Founded more than two decades ago, the Parnelli Awards have evolved over the years, adding new categories to reflect changes in the industry. One notable (and popular) addition came in 2009, with the launch of the Indispensable Technology (IT) Awards for Audio, Lighting, Video and Staging/Effects. Of particular interest to FRONT of HOUSE readers, of course, are those focused on advancing the technology of sound reinforcement.
Here are the six finalists vying for the 2024 Audio IT Award. Voting is open to all FRONT of HOUSE subscribers through December 15, so go to www.parnelliawards.com and do your part! The winning product will be revealed at the Parnelli Awards, on the evening of January 26, 2024, during the NAMM Show in Anaheim.
See you there!
DiGiCo Quantum 852 Console
The new flagship in DiGiCo’s console family, the large-format, 52-fader Quantum 852 provides 384 mono input channels, 192 Aux/Sub-Group buses, a 64×64 Processing Matrix, 384 Nodal Processors, 128 Mustard Processors and 32 Spice Racks. The newly designed, easy-to-navigate worksurface offers three 21.3” 1,000-nit touch screens for full daylight operation. Under the hood, each fully redundant processing engine is powered by five 7th-generation FPGAs and the latest next-gen SHARC DSP processors. And with its lightweight alloy frame construction, weight is 264 pounds — just 0.687 pounds per input channel.
JH Audio Ambient Pro In-Ear System
JH Audio’s next-gen ambient in-ear monitors, Ambient Pro offers engineers complete control of an artist’s mix using an omnidirectional DPA capsule imbedded into each earpiece. Paired with Lectrosonics’ DCHT Transmitter and DCR822 Digital Receiver, audio is transmitted in stereo directly to the console and back to the artist for a pristine, natural live sound. Ambient Pro features eight balanced armatures per side with a true 4-way crossover and is modeled around the new RDU Dual Supertweeter for extended treble response.
L-Acoustics L Series Line Array
The new modular L Series features the L2 mid-to-long throw element and the L2D short and wide throw element. Large-scale systems can easily be configured simply by incorporating these two elements. While each element is larger than a typical line array enclosure, they represent a significant amount of savings — in rigging time, in space on the truck (or in a warehouse) and the overall system size for its output. L-Acoustics claims that one L2 or L2D element provides the same contour as four of its K2 elements, yet it’s 46 percent smaller and 40 percent lighter.
Meyer Sound 2100-LFC Subwoofer
Unveiled a year ago, 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. The 2100-LFC offers Milan-protocol digital audio coupled with comprehensive monitoring telemetry, all connected directly to each individual loudspeaker. This total networked capability, when coupled with Meyer Sound’s new Nebra connection and monitoring software, enables fast system configuration and comprehensive monitoring of all system parameters.
QSC L-Class Speakers
QSC’s new L Class advanced, intelligent, active speakers handle applications from simple, portable, plug-and-play setups, to demanding, networked productions and fixed installs, configured and deployed with speed and reliability. Onboard Dante connects L Class to networked AV systems and connected stages. The scalable line includes the LA108 (2-way, 8”) and LA112 (2-way, 12”) active line arrays and the LS118 (single-18”) active subwoofer. Onboard DSP and QSC AWARE™ (Automatic Wireless Array Recognition) system intelligence provides one-button single-box or full array intelligence and optimization.
Yamaha DM7 Series Consoles
Yamaha expanded its DM mixer series, with the DM7, DM7 Compact and optional CTL-DM7 control expansion unit. The DM7 can process 120 input channels and features 32 local inputs, and 16 local outputs. The DM7 Compact can process 72 channels has 16 local inputs, and 16 local outputs. Both mixers have up to 144-in/out Dante networking at 96kHz; 48 mix, 12 matrix and two stereo buses; onboard Virtual Circuitry Modelling (VCM) and Rupert Neve Designs plug-ins; 64 channels of Dan Dugan auto-mixing; and can be used with any Yamaha R Series I/O Racks.
https://usa.yamaha.com/products/proaudio/
