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community-design-series

Community is pleased to announce the new Commercial Design Series, a comprehensive family of ceiling, pendant and surface mount loudspeakers designed to meet the needs of installations requiring high performance at a competitive price.  Commercial Design models deliver a cost-competitive choice of 4.5-inch, 6.5-inch and 8-inch driver sizes, featuring uniform sound quality throughout the series and excellent consistency from model to model.  The ceiling systems are ETL listed to comply with UL1480 and UL2043, while the pendant loudspeaker conforms to UL1480 as well.  The surface mount models have passed compliance testing for MIL-STD-810G and include a low profile multi-angle mounting yoke for precise aiming over a broad pan-tilt range .  All models in the series can be painted to match room décor and are equipped with a built-in autofomer for selectable 8 ohm or 70V/100V operation.  The Commercial Design Series from Community provides an affordable solution to unobtrusively provide even coverage and great sound quality from zone to zone throughout an entire venue.

Models

  • C4LP two-way, 4.5-inch, full-range ceiling loudspeaker (low profile)
  • C4 two-way, 4.5-inch, full-range ceiling loudspeaker (standard depth)
  • C6 two-way, 6.5-inch, full-range ceiling loudspeaker
  • C6-B two-way, 6.5-inch, full-range ceiling loudspeaker (black)
  • C8 two-way, 8.5-inch, full-range ceiling loudspeaker
  • CS4-B two-way, 4.5-inch, full-range surface mount loudspeaker (black)
  • CS4-W two-way, 4.5-inch, full-range surface mount loudspeaker (white)
  • CS6-B two-way, 6.5-inch, full-range surface mount loudspeaker (black)
  • CS6-W two-way, 6.5-inch, full-range surface mount loudspeaker (white)
  • CS8-B two-way, 8-inch, full-range surface mount loudspeaker (black)
  • CS8-W two-way, 8-inch, full-range surface mount loudspeaker (white)
  • CP6-B two-way, 6.5-inch, full-range pendant loudspeaker (black)
  • CP6-W two-way, 6.5-inch, full-range pendant loudspeaker (white)

 

Availability

  •  All Commercial Design Series models are in-stock now!

 

 

SymNet Radius 12×8 is a universal building block with the DSP capacity to power a world of complex commercial audio applications. On-board 10/100 and gigabit switches lower system cost and reduce complexity with less hardware and fewer potential points of failure. Radius uses Dante to expand system capacity with additional SymNet Radius, SymNet Edge or third-party hardware. The customer gets what the customer wants with Radius’ user control options: zero cost ARC-WEB browser based interface, low cost Symetrix ARC wall panels, and easy to implement SymNet SymVue GUI.

  • 12 mic/line inputs. 8 analog line outputs. Optimal form factor for a host of applications.
  • On-board 10/100 and gigabit switches lower system cost and reduce complexity.
  • Radius’ Dante ports enable audio expansion over standard IT infrastructure. 64 transmit and 64 receive channels to connect to SymNet Radius, Edge or third-party hardware.
  • Multiple user control options includezero cost ARC-WEB browser based interface, low cost Symetrix ARC wall panels,easy to implement SymNet SymVue GUI, and programmable third-party touch screens.
  • Radius’ powerful DSP engine is configured using SymNet Composer open architecture software.Over 600 DSP modules provide ultimate design flexibility.

TP-Link MC200CM

To exceed 100 meter (300 feet) distances between daisy-chained (yes, daisy-chained) EXP#x devices, you need an unmanaged, Gigabit Media Converter – either single-mode or multimode. The data pulsing through Rane’s Expansion Bus is not IP (Internet Protocol) and contains no MAC Addresses. Thus, you cannot connect it to an Ethernet network in any way. No Ethernet switches allowed. You must have a dedicated connection from the HAL1x to all subsequent EXP devices – up to 32 EXPs maximum.

Here is a very simple and inexpensive multimode fiber media converter we found on Amazon. The maker is TP-Link. Model number MC200CM. You need two of these – one at each end, of course. Plus the cable. We bought the blue cable, although, we’ve heard that the green cable sounds better? You’ll have to judge for yourself. Often terminating the cable is the biggest challenge – a favorite task for IT folks.

Head shot Tail shot


At prolight+sound 2012, Sennheiser’s new radio microphone series XS Wireless will be celebrating its European premiere. The series rounds off the wireless portfolio of the audio specialist with five entry-level systems for users who want to go wireless in an easy way. All systems offer sturdy units, simple operation and high-quality sound. Their switching bandwidth of up to 24 MHz allows for flexibility in the choice of frequencies, while a transmitter battery life of up to 10 hours will leave enough headroom for long events. The series is comprised of two vocal sets, an instrument system and presentation sets with clip-on microphone or a headmic. For the set-up of larger systems, new rack-mount accessories are available.

Content

 

 


Affordable, easy-to-use wireless systems: Sennheiser’s entry-level XS Wireless Series

“With the XS Wireless Series, Sennheiser offers reliability and quality sound at an entry-level price,” explained Martin Fischer, Product Manager for Sennheiser’s wireless systems. “It offers good value for money and will benefit small event and conference venues, houses of worship as well as bands, vocalists and musicians.”

Wireless without a fuss
The designers have focused on ease of use: the systems are operated via intuitive menus, they automatically search for free frequencies, and transmitters are synchronised with their receivers via a wireless link. “We wanted to make sure that users can fully concentrate on their performance, their speech, etc. without having to worry too much about the set-up and technology,” said Martin Fischer. 

Extras for bands…


The instrument system of the series

The two XS Wireless vocal sets are fitted with Sennheiser microphone capsules, and the series also includes an instrument set for guitarists. Vocalists can choose between a handheld with a super-cardioid condenser capsule and one that includes a genuine dynamic e 835 capsule. “The XSW 35 system takes the assertive sound of the cardioid evolution e 835 to new user groups,” added Martin Fischer. 

… and speakers


The Presentation Set includes an omni-directional clip-on mic. Also available: a system with a cardioid headmic.

For installed sound applications and presentations, users can choose between systems with a handheld transmitter or a bodypack transmitter with either a head-worn mic or an unobtrusive clip-on microphone. Mute buttons on the handheld and the bodypack ensure that speakers are in control of the transmission.

Ruggedness and flexibility
To withstand the rigours of daily use, the true-diversity receiver is housed in a sturdy metal case. In the transmitters, one set of batteries will last for up to ten hours – not only good for energetic stage shows, but also for long events and conferences. The systems feature freely tunable frequencies within a switching bandwidth of 24 MHz (13 MHz for the E frequency range). This allows up to 12 wireless links to be operated simultaneously, ensuring trouble-free operation even at somewhat larger events. 

Rack-mount accessories
New rack-mount accessories are available for setting up larger systems. The GAM 1 and GAM 2 single-channel and two-channel rack-mount kits serve to install receivers in a 19” rack. They also permit to connect the antennas to the front of the rack to increase reception quality. The GAM 2 includes two 1:2 antenna splitters for distributing the antenna signal from a single pair of antennas to both receivers.

Visit Sennheiser at prolight+sound, Hall 6.1, Stand C 10 A.

Technical data

System
Modulation: wideband FM
Frequency ranges: A: 548 to 572 MHz; GB: 606 to 630 MHz; B: 614 to 638 MHz; C: 766 to 790 MHz; E: 821 to 832 MHz and 863 to 865 MHz
Switching bandwidth: 24 MHz (E range 13 MHz)
Frequencies: 960 (E range: 520), tunable in steps of 25 kHz; 8 frequency banks with up to 12 pre-set channels each
Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥ 103 dBA
THD: ≤ 1%
Temperature range: 0°C to +40°C

EM 10 receiver
Receiver principle: true diversity
Sensitivity (with HDX, peak dev.): <3 µV at 52 dBarms S/N
Adjacent channel rejection: ≥ 60 dB
Intermodulation rejection: ≥ 50 dB
Blocking: ≥ 65 dB
AF frequency response: 50 to 16,000 Hz
Pilot tone: 32.768 kHz
Antenna inputs: 2 BNC connectors, 50 ohms
AF output voltage: ¼” (6.3 mm) jack, unbalanced: +8 dBu max.; XLR-3, balanced: +14 dBu max.
Power supply: 12 VDC nom., 300 mA
Dimensions: 200 x 42 x 127 mm
Weight: 730 g

SK 20 bodypack transmitter
RF output power: 10 mW
AF frequency response: 60 to 16,000 Hz (line); 100 to 16,000 Hz (mic)
AF input: 3.5 mm jack
Nom. input voltage: 0.5 Vrms (mic) / 1.8 Vrms (line) at -30 dB gain
Power supply: 2 AA batteries, 1.5 V
Operating time: approx. 10 hrs
Dimensions: 66 x 96 x 24 mm
Weight: 95 g

SKM 35 handheld transmitter
Microphone type: dynamic e 835 capsule
Pick-up pattern: cardioid
Max. SPL: 149 dB SPL
Input sensitivity: 1.5 mV/Pa
RF output power: 10 mW
AF frequency response: 80 to 16,000 Hz (mic)
Power supply: 2 AA batteries, 1.5 V
Operating time: approx. 10 hrs
Dimensions: 250 x 54 mm
Weight: 240 g

SKM 65 handheld transmitter
Microphone type: pre-polarised condenser
Pick-up pattern: super-cardioid
Max. SPL: 144 dB SPL
Input sensitivity: 1.8 mV/Pa
RF output power: 10 mW
AF frequency response: 80 to 16,000 Hz (mic)
Power supply: 2 AA batteries, 1.5 V
Operating time: approx. 10 hrs
Dimensions: 250 x 54 mm
Weight: 240 g

ME 2-2 clip-on microphone
Transducer principle: pre-polarised condenser
Pick-up pattern: omni
Max. SPL: 142 dB
Sensitivity: 5 mV/Pa

ME 3 head-worn microphone
Transducer principle: pre-polarised condenser
Pick-up pattern: cardioid
Max. SPL: 150 dB
Sensitivity: 1.6 mV/Pa

The systems at a glanceXSW 35 Vocal Set
EM 10 receiver, SKM 35 dynamic handheld transmitter (cardioid)
(complete with mains unit, stand mount, antennas, batteries, pouch and manual)

XSW 65 Vocal Set
EM 10 receiver, SKM 65 condenser handheld transmitter (super-cardioid)
(complete with mains unit, stand mount, antennas, batteries, pouch and manual)

XSW 72 Instrument Set
EM 10 receiver, SK 20 bodypack transmitter, CL 1 jack cable
(complete with mains unit, antennas, batteries, pouch and manual)

XSW 12 Presentation Set
EM 10 receiver, SK 20 bodypack transmitter, ME 2-2 omni-directional clip-on mic
(complete with mains unit, antennas, batteries, pouch and manual)

XSW 52 Headmic Set
EM 10 receiver, SK 20 bodypack transmitter, ME 3 cardioid head-worn mic
(complete with mains unit, antennas, batteries, pouch and manual)

How may times have you went to grab a flashlight, and the batteries are dead?  No more!

Hybrid Light products, consisting of flashlights, a Camping Light and Spotlight employ solar or collector panels comprised of photovoltaic cells, which capture sunlight and ambient light; as well as artificial and indoor lighting. These panels convert the energy to electrical energy which powers the Hybrid Light’s dynamic (and extremely durable) LED bulb which should last over 10 years of continual use.

After an 8 hour charge, the Hybrid Light will efficiently provide up to 8 hours of impressively bright light. Since the Hybrid flashlights are not reliant on batteries, they can be charged over and over again, and will pay for itself within a year of regular use; just in the savings of batteries alone. Yet should the charge from the collector be drained from usage, two lithium backup batteries contained in the flashlight’s housing will provide up to 50 hours of light, while the collector resumes the process of recharging the hybrid light. (Simply push the switch a second time to activate the lithium back up battery)



 

It is reassuring to note that the lithium batteries will hold a charge for Seven (7) years, and provide up to 50 hours of illumination. Unlike alkaline, lithium batteries are highly tolerant to extreme temperatures and are a fraction of the weight of alkaline batteries. What is even more impressive is that when using a lithium battery, the voltage will be maintained for 90% of the lifespan with no dimming effects. With regular and proper use, the Hybrid Light can always receive and maintain a charge from the collector, and therefore will not need to employ the lithium backup battery unless under unusual circumstances.

Hybrid Light has been granted a patent from the U.S. Patent office due to the hybrid defined “system”. The improvements have pending patents.

Hybrid Light 40 Lumen – Safety Yellow

$19.95 – Buy Now

Read the rest of this entry »

Denon has always been the industry leader when it comes to the club and mobile DJ market. With the introduction of the new SC3900, they once again display their ability to bring cutting-edge technology to the masses. Check out this video showing just how responsive this beast really is!

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DL1608

The Mackie DL1608™ redefines live mixing by combining the proven power of a full-featured digital mixer with the unmatched ease and mobility of an iPad.®

With 16 boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps and the performance of 24bit Cirrus Logic® AD/DA converters, you have unparalleled sound quality.

Seamless wired to wireless iPad control means you can mix from anywhere in the venue. This gives you the mobile freedom to control not only the mix, but also powerful plug-ins like EQ, dynamics, effects and more.

The sleek DL1608 even supports up to 10 iPads. Forget bulky consoles and racks of gear. The power is at your fingertips.


Designed specifically for the iPad, the DL1608’s Master Fader™ app brings groundbreaking DAW mixing features and functionality to the live environment. With this intuitive breakthrough app, you can create mix snapshots, channel presets and even record stereo tracks straight to your iPad. Plus, with “Grow and Glow” giving you visual indication of the function you’re controlling, you can be confident that you’re always in control.


iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries

With the Mackie DL1608’s seamless wired to wireless mixing capabilities, you can mix in real time from anywhere in the venue on your iPad®*. The bar, the bathroom, the back closet. Instantly adjust mix functions from tuning front of house trouble spots to ringing out stage monitors.


* An additional Wi-Fi router is required and must be connected to the DL1608. The iPad must be within range of the Wi-Fi router to enable wireless mixing functionality. Wi-Fi router not included.



 

 

JBL’s brand new PRX400 passive speakers were designed to provide the sensitivity, frequency response and power handling needed for almost any professional audio environment while still being reasonably priced.  Whether you use a powered mixer or an equipment rack full of amps and signal processing, PRX400 passive speakers deliver the sound power and bandwidth necessary  to make loud music sound natural and even quiet speech intelligible.

Perfect for musicians, DJ’s, House of Worship, public address, or even suspended in a commercial environment like a school or nightclub, PRX400 speakers were crafted to address a multitude of demanding audio environments.

The PRX412M and PRX415M can be used as mains or monitors and with the addition of the PRX418 subwoofer you’ll have a sub/sat system capable of generating 135 dB of full-range, high quality audio. The PRX425 dual 15″ two-way is the perfect choice for DJ’s and bands who need low-frequency extension from the convenience of a stand-alone cabinet.

Like all JBL Professional products, the PRX400 Series speakers have survived JBL’s 100 hour power test. We submit each component and each system in the PRX400 Series to 100 hours of continuous, high level input.   Very few of our competitors survive the brutality, but this test ensures that your JBL speaker will perform perfectly for a lifetime of long, loud nights.

We also submit all of our speakers to a barrage of other unforgiving environmental and strength tests. By exposing our products to harsh temperatures and humidity we can make certain they will function anywhere on the planet. We conduct pull tests on the suspension points, drop tests on the cabinets, and packaging crush tests in an effort to ensure that you can hit the stage with confidence and pride.

As JBL Professional is part of the Harman family of professional audio companies, we have a unique opportunity to partner with sister company Crown Audio. By accessing the sophisticated sound shaping DSP technology employed in their Crown® XTi2 amplifiers, we are able to offer enhanced performance tunings as a pre-set in their products.  Not only have we coded the crossover points for a sat/sub setup, we’ve utilized their parametric filters and peak x+ limiters to craft a beautiful tuning curve that highlights the true potential of the system design.  Tunings will also be available in the dbx DriveRack®  PA+ signal processor.PRX400 passive speakers are comprised of tour tested JBL components and feature professional connectivity via Neutrik® Speakon combination connectors.

PRX400 cabinets are artfully constructed from an 18mm Birch/Poplar multi-laminate hardwood covered in highly resilient DuraFlex™ and feature rugged 16 gauge steel grilles.  All full range models utilize twelve M10 suspension points for safe deployment in light duty installations.  With three 2-way designs and an 18″ sub-woofer, PRX400 passive series tackle tough jobs affordably and professionally

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ANAHEIM, Calif. (NAMM Exhibit 5740, Hall B) —Peavey Electronics® set the standard for affordable, feature-packed powered P.A. solutions more than four decades ago. The new Peavey PVX™ Series of active and passive loudspeakers are the culmination of decades of R&D and experience building the best portable, all-in-one audio solutions—bringing legendary Peavey performance and reliability to audio pros and musicians of all levels.

The compact and portable PVXp 12 and PVXp 15 active (powered) loudspeakers deliver high fidelity and impressive power using Peavey’s legendary speaker and power amp technology. The PVXp Series powered enclosures bring 800 watts peak of crystal-clear highs and deep low end, while using exclusive DDT™ compression technology to maintain clarity throughout the mix. A module bay allows for use of expansion modules to increase the functionality of the enclosures.

The PVX 12 and PVX 15 passive (non-powered) loudspeakers deliver superior sound quality by utilizing advanced materials. Designed for live music and speech applications, these two-way loudspeaker systems are lightweight yet rugged and will handle 400 watts program and 800 watts peak power.

Peavey PVX enclosures are constructed with heavy-duty, premium Peavey woofers with 2-3/8-inch voice coils for the lows and low-mids, while the Peavey RX14™ 1.4-inch titanium diaphragm compression driver, coupled to a constant directivity horn, handles the highs and mid-highs.

Peavey PVX enclosures are housed in a durable, injection-molded enclosure that includes a pole mount, three multi-point flying locations and a tilt-back design to accommodate use as a personal monitor. A black powder-coated steel grille provides driver protection and a clean, professional appearance.

The Peavey PVX Series passive enclosures will be available in Q1 2012, and the PVXp active enclosures will be available in Q3 2012, from authorized Peavey retailers. Please visitwww.peavey.com/dealerlocator to find a dealer near you.

PVXp 12 and PVXp 15 Active Loudspeakers
  • Two-way 800 watt peak power enclosure
  • Exclusive DDT™ compression and speaker protection
  • RX™ 14 titanium compression driver
  • 12″ or 15” high-performance Peavey woofer with 2.3″ voice coil
  • Multiple cabinet fly points
  • Pole mountable cabinet
  • Molded in cabinet handles
  • Expansion module bay
  • Angled side for use as monitor when required
  • LED signal present and DDT active indicator
  • Rugged polypropylene molded enclosure
  • Combination 1/4″ and XLR input
  • XLR and 1/4″ through outputs
  • 44 lbs.(20 kg) for PVXp 12; 47 lbs. (21 kg) for PVXp 15
  • U.S. MSRP $499.99 (PVXp 12); $549.99 (PVXp 15)
PVX 12 and PVX 15 Passive Loudspeakers
  • Two-way 800 watt peak handling powered enclosure
  • RX 14 titanium compression driver
  • 12″ or 15” high-performance Peavey woofer with 2.3″ voice coil
  • Multiple cabinet fly points
  • Pole mountable cabinet
  • Molded in cabinet handles
  • Angled side for use as monitor when required
  • Rugged polypropylene molded enclosure
  • Parallel 1/4″ and four-pin twist-lock inputs
  • 32 lbs. (14.5 kg) for both models
  • U.S. MSRP $299.99 (PVX 12); $399.99 (PVX 15)
Features, specifications and pricing are subject to change without notice.
About Peavey Electronics®
Founded in 1965, Peavey® is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of musical instruments and professional sound equipment. Peavey has earned more than 180 patents and distributes to more than 130 countries. Peavey and its MediaMatrix®, Architectural Acoustics®, Crest Audio®, Composite Acoustics® and Trace Elliot® brands and affiliates can be found on concert stages and in more than 10,000 airports, stadiums, theme parks and other venues around the world. To find out more, visit www.peavey.com.
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Direct Pro Audio is proud to install DiGiCo product, and now the SD9 is getting a major upgrade!

 Thanks to the future proof nature of its FPGA technology, DiGiCo’s SD9 is getting an amazing boost from software / firmware upgrades that frees up more of the FPGA’s processing power. With up to 100% more added on certain features, it truly makes your SD9 investment Supercharged…

In celebration of DiGiCo’s anniversary year, the upgrade expands the capabilities of the SD9 by a phenomenal amount. It is free to all existing SD9 owners and is also included with any SD9 console purchased up until the last day of ProLight+Sound 2012.
The SD9 Supercharged has a significant expansion in Channel count, Dynamic EQs, Multiband Compressors and Matrix, and the addition of DiGiTuBes, Reorder of Busses and Multichannel inputs (formerly only available on SD7).
Further new features include an expanded Aux Panel, increased Dynamic functions such as a Duck option and expander for the Gate, a De-esser and two types of Knee for the Compressor. There are also new FX types with multitap, ping pong and stereo delay, with different delay times for left and right. A warmth button is provided on each channel for analogue emulation and two types of EQ have been added (Classic and Precision). There are also now Standard template sessions.
Another new feature, Sets (previously only available on SD7T), has been enhanced to allow for ‘Set Spill’. This allows the user to create Sets and, with a simple button press, change the console layout to display members of that Set.
All of this means that SD9 Supercharged has more features and functionality than any other console in its class.
Get Supercharged with the DiGiCo SD9!

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Symetrix announces an addition to the SymNet Solus product line – the Solus 16. “The Solus 4 and Solus 8 already provide two of the most popular form factors requested by integrators,” said Trent Wagner, senior product manager at Symetrix. “But input counts run higher in many types of installations, and we received a barrage of requests for a higher input form factor. The Solus 16 answers that request without requiring a jump to networked DSP or separate expansion I/O devices maintaining the high value for which the Solus line is known.”
Solus is powerful SymNet DSP hardware, ideal for small to mid-sized installations not requiring I/O expansion. The entire family of SymNet hardware, including Solus, is configured using open architecture SymNet Designer software. System designers have the option to use or modify Solus DSP design templates for basic projects, or, to create unique designs entirely from scratch.
The three Solus hardware offerings differ only in their audio input and output counts: Solus 16 with sixteen inputs and eight outputs, Solus 8 with eight mic/line inputs and eight outputs, and Solus 4 with four inputs and four outputs. Ethernet, ARC port, RS-232 port, two control inputs, and four logic outputs complete the control feature set. To simplify set-up, a front panel LCD displays system settings. Solus supports Symetrix ARC wall panels, third party control systems, and SymVue, a SymNet end-user control panel application.

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Today at the 2010 NAMM show Direct Pro Audio saw Crown’s latest power amplifier. The new XLS series of power amplifiers promise to deliver huge amounts of power in a robust and affordable package. The XLS power amplifiers feature Class D output devices and weigh in at less than 10 pounds, making them perfect for mobile DJ applications. Best of all the new XLS amplifiers have onboard limiting as well as basic crossover functions.

To ensure compatibility with all types of audio devices the Crown XLS amplifiers feature XLR, quarter inch, and RCA inputs. As if that weren’t enough, the Crown XLS power amplifiers are stable into a 2 ohm load.

To make sure your gig goes off without a flaw the Crown XLS amplifiers provide extensive protection and diagnostic capabilities including current limiting, DC protection, circuit breaker and thermal protection.

The best part is of course, the warranty. The Crown XLS amplifiers feature the famous three-year no-fault fully transferable warranty.

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SugarlandWEST SPRINGFIELD, MA — Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, the country music duo called Sugarland, have been touring North America with their band, using more than three-dozen channels of Sennheiser wireless vocal microphone, personal monitor and instrument systems.

Sugarland’s use of the Command option on the SKM 5200 RF handheld vocal mics, in particular, is “a cool feature that we all love,” said Steve Ledet, monitor engineer for the tour.

At the touch of a button, the Command feature re-routes the SKM 5200’s capsule to a second output channel. In Sugarland’s case, that Command channel is sent to all of the personal monitors, as well as to speakers at the FOH position, allowing Nettles and Bush to communicate privately with their musicians and crew.

“Jennifer uses it all the time,” Ledet said. “For example, during stadium dates on this summer’s Kenny Chesney tour, she would be out on the thrust in front of 60,000 people and ask for more vocal, more snare drum, or more of Kristian’s guitar in her ears. If they’re running out of time in the set and they need to cut a song she can just tell the band in-between songs. Or she’ll be grabbing a drink of water and she’ll ask them to double up on the intro.”

He added, “I have it cranked up so there’s no mistaking between her vocal and that. It really is invaluable, and the audience never knows that she’s dealing with anything. It’s the coolest thing ever as far as I’m concerned because she doesn’t have to look at me or wait for eye contact — she just talks. She has complete communication to me. All she has to do is push the button.”

Andy Hujdich, who oversees the 93 channels of onstage patching, calls the new feature invaluable in terms of time saved when an on the fly patch is necessary.

Sugarland’s FOH engineer and production manager David Haskell, who formerly toured with Alabama, Keb’ Mo’, and Gretchen Wilson, runs down the list of Sennheiser wireless gear in use onstage.

“We’ve got tons of Sennheiser gear out on the road with us — every instrument, all ears, and all the vocal mics,” he said. Nettles and Bush each use the SKM 5200 outfitted with the MD 5235 dynamic capsule.

“Those microphones sound incredible,” Haskell said. Additionally, each of the five backing musicians supplies background vocals via an e 935 wired vocal mic.

“I also use MD 421s on both of our bass rigs, and as a low microphone on the Leslie,” Haskell added. “I’ve used those things for a hundred years on drums. I’d use a hundred of those things if I could find a spot to stick ‘em.”

Haskell had good things to say about the EM 3732 mic receivers that are paired with the SKM 5200s. “That thing is impeccable. I’ve never had those vocal mics drop out. We’ve even taken it to ‘Oprah’ with us, and places like that where RF is not simple.”

Ledet also noted how easy it was to learn the operation of the EM 3732. “I’ve never even seen a manual for that thing and it’s just a piece of cake to get around on and change frequencies. It does its own scanning, and to synch it takes about two seconds. That’s real convenient when something pops up all of a sudden; I can pretty quickly find an open frequency and get the mics tuned back in.”

Ledet additionally oversees a dozen ew 300 PM G2 units. “I’m only using nine of them at a time,” he said. “I’ve got seven band members, including the principals, my cue mix, and I use one for the guitar techs. We have the extras for guests. The PMs operate in conjunction with AC2 combiners and A 5000-CP antennas.”

Guitar tech Steve Castro looks after 10 channels of ew 372 G2 for Bush’s various wireless instruments, plus additional channels for Nettles’ acoustic guitars and for bass player Annie Clements. Jill Hall, stage right guitar tech, handles two units for guitarists, Scott Patton and Thad Beaty. Despite there being just short of forty channels of Sennheiser wireless equipment onstage, says Haskell, “The RF has been like a rock.”

For more information, please visit www.sennheiserusa.com.

Reprinted from FOH Online.

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Taylor SwiftLONDON — FOH engineer Russell Fischer and monitor mixer Andrea “Vito” Carena had no qualms about using Audio-Technica’s 5000 Series wireless system for Taylor Swift’s Fearless tour for frontline and backing vocals.

Swift’s vocal microphone needed to be suited to her voice and able to reliably reject feedback, since Swift often interacts with the crowd in front of the main P.A. loudspeakers. Fischer and Carena, together with Swift, chose the 5000 Series wireless system for its overall sound quality, gain-before-feedback properties and reliability.

Swift uses Audio-Technica’s Artist Elite 5000 Series UHF Wireless System with an AEW-T4100 Cardioid Dynamic Handheld Transmitter for her lead vocals, and all background vocals are handled by the 5000 Series Wireless System with AEW-T5400 Cardioid Condenser Handheld Transmitter, with all systems using the AEW-R5200 True Diversity Frequency-Agile Dual Receiver.

Fischer, who has in the past worked with Toby Keith, Keith Anderson, Jane’s Addiction and Skid Row, among others, selected other Audio-Technica mics for the Fearless tour, including AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphones on guitars and overheads, AT4051 Cardioid Condenser Microphone on snare bottom and an ATM25 Hypercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone for kick drum.

“During rehearsals for the tour, we tried a number of different wireless systems and mics from a variety of manufacturers on Taylor’s vocals, but we kept coming back to the Audio-Technica 5000 Series Wireless and the T4100,” Fischer recalled. “And we all agreed that the A-T was the right system for the job.

“For me, I needed a mic that would give me gain before feedback and work well with a female vocal,” Fischer added. “Because she’s moving around the stage a lot, going in front of the P.A. system plane, we need to make sure feedback doesn’t creep in the mix, so we needed something that had massive rejection and controllable gain before feedback. The mic really sounds great — it sounds like her.”

Carena, who worked as monitor engineer for such artists as Keith Anderson, Colbie Caillat and Trick Pony, added, “This is the biggest tour I’ve been on yet, and that naturally presents some pretty big wireless challenges, but the A-T system has been very comfortable to work with. I’ve never had a problem squeezing in all the frequencies or having them work flawlessly as a matter of fact. From arenas to clubs, from award shows to subway stations, the A-T has been rock solid.”

Swift’s Fearless tour traveled to the U.K. recently, and, after an early-2010 jaunt to Australia, she will be back in North America, beginning March 4, 2010, in Tampa, Florida.

For more information, please visit www.taylorswift.com and www.audio-technica.com.

Reprinted from FOH Online

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The newest cabinet in the élite line, the E1152 delivers a full 1200 watts into the high quality 15-inch neodymium woofer and titanium driver housed in the solid 5/8-inch birch plywood trapezoid cabinet. Ideal for demanding touring and rental applications, the E1152 uses Yorkville’s proven CTL™ high frequency driver protection ensures maximum reliability even in the most demanding club or concert hall.

Features

  • 1200 Watt Full Range Loudspeaker
  • 15-inch Neodymium Woofer
  • 3-inch Titanium HF Driver (1.4-inch Throat)
  • 60º x 50º ABS Waveguide Horn
  • Innovative CTL™ High Frequency Driver Protection
  • 2 x Speakon™ and 1 x 1/4-inch Parallel Inputs
  • Integrated All Metal Speaker Pole Adaptor
  • Solid 5/8-inch (15mm) Birch Plywood Construction
  • All-Metal Grille & Integrated Bar Handles