Product Focus

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PRODUCT FOCUS

TPMEA TAKES A LOOK AT SOME OF THE LATEST PRODUCT LAUNCHES TO HIT THE ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY MARKET.

AVOLITES: Q3 MEDIA SERVER

FACT FILE:

• GUI Output DVI-D (1920x1080)

• Video Output 2x DVI-D, 1x DisplayPort 1.2

• Video Sync BNC Genlock (Option)

• Network 2 x Gigabit LAN

• Audio Out L&R Balanced XLR

• Audio Ground Lift

• Rear Panel USB 2x USB 3.0

• Front Panel USB 2x USB 3.0

• MIDI In 1x 5-pin din

• SMPTE Timecode XLR In/Thru

• DMX Art-Net

• Capture Cards 1

Hardware:

• Media Drive Capacity 1TB

• Media Drive Bandwidth 3500MB/s

• System Drive Capacity 120GB

• Operating System Windows 7 Embedded

• CPU Cores (Threads) 4(4)

• Physical Specification

Size RU 2U

• Size (W x H x D mm) 435 x 88 x 510

• Size (With Rack Ears) 490 x 88 x 520

• Weight 16 kg

• Power Input PowerCon True1 In/Thru

• Voltage 100-250V 50/60Hz

Avolites recently released its new compact media server, the Q3, as well as light and video integration feature set, Synergy.

The Q3 media server is a compact server designed for use in live shows, installations and corporate events. Though small, the Q3 packs a punch, unlocking 4k playback through a single DisplayPort 1.2 connection with 2 DVI outputs for HD displays. The server supports EDID for all 3 outputs, configurable via a dedicated front end UI. The server allows for visually lossless playback with Avolites’ unique AiM codec. Like

with Avolites’ larger servers, the Q3 has native Notch support as well as a powerful inbuilt effects engine. The Q3’s cutting-edge hardware is the perfect vehicle for our Ai software. Offering industry-standard connections to the rest of your system, as well as the firepower to drive our builtin live effects and supporting Notch integration. The front-mounted screen allows configuration of outputs from outside the OS for rock solid reliability. It’s slim form factor and competitive pricing delivers pixel-power to the people.

Paul Wong, Avolites’ new Managing Director

said: “I am extremely pleased with the feedback that we received on the Q3. I’m proud of our team in developing another industry first; the ability to seamlessly integrate lighting and video and to control both from a single console.”

The Avolites Ai Q3 Server unlocks 4k playback through a single DisplayPort 1.2 connection. Combined with 2 additional DVI outputs, the Q3 is the perfect solution to power live events, installs and anywhere else that live video manipulation is required. www.avolites.com

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MA LIGHTING: GRANDMA3

FACT FILE:

• Real-time control for up to 250,000 parameters per session in connection with grandMA3 processing units

• 6 DMX outputs, 1 DMX input

• 3 internal foldable monitor multi-touch screens

• 3 internal letterbox multi-touch screens

• 2 internal multi-touch command screens

• 2 external multi-touch screens can be connected

• 2 multipurpose level wheels

• 2 multipurpose single encoder

• 71 rotary RGB backlit encoder

• 5 backlit dual encoders

• 30 backlit motorized 60mm faders

• 120 separate playbacks

• 16 assignable x-keys

• Integrated keyboard drawer

• Built-in uninterruptible power supply (UPS)

• 3 etherCON connectors, 6 USB connectors

• 2 backlit motorized A/B faders 100mm

• Individually backlit and dimmable silent (clickless) keys

Founded on the legacy of the previous MA Lighting grandMA consoles, the MA Lighting grandMA3 represents a significant re-think of what’s possible from a lighting control platform. The new system-architecture incorporates fixture, feature and effects handling at its very heart.

The system features are new concepts from industry visionaries, presented within a refined user interface, and are designed to make practical tasks more intuitive. The physical design detail of the MA Lighting grandMA3 range is focused on delivering the best user experience, now and into the future.

Both grandMA3 full-size and light models feature a huge multi-touch screen surface area, all dedicated encoder and playback information is accessed directly on the letterbox screens allowing the larger screens to be fully-configured to suit user needs.

WORK WITHOUT BOUNDARIES grandMA3 breaks the limitations of Local Area Networks (LAN) with the ability to access Wide Area Networks (WAN). Software updates, technical support, online help and fixture download are all features to be supported within the WAN framework.

Using the advanced MA-Net3 protocol, grandMA3 systems can output up to 250,000 parameters. There are 3 sizes of grandMA3 processing units to expand the console parameter count.

ROBUST AND DURABLE The grandMA3 full-size and light models incorporate a sophisticated thermal design, transferring heat to a cooling corridor, which isolates critical components from harmful dust and keeps fan-noise to a whisper.

The lightweight chassis has been designed

for durability and easy handling. The large screen housing on the full-size and light models have a dual friction hinge system, providing fast folding for portability whilst ensuring maximum visibility for users.

REAL-WORLD FIXTURES AND GDTF The grandMA3 control software utilises a flexible new fixture concept, developed to replicate the real-world physical components of the most complex fixtures. Fixture information is now generic and allows simpler sharing of programmed data between fixtures. MA Lighting supports the new GDTF (General Device Type Format) protocol natively, allowing fixture manufactures to ensure their own fixtures are controlled as intended.

www.malighting.com

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DIGICO: QUANTUM 7

FACT FILE:

• 253 (MAX) Input Channels

• 128 Aux / Sub-Group Busses

• L/R/LCR Master Bus

• 32 x 32 Full Processing Matrix

• 2 Solo

• 256 Dynamic Equalizers

• 256 DiGiTuBes

• 256 Multiband Compressors

• 48 Digital FX

• 32 Graphic Equalizers

• Optional Waves Integration

• 48/96/192 kHz Sample Rate

• One loop as standard Optics

DiGiCo’s Quantum 7 is developed with 7th generation FPGA devices that further expands audio processing power, and allows DiGiCo to provide its users with an unrivalled amount of flexibility.

Quantum 7 expands an SD7 to over 600 channels of processing in 96kHz operation that can be connected in the outside world to approaching 3000 potential I/Os. The engine is also equipped with 8 newly assignable MADI connections and 2 DMI slots (DiGiCo Multi- Channel Interface) for AoIP and other connectivity options from the complete family of DMI card options. There are other enhancements, too,

including Nodal Processing and True Solo. Nodal Processing means that for the first time processing can be applied to any node on the auxiliary section of the console, allowing engineers to send unique processing on each send from a single, or multiple channels. This level of creativity will allow engineers to tailor and deliver dedicated mixes that were simply not possible before Quantum 7. Coupled with Nodal Processing is the new True Solo system that allows the operator’s monitoring system to replicate almost any section of the console, and how that source is being processed and heard. This saves time and speeds up the process of

managing the potentially daunting number of channels and busses available to the user.

“One of our key goals at DiGiCo is to continually develop innovative solutions whilst ensuring our current consoles are future proofed where possible,” said DiGiCo MD James Gordon. “A great example of this is the new Quantum 7 which can be retro-fitted into any existing SD7, which means current SD7 owners can take advantage of these developments and continue to make the unrivalled return on investment DiGiCo stands for.” The Quantum 7 ships from early June. www.digico.biz

PROLYTE: LSU SERIES

FACT FILE:

All items standard coated black, RAL9005. Base unit: 50x50mm profile Coupling system: CCS6 Adjustable spindles M12 Ladder truss H30L with straight bracing 30x3mm Connection bar: 50x50x4 profile

Available ladder truss lengths LSU-30L-L050 LSU-30L-L075 LSU-30L-L100

Available connection bar lengths LSU-CONB- L100, 1m. length LSU- CONB- L150, 1,5m. length LSU- CONB- L200, 2m. length

Available LED panel adapters LSU-ADAP-03, panel adapter for panels with M8-M12 bolts

Ballast needed Screen of 2 m. height – 17kg/m1 Screen of 4 m. height – 130kg/m1

The LSU series comprises of three solutions to suspend your LED system; H40R, H40V-MB, S52SV- MB all compatible with the regular truss series and one universal solution to build LED walls of different manufacturers, the LED Stack system. All systems offer sound constructive solutions and user safety.

Should you choose to fly your LED system, you have the choice of 3 truss types, each equipped with a middle beam. The middle beam will guarantee safe and easy suspension of your LED wall. Keeping the total load in the middle of

your truss section, thereby avoiding unbalanced loading or using the truss in a diamond shape.

All 3 truss types are fully compatible with the regular truss series and can be combined in one grid. Build you LED system from ground level Whatever your type of screen is, Prolyte offers a universal solution to building your LED screen from ground level with the LED Stack system. This combination of a base-unit, connection bar and ladder truss, creates a very stable system to support your LED screens in various configurations and offers flexibility in height as

well as width. A side entry clamp with the universal connection plate mounted makes it possible to mount almost any type of LED panel quick and easy. By using longer connection bars, you can easily extend you screen with another row of panels.

Using the adjustable feet in the front and back of the base-unit, you can safely level the system, so that your screen is completely straight. www.prolyte.com

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OUTLINE: SUPERFLY

FACT FILE:

• 2 x 10” LF | 2 x 8” MF | 1 x 3” HF DPRWG loaded

• Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 20 kHz

• Horizontal Dispersion: 90°

• Splay Angles available: from 0° to 7.5° in 0.5° step with additional 0.25° position

• Operating configuration: Quad-amplified

• Weight: 38 kg – 83.8 lb

• Maximum SPL Output, four boxes: 155 dB SPL

• Maximum SPL Output, one box: 143 dB SPL

European designers and manufacturers of professional loudspeaker systems, Outline, has followed in the path of its Butterfly design, with the new Superfly compact linesource enclosure, which sets new standards in performance for a loudspeaker of these dimensions.

Weighing under 38kg (83.8lb) per module yet with prodigious acoustic potential and quality dispersion control, Superfly integrates perfectly within the existing Outline portfolio and can be readily paired with any of their subwoofer designs.

Superfly also redefines the low-frequency performance expectations of compact linearray loudspeakers. The LF extension from the individually driven dual 10-inch drivers is extraordinary (below 50Hz) and for many

applications Superfly’s ultra-wide bandwidth and clarity makes it the ideal solution without the need for additional subwoofers. However, when used with any Outline subwoofers its full acoustic potential is realised.

Powered by the company’s own DSPequipped X8 amplifiers, Superfly-based systems are flexible, powerful, predictable, quick and easy to deploy and convenient to transport, contributing vital operational efficiencies to any live sound scenario.

Outline’s Newton processor (patent pending) is an FPGA-based processing platform designed as the management and control core for audio networks in touring, broadcast and fixed installation applications. It also provides management of sophisticated audio systems by combining multi-format channel routing with

simultaneous standards conversion and digital signal synchronisation.

A unique system topology is provided by very high-quality FPGA-based SSRC and ASRC (Synchronous / Asynchronous Sample Rate Conversion) with outstanding dynamic range and ultra-low distortion. The unit supports up to 15 clock source options and a virtually unlimited number of filters using Outline’s proprietary WFIR filtering technology (patent pending) supporting Raised Cosine Filtering Technology, plus independent, internal, dual-redundant universal AC mains supplies fitted as standard.

Newton is a must-see for anyone involved in contemporary audio networking as it is a genuine game-changer.

http://superfly.outline.it

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CADAC: CDC SEVEN-S

FACT FILE:

Faders

36 x 100mm motorised faders

Screens

2 x 23.5” 16:9 HD + 1 x 6.5”

Touchscreens

PSU 1 x external 19” 2U rackmount PSU

(option to add second external 19” 2U rackmount PSU

with full redundancy

Inputs

Up to 192 (inc local I/O)

Channels

128 with full processing

Busses

56 configurable in pairs as group/aux/st aux plus

dedicated LCR, monitor LR, headphones LR and talkback

Matrix Outputs Graphic EQ Internal FX Local IO

Comms

Up to 67 x 48 with full processing Up to 192 (inc local I/O) 32 band +/-16 dB on all 55 outputs 16 high-resolution 96 kHz stereo effects processors 8 x XLR Mic Inputs (inc 48 V, PAD and 1 dB gain steps), 8x XLR Balanced outputs, 4 x XLR AES/EBU inputs and 4 x XLR AES/EBU outputs 2 x Cadac MegaCOMMS

One of two new digital consoles Cadac launched at Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt this year, the new CDC seven-s replaces both the original CDC seven iteration and the CDC eight, the inaugural expression of the platform.

As the new CDC flagship console, the CDC seven-s expands the 96 input count of the original CDC seven to 128. Additionally the new model ups the bus count to 64, of which 56 are assignable in FOH mode and 62 in Monitor Mode. The new console also features a number of additional hardware buttons, aimed at speeding up navigation.

CDC seven-s ships with the latest Version 5 CDC Console Software which boasts a number of new features - including Cue Ripple and Cue Preview - and several performance enhancements that will feature across the full CDC range. These include a redesigned Control Screen with new graphics and layout, improvement to the overall GUI. Delay Groups allows channels to be grouped and have delay applied to the group. Bus Send VCAs allows 16 individual VCAs to be available

within each and every mix bus in monitor mode for unparalleled control.

The CDC seven-s retains the physical frame and control surface configuration of the CDC seven (excepting the additional new hardware buttons) with dual 23.5-inch 16:9 hi-definition operating touchscreens and their associated rotary encoders, a mid mounted 6.5-inch system control touchscreen, and 36 motorised faders. The exceptional CDC ‘human interface’ and feature set combine in aiding the workflow and allowing the engineer full creative freedom, unhindered by operation of the technology. The dual 23.5-inch touchscreens display the uniquely intuitive CDC swipe-able user interface. Encoders immediately to the right of and below both screens further encourage the instinctive use of gesture - touch and swipe - operation in navigating and operating the console.

The major advantage of the dual screens is the ability to simultaneously display and control multiple tasks; eg the VCAs can be displayed on one screen while the inputs to the VCAs are

displayed on the other. The faders and encoders naturally follow the GUI displayed on the individual screens, resulting in further increases in the speed and flexibility of the workflow. The CDC feature set includes Cadac’s unique Monitor Mode with Mix Focus, as well as the ability to create custom fader layers. All 36 motorised faders feature stereo metering and a full colour user definable OLED display.

Cadac’s legendary audio quality noticeably improves the sound quality achievable any PA system. The company’s famous mic pre-amps boast the best audio performance of any mic pre; a performance further improved upon in the CDC design. CDC consoles employ Cadac’s proprietary CDC MegaCOMMS digital audio protocol, within which an extensive automatic latency management system manages all internal routing and associated processing latency, synchronising all audio samples before summing, which results in absolute phase coherency at all outputs. MegaCOMMS boasts a total throughsystem propagation delay, from inputs on stage

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to outputs, including all console processing and A-D / D-A conversions, of under 400μs (0.4 ms). The audio industry’s lowest latency protocol, it is also uniquely advantageous when using multiple channels of in ear monitoring.

The console features 16 creative on-board stereo effects and is preconfigured with an integrated 64 x 64 Waves interface; enabling direct connection to a Waves MultiRack SoundGrid server with access to the vast Waves’ library of plugins (license dependent), as well as multitrack recording directly to a laptop.

A further additional feature of Version 5 OS

is a Dugan Post fade Insert point for Waves, with auto assign. This allows the easy setup of the Dugan Automixer within Waves along with an auto-patch function (when using Waves server with the Dugan Automixer Plugin). The Waves Dugan Automixer plugin automatically controls the gains of multiple microphones in real time, dramatically reducing feedback, ambient noise and comb filtering from adjacent microphones. It maintains a consistent system gain, even when multiple speakers are talking simultaneously, and makes perfectly matched crossfades, without any signal compression or a noise gate. The plugin is

particularly useful in commercial AV applications deploying multiple microphones such as conferencing and meeting rooms.

Cadac Marketing Manager, James Godbehear, said: “Launching CDC seven-s at Prolight+Sound [in Germany], then showing it immediately afterwards at PLASA Focus in the UK, there was immediate appreciation of the increase in I/O capability, plus the additional features of Version 5 CDC OS along with the improved GUI. CDC seven-s offers all of these improvements over the original CDC seven at no additional cost.” www.cadac-sound.com

CHAUVET: STRIKE, MAVERICK & COLORADO

Chauvet Professional’s Maverick, STRIKE and COLORado series of fixtures have earned widespread praise as well as a large following in recent years, thanks to their high output, brightness and reliable performance.

The new Maverick Storm 1 Wash is an IP65- rated LED moving fixture; while the STRIKE P38 is an IP65-rated compact warm white LED blinder/ strobe; and the COLORado Solo Batten is an IP65 RGBAW LED batten that produces a seamless and unique edge-to-edge homogenised appearance without visible round ‘eyes’ or pixels.

Maverick Storm 1 Wash is a powerful IP65- rated RGBW Osram LED moving head, and is the first of its kind to join the award-winning Maverick series. The unit’s rugged die-cast aluminium housing and 316 stainless steel external screws enable it to withstand the harshest elements. With an output of over 6,000 lumens, its customised optics are well suited for audience and aerial washing, even at large venues. Pixel-mapping effects and a zoom range

of 11° to 42° further add to the unit’s versatility, and a virtual gobo wheel with background colours creates an array of immersive atmospheric effects. 16-bit dimming of master dimmer and individual colours results in silky smooth fades, and the RDM-enabled fixture can be controlled via DMX, W-DMX, sACN, and Art- Net.

The STRIKE P38 is an outdoor-ready single IP65-rated pod blinder has been designed in a more compact housing than its STRIKE 1 predecessor. Its small size notwithstanding, it has the bright output that has made the STRIKE series famous, thanks to its powerful 90W warm white LED source. As a result of its compact housing, designers will be able to unleash their creativity and arrange this intense fixture in a greater variety of configurations. As versatile as it is powerful, this multi-formatted fixture can be used as a wash, audience light, strobe or blinder. Features include simulated “amber shift” that mimics incandescent dimming; adjustable Pulse

Width Modulation, making the fixture camera friendly; black cast aluminium housing; and DMX as well as RDM protocols.

The COLORado Solo Batten is a very versatile fixture, and is engineered with 12 individually controllable square sections that appear seamlessly together without separation, but can also create an endless variety of colour control and pixel mapping effects. The unit is IP65 rated and equipped with DMX and RDM protocols.

“The new fixtures allow us to offer more versatility in 3 very important series of products that designers have come to depend on,” said Albert Chauvet, CEO of Chauvet. “With its IP65 rating, the Maverick Storm 1 Wash is ideal for lighting festivals, amphitheatres, and other outdoor venues. The compact housing of the new STRIKE P38 gives it even more versatility than its predecessor the STRIKE 1, while the COLORado Solo Batten creates more options in eye-candy batten wash lighting.” www.chauvetprofessional.eu

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