Buyer’s Guide

How big, you might ask, is the compact portable P.A. speaker category of products? The answer, of course, is how strictly you define it.

In decades past, the typical sound company power distro setup seen on a gig was a DIY affair. They served their purpose, but with today’s sophisticated audio, backline, video and lighting systems, it pays to make and investment in clean, dependable power. Along with today’s amble selection of quality, reliable products, most of the manufacturers whose products are listed here will be happy to meet your specific needs with a solution that fits your needs. Check out the websites to see the latest offerings.

Bring on the revolution! Ideal for install or portable applications, here’s a snapshot look at some digital consoles capable of 24 or more channels, while having a fairly compact footprint and — at under 60 pounds each — could be moved by an average person. Prices are somewhat variable, depending on options and selected system package configurations, so check before purchasing.

There’s no denying that dynamic microphones have been the standard in vocal performance mics for decades. However, if you’re looking for extended bandwidth and fast transient response in a handheld, a condenser mic can be the perfect choice. So this month, we’ll look at some current condenser microphones designed for live performance. All models listed require phantom powering. No frequency response data is given; a “flat” response is rarely desirable and many models include LF or upper mid presence boosts to add character or intelligibility. Weight can be a factor, when certain vocalists use a handheld mic over extended periods. And street pricing is provided for your convenience.

The heart of many sound reinforcement speakers is the 15-inch low-frequency driver. Woofers have advanced considerably over the years and 15-inch models with neodymium magnet structures offer a combination of efficiency, power handling, low-to-upper bass punch and light weight that has made these ideal replacements in live sound systems. Looking at current offerings in 15-inch neodymium woofers, we found a wide range of models that are ideal for your restoration, rebuild or design project. We should also note these represent the tip of the iceberg and many of these are also offered in versions with 4-ohm impedances, higher/lower power variants and even ferrite models. We have included URL’s and (if applicable) booth numbers for this month’s InfoComm show for your convenience.

There are few more basic — or more useful — accessories than a direct box. These can range from simple transformer-in-a-case units to elaborate rack mount… Read More »Active Direct Boxes: Bring on the Basics

It’s not a surprise that wireless mics are making the transition to digital, just as consoles, signal processing and system control have eased into communicating via streams of zeroes and ones. And with the precision of packing more frequencies into smaller bandwidths, applying security encryption or transmitting directly to AES or Dante, digital wireless makes a lot of sense in many — but not all — applications. FRONT of HOUSE checked out some recent offerings, and we found systems that were well suited for nearly any application or budget. Note that pricing is omitted here, as systems can vary widely depending on transmitter/receiver choices and options, such as external antennas. Company URLs are provided for more information.