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Monday, November 30, 2009

Ultimate Ears Introduces New iPhone App Complete With SPL Meter

The free Ultimate Ears App features a recreational Sound Pressure Level (SPL) Meter to assist you in measuring the decibel levels at a concert or anywhere else during your daily life.

For over a decade, Ultimate Ears’ custom monitors have changed the way music is performed by the biggest names in the industry, including Madonna, U2 and The Killers. Now, Ultimate Ears has developed a free iPhone App so you can keep in tune with the music scene, just like the stars.

The free Ultimate Ears App features a recreational Sound Pressure Level (SPL) Meter to assist you in measuring the decibel levels at a concert or anywhere else during your daily life. The accuracy of SPL readings will vary depending on which Phone model is used.

In addition, the Ultimate Ears iPhone App provides a direct pipeline to UA artist interviews, backstage footage and photos from performances. Ultimate Ear’s favorite upcoming bands will also be featured monthly to keep users up to date with UA users. 

The Ultimate Ears iPhone app is available now as a free download from the iPhone app store.

Ultimate Ears

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NSCA University Increases Online Training Offerings

Members can save 10% on the CMOOR Group courses through October 2010

Through October 2010, NSCA members can get 10% off security courses offered through NSCA University and provided by The CMOOR Group.

The courses offer systems contractors, designers and technicians valuable technical knowledge as well as Learning Units (LUs) for NSCA’s Certificate of Completion Program (CCP) or recertification.

Convenient, accessible training allows system integrators to expand their skill sets with new products and services that can help them grow their businesses.

Courses eligible for the discount include, but are not limited to:

OSHA Outreach Training Physical Security Network Associated Physical Security Network Field Technician Structured Wiring and Termination Technician Certification

NSCA members also receive additional discounts on other courses available directly through the CMOOR Group. These courses may also be considered for LUs.

“Contractors are seeking accessible, affordable online learning to meet their training needs,” said Chuck Wilson, NSCA executive director.

“By offering these courses through a great partner provider like The CMOOR Group, our members have even more choices for online training.”

“Systems contractors are constantly seeking education on OSHA in order to meet safety standards required on the job site,” said Norah Hammond, NSCA senior director of professional development.

“And, as they move into the security market to meet the growing demand for security technologies and applications, these courses become that much more important.”

“We are pleased to be working with NSCA,” said Connie Moorhead, president of The CMOOR Group.

“We feel that our course library is very applicable to the NSCA membership and will give them a variety of training options to enhance their skills and provide greater resources for LUs as well.”

Online learning courses are available anytime, anywhere with interactive learning tools. These courses can be combined to meet the specific needs of employers. Each course is also eligible for LUs in NSCA University’s College of Technical Knowledge CCP or as credit toward EST-L2 certification renewal. 

To learn more about these and other online learning opportunities, visit http://www.nsca.org/securityceu or http://www.nsca.org/elearning. For more information, contact NSCA at 800.446.6722 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

 

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New, State-Of-The-Art Black Mirror Studio Chooses Dual Euphonix Consoles

"Our intention is to meet the most ambitious recording requirements from pop-rock music to metal, from jazz to classical and chamber music." - Filippo Travani, Owner, Black Mirror Studios

Newly opened in 2009, Black Mirror Studios has installed a Euphonix System 5 digital console and a System 5-MC digital console in its state-of-the-art control rooms. 

Black Mirror is a large, international recording studio located just outside Udine, Italy in the middle of the Alpe-Adria region, making it easily accessible from Austria, Slovenia and Northern Italy.

Studio owner and manager, Filippo Travani, intends Black Mirror to become the benchmark for musicians, record companies and independent labels across Europe.

“Our intention is to meet the most ambitious recording requirements from pop-rock music to metal, from jazz to classical and chamber music. The studio offers services for mastering, recording and mixing, advertising jingles, background music, arrangements, voiceover and musical production,” explained Travani.

“Our dream of a state-of-the-art studio wouldn’t be complete without a Euphonix. That’s why the American manufacturer, famous for over 20 years throughout the world for its large-format consoles for the music production, post-production and broadcasting, was chosen for the mixing consoles.”

Black Mirror’s Control Room A houses a Euphonix System 5 console with 56 faders, analog “vintage” equipment and PMC–BB5-XBD loudspeakers with Bryston amplification.

System 5 is Euphonix’ flagship digital audio mixing system designed for all music recording and mixing applications. It is outfitted with high quality EQ and compression on every channel, surround capability, hundreds of DSP channels, and high resolution metering using on-screen displays.

Alternatively, Control Room B contains a 24-fader Euphonix System 5-MC that controls Digidesign Pro Tools. The System 5-MC is a DAW Controller based on the Euphonix System 5 control surface design and the innovative MC Pro; the System 5-MC tightly integrates with DAWs such as Pro Tools, Nuendo, Logic Pro, Digital Performer and Pyramix using the EuCon Ethernet control protocol.

“We are honored by Filippo Travani’s choice of two Euphonix mixing systems for this incredible new music studio,” said Chris Hollebone, Operations Director of Euphonix Europe. ”We are seeing a solid increase in world class music studios opting for Euphonix digital solutions that take full advantage of EuCon control, thereby avoiding needless conversion from analog to digital and back.

“The System 5 was originally designed as a music console and the quality of its signal path still leads the pack. As Black Mirror builds its reputation and client base, Euphonix is thrilled that we are going to be an integral part of that success.”

Euphonix Website

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Stiernberg Consulting & Lab X Technologies Partner On Connectivity Readiness Check

New service to help manufacturers deal with connectivity challenges in the networked AV world

Lab X Technologies and Stiernberg Consulting have teamed up to provide a new service for manufacturers - the Connectivity Readiness Check - a diagnostic program that helps companies answer the question, “Are you ready for connectivity?”

The Lab X and Stiernberg Consulting partnership will help AV manufacturers by assessing each one’s current situation and making specific, targeted recommendations for how that manufacturer can meet both technical and business challenges head on.

The CRC program is designed to be fast, confidential, and low cost - a natural next step in establishing or improving product development and business development strategies in the interoperability era.

Commercial and residential AV systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated and powerful. The transition from analog non-networked systems to digital networked systems is in full swing.

End users are becoming increasingly demanding. They expect plug and play, fully interoperable audio, video, and media systems that are intuitive, reliable, flexible, and low cost.

Lee Minich, President of Lab X Technologies, comments, “Gear manufacturers who offer only analog or otherwise incompatible AV components are losing market share and industry relevance. Competitors are passing them by with networkable gear that plays well with others.”

John Stiernberg, President of Stiernberg Consulting, adds, “Manufacturers who don’t yet have compatible state-of-the-industry products need to make fundamental business decisions now in response to a rapidly changing market. They need to fully embrace the technological, cultural, and business changes that are occurring, or risk extinction at the hands of more progressive competitors.”

Lee Minich adds, “AV gear that can’t operate on a network will be the Commodore Amiga or Sony Betamax of the next few years. That may sound ominous, but we believe there is no middle ground.”

The CRC is a diagnostic and prescriptive program geared to assessing a manufacturer’s readiness to develop, produce, and profitably sell AV gear (commercial or residential) that is networkable and/or interoperable. It delivers a confidential executive report and interactive discussion that includes objective technical and business assessments, plus recommendations in each area.

Lab X Technologies Website
Stiernberg Consulting Website

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Harman Music Group Promotes Craig Paller To Vice President Of Worldwide Sales

“Craig Paller is an outstanding sales executive with a proven understanding of the markets Harman Music Group serves and deep empathy for the needs of our dealers and customers." - Rob Urry, President, Harman Music Group

The Harman Music Group announces the promotion of Craig Paller from Vice President, Domestic Sales, to group-wide Vice President, Worldwide Sales, where he will be responsible for strategic planning and sales initiatives at the brand, market, and dealer level for BSS Audio, dbx Professional, DigiTech, and Lexicon Professional. 

“Craig Paller is an outstanding sales executive with a proven understanding of the markets Harman Music Group serves and deep empathy for the needs of our dealers and customers,” states Rob Urry, President of the Harman Music Group. “In this new role his experience, enthusiasm, and leadership skills will benefit all of our brands in growing and strengthening in each of their specific markets.”

Paller joined Harman Music Group in November 2005 as Vice President of Worldwide Sales for BSS Audio & dbx professional. In 2007 his responsibilities were expanded to include sales management for Lexicon Professional. In this role he successfully managed the US sales team for these brands and successfully met commercial targets.

Prior to joining Harman Music Group, Paller was the Director of U.S. Sales for Shure and managed all aspects of sales and distribution including policies, forecasting, pricing, dealer programs, as well as promotions and sales goals. 

Paller began his career at Electro-Voice, were he held several positions, including National Sales Manager and overseeing sales for their U.S. MI Market. 

“I’m excited about the opportunity to lead our worldwide sales team and continue to build each brand’s presence in established as well as emerging markets,” says Paller. “I want our customers and dealers to know we have a great team in place that will continue to develop strong relationships and help them meet their goals by providing the highest quality products that reflect the heritage and quality of our brands.”

Paller holds a bachelors degree in Marketing from Millikin University. In addition he also holds Six Sigma Green Belt certification. 

Harman Music Group Website

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Saturday, November 28, 2009

Sennheiser, Neumann Microphones See Heavy Use On “America’s Got Talent”

Larry Reed, a freelance audio mixer, typically specifies Sennheiser and Neumann microphones for any show on which he is hired to work

For the recently concluded fourth season of NBC Television’s highly rated “America’s Got Talent,” Audio Mixer Larry Reed regularly utilized an array of Sennheiser and Neumann microphones fpr the competing singers, dancers, comedians and entertainers, as well as guest artists and the panel of three celebrity judges.

Reed reports that the Sennheiser and Neumann wired microphones were used mainly on guest bands. In addition, a couple of the show’s guest vocalists made use of wireless handheld microphones. “We brought in Sennheiser SKM 5200s for Susan Boyle – who used a Neumann KK-105 head – and for Leona Lewis,” he notes.

“America’s Got Talent” features a panel of judges that includes Sharon Osborne, David Hasselhoff and Piers Morgan, who were all outfitted with Sennheiser MKE 2 lavalier mics and the compact SK 5212 RF package.

As for the mic inventory available for the guest bands, Reed continues, “I had an e 901 for the kick, 604s on all the toms, and, my absolute favorite mic in all the world, the KM 84, on hi-hat and overheads,” he recalls. “The new drum mics are fabulous, low profile, great diaphragm, and dynamic, so I don’t have to worry about phantom power.”

Guitars were mic’ed with e 906 supercardioid dynamic models. “Plus,” says Reed, “we had the standard MKH 416 looking onto the stage for any kind of effects, tap dancers, or anybody yelling or screaming. That’s the standard for me.”

One group, Recycled Percussion (a new Sennheiser endorser), who placed third in the finals, truly put the Sennheiser mics to the test, according to Reed. “I almost exclusively used e 604s on the tubs that they were playing, which worked out really well for us. They take a folding chair and turn it upside down, and throw the tub on top of it. It was hard to find a way to mic it, but we mounted the 604s to a support bar on the folding chair, and that worked very well for us.”

For one of Recycled Percussion’s performances that involved water pouring onto the tubs, he adds, “I specified MKE 2 Platinum lavs, because a water molecule is bigger than the sound ports of the mic, thus making it waterproof. In any case,” he says, “the fortunate part was that the tub worked in our favor to waterproof the mic, since it was sitting on top of it.”

Reed, a freelance audio mixer, typically specifies Sennheiser and Neumann microphones for any show on which he is hired to work.

Sennheiser USA Website

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Midas PRO6 Chosen For Monitors On UK Concert Tour Featuring The Noisettes

Having previously spent 15 months with its big brother the XL8 on the final Oasis world tour, Monitor Engineer Nahuel Gutierrez found the transition to the PRO6 an easy one

Monitor Engineer Nahuel Gutierrez has been using a Midas PRO6 live audio system for the UK concert tour by the Noisettes, a popular indie rock band from London. 

Having previously spent 15 months with its big brother the XL8 on the final Oasis world tour, Gutierrez found the transition to the PRO6 an easy one.

“I was able to mix on the PRO6 in the same way I did on the XL8, and after a short time learning where the controls on this surface were, I was flying again,” he says. “Although it’s a smaller surface, the PRO6 isn’t missing any of the XL8’s features.

“The sound quality equally as superb, and my favorite features were there, such as six full parametric equalizers on the output channels, which have allowed me to forget about graphic EQ for the last two years.

“Having fewer faders was never an issue working with the POP Groups, which once again were my main way of mixing,” he continues. “And I set up one group of four VIP channels in Area B so I could have each of the four vocals there all the time, with everyone pre fader. This meant I had very quick control of the send for each performer.

“The console also has two solo buses like the XL8, so I was able to cue wedges or IEMs independently from each other, and listen to any channel or either bus with the click of a button.”

As the tour took in some very small venues, the PRO6 proved a good fit in that regard as well, with its compact footprint. “I was able to fit the console anywhere even, in the smallest venue where I had to be on stage next to the guitar player,” Gutierrez says. “The footprint is so small considering what you get. 

“We didn’t have a truck on the tour, just a little trailer behind the tour bus which we managed to fit the console in alongside the backline.”

This was Gutierrez’s first foray into Midas automation, as it suited the Noisettes’ musical style to create scenes for each song. “It’s very easy to understand and work with, and I had great fun seeing things happening at the click of a button: changes, fader sends, mutes, gate thresholds, all changing by themselves. I was also able to put a lot of parameters on recall scope and store scope, for independent scenes.”

Gutierrez also carried out a software update on the PRO6, mid-tour. “It was so easy to do,” he concludes. “The new software arrived on a USB stick, and it uploaded all by itself, updating every piece of hardware connected to the console too.”

Midas Website
Midas Consoles North America

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Allen & Heath To Unveil New Analog & Digital Products At Upcoming Winter NAMM

First showing outside of the UK of the new Xone:DX, a plug 'n' play DJ controller, along with various members of the iLive family, the ZED range of USB mixers, the MixWizard multi-purpose range, and other models in the Xone series

Allen & Heath has selected the upcoming Winter (2010) NAMM show in Anaheim for the global launch of new products from the iLive digital mixing series and the entry-level ZED compact USB range.

Exhibited at the American Music & Sound display, the new products will be unveiled on the first day of the show.

It will also be the first showing outside of the UK of the new Xone:DX, a plug ‘n’ play DJ controller launched at the BPM show in October.

The result of close collaboration between Allen & Heath and Serato Audio Research, the DX is another development in Allen & Heath’s Xone:D range of controllers, featuring a 20-channel USB sound card and total integration of the brand new 4-deck Serato ITCH software. 

Offering the ability to send up to 168 individual MIDI control messages, a 20-channel 96kHz/24-bit USB 2.0 sound card, two dual layer deck simulators, and RIAA/phono inputs for external decks, as well as the central 4-channel mixer section which directly manipulates the DSP mixing within the computer, the Xone:DX is an exceptionally versatile hi-spec professional DJ controller.

A full version of the new Serato ITCH software is supplied with the DX, providing unique 4-deck control, and a comprehensive set of digital DJ FX, as well as looping and time-stretching. 

Also on display will be various members of the iLive family, the ZED range of USB mixers, the MixWizard multi-purpose range, and other models in the Xone series, including the Xone:4D, which will be demonstrated by a roster of celebrity guest DJs.

Allen & Heath Website
American Music & Sound Website

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Friday, November 27, 2009

DiGiCo SD8 Digital Console, DiGiRack At Heart Of Touring System For Italian Star Gianluca Grignani

A complete touring control system with 56 input channels and 24 outputs, a single core for audio input\conversion (avoiding the additional cost and space required for splitters) and digital signal transport

Rental firm Idea Musica Service of Latina in central Italy recently provided a DiGiCo SD8 digital console and DiGiRack to meet the criteria of a sound design conceived by AudioProgetti of Cavenago Brianza (Milan) for the latest concert tour by Italian singer/songwriter Gianluca Grignani.

AudioProgetti Technical Manager Gabel Guagliumi explains the design: “Idea Musica’s brief was to put together a complete touring control system with 56 input channels and 24 outputs, a single core for audio input\conversion (avoiding the additional cost and space required for splitters) and digital signal transport.

“We opted for a DiGiCo SD8 and DiGiRack because it enables us to have control of 60 input channels in the three sections of the console work surface, the same excellent preamps as the DiGiCo SD7 and D5, a modular stage rack that can be customized in groups of eight channels – in this specific case there are seven groups – and signal transport via MADI.

“Since monitor consoles normally have more gain-related problems, such as feedback, it was decided that it should be the set-up’s ‘master’ desk and the FOH console the ‘slave’.” 

Monitor Engineer Paolo Zanier was on his first outing with a DiGiCo console. “I must say they’ve designed a top quality system,” he notes. “The preamplifiers and A/D and D/A converters in the DiGiRack at the heart of the system do their job excellently, enabling engineers to obtain a great sound timbre and body without having to resort to excessive EQ.”

Zanier and FOH engineer Alessandro Catrucci use the system’s Gain Tracking feature, so that when the former changes an analogue gain control on the his desk, the FOH console reflects the changes and the digital trim control compensates for them by moving by the same amount in the opposite direction.

Among the other features Zanier found extremely useful was the possibility of working on the monitor signals of the artist and his band (with the send levels assigned to the channel faders in the console’s Solo functions) and being able to call up the function extremely rapidly.

He was also pleased with the layout and features of the work surface, which enabled him to work on any channel of any bank while keeping a specific, important channel in one of the other sections constantly under control – such as the artist’s main vocal channel. He also found the system’s software rapid and intuitive. “It’s as if it had been conceived precisely for my customary modus operandi,” he adds.

As well as feedback related issues, Zanier cited two more reasons for having decided to use the monitor desk as the master console.

“All the Line outs are used for the monitors and, since the distribution of the in and out signals is via MADI, a coax cable is necessary to send the signals to the FOH desk and the other kept as a spare,” he explains. “We use 18 of the 24 Line Outs for the actual monitor system, which features a combination of loudspeakers and IEM, plus a premix of the two click tracks fed to the drummer.”

Although the band has a reasonably standard line-up, with drums, bass, two sets of keyboards and lead guitar, the artist also plays guitar, which is fed into two amps, each with its own cabinet, thus using either of the sounds or a combination of both. There are also 14 sequence channels (percussion, pad and other material). So there are 52 input channels, plus six more used only on stage, including two click tracks and other split channels.

Zanier concludes: “We’re pushing the desk hard and it hasn’t given the slightest problem, so I’d like to be able to use it again in the future, as it has allowed us to carry out our work with excellent results and great interaction.”

DiGiCo Website

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Thursday, November 26, 2009

TDA Rental Receives Power Boost With 376,000 Watts Of Crown I-Tech HD Amplifiers From Audio Pro

TDA has been using Crown amplifiers since the company’s inception in 1986

Harman Professional distributor Audio Pro Heilbronn has confirmed the sale of 56 Crown Audio I-Tech HD amplifiers to German touring company TDA Rental GmbH.

Divided between 32 I-Tech 5000HD and 24 I-Tech 9000-HD, the sale adds a further 376,000 watts of amplification power to the company’s inventory.

”These are great amps, delivering a powerful sound, with a superb sounding DSP,” states TDA Owner Stefan Todeskino.

Todeskino specifically notes the flexibility of the I-Tech HD amplifiers, enabling them to be used with all loudspeaker types and in various applications. He adds that control is made easy with Harman HiQnet System Architect software.

Todeskino, who has a strong relationship with Audio Pro for sales and service, explains the decision to purchase I-Tech HD: “We started off with a bunch of (Crown) Micro-Tech 1200s, which are still used in some rare applications, and later bought Macro-Techs and I-Techs.”

In fact, TDA has been using Crown amplifiers since the company’s inception in 1986. The company has also invested elsewhere in Harman Pro equipment, including Soundcraft Vi6 consoles to service regular accounts such as 
Joe Cocker,
 Scorpions,
 Willy de Ville,
 well-known German band Wir sind Helden, Deep Purple,
 Guano Apes,
 Sisters of Mercy, 
Nickelback 
and The Cure. TDA also has a roster of industrial and corporate clients, including Panasonic,
Daimler Chrysler,
Sony and
Coca Cola.

Comments Audio Pro Product Manager Carsten Peter, “We are delighted that TDA has chosen to continue its long relationship with Crown amplifiers. TDA is an important partner for us, as the company is regarded as one of the best touring and rental companies in Germany. Many international artists and global players in the industry have come to rely on the technical service of the company for their tours, concerts and events.”

I-Tech HD features a new user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS called OMNIDRIVEHD. The new processing engine includes Linear Phase FIR filters that offer premium crossover performance for sonically pure tunings. The OMNIDRIVEHD processing engine also features a new suite of limiters called LevelMAX.

Harman HiQnet System Architect mirrors the typical browser navigation interface to provide contracting professionals with a familiar interface to access a host of power configuration and control functions.

Crown Audio Website
Harman Pro Website

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Range Of RCF Audio TT+ Series Loudspeakers Deployed For Osisko en lumière Festival In Canada

Large systems included RCF TTL33-A line array modules, as well as TTS28-A subwoofers and TT25-SMA stage monitors

Rental company Projecson chose RCF Audio TT+ Series loudspeakers for the main sound reinforcement and monitor systems serving the Osisko en lumière Festival in Rouyn-Noranda, Canada.

The four-day event featured a considerable roster of Canadian bands as well as international acts such as Simple Plan and Scottish hard rock legends Nazareth.

Emanuele Morlini, RCF TT+ product specialist, attended the event to serve as PA manager, working closely with Projecson’s staff as well as Frank Teoli of Sound Distribution Inc., RCF distributor in Canada.

The large systems included RCF TTL33-A line array modules, as well as TTS28-A subwoofers and TT25-SMA stage monitors.

“We used the TT+ Shape Designer software in order to set the DSP of the line array to obtain a long and evens coverage of the concert area,” explains Ghislain Petit, who runs Projecson together with Rejean Berube. ”We were very pleased with the system because we were able to load in and set up everything really quickly.

“Also, with its compact size, the TTL33-A covered quite a big area and the audience,” he adds. “For instance, on the first night with Simple Plan, we had more than 20.000 people, and the RCF system worked just perfectly even after a terrible rain storm that lasted all day during the set up process.”

RCF Audio Website

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Guitar Center Professional Announces Launch Of Affiliate Services Program

GC Pro customers will be able to directly access pre-approved affiliate providers in the fields of architectural acoustics, acoustical design, systems integration and independent technical services, via GC Pro’s enhanced website

Guitar Center Professional has announced that the GC Pro Installation initiative has been expanded, the results of which can be viewed via the “Installations” link at the GC Pro website.

The link provides GC Pro customers with access to a growing number of award-winning companies and individuals who specialize in key areas of professional audio systems design, integration and installation.

Four key areas – Architectural Acoustics, Acoustical Design, Systems Integration and Independent Technical Services – have been highlighted, allowing visitors to connect directly to an initial nine specialists in these fields.

All of the companies listed on the GC Pro website, including well-known names such as studio designers studio bau:ton and Yanchar Design & Consulting, are not merely leaders in their fields, but they also meet GC Pro vendor criteria.

Additional affiliates now include acoustical designers Carl Tatz Design Group, Malvicino Design Group and NJM media; systems integrators ChrisMix and Visioneering Design; and independent technical services providers John Connolly and Daniel Lerner.

Customers can see a brief description of the companies and some examples of their work, and can go directly to each company’s website to gather further information and contact to inquire about a project.

GC Pro also acts as the coordinator for all of these services, to form a turnkey solution for music/recording studios, post-production houses, live sound venues, houses of worship and any other types of audio/video facilities that need design/build/integration expertise.

The Affiliates list will be dynamic – new companies will be added regularly as they meet requirements, and GC Pro is currently accepting applications for Affiliate System Integrators and Technical Services providers through the same website.

Additionally, GC Pro has been profiling recent installation projects on the site, and they will continue to update and spotlight the profile section on a regular basis.

Horacio Malvicino, founder and managing director of the Malvicino Design Group, states, “With the addition of the Affiliates program, GC Pro has put everything under one umbrella and can truly offer a full turnkey solution to a client. As a firm that specializes in architectural acoustics, studio design and system integration, GC Pro now has professionals in every aspect of the business — we can analyze the project and can get an overall picture of what the client wants, so we can actually help them accomplish their goals within a reasonable budget.

“I have my own clientele, but now through my new association with GC Pro, my reach is immense. Since GC Pro Installations has been online, in less than a week, I got 17 emails through my website of potential customers. I know this new relationship is going to expand my business and their business — it’s a perfect marriage.”

Peter Grueneisen, principal of studio bau:ton and nonzero\architecture, adds, “We are very excited about our new strategic alliance with GCPro – it allows us to offer our clients an unmatched selection of equipment at great prices from one single nationwide source, while our 20-year-long experience in designing exceptional media facilities will contribute to GCPro’s Installations program by adding world-class studio design and architecture services.

“Our customers will greatly benefit from the collaboration by being able to choose a comprehensive turnkey studio package tailored to their exact needs.”

Rick Plushner, Guitar Center professional director, explains, “These new enhancements made to the GC Pro Installations service further position us as the central resource for any kind of audio project, from a music studio to a club to a church. Our customers can be assured that any of the individuals represented on our website are the best in their fields.

“And we bring this to market in a very customer-centric manner, in that GC Pro clients can use as much or as little of the services that they feel they need, from simple consultation to a ground-up design/build proposition. And they can manage it themselves, or GC Pro can manage it for them. This opens a whole new world of possibilities to our customers.”

GC Pro Website

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SurgeX International Releases Surge Eliminator, Power Conditioner Global Product Lines

Previously only U.S. compatible, models are now available with power ratings and connectivity suitable for the rest of the world

SurgeX has released a range of surge eliminators and power conditioners that cover the global market.

Previously only available with U.S. compatible connectivity and load-capable circuitry, models are now available with power ratings and connectivity suitable for the rest of the world, including Advanced Series Mode surge suppression and proprietary power conditioning technologies such as Impedance Tolerant EMI/RFI filtering, SurgeX ICE (Inrush Current
Elimination), and COUVS (Catastrophic Over/Under-Voltage Shutdown).

Advanced Series Mode technology is the latest generation of SurgeX Series Mode circuitry, which uses an inductor as the first and primary surge suppression component to intercept and contain destructive surge energy. The company notes that there has never been a surge related failure of Series Mode protected equipment.

Advanced Series Mode technology does not rely on metal-oxide varistors (MOVs) as a sacrificial component, and it creates no ground-wire contamination or common-mode surges, with zero let-through voltage.

The SurgeX SX1200 product line provides Advanced Series Mode surge protection and power conditioning for audio, video and computer equipment.

There are four ranges with region specific connectivity and load-capable circuitry, three models are available in each range (RTi, RLi & i). This gives contractors a choice of Advanced Series Mode surge suppressors with application specific features such as remote turn-on or front-panel lighting.

SX1210 models are 10-amp load-capable (China & Australia), SX1213 models are 13- amp load-capable (UK), SX1215 models are 15-amp load-capable (South Africa) and SX1216 models are 16-amp load-capable (Europe).

All models have 10 grounded IEC receptacles on the rear panel, with eight switched and two always on. Both RTi and i models also provide a front-panel courtesy outlet.

All SurgeX SX1200 models incorporate Advanced Series Mode and Impedance Tolerant EMI/RFI filtering. RLi and RTi models also feature SurgeX ICE and COUVS.

SurgeX ICE solves problems typically encountered when powering-up large power amplifiers and multi-component systems. It smooths out inrush current spikes to prevent blown circuits, eliminating the need for expensive time-delay circuit breakers.

COUVS is a reliable fast-acting circuit that turns off within a half-cycle of an over voltage event. It will not false trigger on transients and automatically restores power when line voltage has returned to normal.

The SX1200 RLi has two Neutrik XLR connectors for Littlite gooseneck lamps to provide dimmable illumination of equipment racks in recording studios, custom design/build installations and sound reinforcement applications.

The SX1200 RTi has a remote turn-on capability for use in integrated power distribution systems. A rear-panel Phoenix connector allows the unit to be connected in a master-satellite configuration with a controller such as the SurgeX SEQ for the sequential power-up of multiple components.

The patented SurgeX Advanced Series Mode surge suppression technology provides reliable protection and stops an unlimited number of surges up to 6,000 volts and unlimited surge current without producing ground contamination or common-mode disturbances.

SurgeX products meet the most stringent U.S. government purchase specifications for branch-circuit surge suppressors. Their A-1-1 rating indicates dependable protection from destructive spikes, surges and inductive transients, and the products are backed up by a 10-year manufacturer warranty.

SurgeX International products are available through a worldwide network of authorized distributors and dealers.

SurgeX International Website

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Samantha Piernot Named Vice President Of Procurement At Full Compass Systems

Piernot will continue working with Full Compass suppliers to find ways of improving business for both parties

Full Compass Systems has announced the recent promotion of Samantha Piernot to vice president of procurement. 

At the company’s recent VIP dinner to commemorate it’s new building, Jonathan and Susan Lipp named Piernot as a vice president, promoting her from purchasing manager.

Piernot began her career at Full Compass in 2000 as a purchasing agent, became a purchasing lead in 2003 and then moved up to purchasing supervisor in 2005. Just one year later, she accepted the position of purchasing manager.

In her nine years with the company, Piernot has developed a well-rounded understanding of the business and has proven herself a valuable asset. Prior to joining Full Compass, she worked at Lands’ End for 11 years in various management roles.

Piernot will continue working with Full Compass suppliers to find ways of improving business for both parties. “Having strong, solid business relationships during these tough economic times is critical,” she notes. TThose relationships are the foundations upon which success is built.”

Full Compass Website

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ATK/Audiotek Deploys JBL VerTec Line Arrays For 43rd CMA Awards

System incorporated five line arrays made up of 88 VerTec VT4889 full-size elements joined by a separate flown cluster of 14 VerTec VT4880A full-size arrayable subwoofers

ATK/Audiotek of Valencia, California supplied a sound reinforcement system headed by JBL Professional VerTec line arrays for the recent 43rd Annual CMA (Country Music) Awards at the sold-out Sommet Center in Nashville.

The show, also broadcast on the ABC television network, saw a record total of 23 music performances by artists including Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Dave Mathews, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban.

The sound system was designed by Pat Baltzell, principal of Baltzell Audio Design, and it included five line arrays made up of 88 VerTec VT4889 full-size elements joined by a separate flown cluster of 14 VerTec VT4880A full-size arrayable subwoofers. Four VerTec VT4887 compact line array elements were built into the stage as front fill.

Baltzell and Rick Shiner were co-FOH mixers for the show; Baltzell mixed the performances that used re-recorded backing tracks and the production dialogue, while Shiner mixed the music performances, all completely live.

Keeping continuity between the live and backing-track performances required a lot of coordination between the two mixers.

“Even though we’ve been getting more stereo stem tracks, which gives us a greater level of control over the mix than stereo two-track backing tracks, we still have to work hard to make the transitions between each type of mix,” explains Baltzel, making his14th year mixing at the CMA Awards.

The system’s flexibility is illustrated by a change in configuration of the clusters that Baltzell devised three years ago (and has been refining ever since) to address the fact that the host podium microphones are located downstage on a thrust platform, slightly forward of the flown PA clusters.

Baltzell wired the bottom pair of speakers on each cluster as a separate mix and reduced their level during dialogue segments of the show, thus increasing the system’s gain-before-feedback capability.

That would typically mean the first several rows of the audience would have diminished sound levels, but Baltzell addressed the issue by placing JBL Control 25T Control loudspeakers under every other seat in the front rows as a forward, hidden system, assuring consistent sound level throughout the arena.

“I have to take the dialogue audio down 6 to 8 dB in the speakers that I have on a separate mix, but I can make that up easily by adding level to the Control 25T forward fill system, which we’ve timed and tuned to match the larger overhead VerTec system,” Baltzell notes. “It is an amazing rig and just sounded fantastic all night long for every type of audio we had to run through it.

“The Sommet Centre is an asymmetrically shaped venue and one of the best-sounding arenas I’ve ever worked in. When you put this incredible VERTEC PA in there with these amazing, award-winning artists, that’s as good as it gets.”

ATK/Audiotek Website
JBL Professional Website

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