Sound Technology Live Sound Newsletter 0309

TECHNOLOGY

L I V E S O UN D N E WS

S P RI NG 2009

Crown reveal flagship I-Tech HD amplifier with BSS Omnidrive HD processing In a move that dramatically resets expectations of what a professional touring amplifier should deliver in terms of performance, processing, integration and ease of use, amplifier pioneer Crown Audio has introduced the new I-Tech HD Series amplifiers.

At its core I-Tech HD features a new DSP engine co-developed with BSS, Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivalled performance together with Crown’s Class-I amplifier technology, new easy to configure software, a choice of input options and the all-new LevelMax™ limiters (Peak, Thermal and RMS).

In an industry first, Crown Audio links the limiters in its new family of amplifiers: Crown’s innovative LevelMax™ limiter technology links the previously independent Peak, Thermal and RMS Limiters, enabling more effective, elegant protection of connected speakers while advancing system performance.

Managing large networks of amplifiers is made easy with HiQnet™ System Architect™ software.

Using a familiar browser-style interface, engineers

Developed in conjunction with sister company BSS, the next generation OmniDriveHD DSP Engine at the heart of I-Tech HD is built on a new architecture specifically optimised for fast and efficient audio processing to provide tour and contracting professionals with a new platform for signal processing.

The new FIREWALL™ FIR filter technology provides significantly improved midrange clarity and dramatically improved off-axis response. The OmniDrive HD reduces latency, safeguards sonic integrity and advances system reliability.

and system techs can access a host of power configuration and control functions. In addition, a front panel USB slot allows for quick load and recall of amplifier settings using a standard USB key. A patent-pending intuitive front panel work surface with LCD display provides fast and easy menubased system setup and full amplifier diagnostics.

I-Tech HD boasts a category-leading arsenal of standard input options including CobraNet, AES/ EBU and analogue XLR inputs, allowing distribution of many channels of real-time, high quality digital audio for a vast array of touring and contracting applications.

I-Tech HD builds upon Crown Audio’s remarkable 60-year heritage of amplifier design and the category-defining legacy of the original I-Tech amplifiers. Patented Class-I Amplifier Technology featured in the new I-Tech HD delivers the highest output voltage in the industry, which provides clean transient peaks.

I-Tech HD weighs in at a lightweight 13 kg but its proven, Class-I output design delivers massive amounts of power while generating minimal heat.

Crown Audio’s patented Power Factor Correction techniques allow I-Tech HD to draw current from the mains more efficiently, which enables I-Tech HD to provide the highest output voltage available and a clearly audible difference driving highperformance loudspeakers. See full specifications and technical details at www.itechhd.com. >www.soundtech.co.uk/crown/itechhd

01462 480000 | info@soundtech.co.uk | www.soundtech.co.uk TECHNOLOGY

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20/2/09 09:56:30

JBL EON: A new generation is born

AKG launches revolutionary digital wireless system

The next generation of EON portable loudspeakers has arrived in the UK. This includes five models spanning the new EON500 and EON300 series, all of which feature the trademark portability, versatility and reliability that made the original EON series the most groundbreaking and revolutionary product of its kind.

AKG has launched the DMS 700 digital wireless system, offering a state-of-the-art feature set including pristine audio quality, digital encryption and an ultra-wide tuning range.

EON515 - 450W powered 15” two-way EON510 - 280W powered 10” two-way EON518S - 500W powered 18” subwoofer EON315 - 280W powered 15” two-way EON305 - 250W passive 15” two-way JBL has developed the new EON500 and EON300 series with the same performance and reliability as previous generations while increasing portability, through an even lighter system and designed ergonomics.

The EON500 series offer selectable EQ, multiple suspension points, soft-grip handle and a full screened backed grille for extra component protection. JBL’s patented engineered components, enabling a smaller enclosure and lighter weight than competitive models.

The new EON300 series loudspeakers are the result of cutting-edge mechanical design and expertise in materials, making them as compact as possible but at significantly lighter weight than competitive models. Each of the EON300 series 2-way loudspeakers offers a very simple user interface, along with multiple handles and suspension utility. >www.soundtech.co.uk/jbl/eon

Digital audio transmission eliminates distortion and noise levels at the higher audio frequencies that can affect analogue systems. The DMS 700 offers an ultra-wide bandwidth, which provides robust and versatile operation and ability to operate up to 100 channels simultaneously. The encrypted digital audio transmission enables users to broadcast sensitive audio information confidentially.

• Digital wireless microphone system • Digital audio transmission chain • Ultra-wide tuning range allows operation of up to 100 simultaneous channels • No companding at the transmitter stage • Internal DSP including dbx dynamics • HiQnet compatible • Digital audio encryption • Future-proof - operates at frequencies away from the at-risk analogue bands

The 19” rack mountable DSR 700 digital receiver contains internal digital signal processor providing an array of essential audio features such as a low cut filter, 3-band EQ, dbx® compressor and dbx limiter. The DMS 700 also incorporates Harman‘s HiQnet™ technology allowing it to be incorporated into large audio networks whilst also allowing for easy software updates the system components. An infrared link between receiver and transmitter offers a quick system setup for easy and user-friendly operation.

The DPT 700 bodypack transmitter accepts both microphone and line-level input signals with no need to adjust the input sensitivity. The audio input supports a broad range of AKG headsets, lavalier and instrument microphones. The DHT 700 Handheld transmitter is offered with AKG’s D 5 dynamic or C 5 condenser capsules. Operation time on both transmitters is an impressive eight hours from two AA batteries and both are compatible with the CU 700, a fast charger that rapidly charges rechargeable batteries without damaging the cells’ elements. > www.soundtech.co.uk/akg/dms700

Lexicon PCM96 Surround Lexicon has released its latest professional reverb and effects processor that increases I/O, configuration options and reverb/effects alogorithms. The PCM96 Surround can be divided into four virtual machines, each of which can run its own algorithm. With six channels

of I/O the PCM96 can be configured in 15 combinations incuding as four independent mono or two stereo effects processors, opening it up to a variety of live sound applications. > http://www.soundtech.co.uk/lexicon

TECHNOLOGY

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20/2/09 09:56:34

Soundcraft announces addition to Si series

Soundcraft has announced details of the Si2, the next addition to the Si series of digital live sound consoles.

The Soundcraft Si2 is a smaller partner to the Si3 launched in September last year, and is designed to appeal to those wanting a compact and highlyfeatured digital console at a competitive price.

The Si2 comes in a smaller footprint than its bigger brother, and has 48 mic inputs mapped on 24 faders (the Si3 has 64 inputs), but this is where the differences end. The Si2, like the Si3, has four

dedicated Stereo Line channels, four dedicated FX Returns from the four stereo Lexicon® FX processors, 8 balanced insert sends and 8 balanced insert returns. Si2 is complete with 24 Group/Aux busses available at all times, 8 matrix busses and a full complement of monitor talkback and main bus outputs. One of the most unique and compelling features of the Si series is that every input and output has its own dedicated input socket on the back of the console.

Like the Si3, the Si2 uses a combination of rotary encoders and OLED screens on every channel so

Crown Audio introduces HiQnet™ Band Manager™ Crown Audio has introduced HiQnet™ Band Manager™ software, a free-of-charge application designed to simplify system setup and management for the XTi series amplifiers.

Band Manager unlocks the loudspeaker processing capabilities of the XTi Series enabling audio professionals, musicians, and engineers to configure and control a rack of amplifiers via a sleek interface designed to simplify system setup and management.

Band Manager automatically discovers up to eight USB-connected XTi amplifiers, represented in a virtual rack. Using browser-style navigation Band Manager displays monitor strips for each amplifier in the rack and provides access to EQ, level control, JBL-provided speaker tunings and all other processing. All amplifier settings are transferred from the connected devices but can also be saved to disk for quick recall if the rack is used often in multiple venues.

Band Manager is a free download from www.crownaudio.com and is available now. > www.soundtech.co.uk/crown/news/bandmanager

the engineer mixes at source, without recourse to a central screen, an interface welcomed by many engineers since the console’s launch last year.

With all input and output connections and power supply on board, the Si2 can simply drop in where an existing analogue console sits, utilising existing copper cable snakes and splitter systems.

Please call Sound Technology on 01462 480000 for pricing and availability. > www.soundtech.co.uk/soundcraft/news/si2

WMS4500: 1-click setup with System Architect AKG has released v3.3 of its plug-in for HiQnet System Architect which adds the brilliant new 1-Click Setup feature to the WMS4500 and IVM4 wireless systems using the HiQnet-enabled HUB4000Q. With a single mouse click, System Achitect Plug-in v3.3 automatically scans the RF environment, locating available frequencies and assigning them to all connected receivers and transmitters. In only 3 minutes, 1-Click Setup will find up to 40 frequencies from a 30MHz-wide RF band, drastically reducing valuable system setup time. System Architect Plug-in v3.3 is a free download from www.akg.com. > www.soundtech.co.uk/akg/news/WMS45001click

01462 480000 | info@soundtech.co.uk | www.soundtech.co.uk

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20/2/09 09:56:37

Massive JBL and Crown deployment for U.S. Presidential Inauguration Ceremonies

JBL Professional and Crown Audio divisions were deployed by sound company Maryland Sound (MSI) for the highly anticipated United States Presidential Inauguration Ceremony that took place in Washington D.C. in January. The event drew the largest civic-event audience ever served by an outdoor sound reinforcement system in the United States, with a crowd of as many as two million people jamming the National Mall and surrounding areas. The sound reinforcement system featured JBL Professional VERTEC® line array loudspeakers powered by Crown Audio I- Tech amplifiers and managed using Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™ software.

15 of MSI’s custom-built, ground-stacked line array towers, ranging from four to 14 VT4889 loudspeakers each, were dispersed throughout the Mall area, beginning with two 14-box clusters at the main stage. Six towers were arranged on the outside pe-

rimeter of the main lawn to provide delays without obstructing the view of the seated audience and an additional five delay towers were set up in the audience area, providing audio reinforcement for the rest of the crowd. To cover various VIP seating sections along with choir and band areas, the primary system was supplemented by JBL VP7315DP

powered loudspeakers, VRX932 portable line array loudspeakers and Control 25AV pole-mounted speakers.

The sound system was designed by Pat Baltzell of Baltzell Audio Design. “JBL VERTEC simply has more total power output than the competitors.

Additionally, this is the first inauguration we’ve been able to utilize Crown I-Tech amplifiers, and therefore run System Architect. Utilising a Harman system has certainly provided us with the increased flexibility we’ve needed for this unprecedented event,” stated Baltzell.

“We are extremely pleased with the assortment of tools that Harman provides us. We were able to achieve the highest fidelity sound possible, vastly superior to that which was available only a few years ago. Given the harsh environmental conditions we were working in, which has brought sub zero temperatures and lots of precipitation, the equipment worked flawlessly with no failures,” said Goldstein, President of MSI. > www.soundtech.co.uk/jbl/news/uspresidential inauguration

Crown Audio bolsters XTI series with XTI6000 Continuing the heritage of previous XTI-Series amplifiers the XTI6000 features an LCD screen with speaker presets for crossover frequencies, EQ, limiting, delay, and a subharmonic synthesizer. Additionally, there is a switch-mode universal power supply, useful function indicators, propositionalspeed fan-assisted cooling, XLR inputs, Speakon

and binding-post outputs, and short-circuit protection. Power per channel is 3000W at 2 ohms, 2100W at 4 ohms and 1,200W at 8 ohms making it ideal for powering JBL’s SRX and VRX cabinets.

We are recruiting

The XTI6000 allows for plug and play usability with it’s integrated proprietary DSP with LCD front panel making it easy to set crossovers, delay, limiters, and EQ along with the ability to save and recall up to 20 presents and is compatible with Crown’s new Band Manager software. > www.soundtech.co.uk/crown/xti6000

Sound Technology have a vacancy for a Tour Sound Products Sales Manager. For more information visit www.soundtech.co.uk/livesound 01462 480000 | info@soundtech.co.uk | www.soundtech.co.uk

TECHNOLOGY

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20/2/09 09:56:41