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Wednesday, June 17, 2009

InfoComm 2009, Day 1: Back To The Future

Big new developments that feature some old-school philosophy at a very busy first day of InfoComm

The Expo portion of InfoComm 2009 at the Orlando Convention Center is underway, so let’s dive right into a very busy and interesting day one of the show.

This morning I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rich Zwiebel. Ever heard of Rich? If not, let me take this opportunity to note that Mr. Zwiebel has made a profound difference in the lives of many audio professionals for more than 20 years with trailblazing technologies such as MediaMatrix and CobraNet. And he’s not done yet, by any means, as evidenced by the roll-out of the new QSC Audio Q-Sys.

Here’s Q-Sys in a nutshell: it is a completely integrated sound system platform extending from audio input through to the loudspeakers, and along the way, it supplies all audio routing, processing, control and monitoring necessary for any sound reinforcement system. And then some… Get the salient details here.

Rich was very generous in sharing with me his observations on the way the technology has evolved as he’s gone along. An early inspiration came more than two decades ago, when he wanted to develop a mix-minus capability in a very large (more than 50 mics) system. This started with taking a large-format analog console and going through the arduous process of adapting it to the application. It worked, but obviously, something more streamlined, efficient and providing far more capabilities was the goal.

Another influence was his design of a sound reinforcement system for the then-new Georgia Dome in Atlanta about 20 years ago, which deployed a very early iteration of Crown IQ control and monitoring of the system power amplifiers. (I had the pleasure of meeting Rich for the first time on that project, and to my everlasting “thanks” still remember him leading me on a crawl around the catwalks at the top of the dome, blazing hot and a couple hundred feet above the surface.)

Several aspects of that project came into play that moved his mind along, but chief among them was the shear amount of cabling it took to link the entire thing together. In fact, he notes that the budget for wire, cable and installation easily matched that of the entire rest of the system. Cue the development of leading-edge digital system control and networking and audio and data transport that ensued.

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Yet it’s actually been a full circle process now with the introduction of Q-Sys, Rich notes. Back in the day (before digital), the first priority and emphasis was sound quality. In the ensuing years, rapid advancements on the digital front did wonders for functionality, infrastructure, convenience, repeatability, reporting, control and a myriad of other aspects, but in Rich’s take, it also led to less focus on sound quality. Addressing that was his imparative, shared by that entire QSC development team that includes long-time industry veterans such as Gary Tschetter.

As a result, Q-Sys isn’t just an exceptionally powerful platform. It has been designed for operational simplicity: so simple to operate that the user’s focus can be devoted to sonic excellence, rather than paging through myriads of computer screens and trying to understand device linking and so on.

Several large-scale systems currently moving into the installation phase are incorporating Q-Sys, and we’ll be providing coverage as soon as they’re ready. In the meantime, kudos to Rich, Gary, and the QSC team for raising the bar.

Michael McDonald, VP of sales and marketing for Harman Professional, opened an introduction to several new products with the observation that the economy seems on the way to recovery, and this is based upon his frequent discussions with dealers and distributors around the world.  In fact, the outlook in some markets is quite upbeat.

Harman presented a wide range of new developments. Highlights include a new automatic microphone mixer - the DMM 4/2/2 - from AKG. It’s a processor controlled digital automatic mixing algorithm with four balanced universal (microphone/line) inputs and two stereo AUX inputs providing a unique and very intelligent mixing algorithm with noise sensitive threshold.

Going “old school” again, the DMM 4/2/2 has a very cool control concept allows users to access all microphone functions (ducking, automix and so on) via a single rotary switch on the front panel. (It can also be remotely controlled via logic in/outs with a Sub-D connector.)

Meanwhile, dbx debuted the new DriveRack PA+, which includes a new, updated library of stored loudspeaker and amplifier settings, and much more.

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JBL introduced 14 new loudspeakers, with additions to the ASB Series, 8138 ceiling loudspeakers and more that we’ll cover later, but the new CBT Series of passive line array columns stand out in particular. They feature proprietary Constant Beamwidth Technology circuitry, which delivers consistent constant directivity coverage and audio clarity. The coverage pattern of the CBT models can be adjusted—with a simple switch—between Broad Mode (designed for mid-throw situations) and Narrow Mode (for long-throw applications), which allows them to meet the requirements of a broad range of applications.

Again touching on the “back to the future” theme, recall that Crown was a leader in plug-in amplifier technology from the outset, and at InfoComm 2009 today unveiled the PIP-USP4, the fourth generation DSP-based PIP (programmable input processor) module for CTs Series amplifiers. This single plug solution contains audio distribution, control and monitoring, and is a Harman HiQnet series component. And, it also incorporates the OMNIDRIVEHD DSP Engine that is featured in premium I-Tech HD amplifiers. 

Speaking of HiQnet, Harman Pro VP Rick Kreifeldt led the introduction of new HiQnet System Architect 2.0, which provides users with intelligent choices based on job function, system application and system sophistication. Rick explained that this new system design philosophy centered on workflow and the use of a diagrammatic representation of the installed or live sound venue. Find out more about HiQnet System Architect 2.0 here.

A significant day one announcement from Loud Technologies explains that the company has now teamed up its previously separate engineering, brand management and product management functions, and re-split them into a Pro Audio Group and a Music Gear Group.

“Loud has some of the industry’s most admired brands, a brilliant collection of multi-disciplined engineers and truly customer-focused product management teams, explained Rodney Olson, Loud CEO, in a prepared statement. “By unifying these disciplines around our core brands and the markets they serve, we will markedly increase our technical innovation and speed the delivery of the next round of products that leave our customers smiling… and our competitors reeling.”

Jeffrey Cox, VP of the Pro Audio Group, will manage the EAW and Martin Audio brands and their market positioning, product strategy and product development efforts. Jeffrey’s group will include the Whitinsville, USA EAW Engineering team headed by Jeff Rocha, who will also take on EAW product management responsibilty; the High Wycombe, UK-based Martin Audio Engineering team headed by Jason Baird; and the Victoria, Canada-based Pro Audio Software/Hardware Development Group headed by Chris Jubien.

John Boudreau, VP of the Music Gear Group (“MG”), and his team will develop the next wave of Mackie, Ampeg, Blackheart, Alvarez and Crate products. John’s group will include the Woodinville, WA-based Engineering team lead by Nathan O’Neill; the Woodinville, WA-based Industrial Design team headed by Kimberly Van Horn; Greg Young, Mackie brand director; and Pyotr Belov, director of Instrument Amps.

While the two groups will focus on the brands in their immediate purview, they will share core technology where it makes sense for Loud’s benefit. “I am confident Jeffrey, John and their teams will add the creative spark and entrepreneurial spirit that will take Loud to the next level of growth,” added Olson.

In another significant announcement, Midas announced that effective 1 July 2009, Midas Consoles North America will be the exclusive distribution channel for Midas and Klark Teknik in the USA and Canada. Based north of Los Angeles, Midas Consoles North America, a wholly owned subsidiary of JAM Industries, is a new, brand focused, distribution company dedicated to the sales and after sales support of Midas and Klark Teknik products in the world’s largest single market.

“This is a huge new chapter in our company history,” states David Cooper, sales and marketing director for Midas and Klark Teknik. “It ensures that our present and future customer base in North America is offered dedicated, brand-orientated sales expertise and technical support. We believe that a focused, brand led distribution channel is the best way of ensuring our already industry leading support is maintained and then continually improved. Our aim is simple: to establish the XL8 and PRO6 as industry standards in the live performance sector across North America. We see this move as the means of making that happen.”

Adds Lynn Martin a JAM executive and president of JAM’s AM&S (American Music and Sound) division, “The creation of Midas Consoles North America is yet another milestone. We are extremely proud to be awarded two of the greatest live sound brands in the industry and see great opportunities for those brands via the new Midas Consoles North America distribution channel.

“Both Midas and Klark Teknik operate in a unique market and we need to address the requirements of sound engineers, rental companies, houses of worship, theatre, live TV broadcast – in fact the whole live sector. I am also happy to announce that Jay Easley, who has been heading Midas and Klark Teknik sales in the US, will be managing the Midas Consoles North America sales team from day one and will ensure we hit the ground running! We aim to offer seamless customer support during the transition.”

The move gives Midas and Klark Teknik direct control of its US distribution channel, allowing it the flexibility and freedom to respond to the market and tailor its sales and service network accordingly. Launching a dedicated operation in the US comes during a period of huge development for the company, particularly in light of the rapid uptake of the XL8 and PRO6 digital systems. 

At a Sennheiser press event, not only were we treated to a tour of new Sennheiser wireless systems as well as the brand new K-array line of products that the company will be distributing in North Amerca, but we got to hear every word via Sennheiser Tourguide systems. (Read more about K-array here.)

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The brand-new Sennheiser 2000 Series wireless system is designed to make setting up multi-channel systems fast and simple. Depending on the UHF range, the units have a switching bandwidth of up to 72 MHz in the U.S., in which up to 64 compatible frequency presets are available for microphones and up to 32 for monitoring systems. The rack-mount units can transmit their frequency data, name, sensitivity, low cut, etc. to the corresponding portable transmitters or receivers via an infrared interface. Very slick.

More coverage of the news and new products from InfoComm 2009 will be coming tomorrow, and in fact, for several subsequent days. Be sure to check back often!

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