Or is it PLASA in review? With the big Euro show and the most significant U.S. audio show just weeks apart, it is hard to really tell. Some of this stuff was introduced in September in London, and you are sure to see all of it in New York in October. Now, if there were only an actual show that actually focused on live event production — especially the audio side — all would be right with the world. Meanwhile, here are some new goodies…
Adamson Metrix
The Adamson Metrix is a compact two-way true line source array for smaller to mid-size venue installations, or for use as an under hang-, side-, front- or balcony-fill cabinet in larger installations. It is designed for touring applications of all sizes.
The Metrix includes an Adamson ND8-ML 8.5” Kevlar neodymium mid-low frequency driver, plus B&C’s DE800 1.4-inch HF compression driver with its patented high-frequency wave-shaping chamber. It can be used as a main P.A. system for smaller touring applications when used in con-junction with the Metrix double 15-inch subwoofer, as well as a front-, side-, or stage-fill box for full-sized touring applications. Designed for use in arrays of six or more elements, each enclosure has a five-degree vertical x 120-degree horizontal coverage pattern.
APB DynaSonics ProRack-Monitor
Slated to debut at the upcoming AES Show in New York City, the APB DynaSonics ProRack Monitor mixer, featuring 16 mic/line input channels, allows users to create eight stereo mixes and two mono mixes from a 10-rack space format. All eight stereo mixes are generated from the input channels using rotary controls for level and small, horizontally mounted slide faders (with center-detent) for panning.
The two additional mono mixes on rotary controls can be sourced pre or post the channel’s main level control. Each channel also includes separate, internally illuminated Mute and PFL switches and six-segment LED meters. The ProRack-Monitor includes insert points on all inputs and outputs, and a separate line input to each mix. A variable frequency high-pass filter is included on each input channel with a 20Hz to 400Hz sweep range at 12dB per octave for detailed, tunable control. The mixer’s internal EQ is designed to provide fixed high and low frequency EQ bands and two mid-sweep EQ bands with a one-octave bandwidth.
www.apb-dynasonics.com
beyerdynamic OPUS 900
The Opus 900 system includes interchangeable capsules designed for multiple uses. The latest capsule changes include the introduction of the EM 981 S, an electret condenser capsule, and the CM 930 B, a full range capsule.
The UHF-based receiver system is housed in a metal chassis and is available in single, dual and quad channel versions. It includes a “jog wheel” designed for quick access and reconfiguration of the system. Two choices of pocket transmitters are available within this system: TS 900 M, with metal housing, and TS 900 C, in a plastic case with rechargeable contacts. Both include an LCD for channel selection, group and battery status, gain control, silent on/off switch and four-pin mini-XLR input connector.
Crest Audio CV20
Crest Audio has introduced the first production model of the Crest Audio CV20 live sound analog console at PLASA 2007. Features include an A/D and D/A NexSys module option. It is designed so any number of analog audio outputs per module can be converted to digital EtherSound and CobraNet protocols, which allows a digital snake to interface directly into the CV 20. The module can also covert digital audio into analog. One NexSys module will allow for up to 16 channels of A/D and D/A conversion. Multiple modules can be plugged into the console back frame.
The CV 20 includes full-VCA control, not only on the input channels, but also on group channels (aux channels in fader-reverse mode). Four-band sweepable EQ with Q control on the mids is provided on all mono inputs. Twelve auxiliary sends and eight subgroups come as standard on all CV 20 models with fader-reverse functionality.
JBL Professional VRX918SP, VRX932LAP
Using the JBL DrivePack DPC-2 amplification system, both models are designed to be fully self-contained, powered loudspeakers.
The VRX918SP is equipped with a top-mounted, threaded, 20-millimeter socket that can receive the optional SS4-BK pole. The VRX918SP’s en-closure is constructed of birch plywood coated in JBL’s DuraFlex finish and is heavily braced to maximize low-frequency performance. The CNC-machined, 16-gauge steel grille is internally lined with acoustically transparent foam to provide additional driver protection. The rear of the enclosure is fitted with T-nuts, which are designed to attach the optional WK-4S caster kit.
The VRX918SP is equipped with a top-mounted, threaded, 20-millimeter socket that can receive the optional SS4-BK pole. The VRX918SP’s is an 18-inch powered subwoofer enclosure is constructed of birch plywood coated in JBL’s DuraFlex finish and is heavily braced to maximize low-frequency performance. The CNC-machined, 16-gauge steel grille is internally lined with acoustically transparent foam to provide additional driver protection. The rear of the enclosure is fitted with T-nuts, which are designed to attach the optional WK-4S caster kit.
Lab.gruppen PLM 10000Q
The Lab.gruppen PLM 10000Q is designed to provide a complete drive system that integrates crossover, delay, equalization, limiting and power amplification functions. It also includes load verification and monitoring features for all system components, including loudspeakers. The power amplifier platform is based on the circuit designs of the FP+ Series and is designed to integrate into the Dolby Lake processing environment.
The PLM 10000Q incorporates an R.SMPS (Regulated Switch Mode Power Supply), which is designed to provide stable rail voltages even with significant fluctuations in line voltage. Other features include the Intercooler copper-finned cooling system, power density and protection and fault monitoring. The PLM 10000Q includes proprietary Voltage Peak Limiter (VPL) implemented in the DSP domain, dubbed Inter Sample Voltage Peak Limiter (ISVPL), and is designed to provide both AES digital and analog inputs, plus network ports for integration into new DANTE low-latency digital audio networks.
Meyer Sound Self-Powered MM-4XP
Meyer Sound will introduce at the AES convention in New York the MM-4XP miniature loudspeaker — a self-powered version of the MM-4 miniature wide-range loudspeaker. According to the company, the MM-4XP is a palm-sized box with a face roughly four inches square capable of producing 113 dB maximum-peak SPL with its onboard amplification and processing.
Turbosound TA-500t
Turbosound has introduced the TA-500t wide-dispersion, trapezoidal three-way touring loudspeaker with integrated flying hardware. It is available in two different formats — switchable bi-amped/tri-amped or self-powered/networkable — and is designed for flown and ground-stacked touring, downfill and in-fill use and in fixed installations.
The TA-500t features a 1-inch HF driver on a Polyhorn device, a 10-inch MF driver on a Polyhorn and Turbo-loaded 15-inch LF driver. It covers the frequency range from 60 Hz to 20 kHz, and the 50°H x 25°V dispersion pattern is designed to focus energy on audience areas with minimum overspill. According to the company, the self-powered TA-500tDP version is fully networkable, allowing real-time control and monitoring of operating parameters with a PC and TurboDrive software over a BVNet network, or remotely over a VPN (virtual private network). Both versions are supplied with a detachable, stackable wheel board to aid handling and trucking.
Renkus-Heinz RHAON Empowered Sygma SG Series
The Renkus-Heinz Audio Operations Network made its public debut as a full-production product at PLASA 2007 in the shape of the Sygma SG Series loudspeakers.
RHAON is designed for all aspects of loudspeaker setup and digital audio distribution, control and monitoring, using standard Ethernet hardware. It provides internal loudspeaker-specific DSP, up to 64 channels of digital audio distribution. Both RHAON RJ45/Ethernet-based digital and analog audio connectivity are provided standard on each loudspeaker.
XTA Electronics AudioCore 8.50
XTA Electronics has announced the launch of its latest version of AudioCore control software, Version 8.50. AudioCore software allows remote control of XTA’s current range of products, with up to 32 units controlled via a PC computer using a wide variety of XTA-approved interfaces, including RS485, USB interfaces and via TCP/IP (with suitable XTA approved adapter). It is compatible with Windows 98/ME/2000, NT and XP.{mosimage}
Version 8.50 is updated with the addition of Array Control and features such as global ganging, which allows users to control many parameters common to all units on the network in a seamless fashion. Bands of parametric EQ, gains or delays can all be grouped together, so adjustment will automatically update all other units in the set.
