The Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) expo returned to Barcelona, Spain for its 20th annual show, held from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, 2024.
After years of shifting venues, ISE seems to have settled in on sunny Barcelona’s Fira Barcelona Gran Via venue as the permanent site for this winter show, and this fair-weather locale proved a popular destination, especially to showgoers from chilly Northern Europe.
“In the illustrious 20-year journey of ISE, we have witnessed the transformative power of innovation and collaboration within our community,” said ISE managing director Mike Blackman. “As we celebrate this milestone, alongside our co-owners AVIXA and CEDIA, we look forward to continuing our commitment to being a global platform for industry professionals.” ISE 2024 attracted a record-setting 73,891 attendees from 162 countries, along with 1,408 exhibitors showing the latest in pro-AV, video display, systems integration and sound reinforcement technologies.
Product launches seem to run in cycles, and at this show, the emphasis was on mixing consoles and new speaker designs and here are a few of those new audio debuts that caught our attention.
CONSOLES!
Allen & Heath showed new V1.42 firmware for its popular AHM Audio Matrix Processor series. The update builds on V1.40’s expanded feature set, which offered room combining functionality speaker processing improvements, workflow enhancements and DX88-P expander support, while adding new tweaks such as an option for unmute for local outputs on power up. www.allen-heath.com
Cadac’s new flagship CM-Series is the next-gen CM-J50, a 96-input, 56-bus live mixing console and range of compact “intelligent” remote stage racks, together with a new iPad app and offline editor for the CM-Series mix platform. Boasting robust new hardware and a further evolution of the Cadac user interface, the CM-J50 provides connectivity, control, flexibility and ultra-low latency in a familiar form factor that’s significantly faster, smaller and lighter than its forebears. www.cadac-sound.com
DiGiCo will soon be offering second-generation software updates for its popular Quantum338, Quantum338T, and Quantum225 mixing consoles. Available in April for a nominal fee, the Mk 2 software packages, known as Pulse, will increase the input channel and bus counts of each desk model, plus add other notable features. Quantum7 and Quantum5 will also benefit from system upgrades in April. DiGiCo also showed its Fourier Interface Card that brings VST3 software plug-ins to DiGiCo’s Quantum and SD-Range desks via a direct Dante connection. www.digico.biz
DirectOut’s multiformat PRODIGY.MX audio matrix takes the PRODIGY Series’ audio routing, conversion and processing capabilities to the next level. PRODIGY.MX has a 1,664 x 1,668 audio channel capacity, with modular hardware selectable between Dante, RAVENNA/AES67, SoundGrid, AVB/Milan and MADI — with seamless interconnectivity among them. Control is through globcon control Mac/PC software and locally via an intuitive touch display. www.directout.eu
Lawo was demoing its Power Core Gateway modular networked I/O node for its Lawo mc² audio consoles. Power Core Gateway provides 64 I/O channels (or 128 via MADI) — all controlled by an mc² console, with native RAVENNA/AES67 compliance and #ST2110-30 standard support. Lawo also hosted a presentation at ISE on its newest stadium installation at Madrid’s 85,000-seat Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. www.lawo.com
Midas’ new HD96-AIR puts the power of its HD96 digital console into a lightweight, compact-footprint version. Based around a tiltable, 21” multi-touch screen, control is expandable using up to four optional 16-channel fader banks (one is shown with the mixer in the photo). In power and DSP, the HD96-AIR is identical to Midas’ full-size HD-96-24. Specs include up to 144 input channels at 96 kHz, 96 mix buses, 24 effects slots and eight onboard XLR inputs (with Midas preamps) and outputs — which are reconfigurable as AES3 ports. It also offers expansion slots and dual-redundant onboard power supplies. www.midasconsoles.com
Studiomaster’s compact DIGITRACK18 digital console features 16 mic inputs, six DCA subgroups, two programmable mute groups and custom layers and hot keys for frequently accessed tasks. Other plusses include 16 internal buses, eight assignable XLR outs, a 7” HD touch screen, nine motorized faders and optional 16×16 multi-track USB recording module to connect to a DAW. www.studiomaster.com
TASCAM was showing Version 1.5 firmware for its Sonicview 16XP/24XP consoles. The free update adds a Monitor 2 section, faster snapshot memory loading, improved routing, an oscillator on/off function and enhancements to the Sonicview Control app. www.tascam.com
SPEAKERS!
1 SOUND’s Auralis design software (shown here) enables precise, high-res, full-color predictions of your speaker design in a 3-D 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 unveiled its VGt — 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. www.adamsonsystems.com
Amadeus debuted three new models of its active, biamplified A470 Avignon Columns series of line array speakers, offered in Straight, Focus, and Wide versions. Each has four 6.5” long-excursion drivers, four planar ribbons and six 8” long-excursion passive radiators, for a 100° nominal horizontal directivity. www.amadeuslab.com
Beyma introduced several products, including more subwoofers in its LEX series, a new-generation line array waveguide and a high-performance 8” coaxial transducer. The new 18” woofers have 1,200-watt power handling and are available in ferrite or neodymium magnets. The 6.3” tall SG6 120°x10° waveguide accepts 1.4” exit drivers;and the 8CFX260Nd 8” coaxial features a waterproof carbon fiber cone, 250/60-watt AES power ratings and delivers a high 97/105 dB sensitivity. beyma.com
Celestion marked its 100th anniversary, launching the Ten Squared (Ten2) Series of cast aluminium frame, neodymium LF drivers designed for pro sound reinforcement applications. Built at Celestion’s UK facility, the line includes the flagship 24” TSQ2460, 21” TSQ2145, 18” TSQ1845, 15” TSQ1535, and 12” TSQ1230. www.celestion.com
CODA Audio’s CiRAY compact dual-10” line array expands CODA’s VCA family and features Dual-Diaphragm Planar Wave Drivers and FS-FIR filters. A 2×6 12-speaker hang sets up in minutes by a single operator, with all boxes set for their relative angles to drop into place once lifted. Three CiRAY are powerable from one channel of CODA’s LINUS14 DSP — with only one amp required for a full hang of 12. www.codaaudio.com
d&b audiotechnik supported its popular speaker lines with its new flagship D90 amplifier. Designed to power any d&b speaker system, the D90 has built-in Milan networking and improved system efficiency. Also new is the DS100M, a Milan version of the DS100 Signal Engine, enabling Soundscape for Milan-based systems and a new DS20 Network Bridge that facilitates Milan connectivity to d&b amps lacking built-in Milan. www.dbaudio.com
DAS Audio expanded its ARA Series: the ARA-P12.74 with a 12” woofer; the ARA-P28.74 having dual 8” drivers; and the ARA-M210 10” stage monitor. All have 1,200 watts and 96k Hz FIR processing. Also new is EVENT-28A, an ultra-compact, powered line array with two 8” neodymium LF transducers and an M-60 compression driver and easy DAScontrol system configuration. Weight is just 44 pounds. www.dasaudio.com
dBTechnologies’ VIO C series of active 2-way arrayable point-source speakers includes the 12” VIO C12, the 15” VIO C15 and the dual-12” VIO C212 — all paired with a 1.4” compression driver on a 22.5° horn (for creating horizontal or vertical clusters), 1,600 watts of Digipro power and RDNet communication for remote control via Aurora Net software with future Dante upgrades. www.dbtechnologies.com
Electro-Voice builds on the runaway success of last year’s EVERSE 8 portable DC-powered speaker, with the new EVERSE 12, a 12” 2-way battery powered system. E-V also celebrated a milestone — the production of 1 million units of its popular portable ZLX loudspeakers, first launched in 2013. www.electrovoice.com
Funktion-One’s Evolution 2 is a high-efficiency, horn-loaded, 3-way system. Its 12” LF, 8” mid and 1” HF drivers can be adapted for 3-way active (NL8-tri amp) or 3-way passive mid/hi (NL4-bi amp) use. Units can be ground stacked or flown singly or in pairs for live event or mid-sized installs or used as fills to support larger Funktion-One Vero, Evo or Vero VX systems. It’s available in violet or black finishes. www.funktion-one.com
HK Audio’s FINEO speakers for indoor installs range from 5” to 18” 2-way systems with 12”, 18” and double-18” subs. All FINEO mid/high-units (except the compact FO 5) have rotatable HF horns and include DSP presets for Lab Gruppen IPX and LEA Pro amps. A variety of fly hardware and mounts are offered. www.hkaudio.com
JBL Professional’s free Venue Synthesis acoustic simulation software for Mac OS and Windows computers 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
KGEAR’s GU210 subwoofer is enclosed within a stainless-steel cabinet and grille, boasting an IP rating of IP64, making it appropriate for indoor and outdoor installations. Within the rugged enclosure is a single 10” woofer and a 10” passive radiator with a 400W peak power handling and 124 dB max SPLs. The GU210 is offered in both black and white finishes. www.kgear.it
KV2 Audio showed the EX28, a 2.5-way active system that builds on the success of the EX26, while adding LF extension. Its compact profile is ideal for FOH and infill applications in theaters, houses of worship and concert halls. Two 8” neodymium woofers are paired with a 1.75” neodymium compression driver on a 100°x80° horn. Specs include 500W of total power with 132 dB peak SPLs. www.kv2audio.com
L-Acoustics expanded its X Series with the X8i and X6i installation models — two passive coaxial enclosures for short-throw applications, either standalone or combined with a subwoofer. Shipping next month, 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 suitable for indoor and outdoor use. www.l-acoustics.com
LD Systems new MAUI G3 MIX models are based on its popular MAUI G3 Series of active column systems. The new MAUI 11 G3 MIX and 28 G3 MIX models incorporate 6-channel mixers, with pro effects and wireless remote control via cellphone or tablet. LD also demoed its MON G3 Series of active 8″, 10″, 12″ and 15” coaxial stage monitors with an integrated 50° x 90° horn and a 300w RMS Class-D amplifier. All are low-profile designs and include a pole socket for doubling as a stand-mounted P.A. www.ld-systems.com
Meyer Sound demoed its NADIA integrated network-based digital audio platform for Constellation acoustic system installations, providing separate inputs, processing, and matrixing to enable Spacemap Go spatial sound with no performance compromises for either function. www.meyersound.com
NEXT Audiogroup’s MOKA System is a compact system optimized for modular array configurations (six to 36 cabinets) to fit a wide range of applications. The system’s three elements — the 9” coaxial MOKA Array, the MOKA Sub and the MOKA Sub A are scalable from small to large events, ground-stacked or flown. The MOKA Sub A’s four 2,300w Class-D amps that can power a passive MOKA Sub and four MOKA Arrays. www.nextaudiogroup.com
Outline offered a sneak preview of the P8, the first model in its upcoming P-Series (point-source) range of compact, passive 2-way high-performance coaxial speakers, for installs or portable applications. All feature integral carrying handles, WEAVE — a distinctive quasi-textile grille look that’s reminiscent of vintage linen curtains, and a rotatable logo for use in horizontal or vertical applications. www.outline.it
Q-SYS, a division of QSC, expanded its PL Series performance loudspeaker line with the intro of PL-CA full-range coaxial speakers, with five new models ranging from 5- to 15-inches, offering full-range performance in short-throw applications. www.qsys.com
RCF’s popular ART 7 Series adds seven MK5 models ranging from 8-inch to 15-inch woofers, with FiRPHASE and XBOOST algorithms for optimal sound. Meanwhile the NXL 14-A active column speaker sports two 6” woofers, 1.75” PKX HF driver, and 2,100w amplifier. The NX 932-A and NX 945-A share the NX 9 Series’ cabinet, DSP and amp, and incorporate precision neodymium transducers and titanium compression drivers. All are available in black and white. www.rcf.it
Renkus-Heinz focused on “Sound Solutions,” including the ISE show debut of its OmniBeam algorithm (shown here) that employs Rhaon to control all of its beam steering speakers including the DC12/2, Iconyx Compact, Iconyx Gen5, IC Live Gen5 and IC Live X Series. Best of all, OmniBeam removes the complexity of beam steering, allowing integrators, regardless of their level of expertise, to achieve great results with minimal effort. www.renkus-heinz.com
Voice-Acoustic, exhibiting for the first time at ISE, showed its ultra-compact and powerful CXN-12 12″/1.4″ coaxial stage monitor. With an overall height of just 30cm and an elegantly rounded housing, it blends inconspicuously into architecturally demanding environments. Voice-Acoustic also expanded its amplifier platform with the VADAS-12K4D, a 4-channel model with with 4x 3,000 watts into 4 ohms and analog, digital AES/EBU digital and DANTE/AES67 connectivity. www.voice-acoustic.de
Void Acoustics unveiled speakers in its new KROME finish. This was originally developed for KOR super-lounges in Taipei and Shanghai, but due to customer demand will now be available on any of Void’s fiberglass products (including the Incubus, Air and Nexus series) in KROME black, gold and silver colors. www.voidacoustics.com
MORE TO COME!
There was a lot more cool gear at ISE and we will cover these online at fohonline.com and in future print editions of the magazine. Meanwhile, ISE returns to Barcelona next year, Feb. 4-7, 2025. For more info, visit www.iseurope.org.
