New Gear

VENUE 5.4 software offers new capabilities to the S6L live console’s Snapshot and Events architecture to streamline and accelerate programming of theater or complex live sound productions. These include new momentary (non-sequential) snapshots, snapshot groups, parent/child snapshots and now up to 96 aux sends can be added to the snapshot Scope. Sound designers and engineers now have greater flexibility to trigger events via external MIDI commands, LTC/MTC timecode values, the channel color and X&Y switches on the control surface, meter levels and more, making almost all parameters available as triggers and actions. Version 5.4 also lets users freely assign outputs between networked S6L systems sharing I/O, enabling engineers to assign Stage 64 outputs per output card instead of having to assign a Stage 64 entirely to one S6L system or another.

Any live engineer is familiar with the challenge of having to mix multiple channels of speech mics. The Waves Dugan Automixer + Dugan Speech bundle saves users the tedious need to manually ride faders while trying to keep up with several people talking at once. Developed with pro audio inventor Dan Dugan, both Dugan plug-ins are powered by his patented voice-activated process. The bundle includes the Dugan Speech for integrated use inside the Waves eMotion LV1 live mixing console and the Dugan Automixer for other major live sound consoles.

Digital 6000, the latest member of Sennheiser’s pro wireless mic range, is shipping now. Incorporating the Long Range transmission mode and proprietary audio codec from Sennheiser’s top-of-the-range Digital 9000 series, Digital 6000 offers a flexible two-channel wireless solution for demanding live productions. Bodypack and handheld transmitters are available and the receiver’s switching 244 MHz bandwidth (470 to 714 MHz) is covered by three transmitter versions (470 – 558 MHz, 550 – 638 MHz, and 630 – 718 MHz). Up to eight receiver units can be daisy-chained without the need for an additional antenna splitter; the multi-channel system will work with a single pair of antennas. System latency is 3 milliseconds.

Yamaha Corporation Japan has today announced even more connectivity, expandability, and usability with the launch of Version 4.1 for CL and QL Digital Audio Consoles. New Dante functionality includes support for the AES67 interoperability that allows communication with Ravenna, Q-LAN, Livewire and other audio networks for significantly improved system expandability. The Dante Device Lock feature that prevents unwanted changes to Dante settings is also supported, enhancing system security in theaters, concert halls and sound reinforcement installations that are routinely used by outside operators or those operators who bring in their own devices.

LD Systems’ Stinger G3 series includes active and passive speaker cabinets in 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch and 15-inch formats, as well as two 15-inch and 18-inch subwoofers, available in active or passive versions.

Focusrite releases RedNet Control 2 Software, a major update to RedNet Control, the software system that provides remote control for products in the company’s RedNet range of Dante-based audio-over-IP systems. “RedNet systems incorporating hundreds or even thousands of signals are now simpler and easier to manage,” says RedNet Product Manager Will Hoult. “Live Sound workflows can be streamlined by separating units into different areas, and the management of extremely large systems – such as an educational establishment with multiple performance or recording areas spread across a campus or beyond – is now significantly easier than before. RedNet Control 2 represents a major improvement to the system’s flexibility and ease of use.”

VUE Audiotechnik announced the immediate availability of its latest version of SystemVUE software. Directly addressing some of the most requested features from its growing user base, SystemVUE 3.8.20 provides full Dante networking support, significantly expanded parametric EQ functionality, and an even larger library of pre-loaded configurations addressing point source, line array systems, and subwoofer arrays.

Danley Sound Labs’s latest creation is the Danley TH-Mini15, an ultra-compact subwoofer with a single 15-inch driver, big brother to the Danley TH-Mini (which uses a single 12-inch driver). The new Danley TH-Mini15 boasts faithful bass reproduction down to 50Hz with sensitivity measuring 105dB and maximum output measuring 132dB continuous and 135dB program. Packing 100 lbs. into a 30” x 18” x 24” enclosure, the Danley TH-Mini15 is ideal for pack-and-go live situations and for fixed installations where space is at a premium.

Synthax Inc. announces the RME Digiface USB Portable Digital Audio Interface. Featuring four optical ADAT /SPDIF inputs and outputs plus a high-quality analog line/phones output via TRS (tip-ring-sleeve), the new RME Digiface USB is a compact, portable digital audio interface that can also serve as a basic headphone amp for mobile use. The new RME Digiface USB simplifies the connection with USB 2 devices such as Mac and PC computers.

Next-proaudio will soon launch its new Acoustical Simulation Tool (AST) software, an acoustic simulation software for 2D modeling of either single subwoofer sources or sub-arrays. Through a user-friendly interface, AST helps Next-proaudio users predict the acoustical performance of the subwoofers, helping the user to find the best solution for a given venue with multiple sound sources. The simulator allows the user to simulate in 11 different ISO 266 spacing frequencies (20Hz~200Hz) with a single click.

Loudspeaker manufacturer RCF introduces the GS60 weatherproof speaker, an IP-56 rated outdoor sound system suitable for gardens, patios, pool areas and other public spaces. The cabinet is made of a low-density polyethylene designed to protect the transducer from the elements and built to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions. The design also protects the components from rain, snow, dust and dirt with the ability to remain installed year-round. The speaker is housed in a UV-rated green molded shell which blends into garden architecture.

K-array introduces Domino, a new full-range speaker line, consisting of three speakers: the KF26 (the smallest of the trio), the KF210 and the KF212 (the largest). These compact speakers with plug and play capabilities do not require presets and can be driven by any amplifier, offering an audio solution for intimate restaurants to live concert settings. Domino is available in a 24K gold-plated finish as well as brushed or polished stainless steel finishes, along with the standard black and white, allowing them to blend into most environments.