By George Petersen
Tradeshows are back! Returning to Barcelona in sunny Spain and its normal January/February timeslot, the 2023 edition of the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show welcomed a record-setting 58,107 attendees from 155 countries with the largest-ever ISE show floor.
One new (and well-appreciated) perk of ISE 2023 was the addition of audio demo rooms in Hall 8, adjacent to the audio, lighting and staging exhibits in Hall 7. Another memorable ISE 2023 moment was on the first day of the show, when King Felipe VI of Spain walked the show floor, stopping by a few booths to check out some of the technology. And if you missed this year’s edition, ISE returns to Barcelona from January 30 to February 2, 2024. Mark your calendars now!
Listed alphabetically, here are just a few of the show’s audio highlights…
1 SOUND launched its Cannon C8, full-range, hi-fi coaxial speaker (seen at right) that is the largest entry in its Cannon Series. With its 8-inch driver, coaxially mounted 1” silk dome HF element and 7-inch rear-facing passive radiator, C8 offers a 55 Hz – 18 kHz bandwidth and 120 dB max SPL. Two Speakon connectors and a 2-circuit switch allow for a choice of two mixes with a 4-wire cable. Like all 1 SOUND speakers, it’s IP55 indoor/outdoor rated and saltwater resistant. Also available is an install version as well as custom colors and wood finishes. 1-sound.com
Adamson Systems Engineering showed its Adamson Fletcher Machine (AFM) immersive audio rendering engine toolbox processor at Theatre Lliure, with a sound system employing Adamson’s CS- and IS-Series speakers. Recent launches include two new software products for the hardware AFM: The Virtual Adamson Fletcher Machine (vAFM) and the Adamson Fletcher Machine VST Control plug-in, that connects the user’s DAW to an AFM via the Remote software. The connected AFM could be any one of a Stage Unit, a Traveler Model or the new vAFM. The software is available free from the Adamson website. www.adamsonsystems.com
Alcons Audio’s QRP40/90 is a 2-way point-source column system with high-Q directivity for increased projection control. Loaded with a RBN1203 12” pro-ribbon driver on a “Morpher” lens, the system offers SPL-independent throw-efficiency and projection control, due to the pro-ribbon’s natural cylindrical wavefront. It’s designed for use as a vertical sound system in both permanent and portable applications. www.alconsaudio.com
Amadeus announced HOLOPHONIX software v2.1 and new 128- and 64-output configurations of its HOLOPHONIX immersive platform. The updated processor hardware is 1.6x faster than the previous versions. The HOLOPHONIX 128 model offers 128×128 I/O at 96 kHz in Dante AoIP format, while the new HOLOPHONIX 64 model offers 128 inputs for 64 outputs at 96 kHz in Dante AoIP format. www.amadeuslab.com
Audio-Technica’s new Engineered Sound Wireless system responds to demands for wireless mic solutions in video- and web-conferencing. This DECT-based solution addresses challenges of conventional wireless mics, such as frequency coordination and the limited number of available mic channels, with easy operation, and PoE-based receivers and Dante outputs. The system features 96 channels with wiring as simple as connecting a single Cat-5e cable per receiver to a PoE network switch. In addition, AES256 encryption is standard. www.audio-technica.com
B&C’s compact sibling of the popular DCX464, the new 1.4” exit DCX354 coaxial ring radiator covers 400 Hz – 6k Hz with 112.7 dB sensitivity. Its 3” midrange voice coil handles 180 watts, while the 100-watt 2-inch voice coil HF diaphragm covers 5 Hz – 20k Hz. A redesigned midrange integrator lets both diaphragms work in harmony for greater combined output and crossover flexibility. Also available: an ME464 80×60° point-source horn loading to 300 Hz, ME148 line-array waveguide for use to 500 Hz and an FB354 passive crossover. www.bcspeakers.com
Blaze Audio expanded its PowerZone Connect Line of DSP multi-zone install amps designed for large commercial projects (malls, hotels, casinos, conference centers, etc.) But the BIG news was that Blaze will enter the loudspeaker market, having hired loudspeaker innovator Hugh Sarvis as the director of Blaze Audio’s new speaker division. At the same time, Blaze also purchased the intellectual property of WorxAudio from Fender Musical Instruments Corporation — the owner of PreSonus — and plan to continue building some of those key products. www.blaze-audio.com
d&b audiotechnik now offers a range of EN 54-24 compliant speakers and EN 54-16 compliant audio solutions which meet the testing and performance criteria for fire detection and voice alarm evacuation systems. But most live sound pros would be interested in d&b’s new HeadroomCalc software (available in ArrayCalc V11),that showcases a breakthrough in system performance predictability, using real-word audio files rather than test tones, making designs even more predictive and reliable, especially in planning fixed installs. www.dbaudio.com
DAS Audio’s new large-format flagship line array is now shipping and the company announced that Dynamic Productions USA of Orangeburg, NY, took delivery of the first system in North America, with 32 LARA cardioid 4-way powered line array speakers and 32 LARA-SUB active cardioid subwoofers. LARA produces 146 dB max SPLs from its two 12” woofers, two rear-firing 8” woofers and two front-firing 3” HF drivers. The powered LARA SUB has two 18” woofers and a rear-firing 18” driver. www.dasaudio.com
DiGiCo showed the Quantum338T, its latest theater-targeted console. With “in the box” mixing reducing outboard gear needs, a lightweight control surface and theater-specific software, Quantum338T is ideal for regional and touring productions. Besides its 128 input channels with 64 buses and a 24 x 24 matrix, the console offers an enhanced cue system via DiGiCo’s Auto Update and cue data management tools, with character variations (often a result of costume and prop changes) handled with the Alias function and cast changes managed through its Players function. www.digico.biz
DirectOut’s HCONTROL.8 is an 8-channel remote controller for its PRODIGY Series. Combined with PRODIGY.MP and globcon, the device turns DirectOut’s multifunction processor into a (mobile) mixing console. HCONTROL.8 enables free and flexible mapping of audio channels and functions, such as FlexChannels, Matrix Mixers and Snapshots — distributed over 12 layers. With its 100mm faders, HCONTROL.8 can both control and receive data from PRODIGY.MP, displaying fader status and level meter information. www.directout.eu
Dynacord’s V600:4 is the first member of a new amplifier line for small to mid-sized installation scenarios such as education, hospitality, retail, houses of worship and more. Shipping in Spring 2023, this 1U, four-channel power amplifier with 600 watts of total power is versatile, quick to install and runs trouble-free — even under demanding power conditions.
EM Acoustics celebrated its 20th anniversary by showing its EM Reference Series, along with the newest addition to the line, the compact point-source R8, which features interchangeable wide (110 x 50) and narrow (80 x 50) rotatable waveguides with twin 8” woofers and coaxial 4″/2.5″ MF/HF drive units. Thirty R8’s (out of the 158 EM Acoustics loudspeakers used) were recently employed in London’s acclaimed Frameless permanent immersive digital arts experience. www.emacoustics.co.uk
Electrovoice’s new EVERSE 8 weatherized battery-powered speaker with Bluetooth audio and control made its Euro tradeshow debut. It comes in black or white and features wide 100° x 100° coverage and a mobile app, which can be used to adjust all audio, effects and mix functions via phone or tablet. The 2-way system’s components include an 8” woofer and a high-output titanium tweeter and an onboard 400-watt amp for a max 121 dB SPL rating. www.electrovoice.com
Fulcrum Acoustic showed its Passive Cardioid Technology with the international debut of its 8” CCX8 series and 15” CCX15 series subcardioid compact coaxial loudspeakers and 12” CS212L and dual-18” CS218L cardioid subwoofers. The CCX8 is offered in two horn patterns; the CCX15 is comes in five horn patterns. www.fulcrum-acoustic.com
Funktion-One’s Evo X is a full-range, three-way, completely horn-loaded speaker that employs Funktion-One’s waveguide technology to provide 90° horizontal and focused 15°vertical dispersion and high SPLs, making it an excellent choice for small-to-medium live venues, clubs and theaters. www.funktion-one.com
Genelec expanded its foray into contracting products, with new 4435A in-ceiling and 4436A pendant Smart IP speakers that support power, audio and management via a single CAT cable. All Smart IP models are compatible with both Dante and AES67 streams, deriving power via PoE. www.genelec.com
HK Audio’s new LINEAR 9 is a flexible, rugged, powerful and smart speaker series designed for max sound pressure level, throw and scalability. With its advanced DSP technology and a DSP Out, it can seamlessly integrate speakers without DSP into the system. HK also launched the next-gen LINEAR 5 Mk II series, which is ideal for rental companies who need a compact, high-performance system with preset-configurable Cardioid setups for the subwoofers and a wide range of accessories. www.hkaudio.com
JBL Professional showed its new PRX900 series, a rugged, scalable high-SPL solution, with three new two-way speakers and two subs — all driven by Class-D amplifiers. DSP, accessible via onboard LCDs and the JBL Pro Connect app, includes 12-band parametric EQ for system tuning, dbx Drive Rack technology, Automatic Feedback Suppression, Soundcraft Overeasy soft limiting and speaker delay settings and presets. www.jblpro.com
K-array’s Lyzard Mk I speakers put premium audio into sleek, miniaturized aluminum millwork bodies for intimate environments, such as retail, high-class restaurants, bars and museums. No bigger than a chocolate bar, this mid-high micro-speaker series comprises the Lyzard-KZ1 I and Lyzard-KZ14 I, designed for quality sound with minimal visual impact. KZ1R I and KZ14R I versions are designed for flush mounting into walls and ceilings. A range of colors and luxurious metal finishes are available. www.k-array.com
Kling & Freitag’s PIA LFX is a Low Frequency Extension speaker that matches the dimensions of K&F’s popular PIA M column but is equipped with six high-performance 4″ drivers to extend the response of a PIA M column down to about 50 Hz. In installation applications, long mixed line-systems of PIA M and PIA LFX can be easily configured. Deliveries begin in mid-2023 and list price is 1,580 Euros.
KV2 Audio launched its ESR106 Slimline speaker and dedicated ESR2600D amplifier. The 3-way Slimline ESR106 is a column array of multiple 6-inch woofers for high quality vocal and music reproduction. Horizontal mounting applications include theaters, houses of worship and concert halls. Mounted horizontally, ESR systems provide coverage over tiered seating in stadium or grandstand-type applications. ESR106 control and drive is via the ESR2600D, which houses all signal processing and amplification in a 4RU module. www.kv2audio.com
L-Acoustics’ L-ISA Studio 2.5 software offers on-the-go immersive sound design on any PC and Windows OS, and Mac/macOS computers. The Windows version includes the L-ISA Controller and L-ISA Processor Desktop applications, as well as L-ISA Audio Bridge (a custom virtual Windows sound card with Bridge Out 12-output routing to any DAW for multi-channel recording. Also, Device Out can send audio to headphones or a multichannel sound card for rendering immersive speaker configurations in Atmos, BluSpace and more, with advance previewing in diverse spaces. www.l-acoustics.com
LD Systems’ DAVE G4X Series is a powered 2.1 P.A. with modern functions and features. Shipping now, systems include the 680w DAVE 10 G4X (two dual-4” satellites and 10” sub); 1,460w DAVE 12 G4X (two 6.5” satellites and 12” sub); 2,060w DAVE 15 G4X (dual-8” satellites and 15” sub); and 4,000w DAVE 18 G4X two 8” satellites and 18” sub). All versions feature an integrated 6-channel mixer with Bluetooth connectivity, onboard FIR filters and DSP effects/processing. www.ld-systems.com
Linea Research’s new System Engineer 8 control and telemetry software platform provides software control over its M and C Series of networked DSP amplifiers and ASC48 Advanced System Controllers. Using a workflow-oriented approach, System Engineer 8 divides into three main sections for easy navigation. Discovery and synchronization of connected devices is instantaneous, and the three workflow views — Setup, Presets, and Tune — allow for fast, intuitive system configuration. www.linea-research.co.uk
Meyer Sound’s 2100-LFC low-frequency control element features 8,000-watts of peak Class-D power in an enclosure that’s 20% lighter than the 1100-LFC, while offering 30 Hz to 125 Hz frequency response from its single 21-inch woofer with active driver and amplifier cooling. Specs include measurements of 42x24x26.5 inches (WxHxD). The enclosure is premium multi-ply birch with a textured finish and a powder-coated stamped steel grill. www.meyersound.com
Neutrik’s new XX series powerCON and speakON 2- and 4-pole cable connectors feature easier assembly, improved power handling and color-coding. SpeakON NL2’s are brown; NL4’s are green; PowerCON inputs are blue and outputs are gray. PowerCON XX are now CBC circuit breaking capacity rated and IEC EN 60320-1 / UL 60320-1 / CSA C22.2 No. 60320-1 certified. New PowerCON and SpeakON variants are now offered for 6-12 mm or larger 10-16 mm OD cables. All are shipping now. www.neutrik.com
Nexo expands its ePS installation series of 2-way passive cabinets and sub-bass units with the 12” point-source ePS12 and single-18 eLS18 sub. Dedicated accessories allow ePS cabinets to be flown beneath the subwoofer, creating small-footprint wideband systems that are visually pleasing. The birch cabinets are finished in black (white and all RAL colors are optional), and IP covers protect the connectors from moisture in outdoor applications. www.nexo-sa.com
Pioneer Pro Audio and Pioneer DJ introduced the new XPRS2 Series, which includes the 10” 2-way XPRS102 and 12” 2-way XPRS122 full-range speakers and the 15” XPRS1152S and 18” XPRS1182S subwoofers. All are designed to deliver a high-caliber system for mobile DJs, live sound, houses of worship, rental and fixed installations. www.pioneerproaudio.com
Pliant Technologies’ latest MicroCom XR firmware update adds a Dual Listen feature, giving users the ability to listen to two intercom channels simultaneously. This has the benefit of monitoring communications on both the A and B channels, while also allowing users to switch between talking on either channels A or B independently. In addition, this feature is selectable on each pack in the system, giving the individual user a choice between Dual Listen and normal A or B channel communications. www.plianttechnologies.com
RCF’s new ART 9-AX speaker line shares the electro-acoustic features of RCF’s popular ART 9 Series, integrating powerful Class-D amplification, high-performance DSP, and innovative transducers enclosed in a robust composite material cabinet. Available with 15” 12” or 10” woofers and a 1.75” HF compression driver, the AX Series is differentiated by including Bluetooth streaming/pairing, iOS and Android remote control and an onboard 6-channel digital mixer with a large color touch screen. www.rcf.it
Renkus Heinz showcased its UBX Series of passive column speakers and Iconyx Compact Series digitally steerable arrays. Using the same complex steering algorithms as its flagship Iconyx columns, the UBX Series’ new Passive UniBeam™ Technology delivers clear sound and consistent coverage with minimal distortion or side lobe artifacts. UBX are available in three weather-resistant sizes — UBX4, UBX8 and UBX16 — all in sleek, unobtrusive cabinets that can be surface-mounted for minimal architectural intrusion in any space. www.renkus-heinz.com
Riedel was showing its new punQtum line of affordable, easy-to-use partyline standalone intercom system of speaker stations, headsets and PoE-powered beltpacks for theaters, touring, music venues, corporate events and broadcast. The punQtum solution can easily be integrated with existing systems via an IP switch, giving venues the flexibility to extend and customize existing systems on a budget. www.punqtum.com
Sennheiser is now shipping its EW-DX dual-channel digital UHF wireless system featuring simplified workflows and top-notch superior audio quality. It also offers a wide 87 MHz tuning range (with 3,480 available frequencies), intelligent switching diversity, auto-scan, an equidistant tuning grid and a Link Density mode allowing up to 293 channels on the same system. Systems are available in dual-bodypack, dual-handheld or combo handheld/bodypack versions. www.sennheiser.com
Shure has joined D-Tools’ Industry & Insights (i3) Program. The entire Shure product catalog is now officially available in the D-Tools Cloud and System Integrator software. Users can access up-to-date Shure product specifications and list price information through an extensive and integrated product library. www.shure.com
Void Acoustics celebrated its 20th anniversary with a number of new products. A high-powered, arrayable point-source speaker for the touring industry, Arclite pairs with Void’s Arcline 218 and Arcline 118 subs, offering scalability with max output and coherence for a true point-source alternative to the Arcline 8. New for the install market is the Air 15, an IP rated reflex-loaded 15” fiberglass (non-resonant) subwoofer, complementing mid-high enclosures from both the Air and Cyclone series. www.voidcoustics.com
Wisycom’s MTP61 miniature multiband bodypack transmitter is small, light and has a wide 470 to 1,260 MHz tuning range. The MTP61’s compact design makes it ideal for theater applications, and a Bluetooth module lets users adjust parameters in real time via mobile device apps. It also features an embedded recorder that stores directly on the internal 64 GB micro SD card and integrated Linear Time Code decoding. www.wisycom.com
More to Come!
There were a lot more cool products at ISE 2023 and we will continue to present these online at fohonline.com and in future issues of FRONT of HOUSE. Meanwhile, ISE returns to Barcelona next year from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, 2024. Hasta la vista!
