Genesys Black

The differences between the two consoles are mostly workflow orientated. The original Genesys console is more of a classic console layout, with DAW systems housed peripherally. In contrast, the Genesys Black has these systems integrated into the console surface, making it more of a complete audio workstation for modern studios. Since Genesys does not have the central DAW control section, it can fit more analogue channel strips into a smaller footprint, making it the ideal choice for studios requiring a higher channel count in a smaller frame.

The Genesys console uses a standalone automation package called Encore Plus, where the Genesys Black focuses purely on DAW automation. However, since the release of the groundbreaking Genesys Control plugin, which works across both platforms, both consoles can now be automated in the same way from within the DAW.

The Genesys Black layout includes several additions not found in the Genesys console-

• Central multitouch screen for DAW hosting
• 16 dedicated DAW faders
• Extended armrest buffer with a keyboard cut out, mouse rest and expanded DAW transport controls.
• DAW metering

The Genesys and Genesys Black use a modern 1073 design. These preamps are digitally controlled, bringing enormous benefits for session recall and control. The Genesys 1073’s use Marinair transformer-coupled front end, with an electronically balanced output; this topology is ideal for modern console tracking, with just the right amount of Neve colour in the input stage without overwhelming the recording. Each 1073 is adjusted in 5dB steps, with a trim control of +/-15db, allowing for high gain and drive without overloading the outputs.

Digitally controlled analogue gives you the best of both worlds. The Genesys Black console uses a pure, unbroken analogue signal path from input to output, including the 1073’s,  88R & 1084 EQ and VCA dynamics. This pure analogue sound gives Genesys Black its unique sound; however, traditional analogue controls can be slow, difficult to control and painful to recall. This is where the digital control element comes in… By having powerful digital control over Genesys’s pure analogue circuitry, the console can behave like a software plugin with all the benefits involved, such as automation and automatic recall.

Yes, most of the console features can be controlled from the DAW. The Genesys Control plugin enables DAW control over the channel strip EQ, Dynamics, soft switches (insert on/off’s, aux 1-6 on offs), small fader, large fader cuts, and scribble strip. In addition, the master plugin controls the 8T faders, aux masters, reverb returns, main mix inserts and main mix fader. This system allows you to automate all of the essential console features from the linear DAW timeline. Additional rotary controls can not be directly automated from the DAW but can be entirely recalled using the built-in recall software.

No, the Genesys Black’s AD/DA MADI cards are optional extras, so if you already have an interface you are comfortable with, you don’t need to pay for more hardware than your studio requires. However, having an additional, high quality, built-in AD/DA interface can be a valuable tool for tracking. We often see clients who use both an external interface for mixing but rely on the Genesys channel AD/DA MADI cards for tracking. They are straightforward to use, extremely reliable and provide a pure translation of the console’s analogue audio into the DAW.

The Genesys Black DAW control communication is achieved via ethernet connection using third party IP MIDI software; this can use existing studio infrastructure via DHCP switched connections or direct from the DAW computer into the console. If the MADI cards are installed, the console I/O connects via a multi-mode MADI SC duplex connection. This MADI connection can feed through a MADI enabled audio interface such as an RME Madiface to connect via USB to your DAW computer.

The Genesys Black can be configured to fit into your custom studio furniture; our support team can supply dimensions and assist with instructions on removing the side trims and buffer if necessary.

Yes! Genesys Black’s two EQ types – the 88R 4-band and the 1084 3-band, can be installed in groups of 8 channels. Depending on your console configuration, you can choose which EQ you need on each channel group. The flexibility doesn’t stop there, you can drop any EQ onto the monitor path at the push of a button, and if you want to change the EQ layout across your console, EQ cards can be swapped and upgraded at any point.

Yes, the Genesys Black uses modular construction; this allows us to supply consoles with blank sections installed, ready to accept extra channels later. Console channels can then be added 8-at-a-time in into existing 8-channel blank sections.