Newer Fairlight Systems: Anybody out there?

Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2002 10:11 pm

Hi folks. This post might be a total shot in the dark. Over on the DAWWorld section of RO is a forum for Fairlight. But hardly anybody uses it. I posted seeking info re the new Dream series and the Merlin.
I got one helpful reply (which I appreciated so thanks Henchman) but would like some more info. But...I don't want to dump questions for no response and waste everybody's time. So is there anybody out there familiar with these systems?
Kind regards Cool

Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2002 11:06 am

Hi stedel,

I would have answered you at the fairlight forum, but I only use a MfX3, wich is I think the older version of the satellite (same software features yet), and I don´t know the merlin too. I think henchman is right, as the german reps of fairlight couldn´t tell me more to this topic. One thing makes me a bit curious: I thought they would stop building merlins, when they launch the DREAM series. Didn´t they? Or didn´t they tell us?

greetings
Christoph

Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2002 1:19 pm

Hi Christoph. Thanks for replying.
Yes this is what I'm confused about. The Merlin is obviously designed specifically as a Hard Disc recorder for Audio only, with basic editing capabilities (BTW I agree with comments you made re editing...most of the basic cut, paste, fades etc are more than enough to supply creative tools, I prefer to use outboard when I can rather than plug-ins (although there are some excellent ones around) At the moment if I want to "mangle" stuff I use Cubase VST 32 which as you probably know has evolved into a quite powerful and good quality tool.

BUT the Dream series seems to offer the same as the Merlin, with the added bonus of Video timecoding etc. The Dream would seem to be the best way to go.

Despite having emailed Fairlight twice, and receiving an apology with the comment that they would make it a "priority" to respond to my enquiries, I still have no idea what the price difference is between the two systems.

Finally I (at least I think I did) read somewhere on Fairlights site that mfx3 systems feature "reprogrammable" chips..so updating to the newer features etc. of the mfx3.48 is achieved by software rather than having to buy new hardware.
Have you heard anything 'bout this? Seems a pretty cool feature.

Kind regards Cool

Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2002 12:57 pm

Yes I heard about that and I´m a bit angry because they sold me (in 1999, months before launching 3.4 Cool

a MfX3.24 wich hardware cannot be upgraded. So I didn´t ask yet for upgrading. I love to work with it though. But you live in Australia, don´t you? Where the fairlight company is? I wonder about their behavior, the german reps are very cooperative. The only thing is, that to get an offer, I had to specify my wishes perfectly because every software option costs extra (like 9pin sync, time effects, or CD-burning).

Many thanks for your words about working methods. I was afraid to be all alone in this garden eden of all-in-one users. I´m using Logic and Creamware Pulsar as you use Cubase.

I am very interested in this topic. Please let me hear, if you have success and can tell more about DREAM, Merlin or MfX 3.48.

Good luck!
Christoph

Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2002 3:24 am

Hi Christoph.
Well no reply yet. I'll give them till Monday and try your tips re options. I really get peeved when this sort of thing happens. I'll post up here if and when I get a reply.

Sorry to hear about your experience. Why do companies do that? If they know they're going to be bringing out a newer model surely the best option would be to let you know, and then be assured of more customer loyalty and willingness to re-invest in their product. perhaps they're too cash strapped and forgo the long term relationship for short term gain. Not a good attitude though.Ah well life in the big bad world huh?
Kind regards Cool

Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2002 10:33 am

Why don't you call them? That's what we did.

Mark

Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2002 12:53 pm

G'day Henchman and Christoph.
How's tricks?

RE phoning 'em. Yep, if I haven't heard anything by the end of next week I will. It's just that....
When a comapny provides an Internet service as part of it's promotions and public relations policy I make use of it. When, after the second enquiry, you get a reply saying sorry, and that your enquiry has been referred to someone, you think cool. It's not as though I'm asking for some esoteric knowledge. Just one query and a basic price structure. How hard is that? Maybe Fairlight want me to proove my enquiry is genuine, maybe they think I'm some gear junkie that isn't interested.
Who knows? Maybe they think 'cos I'm Australian,
what would I know about sound? Or that smaller Australian Studio's would never be able to afford their stuff.
Christoph is the one person up here who seems to use Fairlight, and although I know he loves it, he's a bit miffed at the company himself. Ah, life's mystery's Henchman. So did you call them first off, or did you have a similar experience? Do you run a Fairlight system yourself? (sorry if you've already stated this).

Hey Christoph, on a different note, I recommended to somebody up here on another post that they should seriously check out the Creamware Pulsar 11, as being an excellent choice for their budget and situation. Then by chance I was checking out a Forum run by a company called "Sweetwater". Sweetwater say some terrible things about Creamware, in fact they basically liken it to something like the bubonic plague.
'S funny cos my experience is the exact opposite of what Sweetwater says.

The Merlin and the Dream system are both
advertised on Fairlight's web site as being part of their current range.
Cool

Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2002 9:21 pm

We have 3 Fairlights now. 2 MFX3plus machines and a 48 track QDC. I called them after doing some research, and talking to someone who owned one. I love them.

Mark

Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2002 9:45 pm

Hello all! When I was younger, I drooled at the thought of a Fairlight CMI, I just wanted to add that there is an article by Gary Eskow in the Feb/02 Videography magazine, entitled "Fairlight Dreams On" where they announce the 3 new products for the DAW industry. Dream Satellite, Dream Station, and Dream Console. Just your resident lurker with meager offerings. If there is any particulars, I would be most happy to search the article for them, but I cannot reproduce the article itself, sorry. They look very trekkie, and futuristic.
--Rick

Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2002 4:57 am

Hi Rick. Yes there are two basic questions.

Fairlight kindly supply downloadable PDF glossy's of all the items you mentioned, as well as the Merlin and the mfx3.48.
They also provide links to reviews such as Brad Roberts article and interview with Fairlight's Product Director, Ross Caston, in Audio Technology magazine.

Apart from Brad's article, which was written a while ago, there is no pricing information for any of the items mentioned so far. None at all. Let alone the different options supplied.

So basic question no. 1.
How much are these things, as a basic unit?
a. The Satellite.
b. The Dream Station.
c. The Merlin.

Basic question no. 2.
a. Should I go for a Satellite?
b. Could I go for a Dream Station?
c. Is their any point checking out the Merlin?

I've read their PDF's. I've gone back to their site a few times. I've talked to Christoph and Henchman, and Fairlight have promised me emails. But it's now nearly two weeks and I can't even clarify the first question. Some very basic information is missing from the stuff they put out.
Like maybe even one of those we are so exclusive wash your hands POA's.

So yes, if there's anything you can find out about any of the above points ESPECIALLY in Australian dollars you will have Stedel's seal of approval,
my heartfelt thanks and if you ever have to come to Australia I'll shout you a beer at my local pub. In fact I'll shout you however many beers you want (within the legal guidlines relating to the supply of alcohol overhere). If you're a recovering alcoholic then I'll by you a mineral water with any flavour you like and serve it to you in one of my best expensive crystal glasses.
Cool

Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2002 9:52 am

Quote:

Originally posted by stedel:
Hi Rick. Yes there are two basic questions.

So yes, if there's anything you can find out about any of the above points ESPECIALLY in Australian dollars you will have Stedel's seal of approval...

Dream is ultimately designed to replace the MFX , files will remain compatible, and there is an up-grade path for MFX, Fame,Fame2.

On to your questions…Basic question #1
(a) The Dream Satellite …41,656.92 AUS
(b) The Dream station ... 71,051.14 AUS
(c) The Merlin … 43,229.73 AUS
(d) The dream console…. 206,614.46 AUS, just for shock value.

Basic question #2
(a) Though the Satellite is fully functional 48-track DAW, it does not offer fader control. Satellite incorporates third-party VST plug-ins which can automate, each buss has full buss dynamics and EQ, and insertion capabilities. I would try this one! My kind of tuck under the arm, “Have a nice day Dear!” Thing.
(b) The Dream station has 8 live returns, moving fader control, is expandable with sidecar-fader modules. More $…Don’t know how much they cost. Dream Station allows mixes as wide as 7.1 to be created. (Perhaps some sub-contracting vs. cost.
(c) Merlin? Where’s the magic? Hee Hee

Side note, The ideal production house would incorporate all the Dream components, and tie into the console for full control.

As to your offer of a drink, I think perhaps a few coolers of beverages, ice, some shovels, and a map to my friends gold mine, in a dry river-bed located somewhere near you, an undisclosed location. We would have to do that in order to pay for these things.. LOL…Oh a few sandwiches would be nice as well.
And my Gliders, Lucky, Phoebe, and Sally, would be my pocket mates, to experience their natural homeland.
--Rick

Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2002 6:23 pm

Quote:

Originally posted by Rick Hammang:
.

As to your offer of a drink, I think perhaps a few coolers of beverages, ice, some shovels, and a map to my friends gold mine, in a dry river-bed located somewhere near you, an undisclosed location. We would have to do that in order to pay for these things.. LOL…Oh a few sandwiches would be nice as well.
And my Gliders, Lucky, Phoebe, and Sally, would be my pocket mates, to experience their natural homeland.
--Rick

Done. What sort of sandwiches do you like?

I'll introduce you to the possums, the bandicoots, the echidna's, the frill necked lizards, some of the lounge lizards, and the 3 meter python that lives here.

RICK HAMMING RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cool

Thanks Rick. Seriously.
This clears up the difference between the Merlin and the Satellite.
Now The Satellite. Gonna get me one those. Yes sir.
No latency. No buffer rates. Analogue out to me favourite outboards.In the price range I was looking at. Hooks up with Cubase VST 32 nicely.
Will go really nicely on this Edwardian cedar and brass inlay table I've got right here waiting for it, (I'm gonna polish it up this afternoon)and will
suit that Neve gear I'm after. Mixing... Cool. Ah life is good....... Cool

Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2002 3:56 pm

Hi folks. Sorry Rick. I've calmed down now. BUT THANKS.

Henchman...that sounds like a pretty good system you guys are running there. Congratulations. The main reason I'm interested in the Satellite is that it has existing and future potential for expanding the Video side of things. As I also would like to do Video as well as have a rock solid and quality sound platform for music production, this seems the system for me, otherwise I'd be sussing out the stuff you guys went for. Again thanks for replying, much appreciated. Cool

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2002 1:16 pm

Congratulations, Stedel.

I know you won´t regret.

Ahm... the Pulsar 2 thing... you know, a friend of mine is working at creamware... and the support is a bit different to "normal" customers... so I can´t say... I think it´s just as good or bad as other things like reason and so on. I like the synths, the sampler, and the incredible flexibility of the routing. But I´m no MIDI - crack, Sometimes I use it to make quickly some cheap music for commercials or so...

good luck with your satellite!
Christoph

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