This was an InfoComm Show for the record books, although not necessarily one that will generate fond memories in the years to come. Held from October 23-29, 2021,many exhibitors — including major players — dropped out of the show for a number of reasons. These ranged from the state of Florida’s high rate of Covid infections and casual attitudes on protective measures, to supply chain and travel/transportation issues — particularly with overseas exhibitors and attendees. Even the normally bustling (and ever-popular) audio demo rooms had less than 20% bookings, with less than a handful of companies occupying the 20 spaces.
That said, the show did go on — show promoters Avixa (avixa.org) did employ stringent rules based on CDC protocols, such as wearing masks and showing vaccination proof or a recent negative Covid test. And those audio-oriented attendees who did make the trek were serious users and were rewarded with some interesting new products to check out. Here are a few that caught our attention.
ART Pro Audio (artproaudio.com) was showing its HVA Series 1 and 4 — two- or four-channel Class-D installation amplifiers that offer only 70- and 100-volt outputs (no low-impedance connections here!) Both are single-rackspace designs with Euroblock connectors for inputs and outputs, front panel gain controls and two channels of 150W (or four channels of 300W) power.
Audinate (audinate.com), the developer of Dante media networking technology, announced the full availability of the Dante Application Library™ software development kit (SDK). Previously available to a select few, Dante Application Library is an SDK for PC and Mac that provides developers with an easy conduit for integration into Dante-enabled devices from 500 manufacturers, such as speakers, signal processors and more, with support for up to 64×64 channels of bi-directional audio at 48 kHz.
DAS Audio (dasaudio.com) showed a bevy of new products, such as the Integral Series of commercial install electronics, including 2- and 4-channel amplifiers and matrix amps with up to 1,600 total watts and Dante included on all the matrix products. The Integral line rounds out with accessories such as microphones, touchscreen controls and wall plate mixers. DAS also unveiled: ALMA control/monitoring software for its current speakers (AERO-20A/30A, UX-218A, etc.); a WR line of compact weather-resistant speakers; and the Quantum Q-83-T column loudspeaker with eight 3” elements and an optional 200W subwoofer.
L-Acoustics (l-acoustics.com) was demoing its just-launched L-ISA Processor II next-gen 3D audio processing engine for spatial audio processing. Priced to fit any immersive project’s needs, L-ISA Processor II offers more power, performance and flexibility, a scalable output count, and is available in four output configurations through a one-time, tiered license fee. It provides advanced object-based mixing with spatial processing and virtual acoustics for up to 96 audio objects based on speaker positioning and mixing parameters — including pan, width, distance, elevation and aux send — and doubles the original unit’s potential output count to 128 outputs.
NTI Audio (nti-audio.com) is shipping its new M2340 measurement microphone for the XL2. It’s also a Class-1 measurement mic and features self-verification circuitry and consumes significantly less power than the previous M2230. Thanks to its System Self-test (Charge Injection Check – CIC) feature, the proper functioning of the system can now be periodically remotely verified and documented.
Renkus-Heinz (renkus-heinz.com) updated its compact, steerable DC12/2 speaker with a firmware/software update offering new features, ranging from multi-unit configurations to a new “full range” performance mode that improves low-end, including on installs without a subwoofer. A smartphone/tablet app allows for an easy upgrade path. R-H also demoed its CA/CX121M 12-inch coaxial stage monitor; the Iconyx Compact Series of column speakers; and Unibeam steering algorithms for the entire Iconyx range. Also new is the SA/SX28 double-8” sub that pairs with its Iconyx and ICC column systems. And the Iconyx Compact Series is available as either a standard -RN unit with analog and AES inputs, or as -RD1 units with Dante networking.
Void Acoustics (voidacoustics.com) unveiled the Venu 208, a dual-8” subwoofer that incorporates all the key elements of its Venu V2 range in a compact enclosure suitable for multiple applications including bars, clubs, hotels, restaurants, lounges and high-end domestic installs.
Yorkville Sound (yorkville.com) had a bevy of new launches. From its Synergy line, the SA221S is an active sub with two 21” neodymium woofers driven by 17,000 peak watts. A more portable alternative to the Synergy Array Series, the powered SA102 (10” woofer and compression driver) uses Paraline horn technology to form a large-format, point-source system that pairs with the companion SA115S powered subwoofer. A useful problem solver in all sorts of sound reinforcement situations, the new EXM Mobile 8 is a 3-way (8-inch LF and a coaxial mid/HF driver) speaker that’s battery-powered, as is the matching dual-8” EXM Mobile Sub.
More to Come…
Next year, it’s back to Vegas for InfoComm 2022 — to be held June 4-10, with exhibits from June 8-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. See you there!
