Euphonix Euphonix Crescendo
Euphonix's first system: a digitally controlled analog console (1990)
Original launch price (new) 127,000 USD
Description
To me the Crescendo is Euphonix's birth certificate: a 100% analog core under digital control, with SnapShot Recall and full automation — the direct ancestor of the CS2000/CS3000 and System 5.
Technical
Specifications
Processing
| Aux sends | 4 |
|---|
Surface
| Motorized faders | No |
|---|---|
| Touchscreen | No |
Recording
| Onboard recording | No |
|---|
Networking
| Redundant PSU | No |
|---|---|
| Redundant networking | No |
Physical
| Width | 1,355 mm |
|---|---|
| Depth | 771 mm |
| Height | 864 mm |
Other
| Architecture | Console analogique à commande numérique (surface numérique + Audio Mainframe analogique) |
|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 15 Hz – 30 kHz (±0,2 dB) |
| Noise | Bruit : −84 dBu (24 faders ouverts) |
| Distortion | DHT+B < 0,01 % ; DIM (SMPTE) < 0,01 % |
| Gain Element | Convertisseurs multiplicateurs MDAC pour le gain variable |
| Control Link | Liaison de contrôle multipaire entre Mix Controller et Audio Mainframe (RS-422/RS-232 pour l'ordinateur support) |
| Crosstalk | Diaphonie : −84 dB (entre deux signaux quelconques) |
| Eq | Égaliseur paramétrique 4 bandes avec affichage de la courbe en temps réel (conçu par Rob Silfvast) |
| Headroom | Réserve dynamique (headroom) : 24 dB |
| Automation | TotalAutomation + SnapShot Recall (rappel complet des réglages) |
| Dynamic Range | Plage dynamique : > 110 dB |
| Meters | Bargraphes LED 19 segments par tranche (vu/crête, échelle programmable) |
| Recall Speed | Reconfiguration complète en une trame SMPTE |
| Config Models | Configurations 5624 (56 entrées / 24 bus de piste) à 9624 (96 entrées) |
| Power | Audio Mainframe ~2,5 kW (alimentation linéaire dédiée) |
| Io Per Strip | Par tranche : 2 préamplis micro/ligne + 4 entrées ligne, 2 faders (haut/bas), 4 départs aux |
| Host Computer | Ordinateur support IBM 386+ via RS-232 ; interface graphique MixView (courbes EQ, aide à l'écran) |
| Snapshots | Jusqu'à 99 SnapShots par tranche + 10 configurations console rappelables (dynamique via SMPTE/EBU) |
| Eq Resolution | 2 × EQ 4 bandes par tranche (2 shelving + 2 paramétriques), résolution 1/4 dB, affichage MixView |
| Mainframe Dims | Audio Mainframe : 1288 × 442 × 483 mm (H×L×P), soit 50,7 × 17,4 × 19 in |
| Price Range | 127 000 – 214 000 US$ (65 000 – 110 000 £) selon configuration, 1991 |
Strip & details
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Editorial & artists
Our take
History & design
The Crescendo (model CS-1) is Euphonix's first product and one of the pioneers of the digitally controlled analog console. Audio stays entirely in the analog domain, processed in a rack called the Audio Mainframe, while a digital mixing surface (the Mix Controller, roughly the size of a table) drives every parameter over a control link. Variable-gain elements rely on multiplying DACs (MDACs), and a full reconfiguration of the console can happen within a single SMPTE frame. Its signature features were full TotalAutomation and SnapShot Recall, storing and recalling every setting — EQ, aux, dynamics. The four-band parametric equalizer, designed by Rob Silfvast, displayed its response curve on screen in real time, a first for the era. The first system was delivered to Poolside Studios in San Francisco in 1990. The Crescendo paved the way for the CSII, CS2000 and CS3000, which shared the same design philosophy.
- Scott Silfvast — Concept & fondateur
- Rob Silfvast — Égaliseur paramétrique 4 bandes
- Adam Reif — Conception mécanique
- Andrew Kalman — Firmware
- Russ Kadota — Logiciel
Notable users
- Poolside Studios
Premier système Crescendo livré (San Francisco, 1990).
Links
- Press article Mix Online — Euphonix Control and Operating Network mixonline.com
- Manufacturer Studio Sound (mai 1991) — Test « Crescendo Audio Mixing System » (David Miles Huber) worldradiohistory.com
- Press article TV Technology — Euphonix celebrates 20 years tvtechnology.com
- Archive Resurface — Euphonix System 5 (historique de la lignée) resurface.audio
- Archive Wikipedia — Euphonix en.wikipedia.org
Related consoles
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Documents are archived locally for preservation. Source credited. Takedown requests: [email protected]