio engineers who develop alternative solutions to the problematic complexities of everyday post-production. For more information, log on to www.source-elements.com.
