Allen & Heath reports that the recent 2020 NAMM Show in Anaheim was a success for the company, including a second consecutive TEC Award for the SQ Series console platform (with V1.3 monitor-focused firmware update) in the Small Format Console Technology category.
The SQ Series also received encore ProSoundWeb Readers’ Choice Awards in the Console & Mixers category for the SQ-7 (Small Format Digital) and the SQ-5 (Digital Rack-Mount Mixer). And, MMR magazine delivered a second “Product of the Year” award to the Allen & Heath booth.
At the AES Academy, Allen & Heath USA live sound/touring manager Michael Bangs’ scheduled sessions drew huge crowds, as did Billie Eilish front of house engineer Drew Thornton’s “Modern Front of House Mixing” session. Meanwhile, in the arena, the second annual Live Sound International Loudspeaker Showcase at NAMM was managed from behind a dLive C1500, attracting a record crowd of its own as well as a most-ever number of 14 manufacturer participants.
NAMM was also the site of Allen & Heath’s annual Sales & Marketing Kickoff Meeting, where Highway Marketing was named Rep of the Year, the Marketing Excellence Award went to Jaylon Shane of Pro Tech, a Sales Support Award went to both Rob Baker (Mainline Marketing) and Sheila Rose (Highway Marketing), and Bulldog Awards went to Brian Christ (AudioBiz), Shawn McLoughlin (AudioBiz), Wes Pitzer (Highway Marketing), Rich Nichols (John B. Anthony Co.), Kevin Duthu (HWPco), Jaylon Shane (Pro Tech), Zak Rickard (Audio Geer), Kyle Matthews (Audio Geer), and Gilbert Perales (Brownestone).
Taking home Allen & Heath’s Outstanding Performance Award were Pro Tech, SK Macdonald, Online Marketing, Excellence Marketing, Highway Marketing, Richard Dean Associates, and HWPco. The gathering additionally featured presentations made by Allen & Heath USA senior staff members and guest presenter Chris Foreman, who analyzed macro trends within the U.S. house of worship market.
On the new product front, Allen & Heath delivered an unannounced “sneak peek” at its new dLive CTi1500 titanium mixer. Outfitted with 12 faders over six layers, built-in audio I/O, audio networking, a 12-inch capacitive touchscreen, and a Harmony UI designed to quicken workflow, the new console weighs in at under 50 pounds with its flight case, making it 14 pounds lighter than a standard C1500.
“A heartfelt thanks needs to go out to all our fans and friends who provided their support throughout 2019 and during the show,” states Allen & Heath USA marketing manager Jeff Hawley. “We wouldn’t have even made it here if it hadn’t been for our outstanding reps, dealers, and engineers out there who rely upon us for mixing everything from corporate gigs and weekend church services to sold-out world tours. We’re excited to hit 2020 and step it up another notch or two.”
