This month’s New Gear section includes details about products from Adamson, HK Audio, JBL, Lewitt Audio, Mojave Audio, PK Sound, Radial Engineering, Universal Audio, Void Acoustics and Whirlwind.
Adamson Blueprint AV 1.3.2
Adamson Systems Engineering announced that their latest update to Blueprint AV, the company’s proprietary audio system design and simulation software, is now available. This free download is a native Java-run program for both PC and Mac platforms, and it can run in 2-D for fast deployments or as high-resolution 3-D simulations in a variety of ways — SPL, time or directivity. The v1.3.2 version adds profiles for Adamson’s newest IS-Series cabinets, the IS213 ultra-compact, install-focused subwoofer and the IS5c coaxial point-source enclosure.
HK Audio POLAR 8
The latest in HK’s POLAR line of column systems, the compact POLAR 8, has six powerful 2.5″ neodymium speakers in a curved column arrangement. Together with the high-performance 8” woofer in a metal-reinforced, low-resonance plastic enclosure and 1,200 watts of Class-D power, the system promises powerful, uniform sound, with ample power to its wide 120° x 45° (HxV) coverage pattern. Features include an integrated three-channel mixer and Bluetooth 5 streaming and Bluetooth TWS for combining two POLAR 8s for a true stereo system.
JBL Ships VTX A6 Compact Line Array
For small- to mid-size touring, portable gigs and fixed installs, JBL expands its flagship VTX series with the VTX A6 dual-6.5” passive line array and new 15” subwoofers — the arrayable B15 and the ground stacked B15G. The VTX A6 combines two 6.5” woofers and a 3-inch annular-diaphragm comp driver for 134 dB max SPLs. Software options include JBL’s LAC-3 design application, the Array Link deployment tool and Performance Manager for configuration/control. A wide range of rigging/mounting systems and accessories are also available.
Lewitt Audio MTP W950 Modular Mic System
Lewitt Audio previews its MTP W950 Modular Microphone System, a handheld vocal mic combining studio technology with excellent feedback/bleed rejection. The mic’s 1” true condenser capsule can detach from the body for use with industry-standard screw-on wireless systems. Other features include switchable cardioid and supercardioid polar patterns, a -12 dB attenuation switch, an onboard low-cut filter and cupping-safe design to avoid tonal coloration shifts when singers grab the mic over the basket. Deliveries are slated for Q4 2022.
Mojave MA-D Dynamic Mic
Its first handheld vocal mic, Mojave Audio’s MA-D was designed by industry legend Dave Royer and is described as the “Smooth Alternative,” as it provides a flat response that sidesteps the usual presence peak found in most handheld vocal mics. This medium-diaphragm dynamic mic has a fairly wide cardioid pattern with uncolored off-axis response that’s ideal for artists that move around the mic a bit, yet can add LF fullness via its proximity effect. The MA-D ships this month and has a street price of $169.
PK Sound T218 Subwoofer
PK Sound’s T218 intelligent subwoofer features onboard DSP, Class-D amplification and networking enable auto-identification and configuration within PK .dynamics software through a simple multipin connection. The T218’s dual 18” woofers in a bass reflex enclosure offer 144 dB peak SPLs. A field-replaceable module on the rear of the cabinet houses the 4,000 W amplifier, control electronics and power supply. Rigging hardware allows up to 16 T218s to be flown in a column or modules can be ground-stacked in conventional or cardioid configurations.
Radial Ships POWER-1/POWER-2 Line
Radial Engineering is now shipping its POWER-1 ($109) and POWER-2 ($199) single-rackspace surge suppressor, interference filtering and power conditioning units. Both offer eight rear outlets (four are wide-spaced to accommodate wall-warts), a front USB power outlet and an illuminated power switch. The POWER-1 adds three front convenience outlets; the POWER-2 has a single front outlet, but adds a pull-out rack lighting module with dimmer control and a choice of seven color variations.
Universal Audio Ships SP-1 Mics
Announced earlier this year and now available, UA’s SP-1 Standard Pencil mics are offered in pairs with two matched small-diaphragm condenser mics, mic clips, foam windscreens, a T-bar mount for stereo use and a travel case. Beyond the retro nickel finish and roadworthy build, the mics’ cardioid pickup, high-SPL tolerance and smooth top-end are ideal for acoustic guitars, drum overheads, piano, stringed instruments, horns and more, whether used singly or as a stereo matched-set. Street price is $399/pair, including all accessories.
Void Acoustics Cyclone 4
Void Acoustics expands its IP-55 rated Cyclone series with Cyclone 4, a smaller solution for all-weather applications such as outdoor venues and entertainment spaces. Inside the molded 2.7-pound ABS enclosure (available in all RAL colors) is a passive 4” coaxial driver with a 0.75” soft dome tweeter. Specs include: 30 watt handling (AES), 70° x 70° dispersion, 83 Hz – 20k Hz response and 108 dB peak SPLs. It includes a wall bracket and a matching 12” Cyclone Bass subwoofer is optional.
Whirlwind TLP Powercon Cable Tester
The Power Link TLP (Tester Line-Pcon) is a dedicated test device for Neutrik Powercon three-wire power cables, with a battery-powered continuity tester that conveniently verifies the condition of power cords for continuity, shorts and incorrect connections. Three green and one red LED indicate correct wiring or any fault conditions. Operation is hands-free; there are no buttons to push or knobs to turn. A battery test button is provided to confirm condition of the internal 9 VDC cell.
