InfoComm 2024 returned to Las Vegas from June 8-14 in Las Vegas, drawing some 37,000 registrants to check out the latest AV technologies from 833 exhibitors. With some 407,000 square feet of exhibit space, there was plenty to see — and hear — and here are some of the new products that caught our interest.
1 Sound’s free Auralis design software enables high-res, full-color predictions of your speaker design in a 3D space. Users can import 27 different types of files, including SketchUp (SKP) and AutoCAD (DXF) files, or easily create their own three-dimensional spaces with access to all of 1 Sound’s speakers and rigging hardware. www.1-sound.com
Adamson Systems’ VGt is a 3-way powered, Milan-driven system with two 13” Kevlar woofers, two 10” Kevlar cone directional drivers, two Kevlar M140 compression mids and two 3” HF compression drivers — all in a tour / install-friendly package capable of 151 dB peak SPLs. Adamson also unveiled Version 2 of its FletcherMachine Spatial Audio Rendering software, which enhances the system’s capabilities and workflow. The update is available as a free upgrade for existing FletcherMachine users. www.adamson.ai
Allen & Heath’s V2.0 update for its dLive mix platform adds enhanced features, improved performance and streamlined workflows. Also new: A RackUltra FX card for dLive, combining the company’s FPGA technology with ARM processing, opening dLive to the next generation of onboard processing and effects like vocal processing, reverbs, distortion, and intelligent harmonies. Meanwhile, firmware V1.2 takes its ultra compact CQ mixers to the next level with DCAs, mute groups and more. www.allen-heath.com
Ashly Audio kicks off its 50th anniversary with EcoTour, its first new FOH / performance install amplifiers in 10 years. The high-efficiency design is stable down to 0.2 ohms (!) and can handle ambient temperatures up to 120° F. www.ashly.com
Biamp’s Ed Hansen showed off Voltera D networked amplified speaker controllers, which have powerful onboard DSP, sophisticated room tuning tools and Dante, AVB and AES67 support. Available in 1,200W or 2,400W configurations across four or eight channels, all are configurable via Tesira or Biamp’s new VenueTune software. www.biamp.com
Blaze Audio expands its Hugh Sarvis-designed Constant Directivity Device (CDD) speaker series. The biamped CDD528-BA and self-powered CDD528-P have four 5” LF drivers and eight 2” MF/HF drivers for symmetrical 180°x45°coverage — ideal as portable P.A. or venue installs. www.blaze-audio.com
Cadac displayed and demoed its next-gen 96-input CM-J50, providing connectivity, control, flexibility and ultra-low latency in a familiar form factor that promises to be significantly faster, smaller and lighter than its forebears. www.cadac-sound.com
Clear-Com’s new Gen-IC system is a secure, low-latency cloud-managed virtual intercom service enabling real-time partyline workflows without requiring intercom hardware. Gen-IC is scalable for small and large teams while providing connectivity to existing on-site intercom systems. It can integrate with Clear-Com’s hardware infrastructure over LAN, WAN and the Internet. www.clearcom.com
d&b audiotechnik’s new ArrayCalc 11.4 version offers a simplified interface function in conjunction with EASE 5, providing users with a more efficient workflow for modeling sound systems and room acoustics. www.dbaudio.com
dBTechnologies announced three new models in its IS Series, including the high-output, dual-10” IS20L line array module built specifically for installation applications. Also new is the IS20T point-source speaker with rotatable horn in flyable or pole-mount versions in white or black; a companion IS115S single-15” subwoofer is offered. www.dbtechnologies.com
DAS Audio showed its ultra-compact EVENT-28A powered dual-8” line array with an M-60 HF driver. Weight? Just 44 pounds. Also new is the powered, single-18” EVENT-118A subwoofer. Both boxes have rigging hardware and easy DAScontrol system configuration. www.dasaudio.com
DiGiCo’s V.1742 software for SD and Quantum consoles lets Quantum338 and Quantum225 owners purchase DiGiCo’s Pulse software to increase input channels, buses and Mustard and Nodal Processors. V1742 also provides a free bump in Mustard processing for Quantum7 and Quantum5 customers, and supports an internal Fourier Interface Card and in-console control of KLANG:ap, Meyer’s Spacemap Go and Adamson’s FletcherMachine. www.digico.biz
DirectOut’s MAVEN smart audio platform builds on the success of the Prodigy series, offering DirectOut’s powerful DSP engine in a compact 1RU device. It shares the Prodigy’s modular architecture, is compatible with Prodigy.MP and can be tailored to the needs of any project with support for Dante, AVB/Milan, Ravenna/AES67 and SoundGrid. www.directout.eu
Eastern Acoustic Works’ SBX118F powered, arrayable 18” subwoofer can enhance any EAW full-range enclosure and can be ground stacked, flown by itself or arrayed with the NTX210L. Audio transport can be provided with Dante input and loop-thru or analog inputs, configurable from a back panel interface or EAW’s Resolution software. www.eaw.com
Electro-Voice’s LRC (Line Radiator Column) series launches this fall and features paintable exteriors and a SwiftTilt mount that allows the LRC to mount as close to wall surfaces as possible. Three passive models with 70V and Lo-Z transformers are based on 2.5” drivers for indoor or outdoor use and are supported by EASE, Ease Focus 3, Preview and SoniCUE. www.electrovoice.com
Fulcrum Acoustic’s new RX series compact install speakers have updates to the 5.25” and 6.5” models while adding 4” and 8” models. Units are ideal for incorporating into walls, stair risers, stage-lip and under-balcony applications. www. www.fulcrum-acoustic.com
Gator Cases’ Gary Ingraffia was on hand to discuss the company’s 20 new models in its collection of military-grade waterproof utility cases. Sizes are available with customizable diced-foam interiors or without foam and have a dustproof / waterproof IP67 rating, Mil-STD-810F immersion certification, and ATA 300 cert for multiple air travel cycles. www.gatorco.com
Harman / JBL Pro’s David Glaubke showed off free Venue Synthesis acoustic simulation software for Mac OS and Windows computers, which replaces JBL’s Line Array Calculator and lets users design and simulate acoustic coverage and prepare complete JBL sound reinforcement systems for rigging or installation in any environment, at any scale, in both 2D and 3D. www.jblpro.com
Holoplot’s smaller X2 shares the 3D Audio-Beamforming and Wave Field Synthesis technologies as the X1, making it more accessible for integration projects. Optimized for speech or music, X2 Modul 30 incorporates 30 full-range drivers in a single-layered matrix arrangement and taps into intelligent software-based optimization of sound system design and performance, for seamless, customizable integration. www.holoplot.com
K-array’s Kayman-KY102-EBS is a stainless-steel line array with eight 4” drivers with Electronic Beam Steering achieved via FIR processing on eight independent channels of K-array’s Kommander EBS amplifiers. Also new is the GH8 from KGEAR, which builds on the success of the GH4, utilizing Slim Array Technology to optimize linearity and directivity, but with higher-SPL performance. www.k-array.com
L-Acoustics expanded its X Series with the X8i and X6i install models — two passive coaxial enclosures for short-throw applications, either standalone or combined with a subwoofer. Each features a 1.5” compression driver coaxially loaded on a 6” or 8” LF transducer in a bass reflex cabinet. A weather-resistant IP55 rating makes them ideal for indoor and outdoor use. www.l-acoustics.com
Lawo demoed new capabilities for its mc²-Series consoles, including compatibility with Waves’ new SuperRack LiveBox, providing access and control of most studio-grade VST3 plug-ins, with snapshot-specific parameter saves and recalls. www.lawo.com
LD Systems’ MON G3 Series of active stage monitors feature coaxial speakers, with four models in 8” (shown here), 10”, 12” and 15” sizes with an integrated CD horn for 50°x90° dispersion and a 300w RMS amplifier. The low-profile designs include a pole socket for doubling as a stand-mounted P.A. speaker. www.ld-systems.com
Lectrosonics’ DSSM miniature, water-resistant digital wireless bodypack transmitter is offered in A1B1 (470-614 MHz), B1C1 (537-691 MHz) and 941 (941-960 MHz) frequencies and ships in Q3 2024. The all-metal construction unit has removable SMA mount antenna; standard 3-pin locking input connector and a removable LB-50 LiOn battery. www.lectrosonics.com
Listen Technologies was showing AURI, powered by Listen and Ampetronic — the first Auracast broadcast audio-based solution for assistive listening. Part of the new Bluetooth Low-Energy Audio specification, the system meets global accessibility requirements, and offers high-quality audio with multi-channel broadcast to support open or secure audio transmissions, as well as multi-language support. www.listentech.com
Meyer Sound’s new Ultra-X80 concentric-driver point-source design couples two 12-inch neodymium drivers on a rotatable 95°x40° waveguide coupled to a 4” compression driver with Class-D amplification delivering 141 dB peaks to a cabinet weighing just 130 pounds. For maximum coverage, an Ultra-X82 variant offers a more tightly focused 50°x40° pattern at 142 max dB SPL. www.meyersound.com
Neutrik expanded its DLINE Dante audio interface series with the NA-2I2O-DLINE, a 2-line in / 2-line out box with one Dante / RJ-45 port. The NA-2I-DLINE has 2-line inputs with one Dante / RJ-45 port; and the NA-2O-DLINE has 2-line outputs and one Dante / RJ-45 port. www.neutrikgroup.com
PK Sound’s compact T8 robotically controlled, powered 3-way line array has dual-8” and coaxial compression drivers and a companion powered T18 subwoofer. It’s designed to deliver PK Sound technology to a wider range of applications in the touring, rental, installation, theatrical, worship and corporate event markets. www.pksound.live
Pliant Technologies’ SmartBoom LITE Headset promises a comfortable fit, field-replaceable cable and swivel earcup. Other features include: on/off mic muting; closed-back on-ear design; ambidextrous, swiveling mic boom; and noise-cancelling cardioid mic. It’s available in 4-pin XLR female, 5-pin XLR male, 6-pin mini-XLR female (TA6F) and unterminated versions; with either electret or dynamic mic capsules. www.plianttechnologies.com
RCF celebrated 75 years with 20 new products including: HyperVented high-power neodymium 19” LN19S400 / LN19S450 and 16” LN16S400 long excursion woofers. Also new are seven additions to the popular ART 7 Series, with 8” to 15” woofer MK5 models with FiRPHASE and XBOOST algorithms for optimal sound. Meanwhile, RCF’s new NXL 14-A active column speaker sports two 6” woofers, 1.75” PKX HF driver and a 2,100W amplifier. www.rcf.it
Renkus-Heinz demoed its OmniBeam algorithm that employs Rhaon to control its beam steering speakers including the DC12/2, Iconyx Compact, Iconyx Gen5, IC Live Gen5 and IC Live X Series. OmniBeam also removes the complexity of beam steering, so integrators — regardless of their level of expertise — can achieve great results with minimal effort. www.renkus-heinz.com
Riedel’s punQtum Bolero Connect feature offers users a direct connection to Riedel’s Bolero wireless intercom system. Used with punQtum’s Q210 P speaker station, this cost-effective solution for deployment across large-scale events requiring several channels of partyline, working as a single network connection between the Q210 P and Bolero, making the system slimmer and more cost-effective while enhancing workflow and expanding the comm capabilities of large-scale productions. www.riedel.net
Shure’s Nexadyne dynamic handheld vocal mics are offered in cardioid NXN8/C and supercardioid NXN8/S patterns, priced at $299; as well as standard 1.25-inch / screw-mount heads for interchangeable capsules, also priced at $299. The mics’ unique dual-capsule design provides tight pattern control and excellent off-axis response. Also new are Shure’s low-profile WL18Xm pro lavalier condenser mics, for corporate, education and worship environments. www.shure.com
Solid State Logic unveiled SSL Live Bundles — console packages developed to provide complete systems optimized for touring, installed sound and church audio— all scalable to meet the end-user’s production requirements and budget, while delivering SSL Live’s sound quality and processing tools, routing and connectivity. www.solidstatelogic.com
Studiomaster’s compact V-Series systems include the V26A horizontal array and V26SA 1,200W 15” sub. The V26A has two 6.5” MF drivers and an array of eight 1” HF transducers, with 400 + 150 watts of power. Two to eight V26A elements can be stacked or flown — or two pole-mounted. Also new is the lightweight, injection-molded, conventionally configured 550W V6 line array (with two 6.5” MF drivers flanking a 3” HF unit) and 15” 2,000W V6SA sub. Onboard DSP rounds out both packages. www.studiomaster.com
TT+ Audio demoed its 148 dB GTX 12 3-way line array module for large-scale applications (flyable in arrays up to 24 modules); and compact GTX 10 two-way line array module for mid-large scale and installed indoor / outdoor sound applications. www.ttaudio.com
More to Come!
There were plenty of other interesting products at InfoComm and we’ll be covering these in more detail on fohonline.com and in future print issues of FRONT of HOUSE. InfoComm 2025 returns to Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center from June 7-13. For more info, visit www.infocommshow.org. See you there!
