Light Commercial - Audio by Essential Install

Essential Install Magazine Supplement - April 2014

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audio

Dr Rock!

The famous Hospital Club receives some intensive treatment from Peavey Commercial Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inside: A comprehensive round-up of the key commercial audio players, case studies, products and top installation tips

Uniting the audience Speech and music that stir the soul. From the elation of the dance ﬂoor to the celebration of worship to the thrill of the theatre. It’s all about delivering powerful, exciting sound that envelops the entire audience. A shared experience they will never forget.

That’s the Martin Audio Experience.

Unite your audience at www.martin-audio.com

lightcommercial editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comment

EI is constantly on the lookout for new opportunities and synergies to provide readers with the best value and most relevant information around. EI is now and has for some time, unquestionably been the number one magazine in the UK for the domestic install sector. In anyway you care to measure it, EI leads the pack in domestic install, combining magazine, live shows and a growing twitter community to deliver installers an unrivalled amount of info to plug into. However, EI wants to continue to develop its offering and has recently begun including coverage of the commercial sector where and when relevant. Part of this commitment is manifest in these new standalone supplements, which look to provide insight into the light commercial sector providing those installers active in this field and those who are looking to get involved, with an in-depth look at a series of commercial areas. The first of these takes a look at the world of Commercial Audio taking in systems for clubs, bars, hotels, retail spaces and many other applications which make this an attractive, dynamic and enjoyable sector to get involved with. Many companies involved in Commercial Audio have answered the call and provided some really useful product info, case studies and company updates to make sure this first commercial supplement provides an editorial extravaganza of enthralling information. This however is only the start of a massive year for EI and its new parent company All Things Media. Planning is at an advanced stage for other products to enter the European market in the form of Commercial Integrator and Ce Pro. Already dominant in the US market, All Things Media will be introducing European versions of these products to provide readers right across the continent an unrivalled family of install resources. We hope you enjoy this supplement series and keep your eyes on the sky for more news on the launch of many exciting products from the All Things Media family this year. DANIEL J SAIT, editor, Essential Install

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The hear and now Welcome to the Essential Install Guide to Commercial Audio Systems offering a round-up of some of the best companies and products installers can turn to for top class performance.

BSS Audio is a capable performer in the commercial audio sector

Dylan Thompson, director of operations, Penguin Media Solutions, is an installer with an intimate knowledge of what it takes to be successful in this sector. Dylan says: “When it comes to commercial audio installations, there are many ways to skin a cat, with a plethora of options on the market nowadays to reach a satisfying conclusion for designer, installer and client alike. But how many of those have reached true ‘industry standard’ status? “I’ve been using BSS Audio’s Soundweb platform for many years now, starting out with the Soundweb ‘Green’ 9088 family of processors, which have been superseded in the last handful of years with the Soundweb London range. I’ve dabbled with other options, either through working with other people’s specifications, or through servicing and maintenance of existing installations, but keep coming back to those Blu boxes… and things are changing the game is getting more interesting.” Dylan explains: “The Harman Group; parent company of brands including BSS Audio, Crown, JBL and Soundcraft to name a few, are in the privileged position of being able to encourage their brands to talk and work together. This has resulted in something Harman call Architectural Media Systems. When you pair a BSS Soundweb London DSP and a Crown DriveCore amplifier, with Audio Architect (the new software solution combining System Architect and London Architect, with a few fresh toys sprinkled on top), that’s what you get an unparalleled platform for your audio installation. “The Soundweb London range is growing; recently announced was the new baby of the bunch, the Blu-50 (a half rack width, 1RU high, 4 in, 4 out unit, with HiQnet control and Harman’s own Blu-Link digital audio transport) to join the larger fixed I/O Blu-100 range, along with their

modular bigger brothers, some carrying third-party digital audio networking technology such as Dante, CobraNet and AVB (with Crestron recently announcing its support for AVB with their AVnu Alliance membership, this standard looks to increase in popularity quickly). This flexibility allows you to mix and match units as your size and needs dictate, using the protocols best suited to your project. Blessed with analogue and digital input and output options, as well as input and output expanders and GPIO expanders, the physical network itself can be as simple or elaborate as you need, with no headaches.” Dylan adds: “The potential of this platform has been made all the more interesting with Crown’s latest DriveCore Install range of amplifiers. Versatile, compact and powerful, they’re equipped with many features to make our life easier. The range is a comprehensive one, with two, four and eight channel units ranging in power capability. It starts to become even more useful to us in this respect with the DCI|n range the ‘n’ suffix adding networkable abilities, with Blu-Link digital audio and HiQNet control allowing bi-directional audio transport. Say for instance you have an eight channel DCI|n amplifier in your rack, but you also need a handful of analogue inputs onto your network you can use the amplifiers inputs as a break-in box, rather than add a Blu-BIB keeping rack space and costs down. The amplifiers also have their own DSP and monitoring, meaning local processing can take the strain off the rest of the network, as well as let you know of any issues remotely. (The LevelMAX limiters and the speaker line monitoring are particularly excellent and welcome features). All this power without control would of course be pointless, but Dylan says this is covered as well: “The hardware wouldn’t be anywhere near as flexible without the software: Audio Architect is the glue that makes the processor and amplifier gel so well, giving you incredible power and flexibility to create either simple or highly complex audio networks which can be controlled in many different ways. BSS offer their own controllers; from a simple single gang wallplate with source and volume control, to something a little more featured with the Blu-8, up to their touch-screen Blu-10. Recently we’ve also had the option to choose Harman’s Motion Control software bringing Apple’s iPhone and iPad to the table personally I find this offers great flexibility in the past, system control positioning has been a bit of a compromise in public

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Spaces such as the impressive Platforma des Artes Gallery in Guimaraes can benefit from the advantages of Amina speakers and not compromise their design

areas leaving these controls accessible is a no-no, yet it’s always easiest to be in the area you’re adjusting the volume for now with an iPad running your own control panel design, you can roam around your venue as you please and return the iPad back to its wall dock, or wherever you choose, once done. “It’s also a very cost effective way of controlling a system with an iPad Mini at under £250, it’s an incredibly attractive proposition. Couple this with its logic programming and GPIO ports, along with 3rd party control from the likes of Crestron and you’re gifted with an incredibly powerful tool for audio installations of any size. Industry standard? I don’t think there’s any doubt.” Products available across the group mean installers have a solution for clubs, bars, hotels, restaurants, houses of worship, theatres, conference rooms gyms and a host of other commercial spaces. Harman products are distributed in the UK by Sound Technology. AMINA Technologies offers some interesting options for commercial spaces and in particular when aesthetics are paramount. To underline this fact the March issue of Essential Install magazine witnessed Amina launch its new ‘Spot the difference’ campaign intended to further raise the awareness of applications for invisible loudspeakers in design-sensitive interiors. Amina says its products allow design conscious clients access to high quality audio reproduction without having to suffer any cosmetic degradation. Since creating loudspeakers designed to be rendered invisible by a 2mm final skim of plaster back in 2001, the challenge has been to make the industry and prospective customers, aware such an option even exists. Amina’s founder and MD Richard Newlove, says: “The new campaign is all part of our continuous efforts to find new ways to tell the world of the existence of audio solutions that are completely invisible in application. We are not told that such things are possible whilst at school or university. Even today therefore, after nearly 15 years of informing people about this technology, only a small percentage of the population are aware of what we can do.” The company spends a lot of its time educating

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architects, interiors designers and now M&E contractors, mainly via exhibitions and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminars. These seminars are approved by RIBA and BIID and are presented either at design practice premises or at dealer premises as part of joint marketing initiatives with installation partners. Amina sales and marketing director, Babs Moore, is looking to partner with more dealers country wide to educate local design companies and architects practices about invisible sound solutions. Babs says: “For example, our work with Robert Taussig (AV designer and installer, with 30 years in the business) in central London has been mutually beneficial creating a demonstration centre ideally placed for key London based influencers and their clients. Additionally this has allowed Robert Taussig to showcase the broad full-service solutions available from our installation partners, such as themselves, particularly to those who are at the early stages of a project and frequently have not considered the system levels solution. We are looking to replicate this with more integrators in other cities country wide and want to hear from anyone interested.” The string of new Amina ‘spot the difference’ adverts typically feature an attractively finished residential or commercial space, replicated twice. The first image features a ceiling or wall blemished by conventional grilled speakers or ‘dinner plates’ as Babs likes to call them. The repeated image is actually a real completed Amina project, now with clean lines and no visual disturbances in the design, showing exactly what is possible with Amina’s technology. The first advert featured shows the Platforma des Artes Gallery in Guimaraes gallery completed in 2012 in Portugal, using Amina’s LFieT (Life Fidelity) series of 100 volt line transformer equipped invisible speakers especially created for large commercial spaces. The install allows visitors to focus only on the art hang in the gallery without the intrusion of speakers on the walls or in the ceilings. Amina explains that the LFieT series has recently been upgraded to feature full Neodymium magnet drivers, making the product even lighter and easier to install single handed.

lightcommercial audio As has always been the case, the LFieT series feature high quality toroidally wound transformers keeping the weight and volume down whilst lifting audio quality to near low impedance standards. Amina is also at pains to state the green credentials of all its invisible speaker products. In commercial spaces, especially where ceiling mounted devices are in use, the maker says the wide dispersion angle, diffuse low phase coherency waveform generated by a vibrational panel loudspeaker means it is possible to reduce the quantity of Amina speakers used by a factor of two to four when compared to conventional piston based devices required for the same coverage. Not only that, but spaces can simply be redecorated without the need to renew discoloured speaker trims and or entire speakers, meaning that the invisible speakers could see a useful life into decades. Richard concludes: “That is a massive carbon saving and one that today may even allow companies to get grant support for renovations, as regional development authorities seek to help companies financially with the adoption of low carbon products.” Fuzion is a UK distributor with several key brands including ATEIS, a big name in PA/VA worldwide offering its DSP audio processing products (UAPG2, LAP-AS), loudspeakers (Messenger, Orbit, SmartVOX), audio over IP (Terracom) and intercom (Magellan). Designed for commercial applications, the UAPG2 is an expandable universal audio processor for medium-sized paging and multi-zone audio routing applications. With its powerful audio digital signal processing, the maker says the

UAPG2 can be used in demanding environments and can also be connected and controlled using an IP network or directly by PC. Advanced 24 bit A/D and D/A converters, together with 48/96kHz capable audio processing and an ADSP 21371 DSP (266 MHz SIMD SHARC Core, capable of 1596 MFLOPS peak performance), offer excellent sound quality with the lowest possible latency, says the manufacturer. The software is also described as easy to use providing all the necessary tools to set up and control both hardware and software elements. Ultimately, the UAPG2 is a comprehensive system which integrates pre-amplifier, compressor-limiter and equaliser, as well as matrix and delay functions into one unit. Useful features like automatic gain control, feedback killers, automatic microphone mixers, crossovers and automatic noise sensing are also part of the UAPG2 DSP component library. Internal processing of audio signals can be fully programmed to suit the client’s application. Installers can set specific audio processing features to the various inputs and outputs from the library provided within the PC software. Once the configuration process is completed it can be loaded into the UAPG2. All configurations can be backed-up onto PC and loaded into the UAPG2 as and when required. Also available from Fuzion is the CAMCO brand which has a reputation for building powerful amps with a good level of reliability. The manufacturer offers a range of stereo and quad amps, as well as a new model (iD4) with added DSP. iD4 captures all the key elements of CAMCO’s advanced amplifier designs and marries it with powerful on-board 64 bit digital

SPOT THE

DIFFERENCE

t/ 01480 354390 w/ www.amina.co.uk e/ inspired@amina.co.uk

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lightcommercial audio processing to produce an advanced power amplifier/DSP management system suitable for all professional applications. Featuring; two analogue inputs, two AES/EBU inputs, two outputs, 10 PEQ bands per input/output, a frequency range from 20Hz to 40kHz, rugged analogue input stage dealing with input voltages up to +23dBu, dynamic range of 120dB, high-quality converters, all come together forming part of iD4’s extensive feature set. Easy to use and easy to configure systems set-ups, the software includes all the control functions that audio engineers require, presented graphically to make it straightforward and intuitive to use. The functions include grouping, clear graphical editing of parametric EQ’s, saving of PEQ graphs as images, exporting pre-sets as text files, delay can be measured in metres, millimetres, feet, inches, seconds and milliseconds. Other functions include remote monitoring of status, of external equipment, security access rights and integrated remote firmware upgrade. The software is available for Windows XP, Windows 7 and Mac OS. A newer brand to the UK and to the Fuzion line-up is VUE Audiotechnik, makers of loudspeakers which the distributor says are really hard to beat for quality. Fuzion says the major difference is that many other brands require dedicated processors or controllers. Not so with VUE as they are designed to sound good straight out of the box. VUE’s top end range is called the h-class, which the maker says has been created with a ‘no-compromises’ design philosophy. VUE says its h-Class engineering team re-examined every component in the loudspeaker equation and then applied its most advanced technologies to achieve a more cohesive whole. From transducers, enclosures and electronics, all the way down to diaphragm materials and suspension parts, the maker says every element of the h-Class loudspeakers was optimised to deliver exceptional frequency response, clarity and SPL. At the heart of every h-Class full-range system is VUE’s

London’s No. 5 Cavendish Square has been given an audio up-grade courtesy of Martin Audio and Systems Etc

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proprietary, beryllium-based compression driver with pure Truextent beryllium. VUE says Beryllium delivers better sonic performance than both aluminium and titanium thanks to an extremely high stiffness-to-mass ratio, which reduces mechanical deformation (breakup) and shifts resonant frequencies above the audible range. The net result is a more defined high frequency output at higher SPLs than more conventional materials. Each beryllium HF transducer is paired with an advanced and powerful LF driver. To increase power handling and decrease power compression, every transducer deployed in the h-Class full-range models features a large, 4in (100mm) voice coil. Active on-board electronics include system-optimised amplification and DSP for each driver and cabinet combination. Network control and monitoring capabilities are available via standard Ethernetbased protocols and are accessible through an intuitive software interface. Also in the Fuzion line up is the Xilica brand, one of the market leaders for audio processing. The maker can offer a comprehensive selection of DSP devices for most eventualities and of particular interest is the Neutrino A range. These are state-of-the-art processors with up to 16 inputs and outputs, encompassing all the refinements expected with very low latency. The drag-and-drop software interface is intuitive and user-friendly and a range of configurable wall panels can be added to the front-end. Fairly recently Xilica also launched the new RIO, which is a digital breakout box for expanding capabilities of the Neutrino to make much bigger and more complex systems.

Making it Martin With over 40 years of installation as well as live sound experience, Martin Audio is well placed to offer installers a comprehensive line up of speakers. Support and training is a big part of what the company offers believing that the better the quality and set up of installations using the products, the

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ClearOne and RGB can provide installers a complete package for audio conferencing

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better for the company’s reputation as a whole. Martin runs regular training courses on some of its more advanced installation products, such as Omniline and MLA Mini. This ensures installers are aware of how to get the best from the products, in terms of specifying the correct elements, installation, set up and rigging. Martin also has ongoing plans to bring more of its product lines into specific training programmes in the future as the manufacturer develops and introduces exciting and advanced new product ranges. For installers entering the commercial space for the first time, Martin urges installers to be sure of the technical requirements for professional installations, particularly cable types used, required connectors and standard pin configurations. Installers should also familiarise themselves with the basic principles behind commonly used practices in the commercial installation world that are not used in the domestic environment with 100 volt line loudspeaker circuits being a prime example. An example where Martin Audio was key in getting exactly the right result for a client was with in one of London’s most striking buildings, the Grade II-listed No. 5 Cavendish Square, a long established landmark on the upmarket dining and clubbing circuit in London. Formerly the Spanish Embassy, the membership venue which incorporates an eight-room boutique hotel, underwent a complete sound system upgrade throughout its basement VIP lounge and main dance floor, as well as the expansive ground floor Drawing Room bar and lounge. The contract was awarded to Bernard Mani of Systems Etc, who had previously worked with No.5 and he recommended a Martin Audio solution. Although Bernard has specified the British manufacturer’s systems several times in the past (most notably at Pacha London), this time around the venue management and staff also had their say requesting Martin by name and underlining in particular they wanted a system with the precision and punch to take the venues’ audio into another class. The installer turned to Martin Audio’s AQ and Blackline+ systems. Upstairs, the front bar is served by four AQ8’s, with a floor-mounted AQ212 (2 x 12in) sub and the adjacent room beefs up the sound with four AQ10’s and an AQ215 (2 x 15in) sub, neatly nestled in the ornate fireplace. Downstairs, Bernard turned to the dedicated punch of Blackline+, with four F10+’s, mounted on standard yokes, flown around the VIP bar, calling on a custom black AQ215 to provide low frequency extension. A pair of Blackline F10+’s are positioned over the main bar, which leads to the dance area. Here Bernard has taken the unusual step of complementing the four Blackline F10+’s with Martin Audio tour grade WS218X, floor-mounted next to the booth. RGB Communications offers solutions in a different area of the commercial market with the ClearOne brand of high quality audio conferencing systems. With virtual contact becoming more common in the corporate world as companies seek to cut travel costs and communicate more efficiently, conferencing systems are on the up and ClearOne represents one of the market leaders. The company’s CONVERGE Pro series of professional audio conferencing products are

described as delivering a new level of performance, flexibility and manageability. A complete, digital matrix mixer conferencing solution with rich functionality and legacy ClearOne audio performance, the CONVERGE Pro 880 is the flagship professional conferencing solution with a long list of flexible features utilising ClearOne’s technological experience and knowhow. High-quality HDConference audio processing is designed to offer crystal clear and natural sounding audio. Distributed Echo Cancellation, Noise Cancellation, First Microphone Priority and Adaptive Modeling all work in tandem to provide high performance levels. Full-bandwidth Acoustical Echo Cancellation (AEC) keeps audio clear of reverberations and improved duplex performance helps create very natural sounding interactions, while noise cancellation with adaptive modelling matches the room’s ambient noise. Other features include increased resolution on Microphone Preamp stage providing fine tuning 0-56 dB in 7dB increments and D.A.R.E (Dynamic Automatic Resonance Elimination) controls feedback. There is also Distributed Echo Cancellation on every mic input and the system delivers 20 Hz-22 kHz bandwidth for full-range audio response. Automatic Gain and Level controls maintain balanced and consistent audio clarity. The system can be linked with multiple CONVERGE/ CONVERGE Pro units for extensive microphone coverage, up to 16 phone lines and more inputs/outputs, whilst 10 mic gating groups (four internal and six global) allow separation of mics into individual groups for greater configuration flexibility. For ease of install no space is required between rack mounted units and 32 pre-sets can be executed on-the-fly without disturbing other ongoing pre-set operations. SNMP and HTML remote management give installers flexible options for access to monitor and maintain the system offering event scheduler and diagnostic console for automation of updates and simplified maintenance. Contact RGB for more on the ClearOne range’s capabilities and for support/training information. Also available from RGB is SurgeX International, respected maker of power protection products. SurgeX products do not just suppress or divert surges, they are designed to eliminate them using patented technology called Series Mode. This blocks and contains surge energy without

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Key Digital available from The Multi-Room Company offers the Fat Boy Series of commercial audio matrix switchers

Control4 has recently launched a family of audio and video distribution products promoting fast installation and high-quality

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the use of any sacrificial or diversionary components while not contaminating the safety ground. Since its introduction, the maker claims no equipment protected by SurgeX has ever failed due to a surge related event. RGB says SurgeX offers a complete line of AC power solutions for protection, power conditioning and control of sensitive equipment in the professional audio and multimedia markets. The systems offer timed sequences of power on or off to banks of equipment in turn to ensure reliable system start up, the products can be used racked or stand alone and come in a range of models to suit different power loads in compact enclosures. The manufacturer says its leadership position comes from an engineering focus and commitment to provide the best products, customer service and technical support all backed by a dedicated team of professionals and an industry exclusive 10-year product guarantee. Rental house Adlib Audio has recently launched its own brand of commercial loudspeakers made in Liverpool, England, under a new specialist division called Adlib Speakers. Adlib has been making, installing and using its AA range for the last 15 years, primarily for its own installations and projects and now feels the time has come to step up and make the AA series available for re-sale worldwide explains Adlib director Mark Roberts: “The company is diversifying as the nature of the industry is changing. We have enjoyed great success with these products over many years and now is a good time to use our experience and knowledge of premium speaker construction and application to expand our horizons.” A number of high-profile installations to date include the world famous Cavern Club in Liverpool, Bristol, Leeds, Sheffield, Birmingham, Leicester O2 Academy’s

and restaurant environments including Living Rooms x 8, Panacea Manchester. Currently there are four products available for re-sale in the AA range – the AA61, AA81 and AA121 – containing 6, 8 and 12in drivers respectively, complete with a dedicated AA12HL 12 inch sub. All the AA series cabinets are constructed from birch ply sourced in Finland and are available with a textured paint exterior for installs. Contact the company for more details. Multi-room audio has many allies in this sector including Key Digital available from the Multi-Room Company. The wonderfully named Fat Boy Series (KD- MSA8x8Pro) is a commercial audio matrix switcher designed especially for distributed audio applications where total flexibility of inputs and outputs is required, from 8 in/8 out to 48 in/48 out. Key Digital says it produces a variety of audio/video configurations to satisfy the needs of even the most complex multi-zone audio system application. The maker says the versatile KD-MSA8x8Pro can accommodate a wide spectrum of distributed audio applications because it uses the same programming language as any other Key Digital product, which ensures versatility, ease of use and swift installation. This allows for a flexible system with the capability to control audio zones across, for example, a hotel lobby covering areas from the bar to the waiting area. This versatility translates into faster install times according to Key Digital President, Mike Tsinberg: “The KD-MSA8x8Pro enables flexibility of installation because the built in audio processor converts both digital to analogue audio and analogue to digital audio. Today’s installers need reliable, easy and fast integration of video and audio in a distributed audio application.” The KD-MSA8x8Pro is designed for easy programming, simple operation and flexibility due to full audio control for each output including: volume, multi-band equaliser and lip sync. This product is also able to switch composite video via the PCM digital audio jack increasing its capability beyond solely audio matrix switching. The platform is also distinctive in that it is very compact at just 1U in height without affecting performance, quality, or reliability. Ben Hillman, The Multi-Room Company’s Key Digital specialist, says: “Key Digital’s products are built on an open platform which supports all major control systems enabling the KD-MSA8x8Pro to be controlled by Serial IR, Flasher IR, TCP/IP or RS232. The company understands the demanding needs of today’s conference board room AV systems and takes great pride in the performance, flexibility and user-friendly nature of all of its products.” Control4 has many options in this area with recent introductions including its new family of audio and video distribution products that are designed for fast installation, simple setup and high-quality performance. The company says the new product line provides installers with a broad

lightcommercial audio array of media distribution solutions for any size of business installation, boasting a sleek industrial design. Part of the lineup is the Control4 Audio Matrix Switch which enables customers to enjoy any of 16 audio sources in 16 audio zones using a 16-input/16-output analogue audio matrix with wide dynamic range. Input gain controls offer proper source level balancing and audio sensing inputs provide control and feedback to the Control4 system. Half of one dB volume steps offer smooth volume control and the product also supports Control4’s SDDP (Simple Device Discovery Protocol) technology for efficient auto-discovery, simplifying setup and programming via Composer Pro. The new Audio Matrix Switch can be paired with the new Control4 100 Series 4 and 8-Zone Power Amplifiers, offering flexible, scalable and cost-effective audio amplification for installations of any size. Each amp features individual zone stereo-line inputs and outputs, a global input and output, input gain controls for both global and individual zone inputs and selection switches for zone or global inputs. The Control4 100 Series 8-Zone Amplifier delivers 30W per channel into 8 ohm in stereo mode, or 60W per channel into 8 ohm when bridged, while the Four-Zone Amplifier delivers 45 or 90W per channel, respectively. Both 100-Series Amplifiers are stable to 4 ohm and their Class D design, input signal sensing and 12-volt trigger operation provide energy savings while in stand-by mode. Using the zone pre-amp outputs and/or global ‘bus’ input/outputs, Control4 Dealers can combine multiple 100 Series Amplifiers to deliver audio into much larger spaces such as great rooms or outdoor patios that utilise many speakers. Anthem AV Solutions has an interesting brand to help installers achieve high-quality audio projects with the MSR Acoustics range of audio treatment products suitable for bars, restaurants and other commercial spaces. The company’s Sonata absorbers are described as the the workhorse of the industry coming in depths of one, two, three and four inch sizes and can be called upon wherever acoustic control is needed. These flat panels can be ordered in just about any shape, size, thickness and fabric colour and can have have straight, bevelled, or radius edges. MSR Acoustics also offers its series of artwork from its Living Sound line of sound-control art panels. The new series features paintings by celebrated artist Merryl Jaye, with stunning portraits of music legends Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Diana Krall and John Coltrane. Living Sound panels are designed to enhance the acoustical character of the space by controlling the sound reflections and echoes. The panels are used to improve overall sound performance, and to quiet ‘noisy’ spaces in variety of spaces. The core of the panels is a scientifically-designed and rigorously-tested set of materials that provide absorption and diffusion, the two most important treatment elements for effective room acoustics. In addition to the new Merryl Jaye series, the Living Sound line includes more than 100 image options and the company can also custom print personal photos or images. The Midwich Group also has many brands to offer the commercial audio sector including Apart Audio which offers speakers and electronics. An install featuring the brand was carried out at the Radisson Resort & Spa in Dubrovnik which

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This impressive Croatian Resort Hotel has over 800 Apart speakers as part of its audio provision

features a beachfront location, overlooking the Adriatic sea. The Croatian Apart distributor was invited by the main contractor to take care of the sound system for background music, paging messages and foreground music in the entire resort (rooms, general areas, restaurants, bars, sport facilities, wellness, aerobic, terraces and hotel lobby). The whole installation totals an impressive amount of over 800 Apart speakers, from ceiling speakers to horns and sound projectors, cabinet speakers and subwoofers. Everything powered by the matching electronics in 100V as well as low impedance. The 100V units are used for the general areas and are linked to IP audio players, connected to the worldwide Radisson audio distribution system located in London. In most areas there are also local sources next to the IP player. The emergency system works with prerecorded messages stored on a separate, third party system which is linked to the audio system by using a priority override that can shut off all other audio when activated. The Indian Bar, where high powered music is needed has a combination of low impedance MASK8 speakers and SUB2400 subwoofers. The maker says the installation is a fine example of how the unique Apart combination of range and affordability allows installers to win even the most exclusive of projects. A company with a proven track record in this field is Peavey Commercial. The Hospital Club is a prestigious private members club located in the heart of Covent Garden, renowned for showcasing and supporting emerging musical talent. In a bid to strengthen its reputation further, the

Peavey Commercial came to the aid of The Hospital to provide a cure for its audio issues

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venue has opened a new performance space designed by award-winning Russell Stage Studio, to accommodate live bands, DJs and comedians. Providing the audio is a Peavey Commercial Audio HiSys loudspeaker system, supported by a wide range of additional PCA kit. The new 100-capacity Oak Room has quite a history: it previously housed Grammy Award-winning producer, Nigel Godrich’s recording studio and before that, it was the home of Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart. Under its new guise, The Oak Room has already treated members and guests to an eclectic mix of entertainment including the Reuben James Trio, Turin Brakes, Gary Numan and Morcheeba. According to the venue, the Peavey HiSys rig was ultimately chosen for its versatility and ease-of-use: the main PA consists of two HiSys H15s and two HiSys H118 subs and a second pair of H15s provide coverage at the back of the room. Furthermore, five H12s are also in use: four for stage monitoring and one for the DJ booth. The Peavey deployment doesn’t end there however as an FX 24 mixer sits at FOH position, two Digitool Live processors provide loudspeaker management and audio distribution (from stage to FOH) is achieved via a 28 Pair Audio Link and 38-metres of cable. The Hospital Club’s commercial director, Garry Williams, has a long-standing relationship with Peavey and says the new system has already proved quite the talking point. Garry says: “This is a brand new performance space, which is pretty much unheard of in London and having

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Jouni Niemi of 08 Audio, a Stockholmbased audio installation specialist utilised Genlec speakers in The Flying Elk pub in Stockholm

Peavey on board has been the cherry on top. Unlike many systems I’ve heard, HiSys just feels ‘true’; it’s an honestsounding box with loads of headroom and it’s perfectly suited to our venue. “It’s also a very unintrusive system, is footprint-friendly, which is great and I love having the two additional H15s, because when we’ve got spoken word stuff going on, they guarantee a lovely even coverage throughout the room. Overall, we really couldn’t be happier with our new setup.” Genelec used the recent ISE to launch the 4010, a brand new model in the 4000 Series of AV installation loudspeakers. The maker says the 4010 delivers a big sound in a small package thanks to the class D amplifiers and proprietary drivers. The new model offers controlled directivity for acoustically challenging environments, while also featuring installation-friendly features including the Phoenix-type connectors. The manufacturer says the speaker benefits from its renowned mechanical and sonic reliability and sustainable features in the form of energy efficiency with ISS, Class D

amplifiers and a recycled aluminium enclosure. “With its compact size, the new 4010 loudspeaker extends the potential use of the 4000 Series into installations where smaller enclosure size is either required or desired,” says Lars-Olof Janflod, PR and marketing director at Genelec. “The compact format 4010 is especially useful for discreet installation and seamless integration into interior design schemes – but there is no compromise on performance. This model delivers audio output to the same sonic standard as the 4040, the largest model in the Series.” The speakers are all also two-way so no external power amps are needed saving cost and also space. Genelec says the whole of its 4000 Series loudspeakers are perfectly suited for music playback - whatever the chosen environment – to make them a natural choice for critical commercial installations. Genelec products are available in the UK from Source Distribution.

More Information: Sound Technology +44 (0)1462 480800 www.soundtech.co.uk, www.archimedia.harman.com

The Multi-Room Company +44 (0)1242 511133 www.multi-room.com

Penguin Media Solutions +44 (0)845 8720871 www.penguinmediasolutions.com

Control4 +44 (0)1347 812300, www.control4.com

Amina Technologies +44 (0)1480 354390, www.amina.co.uk Fuzion +44 (0)1932 882222, www.fuzion.co.uk

Anthem AV Solutions +44 (0)1825 750858 www.anthemavs.co.uk The Midwich Group +44 (0)1379 649200 www.midwichgroup.com

Martin Audio +44 (0)1494 535312, www.martin-audio.com RGB Communications +44 (0)1488 73366 www.rgbcomms.co.uk

Source Distribution +44 (0)208 9625080 www.sourcedistribution.co.uk Genelec +358 17 83 881, www.genelec.com

Adlib Audio + 44 (0)151 4862214, www.adlib.co.uk

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