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Buyer’s Guides

FOH Magazine Buyers Guide, June 2014: Loudspeaker System Controllers

Loudspeaker System Controllers

Thanks to affordable, better sounding DSP, what was once a simple speaker crossover unit has evolved into versatile system controllers offering delay, equalization, dynamics, and more — all from a compact rack enclosure. Most of these systems adapt freely to provide processing of various third party speakers systems; however, we did not cover products that are highly integrated to handle only speakers from a single manufacturer, such as VUE Audiotechnik’s V4/V6 Systems Engines or L-Acoustics’ LA4/LA8 Amplified Controllers. That said, if you’re searching for a processors for your rig, your first call might be to the speaker manufacturer to see what they recommend. However, given the options and flexibility of these offerings, a little customization might be just the ticket for your system.

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Active Direct Boxes

Active Direct Boxes

Active direct boxes take many forms, from solid state circuits to tube-based designs and single channel to stereo and multi-channel versions. Active units are often the preferred choice for connecting to passive pickups, vintage basses and piezo rigs on guitars and stringed instruments, although most are versatile enough to handle nearly anything on stage. And while many instrument amplifiers are equipped with XLR direct outs, having a separate direct box available is good insurance against those instances where the musician-supplied signal may be fraught with a buzz or a ground loop.

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Medium-Format Line Arrays

Medium-Format Line Arrays

The massive, “big gun” 12- and 15-inch line arrays typically grab most of the attention in the pro audio press, but sometimes it’s the “little guy” mid-sized boxes that are the workhorses of the industry. This month, we turn our attention to line arrays based around 8-inch woofers, which are more compact than their 10- and 12-inch cousins and larger than the “mini” 4- to 6-inch enclosures. Yet, like Goldilocks’ preferences, these 8-inch wonders are often “just right” — whether for smaller gigs, club/theater/H.O.W. installs or used as front/down-fills, under-balcony reinforcement, delay lines — the list goes on and on.

To download a PDF of the Feb. 2014 Buyers Guide, CLICK HERE

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Kick Drum Microphones buyers guide, FOH magazine, Jan. 2014

Kick Drum Microphones

Once upon a time, choices for miking kick drums were few — RE-20’s, D12’s, MD421’s and the occasional M88. But as bass drum became more prominent in music mixes, a market opened for specialized microphones for kick applications, with new high-SPL, plug-and-go models that required little or no EQ to provide a solid kick sound. Today, there are dozens of such models available — and even more if you consider all the boundary-style mics suitable for the task. We looked into some current market offerings and found a huge selection to fit anyone’s taste or budget. Speaking of price, all include an MSRP here, although street prices can vary widely if you shop around. So get kicking!

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FOH Dec. 2013 Buyers Guide - Digital Snakes

Digital Snakes

Once upon a time, digital snakes were regarded as “why would I need that to just replace a cable?” But with the proliferation of digital mixers and simple interfacing via fiber or Cat-5 cabling, the idea started catching on. This was helped by their ability to reduce the FOH footprint with the ease of doing signal “splits” and the convenience of locating preamps in remote-controllable stageboxes; while replacing hundreds of pounds of copper with a lightweight reel — or two, for redundancy.

To download a PDF of the Dec. 2013 FRONT of HOUSE Buyers Guide, CLICK HERE

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FOH Nov 2013 Buyers Guide - Dynamic Handheld Vocal Microphones

Dynamic Handheld Vocal Microphones

There’s no single product that’s more iconic to the live industry than the handheld vocal mic. And while condenser models have caught on in popularity over the past few years, there’s something comforting about a rugged, tough-as-nails dynamic model that night after night, can stand up to the roughest treatment — and keep on ticking. We looked for some examples in this genre and found a great selection of models that combine durability and excellent performance for any pro live sound application. Check ‘em out!

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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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Large-Format Line Arrays

Large-Format Line Arrays

Big jobs and huge installations require sizable systems, and we offer this look at a selection of large-format line arrays, here defined as systems with dual 10-inch (or larger) woofers. In this range, speakers are rarely used as simple pairs and are usually deployed in multiple cabinet arrays, with prices often determined as part of an overall system purchase (typically with subs, amplification, rigging, wiring, dollies, etc.) and as such, single-cabinet pricing becomes less meaningful and is not provided. URL’s for each company are attached; contact the manufacturer for more information.

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FOH 2013 August Buyers Guide - Channel Strips

Channel Strips

Originally designed for studios, channel strips — in this case, single-channel units offering a mic preamp, EQ, dynamics (and sometime more) — have become popular with sound reinforcement users. Besides adding a different flavor to your mix, these are an ideal solution for putting a little “frosting on the cake” for that featured performer’s “money channel” or a bit of analog warmth, punch or sizzle to your console. The trend is on the rise and we found plenty to choose from, for any budget. Check ‘em out!

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FOH July 2013 Buyers Guide: Two-Inch Compression Drivers

Two-Inch Exit Compression Drivers

In many ways, the 2-inch (exit) compression driver forms the heart of the typical large-format sound reinforcement speaker. True, other versions of compression drivers — from half-inch to four-inch exit models — exist, but the 2-inch versions offer a combination of efficiency, power handling (band-limited, of course) and serious midrange punch that has made these such a popular component in high-output live sound systems for more than a half century.

To download a PDF of the July 2013 FOH Buyers Guide, CLICK HERE.

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