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Thursday, May 21, 2009

Sennheiser USA Names Baycom As Initial Winner Of Marketing Award Of The Year

Baycom is recognized for its overall marketing initiative and enthusiasm for Sennheiser’s line of installed sound products throughout 2008

The U.S. subsidiary of audio pioneer Sennheiser has named Baycom, Inc. as the recipient of its first Marketing Award of the Year.

Baycom, a supplier of professional wireless communication services, is recognized for its overall marketing initiative and enthusiasm for Sennheiser’s line of installed sound products throughout 2008, with particular emphasis on the Sennheiser wireless Tourguide system.

In fact, Baycom, which has provided innovative wireless communication solutions and services to private enterprise, government and public safety entities for over 50 years, offers the largest rental inventory of Tourguide systems in the U.S.

Recently, the Baycom team convinced a large corporation to upgrade its Tourguide system for its facility tours. Due to their excellent customer service and outstanding presentation of the product’s features and benefits, the Baycom sales staff sold the company five complete Tourguide systems.

“I’m pleased that Baycom is such an enthusiastic proponent of Sennheiser products,” said Eric Reese, area sales manager for Sennheiser Electronic Corporation. “Personally, I’m proud to have them as one of my ‘true partners’ in my sales territory.”

To express its thanks, Sennheiser Electronic Corporation will make a generous donation to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the name of Baycom, Inc. The donation will support children suffering from cancer and other devastating diseases.

Sennheiser’s Tourguide 2020 series is the first digital RF wireless tour guide system in the license-free ISM band, offering excellent audio quality and extremely reliable, interference-free communication. Designed for easy set-up and operation, the system is an ideal choice for almost any guided tour applications, including museums, conventions and facility tours.

Sennheiser Electronic Corporation has also named top dealers for its six other business categories, including: The Music People, Inc. (Sennheiser music industry business); Sonic Circus, Inc. (Sennheiser professional products business); Stereo Advantage, Inc. (Sennheiser consumer electronics business); Harris Communications, Inc. (Sennheiser audiology business); MyPilotStore.com (Sennheiser aviation business); and Computer Discount Warehouse (Sennheiser telecommunications business).

Sennheiser USA Website

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RCF TT+ High Definition Touring Series For First Iron Maiden Concert Tour Stop In Peru

Rental company Guillermo Riera e Iluminacion Profesional EIRL deployed RCF TTL33-A line arrays and TTS28-A subwoofers

During Iron Maiden’s recent world concert tour, the legendary band visited Peru for the first-time-ever performance in the Estadio National Jose Diaz in Lima.

Rental company Guillermo Riera e Iluminacion Profesional EIRL deployed RCF TTL33-A line arrays and TTS28-A high-power subwoofers for delay and front fill for the concert, which attracted an audience of more than 30,000.

Specifically, a significant number of TTL33-A active line array modules were installed in front of the stage to reinforce the sound for the first rows, while two delay towers, each composed by 10 TTL33-A line array modules and three TTS28-A subwoofers, delivered a powerful and accurate coverage for the people sitting and standing in the far distance away from the main stage.

“What impressed me the most was the high sound quality of the RCF TT+ products,” explains Guillermo Riera, owner of the rental company. “I’m really satisfied not only for their power and definition, but also because they are easy to set up and configure in any kind of application.”

RCF Website

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LightViper Series 32 Systems Enhance Audio Transport At TPC Sawgrass PGA Tournanent

"This was the first time LightViper systems were used to transport most of the audio on the golf course rather than the 'beehives' we previously used." - Ziggy Schwartzer, Total RF

Total RF of Bensalem, PA, recently supplied LightViper Series 32 Systems for audio transport needs at the TPC Sawgrass PGA tournament event held at The Players Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, broadcast on NBC television.

Chris “Ziggy” Schwartzer, EIC/Golf Manager for Total RF, explains, “This was the first time LightViper systems were used to transport most of the audio on the golf course rather than the ‘beehives’ we previously used. We put eight VIS-1832 units in Hardigg cases to waterproof them, and these units were located at #1 green, #2 green, RF crane #2, #6 green, #8 green, #13 green, #17 green and #18 green.

“The 12-strand single-mode fiber was run around the course and back to the NBC compound, terminating at Total RF’s trailer, then the fiber was jumped over to the NBCX EFX Mixer, where eight corresponding VIM-1832 units were housed,” he continues. “The longest run of fiber was about 9,000 feet, and the glass is deployed and picked up by golf cart”.

According to Lawrence “LJ” Cirills Jr., effects mixer for NBC,”The LightViper systems gave us more flexibility with less overall devices used, which provided us with big time savings in set-up and troubleshooting. The audio quality was superior due to having almost no noise floor.

“At the famous 17th hole, we used many more mics and also had to provide a feed for live radio. As a result, the 32 channels and 8 returns were essential. We would never been able to achieve this without the LightViper units. The field A2’s love them; they’re simple to use and they just plain work.”

LightViper Website

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Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Audio System At Historic Pallas Theatre In Athens Revived With Meyer Sound M’elodie

To equip the 1,500-seat Pallas Theatre with an audio system on par with its exquisite architecture, Athens-based audio firm Omikron Control enlisted a complete overhaul

When Athens’ Pallas Theatre was built in 1926, it quickly became a popular cosmopolitan destination for Athenian socialites, replacing the royal horse stables that were representative of this oldest city in Europe.

With its regular jazz music and other eclectic performances, the Pallas Theatre paved the way for an influx of cafes, restaurants, and other gathering places, transforming the city’s Voukourestiou Street district into a cultural hub.

Many decades later, Athens received a much needed revitalization, and the Pallas Theatre also received a full-scale cosmetic makeover, as well as a sound system based on Meyer Sound M’elodie line array loudspeakers.

To equip the 1,500-seat Pallas Theatre with an audio system on par with its exquisite architecture, Athens-based audio firm Omikron Control enlisted a complete overhaul of the existing system. Sound designer Vangelis Petridis knew such a job would be anything but straightforward.

“The space is mainly used for theatrical performances and musicals, but they also do plenty of classical music presentations, a little jazz, some cinema, and corporate events and ceremonies, making it a truly multipurpose venue,” says Petridis. “This required an easily adjustable system, but they also wanted us to install the system out of the audience’s view.”

Petridis decided on flown left and right arrays each consisting of nine self-powered M’elodie loudspeakers, concealed within the proscenium, while three 600-HP subwoofers are mounted on top of each array.

Stage monitoring is handled by one USM-1P stage monitor, one CQ-1 loudspeaker, and one UPA-1P loudspeaker per side, with a Galileo loudspeaker management system controlling all processing.

“The Galileo was an easy choice, as it provides so many different abilities, including the different sound levels for the balcony and other areas,” says Petridis.

For the theatre’s cinematic presentations, a 5.1 surround sound system was later added. “The theatre managers loved the new main system,” says Petridis. “They didn’t even discuss any alternative options when it came time for the surround system. It just had to be Meyer Sound.”

As a result, one more array of nine M’elodie loudspeakers was installed as a center cluster, with rear left and right arrays of ten UPJ-1P loudspeakers each. An additional independent Galileo controls the extra zones.

The decision to purchase Meyer Sound components for the venue came easily for Omikron.

“When we think of Meyer Sound, the first thing that comes to mind is quality. The sound quality is exceptional. The materials used are meticulously chosen. And the construction is outstanding,” says Petridis.

“We’ve provided sound locally for years now, and we choose Meyer because they are one of the top companies, if not the top in their field. Using their products gives us quite an advantage over our competitors.”

Meyer Sound Website

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NSCA Zone At Upcoming InfoComm Offering Chances To Win $500, LCD HDTV

Visitors to NSCA Zone at InfoComm also will have the opportunity to learn about money-saving programs, discounts on equipment leasing, financing, and more

The NSCA Zone on the show floor (Booth 5578) at the upcoming 2009 InfoComm Expo in Orlando will be offering a golf putting challenge for a chance to win $500 each day of the show, as well as the opportunity to enter to win one of three 42-inch Panasonic LCD HDTV’s at the NSCA Zone, . 

The LCD HDTV will be available for shipment immediately following the conclusion of the show, with the winners drawn at the end of each day of the show at the NSCA Zone. 

The NSCA Education Foundation, with sponsor Herman Procurement & Logistics, is hosting the popular golf putting challenge, which asks for a $5 donation to benefit the foundation’s mission to support the next generation of system integrators.

Those making donations get three chances to make a hole-in-one, as well a drink ticket to be redeemed at the watering hole for cold water or soda. Everyone making a hole-in-one is requested to come back at the end of the day for the “putt-off” to determine the winner of $500.

Visitors to NSCA Zone at InfoComm also will have the opportunity to learn about money-saving programs from SystemsPlus Insurance Solutions, discounts on equipment leasing, financing through National City Media Finance, and more.

NSCA Education Foundation Website

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Steve Savanyu Of Audio-Technica Named To InfoComm Academy Adjunct Faculty

Savanyu brings a thorough understanding of the importance of hands-on education initiatives and consistent communications efforts

Audio-Technica (A-T) has announced that Steve Savanyu, A-T Director, Educational Services, has been awarded status as an Adjunct Faculty Instructor for InfoComm Academy.

InfoComm Academy is the educational body of InfoComm International.

Savanyu joined Audio-Technica in 2000 and, prior to his current positions, has held the titles of Market Manager, Installed Sound, Broadcast & Theater; and Marketing Manager, Training and Seminars.

He formerly owned and operated Stonewood Studios, an audio/video production company in Geneva, Illinois, and he is also involved with Kent State University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, teaching courses on audio production.

Building on the experience he gained in these capacities, Savanyu brings a thorough understanding of the importance of hands-on education initiatives and consistent communications efforts to his current roles at Audio-Technica and in his new capacity as Adjunct Faculty Instructor with the InfoComm Academy.

“The InfoComm Academy program is dedicated to teaching the A/V body of knowledge for the betterment of the audiovisual industry and its customers,” stated Melissa Taggart, InfoComm Senior Vice President for Certification, Education and Standards. “InfoComm looks for the best minds in A/V and business to present relevant coursework that provides practical knowledge to the industry that will keep them up-to-date on technology trends. Our knowledgeable faculty members are critical to the success of this program, and we are grateful for their participation.”

“We are very proud of Steve and what he continues to accomplish here at A-T,” stated Greg Pinto, Audio-Technica Vice President, Marketing. “Steve has the right knowledge and experience to be of great service to the A/V industry as a whole, so it is very fitting that he is named Adjunct Faculty Instructor for the InfoComm Academy. It is an honor that Audio-Technica can have a presence within this institution, and we look forward to Steve and A-T continuing to push the industry forward with such honors and initiatives.”

Audio-Technica Website

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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

JBL Offering Cash Back & Free Gear With Purchase Of Studio Monitors And Portable PA Loudspeakers

“With these new rebates and free gear offers, we are giving our customers even greater value and maximizing every dollar they invest in JBL." - Mark Gander, JBL Professional

JBL Professional is now offering rebates and free gear for several of its leading loudspeaker models, including LSR4300 Series studio monitors as well as the PRX500 and MRX500 Series portable PA loudspeakers.

Purchasers of LSR4300 Series studio monitors qualify for cash-back rebates of up to $200. Each purchase of an LSR43212SP subwoofer qualifies for a $125 rebate; JBL is offering $150 cash back for purchase of a pair of (2) LSR4326P studio monitors and $200 cash back for each purchase of a pair of (2) of LSR4328P studio monitors.

Rebates on LSR4300 Series monitors are available for purchases between May 1 and June 30, 2009.

With the purchase of a pair of (2) PRX500 Series portable PA loudspeakers between June 1, 2009 and July 31, 2009, users can receive a free dbx DriveRack PX made by JBL’s Harman sister company.

Additionally, a $50 rebate is available with the purchase of any MRX500 Series loudspeaker between June 1, 2009 and July 31, 2009.

“JBL developed the PRX, MRX and LSR Series product lines to provide unprecedented feature sets, quality, ease of use and affordability,” said Mark Gander, VP of Marketing, JBL Professional. “With these new rebates and free gear offers, we are giving our customers even greater value and maximizing every dollar they invest in JBL.”

JBL Professional Website

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New Wireworks Guardian Panel Mounts Protect Connections

Increases connector safety when used as a recessed low-voltage mounting ring or when installed in NEMA-style surface-mount or flush-mounted electrical boxes

At the upcoming InfoComm show in Orlando, Wireworks is introducing Guardian Panel Mounts that help protect connectors from accidental damage by providing an easy way of recessing connectors in a wall or standard electrical box.

A simple, cleverly designed and engineered steel recessing ring, the Guardian Panel Mount increases connector safety when used as a recessed low-voltage mounting ring or when installed in NEMA-style surface-mount or flush-mounted electrical boxes.

“Wireworks Guardian Panel Mounts offer a simple solution to the longstanding problem of connector damage,” says Gerald Krulewicz, president of Wireworks Corporation.  “We are using the same technique that we’ve seen on the side of remote and news-gathering trucks for years.  By implementing that concept, we have made it simply available to the installation and AV industry at large.”

As a recessed low-voltage ring, a Guardian Panel Mount can be easily mounted directly into a wall or anywhere else by using mounting screws, fasteners or toggle bolts.  A custom connector panel is then attached to the recessed flange, providing protected connectivity. 

When used in conjunction with an electrical box, the Guardian Panel Mount can be ordered in the exact box size for surface-mount installations. 

Alternatively, the panel mount can be ordered with a flange one inch larger than the electrical box for flush-mounted applications, effectively enabling the wide flange to cover any seam between the box and the surrounding wall. 

Guardian Panel Mounts are available with a recessed depth of one or two inches. Most NEMA electrical box sizes can be accommodated.

Guardian Panel Mounts are manufactured in heavy gauge steel with welded and ground corners. Eight pre-drilled holes on the outer flange provide easy mounting.  Eight tapped holes on the recessed flange facilitate mounting of connection panels. 

Panel mounts can be ordered in virtually any size with custom paint finishes for adherence to any on-site architectural requirements. Wireworks Perfect Custom Panels and LumaVue Plates & Panels can also be ordered specifically for use with Guardian Panel Mounts and can be delivered ready to install complete with connectors and engraving to your design.

Wireworks will be at booth 5221 at the 2009 InfoComm show in Orlando.

Wireworks Website

(Booth 5221

About Wireworks

Now celebrating its 35th Anniversary, Wireworks Corporation is the pioneer in professional audio/video cabling products.  Headquartered in Hillside, NJ, Wireworks has established cabling standards that are still in use today. Wireworks manufactured the very first multi-channel audio cables and the first multi-pin interconnect system.  The company also introduced the first colored microphone cables, the first mixed audio/video multi-pin interconnect system, and the first and only multi-pin connector system that can accommodate audio, video, data, and control signals in a simple, easy-to-use connector.

From Broadway to broadcast, theatres, auditoriums, arenas, corporate boardrooms, operating rooms and houses of worship installations, Wireworks remains the leader in audio/video cabling systems, microphone splitters and interface panels, continuing to set standards through its inventive products.  Wireworks takes pride in its innovative designs and its personalized customer service. For more information, visit or call 1-800-642-9473.

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Additional Sennheiser Inventory Added To Serve Eighth Season Of “Dancing With The Stars”

11 MKH 8000 Series condensers for coverage of the 18-piece orchestra; two Sennheiser crystallized SKM 5200 RF handheld mics for use by the show’s co-host and guest performers

ABC Television’s “Dancing with the Stars” program continues to be a ratings juggernaut, pulling in 22.5 million viewers for the premier episode of the reality show’s eighth season in March, and also this season, the show has made a number of refinements to its complement of Sennheiser equipment, with production mixer Evan Adelman adding 11 MKH 8000 Series condensers for coverage of the 18-piece orchestra.

Further, two of the new Sennheiser crystallized SKM 5200 RF handheld microphones have also been added for use by the show’s co-host and guest performers.

Specifically, Adelman has been utilizing a mix of MKH 8040 cardioid and MKH 8050 super-cardioid condenser mics for the current season.

“I started using them on the woodwinds and on both acoustic and electric guitar. The others are on percussion and drum overheads,” he explains. “They’re really important on the reeds. These people go from flute to piccolo to baritone saxophone and everything in between – sometimes in the same song.”

“They’re very natural,” he adds, “very clean sounding microphones with a natural warmth to them. They just sound a little more real. And when the musician gets close to it, it sounds just as good as when they’re a foot away.”

“One thing I like about them, aside from their sound, is that there are so many accessories available for them. For example, for television we’re supposed to be invisible. You can separate the head from the preamplifier. I did that with the drum overheads and put them on shock mounts, so they’re a little less obtrusive visually.”

Adelman adopted Sennheiser wireless and wired microphones for the show last year. The equipment, supplied by Burbank-based Soundtronics, includes SKM 5200 RF handheld microphones outfitted with MD 5002 and MD 5235 capsules for the co-hosts and guest artists, MKE Platinum lavalier mics and SK 5012 or SK 5212 G2 wireless transmitters for contestants and judges, plus instrument mics and HD 25 headphones for the orchestra members.

For the latest series of the U.S. version of the BBC Worldwide international franchise, which has now been sold to 38 countries, show producers added two crystallized element versions of the SKM 5200 handheld RF vocal mics. “Our host, Samantha Harris, uses one all the time,” says Adelman. “The other is for special guests. Etta James recently used it.”

Sennheiser’s Crystal Customization Service created the special microphones, which are custom decorated with high-quality crystals. “Sennheiser has done a very nice job,” he says. “It worried me, because sometimes these thing can look cheesy and they can be fragile, and these are neither. I don’t know how they attach the crystals, but they’re bulletproof! And they look great.”

According to Adelman, performers visiting the show are always offered SKM 5200 handheld wireless microphones outfitted with MD 5235 heads. Musical guests on the show this season have included Jewel, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Boys II Men, Kevin Rudolph, Rascal Flatts and Adele, who brought along her own Neumann KMS 105-S vocal mic, he reports.

Sennheiser USA Website

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Allen & Heath launches New Remote Control Options For Digital Series

Uses the proprietary PL-Anet CAT5 plug and play protocol employed in Allen & Heath’s iDR and iLive digital mixing systems

A new addition to the Allen & Heath PL remote control range, the PL-11 is an IR receiver that uses the proprietary PL-Anet CAT5 plug and play protocol employed in Allen & Heath’s iDR and iLive digital mixing systems.

Built in to a wallplate backing, the PL-11 receives commands from the PL-5 hand held IR transmitter, which can be set to perform specific functions using iDR’s System Manager software or via the TouchScreen in iLive mixing consoles.

The PL-11 IR receiver is useful where open or ‘hidden’ system settings need to be changed by authorized personnel, as they do not have any unguarded controls.

Fourteen soft keys on the PL-5 can be programmed to manage functions such as levels, mutes, preset recall and MIDI strings for external equipment interfacing.

iDR systems also provide tally/RS232 out, and IR protocol is contained in the System Manager software download bundle.

The PL-11, which ships with a PL-5, is available to order immediately.

Allen & Heath Website
Allen & Heath iDR Series Website
Allen & Heath iLive Series Website

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Monday, May 18, 2009

Hosa Technology Introduces The Da-Cappo DA12 Hardwired Earset Microphone

Plug and play solution where interchangeable wireless systems are not required

Hosa Technology, distributor of Da-Cappo Micro Microphones in the Americas, has announced the introduction of the Da-Cappo DA12 hardwired earset microphone.

Ideal for use where the interfacing wireless microphone system remains constant, the new DA12 offers the same performance attributes of the original DA12, but with the added convenience of not having to worry about misplacing the cable and adaptor.

The DA12 is specificed as having -45 dB sensitivity that makes it suitable for use with Lectrosonics, Sennheiser Evolution and SK50 Series, and Shure wireless transmitters, and it features a longer, 6-foot carbon Kevlar cable for easy concealment within costumes. A selection of connectors are designed to mate with the aforementioned wireless transmitter systems.

Like the original DA12, the new DA12 hardwired utilizes a water-resistant, European designed 2.5 mm diameter omni-directional capsule that delivers natural sounding, full 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency response.

The DA12 also offers a hypoallergenic cushion designed to insure long wearing-comfort. This cushion conceals a flexible, sprung-steel mechanism that may easily be adjusted to fit ears of all sizes.

It ships with a lavalier style mic clip to secure the cable to one’s collar behind the head and a zippered leatherette microphone case that conveniently and securely stores the microphone, its cable, and the adaptor. A pop filter is also included.

“The new DA12 hardwired delivers the stunning audio performance of the original DA12 while offering simplified use for those who plan on using the microphone with a single brand of wireless transmitter,” said Jonathan Pusey, Hosa Technology’s National Marketing Manager. “By offering a hardwired version, Da-Cappo makes it that much easier to use this type of microphone as it minimizes the possibility of losing parts required for interfacing with different transmitters. For those customers who plan on using a headworn microphone with a single brand of wireless transmitter, the new DA12 Hardwired is a true plug and play solution.”

The new Da-Cappo DA12 hardwired earset microphone is available now, with pricing for all variants (beige and black) of $530 (U.S. MSRP).

Hosa Technology Website

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Leading Consulting Firms Acoustic Dimensions & Sound Technology Consultants Announce Merger

Organizations share values and blend complementary skills, with technology helping to facilitate real-time collaboration

At the recent 2009 WFX show in Long Beach, leading AV system and acoustical design consulting firms Acoustic Dimensions and Sound Technology Consultants (STC) of San Diego announced a merger, resulting in the expansion of the geographic base of Acoustic Dimensions across the entire U.S.

In 1992, Craig Janssen, Vance Breshears and David Kahn met together to discuss forming a consulting firm that would provide whole systems design thinking to spaces where people gather together to share an experience. 

Kahn had opened the New York office of Acoustic Dimensions the prior year, while Janssen and Breshears proceeded to open the Acoustic Dimensions office in Dallas.

Early project successes including the Grand Ole Opry, Wildhorse Saloon and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, the conversion of the Mark Hellinger Theatre on Broadway in New York City for David Wilkerson’s ministry, The Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, Autzen Stadium at the University of Oregon, and venues at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Universal Studios in Orlando. 

During this time, Nicholas Edwards joined the team with his office in Coventry, U.K., taking the firm international.

In 1995, Breshears and his wife, feeling the pressure of being far away from their families, returned to the San Diego area where he started Sound Technology Consultants, providing AV and acoustic design services for worship, education, and entertainment projects. 

Both Acoustic Dimensions and Sound Technologies Consultants grew independently over the next 14 years—occasionally competing, but for the most part focusing in different geographic areas. As each company expanded, core values, work ethic, dedication to excellence, passion for innovation and a strong desire to serve client’s needs remained common threads.

In 2008, Janssen and Breshears began to consider the possibility of teaming again. Both organizations shared nearly identical values and were independently successful. A blending of talents and skills between the two groups could be extremely successful. Technology could also help facilitate real-time collaboration in a way that wasn’t possible back in 1995.

“The advantages were undeniable: efficiencies of scale, shared resources, an expanded pool of talent, greater geographical reach,” Breshears explains.

“Perhaps most importantly, there was a common vision for the future—one based on innovation,” notes Janssen.

Acoustic Dimensions Website

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Peavey Electronics Marks 44 Years In Professional Audio; Reflections From Hartley Peavey

"We’re still here, operating under the original ownership and vision, continuing to progress and develop new products and technologies.” - Hartley Peavey

As Hartley Peavey surveys the economic climate on his company’s 44th birthday, he’s holding fast to the core principals that earned his company the loyalty of a global customer base.

“I’ve discovered that business is like a rodeo — the winner is the one who can stay on the pony the longest,” he laughs. “When I started Peavey Electronics in 1965, conglomerates were buying up all of the famous music-products companies, reducing them to mere brands that were somehow supposed to be the same. They failed to realize that companies are made of people, and when the people change, the company changes, too.

“When I look around today, I get a feeling of déjà vu. Yet we’re still here, operating under the original ownership and vision, continuing to progress and develop new products and technologies.”

Peavey founded Peavey Electronics Corporation after discovering that he was much better at building the gear to amplify music than he was at actually playing music. With the influx of corporate buyouts during the 1960s and ‘70s, Hartley saw his competitors’ prices rise and quality plummet, so he ran promptly the other way. He set out to prove that you can have quality, craftsmanship and value at fair and reasonable prices. That philosophy altered the course of the music industry and continues to drive his company today.

Now the CEO of one of the largest makers of musical instruments and professional sound equipment in the world—with more than 180 patents to its credit and distribution in 136 countries—Hartley Peavey is still looking ahead and dreaming up his company’s next big innovations.

“As we celebrate our 44th year in business, I can’t remember a more productive, exciting time in the history of Peavey Electronics. We have strong-selling, compelling products in several new categories: the Versarray line array loudspeaker system for pro audio applications; ReValver MKIII, our debut into the world of virtual amplification software; and the Vypyr Series, our first modeling amplifiers, which were named Product of the Year by music retailers.”

Although Peavey is noted for pioneering the use of CNC manufacturing techniques in making musical instruments, Hartley has taken the company in a decidedly different direction lately. Recognizing the market segmentation that allows small niches to flourish, Peavey started a new custom-shop initiative to enter the boutique amplifier market with customizable amps made by hand, not machine, in the company’s hometown of Meridian, Mississippi.

“Our new 19th Street Custom Shop amplifiers are taking off quite well,” he says. “Since we debuted the program in January, we have had a solid demand for these point-to-point wired, handmade amps. That proves that there is always new ground to plow, and there is an ongoing need for companies to reinvent themselves. We’ve done that many times with great success while holding true to our core principals.”

Peavey recently began a company-wide Lean initiative that will maximize efficiency among its 33 facilities as part of a massive, multi-million dollar reinvestment that the company has made in its infrastructure just since 2008.

The goal is to strengthen the organization’s position in the global marketplace, Peavey said, and help guide the company to new plateaus.

Peavey Electronics Website

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WorxAudio Technologies Unveils New X115-P Self-Powered Subwoofer

The X115-P utilizes a single direct radiating 15-inch cone driver in a vented enclosure, driven by WorxAudio’s PMD-2.1 power supply that provides 1,000 watts

WorxAudio Technologies has introduced the TrueLine Series X115-P, outfitted with a single-15-inch, high-excursion transducer and intended for applications such as high energy-clubs, theme park effects, houses of worship, musical theater, and numerous others.

The X115-P can serve as a low-frequency complement to multi-way loudspeaker systems such as WorxAudio Technologies TrueLine X2-P, X3-P, and X5-P line array systems, or as a bass section in any sound system requiring extended low frequency response and high-quality audio reproduction.

With fully captive, powder coated rigging hardware machined from high grade cold rolled steel, the new X115-P is designed can fly atop a loudspeaker cluster containing one of WorxAudio’s TrueLine X-Group loudspeaker systems (X2, X3, or X5).

The rugged 13-ply Baltic Birch enclosure is extensively braced and coated with a weather-resistant, multi-layered, catalyzed polyurethane finish, and this is combined with a 14-guage, powder-coated, cloth-backed, perforated steel grille.

The X115-P utilizes a single direct radiating 15-inch cone driver in a vented enclosure, driven by WorxAudio’s PMD-2.1 power supply that provides 1,000 watts. The amplifier incorporates twin digital program processors, an XLR transformer with isolated I/O, and an AC PowerCon switchgear I/O.

Rounding out the X115-P is the inclusion of EASE Focus aiming software for the TrueLine line array—a two-dimensional, acoustic simulation program that facilitates the configuration and modeling of line arrays.

Hugh Sarvis, WorxAudio Technologies’ CEO and Director of Engineering, commented on the company’s new subwoofer, “The X115-P bass extension system is the perfect choice for those applications that require high SPL and extended LF response. With its compact form factor housing a direct radiating 15-inch transducer driven by the potent PMD-2.1 power supply, the new X115-P is the perfect low frequency complement to fly above our company’s TrueLine X2, X3, or X5 line array systems.

“Combined, the new X115-P and the X-Group line arrays create a powerful loudspeaker cluster with tremendous throw and broad horizontal dispersion that are very well suited to a broad range of installed sound projects.”

The new WorxAudio Technologies X115-P bass extension system carries a (U.S.) MSRP of $4,483, and is expected to be available in quarter 2 of 2009.

WorxAudio Technologies Website

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Cloud Electronics Launches CX261 Rack-Mount Audio Mixer With Flexible Paging Options

The CX261 includes a front-panel 3.5mm jack input for easy connection to laptop, portable MP3 connection, or similar

Cloud Electronics has introduced the CX261, a 1U rack-mounted zone mixer for applications needing simple control of high-quality background music combined with flexible paging options.

The Cloud CX261 includes a front-panel 3.5mm jack input for easy connection to laptop, portable MP3 connection, or similar. Any one of six stereo line inputs can be mixed with one or two microphone inputs.

Independent control of music and mic levels is provided and may be operated remotely. While the main output is stereo, mono output – suitable for providing MOH (Music On Hold) to a telephone system – can also be simply configured.

Either mic input may be activated by voice (VOX) or short-to-ground access connections, where “MIC 1” may have priority over “MIC 2” or one line input may have priority over any other selected to facilitate connection of a digital sound store or similar device. MIC 1 may also be configured (with separate gain control) for direct connection to a telephone system, enabling paging messages to originate from any extension.

The unit is compatible with standard Cloud remote control panels – RL1 (music level) and RSL6 (music level and source selection)

CX261 Overview:
• Six (unbalanced) stereo line inputs with individual gain control
• Two electronically-balanced mic inputs
• Front panel control of music source/level and mic level
• Front panel input (3.5 mm jack) for MP3 player, etc., with level control (disconnects rear panel LINE 1 input)
• HF & LF EQ adjustment for music and mic inputs
• Selectable LINE 6 priority with choice of release times
• Music Mute control input (NO or NC) for interface to emergency system
• Electronically-balanced stereo main output
• Aux output source selection (internal jumper) – follow main output or always LINE 2
• Optional Bose EQ cards available

Cloud Electronics USA Website

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