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2013 Hometown Hero Regional Sound Honorees

2013 Hometown Hero Regional Sound Company Finalists

2013 Hometown Hero Regional Sound Honorees

This year’s lot of regional winners is a good mix of those companies across North America that are serving their communities and beyond. It’s one thing to be a guy with some gear that fits in a pickup and is stored in a garage, and it’s another to be a huge national company with loads of resources at your fingertips — that’s how we imagine it, anyway! But it’s those in the “middle” who can (and have the nerve to) invest in the gear to keep their company relevant and also surround themselves with an exceptionally talented crew.Anybody in this category is a hero in our book. The people and companies that follow got an extra nod of approval from FRONT of HOUSE readers — including many of their peers.

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DSP Amplifiers

DSP Amplifiers

Amplifiers keep getting smarter, offering more features and improved connectivity, while at the same time becoming more compact, energy efficient and more reliable than their predecessors. We decided to take a look at the top-of-the-line offerings in designs offering onboard DSP and found a bountiful harvest. It should be noted that some companies offer powering packages designed for specific loudspeakers, but here, we’re spotlighting general-purpose amps that can be used with a wide variety of models and applications. All prices are MSRP list and URL’s are provided for more information.

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One voltage cycle of a three-phase system, with phase 1 (black), phase two (red) and phase three (blue) labeled from 0° to 360° along the horizontal time axis.

Portable AC Power Distribution, Part 1

Over this past summer in FRONT of HOUSE, we embarked on a three-part series that touched on some aspects of electrical power distribution in the context of portable generators. Those articles covered a broad range of generator topics, from the important distinctions between bonding and grounding to the upcoming code changes for small generators. In light of the positive reception for that series, we undertake a series on portable power distribution (a.k.a., AC distro) downstream of the generators.

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Fig. 1: This modification of a simple star network adds I/O routing via a central hub.

Understanding Audio Networks

The world of audio data networking is often clouded by conflicting information and opinions by proponents of proprietary systems, who often feel their approach is the best for all users. And from that viewpoint, finding clear unbiased information can be difficult, or simply so filled with jargon and deep technical details that readers may be left somewhat bewildered.

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Soundcraft Si Expression 2

Soundcraft Si Expression 2

The Si Expression comes in three models, the 16-input Si Expression 1, the 24-input Si Expression 2 and the 32-input Si Expression 3. For my review, I took the Si Expression 2, (the 24 mic pre version) for a test drive.

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Point Source Audio CO-8WD headset mic

Point Source Audio SERIES8

Over the past few years, Point Source Audio has gained a reputation for supplying tough, good-sounding miniature microphones in headset, earworn and lavalier styles. Now, with its new flagship SERIES8 line, the company is poised to take things up a notch — or two.

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Fig. 1: MLA cabinet cutaway shows the horn loading of the various drivers.

The Martin MLA System: Audio from the Audience Perspective

I recently had the pleasure of journeying to On Stage Audio in Las Vegas and attending a hands-on training session on Martin Audio’s MLA system. The event was hosted by OSA vice-president Jim Risgin and skillfully taught by OSA’s director of engineering services, Martyn “Ferrit” Rowe. Over the past year, I have seen this innovative system in action at a tour stop at the venerable Sports Arena in San Diego; critically listened to and experimented with MLA arrays erected in the back parking lot of Delicate Productions (Camarillo, CA); and more recently, mixed a show on the MLA at a large outdoor venue.

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It’s Showtime – Do You Know Where Your Audience Is? (Advertisers Do)

We already know that the live event is the new locus of technology, but much of that has been developing along parallel and distinctly different tracks, between pro and consumer. Back of house, we’ve seen tremendous strides in areas like control systems, automation and LED’s. Out in the audience, smartphone apps have become ubiquitous, and we’re starting to see patrons texting and Twittering in their seats — possibly even more annoying than seeing them talking or making out. We now see them interacting with apps that, if they didn’t get them into the venue in the first place, told them where to park and where they can go for a bite after the show.

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Having a little (or more than a little) foreign currency isn't a bad idea while touring the world.

Tour Managing for the Weary

In the June and July 2013 issues of FOH, Steve LaCerra presented a two-part mini-series on the art and science of being both FOH mixer and tour manager. After an overwhelmingly positive response from readers, we asked him to add some more tips on the topic, so here we have the latest installment in our series on the adventures in tour managing. —ed.

As the old saying goes, sometimes you’re the windshield… and sometimes you’re the bug. In other words, sometimes you’re the headliner and sometimes you’re support. Regardless of which, please play nicely in the sandbox. It’s an unfortunate fact of life that when you’re a support act, you’re often at the mercy of the headliner.

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Mill City Church, a portable ministry that uses Colorado State University’s Center for the Arts building in Ft. Collins, found its mobile audio solution in the form of a DiGiCo SD11 console and a Tannoy system with VXP12Q mains and VNET DR218 subs.

Portable Sound

At my church, reaching out into the community is one of our biggest callings. The concept of outreach can range from visiting an elderly shut-in person to putting on a concert in the local park. Of course, if you plan on having a concert, or any outreach event that needs a sound system, the system you use will need to be easily portable as well.

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Illustration by Andy Au

A Blind Test, Sort of

My friend, a qualified engineer, posted the results of his blind listening test between a Mackie SRM450 and QSC K-12, EAW KF300, Martin XD12 and Martin W8VDQ loudspeakers. Claiming that there were no crossovers, processors or equalizers used in the test, he said that unanimously each engineer involved chose the Mackie as the best sounding speaker. They had to be high!

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