SUNNYVALE, CA. (AMD/ www.amd.com) - AMD announced that guitar superstar Mark Knopfler's latest album "
Shangri-La" was recorded in high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz audio and 5.1 surround sound on a dual AMD Opteron processor-based digital audio workstation. Basic tracks for the album were initially laid down on dual 16-track analog machines and then immediately transferred to the digital format for the remainder of the recording process. Mixing continued on the AMD64 workstation to provide the 5.1 surround and high-resolution stereo mixes. Chuck Ainlay, AMD64 Masters Group member, engineered the recording that he co-produced with Knopfler.
The AMD64-based workstation by Verari Systems runs Steinberg Nuendo 2 Media Production System software (www.steinberg.net) on the Microsoft Windows XP Pro operating system and features superior performance, reliability and sound reproduction qualities. The adoption of AMD64 technology by the world's top artists and producers underscores a growing trend in the professional digital audio market.
"When it came time to transfer the original analog recording of Shangri-La to digital," said Knopfler, "I decided on an AMD Opteron processor-based system running Nuendo at 96kHz to retain all the qualities of the original recording. At British Grove, my new studio in London, I once again chose AMD to power the Nuendo system that complements my analog machines."
"By reducing technology bottlenecks, AMD64 with Direct Connect Architecture allows premier artists and master producers like Mark Knopfler and Chuck Ainlay to maintain their creative rhythm and tempo when the inspiration is flowing," said Charlie Boswell, director of AMD's Digital Media and Entertainment group. "When the magic is happening in real time, the technology should simply work, be invisible and allow you to create. That's what AMD64 does for artists."
Knopfler earned a reputation as a world-class guitar player, songwriter and from his work as leader of the multi-platinum selling rock group Dire Straits. With the debut of the first Dire Straits album, Knopfler re-defined the rock guitar hero with a signature sound and style that is instantly recognizable. He continues to sell multi-millions of records as a solo artist. The new album was recorded at Shangri-La Studios in Malibu, Calif.
"I'm extremely proud of this record," said Chuck Ainlay. "Mark's style and artistry are really captured well with the AMD64-based workstation running Nuendo. It's the best recording device I've ever used in terms of speed, flexibility, reliability and great sound."
In addition to digital audio workstations, AMD64 technology is also available in desktop and laptop PCs, which can provide up and coming artists the same capabilities as musical legends like Mark Knopfler.
For more information on how AMD64 technology is changing the way digital music is being recorded, please logon to: https://www.amd.com/amdopterondmepr.
