To say the audio industry has endured some strange times in the past year or so is putting it mildly. And large public gatherings, including tradeshows have taken a major hit during that time. So after the many on-again/off-again announcements for its first expo in its new home of Barcelona, Spain (after years of hosting the event in Amsterdam), all eyes were on Integrated Systems Europe 2021.
“Our exhibitors made it clear there’s a desire to get the industry together, but on a local level,” said Integrated Systems Events director Mike Blackman. “We are targeting Europe’s key markets across the AV sector and aim to deliver a quality audience who want to meet potential suppliers, existing customers and network with their peers.”
The solution finally arrived in the form of a split convention, held June 1-2 at the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via center and then June 23-24 at London’s Evolution facility, with both offering virtual online and in-person components.
While the eventual attendee total was a fraction of the pre-pandemic levels, exhibitors (virtual and on-site) and the integrator community did turn out for the hybrid events, which offered live education sessions and new gear launches. Here are a few highlights of products for sound reinforcement pros.
Gear, Here!
Adamson (www.adamsonsystems.com) expanded its IS-Series install speakers line, now with IP55-rated IS-Series Weatherized models, ideal for marine/coastal venues, outdoor stadiums, open-air performance spaces and other permanent outdoor installs. Additionally, Adamson updated its design tool suite for integrators with new Autodesk Revit and SketchUp libraries for the IS-Series, and EASE and CAD files for the full speaker line.
Amate Audio (www.amateaudio.com) spotlighted its new flagship X102DF point-source speaker, which they described as a “line array killer.” Useable vertically or horizontally, the powered (3,000W) X102DF has two 10” woofers and a 1.4” exit HF driver on a rotatable 80°x60° horn. Onboard DSP and Dante networking are standard; a X218WF sub is optional.
Biamp (biamp.com) announced the acquisition of Neets A/S, a Danish manufacturer of AV control systems. The Neets A/S line, including its recent product additions that target conferencing applications dovetail nicely with Biamp’s current offerings.
Bosch (www.bosch.com) focused on its conference solutions, debuting the new DICENTIS Flush range for fixed installations and Ambient Noise Sensor (ANS) — the latest addition to its PRAESENSA family.
d&b audiotechnik (www.dbaudio.com) launched its 40D high-performance amplifier. It’s d&b’s most powerful, four-channel, Class-D installation amp and features a 4.3” color touch screen displaying speaker settings, device status and more. d&b also showed its new A-Series augmented array (which occupies the space between conventional line array and horizontal array formats, with 50° to 150° dispersion) and hosted live demos of its Soundscape immersive audio technology at Barcelona’s famed Sola Apolo venue.
Dynacord (www.dynacord.com) presented new SONICUE options for the integration of third-party controls, GPIOs and SONICUE’s API and also unveiled its TGX20 4-channel DSP power amplifier for live applications, which packs 20k watts into a 2U chassis and includes OMNEO integration for seamless compatibility with Dante and OCA.
Electro-Voice (www.electrovoice.com) unveiled its Mac/Win PREVIEW array prediction software for configuring E-V line arrays for optimized coverage, simplifying system setup by creating visualizations of coverage, SPL, frequency response and precise mechanical rigging load calculations — in a user-friendly, color 3D interface.
Equipson’s (www.equipson.es) WORK PRO pro audio installation division launched the ENTAR line of two-way passive and active speakers aimed at the install and live sound markets. All feature all-wood construction for light P.A. applications and double as stage monitors or for front/side/rear fills.
Focal (www.focal.com) presented its 1000 series of line of in-wall and in-ceiling speakers — including the 1000 IWSUB Utopia sub — all designed to be discreet, adjustable and positionable for optimum sound spatialization.
Genelec (www.genelec.com) showcased their Smart IP speakers, which provide power, audio and loudspeaker management via a single, standard Cat cable. Based on IP and PoE, the Smart IP platform includes a proprietary internal power supply that’s said to deliver higher SPLs than previously possible via any conventional PoE. Via its loudspeaker management software, Smart IP also enables flexible system integration, supervision, management and monitoring over IP.
L-Acoustics (www.l-isa-immersive.com) was spotlighting its new L-ISA Studio software suite and upgraded L-ISA engine that simplifies spatial audio content creation, enabling pre-production power for an L-ISA multidimensional live show from anywhere. An onboard binaural engine allows monitoring spatial content via headphones with optional head tracking; the suite can also be deployed in any mix space with up to 12 monitor speakers.
RTS (www.rtsintercoms.com) introduced DBP (Digital Beltpack) — the latest addition to the brand’s portfolio of OMNEO IP intercom solutions. DBP is a four-channel/four-button wired beltpack that runs on PoE+ and connects using OMNEO IP technology. Its hybrid design supports both digital partyline and matrix keypanel modes.
Sennheiser’s (www.sennheiser.com) Evolution Wireless Digital, operates in the UHF (470 to 608 MHz range), borrows technology from its flagship Digital 6000 and Digital 9000 series and adds an easy-to-use app-based workflow, interchangeable capsules on the handhelds and affordable $699/channel street pricing for a handheld or bodypack system. Sennheiser also demoed the TruVoicelift directional feature for its TeamConnect Ceiling 2 conference room microphone array.
Shure (www.shure.com) expands its AV conferencing solutions to include Stem Ecosystem and Microflex Ecosystem products. With Stem products, customers can easily install and manage their meeting rooms, while having a device backed by a robust platform full of tools. Microflex Ecosystem products bring precision in any kind of environment, offering a complete networked portfolio delivering high-quality audio that’s both scalable and customizable.
More to Come…
Integrated Systems Europe will return to the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via center next year from Feb. 1-4, 2022. ¡Hasta la vista!
