Volume 4, Issue 1 — January 21, 2015
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House of Worship Trends The Future of HOW
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The Untapped Market — Portable Churches
By Anthony Coppedge House of Worship Technology Consultant
Stats vary, but the trend shows that portable churches make up over 20 percent of all new churches in the United States. A ‘portable church’ is a local congregation without a permanent facility, and often meet with the help of volunteers for setup and tear-down in venues such as schools, movie theaters and community centers. Technology is a major factor in these churches and the market is ripe for innovation and focused marketing efforts on the behalf of manufacturers and systems integrators. This is the untapped market — portable churches.
Easy, Portable, and Easy
Similar to performance venue load in and load out, everything has to be rack mounted in portable road cases. In fact, the similarities between a portable church audio/video/lighting rig isn’t all that different, functionally, as a concert venue. The biggest differences are in scale and connectivity.
For the most part, portable churches are small operations relying on the manpower of volunteers willing to arrive two to three hours before service. Because of this, these systems need to be extremely well designed for optimizing efficiency and connectivity. The size of these operations is usually limited to about a dozen or so volunteers, so every road case has to be easy for a two-person team to move, unpack and prep.
In the professional touring market, the engineers and roadies know their jobs and the gear well. They’re used to making cables, re-configuring audio snakes and edge-blending projectors. From stage plots to audio matrixes to ringing out the system, these pros have the experience (and, often a half day or one day load in) to make portable work very, very well. The constraints on a portable church are both limited by time (two- to three-hour prep time is typical) and volunteers who work hard and are teachable, but lack years of experience in touring. This opens up the approach for selling to the portable church market to be one that is unique, simplified and affordable.
Systems Integrators and Simple Selling
A systems integrator should love this market: pre-designed, zero-engineering required per project, as one large box-sale. This is the epitome of simple selling. The opportunity to not only provide ready-to-go packages, but the documentation, color-coded connectivity, and pre-determined cable runs is a huge win-win scenario for the church and the integrator.
While it should be simple picking off the low-hanging fruit, very few integrators – even those focused on churches — have addressed this market segment well. In fact, there a grand total of two firms — Portable Church Industries and Church on Wheels — that have directly focused on these churches. As thousands of churches are planted each year, with a portion of those in portable scenarios, the opportunity is clear: Address this underserved market with simple, portable systems.
How Manufacturers Can Address Portable Churches
Depending upon the company and technology, some manufacturers are in a position to provide portable church kits. Approaching it from another direction, if a manufacturer currently has a strategy for selling their products in the rental and staging and touring markets, they likely can adapt those strategies in order to sell to portable churches.
It’s not hard to envision a trade-up, trade-in scenario whereby a manufacturer provides a guaranteed upgrade path with guaranteed buy-back pricing when trading-up. This not only endears the church to your brand, it makes volunteer training easier through consistent product menus and operation as their technology needs scale up with their growth and budget.
There’s even the opportunity to demonstrate how your a brand’s technology can be used today in a portable venue and easily installed in a permanent venue should the church purchase a facility.
Video Training for Portable Churches
I’ve written about the need for more training of church volunteers by manufacturers and systems integrators alike, so this isn’t new territory. There’s a huge opportunity to either sell (package with the sale) or give away training on how to set up your pre-configured portable church systems on video. The up-front costs are minimal and the opportunity to re-purpose the videos is immense, with only minor changes needed (simple video edits) as technology is upgraded.
To this day, I still link to a YouTube video of a roadie slowly demonstrating ‘over-and-under’ cable wrapping. This kind of simple training is viewed thousands of times because there’s always a new group of volunteers that are seeing this for the first time. Consider how many short, simple videos your company could shoot and publish to help users understand how to maximize your gear! Instead, the assumption is that pros with decades of experience are the exclusive users of products – when that’s just not the case.
Reaching Portable Churches
It may surprise you to learn that that a high percentage of portable churches are not started from scratch, but are part of a multi-site strategy of existing churches. That’s right: Plenty of larger churches are choosing to add new campuses that meet in schools, movie theaters and community centers because the overhead costs are far lower as they experiment with increasing their community reach.
These existing churches often have technical staff and will have the experience and expertise to buy larger, more complex portable systems than the typical small church plant, making this a market that not only serves the inexpensive box sale, but also the larger portable system sale. There are some churches spending six figures on each portable campus’ A/V/L technology. It’s not just for those with $20,000 budgets for everything.
I rarely see advertising in the church technology and church leader magazines/online websites that focuses on portable churches, and it makes me wonder how existing churches would respond if their favorite manufacturers starting promoting towards this segment of their market. For most mega-churches (those with 2,000+ attendance), the likelihood of adding portable churches is high, with a recent survey showing more than 50 percent of these churches planning on adding portable churches as part of their multi-site strategy for this coming year (2015).
Sometimes, it really is the simple and obvious opportunities that surprise us. Perhaps this will be the year when manufacturers and systems integrators realize the potential of serving this growing market.
How should manufacturers and systems integrators reach portable churches? Share your views and links in the comments below. Leave a Comment
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What CES 2015 Means for the H.O.W. Market
By Anthony Coppedge House of Worship Technology Consultant
Fellow geeks have united and converged upon Las Vegas, Nevada once again for the annual tech-fest that is the Consumer Electronics Show, and the future’s digital handwriting is on the proverbial wall: audio/video/lighting (A/V/L) technology is once again the dominant technology. With prognostications aside, the trends of these present-future technologies have a direct impact on the House of Worship (H.O.W.) market for the A/V/L space.
A/V/L Dominates New Top Products
CES’s leadership highlighted the top 20 technologies on the opening day of the show and A/V/L was represented in 13 of the new products. This is huge, especially considering the shift to mobile and the massive focus on Apps. Also worthy of note: The Internet of Things is coming of age, and is easily demonstrated with five out of the top 20 new offerings that are aimed at connecting our physical world with our digital lifestyles.
Probably unsurprising to rAVe readers is the huge number of new products geared toward the 4K resolution video display market. Content has continued to be the biggest obstacle for 4K adoption, but exponential leaps in even consumer technologies are showing up in video cameras and even new mobile devices. This shift is not subtle, but dramatic, and will continue to spin up rapidly as tech companies push consumers towards 4K displays (shouldn’t we drop the now archaic term “television set” since today’s displays now include WiFi and streaming video content?).
As I’ve written about previously, 4K resolution technology has a number of significant challenges for widespread adoption by the overwhelming majority of churches due to workflow and massive file storage requirements. Still, one cannot turn a blind eye towards a technology that has already captured the imaginations of consumers. More importantly, the increase in new 4K technologies means adoption issues must be addressed and overcome by manufacturers and systems integrators alike. Those that figure this out first will reap significant benefits and healthy margins as big a shift as the introduction of HD was to the H.O.W. market.
The Internet of Things Mirrors the Automation & Control Market
In the not-too-distant past, AMX and Crestron were the two lone big boys of the control and automation market for the A/V/L integrator. Back when ‘touchpanels’ were single-use devices and control meant dedicated RS-232 and IR receivers as the norm, the control aspect of systems integration was a huge selling point and solid way to add margin to a project. Today, consumers expect to control more in their homes and cars than just A/V devices. The consumer mentality is taken by the user from their home to their workplace, where they see the opportunity to control and access more over Wi-Fi than just shared printers.
The H.O.W. market is similarly populated by consumers who have had their expectations raised by what they can do on their tablet or mobile devices. The complexity factor has become lost on leaders who have simple and flexible apps in their personal lives; they simply expect their church’s A/V/L technology to be at least on par with what they can do from the comfort of their couch. It doesn’t matter if their expectation is realistic because it is possible, thanks to a thriving App eco-system, depending on how much one wants to spend.
The opportunity to revisit old assumptions about A/V/L is ripe, especially for the manufacturers and integrators that can provide new levels of flexibility, power, and control from mobile devices. Far beyond mere control, the upgrade opportunities for energy-efficient LED architectural lighting (not to mention color mixing these previous white-light-only venues), proactive maintenance, smart push notifications to appropriate users, and a whole plethora of other possibilities are on the table. The Internet of Things (IoT), according to Wikipedia, “Is the interconnection of uniquely identifiable embedded computing devices within the existing Internet infrastructure.” What makes IoT especially compelling for the A/V/L market is that besides the plethora of new application areas for Internet connected automation to expand into, IoT is also expected to generate large amounts of data from diverse locations; and then to aggregate data at very high-velocity, thereby increasing the need to better index, store and process such data. The “smart era” is here, and systems integrators, in particular, have a huge opportunity to not only control and automate more, but the report on what’s happening and identify usage trends, common patterns, and recurring issues through apps and web tools. Churches are no different than businesses, education, or government markets when it comes to needing actionable, useful information out of the huge amounts of data that otherwise overwhelm users.
From RS-232 to IPv6
If consumers can get Wi-Fi now in their cars, flat panel displays, and soon their kitchen appliances, then it’s entirely reasonable to build in wireless (and wired) connectivity into almost every A/V/L component. However, since the IPv4 protocol is quickly running out of IP addresses (Internet, not local network), it is likely that using local networks within venues to connect to the Internet may continue to be a good solution. But with App control often limited to direct IP addresses, it’s still wise to consider the adoption of IPv6. Yeah, this is geeky stuff, but the outcome is very sleek – users getting more control (and, theoretically, more usage) out of their A/V/L devices.
In the H.O.W. market, volunteers play key roles, sometimes including being the sole technical ‘staff’ for a church. Because of this, ‘volunteer proofing’ systems continues to be a high priority. Far from making something ‘idiot proof’ (ignorance is remedied; incompetence is not), volunteer friendly control systems need far more then sequenced power up and power down functionality; control in the IoT will not only be devices with sensory capabilities, but also provide actuation capabilities for doing something about a status alert, all through the Internet.
Value Adding Trumps Features & Benefits
By meeting the consumer mentality expectation of instant connectivity, control, and operation through the IoT, manufacturers and systems integrators will have a far more powerful sales and marketing message: technology that answers the question, “What’s in it for me?” The value proposition of smart systems is the demonstrated upside of proactive maintenance, even higher uptimes, and lower failure rates. There cannot be a greater sales value proposition than A/V/L systems and components that increase the user experience, provide longer life cycles, and open up new levels of human scalability (operators) through remote administration and operation – all critical in the volunteer-heavy H.O.W. market.
Features and benefit comparisons will be rendered irrelevant when a user can compared options and ask, “yeah, but which one of these is a smart technology?”
How is the A/V/L industry addressing the Internet of Things? What should be done by manufacturers and systems integrators to accelerate the adoption of IPv6 and remote control and automation? Share your views and links in the comments below. Leave a Comment
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Symetrix Announces Integration with Shure, Audio-Technica Products in SymNet Composer 3.0 Symetrix has launched SymNet Composer 3.0, an update to its open architecture design software. Version 3.0 has built upon the native support of Audinate’s Dante media networking technology for select third-party devices in earlier releases, and extends support to Shure Inc. and Audio-Technica.
Now, integrators can streamline their set-up procedures and achieve network discovery, Dante signal routing, and audio set-up of supported third-party devices from the two new manufacturers alongside Attero Tech and Stewart Audio with a single piece of software.
For Shure users, SymNet Composer 3.0 brings the MXWAPT4 and MXWAPT8 access point transceivers from Shure’s Microflex Wireless range into the SymNet fold.
SymNet Composer 3.0 also adds native Dante configuration for two leading products from another prominent microphone manufacturer, Audio-Technica. The two supported items are the ATND971 Dante-enabled cardioid condenser boundary microphone and the ATND8677 Dante-enabled microphone desk stand, which can be used with any gooseneck microphone sporting a three-pin XLRM-type output connector.
The new version of SymNet Composer also includes a number of Window Management (Composer UI) Framework improvements, giving the user greater freedom to move pallets to any side of the screen they desire, resize them in place and nest them into tabbed pallets. It is also possible to create specific menu bars for frequently accessed commands and customize toolbars to keep preferred shortcuts at hand.
Alongside the introduction of SymNet Composer 3.0, Symetrix also launched the SymNet Radius 12×8 EX. An upgrade to the popular SymNet Radius 12×8 DSP, the new version features the addition of an expansion slot which, when utilized, increases the total audio input/output count from 20 to 24 in the same 1U format.
In a development that boosts the future-proofing of an installation by allowing for subsequent expansion by simple I/O card addition, SymNet Radius 12×8 EX supports an array of optional SymNet cards, including analog, digital, AEC and telephone. A dedicated Migration Tool allows those with previous designs or work-in-progress using Radius 12×8 to easily convert their files to use the Radius 12×8 EX hardware without any further modifications or extra work.
Also available is the 2 Line VoIP Interface Card, which is an Asterisk– and Cisco-compatible plug-in card for the SymNet Edge and Radius DSPs that natively integrates with SIP-based call platforms and unified communications environments. Designed to be easy to deploy and manage, the 2 Line VoIP Interface Card is suited for a variety of conferencing, paging, remote monitoring and broadcast applications.
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VUE Audiotechnik Introduces h-5 Flagship Ultra-Compact h-5 Loudspeaker VUE Audiotechnik has unveiled the latest addition to its h-Class family of high-definition, full-range loudspeakers.
The compact and lightweight h-5 combines two precision-engineered, 5-inch low-frequency transducers with a 1-inch exit compression driver that features a Truextent beryllium diaphragm at its core. VUE says beryllium technology allows the compression driver to deliver dramatic improvements in high-frequency extension and response linearity that simply cannot be matched by traditional aluminum or titanium designs. The beryllium compression driver is mounted to a new, precision horn with very wide 120° x 40° (H x V) coverage.
Dual channel, high efficiency amplifiers deliver power for both transducers while eliminating the need for cooling fans. A lightweight, fully protected, switch-mode power supply with auto voltage detection provides hassle-free worldwide operation with universal mains operation from 85V to 260V. The h-5’s drivers and electronics are housed in a birch enclosure that includes integrated M10 hanging points, and optional yoke mount and rigging hardware make easy deployment as a main system, on lighting grids, or in a variety of support configurations.
The h-5 grille is coated with a two-part, polyurethane finish that lays a transparent candy-apple red coating over a base coat of black.
Here are all the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Mackie Intros New DL32R Digital Live Sound MixerMackie just debuted its new DL32R 32-Channel Wireless Digital Mixer with iPad Control. The Mackie DL32R features a mix of professional I/O in an compact 3U rackmount design. Each of the 32 inputs (24 XLR, 8 XLR/TRS combo) feature Mackie’s all-new Onyx+ recallable mic preamps, with remote control over preamp gain and phantom power. Fully-assignable using the Master Fader control app, there are 14 XLR outputs great for anything from stage monitors to matrix outputs. The front panel also features a stereo AES digital output for connecting gear like speaker processors. A dedicated stereo monitor output is designed for connecting an in-ear monitor system for detailed listening from anywhere in the venue.
With complete wireless control of the system using Mackie’s Master Fader iPad app, there is no longer any need for a fixed FOH position. Place the mixer where it works best — be it next to the stage, backstage or even tucked away in a utility closet. This can also eliminate the need for a bulky analog snake.The DL32R does away with FOH positions such as under a balcony, behind a pillar, etc. The user can tune the room right from the problem spots and get on stage to ring out monitors or work with the band to dial in the perfect monitor mix.
Multiple engineers can work wirelessly from a single DL32R mixer using their own iOS device, including monitor engineers and performers who wish to control their own monitor mixes. The lead engineer can apply access limiting to additional control devices, keeping the user from making unwanted changes.
The DL32R features two flexible methods for multi-track recording and playback: The first of these is direct to USB hard drive, which is currently a 48 kHz, 24-bit, 24 input by 24 output platform — this will be expanded soon to 32×32 via a free firmware update. Second is the direct-to-disk option for wireless control over your multi-track recording and playback.
An additional USB 2.0 computer audio interface is available for 32×32 recording and playback that can directly connect with any DAW — great for studio applications and rehearsal spaces. Both methods provide the ability to record the band and perform a virtual soundcheck at the next show. This is a powerful and professional way to dial in a mix at any venue.
Mackie says the DL32R’s DSP eliminates the need for racks of expensive outboard processing. Each of the 32 inputs features a 4-band parametric EQ with a separate high-pass filter, plus gating and compression. Four return channels feature dedicated EQ and compression. Each of the 14 auxiliary sends, six matrix busses and main L/R busses feature a 4-band parametric EQ, 31-band GEQ, a compressor limiter and alignment delay. Six subgroups feature EQ and compression. Each processor features Modern and Vintage voicing options, delivering sonic choice to the user. Three separate effects processors with dedicated sends allow for two reverbs and one delay with tap control. 6 VCAs and 6 Mute Groups round out the processing.
Designed from the ground up for live sound, Mackie’s Master Fader iPad app delivers total wireless control over the DL32R. True to Mackie’s ongoing commitment to creating mixers that are extremely easy to learn and to master, Master Fader provides fast navigation and very powerful tools for mixing 32-channels of audio.
The new Mackie DL32R 32-Channel Wireless Digital Mixer with iPad Control is available now worldwide and lists for $2,499.99. All the detailed specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Audinate Enhances Dante Virtual Soundcard and Dante Controller Audinate, inventor of Dante, announced new updates to its Dante Virtual Soundcard (Release 3.7) as well as the Dante Controller. Both releases support the latest Apple Mac OS X10.10 Yosemite and Microsoft Windows 8 operating systems.
Dante Virtual Soundcard is a simple, easy-to-use software application that turns your Windows PC, Windows Server or Mac OS X computer into a Dante-enabled device, allowing you to instantly connect to any Dante network. No special hardware is required — Dante Virtual Soundcard uses your computer’s Ethernet port to send or receive audio from Dante-enabled devices on the network.
Dante Controller is a free software application for PC and Mac that enables you to route audio and configure devices on a Dante network. In addition, Dante Controller provides essential device status information and powerful real-time network monitoring, including device-level latency and clock stability stats, multicast bandwidth usage, and customized event logging.
The Dante Virtual Soundcard Release 3.7 features include:
- New improved user interface
- Support for sample rates from 44.1 to 192kHz, for both ASIO and Core audio
- Support for 176kHz and 192kHz sample rates — for tuned, dedicated computers
- Increase of WDM channels to 16 channels (8 pairs)
- Support for Window Driver Model (WDM) sample rates from 44.1 to 96Khz
- Support for 16-bit and 32-bit depth audio formats in addition to 24-bit.
- Sample rate pull-up and pull-down in ASIO and Core Audio
In addition, Dante Virtual Soundcard will report latency stats, late packet stats and signal presence indicators via the latest release of Dante Controller, Release 3.5.6. This provides end-users with useful health and monitoring information of the network status. A further benefit is that Dante Virtual Soundcard will now run on Microsoft Windows Server versions 2012 and 2008, allowing for wider use in traditional IT environments. Upgrade to Release 3.7 is free of charge to current license holders.
More information is here:
Dante Virtual Soundcard Release 3.7 Dante Controller Release 3.5.6 Leave a Comment
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HARMAN’s JBL Intros New Intellivox 380 Series Loudspeakers HARMAN’s JBL Professional group is launching its Intellivox 380 Series in the form of three loudspeaker models: the DC380, DS380 and DSX380.
The flagship model in the Intellivox 380 Series is the DSX380, which features complex room-molding DDS Beam Shaping. This technology molds the coverage to match the requirements of rooms that have multi-faceted listening planes, while providing not only consistent SPL but also consistent frequency response throughout the listening space. In addition to its ability to deliver clear and intelligible speech the DSX380 units also feature extended HF bandwidth, so they sound great with music especially when you add a subwoofer. The DS380 also features DDS Beam Shaping, with a longer acoustic array length.
The DC380 offers parametric DDC Beam Steering technology and is ideal for speech applications in rooms with a less complex listening plane. Both the Opening Angle and Aiming Angle are adjustable in very fine 0.1 degree increments. This is the highest aiming resolution available on the market, allowing these speakers to meet the exact aiming and coverage requirements of the space, for best direct to reverberant performance.
Typical throw distance for the 380 Series models is 45 meters (150 feet). Idle power consumption is very low at 0.5A @ 115V, providing lower cost of ownership for a facility and greatly reducing the size requirements for UPS systems, when required.
All units include a 16-channel amp/DSP module and eight presets that can be recalled and/or locked for security purposes. Each model has two inputs each with a 4-band parametric EQ, volume control and delay. Output processing includes an 8-band parametric EQ, volume control and delay. An ambient noise-sensing microphone and control software are built-in, as are redundant internal monitoring features to ensure reliability. Featuring the smallest depth and width footprint in the industry, Intellivox 380 Series models are especially thin and unobtrusive, and can be easily recessed into walls.
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DENON Intros Six New Products Aimed at ProAV Market Denon Professional today introduced a new line called the Solution Series — a line of six wireless solutions for custom signal management and signal transmission routing in ProAV installations.
They include the:
DN-200PM Connected Presentation Manager — This functions as the central hub for distributing presentation/meeting content in conference rooms and classrooms. It features a Quad Core processor and 8GB of onboard storage and also supports DLNA, AirPlay, Miracast, Bluetooth and UPnP for simple connection to source and input devices. The DN-200PM has three USB ports, an HDMI out, RJ-45 Ethernet port, optical and 1/8” audio outs. It will be available in late Spring 2015 for $199.95.
DN-200AZB Bluetooth Receiver with Zone Amplifier —The DN-200AZB receives Bluetooth audio content and powers local speakers with its built-in 70V/100V digital Class D amplifier. Stream audio wirelessly from any Bluetooth enabled smartphone, tablet, or computer and the 200AZB receives it and powers connected speakers and the DN-200AZB will be available for $199.99 in late Spring 2015.
DN-200BR Bluetooth Audio Receiver — The DN-200BR interface acts as a central hub of Bluetooth signals for a professional audio system for sound reinforcement, event, or retail applications. It receives Bluetooth signals wirelessly, then routes the audio to balanced XLR or ¼-inch outputs for integration with mixers and amplification systems. The DN-200BR will be available in Spring 2015 for $99.99.
DN-200WS Wi-Fi Audio Streamer — The DN-200WS allows DLNA and AirPlay support to an audio system by receiving signals over 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and sends audio output via its XLR or balanced ¼-inch outputs. A maximum 28Mbps data connection speed ensures an optimum connection with support for 24-bit audio at up to 192kHz sampling rates. The DN-200WS will be available for $149.99 in Spring 2015.
DN-202WT/DN-202WR Wireless Audio Transmitter and Receiver — The DN-202 series is ideal for getting stereo audio from point A to B. The DN-202WT is a wireless audio transmitter with balanced XLR and ¼-inch inputs, enabling users to send audio from a professional audio mixer or source through walls and ceilings up to 200 feet (60m) away. The DN-202WR is the companion receiver, featuring balanced XLR and ¼-inch outputs for connection to loudspeakers or amplification systems. Multiple DN-202WR’s may be used with a single DN-202WT to optimize sound coverage at an event or split indoor/outdoor/multi-level venues. Both the DN-202WT and DN-202WR will be available in Spring 2015 for $99.99 and $69.99, respectively.
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Christie Buys coolux Christie just announced today that it has acquired German company coolux, a developer and supplier of 3D compositing and rendering systems. coolux will be integrated into Christie’s Global Market Solutions team, maintaining its office in Cologne, Germany.
coolux is best known for the Pandoras Box media and show control system, a high performance link between projection and digital image composition. A turn-key solution, it offers real-time rendering and compositing in 3D and allows projection onto any shape or surface.
Christie, a manufacturer primarily of high-end commercial projection systems, is based in Kitchener, Canada. It also owns Vista Control Systems, producer of the Vista Spyder video processor, and Arsenal Media (now Christie Creative Media Services), a digital signage content company.
More detail on the announcement will be provided at the biennial coolux Connect Conference, to be held Jan. 8-9 in Cologne, Germany.
coolux and Christie will exhibit at ISE in Amsterdam next month. Leave a Comment
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Audio-Technica’s Dante-Enabled Products Compatible With Symetrix’s Newly-Released SymNet Composer 3.0 Audio-Technica has announced that Symetrix’s newly-released SymNet Composer 3.0 open-architecture design software offers native integration of Audio-Technica’s ATND971 Dante-enabled cardioid condenser boundary microphone and the ATND8677 Dante-enabled microphone desk stand.
Version 3.0 has built upon the native support of Audinate’s Dante media networking technology for select third-party devices in earlier releases, and extends support of market-leading products thanks to new partnerships with Audio-Technica and others. Users of the Symetrix SymNet Radius AEC, Radius 12×8 EX and Edge Dante-scalable DSPs are now able to streamline their configuration procedures and achieve network discovery, Dante signal routing, and audio setup of supported Audio-Technica devices.
Launched at the InfoComm Show in Las Vegas earlier this year, Audio-Technica’s ATND971 bridges the gap between audio and IT as the first wired microphone that transmits audio and control data together over Audinate’s Dante network protocol. A simple Ethernet connection allows the ATND971 network microphone to communicate across an existing network of Dante-enabled devices and, with the microphone’s programmable user switch, control any of those devices at the push of a button.
Also integrated with Symetrix SymNet Composer 3.0, the ATND8677 Microphone Desk Stand fits gooseneck microphones with standard XLRM-type outputs, offering installers previously unavailable simplicity in adding gooseneck microphones to Dante audio networks. All of the tech details are here. Leave a Comment
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DENON Introduces ENVOI Denon Professional today launched something it’s calling Envoi, which is basically a portable, wireless sound system. Perfect for entertainment events and public speaking engagements, this compact, easily transportable system solves the dilemma of amplifying voices and music to a large audience when there is no access to AC power.
The Envoi is fully wireless, with up to 12 hours of battery life, a handheld wireless microphone for mobility and even a Bluetooth receiver allowing users to stream music right from their smartphone or tablet. In addition, a fully featured, built-in MP3 player can handle any playback files stored on SD card or USB thumb drive for total BYOD compatibility.
Envoi’s sound comes from 360-watt amplifier built around Class D technology using 10” woofer and phase-aligned tweeters.
Denon Professional Envoi includes:
- Full musical range frequency response up to 20 kHz
- Two-way active speaker (10” woofer, 1” compression HF driver)
- Built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 12 hours of powerful sound
- 360 watts Class D power (AC power line), 240 watts (DC battery powered)
- USB/SD MP3/WMA Player for unattended playback
- Informative, clear LCD display
- Two-wheel system with retractable handle for easy transportability
- Mic 1&2 combo inputs with Mic/Line level selector switch
- 1⁄4inch (6.3mm) aux input connector
- Two-band bass/treble EQ, ±12dB
- Reverb effect with trim knob
- Four-point battery level indicator
- Multi voltage switch
- Standard 35mm polemount socket
- Compact size 16.7 x 14.1 x 24.6″ (425 x 360 x 626 millimeter)
- Weight: 41.8 pounds (19 kilograms)
When it’s on their website, it will be here. Leave a Comment
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VUE Intros al-8SB Flyable Subwoofer to Its al-Class Speaker LineBuilding on its al-Class high-definition line array systems, VUE Audiotechnik introduces the al-8SB Flyable Subwoofer. Designed for integration with the al-8 Line Array System, the versatile al-8SB delivers powerful and well-defined low-frequency reproduction down below 35 Hz. The compact and easily flyable package features rigging options for suspension above or behind al-8 arrays in a variety of configurations in addition to forming the base for ground stack arrays.
The compact al-8SB can be used in flown arrays along with additional ground stacked VUE subwoofers for applications requiring impressive low frequency effects, such as large dance music systems, and can be used in cardioid bass arrangements. The al-8SB consists of a W-18 neodymium version of the C18 woofer found in the VUE hs-28 Dual 18-inch ACM Subwoofer, housed in an enclosure that is exactly the height of two al-8 dual 8 inch three-way line array elements. This provides visual symmetry between flown arrays of al-8s and al-8SB subwoofers, as well optimal enclosure volume for the woofer. Its 18-inch, long-throw transducer employs a 4-inch voice coil and dual spider for minimal power compression.
The al-8SB enclosure is constructed of birch plywood, coated in the same durable 12-step Dura-Coat LX finish as the al-8 acoustic elements. Extensive interior bracing ensures resonant-free low frequency performance. The machined, powder-coated, steel grille with acoustically transparent lining provides ample driver protection while completing the top-quality al-Class aesthetic. Recessed handles and skids enable easy transport and stacking.
Integrated rigging hardware ensures that the al-8SB is perfectly configured for use in any al-8 Line Array System, whether suspended or ground stacked. The four-point symmetrical rigging allows the al-8sb to be flown in reverse fashion with other al-8SB subwoofers to create a cardioid bass arrangement. Recessed, front- and rear-mounted, dual Neutrik Speakon sockets provide easy input and output connection from the back of cardioid arrays.
VUE’s new fly beam can fly the al-8SB enclosures or full-range al-8 arrays. The beam can be used for ground stacking al-8s on the subwoofer enclosure or to fly an array of al-8S underneath an array of subwoofer enclosures. A flyable end-fire grid allows quick assembly of sophisticated al-8SB end-fire arrays for improved directionality and reduced low-frequency energy onstage.
The al-8SB Flyable Subwoofer has a list price of less than $4,000 USD. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Manley Introduces FORCE Mic Preamp Manley Labs just announced the Manley FORCE mic preamp — a four-channel high voltage vacuum tube microphone preamplifier that lists for $2,500.
The FORCE incorporates the same proprietary hand-wound Manley Iron mic input transformers and 12AX7 vacuum tube amplifying stage operating from 300 V rails. Each channel includes a high-impedance, ¼” instrument input as well as an XLR microphone input. On the front, each channel features a 120 Hz high-pass filter, variable input-level pad, phase invert, selectable +48V phantom power, and a high/low gain switch. The CNC machined faceplate features seven-way LED metering for each channel providing instant visible feedback for audio levels. The universal power supply accepts any voltage or frequency from anywhere in the world facilitating travel for international recording projects.
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Meyer Sound CAL Becomes First AVnu-Certified AVB Loudspeaker Meyer Sound has announced that its CAL column array loudspeakers are the first loudspeaker products to receive the AVnu certification by AVnu Alliance, the industry consortium that certifies Audio Video Bridging (AVB) devices for interoperability. This certification is the global seal given to devices that have implemented the IEEE AVB standards and passed AVnu Alliance’s rigorous testing for interoperability and compliance. CAL can be heard live at the Meyer Sound stand at the 2015 ISE trade show in Amsterdam.
Now with the AVnu certification, CAL provides seamless interoperability with AVnu-certified AVB devices from other vendors to simplify network implementation for the user, while offering numerous advantages of the open IEEE AVB standards.
For specifiers and integrators, CAL with AVnu-certified AVB streamlines the network infrastructure by combining audio signal transmission with system control and monitoring using industry-standard structured cabling such as Cat5e and Cat6. This introduces unprecedented time and cost savings compared to traditional analog and digital signal distribution, while significantly simplifying network implementation and future reconfiguration. In addition, AVB eliminates shortcomings in legacy proprietary networking solutions and provides precise timing synchronization with guaranteed bandwidth.
The AVnu certification program is conducted by the University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL), a third-party testing house that has also worked with the Wi-Fi Alliance and other industry consortia. Other products that have received AVnu certification include the AVB hardware and software reference platform from XMOS, switches from Extreme Networks and more.
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DAS Launches AERO 20A Compact Line Array D.A.S. has announced the launch of its new Aero 20A compact powered line array system. The new system joins the third generation of Aero line arrays systems born with the introduction of the Aero 40A Advanced Line Array System (ALAS) in 2014. Incorporating the ALAS philosophy, the Aero 20A draws from the astounding success of the “all-purpose” capabilities of the Aero 12A, launched in 2009.
The new Aero 20A incorporates D.A.S.’s latest transducer design, power electronics and system management. The Aero 20A incorporates a new D.A.S. 12″ loudspeaker optimized to provide high output and reliability. A light aluminum voice coil bonded to a new fiberglass reinforced cone, an optimized magnet circuit, and a new suspension design, have contributed to the exceptional performance of the 12AN4 in terms of distortion, power handling and maximum SPL. The 12AN4’s new voice coil venting scheme is particularly effective in dissipating voice coil heat providing the speaker with a high thermal rating and low power compression.
The high frequency response relies on the M-75N compression driver and a new waveguide assembly developed specifically for the Aero 20A. The compression driver employs a neodymium magnet structure, a titanium diaphragm and 75 mm (3″) voice coil. The M-75N is attached to an injected aluminum waveguide optimized to provide exceptional performance in conjunction with the M-75N driver.
The Aero 20A is powered by an advanced electronics package comprising a compact Class D amplifier that combines the power supply, output stage and connectors in a single, light-weight chassis. The two channel (800 W + 400 W) amplifier makes use of the latest in switch mode technology and offers maximum performance, high predictability and immunity from intermodulation artifacts thanks to the innovative design of the Pulse Width Modulation controller.
The Aero 20A incorporates the latest in digital signal processors. Brick wall FIR filters have been used to provide perfect alignment between ways achieving exceptionally uniform coverage all the way down to the crossover point. Top-of-the-line AD/DA converters have been employed allowing for significant improvements in dynamics, lower distortion and ultra-low noise levels.
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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).
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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.
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