Produced by AVIXA, the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, InfoComm is the largest professional audiovisual trade show in North America, with thousands of products for portable and installed audio, unified communications/collaboration, display, video, digital signage, home automation, security, VR and live events. The virtual version of the expo — InfoComm 2020 Connected — ran from June 16-18, while Exhibitor Showcases will be available until August 21 to maximize manufacturer brand visibility and let customers continue learning about their new gear.
(To download a PDF of this Virtual Show Report, CLICK HERE)
The show’s opening keynote presentation focused on the changes caused by COVID-19 and featured AVIXA CEO Dave Labuskes with Kate Wik of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority — the town that will return to hosting InfoComm in 2022.
All InfoComm 2020 Connected registrations are (and remain) free. Attendees can watch presentations and visit the InfoComm 2020 Connected platforms until August 21. For info about attending InfoComm 2020 Connected, visit infocomm.org.
New products are a highlight of any InfoComm, and this year featured 495 exhibitors (167 of them being audio-focused) with links and product info. In addition to dozens of educational programs and sessions, one popular attraction was the “New Tech Lightning Rounds” — 15-minute presentation slots where many exhibitors provided a “show floor” style experience to demo their newest wares.
Although a virtual event is no substitute for the “real thing,” there was still plenty of action in terms of new products. Here are a few that caught our attention.
LOUDSPEAKERS!
Adamson Systems Engineering’s (adamsonsystems.com) CS-Series speakers bring the performance of its sub-compact S-Series into the networked future with onboard powering and DSP, plus Milan-ready AVB connectivity. The series includes the ultra-compact CS7 two-way, full-range array enclosure; CS7p point-source speaker; and companion CS118 sub, along with the sub-compact CS10 two-way, full-range array; CS10n narrow-dispersion array; point-source CS10p; companion CS119 sub; a suite of CS rack-mounted systems; and a dedicated CS software solution. A CS Upgrade Kit lets owners of existing S-Series upgrade to powered CS models in minutes.
AUDAC (audac.eu) unveiled two pendant-style speakers — the ALTI series are two-way pendant loudspeakers, designed for background and foreground music applications in large-scale retail, warehouses and other large open spaces. Both styles include an internal 70V/100V transformer with a 16-ohm bypass. In addition to these pendant models, a wall/ceiling mount variant is also offered. Shipping begins this summer.
AVANTE Audio’s (avanteaudio.com) new systems (based on the 240-watt Imperio mini array and 700-watt, dual-10 Imperio SUB210) include the Imperio Max210, with eight Imperio modules, two SUB210s and rigging to hang eight arrays with the subs above. For smaller venues, the Imperio Theater Rig 210 puts four Imperio modules hanging below a SUB210; combination flown/ground and ground-stacked variants are also available.
d&b audiotechnik (dbaudio.com) featured installation-specific versions of its popular KSL series — the KSLi8/KSLi12 directional line arrays, KSLi-SUB/KSLi-GSUB ground/flown subs and a new 40D high-performance amplifier. The 80° KSLi8 and 120° KSLi12 dispersion new models use the geometry of two front-facing 10-inch and two side-firing 8-inch woofers that couple and apply cardioid techniques, providing consistent pattern control down to the lowest frequencies.
DAS Audio (dasaudio.com) is shipping its new EVENT-26A and EVENT-115A subwoofer. The EVENT-26A is a 2-way, powered line array in a v-shaped, double-6.5” configuration with 100° coverage. The EVENT-115A compact, powered bass reflex sub uses a single 15” long-excursion woofer.
Electro-Voice (electrovoice.com) is slated to ship a white-finish version of its EVOLVE 30M column system that combines an 8-channel mixer, DSP and effects. HF is via six 2.8” drivers mated to a 10” subwoofer, powered by 500-watt amps; a Bluetooth app can wirelessly control all audio functions. The compact system packs up and assembles quickly and withstands real-world wear and tear.
L-Acoustics’ (www.l-acoustics.com) Soundvision 3.1.5 software is dedicated to the acoustical and mechanical simulation of L-Acoustics line arrays and coaxial point-source systems. Beyond its real-time mapping in coverage and delay modes, the new 3.1.5 update of this 3D sound design program now includes the A15i and A10i Wide/Focus variable curvature enclosures; the KS21i sub; expands configurations of the LA2Xi amplified controller; and more.
Martin Audio (martin-audio.com) — now owned by Focusrite — featured its new SXC115 and SXCF118 compact, high-performance, powered cardioid subwoofers. A flyable version of the SXC118 released last year, the SXCF118 was designed to accompany the WPS optimized line array system, while the ground-stack SXC115 is set to partner WPM.
Meyer Sound (meyersound.com) will begin shipping its new ULTRA-X20 point-source speaker in September. This downsized version of its award-winning ULTRA-X40 in a compact package has two 5” cone drivers, HF driver, rotatable coaxial 110°x50° horn and a matching USW-112P single-12 powered subwoofer.
One Systems (onesystems.com) featured its ONE.SP8, medium-format horn-loaded speaker in a rugged, rotomolded, weather-protected, gray paintable HDPE enclosure. The 8-inch, two-way design has five M8 rigging points and includes a U-bracket and a 35mm pole mount. Response is stated as 105 – 18,000 Hz (±3 dB); dispersion is 90° x 40° (HxV); max peak SPL is 127 dB; and the unit can power from an 8-ohm load or 70/100 volts.
Renkus-Heinz’ (renkus-heinz.com) Iconyx Compact ICC12/3 single array module brings its Iconyx system flexibility (including RHAON II beam steering) to a smaller footprint, narrow cabinet array for mid-size installs. Shipping now, the ICC12/3 (and networkable ICC12/3-RN with analog and AES inputs) feature 12 digital amp channels with DSP powering 12 full-range, 3-inch cone drivers, yet are 40% smaller than the classic Iconyx.
Shure’s (shure.com) Microflex MXN5-C Networked Loudspeaker is designed for speech reproduction for AV conferencing. PoE-enabled with an onboard amplifier housed in a low-profile design, this networkable loudspeaker is optimized for easy installation in drop-ceiling configurations. Equipped with two Dante inputs and one Dante output, the MXN5-C integrates seamlessly with Shure’s new conferencing audio ecosystem of networked hardware and software for a complete audio solution.
Yorkville Sound (yorkville.com) is shipping the EF215P from its Elite powered speaker family. This full range system has dual 15” woofers and a 3.5” titanium diaphragm compression driver on a 60×40° horn in a relatively lightweight 93-pound cabinet. Ideal for FOH, sidefill or DJ monitoring, the EF215P’s 2,400W (peak) Class-D amps provide 133 dB max SPLs and with its trapezoidal enclosure, two EF215Ps can easily be arrayed to increase horizontal coverage to 120°.
CONSOLE NEWS!
Allen & Heath’s (allen-heath.com) AHM-64, is a 64×64, 96 kHz audio matrix processor supported by an ecosystem of scalable I/O (up to 268 I/Os), and optional control and Dante solutions. Designed for projects ranging from simple P.A. speaker management to complete connected venues, integrators can quickly create systems that build from a single boardroom to a complete campus. The unit has 12 local inputs and 12 outputs, plus an SLink expansion port allowing plug-n-play connection to up to eight remote expanders from Allen & Heath’s “Everything I/O” family.
Ashly Audio (ashly.com) is now shipping its mXa-1502 mixer amp, that brings four zones of mixing and DSP, plus 2 x 150W of power and programmable mic preamps into a single rackspace. DSP functions can be controlled via any browser-enabled device. It also offers multi-zone music distribution, paging, sound-masking, automatic mixing and can process 12 audio inputs into four different areas of a church, restaurant, school, office, warehouse complex or other facility.
DiGiCo’s (www.digico.biz) V 2.6 software update for its S Series consoles adds new features, including control of the A164D Wall LCD and A168D Stage interfaces for networked audio in installations via the Dante 64@96 DMI, and support for the acclaimed DMI-KLANG card. Other perks include onboard RTA (Real Time Analyser) functions and preset recall of Control Group Spill.
Dynacord’s (dynacord.com) MXE5 24 x 24 crosspoint audio matrix offers routing and low-latency, 96 kHz mixing functionalities, with 12 analog mic/line inputs and eight line outs. The MXE5 also serves as a communications hub for all IP-based peripherals and provides comprehensive supervision of all system-wide commands, with Dante, Q-SYS and AES70 integration. Onboard DSP includes dynamic EQ, delay, comp/limiting, ducking and de-ess; with automixing, Acoustic Echo Cancellation, Automatic Gain Control and Ambient Noise Control (ANC) as future updates.
PreSonus (presonus.com) released its free Ecosystem 3.0 update for its StudioLive Series III ecosystem products. The firmware strengthens AVB device connection and stream routing for easily adaptable audio networking in star and ring configs of multiple StudioLive mixers, NSB stage boxes, SW5E switches, and EarMix 16M personal monitor mixers. An AVB Auto-connect feature reconnects stream routing of any PreSonus AVB Ecosystem device after power cycling or temporary disconnects for increased reliability.
Rupert Neve Designs (rupertneve.com) announced support for native control of its RMP-D8 Dante-connected mic preamp/converter via the new V4 firmware Yamaha’s flagship RIVAGE PM series mixing consoles. With this release, integrated RMP-D8 control comes to the new RIVAGE PM3 and PM5 surfaces as well as the existing PM7 and PM10 consoles, joining Yamaha’s CL and QL series that were implemented with a previous firmware release.
MICROPHONES!
Audio-Technica‘s (audio-technica.com) Wireless Manager PC/Mac software provides remote configuration, control, monitoring, spectrum management, and frequency coordination of compatible A-T wireless devices. The new version V1.1.1 features expanded channel list reports; upgraded user tools; and more. Used with A-T’s 5000 Series (3rd Gen) and 3000 Series (4th Gen) with network control and monitoring, the software can coordinate and control all connected systems, including the 3000 Series networked chargers.
Audix (audixusa.com) announces its first reference microphone with a Type-1, half-inch, metal film diaphragm condenser capsule. The omnidirectional A127 offers detailed sound, linear response and wide dynamic range. Other than its use as a precision measurement mic, the A127 also doubles for studio or live sound use, particularly on acoustic instruments.
beyerdynamic’s (beyerdynamic.com) Revoluto microphones employ array
technology, where the mic capsules are arranged in a horizontal or vertical row. The desktop Classis RM 30 mic has a vertical array resulting in a horizontal cardioid, vertical lobe pattern for roundtable discussions, podiums, video conferencing and lecterns. The MPR 211 B horizontal-array mic has on/off, Push-To-Talk (PTT) or Push-To-Mute (PTM) modes selectable from the bottom of the microphone unit or under microprocessor control.
Lectrosonics (lectrosonics.com) expanded its D Squared wireless family with the DPR plug-on transmitter that’s ideal for use with measurement/test mics for wireless room analysis. The unit has a 470 to 608 MHz range, 5/15/48 VDC phantom power, 1 dB-step gain adjustment and can be configured as a transmitter or 24-bit WAV microSD card recorder. Also new, the half-rack 4-channel, DSQD/AES3 digital receiver has analog or AES digital outputs, and is compatible with the DPR plug-on, DBu beltpack, DHu handheld, and any Digital Hybrid Wireless transmitters.
Sennheiser (sennheiser.com) announced a V4.0.0 update of its Sennheiser Control Cockpit software tool for controlling large microphone set-ups and now — the ability to monitor the new SpeechLine Multi-Channel Receiver and the EM 6000 receiver from Sennheiser’s Digital 6000 series, in addition to evolution wireless G3 and G4, SpeechLine and the TeamConnect Ceiling 2 mic. It also adds mute switch grouping, either centrally via the Sennheiser Control Cockpit or locally from one of the devices.
Shure’s (shure.com) 2-and 4-foot Microflex Advance MXA710 Linear Array Microphones are designed for integration with its new conferencing audio ecosystem. The mics can be wall-, ceiling- or table-mounted horizontally or vertically and incorporate patented Steerable Coverage™ technology to capture audio anywhere in the room, via four lobes with the 2-foot array and eight lobes with 4-foot model. Optional is a configurable PoE-powered MXA Network Mute Button for muting/unmuting Shure networked systems products. Deliveries begin later this year.
AMPLIFIERS — POWERING UP!
LEA Professional (leaprofessional.com) launched the LEA Professional Cloud Platform. Ideal for the current era of social distancing and increased demand for remote management, this affords integrators with secure remote monitoring/control capabilities across its entire lineup of IoT-enabled Connect Series amplifiers. Responding to a need for smaller-scale amps, LEA Pro is now shipping 80- and 160-watt models in its Connect Series (CS84, CS88, CS164 and CS168) in both network and Dante versions.
Linea Research (www.linea-research.co.uk) announced the addition of Linea Research amplifier control within the new version of Symetrix Composer 7.3 Windows programming software, which lets integrators create a complete end-to-end DSP signal path using just one application. In this update, Symetrix presents Linea Research amplifiers as third-party Dante objects and have developed an Intelligent Modules control.
Powersoft (powersoft.com) unveiled the new 2-channel Duecanali 6404 DSP+D and the 4-channel Quattrocanali 8804 DSP+D. Designed for installations requiring high-SPLs, both models feature Dante digital audio networking, onboard high-end signal processing, massive 175 Vpeak outputs and can drive low-impedance loads (2/4/8 ohm) and 70V/100V distributed lines — selectable per channel. Remote access via Armonía Plus allows full operability, including monitoring and diagnostics, from a decentralized location — via laptop, PC, tablet or smart phone.
QSC (qsc.com) announced the availability of software-based Dante for the Q-SYS Ecosystem, Reducing system installation time and increasing interoperability with no additional hardware required, these licenses let users enable networked Dante audio on Q-SYS Core 110f processors running Q-SYS Designer Software v8.3.1 or higher, thus eliminating the need for additional hardware I/O to integrate Dante into the Q-SYS audio, video and control workflow.
PRODUCTION ESSENTIALS!
Audinate (audinate.com) added to its Dante AVIO audio adapter line, offering new models with USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity for use with Dante networks. The Dante AVIO USB-C adapter lets devices with USB-C ports deliver and receive two audio channels with a Dante audio network. The Dante AVIO Bluetooth adapter provides wireless connectivity to Dante networks for mobile devices and computers and is ideal for both playback from smartphones to larger sound systems, and for connecting networked speakers and mics to conferencing software. Both adapters will be available from authorized resellers in Q3 of 2020.
Cozy Roadie (cozyroadie.com) demoed its “Road Warrior,” a new, taller model of its transportable FOH chair that’s ideal for venues, traveling front of house and monitor engineers and other personnel. This drafting-style chair adjusts from 19 to 29 inches in height and features a 325-pound maximum load, a removable footrest and flip-away arms and back to suit user preferences. Using the company’s patented Click|Pack|Stack! Technology, the chair comes apart in a snap and stores compactly in an optional SKB transit case.
Neutrik’s (www.neutrik.us) compact NPS-30W is a rugged PoE injector that’s perfect for supplying PoE from a small, roadworthy form factor. Equipped with rugged, lockable power and etherCON network connectors, the unit is ideal for portable or install applications and can also be deployed in racks, podiums, and trusses using Neutrik’s optional mounting accessories.
Pliant Technologies’ (plianttechnologies.com) MicroCom XR is a simple to operate, affordable multi-user wireless intercom solution designed for production applications. A two-channel system available in 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz versions, MicroCom XR accommodates up to 10 full-duplex users and features 15-hour battery life, extended range, and high-quality audio, supporting unlimited listeners in addition to full-duplex users — all without the need for a base station.
Radial Engineering’s (radialeng.com) HotShot 48V footswitch allows a live performing artist to seamlessly redirect a condenser or dynamic microphone signal away from the main house system to the stage monitoring or in-ear system for discrete communication with band members or techs. It operates in momentary or latch switching mode; LED indicators display the selected output; 48V phantom is supplied; and the unit is powered by an included 9V PSU. Street price: $249.
RME’s (www.rme-audio.de) AVB Tool puts a 4-channel mic pre, router and converter in a half-rack enclosure. Four analog mic, line-level or Hi-Z instrument sources can be converted to digital for streaming over Ethernet AVB or MADI. Analog outs are two ¼” line jacks and a headphone out; digital outs include MADI over BNC or SFP optical, and an Ethernet port for up to 128 channels of AVB. BNC word clock I/O is standard. AVB offers eight streams (in AM824 or AAF formats); the two MADI sections can run independently or mirrored for redundancy.
Waves’ (waves.com/commercial-audio) Commercial Audio division launched CA1000 and CA2000 DSP engines, designed to integrate into new or existing AV installations. The units can process up to 16×16 (CA1000) or 64×64 (CA2000) bidirectional audio channels via a Dante network and include 15 professionally curated audio presets that help solve challenges with speech intelligibility, feedback elimination and voice processing —without loss of tonality.
Whirlwind’s (whirlwindusa.com) FOH1 front of house cable puts AC power, two Cat-6a, two balanced XLR audio lines and a quad fiber line — all housed in a rugged, easy to coil, tour-grade jacket.
BACK TO THE FUTURE…
There were more developments from InfoComm 2020 Connected and we will be following these both at fohonline.com and in upcoming issues of FRONT of HOUSE. Meanwhile, InfoComm — hopefully a non-virtual version — is slated to return (conference: June 12-18; exhibits: June 16-18) to Orlando, FL in 2021. See you there!
