NSCA Wrap-up: Audio at NSCA
Apr 1, 2007 12:00 PM,
By Trevor Boyer
Manufacturers take the opportunity to debut latest audio gear for installers.
Beyerdynamic Revoluto
The NSCA Expo has gone through some changes over the past few years, but one thing is constant: The show is one of the premier venues for manufacturers to debut audio gear for systems contractors. Following is a sampling of many of the noteworthy products that were on display in Orlando, Fla., this year for NSCA attendees.
TOA Electronics added two models to its DA Series multichannel digital amps. The DA-500F-HL and DA-550F consume about a third less power than conventional analog amps while operating at about 85 percent efficiency, according to TOA, and they take up only 2RU. They’re lightweight, so installers can stack up to five of them with nothing in between. The DA-500F-HL is designed for high- and low-impedance speaker loads, supplying four channels of 500W at 70V or 550W at 8V. Designed for low-impedance loads, the DA-550F supplies four channels of 550W at 4V or two channels of 1100W at 8V in bridged mode. They’re equipped with an independent power supply for each channel.
AKG C5
Community Professional Loudspeakers announced the VERIS series of small to medium-sized installation loudspeakers. The line features compact subwoofers and sophisticated frequency shading for smooth response in the crossover region. The VERIS line starts with a single 6in. horn; there’s also a dual 6in., a single and a dual 8in., and also larger 12in. and 15in. models. Community also updated its Wet Series outdoor loudspeakers, originally introduced a decade ago. Wet Series II features redesigned crossover networks and restyled, stronger curvilinear glass-fiber enclosures that allow a tighter fit.
Meyer Sound once again displayed its M’elodie self-powered line-array speakers, debuted at last year’s show to great acclaim. In addition, it debuted its new Constellation electroacoustic architecture system, which incorporates Constellation processors, measurement, and tuning; Meyer Sound mics and self-powered speakers; and Meyer certification.
Atlas Sound debuted pendant-mount speakers for open-ceiling environments. The PM4FA uses Atlas’ FA134 4in. Strategy series driver, also used in the FAP42T ceiling speaker. There are also three new 8in. driver offerings designed for higher ceilings. All models include a suspension cable system and a concealment top cover. Atlas also released a new DSP-controlled sound-masking generator, the ASP-MG24. An intuitive GUI allows installers to configure complicated four-zone masking systems with two external music or page sources.
L-Acoustics launched the compact Kiva line source array system. Kiva operates from 80Hz to 20kHz, and the complementary Kilo low-frequency extension covers 50Hz to 100Hz. The LA4 is the amplified controller. According to the company, the wavefront of a Kiva line source can be curved from 0 to 15 degrees for each element without breaking the inter-element acoustic coupling.
JBL added two compact models to its VP (venue performance) series of powered loudspeakers, which was introduced early last year. Designed to complement Vertec line arrays as a spot fill, the VP7210/95DP (two-way 10in.) has peak output power of 1750W and includes onboard DSP. The 7212MDP (two-way 12in.) is designed to serve as an on-stage monitor. The VP series integrates Crown’s Class D digital power amplification circuitry. JBL Professional also introduced the Control 200 series medium-format in-ceiling loudspeakers, featuring 6.5in. coaxial drivers.
Telex, now owned by global conglomerate Bosch’s new Bosch Communications Systems division, announced a wide range of new audio products under the Electro-Voice and Dynacord brands. Dynacord’s new VariLine range of loudspeakers can be used as a portable PA for smaller venues such as clubs or as an element in a larger installation. The midrange and high-frequency horns can be rotated through 90 degrees. All models can be switched over to active two-way operation.
Electro-Voice (EV) introduced its PolarChoice boundary microphone, which allows the user or installer to choose the pattern. On the bottom of the low-profile mic is a space for a wireless transmitter from EV or Telex. EV also introduced the ZxA5 powered two-way loudspeaker, with 15in. DVX3150 transducers and an integrated lightweight digital amp, and the Evid C12.2 ceiling loudspeaker, a 12in. speaker with 100dB sensitivity, an integrated 64W transformer, and a perforated grille.
Sansonic, headed up by seasoned OEM manufacturers, showed its HNB series mixer/power digital amplifier. The self-contained product installs into a standard 4″×4″×2.125″ electrical outlet box. The amplifier’s master override interface, which the company describes as unique, is compatible with school intercoms and emergency paging systems to interrupt any AV system audio. Besides schools, Sansonic is also positioning the amp for rehearsal rooms in performing arts centers.
AKG Acoustics demonstrated its new C5 (condenser) and D5 (dynamic) vocal microphones designed for the installed sound market. The company claims that the new Laminate Varimotion diaphragm design allows the highest gain before feedback. AKG says the transducer technology facilitates the isolation of handling noise for pristine reproduction of vocals.
RoHS regulations spurred the recent revamping of Audio-Technica’s (A-T) contractor series of mics. Thanks to UniGuard protection, a combination of 13 technology patents, the 50 microphone models are virtually immune to RF interference, according to A-T. The wired gooseneck, hanging, boundary, lavalier, and handheld mics are offered with cardioid, hypercardioid, and omnidirectional elements, as well as the MicroLine 90-degree pickup pattern. The gooseneck line offers six length options from 6in. to 24in., either switched or unswitched, with a new stand clamp and universal locking shock mount.
Sony brought its new headset mics, the ECM-322BC and ECM-322BMP to the show. These are designed for presenters, lecturers, and ministers who need an inconspicuous, hands-free microphone. The ECM-322BMP has an 1/8in. connector that partners with a UWP-X5 body-pack transmitter/tuner. The ECM-322BC has a four-pin connector for WL-800 series wireless receivers. Sony also showed the MB-X6, a 1RU tuner frame that can accept up to six wireless modules.
Beyerdynamic introduced the Revoluto line-array conference mic, with 13 identical capsules that allow the speaker to move around without affecting sound quality. Eliminating the need for a gooseneck mic, it’s designed for use with the MCS-D 200 conferencing system. Beyerdynamic’s new Opus 900 UHF wireless system offers the choice of several different dynamic, condenser, and pocket transmitters. Three receivers (single, dual, and quad channels) are available.
Revolabs showed a few new options for its unique Solo boardroom conferencing mic system. Besides a slightly scaled-down version of its SoloExecutive eight-channel conferencing system, Revolabs also introduced a wireless boundary mic, Tabletop, to accompany its existing wireless clip-on microphones that are shaped like lipstick tubes. The company also announced a preconfigured Solo system that’s integrated with Polycom Vortex EF2241 (four channels) or EF2280 (eight channels) audioconferencing systems. The system also includes four or eight Solo mics, as well as an integrated telephone interface from WideBand Solutions.
WideBand was also displaying in Revlolabs’ booth. Integrated into the SoloExecutive four-channel system, Wideband’s new Simphonix wireless series handles echo cancellation as well as the telephone interface for digital and VOIP phones.
Listen Technologies introduced its FM single-channel in-ear receiver (LR-P11-216), designed as a discreet receiver option for its line of FM assistive-listening products. Using the Listen LR-800-216 stationary FM transmitter (216MHz), the LR-P11-216 receives transmission of a set local broadcast.
Soundcraft went compact, introducing a Vi4 digital live console only months after introducing the larger Vi6 model. In just less than 5ft., the Vi4 offers access to 48 inputs on 24 faders, with 27 output busses available for use as masters, groups, auxes, or matrices. All other features are inherited from the Vi6.
