Volume 4, Issue 10 — October 28, 2015
|
House of Worship Trends The Future of HOW
|
|
|
Church Tech and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
By Anthony Coppedge House of Worship Technology Consultant
The church bought all of your gear and are fully equipped to leverage the best of your technology. While this sounds like a sales dream, the natural progression will now turn downhill unless you continue to provide the church with what they really need most: your expertise.
Interestingly, the Second Law of Thermodynamics provides us with an excellent metaphor to describe what happens in many, many church technology integrations. Here’s a summation of that Second Law:
All natural and technological processes proceed in such a way that the availability of the remaining energy decreases. In all energy exchanges, if no energy enters or leaves an isolated system the entropy of that system increases. Energy continuously flows from being concentrated to becoming dispersed, spread out, wasted and useless. New energy cannot be created and high-grade energy is being destroyed.
The concept is that if something is energized and moving or heated or active in some way, left alone it will decay. This is called entropy. Without any new energy from an outside force, the existing activity will naturally decrease until it stops.
New technology is akin to activated energy; it now needs external stimuli (operators) to make the most of it. So, what’s next?
The Best Technology Is Insufficient
State-of-the-art is far less important than the state of their art. Whereas the technological equivalent of a Ferrari is often desired, the ability to drive as well as the tech performs is the key to both maximizing the investment and sustaining the effort necessary to make the investment worthwhile.
The church tech magazines often highlight the coolest installations with higher-end gear, which makes for pretty pictures and great publicity, but the focus largely misses the investment required for tech staff and the small army of volunteers standing and sitting behind the gadgetry. It pains me to recall the hundreds of church installations I’ve consulted with or visited over the decades that have more technology than either the trained operators or the time to invest into the prep work necessary to really make the technology perform.
Entropy is present everywhere, and not just metaphorically. I visited one newly-minted megachurch 2,000 seat venue that had been operational for just under a year. The entire ceiling seemed to be an endless grid of moving lights; over 80, if I recall correctly. When I walked in for training that Saturday morning, the system was dark and I asked the LD (lighting director) to fire up the system; when he did, only a handful of the moving fixtures sprang to life. “Why aren’t the rest (movers) on?” I queried. “Because no one told us to budget for two lamp replacements per year when they went in. We now have to wait for our new budget year in January to get those re-lamped,” said the sullen tech director. The system could not be sustained without additional spend on consumables. New energy (and capital) was necessary. And there it is: the Second Law of Thermodynamics metaphorically shows up again.
What Makes A System, Anyway?
If a manufacturer looked at their technology as a complete system (as some components are marketed), would there never be anything else — an input, a processor, an output — that must be added to increase (or enable) maximum functionality?
Energy continuously flows from being concentrated to becoming dispersed, spread out, wasted, and useless. New energy cannot be created and high-grade energy is being destroyed.
Sunday comes every seven days, as the saying goes in the church world, so even the isolated ‘system’ of weekend services has some level of change each week. No system is fully isolated in our A/V/L world, and change is constant; the result, therefore, is the realization that no system — no matter how well-designed and equipped — is ever complete or fully maximized. The concept of modular components has been around for a long time, yet the marketing and sales collateral seem to focus on the totality of each product as the next-greatest thing since sliced bread. But, what if it’s not?
Look, manufacturers, you’re making more stunning technology than ever before and the opportunities are nearly limitless. But what you’re missing is the opportunity to tell the whole truth that a system is designed to be changed as the user’s context and application requirements change.
And for the systems integrators, the ability to design sophisticated system is truly dizzying, but without the reality of the constant of change, your designs cannot last long.
This reality should be freeing because it sells both the truth of change and the opportunity to design for flexibility and expandability. This is a value add, not a sales addition. And, it’s a consistent opportunity for recurring revenue for you and continuous improvement for churches.
Sell Your Expertise
As a consultant, I’m the guy brought in either before the project or after the project is finished. In the latter case, I’m often paid to help churches learn how to make the most of their technological investments. Prior to consulting, I was in sales for design/build firms and sold service and training contracts along with the equipment; it was natural to put it all together when the value proposition wasn’t the gear, but the desired outcome. I don’t care how good your technology is, the church technical operators need your expertise. So sell it!
Perhaps it’s because of the box-sales mentality that has permeated the audio/video/lighting industry, but the idea of selling expertise seems to have been largely forgotten or ignored. Not only are you leaving money on the table, you’re also only putting the opportunity in front of churches; to fully realize the benefits, you must re-introduce expertise and training again and again, to all your clients.
The bottom line is this: Sell what you know and the church will reap far greater benefit from their technology investment. Otherwise, entropy.
Share your views and opinions in the comments below and be sure to click the share buttons for social media to put this in front of your church clients. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
|
The Age of the Me-Too Products
By Anthony Coppedge House of Worship Technology Consultant
The perfect product has not yet been built, but that doesn’t stop today’s audio, video and lighting manufacturer’s engineers from trying to build it. If they did, they’d end up building the product they wanted to use, right down to the subtle minutiae of every killer feature and ergonomic design. And it would be a total commercial flop.
What I’ve described is not a far-off theory of a manufacturer you’ve never heard about; it’s the reality of too many products which we could all name that were really cool ideas — but were a product without a market. Engineers build the coolest stuff, but they’re almost never the client.
Fearing the Voice of the Customer
There’s been a shift in the market that I’ve seen manifested at LDI, Infocomm and AES where the manufacturers went front inventing things we’d not even considered to being consumer-driven. Perhaps there is no greater influence on his shift than the voice of the customer on social media. In a matter of hours, your brand can suffer at the hands of a few key influencers who railed on your product or service and, thanks for the ubiquitous “share” buttons of social media, one disgruntled customer is represented by a swell of negative user press via retweets.
Shrinking away from negative feedback is not healthy, and it often can be turned around with a little bit of effort and a lot of validating that you’re hearing the customer by demonstrating how you hear them; and, no, this is not the same as repeating back what she just said so that she ‘feels heard.’ Leading the customer is often replaced with fearing the customer and the potential power of her social media voice.
Solve Vertical Market Problems
And yet, an aspect of this industry is that it has moments of true brilliance. Real innovations continue to be showcased at industry tradeshows and quickly find their way into thousands of customers’ hands. But for the majority, a slice of the pie — even a sliver — is just enough profit to cover the next version of their technological widget; no waves are made, and no jobs are lost, but the market isn’t made better by their contribution.
Having worked with dozens of manufacturers over the years, I’ve seen the anecdotal evidence of this in the hedge-betting on minimally improved new products aimed at no market in particular, but generic enough to find a home in some pedestrian applications with a systems integrator more interested in volume than quality.
Where’s the focus? Where’s the moxie to bravely address multiple vertical markets — even one at a time — with products that excite and, more importantly, solve problems that are directly plaguing the vertical market user?
Years ago, I was hired by a manufacturer to come in well before a product was ready for release, which was usually the case because manufacturers want to know how to shoe-horn in an product into the house of worship market after the product has been built. Happy to get in on the action early, I made a trip to the corporate HQ of this medium-sized manufacturer in south Texas and was pleased to work directly with the main engineer — also the founder — on re-imagining an entirely new version of a product that had garnered them a lot of success in the church market. Long story short, they were willing to think about what problems the church user was trying to solve and, equally refreshing, even went so far as to build a custom User Interface (UI) that spoke the vernacular of a non-technical volunteer instead of a broadcast video engineer. And while I make no claims that my work in thinking through the signal flow and output transcoding options that would most directly benefit churches as well as my UI involvement was what made the product a huge success (it won a Technical Emmy Award), I am grateful to have worked with a manufacturer that was willing to think about vertical markets and address them directly.
Goals Displacement
Finally, I wonder about this industry and how many manufacturers are missing their sales marks or, even worse, settling for good sales when they could have stellar sales in the house of worship market. Often, this can be traced back to a trend in any industry where management changes the targets for their engineering, marketing, or sales teams with the hopes of spurring on better sales figures without making any real changes to the products.
There’s even a term for this: goals displacement.
Goals displacement: the substitution by an organization of the goal or goals which it was established to serve, for other goals.
Here’s an example I saw first-hand when brought in to work with a leading (as in worldwide leading) manufacturer on a product it thought would work well in the H.O.W. market. The engineers were told to make it no more than $20,000, and it had to do the work of similar, but more robust products in the lineup that were well above the $100,000 price point. The marketing team was told to hire me to help them put the ‘church spin’ on it. Well, the end result was a product that was clever, but didn’t do any one thing amazingly well. Frankly, it was a ‘meh’ product for the church space with a not-so-meh price tag, and, as time would later tell, it sold a paltry amount to the H.O.W. vertical.
What went wrong? After the mix was in the bowl, they added in more ingredients but no more ‘stuff’ that made it represent their truly illustrious brand. Then, instead of admitting they’d missed the mark, they required their marketing team to put a nice shine on it and then paid me to tell them how to pitch it to churches. In the end, I told them it would flop in the church market without a major redesign — and this was mere months before the National Association of Broadcasters convention where it would make its debut. It did have a unique feature set for the portable ENG setup, but that was not what they wanted to hear.
The goal was set after the fact and the new goal was nowhere in alignment with the potential use of its features. Instead, the company almost guaranteed that its marketing would have to pitch it as what it was not in order to make it sound appealing to the church market.
You can have a good intention, but if your goals are not aligned with your vision and in sync with the market, you will miss the mark. A classic example of this is a firm that had a major issue with people arriving to work late. Management had a goal for timeliness, but misplaced their goal’s expectation; if someone was late four times, they were fired; no exceptions. Guess what the employees did? Sure they were on time a lot more, but when traffic or an unforseen issue was going to make them late for their fourth time, even though they’d left early to be on time, they simply turned around and called in sick. Better to take a sick day or even lose a day’s wages than to lose your job, right? The wrong outcomes happened because the goal shouldn’t have been about being on time, but a cultural shift to replacing apathy with passion.
How many products will there be at the next trade show that are new but the same? What kind of shift needs to happen for manufacturers to realize they must address the desired outcomes of each vertical market and make products and align their services to meet those needs with products that excite us and solve our pain points? The age of the me-too product is upon us, and it needs to go the way of the dinosaur. Churches, and every other vertical market, will buy the products that align with their ‘why’ — so start making those again!
Too much doom-and-gloom, or is the author illuminating a truth of the A/V/L market? Share your views and opinions in the comments below. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
Primacoustic Paintables Clouds Now Shipping
Primacoustic as launched Paintables Clouds, a new series of acoustic panels you can paint on, and they are already shipping.
The new Paintables clouds include the circular Cirrus, the hexagonal Hexus and the square Altos. Each panel is made from 1-1/2″ thick high density 6lb glass wool for exceptionally even absorption and feature resin hardened edges with micromesh that together fully encapsulate the panel to prevent dusting. Paintables are factory painted on all sides in Absolute White latex and ready for mounting. Unique to their design is a proprietary surface than enables one to lightly spray paint the panels on-site to color-match the decor without affecting the acoustical performance.
Paintables clouds are designed as acoustic treatment for houses of worship, conference centers, restaurants, offices, boardrooms, educational facilities, community halls, hotel auditoriums, broadcast facilities, museums, retail, home theaters, recording studios, gymnasiums and performance halls.
Installation is easy. For larger spaces, a selection of hanging hardware allows the Paintable Clouds to be suspended horizontally or vertically from the ceiling, absorbing energy on both sides for maximum efficiency. The same panels may be wall-mounted using our proprietary Surface Impaler technology to create a distinctive wall treatment.
The Cirrus, Hexus and Altos are available in 36″ and 48″ diameters. As with all Primacoustic panels, Paintables have been independently tested for acoustic performance and fire-tested to achieve the most stringent Class-A ratings. This makes them safe for use in all types of installations.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
Audioprof Group International Acquires Majority Share in Community Professional Loudspeakers
Audioprof Group International has acquired a majority share in Community Professional Loudspeakers, a U.S.-based loudspeaker manufacturer with global sales activities.
Community is a market leader with a strong track record in large and medium sized fixed install audio applications. It was founded in 1968 by Bruce Howze and became an innovator in the audio industry through revolutionary products like the world’s first dedicated midrange compression driver, the M4, and the first lightweight fiberglass horns. Community designs and manufactures high-performance indoor and outdoor loudspeakers that provide reliable, long-term service, often for applications in extreme and challenging environments. Its products can be found in the world’s leading sports venues, auditoria, theme parks, worship facilities and convention centers, with recent installations including Commonwealth Stadium in Canada, Arena Lublin in Poland, St. Paul Union Depot in Minnesota, USA and World Cup venues in Brazil.
Audioprof Group International is the holding company established to develop and build strong audio companies with a focus on specific niches in the audio industry. It currently owns a majority stake in Apart Audio, founded by Tom Gheysens in 1992, a fast-growing European loudspeaker and electronics manufacturer with a strong focus on small and medium commercial fixed install applications (foodservice and hospitality, retail, outdoor, sports and leisure, education, religion and corporate).
Audioprof Group is here and Community is here.
Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
BenQ Debuts Large Venue ProjectorsBenQ America today added four new dual-lamp, high-brightness projectors to its Integrators’ Choice lineup. Designed to support large-venue installations, the Colorific PX9510, PW9520, PU9530, and SU964 provide up to 6,500 spec’d ANSI lumens and they are aiming them at command and control rooms, houses of worship, conference rooms, and other large spaces.
Dubbed the P-Series, the PX9510 and SU964 are both spec’d at 6,500 ANSI lumens (XGA and WUXGA resolutions, respectively), while the PW9520 and PU9530 output 6,000 ANSI lumens at WXGA and WUXGA resolutions, respectively.
In addition, the P-Series projectors are available with seven optional interchangeable lenses ranging from 0.79 short-throw to 8.56 long-throw versions; two interchangeable color wheels for higher brightness and improved color balance demands and 360-degree vertical projection capabilities. The SU964 features corner fit correction for independent adjustment of the corners of any projection, and a 1.5x big zoom lens to provide a wider throw distance range. To reduce the need to make frequent placement adjustments, the P-Series projectors feature horizontal and vertical motorized lens shift, while the SU964 offers manual lens shift, and all models include 2D keystone correction to align images easily using horizontal and vertical adjustments.
For connectivity, the professional series includes front and rear IR receiver points, HDMI (dual HDMI for the SU964), USB, RS232 and supports the HDBaseT standard.
All the specs are here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
AtlasIED Launches New FAP Strategy III Series of In-Ceiling Speakers
AtlasIED has announced the release of the new FAP Strategy III Series ceiling loudspeakers. Their big push with them is something they are calling Safety First Mounting System (SFMS) and they claim that it prevents mounting tab damage during installation. The damage is caused by over torqueing during the installation process. This excessive torque can damage the mounting tabs that over time can increase the chance of mounting tab breakage and the loudspeaker falling from the ceiling. The SFMS is the result of over 100 tested prototypes until the final design was approved. This patent pending technology uses t-handles that are integrated into the front of the loudspeaker baffle to tighten the mounting tabs in materials up to 3/4”.
Claiming that the SFMS, decreases installation time by up to 60 percent, AtlasIED’s mounting design installs without the need for tools. A front mounted 70V tap selector allows installers to adjust and set the 70V power taps and a removable four-pole euro-style connector allows for pre-wiring and daisy chaining of additional loudspeakers and subwoofers. They also claim an improved waveguide design provides wider coverage than previous models. The benefit is cost savings due to fewer loudspeakers required, while still maintaining uniform sound throughout. Low-frequency response is enhanced and deeper bass definition is provided via the optimized low frequency tuning port. Additionally all models are safety listed to both UL1480 and UL2043.
All the tech specs are here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
KLANG Launches World’s First Stage Proof Four-Stereo Channel Dante-Enabled Headphone AmpKLANG started shipping out the first batch of its new product KLANG:quell Dante headphone amp. KLANG:quelle receives eight channels via Dante and provides four individual stereo headphone outputs and it’s the world’s first low latency multi-channel Dante headphone amp with sampling rates up to 192kHz. The output were designed to connect to any kind of in-ears or heapdhones and drive them and it features Power over Ethernet (PoE), volume control and gain pre-selection for each output.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
PreSonus Ships Studio 192 Audio InterfaceThe PreSonus Studio 192 USB 3.0 Audio Interface and Studio Command Center, a 26×32 interface that records at up to 192 kHz and combines eight digitally controlled XMAX Class A, solid-state mic pre-amps and premium Burr-Brown converters with 118 dB of dynamic range, is shipping.
Obviously more than an audio interface, the Studio 192 acts as a command center, managing speaker switching and talkback (with on-board condenser microphone) and featuring main mix Mute, Mono and Dim. In addition to advanced monitor mixing, you get StudioLive Fat Channel signal processing on every analog input and the first eight ADAT channels.
Introduced in StudioLive RM-series rack-mount digital mixers, PreSonus’ remote-controllable XMAX solid-state preamps can be controlled from the Studio 192 front panel, UC Surface, Studio One. MIDI control is also available for third-party DAWs.
The Studio 192 offers I/Os including two front-panel mic/instrument inputs and six rear-panel mic/line inputs; 16-channel ADAT Optical In and Out (eight channels at 88.1 or 96 kHz); coaxial, stereo S/PDIF I/O and BNC word-clock I/O. You get eight balanced TRS outputs, balanced stereo main outputs and two headphone amplifiers with independent outputs and level controls. All A/D/A conversion is at 192 kHz.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Mackie Extends CR Series Monitor Line with Two New Bluetooth Streaming ModelsMackie today introduces two new models to its CR Series Multimedia Monitor line- the CR4BT and CR5BT. Both new models feature Bluetooth music streaming from any capable device, adding source flexibility perfect for auditioning comparison tracks or simply enjoying multimedia.
The new CR4BT and CR5BT join the CR3 and CR4, all designed to bridge the gap between professional and personal appications. The new CR5BT features a high-output 5-inch woofer, delivering added low-frequency response, perfect for extended-range music and A/V post-production. All CR monitors utilize 3/4 inch silk-dome tweeters for smooth, articulate highs. Unique to the line, a left/right speaker placement switch allows users to locate the volume control on the left or right of their workstation. The front panel includes a on/off/volume knob with a lit power indication ring that will also control the volume of headphones, which can be plugged directly into the front of the monitors. Both new models feature a front panel Bluetooth button for easy pairing and connection indication. Bluetooth streaming is great for comparing mixes, auditioning files or just enjoying a bit of music or video. There is an additional front panel aux input for connecting alternate audio sources.
All Mackie CR Series monitors come with all the connecting cables needed to get started immediately. As a bonus, there’s even a pair of acoustic isolation pads included. Used in professional applications, acoustic isolation pads minimize unwanted bass buildup that can muddy a mix. Plus, the pads’ angled design allow the user to tilt the monitors slightly up or down for more focused listening depending on their setup.
The new Mackie CR4BT and CR5BT are now shipping and are sold in pairs. CR4BT monitors list for $259.99 and CR5BT monitors will be $329.99.
All the tech specs are here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
New SeaChanger Prodigy Provides Color Mixing for White LED FixturesThe new Prodigy color engine from SeaChanger is specifically engineered to provide color mixing for fixtures using a white LED light source. Prodigy gives users the same high color rendering and extensive palette achieved with traditional tungsten fixtures, while incorporating the energy efficiency of compatible LED technology. The new Prodigy also features a slimmer housing design and silent, fan-free operation with color changes in less than 0.3 seconds.
The SeaChanger Prodigy derives color from dichroic color wheels, not the light source. These CYMxG wheels are patterned to produce millions of colors and their non-absorbent filters reflect heat, making them inert to temperature damage and resistant to fading. Using the white LED and SeaChanger combination, the white LEDs are designed to be replaceable like a common theatrical lamp, thus making Prodigy a more sustainable solution as there is no need to replace the entire LED fixture.
SeaChanger Prodigy works in concert with customers’ white LED sources by featuring two DMX modes: four-channel “Legacy” CYMxG mode and a new five-channel “Prodigy” CYMxG+Dim mode, which activates dimming on the LED power outlet to customers’ white LED sources while simultaneously adjusting the color temperature to provide tungsten-like dimming.
All the details are here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
HARMAN’s JBL Professional Introduces JBL EON618S Powered Subwoofer with Array of Aesthetic, Ergonomic and Functional EnhancementsHARMAN’s JBL Professional today introduced the JBL EON618S, an 18-inch, 1000-watt powered subwoofer that is durable, supports true low-frequency extension and can be controlled wirelessly. The JBL EON618S is designed for portability and ease of use. JBL Professional designed the subwoofer to be simultaneously lightweight and rugged, visually compatible with nearly any setting and, perhaps most importantly, capable of delivering sound that is both clear and powerful.
While the JBL EON618S weighs in at just 78 pounds, it delivers a range of robust new features and capabilities. The JBL EON618S’s maximum SPL output is 134 dB, with a frequency range of 3Hz – 150Hz (-10 dB) and a frequency response of 42.5Hz – 150Hz (-3 dB). DSP parameters, including presets for EON600, EON200 and other manufacturers’ full-range loudspeakers, can be controlled via a Bluetooth app for iOS and Android. Selectable crossover presets are available through the EON Connect app. The JBL EON618S is tuned for optimal performance with the JBL EON610, JBL EON612 and JBL EON615 full-range systems.
Aesthetic design enhancements to the JBL EON618S include premium handles, a standard M20 threaded pole cup and an extremely rugged enclosure. The JBL EON618S’s design maximizes cabinet volume while maintaining a highly transportable form factor.
The JBL EON618S extends a tradition that started in 1995 with the introduction of the first HARMAN JBL EON portable PA loudspeakers, nearly one million of which have been used for countless applications since. In January 2014, JBL Professional continued the line’s tradition of excellence with the JBL EON600 Series loudspeakers, featuring new waveguide technology for uniform coverage, an updated design with a new enclosure for road-worthy durability and Bluetooth control of all EQ functions for easy system adjustment. The entire JBL EON600 Series leverages the latest technologies in cabinet materials, acoustic science, transducer design and user friendliness.
More information is here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Jensen Transformers Announces Four New ISO-MAX Direct Boxes Jensen Transformers has introduced four new direct boxes that target the live events and house of worship markets – the Concert-1 and Concert-2 for instruments and the Media-1 and Media-2 for laptops and other consumer audio sources. The Concert-1 and Concert-2 are direct boxes aimed at interfacing musical instruments such as acoustic guitar, bass and keyboards with the PA system. The Concert-1 is a single channel direct box with standard ¼” input and throughput. Inside a Jensen JT-DB-EPC transformer performs the balancing and lowers the impedance to ensure optimal signal transfer from the instrument to the PA’s mic input. A handy 1/8″ (3.5mm) TRS connector enables you to connect a laptop computer to the Concert-1 and the signal is summed to mono by dressing the selector switch. This also turns the input and thru into left and right ¼” jacks for stereo to mono conversion when used with a keyboard. The Concert-2 is a stereo version that retains full stereo functionality at all times. The Jensen transformer is particularly important when used with high output instruments such as keyboards and active bass that can often overload active direct boxes.
The Media-1 and Media-2 direct boxes are similar in that they too are equipped with Jensen JT-DB-EPC transformers. But in this case, each of these is also equipped with a variable pad that enables the user to precisely adjust the input level to enable all types of media sources such as laptops, tablets, video players and DJ mixers to be connected using the ¼” RCA or 3.5mm inputs while allowing the user to set the signal level on the fly. The Media-1 is a single channel device that automatically mixes the stereo source to mono saving valuable channels in the PA system while the Media-2 retains full stereo functionality.
The Jensen Concert and Media direct boxes feature a rugged aluminum outer shell with a slide-in steel shell on which the circuit board, switches, connectors and all important transformers are mounted. The design creates protective areas at each end to keep the sensitive components out of harm’s way.
The Concert-1 lists for $199.99, the Concert-2 is $299.99, the Media-1 is $219.99 and the Media-2 is $319.99 and here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
NEUTRIK Debuts 10-Pin XLR ConnectorNeutrik’s latest multi-pin product line for transmitting both data and power: the 10-pin XLR line. Fitting in the same form factor as other XLR connectors, Neutrik’s 10-pin XLR is perfect for transmitting four twisted pairs of data at Cat 5e performance plus up to 16A of power @ 50V using two large, dedicated power pins.
The cable connectors for the new 10-pin XLR line are based on Neutrik’s latest-generation XX series. The chassis connectors are derived from Neutrik’s DLX family, offering industry-standard D-size housings and superior RF protection and shielding as a result of the DLX connectors’ innovative duplex ground contact design.
With this new XLR design, Neutrik’s 10-pin XLR line offers an easy-to-assemble and rugged multi-pin connection solution.
The parts numbers for the straight and right angle cable connectors are:
- NC10FXX-14-B
- NC10MXX-14-B
- NC10FRX-14-B
- NC10MRX-14-B
The chassis connectors are identified as:
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Clear-Com Debuts HelixNet 3.0Clear-Com just launched HelixNet Version 3.0, a free software-only update to the HelixNet digital network partyline platform. The company says the new version unlocks the HelixNet system in response to the growing need for more communication channels to support live performances and live productions.
With this new update, the HelixNet multiplies its basic channel count by three, with a new offering of 12 channels per HMS-4X Main Station. In the previous version, users had to link three HMS-4X Stations together in order to achieve the same number of channels. This capability brings greater capacity and flexibility to larger productions that require more distinctive talk groups. Furthermore, an additional 12 channels can be added simply by purchasing a license, effectively enabling a single HMS-4X to provide a total of 24 channels.
In order to support this expanded channel count of HelixNet, any combination of Main Stations or Remote Stations (HRM) can be configured to function as expansion key stations. With multiple devices acting as one system, users are able to address all users on HelixNet with a single headset/mic/loudspeaker. Pressing the “All Talk” key will affect all channels in a linked and expanded system.
HelixNet 3.0 also features a free browser-based software tool for the first time, called Core Configuration Manager (CCM). This enables easy online set-up and configuration of all HelixNet devices via the latest versions of all major browsers on Mac, PC and tablet platforms. CCM offers visual representation of all connected devices and functions, and the save/restore function allows easy duplication of systems. All configurations can be edited via the CCM software, or via the traditional menu system on the HelixNet Main Station.
HelixNet 3.0 is expected to start shipping at the end of November. More information is here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Christie Improves M Series LineThe new Christie M Series line of upgraded 3DLP projectors include enhanced performance, portrait display capabilities and a 500-hour increase in the 450W lamp. Building on seven years of experience, the updated Christie M Series models can project on flat or curved screens in rental staging applications as well as large auditoriums, board and conference rooms, houses of worship, and post production in either single or multiple projector setups. All enhanced Christie M Series 3DLP projectors are 3D upgradable.
Rental/stagers will appreciate the Christie M Series’ new 450W dual-mercury lamp structure that now generates over 1,750 hours before a lamp change.
Addition Christie M Series features:
- Eighteen Christie M Series projectors are now portrait capable.
- Extended life on 450W lamp models.
- More user-friendly remote control.
- Dual input DisplayPort module allows for greater digital connectivity on the product when shipped.
- Dual mercury lamp operational in single lamp mode for built-in redundancy.
- Deliver high brightness on large screens, cutting through ‘show lighting.’
- Hot swappable lamps can be changed while projectors are in use.
- 3D capabilities operate in either active or passive stereoscopic modes in the Mirage models, and
- include triple flash capability.
- Embedded Christie Twist image warping and blending, and optional Christie AutoStack software to align Christie projectors in minutes.
- Multi-window processing for small tiled and blended arrays means no external processors.
- Patented embedded LiteLOC technology monitors and manages brightness levels.
The Christie M Series is here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
PreSonus’ Eris E44 and E66 MTM Monitors Provide Ultra-Wide ImagingPreSonus’ new Eris E44 and E66 two-way active MTM studio monitors claim to deliver an expanded frequency range and the widest stereo field in their class, due to their nested Midwoofer-Tweeter-Midwoofer (MTM, also known as “D’Appolito”) design. The result is a more consistent listening experience on- and off-axis.
The E44 and E66 nested MTM configuration incorporates dual Kevlar low/mid drivers (4.5- and 6.5-inch, respectively) operating in parallel and covering the same frequency range so that they acoustically couple. Persons says that this effectively creates a larger woofer to provide a more dynamic output than conventional two-way studio monitors. Nesting a 1.25-inch, silk-dome, high-frequency driver between the two woofers minimizes phase displacement to improved spatial resolution.
By bringing the midrange drivers close together and raising the HF driver, the E44 and E66 are able to perform optimally in both horizontal and vertical orientations. A three-position Acoustic Space switch helps compensate for the boundary bass boost that occurs when the monitor is placed near a wall or corner. High and Mid acoustic tuning controls further help to mitigate room problems. A Low Cutoff filter makes it easy to integrate a subwoofer. Individual balanced XLR and ¼” TRS and unbalanced RCA input connections make hookup quick and easy. Safety features include RF shielding, current-output limiting, over-temperature protection, and subsonic protection.
Eris E44 and E66 studio monitor speakers are expected to be available in the third quarter of 2015 at an anticipated street price of $249.95/speaker and $349.95/speaker, respectively. All the tech specs are here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
DPA Microphones Unveils New d:screet Slim MicrophoneDPA Microphones has announced the d:screet Slim Microphone that’s for a near-invisible bodyworn microphone. The d:screet Slim features the company’s omni-directional capsule element in a flat head, a slender cable and an exciting new button-hole mount accessory. Currently in beta-test stages with some of the industry’s most prominent sound engineers, this new solution is already gaining rave reviews.
The microphone’s new button-hole mount, which comes as an enclosed accessory, provides a 90-degree sound input angle, allowing the cable to lay flat against a surface rather than sticking straight out. It is also designed to fit into a space as small as two millimeters. The combination of the size and available accessories increases the number of mounting solutions as it can be placed virtually anywhere without being seen.
The d:screet 4060 capsule with high sensitivity and the 4061 capsule with low sensitivity used on the d:screet Slim offer exceptional audio quality with low self-noise. As with all DPA microphones, this latest solution is compatible with all major wireless adapters. It is available in four color options — beige, white, black and brown. A refinement of DPAs currently available concealer solution is in the works as an added accessory, which is one of the many accessory solutions that DPA is currently developing.
More information is here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
PreSonus Intros HP2 Personal Headphone AmplifierDesigned for live events without compromising audio quality, the PreSonus HP2 stereo personal headphone amplifier is designed for driving wired in-ear monitors (IEMs), as well as headphones. Portable and compact, it offers two XLR line-level inputs and one stereo 1/8-inch headphone output with volume control. Operation can be switched between stereo and mono, and a Pan knob is provided.
The HP2 can be powered with an external DC power supply or a nine-volt battery that lasts more than seven hours and includes an LED battery indicator. It mounts on a microphone stand or clips to the musician’s belt.
The HP2 is already shipping and lists for $109.95. The specs are here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Epiphan Debuts AV.io SDI Video CaptureEpiphan Video just unveiled a new product in its AV.io line of video grabbers. AV.io SDI is a new portable video “grabber” that’s designed to capture 3G-SDI, HD-SDI and SD-SDI from any USB source.
Epiphany claims the AV.io SDI is a “simple” SDI capture card as it doesn’t need any special drivers installed on your computer – plug it in to your USB port and out comes SDI. Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems automatically detect AV.io SDI. It’s also compatible with Skype, Wirecast and QuickTime.
The AV.io SDI captures uncompressed Full HD video (1080p) at 60fps and it’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand (in an aluminum enclosure).
Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe HOW out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
Don’t like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.
To send me feedback, don’t reply to this newsletter. Instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas, Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue, which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe [Publications] has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
Everything we publish is Opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship ePublication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA and launched in February 2004, is, by far, the largest ePub in the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
To read more about my background, our team and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top |
Copyright 2015 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – (919) 969-7501. Email: Sara@rAVePubs.com
rAVe contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |
|
|
|