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Live Sound Product Hits

Compared to the monstrous Winter show, Summer NAMM 2001 may have been small in space--but this "little" show was definitely BIG on technology. However, NAMM isn't ALL about musical instruments: There was no shortage of solid, high-performance audio tools for the sound reinforcement professional. Listed alphabetically, here are a few highlights, and should you require more information, direct links are provided to each company's Web site.

Live Sound Product Hits

Jul 26, 2001 12:00 PM,
George Petersen

AUDIO-TECHNICA
www.audio-technica.com
Ten years ago, Audio-Technica changed the studio mic market with itsAT4033, a low-cost/high-performance cardioid condenser that became apopular choice among top producers and engineers. At NAMM, A-T markedthe anniversary by issuing the AT4033/SE, offering the same sound asthe original, but in a special edition model with improved shockmount,a custom mic dust cover and wooden case. Retail is $529. A-T alsoexpanded its 30 Series line of cost-effective, high-performance micswith the AT3031 cardioid and AT3032 omni, two low-profile condensermics with wide 30-20,000 Hz response, low 12dBA noise specs and retailof $259.

CREST AUDIO
www.crestaudio.com
The XR-20 a powerful, compact rackmount mixer from Crest Audio is thefirst in a new line designed to offer the features, versatility andquality typically found only on larger, more expensive tabletop units,yet at a very cost-effective price. Features include a total of 20inputs (12 mono and 4 stereo)–all with mic preamps and 48VDC phantompower; and each input channel has 4-band EQ, with 18 dB/octavehigh-pass filters on the mono input channels. Additionally,recording/studio-type features are included, such as insert points onall inputs, subgroups, aux outs and left, right and mono outputs. Thereare six aux buses–all pre/post-fader selectable in pairs. The mainoutputs are XLR and are switchable between mic and line levels.

CROWN
www.crownintl.com
Crown Audio debuted its Power-Tech.1 Series of 2-channel amplifiers.The three models–Power-Tech 1.1, 2.1 and 3.1–feature a 2-rackspacedesign, recessed front-panel level controls, signal presence and IOC(Input/Output Comparator) indicators, ODEP (Output Device EmulationProtection) circuitry, balanced 1/4-inch TRS and XLR inputs, five-waytouch-proof binding posts and forced air cooling. The $869 Power-Tech1.1 delivers 305 watts per channel at 4 ohms (600 watts bridged mono);the $999 Power-Tech 2.1 outputs 460 watts per channel into 4 ohms (910watts bridged mono); and the $1299 Power-Tech 3.1 provides 760 wattsper channel at 4 ohms or 1525 watts bridged mono.

JBL
www.jblpro.com
Introduced last fall, JBL’s EVO Intelligent Sound System is nowavailable. EVO is a complete, ready-to-use sound system with automaticdigital control over room equalization, feedback suppression, delaysettings and amplifier dynamics. Currently being installed in churches,schools, performing arts centers, civic meeting sites and other small-to medium-size installations, the EVO speakers or the entire EVO Systemcan be installed and tuned in a matter of hours. The complete EVOSystem includes intelligent powered speakers, mixer, wireless and wiredmicrophones, system controller, and all necessary cables and stands.Based on a principle of distributed intelligence, up to four EVOi.324speakers can be networked from a single EVOi.net Speaker SystemController. This controller continuously communicates with the EVOspeakers via the same XLR cables that transmit the audio signal. Thisallows EVOi.net to set up the speakers for room equalization, room andtemperature conditions, delay time between speakers, as well asintelligent feedback control. In addition to the complete system,EVOi.324 speakers may be purchased separately in either black or white.Up to four speakers may be networked from one EVOi.net single rackspacesystem controller.

LEXICON
www.lexicon.com
Coming between its MPX100 and MPX500 models, the new MPX200 fromLexicon is a true stereo, 24-bit dual-channel processor offering anewly-designed digital compressor in addition to 240 presets of classicLexicon reverb and effects–with up to eight adjustable parameters perprogram. Analog I/O is via 24-bit ADCs and DACs; S/PDIF digital I/O isalso standard.

LINE 6
www.line6.com
The Studio Modeler series of rack processors from Line 6 include theEcho Pro (delay effects), Mod Pro (modulation effects) and Filter Pro(filter effects), which offer the sound of classic analog effects withthe programming ease of digital presets and MIDI or real-time, hands-oncontrol. All ship this fall/winter, and are $699 each.

MACKIE
www.mackie.com
Mackie introduced several new SR speakers designed to provide highdefinition and extreme output levels for regional touring bands, clubPA systems,or medium- to large-size churches. Priced at $1699, the1300-watt, SA1232 is a three-way, tri-amplified, horn loaded systemthat features two 12-inch woofers with 3-inch voice coils, ahigh-output horn-loaded 6-inch midrange and a 1-inch exit CD on a widedispersion, 90×40-degree mid/high frequency Optimized Wavefront horndesign. Mackie’s SA1521 is a two-way, bi-amplified, horn loaded, activespeaker system featuring a 15-inch woofer and a 1-inch exit CD mountedon a 75×65-degree mid/high frequency wide dispersion horn. The $1199SA1521 has 500 watts on onboard amplification offering peak SPLs in the130dB range. On both the SA1521 and SA1232, the fronts of thetrapezoidal cabinets are high-impact resistant composite resin; thefront, back and sides are heavy duty, 13-ply Baltic birch.

MARSHALL
www.mxlmics.com
Now shipping, the AV-1000 from Marshall is an integrated videomonitoring system for use in teleconferencing, courtrooms and anypresentation environment where large monitors are not practical.Similar in size to a normal microphone base, the AV-1000 features anultra bright (210 candle luminance), high-res (960×234 pixel) color5-inch Active Matrix LCD display built into its base. Dual video inputsdisplay normal composite signals or switch to VGA for computer graphicsthe video mode can also be switched externally via a rear-panel DB-9port. The unit can be used with most commercially available gooseneckmicrophones and has a built-in mic switch operating from externallysupplied +48V phantom power. The mic switch can be disabled orprogrammed to function as “push to mute”, “push to talk” or “latching”,as required. Two user definable buttons provide contact closures for avariety of external switching applications.

PEAVEY
www.peavey.com
Peavey shook things up with Kosmos™, a single-rackspace processordesigned to enhance LF energy, HF articulation and stereo imageenhancement on recorded or live tracks. Essentially, Kosmos generatesbass sub-harmonics combined with an Xpanse control that simultaneouslyadjusts HF boost and stereo width. A separate crossover feeds asubwoofer output, or the unit can be switched to operate in standard2-speaker mode. All I/Os are balanced XLR or TRS, but with controlsmarked as “seismic activity,” “quake” and “subterranean,” I gotta checkthis one out myself! Retail is $300.
Everybody knows the old live sound trick of putting a strip of coloredtape around a handheld mic, so you can tell which mic is which,especially in festivals or gigs where multiple singers pass micsaround. One of those “why didn’t I think of this first?” ideas, Peaveyshowed a prototype of its new patent-pending mic cables that include alighted yellow, red, green or blue band on the female XLR to easily IDmics in dark performance spaces. It’s phantom powered (no batteries)and works with any dynamic or condenser mic.

PRESONUS
www.presonus.com
The Presonus DEQ624 stereo graphic EQ utilizes 24-bit DSP, yet with afamiliar analog interface. Dual 31-band equalizers offer threeswitchable ranges of operation: +/- 6, +/-12dB or +12/-24dB. A securityfeature locks out all of the front faceplate controls using aprogrammable password. Once engaged, the DEQ624 will retain all of thesettings programmed by the installer, regardless of power shutdown. Theuser has the ability to recall up to four presets on the DEQ624. Inaddition, the DEQ624 features a brick wall limiter with variablethreshold as well as a downward expander featuring variable ratio andthreshold. Inputs and outputs are XLR balanced, 1/4-inch unbalanced andbarrier strip. MSRP: $799.95.

SABINE
www.sabine.com
Sabine announced the first wireless microphone system with TrueDiversity 2.4 GHz spread spectrum technology, allowing up to 50 unitsto operate within a single location. The 2.4GHz band is globallyaccepted and clear of the new DTV frequencies. SWM-5000 wireless micsare available in single- and dual-channel models and include Sabine’sbuilt-in Targeted Input Processing: the FBX Feedback Exterminator, acompressor/limiter, intelligent de-essing and Mic SuperModeling, whichallows the system’s standard Audix OM-3 (or optional OM-5) capsule totake on a variety of sonic textures–without having to change capsules,while users can save and recall up to 10 presets per channel on thereceiver. The system is available a choice of handheld or body packtransmitters and options include rackmount antenna distribution for upto six receivers and a low-profile extension antenna for unobtrusivewall mounting.

SENNHEISER
www.sennheiser.com
Sennheiser’s new e815 Pack has simplified the process of selectingmicrophone packages at the retail/musician level, offering itsEvolution Series mics with all the required accessories–cables,brackets, clips and stands in a single, cost-effective package.

SENSAPHONICS
www.sensaphonics.com
Sensaphonics showed ProPhonic 2X-S, the first custom moldeddual-driver in-ear monitor that is made of soft silicone. Not only doesit appear nearly invisible on stage and seal well (even duringexcessive jaw movement), but it’s far more comfortable than the usualplastic models.

SOUNDCRAFT
www.soundcraft.com
Designed for presentation, A/V, small sound reinforcement or submixapplications, and now shipping, Soundcraft’s three new Spirit M Seriesmixers include four stereo line input channels, four aux sends (2pre-fade, 2 post-fade), four FX return inputs and 100mm faders. The M4also has four mono inputs with 3-band EQ (sweep mids), while therackmountable M8 and M12 have eight and 12 mono inputs. Additionalfeatures include direct outs on every mono channel and S/PDIF digitaloutput. The M4, M8 and M12 are $699, $849 and $1999, respectively.

YAMAHA
www.yamaha.com/proaudio
Yamaha Professional Audio debuted its Club S Series speakers whichfeature a durable black polyurethane elastomeric bonded exterior, for ahigh-tech look, greater shock absorption, and the ability to accept anycolor paint to integrate into any environment. The five models of theClub S Series include: The $399 S112IVS and $429 floor monitor versionSM112IVS feature a two-way bass reflex design. A 12-inch woofer and2-inch HF driver offer a power handling of 400 watts. The $435 S115IVSand $575 S115IVAS have a 15-inch woofer and 2-inch HF driver, coupledto a 90×45-degree CD horn. In addition, the S115IVAS includespre-installed hanging hardware for permanent applications. A companionSM118IVS subwoofer ($539) has an 18-inch cast frame woofer, providingsolid low end to 40 Hz, and 800-watt power handling.

YORKVILLE
www.yorkville.com
A 2-year study into the optimization of high-output low-frequency soundhas led to improved performance designs which have resulted inYrokville’s LS1208 “basspipe” subwoofer. The “basspipe” is a high-powerhandling 18-inch woofer, feeding a multiple flare horn, connected to anorgan-like pipe, slowly flaring to the mouth. The bandwidth is narrowedand optimized for a specified low frequency range. Suitable for touringor fixed installs, the cabinets are constructed of 3/4-inch Canadianplywood with heavy internal bracing for reduced resonance and betterdurability. The $999 enclosure comes in black carpet covering andoffers 1/4-inch or Speakon input jacks. Additionally, the Speakonsfeature a configuration switch for easy single-wire hookup usingoptional 4-wire Speakon cables.

There were more new products at NAMM and we’ll present some of thesein our regular new products columns in the months to come. Meanwhile,Winter NAMM returns to Anaheim next year from January 17-20, 2002. Seeyou there!

Note: For more information about NAMM, visit www.namm.org.

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