Sony DRE-S777 Sampling Digital Reverb

Traditionally, digital reverb has used artificial synthesiser technology to create these effects. The Sony DRE-S777, however, bridges the gap between “artificial” and “real,” offering a new set of creative tools that deliver natural-sounding reverberation.

The Sony DRE-S777 Sampling Digital Reverberator introduces audio professionals to a revolutionary approach in sound processing. These advanced digital effects processor recreates the natural reverberation of concert halls, theatres, and sound stages with unmatched depth, presence, and richness. Unlike conventional processors, the Sony DRE-S777 achieves this naturalism through sophisticated processing that blends audio signals with sampled data from actual acoustic environments.

Sony engineers have meticulously collected sample data from some of the world’s most esteemed concert halls, studios, and other acoustic spaces, as well as from classic analogue plate reverb units. The DRE-S777 comes with a standard set of sample data, with additional sample libraries available for expanded versatility.

The Sony DRE-S777 also features a ‘self-sampling’ function, enabling it to capture any acoustic environment. This function requires an additional software module and a microphone and loudspeaker system.

Capable of handling digital signals with standard and double sampling rates, the DRE-S777 can process full 24-bit signals. Analogue signals can be interfaced with optional A/D and D/A converters. Its exceptional audio resolution and multi-channel surround sound capabilities make it suitable for a wide range of modern production tasks in music recording, project studios, and film, television, and video post-production facilities.

The included demonstration CD offers a brief introduction to the astonishingly lifelike soundscapes achievable with the DRE-S777.

The Sony DRE-S777 Sampling Digital Reverb employs a newly developed DSP (Digital Signal Processor) which allows Real Impulse Response processing. It performs high speed, real-time processing, and provides natural reverberations based on actual acoustic spaces such as concert halls.

The supplied CD ROM holds reverb data of existing acoustic spaces (reverb sources) for the Sony DRE-S777 such as concert halls and churches, as well as a digitally simulated plate reverb which was previously impossible. Variable reverb data, with different reverb times, are provided for each sound source.

Thanks to the digital signal processing and use of high-quality A/D and D/A converters, the Sony DRE-S777 achieves an excellent signal-to-noise ratio of 100 dB or better.

The reverb time can be changed over a range of 0.3 to 6 seconds in 0.25 second steps. (The adjustable range differs according to the sound source.)

A reverb program loaded from the CD ROM can be stored in a cache memory. Up to 9 reverb programs can be stored in 9 cache memories and switched instantly. The delay time can be adjusted from 0 to 0.5 seconds.

The Sony DRE-S777 is equipped with a four-band equaliser. The centre frequency, gain and filter width (Q) for each band can be changed. The equaliser can be set to the original sound (Dry) only, the reverb sound (Wet) only or both (Input).

The memory stick is capable of storing up to 99 reverb setups, 92 adjusted on the MIXER and SETUP displays plus 7 factory presets. A memory label can be set for each setup. This function is useful when you want to recall the status previously adjusted.

Reverb programs based on famous halls, churches and natural environments worldwide are also available in the optional DASK-S70x series sampling reverb software CD ROMs.

As standard, the Sony DRE-S777 allows the “Mono in Stereo out” mode. By installing the optional DABK-S703 expansion DSP, the following signal processing options are possible.

• Stereo in Stereo out
• Mono in 4-channel out
• Mono in Stereo out (2Fs)
• Split in 4-channel out (two sets of monaural inputs to be output as two sets of 2-channel outputs)

The optional DABK-S701 A/D converter provides 2-channel analogue inputs; the optional DABK-S702 D/A converter provides 2-channel analogue outputs. Two DABK-S702 can be installed. With these converters, the following signal processing options are available.

• 48 kHz/24-bit Stereo analogue in four channel analogue out
• 96 kHz/24-bit Stereo analogue in Stereo analogue out

Features

• Real-time DSP, utilizing Real Impulse Response processing
• High-quality, 24 bit A/D, D/A converters
• Versatile analog and digital interface
• 4-channel, surround capability * (with optional memory, DSP & A/D boards)
• Supports 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz and 96kHz sampling frequencies
• Integrated LCD display
• Easy to use
• Adjustable reverb time and pre-delay
• Real Impulse algorithm library on CD-ROM