Every once in a while, I encounter some product or technology that represents a major paradigm shift in defining the future, and I recently had just such an experience at the 2015 Winter NAMM show. While Ultimate Ears all-digital production system for measuring and creating custom in-ear monitors is not currently available to the general public, it’s definitely on the near horizon.
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During last summer’s InfoComm show, AKG introduced the DMSTetrad, a four-channel 2.4 GHz digital wireless microphone system for live sound, corporate events, church and industrial installations. It is designed to be set-up quickly and be simple to use. And from a first glance at the receiver, it is indeed very streamlined looking with a knob, a volume pot and three LEDs per channel. Pretty straightforward.
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About a year ago, I had a hands-on introduction to the wonders of PreSonus’ Active Integration technology when I reviewed the StudioLive 32.4.2AI digital console (FRONT of HOUSE, Nov. 2013). The system — with iPad control via the Universal Control-AI app — was one of the easiest digital console interfaces I had ever encountered. It was quite literally play and go, right from the start, quickly accessing the power of the system with hardly a need to consult the manual at all.
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Back at the NAMM show in 2012, Mackie kicked off a not-too-quiet revolution with its DL1608 iPad-enabled digital live mixer, which had 16 mic/line inputs and eight outputs (six aux sends plus L/R master outs) and a $999 street price. With its touch screen control; full-on snapshot automation/recall; onboard dynamics and 4-band parametric EQ’s; 31-band output graphic EQ’s; onboard reverb and tap delay; and wireless iPad control, the DL1608 was cool.
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Allen & Heath, the company, was founded in 1969, but first rocked the audio world when they built a custom quadraphonic mixing console for Pink Floyd. The MOD1 board was used by Alan Parsons to mix the band’s live shows. British-built Allen & Heath boards were also used by The Who and Genesis, not to mention countless other groups. Since then, the company has earned an enviable reputation for delivering great sounding, rock-solid analog consoles for both studio and live applications.
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The QLX-D is Shure’s latest addition to its growing line of digital wireless microphone systems and utilizes some of the technology developed for the company’s higher-end Axient products and ULX-D Series to good effect. Shure has successfully been able to package the QLX-D system in an economical version with user-friendly controls.
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Cerwin-Vega has introduced a new line of powered portable speakers for use in professional sound reinforcement. The P-Series consists of the full range P1000X, a bi-amped two-way speaker with a 10-inch woofer and a hemi-conical horn. The larger P1500X is a 15-inch version. The series also includes the P1800SX 18-inch subwoofer. All are covered by a three-year warranty — a nice touch.
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Headworn and lavalier mics continue to gain popularity in applications that go well beyond the typical — i.e., a CEO giving a welcome address at an industrial or corporate presentation or freeing a minister from the pulpit mic for invocations using a wireless system. With the rise of quality in modern miniature capsules, some of these transducers are capable of delivering performance specs that meet or exceed those of a hardwired handheld. At the same time, capsules have gotten smaller, offering near-invisibility from just a few feet away.
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I think it’s safe to say that the Mackie SRM450 qualifies as an industry standard. I certainly have encountered my share of them over the past 15 years and often still use some original 450’s that I got circa 1999. But Mackie’s latest revisions to this venerable speaker bring it more in line with modern diversified sound needs. Though at first glance the new 450 may look similar to the previous models, Mackie’s version 3 updates of the SRM450 contain many significant changes.
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On first look, the new Peavey PVXp 12 seems like just another entry into a scene crowded with molded speaker enclosures. But don’t let first impressions fool you. Upon closer inspection, the PVXp 12 has a lot of good things going for it.
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From a user standpoint, one of the downsides of reading reviews is perusing a discourse on some state of the art, megabuck 96-channel digital console when you’re getting by on a 16-channel desk for the shows you mix at your church, community center or Elk’s Lodge. “If only I could afford something cool that I just read about,” you might be thinking. Well, now you can.
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Well, it took a while, but PreSonus is finally shipping its much-anticipated StudioLive AI-series live sound speakers. The line includes three 3-way top cabinets and an optional single-18 subwoofer. The top cabinets have LF response extending well below 60 Hz, making them well suited for use without the subwoofer. They are fitted with 12 M10 rigging points and dual (flat and -10° downward) 35mm pole mount sockets, except the larger SLS315AI, which has one socket.
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