From June 13-19, more than 39,000 professional audiovisual buyers and sellers from more than 108 countries descended on Orlando’s massive Orange county convention center for InfoComm 2015. This represents a 5.6 percent increase in attendance over last year’s show. This year’s expo also drew 950 exhibitors in demo rooms and exhibits, occupying a record 515,000 net square feet of exhibit and special events space.
Keeping up with changes in technologies, local and federal regulations, building codes and more can be a full time job in itself. A key part of InfoComm is the wealth of training, education and industry certification opportunities it offers, and thousands attended this year’s InfoComm University™ sessions.
“InfoComm is the ideal place to make AV purchasing decisions, connect with contacts and learn principles that will boost your effectiveness,” said David Labuskes, CTS, executive director/CEO of InfoComm International. “The marketplace strongly supports the InfoComm show, and we are grateful for the attendee support and for the innovative exhibitors who are committed to making InfoComm a can’t-miss event on the industry calendar.”
This year’s expo also drew 950 exhibitors in demo rooms and exhibits, occupying a record 515,000 net square feet of exhibit and special events space. Obviously, most of that was by video, display and signage technologies, but this still left some 300 audio-only exhibitors to check out, making it difficult to see everything audio over the three short days on the show floor.
Interestingly, the catchphrase for this year’s InfoComm was “Wow.” I think we’d have to agree, as this year’s show did not disappoint, providing plenty to see — and hear — for the sound reinforcement professional. The following are just a few of the new product debuts that caught our attention on the audio side.
Consoles: Making Headlines
Nearly everyone at the show seemed to be shopping for digital consoles, and there were plenty of new offerings.
Allen & Heath (allen-heath.com) launched dLive, its next-gen mixing system, providing ultra-flexible architecture, powerful FPGA processing, numerous expansion, control and networking options tailored to applications from touring to festivals to installations. The distributed system uses a separate mix Surface and MixRack, offered in three sizes — the DM32, DM48 and DM64 and three control surfaces sharing common config/setup/show files. The 96k/96-bit XCVI Core has 128 inputs with full processing and 16 dedicated stereo FX returns, for 160 inputs to mix.
Three customizable surfaces integrate wrap-around controls with a single or twin 12-inch touch screens, gesture control, configurable widget areas for Scenes, meters and FX. The MixRack and Surface support a range of networking cards, including Dante, Waves SG, ACE, and MADI, and fiber optic is slated.
Dual redundancy is included in the dual hot-swappable power supplies every audio connection in the system. Prices range from $22,500 for a small dLive to approximately $35,000 for a large touring system. See the video dLive demo at http://www.fohonline.com/foh-tv.
Avid (avid.com) reported that leading sound companies worldwide are embracing the VENUE | S6L fully modular, scalable live sound mixing system, announced earlier this year at Musikmesse/PL+S and slated to ship in the second half of 2015. Also at the show, Waves Audio (waves.com) revealed that it has been working with Avid to bring support for Waves plug-ins to the VENUE | S6L through its innovative SoundGrid technology and customers will be able to access Waves plug-ins via the growing Avid Marketplace.
DiGiCo (digico.biz) was demoing its S21 console, which offers 40 Flexi channels, 46 buses, 24 onboard preamps and two large multi-touch screens. The 96 kHz S21 FPGA shares the same algorithms as DiGiCo’s SD7, while its mic preamp designs are taken from the 192 kHz SD-Rack. also featured are user-definable, snapshot automation, a 10 x 8 matrix, 16 assignable 32-band EQs, eight FX engines and dynamics on every input and bus.
Two S21 rear-panel DMI slots accommodate a wide range of input/output configurations or platforms for up to 64 I/O’s. The DMI card format is shared by DiGiCo’s Orange Box audio format converter in a 2U chassis with two slots that accommodate any of ten platforms (Dante, Hydra2, BNC, Cat-5, Optocore, Aviom, ADC, AES, DAC and SoundGrid), with more planned as future needs arise.
Lawo (lawo.com) announced several perks for its for its MC-Series digital consoles. Now shipping, the new Compact I/O stagebox connects via Cat-5 or optional fiber, and features 32 Lawo-grade mic/line inputs, 32 line outputs, AES3 digital I/O’s, outputs, Ravenna ports, MADI and more. Perhaps the big news was that Waves Audio is working with Lawo to integrate SoundGrid technology and Waves plug-ins into the mc2 series consoles. “The integration of Waves products gives our customers access to Waves’ comprehensive plug-in collection,” says Lawo’s Christian Struck, “which is a perfect complement to our system, especially for live and install sound applications.”
Mackie (mackie.com) is shipping the DL Dante Expansion Card for its DL32R, bringing networked audio performance to this 32-channel, iPad-controlled digital mixer. The card adds 32×32 channels of network audio I/O, allowing the DL32R to be connected to any Dante-powered AV network. Also included is a Dante Virtual Soundcard software license, for direct recording/playback of up to 64 channels of audio to a PC or Mac computer.
PreSonus’ (presonus.com) StudioLive CS18ai mix controller is a modular control surface for its StudioLive RM-series rack-mount, Active Integration digital mixers and Studio One DAW. Networking with StudioLive RM32ai and RM16ai mixers via AVB Ethernet and PreSonus UCNET technology, the StudioLive CS18ai offers 18 touch-sensitive motorized faders and enables hardware control of all mixer features, managing up to 64 channels, from the surface, a Wi-Fi tablet, Windows 8 touch screen or all three. See the CS18ai video tour at http://www.fohonline.com/foh-tv.
QSC (QSC.com) was demoing the 2.1 firmware upgrade for its TouchMix-8 and TouchMix-16, which improves mixer stability and Wi-Fi connectivity, adds MIDI-over-USB footswitch support, more flexible scene recall functions and the ability to use aux mixes as subgroups.
Roland (proAV.roland.com) is shipping its M-5000 OHRCA (Open High Resolution Configurable Architecture) digital console, featuring 128 assignable audio paths, 96 kHz support and up to 460 inputs/456 outs at 48k Hz. New at InfoComm were seven console expansion/interface cards that support REAC, Dante, MADI, Waves SoundGrid, SDI), SFP and DVI.
Soundcraft (soundcraft.com) demoed the new flagship mixers in its Vi Series: the Vi5000 and Vi7000, shown earlier this year. Yet there was plenty of notice for the 40-input Si Impact digital console with ViSi iPad control and built-in Stagebox connectivity for I/O expansion. It also features a 32-in/32-out USB recording and playback interface FaderGlow motorized faders, LCD channel displays or scribble strips and studio-grade effects and dynamics from BSS, Lexicon and dbx.
Solid State Logic (solidstatelogic.com) debuted new V3 software that introduces more than 40 new software and hardware features and updates for its SSL Live console range. Most importantly, it brings the L500 from 192 mix paths to 256 with a doubling of effects processing power; while the L300 goes from 128 to 192 mix paths.
Yamaha (yamahaca.com) was showing its new, TF Series digital consoles (reviewed in last month’s FRONT of HOUSE), and new the RSio64-D I/O Dante/Mini-YGDAI format conversion interface that can handle up to 64 inputs and 64 outputs while providing router functionality. But the big news was the official USA debut of the Rivage PM-10, Yamaha’s flagship digital console. The PM-10 offers 144 input channels, 72 mix buses, 36 matrix buses — all with up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution, and an ever expanding set of signal processing from Rupert Neve, Eventide, TC Electronic and Yamaha’s own VCM (Virtual Circuitry Modeling) collection. Shipping begins later this year. For more info, see the video tour on http://www.fohonline.com/foh-tv.
Speakers: Driving the Industry
You can’t have a sound reinforcement show without speakers and InfoComm offered models of every size, shape and variety — to fit anyone’s needs.
Alcons Audio’s (alconsaudio.com) LR28 large-format line array is designed for touring and installs, with a proprietary RBN1404rsr 14-inch pro-ribbon driver, quad 6.5-inch cone mids and dual 14-inch woofers.
Bose (bose.com) expanded its portable P.A. offerings with the F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker and F1 Subwoofer. Designed to serve a wider set of applications than its L1 systems, the F1 Model 812 offers power and clarity with easy setup in an aesthetically pleasing design. Each F1 has eight Bose proprietary 2.25-inch drivers on 100-degree horizontal waveguides and the sub section has a 12-inch woofer— all with 2,000 watts of power.
Coda Audio’s (codaaudio.com) AiRAY is a three-way, dual-12 line array that’s half the size and weight of conventional dual-12 systems. It offers variable horizontal coverage of 90/110/100 degrees asymmetrical (45 + 55 degrees or 55 + 45 degrees) and is in a 26.5 x 14 x 22.5-inch, 84-pound enclosure. A complementary, flyable SCV-F single-18 subwoofer is also offered. See the Coda AiRAY video tour on FOH-TV at http://www.fohonline.com
Danley Sound Labs (danleysoundlabs.com)’s Exodus System puts its patented point-source Synergy Horn technology inside a line array form factor. Models include the XD-96 (90 x 60-degree) far-throw loudspeaker, the XD-62 (60 x 20-degree) near-field extension, and the XD-118 subwoofer.
D.A.S. Audio’s (dasaudio.com) DASnet v1.5 control and monitoring software has been expanded with full control of all Aero series speakers, including the new Aero 20A line arrays. D.A.S. also expanded its Action line with Action 118A single-18 active sub with 3,200 Watts of onboard Class-D power.
dB Technologies’ (dbtechnologies.com) DVA Mini is composed of dual line array modules, each outfitted with two 6-inch mid-bass drivers and two 1-inch exit neodymium HF drivers. One module includes the amplifier, providing 200-watts RMS to each module. Two modules weigh just 19 pounds, and include self-contained mounting hardware. A DVA MS-12 subwoofer is also offered and units can be flown, pole mounted or ground stacked.
EAW’s (eaw.com) Redline speaker family has two powered, two-way speakers (the RL12 12-inch and RL15 15-inch) and a matching cardioid-ready RL18S 18-inch powered sub. The RL12 and RL15 have user-rotatable 90 x 60 horns, 1.250 watt Class-D amps, EAW Focusing™ processing, DynO™ power optimization to maximize headroom and user-defined voicing options. See the EAW Redline video demo at http://www.fohonline.com
Electro-Voice (electrovoice.com) was demoing products from its X-Line Advance family. The X2-212/90 12-inch compact line-array intended for large houses of worship, concert/tour sound, sports/theaters/performing arts centers. It’s based around a new 12-inch neodymium woofer and the new next-gen ND6A 3-inch HF compression drivers. It also incorporates Hydra plane-wave generators (for accurate box coupling and controlled HF performance) and an integrated rigging system. EV also launched the full range X1-212/90 for small- to mid-sized applications and the dual-18” X12-128 subwoofer.
FBT (fbt.it) showed flyable subwoofer solutions. The Mitus 118FSA and FSCA each have an 18-inch neodymium driver and can be suspended either facing forward (118FSA) or rearward (118FSCA). Using these cardioid-arrayable designs, more than 15 dB of rejection is possible behind the array. Both feature a 33 Hz to 100 Hz response, onboard 1,200 Watt Class-D amplification and built in DSP. Similar models (active and passive) are also offered in the Muse line as the 118FSCA/FSA and unpowered 118FSC/FS.
Grund Audio Design (grudorf.com) announced three new subwoofers designed for use with its popular LC Series column arrays. The LC-2SA, LC-5SA, and LC-8SA subwoofers are all powered systems that incorporate a 2.1 amplifier designed to drive both the subs and stereo satellite column array loudspeakers. The LC-2SA uses a 12-inch woofer; the LC-5SA has a 15-inch driver and the LC-8SA is a single-18.
JBL Professional (jblpro.com) expanded its line array offerings with the VTX V20-DF Down Fill Adapter, allowing users to cover audiences more accurately, powerfully and economically in terms of VTX V25-II and V20 cabinet counts. The adapter frame is purposefully designed and engineered as an easy attachment of up to six V20 loudspeakers to larger V25 line arrays.
K-array’s (k-array.com) Slim Array Technology touring speaker line expands with the self-powered, digitally steerable KH7. Part of the Firenze Series, it has four 12-inch neodymium coaxial drivers, can be used horizontally or vertically and — with 4,000W of onboard powering — can reach peaks of 141 dB. A companion KS8 Slim Array 4,500W dual-21 subwoofer is also available.
KS Audio (ksaudio.com)
launched its self-powered CPD 14 boasting cylindrical wave radiation with three 10-inch drivers, four 5-inch mid driver and a 1.75” ring diaphragm driver. The sound shaping mid section provides a vertical uniformly narrow illumination angle, while the vertical curvature of the wavefront continues in into the crossover region. Two woofers are side mounted in the enclosures for a minimal profile look that resembles a conventional line speaker.
KV2 Audio (KV2audio.com) was turning heads with its large-format VHD5.0 Constant Power Point Source Array system, intended for crowds of 50,000 or more. Heart of the system is the VHD5.0 mid-high module, a three-way enclosure handling low mids, mids and highs over a frequency range from 50 Hz through to 20 kHz. It incorporates eight front-loaded 10-inch low-mid drivers, six horn loaded 8-inch MF drivers and two beryllium compression drivers on a custom designed dual horn with summing waveguide.
L-Acoustics (l-acoustics.com) showed its X Series, a new line of coaxial short-throw speakers for the installation and rental markets. The X8, X12 and X15 feature high-excursion neodymium drivers, ellipsoid directivity, laminar vented ports and up to 30 percent weight reduction. For installs, models include flexible rigging accessories and custom colors. The X8 has a conical directivity; the 90 x 60 degree X12 is a multipurpose speaker also suited for FOH applications; and the X15 has a narrow 40 x 60 degree directivity and has integrated risers for adjusting the monitor angle from 35 to 55 degrees.
LD Systems (ld-systems.com) was showing its CURV 500 system which begins with a SmartLink Adapter, that clicks into up to four satellite enclosures (each with a 4-inch LF/MF driver and three 1-inch tweeters, arranged coaxially) to form a compact curved array that can be used standalone of with a 10-inch powered subwoofer to create a total system that’s full range and surprisingly loud.
Martin Audio (martin-audio.com) demoed its CDD Series coaxial loudspeakers — ranging from the micro CDD5 to the powerful CDD15 — combine distinctive curved enclosures with Coaxial Differential Dispersion technology to deliver high performance and consistent coverage to the install market. Enclosures are molded in rigid UPM Formi — a composite material offering stiffness and damping properties. Finishes are black, white or custom color.
Meyer Sound’s (meyersound.com) LEOPARD and the 900-LFC join the flagship LEO family as its smallest and most versatile members. LEOPARD can anchor a main system in a medium-sized venue or integrate with LYON as down- and out-fill systems. Meyer’s MAPP XT adds acoustic prediction, Compass RMS for real-time system performance monitoring, Galileo Callisto loudspeaker management system and the new MDM-5000 distribution module for routing AC power, audio and RMS signals.
NEXO’s (nexo-sa.com) ID Series is a ultra compact, low profile, small-format — yet high output — single speaker for use under-balcony, for front fill and side fill applications and are offered in a variety of mounting options. The ID24 full-range compact speaker uses twin 4-drivers in combination with an HF compression driver having two preset directivity options and two low-profile, yet powerful subs — the 10-inch ID S110 and the two-10 ID S210 are available.
Outline Audio’s (outline.it) STADIA100 LA range combines principles of line-source theory with proprietary Outline technologies to handle sizeable spaces such as stadia, arenas, sports facilities and large houses of worship. All share 100-degrees of horizontal dispersion, but differ in terms of vertical (10/20/30-degree) splay.
PK Sound (pksound.ca) was showing its innovative Trinity line arrays, which feature mechanical actuators for adjusting cabinet aiming angles and various degrees of horizontal dispersion. All adjustments can be made remotely using software — even when the system is hanging. PK also announced its long series of systems out in real-world applications, including the Electric Daisy Carnival, which took place in Las Vegas during InfoComm.
RCF (rcf.it) has added the three-way TTL6-A line source to its touring & theatre range. The TTL6-A has two 12-inch woofers for bass, four 6.5-inch mids and a 2-inch exit compression driver with an asymmetrical horn design so the sound stays accurately projected and unwanted reflections are avoided. The integration of four channels of 550-Watt digital amplification and advanced RDNet digital processing complete the package.
Renkus-Heinz (renkus-heinz) launched its Iconyx Gen5 and IC Live ICL-FR Gen5. Iconyx Gen5 offers more accurate steering, robust networking, TCPIP control from third party devices and more. The amplifier modules were redesigned for greater performance, yet still retain the 8-channel design and FIR engine. The company also showed the new VARIAi Modular Installation Array Systems, which combine a modular approach with a wide selection of horizontal coverage patterns within a single enclosure.
SLS Loudspeakers (slsloudspeakers.com)
was demoing its new CPA6600 and CPA6600-I compact-sized line array modules, which feature the Co-Planar Driver Arrangement, with a large, high-powered ribbon driver placed coaxially in front of a traditional cone woofer. The enclosure is just 8.5 x 13.25 x 14.75-inches (H x W x D) and weighs just 18 pounds.
VUE Audiotechnik (vueaudio.com) announced Dante networking support for its digital DSP-enabled systems, including the h-Class family of Ultra-High Definition speaker systems and V Series DSP/amplifier systems engines, which will officially ship in September, and will be incorporated in all future products, with upgrades will be available for owners of existing systems. With the launch of the Dante Ultimo chip — a cost-effective but feature-rich Dante solution for low channel-count applications — all VUE DSP systems can now include the functionality at a competitive price point.
Mics, Mics, Mics!
InfoComm 2015 didn’t have a huge number of new mic debuts, but we did uncover some interesting and useful new entries.
AKG (akg.com) unveiled the D5 C, a cardioid version of its established D5 dynamic handheld vocal performance mic. It features a laminated Varimotion diaphragm for a crisp response, a dual shock-mounted capsule eliminates to reduce handling noise and SPL handling up to 160 dB. A switched version is also offered.
Audio-Technica (audio-technica.com) announced that its A-T’s Dante-equipped ATND971 boundary mic now supports Biamp Systems Tesira v2.3, Bose ControlSpace Designer software v4.3 and Symetrix SymNet Composer v3.0. Bridging the gap between audio and IT, the ATND971 is the first wired mic to transmit audio and control data together over the Dante protocol.
Audix (audixusa.com) released the HT7, a single-ear, headworn miniature omni condenser mic for vocal applications. The mic can be used on left or right sides, has an adjustable boom arm and can be used wireless or wired with optional phantom power adapter. Adapters are available for use with a variety of bodypacks and the mic is offered in three colors — beige, black and coffee. MSRP is $345.
Countryman (countryman.com) unveiled the I2 Instrument Microphone, an omnidirectional model engineered smooth frequency response, low noise, precise polar response and natural on/off-axis response. Retail is $349 and a variety of mounts are available for securing the mic to saxes, horns, woodwinds, violin, viola, cello, guitar, flute and more.
Wireless Problems… Solved!
Wireless communications seem to be on everyone’s minds, lately, especially with the coming FCC frequency allotments, and the undetermined future of the 600 MHz band (for more details on this and some insights into what to expect, see the June, 2015 issue of FRONT of HOUSE). Yet the market for wireless devices on the pro side shows no signs of slowing down, and it was no surprise that InfoComm offered a plethora of new products, tools and solutions for RF applications.
AirNetix (airnetix.com) unveiled its AiRocks Pro repeater system, a system designed to transmit wireless audio to powered pro audio loudspeakers. Featuring unique multi-hop network architecture, excellent transmit power specs, onboard variable delay, rugged weather-resistant aluminum enclosure and easy setup, the AiRocks Pro provides high quality 2-channel stereo 900 MHz wireless RF to powered speakers or amp racks. It is well suited for delay stack applications, as well as no-fail installations such as theme parks and festivals.
Alto Professional (altoproaudio.com) expands its stealth line with the Stealth Wireless Pro, which adds wireless audio connectivity to any active loudspeaker, eliminating the need for long cable runs between console and speakers, simplifying setup/teardown and saving time. The Stealth Wireless Pro system adds true diversity reception, stereo/mono operation, removable BNC antennas, rack-mountable metal chassis, a front-panel LCD status display and onboard delay processing for adjusting delay towers and general speaker alignment. The system is slated to ship in August at a $599 MSRP.
CAD Audio (cadaudio.com) was showing its StagePass™ IEM stereo wireless in-ear monitor system that features frequency agility, superior audio performance and ease of operation. The StagePass IEM Series feature 16-channel Q-Band (470 MHz to 498 MHz) UHF frequency agile performance for connectivity in crowded RF environments. Stereo operation enables discrete signals to be transmitted to the right or left channels for enhanced monitoring capability. It includes CAD’s MEB2 TruPitch™ balanced armature monitor earbuds with EasyFit silicon molds for a custom fit, or can be used with any other earpieces of the user’s choosing. Specs include a dynamic range greater than 101dB and audio output power of 100 mW into 32 Ohms.
Kaltman Creations (kaltmancreationsllc.com) demoed its RF-ResQ antenna signal processor. Designed to fight wireless “spectrum squeeze” and RF congestion issues, the single rack space unit can salvage unusable RF spectrum and substantially reduce interference. Onboard filters in this 8-channel antenna distribution amplifier with RF router adapt to various receiver/distribution configurations and provide one filter/frequency per receiver channel, so your receiver only sees its assigned transmitter frequency and nothing else — with no out-of-band RF interference. Both analog and digital wireless mic systems in the 470 MHz to 928 MHz range are supported. See the video demo at http://www.fohonline.com
Lectrosonics (lectrosonics.com) just began delivering the smallest full-featured UHF bodypack microphone transmitter available today — the SSM (Super Slight Micro). Part of the company’s Digital Hybrid Wireless series, the SSM is compatible with all current Lectrosonics receivers including the UCR411A, SR Series, L Series, and Venue Series, as well as several older models. The SSM has a wide tuning bandwidth of three standard Lectrosonics blocks or up to about 76 MHz, depending on the specific frequency range. RF power is selectable at 25 or 50 mW. The SSM uses the rugged, industry-standard Lemo 3-pin mic connector used extensively in theatrical applications. Dimensions are 2.52 x 1.48 x 0.57 inches and weight is only 2.3 ounces, including battery.
Professional Wireless Systems (PWS, professionalwireless.com) released its updated Intermodulation Analysis Software (IAS) 5.0, a complete frequency management tool designed to help coordinators quickly choose the best frequencies for each specific wireless system and tuning range. IAS offers coordinators complete, remote access to a list of local television frequencies in-use in any given area, affording them the ability to locate open frequencies that are free from overlapping digital TV signals and intermodulation distortion.
Radio Active Designs (radioactiverf.com) — a company spearheaded by industry veterans James Stoffo and Geoff Shearing — showed the UV-1G narrow-band wireless intercom system. The belt packs (RAD packs) transmit on the VHF band, thus freeing up valuable UHF bandwidth for wireless mics and IEM systems. The system can operate 30 base stations with up to 180 RAD packs in the same frequency footprint as a single base station/four beltpack system based on traditional FM technology, The system operates in a VHF range that’s below the allowed range of portable TVBDs.
RF Venue (rfvenue.com) was previewing DISTRO4+, which combines high quality antenna distribution and UHF spectrum analysis — two essential tools, together in a single rack space and compatible across all wireless mic brands. Unlike freestanding spectrum analyzers, DISTRO4+ allows easy visualization of your RF conditions from the perspective of the receivers. At the flick of a switch, feed the spectrum analyzer from either diversity A or B cascade port or check external sources via the front panel RF input connector.
Shure (shure.com) is shipping its Mac/Windows Wireless Workbench 6.11, with new features to help manage all facets of wireless system performance, including inventory batch edits for modifying a group of devices or channels at the same time. A Coordination Workspace allows frequency calculations for subsets of wireless inventory before deployment. And an improved monitoring interface displays all channels with a common channel strip layout. Channel strips can be customized and multiple channel strip arrangements can be stored in views and used to monitor a customized group of channels. It’s compatible with the Shure Axient Wireless Management Network; UHF-R, ULX-D and QLX-D digital systems; and PSM 1000 systems.
Amping It Up!
Amplifiers keep getting more powerful, smaller, leaner and smarter. And InfoComm had plenty of examples of that trend.
Crown (crownaudio.com) added two models to its DriveCore Install (DCi) Network Series amplifier lineup with the introduction of its DCi 4|2400N and DCi 2|2400N power amps. These new 2-and 4-channel models incorporate DriveCore technology to deliver high power output from a compact, energy-efficient form factor and offer extensive networked system control capabilities. Both units deliver 1,900 Watts into 8 ohms, 2,400 Watts into 4 ohms and 2,100 Watts into 2 ohms and also offer “constant voltage” capabilities for 70V and 100V systems without requiring a step-up transformer. Networked monitoring and control capabilities are provided via primary and secondary Ethernet ports. The amplifiers are compatible with HiQnet Audio Architect system setup/control software and utilize TCP/IP-based protocol in HiQnet for network monitoring and control.
Danley Sound Labs (danleysoundlabs.com), known best for its speakers and subwoofers, announced a new series of British-made amplifiers and processors. Named the Danley DNA (Danley Networkable Amplifier) Series, the introductory lineup includes the DNA 5k4c (1,250 W/channel), the DNA 10k4 Pro (2,500 W/ch), the DNA 20k4 Pro (5,000 W/ch), and the DNA SC48 (4×8 matrix processor). All feature four independent channels and are network-ready out of the box and fully support the Dante digital audio protocol.
d&b audiotechnik (dbaudio.com) unveiled two new installation amplifiers. Both the new D10 (700 W/channel) and D30 (1,600 W/ch) models are four-channel designs, each housed in a rugged two-rackspace chassis. All feature onboard DSP (16-band EQ and up to 10 seconds of delay) and responsive remote control and monitoring via Ethernet through the Open Control Architecture protocol on Mac or Windows computers. Joining d&b’s family of installation products, the two amps reaffirm the company’s commitment to the market.
Powersoft’s (powersoft-audio.com) Ottocanali Series DSP+D amplifiers provide system control and monitoring functions, sound shaping options, up to 12,000 W output power (at 4 ohms) over eight channels for lo-Z or distributed line systems — all in a double rack unit. PFC (Power Factor Correction) and SRM (Smart Rails Management) technology maximizes system efficiency and reduces power consumption. Channel pairs are bridgeable, and two redundant universal switch mode power supplies and two redundant Dante digital streams are standard.
Production Essentials
These days, between the mics, the consoles, the speakers and the audience, there’s still a lot of gear required to make sure the message or performance gets across. And at InfoComm we found a number of cool products designed to do just that — while also making our jobs easier. Here are a few.
Focusrite (focusrite.com/rednet) expanded its RedNet line of Dante-over-IP networking products. Now shipping are the MP8R 8-channel remote-controlled mic pre; the D16R AES interface and the HD32R HD Bridge for Pro Tools — the D64R MADI Bridge is shipping soon. All offer full network and power supply redundancy. For users with less mission-critical needs and don’t require these features, the original RedNet 4 remote mic pre, RedNet 5 Pro Tools bridge, RedNet 6 MADI Bridge and D16 AES models are still available at lower price-points than the new models.
Jensen Transformers (jensen-transformers.com) showed two slick little pieces from its Iso-Max line. Both are wall mount stereo direct boxes in screw-on surface mount DB-2PX and the DB-2RM-WP versions, with the latter made to fit in a standard single-gang electrical wall box. Both are passive designs featuring — you guessed — Jensen transformers.
JoeCo (joeco.co.uk) demoed remote control options for its popular BlackBox recorder, including the JoeCoRemote 3.0 iPad control app, which offers control as well as detailed input metering, and ease of creating monitor mixes. On the hardware side, the tiny Bluetooth interface module connects directly to the BlackBox or to the JoeCo MultiRemote interface for wireless control of up to four BlackBoxes, with flexibility for controlling 24/64-channel BlackBox recorders and players.
Merging Technologies (merging.com) was showing the latest V6.0 software for its Ovation Media Server and Sequencer, which takes advantage of its powerful 3D audio spatialization engine with advanced show control features that allow users to place sounds nearly anywhere in a multi-dimensional sound field, for theaters, theme parks, special events and concerts. See the video demo on FOH-TV at http://www.fohonline.com.
Neutrik (neutrik.us) announced 14 new horizontal and vertical etherCON PCB-mount Cat-5e chassis connectors. Available in Neutrik’s A and B series, the connectors all offer true Cat-5e performance according to ISO/IEC 11801 and TIA/EIA 568-C.2. Vertical-mount products adopt standard 24mm panel spacing, to simplify incorporating these into the same circuit boards that hold XLRs, quarter-inch jacks and other PCB-mount AV connectors and new lightpipe designs can integrate through-hole or SMD LEDs.
NTi (nti-audio.com) showed updates for its XL2 acoustic analyzer. In addition to T20 calculations, the XL2 can now measure reverberation time using the T30 method via a free firmware enhancement. The XL2 employs a Schroeder reverse integration method to measure the RT60 reverberation spectrum in octave bands from 63 Hz to 8 kHz. An optional “Extended Acoustic Pack” increases the measurement resolution of any XL2 to 1/3rd octave bands in the range from 50 Hz to 10 kHz.
Riedel’s (riedel.net) MicroN is an 80G media distribution network device for the Riedel’s MediorNet line of media transport and management solutions. Working seamlessly with the MediorNet MetroN core fiber router, MicroN is a high-density signal interface with a complete array of audio, video and data inputs and outputs, including 24 SD/HD/3G-SDI I/Os, two MADI optical digital audio ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, two sync reference I/Os and eight 10G SFP+ high-speed ports.
Sommer Cable (sommercable.com) was celebrating the opening of its new American facility (headed by industry veteran Martin Ucik) and showed a offered a flexible solution for anyone dealing with HDMI. The new DVM-HDT-KIT — HDMI Engineers Toolkit with 4K and HDMI 2.0 support, an easy-to-use measurement tool for HDMI installations, rental companies, trouble-shooting and product development. Its extensive features, compact size and many useful functions make testing and controlling of HDMI sources, sinks and cable lines effortless.
Studio 6 Digital (studiosixdigital.com) was demoing its iAudioInterface2 a professional audio interface for iOS devices made to work with the popular AudioTools test app. Features include a 48V phantom-powered XLR microphone input, with up to 50dB of gain, a balanced line input for transfer function measurements, a balanced line output for signal generation, a Toslink optical digital audio output that mirrors line out at full level and also supports Dolby Digital 5.1 AC3 and DTS ES 6.1 test signals. It’s compatible with Lightning iOS devices and Mac/PC computers using the included USB interface cable.
More to Come!
There were plenty of other items at InfoComm that caught our attention and we’ll be presenting these both online at fohonline.com, as well as in future issues of FRONT of HOUSE. Farther down the road, InfoComm 2016 returns to everyone’s favorite town — Las Vegas — next year from June 4 to 10, with the exhibition slated for June 8 to 10, 2016. So now’s the time to start brushing up on your blackjack skills. We’ll see you there.
