Yellowtec iXm Proves A Buzz On Preco's BVE Stand

Preco has reported a well-attended and successful Broadcast Video Expo 2012. The company displayed a wide spectrum of equipment from leading manufacturers including AVT, Census Digital, Cooltouch, D & R, Lawo, Logitec, Orban, Teranex, Tieline and Yellowtec.
"The Yellowtec iXm attracted a real buzz of attention from many of our broadcast industry customers," said Preco’s Commercial Manager, Sarah Lenson.
"It is a complete sound recorder in the shape of a traditional broadcast interview microphone.The iXm is extremely easy to use and delivers very high sound quality straight to an internal memory. All the reporter has to do is switch the iXm on and press the record button. Level control is handled completely automatically across a very wide range. The iXm has a dual eight-hour internal power supply with automatic switchover, allowing 16 hours of continuous operation. It gives even the most inexperienced reporters the confidence that they need."
Visitors to Preco’s stand during the mid-February BVE show included broadcaster, writer and photographer Philip Williams who used an iXm to capture interviews during a 5,000 mile walk round the British coastline as the basis for his planned radio series titled ‘Characters on the Coastline’.
The Yellowtec iXm is designed to deliver high quality audio even in the most demanding situations. Sound capture is via a range of twist-fit omni-directional, cardioid and supercardioid microphone capsules from Beyerdynamic. Each capsule is auto-sensed by the iXm which adapts its internal digital signal processor to ensure optimal sound quality. A line-level input is also provided for accept signals direct from an amplified sound system during press conferences.
A pre-roll continuous-loop recording feature safeguards against an event commencing sooner than expected. It allows up to 30 seconds of audio to be captured prior during standby mode prior to the start of recording. The record button works silently so there is no audible click during the switchover from pre-roll to normal sound capture.
Sequences of practically unlimited length can be captured in 16 bit linear WAV, BWF or MP2 file format direct to a removable SD card with up to 16 gigabytes capacity housed in the hand-grip. That eliminates any need for connecting cables or RF links and ensures that captured audio is easily synchronised to picture if required as a video soundtrack.
Bright red, yellow and green LED indicators above the reporter’s thumb confirm that the iXm is in standby or record mode as well as showing battery and memory status. Recording level is controlled by a look-ahead process which works across a wide range of sound amplitudes without the artefacts created by traditional AGC devices. Record, marker, stop and playback controls operate silently and are optimally positioned for easy operation. Auxiliary features are disabled during recording.
The iXm can operate for up to 8 hours on three standard AA cells plus further 8 hours on a rechargeable removable lithium-ion battery. This dual power source includes intelligent switchover. Live and recorded content can be monitored direct from the iXm via a 3.5 millimetre headphone output.
www.preco.co.uk
(LB)