Mike Oldfield Chooses Euphonix System 5-MC Integrated DAW Controller with Apple’s Logic Pro

Composer Selects the new Euphonix Pro Mixing Controller with EuCon Protocol Connectivity to Apple’s Logic Pro

Palo Alto, CA – Jul 17th, 2006- Euphonix, recognized worldwide as the leading manufacturer of large format digital audio consoles and innovative mixing solutions for audio post, broadcast, and music recording, announces that legendary British composer Mike Oldfield has taken delivery of a Euphonix System 5-MC Integrated Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Controller. Oldfield, best known for his 1973 release Tubular Bells, is a multi-instrumentalist musician and composer whose musical style represents an eclectic blend of progressive rock, folk, world music, classical, and electronica.

Oldfield’s System 5-MC, which resides in his personal studio, features a Euphonix System 5 compatible control surface with 32-faders and the MC Media Application Controller centrally mounted in a standard MC frame. The workstation controller is integrated with Apple Computer’s Logic Pro DAW application running on a Mac G5.

When queried about those aspects of the System 5-MC that most influenced his purchase decision, Oldfield was quick to point out the controller’s high degree of configurability and its tight integration with Logic Pro. “The last project I worked on was a double album,” said Oldfield, “and I used the Mac and Logic Pro with lots of plug-ins exclusively. It was somewhat of an experiment to determine if I could work without a mixer at all. I found that changing various aspects of the mix in real time such as EQ and echo sends is extremely difficult to do with the mouse, and while I was able to work without a mixer, I relied too heavily on plug-ins and automation. In the process, I somewhat lost the human ‘feel’ of making music. This is when I realized just how essential the mixer really is.”

“When I discovered the Euphonix System 5-MC,” continued Oldfield, “I knew this was exactly what I needed, because much of my music—particularly the early instrumental works such as Tubular Bells—were made in the mix. The mixer was used almost like a keyboard—like an instrument itself. I’m so accustomed to the use of a mixer that eliminating this aspect of the music making process just didn’t seem natural. The System 5-MC’s ability to be configured the way I need it to be is huge. It enables me to define the system precisely the way I want it. The ability to get what’s needed rapidly is extremely important because, without this, it interferes with the creative process. I’m running the latest version of Logic Pro, which now supports Euphonix’ EuCon high-speed protocol. Combined, these two products form a seamless system that enables me to treat the mixer as though it were another instrument.”

Since taking delivery in early July, Oldfield has been experimenting with the System 5-MC’s numerous features while also configuring the setup to optimize his work environment. In the process, he has become very fond of the controller’s Layouts, which represent the manner in which tracks are organized on the surface. Layouts can be easily recalled, providing rapid access to hundreds of tracks, grouped logically together for simple and straightforward operation.

“I find the layouts to be extremely useful,” enthused Oldfield, “as they enable me to assign my various tracks where I want and immediately recall them as they’re needed. I hate having to reach up to the far end of the console to grab a fader when I mixing surround because it takes me out of the sweet spot. By being able to assign any track to any fader, I avoid this situation and remain focused on the music. I’m currently involved in re-mastering a number of previous projects into 5.1 surround sound, so this capability represents a significant benefit for me.”

When asked about Euphonix’ customer and technical support, Oldfield reports he couldn’t be happier. “Everyone at the company has been a pleasure to deal with. The transaction itself was handled very professionally and technical assistance has been very responsive. I’m really very pleased.”

Chris Hollebone, Euphonix Director of European Operations, was equally enthusiastic about the recent sale. “I have known Mike since his first albums and he has always been at the cutting edge of new recording technology. We are delighted he has chosen our 21st Century Euphonix solution that combines the power of the workstation with the traditional values of a mixing console.”

Contact Information

Andrew Wild

VP Marketing

Euphonix, Inc.

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