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Audio-Technica AT2041SP Studio Pack, EV Blue Mics, QSC PLX2 Audio Power Amplifiers

Audio-Technica AT2041SP Studio Pack, EV Blue Mics, QSC PLX2 Audio Power Amplifiers

When we first heard about the Audio- Technica AT2041SP Studio Pack we asked them to send one out for review right away. Why, you might ask, would a magazine that covers LIVE audio want mics that are being marketed to home and project studio guys? Because this is one of the best values out there and we knew that regardless of the name it was marketed under, at a price point of $249 MSRP (and available online for a lot less than that; $149 estimated street price) we were going to see a bunch of these on a bunch of stages in the near future.

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Monitor Mixing Basics

Like it or not, monitor mixing tends to get a "water-boy" image compared to the FOH position. But a bad monitor mix situation can really create a bad performance as performers suffer through less than ideal conditions. And, interestingly enough, a bad FOH mix may not even be noticed by the performers as they enjoy a good vibe onstage thanks to a great monitor mix.

I want to share my mindset when monitor mixing, because one can achieve great pride doing this task and not worry much about the prima donna working out at the FOH console. After all, you are working for the band, and the job is to deliver maximum satisfaction to them within the limits of the equipment. However, I also look at monitor mixing as how I would want things done for me if I were performing on the stage. And if you are a current or former musician, monitor mixing should be a position you desire.

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Chris Cronin Takes On Sweeney Todd

It is actually surprising that the revival of Stephen Sondheim's classical musical Sweeney Todd, which stars Michael Cerveris and Patti LuPone, was nominated for this year's Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical and won for Best Direction of a Musical for John Doyle and Best Orchestrations, done by Sarah Travis. It's not because the show is brooding and sinister, although that could be considered. After all, it tells the tale of a man who seeks revenge on the judge who unfairly imprisoned him, resulting in a bloody path of retribution via a barbershop that also leads to a reinvention of the idea of "mystery meat," thanks to a pie-making accomplice. But this unorthodox production, which features ten actors who also sing and play instruments and who often do not face each other during conversations, is unusually abstract for the Great White Way. The fact that it won two Tonys is an artistic triumph, and the fact that it continues to do well months after it opened is a testament to an audience that wants to see something dark, unusual and completely different than a huge production with lots of glitzy musical numbers.

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Download Nation

The battle between physical media and virtual distribution as the dominant modality in the entertainment business continues to rage. Billions of dollars get invested in the next generation of optical discs, Blu-ray and HD-DVD, even as Bill Gates declares them DOA and predicts a virtual future. This debate has very real consequences for the concert and touring sound industry: Forms of entertainment no longer stand apart from each other, and that CD you got at Yankee Stadium not only has cool music on it but is also a coupon good for a pack of Ballpark Franks at your neighborhood Von's. The concert event is becoming less an "event" and more of another stage in the larger evolution of music as a marketing tool. And we're not talking bannering a venue here, either.

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Audix Debuts VX-5 Hand-Held Condenser

WILSONVILLE, OR–Audix has announced the release of the VX-5, a hand-held vocal condenser microphone. With a frequency response of 40 Hz – 16.5 kHz (plus or minus 3 dB), the VX-5 features a 14mm gold vapor diaphragm, a supercardioid polar pattern, a -10 dB pad and bass roll-off filter, a specially ported steel mesh grill screen, and the Audix trademark black satin finish. Operation requires phantom power of 9-52 volts.

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EV Installs Line Array In Bangalore

BURNSVILLE, MN–Acoustic Control Sound and Lighting Professionals of Bangalore, India recently completed a line array loudspeaker installation in India using the Electro-Voice XLCi. The installation at Christ College Auditorium, Bangalore, also features EV amplification, monitors, RE2 and PolarChoice wireless microphones and Dx38 processing.

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New Look for MC2 T Series

DEVON, UK–MC2 has developed a revised front panel for its T Series amplifiers; they now feature a perforated panel which give the amps a fresh, contemporary look, reflecting the 'family' design of MC2's other amplifiers more closely. The previous anodised finish has also been altered to a painted one, making the T Series more easily color matched and therefore a co-ordinated appearance across an entire equipment rack much easier to achieve.

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Meyer Names Martin Manager

BERKELEY, CA–Meyer Sound has appointed Frank Martin to the newly created position of installation sales manager at the company's office in Polch, Germany. In his new post, Martin assumes responsibility for sales and support for the installation market throughout Germany, as well as in Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.

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Allen & Heath Launches Dedicated Monitor Console

CORNWALL, UK–Allen & Heath will be unveiling a new analog console at the forthcoming PLASA show in London, September 10-13, 2006. The new GL2800M desk is a dedicated live sound monitor mixer, which includes a built-in mic splitter, can provide up to 16 mixes and has a comprehensive dual output engineer's wedge/PM monitoring system.

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Antone's Hosts All-Star NAMM Jam

AUSTIN, TX–Legendary Austin live music club Antone's will host the Peavey All-Star Jam on Friday, July 14. Doors open at 7 p.m. for this eclectic showcase, which features guitar monster Gary Hoey and a cast of Peavey artists ranging from Nashville outlaw Willie Heath Neal to Nashville star Megan Mullins, to regional favorites Tia Carrera and Lucas Martin.

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