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Road Tests

d&b audiotechnik’s new GSL line array comes in 80- and 120-degree dispersion versions.

d&b audiotechnik SL-Series Large- Format Line Array

Twelve years after debuting its J series, d&b audiotechnik introduces its new SL-Series flagship line array, which builds upon J’s strengths and propels the company into the future. In January, I traveled to Germany for a close-up, hands-on look at this next-generation, large-format speaker system. And with the company’s new Soundscape object-based immersive audio system, 2018 is shaping up to be an impressive year for d&b.

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Audix Performance 40 Series Wireless Family

Audix Performance 40 Series Wireless

Before I get started, I should confess that I have been a fan of Audix gear since day one, especially its popular OM- and D-Series microphones. These have always yielded solid, dependable and great sounding results, making them a real favorite in my book. That said, I have no experience with the company’s wireless mics, making this outing with the new Performance Series RF systems a venture into some new territory, and I was anxious to check these out first-hand.

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The dual-sub/eight satellite Curv 500 PS system.

LD Systems Curv 500 Micro Line Arrays

There’s no arguing that line arrays are dominating FOH systems these days. Likewise, it’s accepted that smaller, more efficient and better sounding boxes are replacing the huge, brute force boxes of yesteryear. I recently provided sound support for a unique event that magnificently merged these two trends for great results. I can’t help but feel as though this particular show was a glimpse into the crystal ball of what’s to come. Like it or not, we had better all be ready.

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Shure Axient Digital road test, FOH Nov 2017

Shure Axient Digital

Shure’s Axient Digital is the latest addition to the Axient line of high-end, robust wireless systems from the industry leader in wireless microphone and in-ear monitoring. Building on a tremendous wealth of experience with both analog and digital wireless, and coupled with an array of available microphone capsules and accessories, Shure is the most well-positioned company during a transitional time for the U.S. wireless spectrum.

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QSC K.2 Series Speakers

QSC K.2 Series Speakers

Powerred loudspeakers have become the mainstay for many applications. Compact and easy to set up, they eliminated issues with amplifier racks, impedance matching and speaker cabling. Simply plug them in, provide audio signal and away you go. QSC, a recognized name in power amplification entered the powered speaker market with their K-Series, which soon became a popular choice of musicians, sound companies and AV rental houses. The compact K’s had 1,000-watt amplifiers, multiple inputs with mixing and basic DSP. Rear panel switches allowed the user to configure the speakers to their needs. So, if the K’s are good, what could be better? Enter the new QSC K.2 models.

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Royer Labs R-10 Ribbon Microphone

Royer Labs R-10 Ribbon Microphone

It’s hard to believe, but it has been nearly two decades since 1998, when innovator David Royer launched Royer Labs, a mic company dedicated to creating modern ribbon microphone designs. The first product was the R-121, which employed a patented (U.S. #6,434,252) proprietary offset ribbon technology based on a pure aluminum ribbon and neodymium magnet structure. The result was a smooth, warm sound in a compact and rugged design that quickly found favor with audio engineers everywhere.

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