Article

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Did You Know There’s A Digital LCD Specifically For Car Washes?

I learn something new every day whether I want to or not...

In my role as editor of PSW, I get a lot of press releases sent my way whether I want them or not.

Most of the time, at least, I enjoy receiving them - even the ones that don’t necessarily apply to audio/sound in any way, shape, or form are often interesting. (One of the “benefits” of being a certifiable information junkie, I guess…)

Case in point is the release below that I received earlier today. Again, certainly not audio related, but file it under “I really had no idea…”

As in, I really had no idea that on this earth there exists “a provider of premium digital signage displays for gas stations and convenience stores”.

Although when you get to thinking about how many gas stations there are in the U.S. alone, it makes sense that there could be such an exclusively focused provider. (A quick Google search tells me that according to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2002, there were/are more than 117,000 gas stations in the U.S. alone, and the same stats note that over 84,000 of these also have convenience stores.)

Of course, astute readers will recognize the name of the company distributing this particular press release and understand that it’s actually not a narrowly positioned niche outfit but rather a very large entity that makes a variety of LCD televisions and signage and related products…

Still, give them props on the market positioning…

“The Car Wash Display”? You don’t say…

And “SONNY’s Car Wash Factory”? I really had no idea… (Read more about SONNY’s here.)

Enjoy.

————————————————————————————————————————————————

New Westinghouse TV Topper Helps Car Washes Clean Up At The Register

Cost-Efficient Digital Signage Solution Lets Customers Know About The Best Deals and Promos Before They Reach The Register To Pay

Santa Fe Springs, CA—Westinghouse Digital Electronics, a provider of premium digital signage displays for gas stations and convenience stores, introduces a powerful and cost-effective way for car washes to educate and up-sell customers: The Car Wash Display. The self-contained system includes all of the hardware, software and simple-to-use content needed to easily create compelling ads and promos. The Westinghouse Car Wash Display is a unique solution that provides car wash customers with the latest product information and the day’s best deals while they wait in line before making their purchase. It is a great way for car washes to inform customers of the newest products and services available.

Sold exclusively via SONNY’s Car Wash Factory, the Westinghouse Car Wash Display solution includes an all-weather one-sided 19-inch Westinghouse Digital LCD screen and stand; Westinghouse’s proprietary neonSource™ software for easy creation of ads and promotional messages; and car wash related advertising content by Bclip Productions. The all-in-one solution comes loaded with ads and product demos but can be easily customized so car wash stations can display their own content.

Rey Roque, Vice President of Marketing at Westinghouse Digital Electronics, said, “Small to medium businesses like car washes need all the edge they can get to succeed in today’s economy and our PumpTop Topper is already a proven solution at thousands of gas stations and convenience stores across the country. Westinghouse’s full suite of cost-effective, out-of-home digital signage solutions—which includes hardware and software to meet the needs of all kinds of businesses and environments—offer a very powerful way to drive sales by reaching customers when they are in purchase mode. “

.

Westinghouse’s new Car Wash Display features the LCD screen, pre-loaded content and the company’s proprietary neonSource software. neonSource is digital signage software that allows businesses to advertise their latest product solutions, informational messages, daily specials, and promotional launches throughout the day on a timed schedule. neonSource displays current broadcast/satellite/cable TV or pre-recorded video while inserting banner ads along the top and bottom of the screen. The programming remains uninterrupted as the ads are dynamically inserted around it on the sides, top and bottom of the screen.

 

{extended}

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

{extended}

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

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

{extended}

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

{extended}

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

{extended}

Monday, May 18, 2009

Show Report: The New Product & Growing Educational Scenes At WFX Long Beach

There was something for just about every level of knowledge and expertise at the show last week

It’s hard to beat Long Beach, CA as a trade show destination, where the most recent Worship Facilities Conference & Expo (WFX for short) was held late last week at the downtown Long Beach Convention Center.

This marks the fifth year for WFX, and like the overall worship AV systems market, the show keeps growing steadily in both size and sophistication.

An impressive educational program anchors the event, with top system professionals from throughout North America leading packed sessions of varying levels of sophistication.

There’s something for every level, ranging from newbie volunteer sound operators through experienced technical ministry leaders.

Also impressive is the level of support that manufacturers lend to the educational effort, and this year, Yamaha in particular took a lead role, offering a wide variety of hands-on digital and analog mixing courses at regular intervals throughout the show.

I sat in for a couple of these sessions and came away impressed with how well the presenters understand the challenges and realities faced by worship system folks.

.

The commitment to providing sufficient consoles available for use in the classroom to truly live up to the “hands on” mantra shouldn’t go without mention, either.

WFX also offers a trade show exhibition floor, with some of the most notable action centering upon digital consoles.

Case in point was my first stop, at the Digidesign booth, where Robert Scovill supplied a tour of the brand-new VENUE SC48, which is quite well suited for worship applications in terms of function, features, footprint and affordability.

The company calls the SC48 a “fully integrated live sound system” and it’s easy to see why, as it combines I/O, digital signal processing, and tactile control into a single console, joined by wide ranging plug-in support as well as seamless integration with Pro Tools LE systems.

.

A feature that seems especially ideal for church applications is Channel Control, where a single button working with the console’s eight color-coded rotary encoders provides access and control of any channel strip function – input parameters, Aux sends, equalization and dynamics. The operation is intuitive, with the additional color coding really standing out to make it even easier.

Next stop was RSS/Roland Systems Group, which was highlighting Version 2 of its popular V-Mixer M-400 live digital mixing console.

This new version points to another area of sustained and still continuing growth in the worship market, personal monitoring systems.

.

Not only does V-Mixer provide a wide range of commensurate digital console features and functionality, it now also offers a Left-Center-Right mode and most significantly, supports RSS M-48 live personal mixers.

Specifically, V-Mixer can set up, configure and control multiple M-48 mixers that are enabled with REAC, the company’s digital audio transfer protocol. This is a great advantage for a worship system operator who may be responsible for house and monitors simultaneously – it provides individual musicians on the platform with the ability to control and tailor their own monitor mixes.

Yamaha also had a booth full of its latest consoles as well as the growing line of NEXO loudspeakers.

The M7CL digital console has proven exceptionally popular in worship applications, available in 32- and 48-channel versions.

.

On display was the new version 2 software for the M7CL, highlighted by a Global Paste feature that enables simultaneous editing of multiple scenes, and Matrix Sends on Fader, providing access to 24 mix buses. 

Aviom, a company that really brought personal monitoring to the fore, was just down the aisle. As a matter of fact, an Aviom Pro16 monitor mixing system was recently used for the Mighty Men Conference 2009 in South Africa, one of the country’s largest annual Christian events with more than 200,000 in attendance.

The current product line continues to grow in popularity, with more options coming along at regular intervals, and I was also told that some significant new developments will be ready for unveiling at the upcoming 2009 InfoComm show in Orlando. If you’re there, be sure to stop by the Aviom booth to check it out.

.

In bonus news, a great good long-time friend, Denny McLane, recently joined Aviom as Western U.S. Sales Director, which is super news both for the company and especially its customers.

Another product caught my eye at this year’s WFX, a new cardioid version of the Da-Cappo Earset Micro microphone (distributed by Hosa Technologies).

Previously this design was limited to an omni version, with the cardioid development opening up many more live sound applications.

.

It’s very small, very light and available in three colors (coffee, black and beige). Definitely worth a look for easily concealed stage and presentation mic needs.

One other notable note from WFX: At the hotel prior to the kick-off of day 2 of the show , I ran into Vance Breshears, a leading AV system and acoustical design consultant, and he greeted me with an unexpected yet very cool update: His firm, Sound Technology Consultants (STC), has merged with Acoustic Dimensions, reuniting Vance and his team with Craig Janssen and his team.

Vance and Craig had gotten together with David Kahn in forming Acoustic Dimensions in the early 1990s, which has gone on to complete hundreds of successful projects at churches, entertainment venues, major stadiums and other venues around the globe. Speaking from first-hand experience in visiting and writing about several of these projects, I can comfortably state that Acoustic Dimensions has more than earned its very high reputation for innovation and overall excellence.

Vance departed in the mid-90s to San Diego so that he and his wife could be closer to family, forming STC. But last year, Craig and Vance began rekindling thoughts of collaborating, and particularly with modern communications evolving to such a great degree that offices thousands of miles apart can function together seamlessly, they could see a lot of advantages of re-teaming.

.

The culmination is that STC is now the West Coast office of Acoustic Dimensions, joining with other facilities in Dallas, New York and the U.K.

“The advantages are undeniable: efficiencies of scale, shared resources, an expanded pool of talent, greater geographical reach,” Vance told me, with Craig adding, “Perhaps most importantly, there was a common vision for the future—one based on innovation.”

{extended}

Friday, May 15, 2009

EAW Gives Back With Donation To Seattle Youth Arts Program & Concert Venue

The Vera Project engages participants at all levels of music production, fostering a participatory creative culture

The Vera Project, a Seattle music-arts center run by and for youth, engages participants at all levels of music production, fostering a participatory creative culture through popular music concerts, arts programs, experiential learning and volunteer opportunities.

The Vera Project concert calendar this year features performances by singer-songwriter Maria Taylor, electronic musician Dan Deacon and neo-folk act Iron & Wine, among others.

In 2008, EAW assisted the Vera Project by providing a selection full-range loudspeakers, subwoofers and power amplifiers, and this year, EAW stepped up again, donating SM Series stage monitors.

“EAW was kind enough to donate some SM12 monitors and an SM15,” notes Jeffery McNulty, Tech-Facilities Manager for the Vera Project. “We have a great live sound program here, and we’re so happy to be able to teach people how to use this excellent EAW gear. We continuously place engineers into other clubs around Seattle, and they are usually well seasoned by the time they make it through our system.

“We like to foster a new attitude here at the Vera where the artist comes first, with the audience a close second, so that touring acts have an enjoyable experience, and that of course starts with great gear and well trained volunteers,” McNulty continues. “The Danielson Family was here recently, and the drummer wrote on his blog that the Vera Project was his favorite venue of the whole tour, in large part because of the great PA sound and monitor mix.”

EAW Website
Vera Project Website

{extended}

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Mojave Audio Selects Audio Agent As Sales Representative For Key U.S. Territories

Audio Agent will be tasked with increasing Mojave Audio’s presence in the critical territories of the metropolitan New York/Tri-State region, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Texas, and the key Western states of California, Oregon, and Washington

Mojave Audio has announced the selection of Audio Agent to represent the company’s sales efforts in key territories of the United States.

Known for its sales representation and strategic consulting capabilities within the professional audio and MI (musical instrument) communities, Audio Agent will be tasked with increasing Mojave Audio’s presence in the critical territories of the metropolitan New York/Tri-State region, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Texas, and the key Western states of California, Oregon, and Washington.

With offices in Seattle, Los Angeles, Nashville, Austin, and New York, Audio Agent is a manufacturer’s rep firm with a strong marketing component and a focus on professional audio products.

In addition to sales representation, the company offers international distribution management and a full range of marketing services.

Dave Christenson, Audio Agent President, commented on his company’s new relationship with Mojave Audio. “Mojave Audio is quickly gaining traction as an essential microphone brand. After listening to these microphones, top engineers, producers, and studio owners are unanimously excited by their rich, warm sound and exceptional value. Our company spent considerable time and effort landing this all-important account and all of us at Audio Agent are committed to taking Mojave Audio to the next level. We are delighted to be representing the company throughout these strategic territories.”

“We’re very pleased to have the entire Audio Agent team joining our effort,” says Dusty Wakeman, Mojave Audio President. “These several territories are vitally important regions that are home to a high percentage of major recording and sound for picture projects. Having a thorough understanding of these areas and the intricacies involved when conducting business there requires a unique perspective and a level of market sensitivity that can only be acquired through experience within these areas. I’m confident the Audio Agent team will produce the results we’re looking for and I look forward to working with them.”

Mojave Audio Website
Audio Agent Website

{extended}

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Renkus-Heinz Appoints First Factory Authorized Commissioning Specialists

Program extends the community of specialists qualified to commission ICONYX and RHAON equipped audio installations

Renkus-Heinz has named its first factory-authorized commissioning specialists, appointed as part of a program to extend the community of specialists qualified to commission Renkus-Heinz ICONYX and RHAON equipped audio installations.

Sam Berkow, Adam Shulman and Steve Sockey of SIA Acoustics, Stephen Solberg and Robert Ledo of CFA Consulting, Bruce Coffman of Touch Thirty Three Consulting, and James Brawley of James Brawley and Associates are the appointed specialists.

The announcement follows an intensive two-day training session at the firm’s Foothill Ranch, California, factory, part of which was spent on-site at the nearby ICONYX-equipped San Juan Capistrano Mission Basilica.

David Rahn, US National Sales Manager, explains: “Our in-house system commissioning program has become very popular with ICONYX installers, and a lot of other integrators have been using it as well, perhaps to fine tune a RHAON network or to optimize system performance.

“We’ve found this an excellent way of reaching out to our customers and learning more about their installations, and we have been increasingly supporting it with key engineering and application resources from the factory.

“Since more and more consultants are writing specs for our equipment, and given that this year we will have more ICONYX, IC LIVE and RHAON projects than ever, we anticipate a strong growth in demand for these services.

“The answer was to make these techniques available to our trusted regional consultants, empowering them to commission these systems on our behalf, and the program has been rolled out very successfully. We will, of course, continue to provide factory commissioning for complex projects, while these new resources will make the services available to even more customers.”

Renkus-Heinz Website

{extended}

Monday, May 11, 2009

Sensaphonics Taps Veteran Monitor Engineer Mike Adams As Director Of Touring Sales

Adams client list over the years ranges from heavy rock and pop to blues and soul, including such artists as Guns ‘N Roses, B.B. King, Kiss, Luther Vandross, Thin Lizzy and Black Sabbath

Sensaphonics has announced that veteran monitor engineer Mike Adams is joining the company as Director of Touring Sales, North America. Adams, whose recent tours include AC/DC, John Mayer and The Rolling Stones, will focus concentrate on meeting the IEM needs of major tours in the U.S. and Canada.

Asked what prompted his decision to leave the world of tour buses and backstage catering for a sales gig, Adams replied, “It was just time. I’ve been considering a move like this for awhile now, and when Sensaphonics offered me the opportunity, I took it as a sign. They are one of the coolest companies in the industry, with great products and service. I’ve always made it a point to work with the best, so this is a great fit for me.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with Mike Adams,” said Sensaphonics president and found Michael Santucci, AuD. “This is the guy who finally got Mick Jagger on ears for a full tour! He has been a huge supporter of our products over the years, and knows all the major players out there.

“Mike has helped us as a beta tester and provided valuable feedback on recent products like the 2MAX and 3D Active Ambient. We’ve couldn’t ask for a more knowledgeable and well-connected engineer to get the word out on Sensaphonics.”

Over the years, Adams has helped a wide range of artists make the transition to in-ear monitoring, providing him with first-hand knowledge of all the major brands. “For any product on stage, the two things you need are great sound and reliability. When it comes to ears, I’ve used them all, but always come back to the Sensaphonics,” Adams said. “I consider them to be the most accurate reference. There’s no unnatural coloration to the sound, the reliability is great, and the fit and comfort are simply unmatched. The science behind Sensaphonics is amazing, the service is second to none, and bottom line, they just sound better.”

Mike Adams broke into touring sound nearly 30 years ago, getting his start doing sound at clubs in his native Colorado. After many years as an independent, he hooked up with Showco in the nineties, where he advanced under the tutelage of M.L. Procise and Howard Page. His client list over the years ranges from heavy rock and pop to blues and soul, including such artists as Guns ‘N Roses, B.B. King, Kiss, Luther Vandross, Thin Lizzy and Black Sabbath.

“I’ve been incredibly lucky in my years as a mixer,” Adams recalls. “I’ve have had the chance to learn from the best, on the best equipment, and work with some of the best bands around. So in my mind, this won’t be that big of a change. Except now I can sleep in my own bed.”

Sensaphonics Website

{extended}

Friday, May 08, 2009

Sennheiser Pro Products Division Names Sonic Circus Dealer Of The Year

“I am impressed with the high level of professionalism, enthusiasm and success the Sonic Circus team possesses." - Jeff Alexander, Sennheiser Professional Products Division

The U.S. subsidiary of Sennheiser has named Sonic Circus, Inc. its 2008 “Dealer of the Year” for exemplary sales, customer support and comprehension of Sennheiser’s extensive line of professional products.

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

“I am impressed with the high level of professionalism, enthusiasm and success the Sonic Circus team possesses,” said Jeff Alexander, vice president of sales and marketing for Sennheiser’s Professional Products Division. “I expect to see even further mutual growth and success in the future.”

For more than 10 years, Sonic Circus has provided audio solutions for recording and broadcast studios, live sound companies and independent engineers and producers. In addition to a wide selection of audio gear that includes over 250 lines of audio hardware and software and vintage recording equipment, Sonic Circus also offers technical design and support services.

Sennheiser Electronic Corporation has also named top dealers for its six other business categories. Those honored are: The Music People, Inc. (Sennheiser music industry business), Total Video Products, Inc. (Sennheiser installed sound 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).

Additionally, Sennheiser Electronic Corporation has announced that Baycom, Inc. is the first-ever recipient of the Sennheiser Marketing Award. Baycom is an enthusiastic proponent of the Sennheiser Tourguide product line, and has a reputation for providing excellent service and support to both Sennheiser customers and its own patrons.

Sennheiser USA Website

{extended}

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Sennheiser To Distribute K-Array Louspeaker & Amplifier Products In North America

K-Array will be officially introduced to the North American market in June at the InfoComm show in Orlando; product shipping also begins in June

Sennheiser has signed an exclusive distribution agreement for North America with K-Array, a PA loudspeaker and amplifier manufacturer based in Florence, Italy.

The K-Array flagship KH4 two-way, flat-panel line array delivers consistent, high-quality audio in long throw applications. Weighing just over 104 pounds and measuring 44 inches wide by 24 inches high and just 6.3 inches deep, the system is specified as producing 145 dB SPL. The vertical coverage pattern is variable between 7 degrees and 37 degrees, with a 120-degree horizontal coverage pattern.

The KS4 self-powered, dipole subwoofer is also just 6.3 inches in depth and weighs 82 pounds. An internal DSP module controls the KH4 mid/high pack and the KS4 subwoofer. Theloud speakers may be computer controlled remotely using dedicated PC software.

Vaino Gennaro, business director for live sound products at Sennheiser Canada says, “We are excited to bring this innovative technology to North America. The technology, design, and sound quality of K-Array have generated a big buzz in Europe and the Middle East. The depth of the line and the crossover into various markets makes K-Array an extremely attractive brand. It will change the production standards of the live entertainment industry.”

Sennheiser Electronic Corporation, located in The United States, is thrilled to add K-array to their portfolio. Dawn Birr, SEC’s product manager for K-Array says, “K-Array is lighter and smaller than traditional loudspeaker arrays. The KH4 has developed a unique high-power, flat panel speaker technology for long-throw, large venue applications. The space-saving design and performance-to-size ratio offer significant cost savings in production, rigging, transportation and setup for medium to large-scale live performance events.”

“We are delighted that Sennheiser is handling the distribution of our products in North America,’” says Alex Tatini, CEO of K-Array. “Sennheiser has a long and illustrious history in the audio industry. We are experiencing strong growth, and having Sennheiser on board means that we can gain access more easily into their growing markets. We look forward to a long and profitable partnership.”

Other K-Array products include the ultra-slim Kobra Systems, the Ka line of Class D amplifiers and KM8 ultra-compact, high-powered line array stage monitors. Included in the Kobra Systems range are the KK200 and KK50, ultra-thin, three-dimensional array loudspeakers, which are 6.5 feet and 1.6 feet in length, respectively. Sennheiser China announced their distribution agreement with K-Array in December 2008.

K-Array will be officially introduced to the North American Market in June 2009 at the InfoComm show in Orlando. Product will begin shipping in June.

Sennheiser USA Website

{extended}

Monday, May 04, 2009

Shure Extends Rebates For 700 MHz Wireless Systems To December 31, 2009

Offer applies to Shure 700 MHz wireless systems as well as other manufacturers qualifying 700 MHz systems

Shure is extending its rebate program of up to $1,000 for the trade-in of Shure 700 MHz frequency band (698-806 MHz) wireless systems and for any other manufacturers’ qualifying 700 MHz frequency band wireless systems and their related components until the end of the calendar year (December 31, 2009).

“Due to the current economic crisis, there are some dealers who have not been able to take advantage of this program yet, and we want to do what we can to help them,” said Mark Humrichouser, General Manager of Shure’s Americas Business Unit.  “In addition, the response to the rebate program has been overwhelmingly positive so far, which is also why we’re extending the rebate until the end of the year.”

Customers may submit their rebate forms with the purchase of the following new replacement products: UHF-R, ULX, MX690/SLX4L, PSM 700 (H3, L2 bands), and PGX.

“Despite the fact that a final decision from the FCC is still pending, we want our customers to know that we’re here to help,” added Humrichouser.

For a complete summary of the terms and conditions of this rebate program, to learn which products are eligible , and to obtain a rebate form, customers should visit the Shure website at http://www.shure.com/rebate.

For information about rebates or trade-ins for in-warranty Shure wireless systems, call 800-25-SHURE (800-257-4873).

Shure Website

{extended}

Midas & Klark Teknik Appoint Rightway Audio As Representatives For Taiwan

“In just a year Rightway has proved to be an excellent distributor for Midas and Klark Teknik. "We’re confident in their ability to develop our brands across Taiwan.” - David Cooper, Midas and Klark Teknik Sales & Marketing Director

Rightway Audio Systems, already the Midas and Klark Teknik distributor for China, Hong Kong and Macau, has also been appointed to handle the same brands in Taiwan.

Since the initial appointment a year ago, Rightway Audio has already sold 10 Midas XL8 Live Performance Systems and five PRO6 Live Audio Systems, as well as serving as a leading distributor of Klark Teknik, in particular the company’s Square ONE product range.

“We’re very honored to be expanding the brands across Greater China,” states Sales Manager Alan Wong, who will initially be handling the business from Rightway’s Hong Kong office and appointing dealers across the new region.

“In just a year Rightway has proved to be an excellent distributor for Midas and Klark Teknik, as their sales performance demonstrates,” says Midas and Klark Teknik Sales & Marketing Director David Cooper. “We’re confident in their ability to develop our brands across Taiwan.”

Midas Website
Klark Teknik Website
Bosch Communications Group Website

{extended}

L-Acoustics Announces 2009 Product & Design Training Seminar Schedule

North American seminars are being offered in Oxnard, California and Phoenix, Arizona, while international training will take place at L-Acoustics headquarters in Marcoussis, France as well as in Berlin, Germany

L-Acoustics has announced its 2009 training seminar schedule, with seminars designed for both technicians and mixing engineers and encompassing the fundamental aspects of Wavefront Sculpture Technology (WST), system integration, setup and design.

Specifically, sessions cover L-Acoustics product lines KIVA, dV-DOSC, KUDO and V-DOSC, as well as the LA amplified controller platform and LA NETWORK MANAGER software.

North American seminars are being offered in Oxnard, California and Phoenix, Arizona, while international training will take place at L-Acoustics headquarters in Marcoussis, France as well as in Berlin, Germany.

The seminars offer a blend of theoretical knowledge (day 1) and installation procedures (day 2) in order to operate and optimize WST systems in a safe and controlled environment.

System seminars can be extended to a third day dedicated to SOUNDVISION 3D simulation software, used exclusively to model L-Acoustics systems. At the end of each training seminar each participant will receive a certificate of attendance.

For more information on the training seminar schedule and costs go to http://www.l-acoustics.com/trainings/listing.php

L-Acoustics Website

{extended}